Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jun Song, Zhongda Chen, Luis Larrea Murillo, Dexin Tang, Chen Meng, Xiangli Zhong, Tao Wang, Jiashen Li
Summary: This study demonstrated that the fibrous membranes play a crucial role in preparing tubular scaffolds for muscular artery regeneration. By combining SF with PLLA, the scaffold showed significantly improved cell adhesion rate and proliferation, indicating promising potential for future applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meiyu Cao, Bingbing Zeng, Yu Zheng, Shaoyun Guo
Summary: Biomedical shape-memory materials were easily prepared by directly melt blending poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with silk fibroin (SF). The shape-memory effects (SME) of the blend could be tuned by varying the SF content, with the best performance achieved at 3% SF. The material showed great potential for application in the biomedical field.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kai Cheng, Junlei Wang, Xueqin Wang, Zengkai Wang, Liwei Zhang, Ying Li, Lei Liu
Summary: This study successfully prepared novel films of TiO2 nanotubes based on a silk fibroin substrate, which have sufficient mechanical strength and flexibility, with the nanotube structure remaining unchanged and suitable for further applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Amit Kumar Pandey, Hideaki Takagi, Noriyuki Igarashi, Nobutaka Shimizu, Shinichi Sakurai
Summary: The addition of SFN was found to enhance the formation and crystallizability of SC crystals in the PLLA/PDLA (50/50) blend, while suppressing HC crystallization. This finding is significant for the performance and applications of the material.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ander Reizabal, Nelson Castro, Nelson Pereira, Carlos M. Costa, Leyre Perez, Jose Luis Vilas-Vilela, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: The development of multifunctional sustainable polymer composites, based on silk fibroin and indium tin oxide, is explored in this study. The nanocomposites exhibit excellent filler dispersion, compact morphology, and optical transparency. Furthermore, the developed nanocomposites show promising capacitive touch sensing behavior, making them suitable for sustainable electronic approaches.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shao-Huan Hong, Tai-Chou Lee, Cheng-Liang Liu
Summary: This paper presents proof-of-concept wearable thermoelectric generators made of SWCNT/P3HT nanocomposites integrated with silk fibroin substrates and Ag NWs/PEDOT/PSS layers. The optimized power factor, electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of the silk fibroin-substrated SWCNT/P3HT films are 1.5 times higher than those of the glass-substrated device due to the enhanced conductivity caused by the increased junction density of the SWCNT bundles. The constructed in-plane SWCNT/P3HT thermoelectric generators produce an open-circuit voltage of 22.6 mV and a peak power of 25.1 nW at a temperature difference of 28.8℃, demonstrating their potential for harvesting human body heat.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alena Opalkova Siskova, Katarina Mosnackova, Jakub Hruza, Jaroslava Frajova, Andrej Opalek, Maria Buckova, Katarina Kozics, Petra Peer, Anita Eckstein Andicsova
Summary: Fibrous membranes from recycled-poly(ethylene terephthalate)/silk fibroin were prepared by electrospinning for filtration applications in this study. The presence of silk fibroin was found to affect morphology, filtration efficiency, air permeability, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of the membranes. Results showed that fiber diameter and basis weight influenced filtration efficiency, while silk fibroin significantly impacted air permeability.
Article
Polymer Science
Siripanyo Promnil, Chaiwat Ruksakulpiwat, Piya-on Numpaisal, Yupaporn Ruksakulpiwat
Summary: Silk fibroin (SF) was used to improve cell adhesion and degradability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based scaffolds. By studying solution viscosity and SF content, a PLA/SF scaffold with both biological and mechanical properties was fabricated. The addition of SF improved the in vitro degradability and hydrophilicity of PLA based scaffolds, showing potential for meniscus tissue regeneration.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Shiyang Chen, Tongda Lei, Yunrui Zhang, Huancheng Wu, Sen He, Wei Liu, Jie Fan, Yong Liu
Summary: In this study, a nanofiber-induced silk fibroin nanofibers/silk fibroin (SFNF/SF) fibrous scaffold with homogeneous micron pores was prepared using fast freeze-drying technology. Ethanol post treatment improved the stability of the scaffold by increasing its crystallinity. The fibrous structure of the scaffold could be adjusted by controlling the concentration and ratio of the SFNF/SF solution. Cell culture experiments showed that the 3D fibrous network structure with micron pores had advantages for cell migration.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
F. Jiang, D. Yan, J. Lin, H. Kong, Q. Yao
Summary: By separating silk with different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and implanting the silk fibers into PLA electrospun fibrous membranes, the surface-modified PLA composite membranes showed improved hydrophilicity and cellular compatibility, indicating a promising prospect in the practical application of biomedical materials.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Aida Alejandra Perez-Fonseca, Martin Esteban Gonzalez-Lopez, Jorge Ramon Robledo-Ortiz
Summary: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is widely used in the global market due to its biodegradability, but this process may cause environmental impact and residues genotoxicity. High cost also limits PLA's competitiveness with oil-based thermoplastics. This review explores reprocessing and recycling of PLA as economically viable end-of-life options. Mechanical recycling is highlighted for its low environmental impact, and the importance of specific additives in maintaining PLA properties is discussed. The effects of reprocessing and recycling on PLA's molecular structure, rheological properties, and thermo-mechanical properties are analyzed. The environmental impact of PLA recycling methods is compared to other end-of-life options using life cycle assessment (LCA).
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Magdalena L. Iglesias-Montes, Michelina Soccio, Francesca Luzi, Debora Puglia, Massimo Gazzano, Nadia Lotti, Liliana B. Manfredi, Viviana P. Cyras
Summary: The migration behavior and disintegration of films based on PLA-PHB blends under composting conditions were studied. It was found that plasticized PHB degraded the fastest, with the TB plasticizer speeding up the process. Different degradation mechanisms were identified for PLA and PHB.
Article
Polymer Science
Pavel Brdlik, Martin Boruvka, Lubos Behalek, Petr Lenfeld
Summary: The study investigated the influence of additives such as ATBC, CaCO3, and L-CNC on the biodegradation of PLA biocomposites, revealing significant differences in degradation rates and biodegradation potential of PLA when different additives were used.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hanling Gu, Fang Wang, Hao Liu, Kyle Printon, Xiao Hu
Summary: In this study, a composite of silk fibroin and poly(L-lactic acid) was electrospun together to form a porous nanofiber biomaterial. Varying the silk fibroin content allowed for tuning of the nanopore structure, thermal stability, and hydrophilicity of the composite fibers. The study provides a unique method for tuning the properties of electrospun protein-polymer fibers with potential applications in biomedicine and sustainable materials.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Onur Hasturk, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, David L. Kaplan
Summary: This study demonstrates the synthesis of a hybrid biopolymer composed of silk and poly(guluronate) for on-demand and reversible stiffening and softening of silk-based hydrogels. The hybrid polymers display dynamic morphology and mechanics, as well as proteolytic degradation properties. They also support cell attachment and survival, making them potentially useful in cell culture and disease modeling.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Alejandra Asensio Ruiz, Marta G. Fuster, Teresa Martinez Martinez, Mercedes G. Montalban, Jose Luis Cenis, Gloria Villora, Antonio Abel Lozano-Perez
Summary: The study focused on the final sterilization stage of silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNs), comparing the effects of different sterilization methods and identifying optimal conditions for sterilization using gamma irradiation.
Article
Polymer Science
Jorge Mauricio Fuentes, Marina Patricia Arrieta, Teodomiro Boronat, Santiago Ferrandiz
Summary: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is widely used in the surgical sector for the production of tailor-made single-use surgical devices. In this study, 3D-printed parts made from different materials were subjected to moist heat (MH) and dry heat (DH) sterilization processes. The results showed that the different materials exhibited varying degrees of performance degradation after sterilization, with dry heat treatment being more suitable for medical applications that do not require high dimensional accuracy or great mechanical demands.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kheiria Hcini, Abir Bahi, Monia Bendhifi Zarroug, Mouna Ben Farhat, Antonio Abel Lozano-Perez, Jose Luis Cenis, Maria Quilez, Sondes Stambouli-Essassi, Maria Jose Jordan
Summary: In the past decade, there has been growing interest in formulating new cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products containing natural compounds with antioxidant activity and other beneficial properties. This study found that post-distilled residues of Tunisian thyme have a high concentration of bioactive molecules, making them an effective natural antioxidant. These residues show potential for use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, with beneficial effects on human health.
Article
Polymer Science
Jose Miguel Ferri, Miguel Aldas, Emilio Rayon, Maria Dolores Samper, Antonio Abel Lozano-Perez
Summary: In this study, different silk fillers combined with MCO were used to modify the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA composites successfully. The addition of silk fillers led to increased elongation at break and decreased glass transition temperature in the PLA composites. SEM images confirmed good dispersion of the silk fillers, and the PLA formulation with 10 wt.% MCO and SFN showed the best balance between mechanical strength and elongation at break. The samples also exhibited satisfactory compostability.
Article
Polymer Science
Angel Aguero, Esther Corral Perianes, Sara Soledad Abarca de las Muelas, Diego Lascano, Maria del Mar de la Fuente Garcia-Soto, Mercedes Ana Peltzer, Rafael Balart, Marina Patricia Arrieta
Summary: In this study, yerba mate waste was used to produce kombucha beverage, and the resulting microbial cellulose was utilized to reinforce a mechanically recycled poly(lactic acid) matrix. The plasticized r3-PLA-ATBC matrix loaded with microbial cellulose showed good dispersion, flexibility, transparency, and antioxidant properties, making it suitable for industrial applications in food packaging and agricultural films.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Diego Paladines-Quezada, Carolina Cueva, Rocio Gil-Munoz, Jose Luis Cenis, Begona Bartolome, M. Victoria Moreno-Arribas, Abel Lozano-Perez Antonio
Summary: Silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFN) are effective drug carriers with high load capacity and low toxicity. This study investigated how SFN encapsulates red wine polyphenols (RWP) and their protective effect during digestion. The results showed that the obtained nanoparticles had a significant loading content and high encapsulation efficiency. They remained stable during digestion and preserved the activity of RWP. This study provides a basis for potential applications of SFN as stabilizers in food additives.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antonio Jose Ruiz-Alcaraz, Maria Angeles Nunez-Sanchez, Maria Alejandra Asensio Ruiz, Maria Antonia Martinez-Sanchez, Alba Oliva-Bolarin, Teresa Martinez Martinez, Jose Julian Perez Cuadrado, Bruno Ramos-Molina, Antonio Abel Lozano-Perez
Summary: Silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFN) have excellent physicochemical characteristics and can enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols in macrophages. In this study, we developed a reproducible and scalable method for the production of SFN using direct precipitation of non-dialyzed silk fibroin solutions. We also improved the loading efficiency of natural polyphenols in SFN using propylene glycol as a solvent. The loaded nanoparticles were fully characterized and demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in human macrophage cells.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria Alejandra Asensio Ruiz, Angela Alonso Garcia, Maria de la Luz Bravo-Ferrer Moreno, Iria Cebreiros-Lopez, Jose Antonio Noguera-Velasco, Antonio Abel Lozano-Perez, Teresa Martinez Martinez
Summary: Nuclear imaging, using radiolabeled nanomaterials as imaging probes, is a valuable tool for medical diagnosis. This study developed a direct method for radiolabeling FITC-tagged silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFN) and demonstrated its stability and efficiency in biological media. The dual-labeling method showed potential for further investigations of SFN biodistribution in vivo.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Lakhdar Sidi Salah, Nassira Ouslimani, Yann Danlee, Freddys R. Beltran, Isabelle Huynen, Maria Ulagares de la Orden
Summary: Virgin and recycled poly(lactic acid) based nanocomposite materials were prepared by adding organically modified montmorillonite nanoclay, which significantly improved their microwave absorption performance. The presence of nanoclay and the recycling process were found to affect the microstructure, thermal properties, and mechanical performance of the materials. The results showed that mechanically recycled polymer can be a good alternative to virgin polymer for microwave absorber applications.
COMPOSITES PART C: OPEN ACCESS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Angel Agueero, Diego Lascano, Juan Ivorra-Martinez, Jaume Gomez-Caturla, Marina P. Arrieta, Rafael Balart
Summary: Spent coffee grounds were used as an alternative infusion for kombucha fermentation. The resulting bacterial cellulose was used as filler in PLA matrix plastic to produce bio-based films with antioxidant activity. These films show potential applications in food packaging or agricultural uses.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Freddys R. R. Beltran, Hammouche Aksas, Lakhdar Sidi Salah, Yann Danlee, Isabelle Huynen
Summary: Polymer composites based on polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized and their electrical conductivity was investigated. The percolation threshold for electrical conduction was determined using classical models and was found to be 1 wt.% of CNTs in the DC regime and below 0.25 wt.% in the microwave regime. The McCullough model showed the best fit for the experimental data, and the results are important for understanding the electrical properties of CNT-based composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Alba Maldonado, Paulina Cheuquepan, Sofia Gutierrez, Nayareth Gallegos, Makarena Donoso, Carolin Hauser, Marina P. Arrieta, Alejandra Torres, Julio Bruna, Ximena Valenzuela, Abel Guarda, Maria Galotto, Francisco Rodriguez-Mercado
Summary: This study aimed to develop nanocomposites based on eco-friendly materials (MB and PLA) combined with nano-TiO2 to remove ethylene and determine their removal capacity. The photocatalytic activity and ethylene-removal capacity of different particle sizes of nano-TiO2 were evaluated. Results showed that the 21nm nano-TiO2 had the highest ethylene-removal activity. The nanocomposites made with 21nm nano-TiO2 exhibited high ethylene-removal properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Juan Ivorra-Martinez, Yago Valencia, Jaume Gomez-Caturla, Angel Aguero, Marina Patricia Arrieta, Teodomiro Boronat, Rafael Balart
Summary: This study proposes the use of terpenoid-based organic compounds as plasticizers for P3HB, which effectively improves the ductility of P3HB and expands its potential applications.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marina Patricia Arrieta, Freddys Beltran, Sara Soledad Abarca Muelas, Gerald Gaspar, Rafael Sanchez Hernandez, Maria Ulagares de la Orden, Joaquin Martinez Urreaga
Summary: In this study, tri-layer films based on glycerol-plasticized sodium caseinate film as the middle layer and mechanically recycled poly(lactic acid) as the outer layers were successfully developed. Lignocellulose nanoparticles extracted from yerba mate waste were loaded into the internal layer to provide antioxidant properties. The tri-layer films exhibited improved oxygen barrier properties and effective antioxidant ability for fatty foodstuffs.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2022)
