Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jun Rao, Ziwen Lv, Gegu Chen, Xiang Hao, Ying Guan, Feng Peng
Summary: The composite film based on carboxymethly xylan (CMX), chitosan (CS), and graphene oxide (GO) exhibited excellent mechanical properties and oxygen barrier properties, making it promising for food and drug packaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Anthony Blanchard, Fabrice Gouanve, Eliane Espuche
Summary: This study investigated ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) nanocomposites prepared with different fillers, showing that the properties of the nanocomposites significantly depended on the nature of the fillers. The nanocomposite film prepared with expanded graphite filler exhibited the best mechanical and barrier properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Dereje Kebebew Debeli, Linbo Wu, Fangfang Huang
Summary: Novel nanocomposite coating films (NCCFs) composed of PBAT substrate and thin sulfonated PBAT/MMT nanocomposite coating (NCC) layer were prepared. The NCC layer endows the NCCFs with superior oxygen barrier and highly improved stiffness, while the PBAT substrate mainly contributes to the tensile strength and toughness.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Petronela Nechita, Roman Mirela, Florin Ciolacu
Summary: This study analyzed the performance of hardwood xylan hemicellulose in packaging applications, revealing its potential as a sustainable alternative in food packaging.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Martin Morelli, Torben Valdbjorn Rasmussen, Marcus Therkelsen
Summary: The study analyzed the use of alternative materials to polyethylene foil as a vapour barrier in wood-frame walls in cold climates through hygrothermal simulations. Results indicated that the design of wood-frame walls should take into account the internal humidity class and the wind-vapour barrier ratio.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yining Wang, Xin Guo, Jinhui Li, Wenqian Jia, Fang Qian, Haisong Wang, Yanna Lv
Summary: This study presents a modified protocol to reduce water vapor transmission capacity and improve the flexibility of xylan-based films, resulting in highly impermeable films with robust solvent resistance. The optimized PVA/MSMX/CA films showed significantly lower water vapor permeability and doubled elongation at break compared to previous PVA/xylan films, demonstrating great potential as packaging materials for moisture susceptible drugs, food, and electronic components.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Vishram D. Hiremani, Tilak Gasti, Saraswati P. Masti, Ravindra B. Malabadi, Ravindra B. Chougale
Summary: This study fabricated eco-friendly blend films based on chitosan and oxidized maize starch using the solution casting method. The interaction between the components of the films was confirmed, and the presence of hydrogen bonding enhanced the elongation properties of the films. The blend films exhibited improved barrier properties and resistance to oxidative deterioration caused by UV radiation. The films were also found to be miscible over the entire composition range. These results suggest that the prepared blend films have potential applications in food packaging.
IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Antonio Copak, Vlatka Jirous-Rajkovic, Vjekoslav Zivkovic, Josip Miklecic
Summary: Understanding the moisture transfer properties of wood-based building materials is crucial for proper building design and prevention of moisture-related problems. This study investigated the water vapor transmission properties of particleboard, oriented strand board (OSB), and birch plywood, revealing that particleboard had the highest water vapor permeability and coatings can reduce the water vapor permeability of wood-based panels.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Andrey A. Tyuftin, Joe P. Kerry
Summary: The production of traditional packaging materials has caused significant pollution, hence Edible/Biodegradable/Compostable (EBC) films may serve as sustainable alternatives. Bovine gelatin, a major protein group in EBC materials, requires knowledge and control of barrier properties for potential industrial use. However, lack of experimental standardization in existing literature hindered comparison of gelatin barrier properties, indicating a need for further research with standardized units.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mirela Roman (Iana-Roman), Petronela Nechita, Mihaela-Aida Vasile, Alina-Mihaela Cantaragiu Ceoromila
Summary: This study analyzes the potential of coatings based on xylan derivatives and chitosan for paper food packaging, finding that the addition of chitosan significantly improves the performance of the coatings.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nur Thohiroh Md Bukhari, Nurul Fazita Mohammad Rawi, Nur Adilah Abu Hassan, Nur Izzaati Saharudin, Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim
Summary: A million tonnes of plastic are disposed of after single use each year. Biodegradable polymers offer a promising alternative to petroleum-based polymers. The use of seaweed-derived polysaccharides-based composites has garnered attention for its renewability and sustainability in various industries. This review article examines the incorporation of nanoparticles into seaweed films to enhance their mechanical, thermal, and water barrier properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Vikas S. Hakke, Vividha K. Landge, Shirish H. Sonawane, G. Uday Bhaskar Babu, Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Erico M. M. Flores
Summary: This article reports on the synthesis and evaluation of starch nanoparticles (SNP) as nanofillers to improve the properties of polyurethane (PU) films using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis. The study found that the addition of SNP to the PU matrix increased the roughness of the surface, lowered water vapor permeability, increased the glass transition temperature, and enhanced the microbial barrier properties of the film. Furthermore, an increase in the SNP content also improved the toughness and barrier properties of the film.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhipeng Zou, Balarabe B. Ismail, Xinhui Zhang, Zhehao Yang, Donghong Liu, Mingming Guo
Summary: In this study, chitosan films were improved by incorporating nanofillers to enhance their mechanical properties, barriers, and antibacterial properties. The addition of lignin nanoparticles improved UV blocking property, while the inclusion of acylated soy protein isolate nanogel enhanced the sustained antibacterial property. The optimal composite film showed increased tensile strength and decreased oxygen barrier property compared to pure chitosan film, exhibiting higher antibacterial activity. However, the incorporation of nanofillers slightly reduced light transmission and increased surface roughness of the films.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Alexander Murr
Summary: This study investigates the sorption kinetics of Norway spruce samples with different lengths of transport pathways to understand the differences between water vapour transport and sorption-related processes. The results show considerable differences in sorption kinetics between samples in and across fibre direction at low relative humidity, while these differences start to disappear at high relative humidity.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yamil N. Solier, Paulina Mocchiutti, Maria C. Inalbon, Miguel A. Zanuttini
Summary: This study investigates the formation of films using polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) of xylan and polyethylenimine (PEI). The mass ratio and pH value of xylan/PEI have an impact on the size and properties of the complexes. The neutralization charge ratio depends on pH. The film properties are affected by the composition and the method used to prepare the films. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis shows that the glass transition temperature (T-g) of the films is influenced by composition.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nathana L. Cristofoli, Alexandre R. Lima, Ana M. Rosa da Costa, Dmitry Evtyugin, Carlos Silva, Joao Varela, Margarida C. Vieira
Summary: The study aimed to recover extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from the exhausted culture medium (ECM) of Porphyridium cruentum using different extracting and purifying methods for future biotechnological applications. The purification methods, including precipitation with cold absolute ethanol, ultrasound, dialysis, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), resulted in lower yield but higher carbohydrate content. TCA purification provided twice as much total carbohydrates as the non-purified samples, mainly composed of xylose, galactose, and glucose. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealed the smooth structure of P. cruentum EPS, with TCA post-treatment and dialysis yielding larger and purest particles suitable for film making. Microalgal polymeric by-products are a sustainable source of valuable compounds, and purification treatment is an important step in valorizing this material.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dmitry D. Evtyugin, Antonio Prates, M. Rosario Domingues, Susana Casal, Dmitry V. Evtuguin
Summary: In this work, a new solvent-free and eco-friendly method for isolating ellagic acid (EA) from sulphite spent liquor and alkali extract of unbleached sulphite pulp is proposed. EA was recovered from sulphite pulping streams via crystallization from acidified solutions under preselected conditions. The purity of EA was significantly increased from approximately 55-70% (w/w) to 85-95% (w/w) through the washing process.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Patricia I. F. Pinto, Paula C. R. Pinto, Dmitry V. V. Evtuguin, Falk Liebner
Summary: Competition issues in the food industry have led to the exploration of alternative solutions to replace starch in papermaking. Covalent grafting of quaternary ammonium groups onto Eucalyptus kraft lignin has shown promise in providing cationic products with excellent water solubility. This study evaluated the use of cationic lignin as a partial substitution for cationic starch in papermaking, demonstrating that it does not compromise key paper properties and can be fine-tuned to meet specific requirements.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Salome Pedro, Luisa Pereira, Fernanda Domingues, Ana Ramos, Angelo Luis
Summary: Petroleum-based plastics used in food packaging are not biodegradable, leading to environmental pollution and health problems. Whey protein can be used as a sustainable alternative for packaging materials due to its availability and good properties. Incorporating fennel essential oil into whey protein films enhances their mechanical properties and bioactive activities, making them suitable for food packaging.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Ines S. F. Mendes, Antonio Prates, Dmitry V. Evtuguin
Summary: This study evaluated the conversion of Eucalyptus globulus glucuronoxylan (GX) during the acidic Mg-base acid sulphite pulping of hardwood dissolving pulp. The study revealed the kinetics of GX degradation and structural changes during pulping. It was found that a significant portion of xylan was removed in the heating-up step, and the removal of residual GX from pulp was hindered by its entrapment in cellulose fibril aggregates. The dynamics of xylan deacetylation and depolymerization during pulping were also determined.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Luis Alves, Ana Ramos, Eduardo Ferraz, Paulo J. T. Ferreira, Maria G. Rasteiro, Jose A. F. Gamelas
Summary: This study investigates the use of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) in the production of composite films. Pure CNF films exhibit good mechanical and barrier properties, while the addition of minerals leads to a loss of these properties. Composite films made with TEMPO-oxidized or cationized CNFs show good mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Decreasing the pH of the suspensions reduces film preparation time without significantly impacting the properties of the composite films.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dmitry D. Evtyugin, Antonio Prates, M. Rosario Domingues, Susana Casal, Dmitry Evtuguin
Summary: In this study, a new method for the isolation of 0-sitosterol (BS) from unbleached sulphite pulp purification stage was proposed. The method involved two-step acidification of alkaline extract (AE) and fractionation of the precipitate with water-miscible organic solvents. The best results were obtained using methanol fractionation followed by BS crystallization induced via addition of water.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Ana Henriques, Dmitry V. Evtuguin
Summary: The effect of active alkali charge on the properties of tissue paper from Eucalyptus wood chips was evaluated. Changes in active alkali levels during cooking affected the chemical composition, intrinsic viscosity, and fiber morphology of the pulps, thereby influencing the properties of laboratory-produced tissue papers. Higher active alkali led to softer paper with lower tensile strength, but not significantly improved absorptivity, potentially due to lower water retention in pulps from higher active alkali cooking.
Article
Forestry
Marina Matos, Ana M. Carta, Paula C. Pinto, Dmitry V. Evtuguin
Summary: Common trends in tissue paper manufacturing include replacing softwood pulp with hardwood pulp, such as bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), to improve softness. However, the use of a single type of hardwood fiber results in lower wet and dry strengths. To address this, additives like low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) and wet strength resins (such as PAE and GPAM resins) are combined to improve properties. Incorporating PEG and wet strength resins, especially PAE resin, results in significant improvements in wet and dry tensile strength without affecting water absorption and softness.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jose M. S. Matos, Dmitry V. Evtuguin, Antonio P. M. Sousa, Nazare Almeida, Ricardo J. Oliveira, Susana R. Pereira, Paula C. R. Pinto, Maria da Graca V. S. Carvalho
Summary: This study evaluated the products derived from xylan in the effluent from the treatment of oxygen-delignified eucalypt kraft pulp using nanofiltration as a purification step. The xylan-derived solutions were purified and concentrated using membrane nanofiltration to obtain XOS with commercial value as prebiotics. Future refinement is needed for the implementation of a membrane filtration system to obtain high-purity products.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Filipe Coreta-Gomes, Ines M. V. Silva, Claudia Nunes, Ildefonso Marin-Montesinos, Dmitry Evtuguin, Carlos F. G. C. Geraldes, Maria Joao Moreno, Manuel A. Coimbra
Summary: Chitooligosaccharides have been found to effectively bind bile salts and reduce cholesterol accessibility. While the ionic interaction between chitooligosaccharides and bile salts is often cited as the main mechanism, this study suggests that non-ionic interactions may also play a significant role. The non-ionic character of chitooligosaccharides is considered an important structural feature for the development of hypocholesterolemic ingredients.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dmitry D. Evtyugin, Dmitry V. Evtuguin, Susana Casal, Maria Rosario Domingues
Summary: Plant sterols (PS) are cholesterol-like terpenoids widely spread in the kingdom Plantae. They have beneficial effects in healthy subjects and applications in various industries. However, there are still gaps in research on PS, and further studies are needed.
Article
Polymer Science
Nuno Gama, Dmitry D. Evtyugin, Ana Lourenco, Celia Lopes, Dmitry Evtuguin
Summary: This study investigated the stabilizing effect of ellagic acid (EA) on the thermo-oxidative degradation of commercial thermoplastic poly(ester-ether urethane) (TPU), and compared it with kraft lignin (KL), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and pentaerythritol tetrakis (Irganox 1010). It was found that EA had the highest stabilizing effect due to its strong antioxidant capacity. EA suppressed the thermally induced depolymerization of TPU and affected the cleavage of urethane bonds in carbamates. Further studies in this area can improve the performance of TPU products for a wider range of applications.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinze Dou, Jincheng Wang, Sami Hietala, Dmitry V. Evtuguin, Tapani Vuorinen, Jian Zhao
Summary: This study used NMR spectroscopy techniques to elucidate the structural features of less valuable parts of willow wood, providing a base for designing customized biochemical processes for bark prior to chemical processing. This crucial knowledge contributed to the creation of a protocol/decision tool for selecting tailored enzymes, significantly improving enzyme selection efficiency by 60-70%.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jingmo Zhou, Shubin Wu, Ying Liu
Summary: Expenditure isolation of lignin and the understanding of its structural variations during different isolation processes are crucial for the high-value utilization of lignin. This study proposed a green deep eutectic solvent (DES) consisting of choline chloride, ethylene glycol, and 4-chlorobenzene sulfonic acid for rapid lignin separation from poplar. The structural variations of DES lignin and its relationship with alkali pre-extraction of hemicellulose were investigated. The results showed that alkali pretreatment enhanced the DES separation of lignin and promoted the cleavage of specific linkages, resulting in reduced molecular weight and thermal stability of isolated DES lignin. Moreover, DES lignin obtained from integrated utilization displayed higher purity and S/G ratio compared to lignin obtained from direct DES treatment.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yuping Li, Ziyan Xie, Yun Huang, Jiangyi Zeng, Chao Yang, Ling Yuan, Ying Wang, Yongqing Li
Summary: In this study, the characteristic flavonoids (CFs) of three licorice species were identified through integrated metabolic and transcriptomic analysis. The key regulators of CF biosynthesis were also identified. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the biosynthesis of CFs and future breeding of Glycyrrhiza varieties.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xianjie Pan, Zhaoyi Luo, Fanqi Liu, Quanqian Yi, Yanning Zeng
Summary: This study presents a novel strategy for fabricating fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers using peach gum and itaconic acid, which exhibit superior mechanical properties and thermostability. The materials were characterized and the self-healing and recycling capabilities were evaluated. The results demonstrate the potential of using these materials for sustainable industrial applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mohsen Sabzi-Nojadeh, Mohammad Pouresmaeil, Mina Amani, Mehdi Younessi-Hamzekhanlu, Filippo Maggi
Summary: This study shows that inoculating Summer savory plants with endophytic fungus Trichoderma harzianum can improve plant growth and increase salt tolerance. The fungus enhances growth, restores chlorophyll and antioxidant levels, reduces harmful substances, and increases proline and soluble sugar levels, thereby increasing crop productivity in saline conditions.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yu Liu, Lei Li, Aichen Zhao, Xiuming Song, Lulu Wei, Mengdi Fang, Chuchu Zheng, Xiaodong Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the impact of peppermint essential oil microcapsules on the unpleasant odor emissions from wax oil coated wood products. The results show that microcapsules can improve the time and stability of odor release.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mesut Budak, Mirac Kilic, Hikmet Guenal, Ismail Velik, Mesut Sirri
Summary: This study assessed land suitability for rapeseed production using topography, climate, and soil data by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (MFIS). The study area covered land in the Diyarbakir province of southeastern Turkiye. The results indicated the proportions of different land suitability classes and showed the compatibility of AHP and MFIS methods in assessing suitability.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Tian, Yue Liu, Chao Wang, Weikun Jiang, Srinivas Janaswamy, Guihua Yang, Xingxiang Ji, Gaojin Lyu
Summary: In this study, hollow and solid lignin nanoparticles were synthesized through self-assembly and their application in PVA nanocomposite films was investigated. The results showed that the presence of hollow lignin nanoparticles in the films resulted in a room-like network structure, while the solid lignin nanoparticles induced different structural changes. The inclusion of LNPs improved the mechanical properties of the films, and both types of LNPs exhibited good hydrophobicity.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Marcos Vinicius Silva de Andrade, Simone Ribeiro Lucho, Renato Delmondez de Castro, Paulo Roberto Ribeiro
Summary: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, commonly known as stevia, is a widely cultivated shrub with highly sweetening metabolites. It has gained significant interest in the food and beverage industries due to its extremely sweet taste and various health benefits. Researchers are currently focused on studying biotechnological strategies to enhance the biosynthesis of stevia plant metabolites for improved cultivation and production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Eleonora Cintura, Paulina Faria, Luisa Molari, Luca Barbaresi, Dario D'Orazio, Lina Nunes
Summary: This study investigated the properties of Arundo donax as a building material and found that it has strong adaptability, high hygroscopicity, and unique sound absorption behavior. The mechanical tests also demonstrated the applicability of the Arundo donax-based composite. This opens up new possibilities for the further application of Arundo donax-based materials.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Stiina Kotiranta, Juha-Matti Pihlava, Titta Kotilainen, Pauliina Palonen
Summary: The effect of light spectra, particularly far-red and short wavelength radiation, on the growth and secondary metabolites of cannabis is significant. Altering the R:FR ratio can increase the concentration and yield of secondary metabolites, while short wavelength radiation does not significantly affect plant morphology and secondary metabolite concentrations.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xuze Liu, Fangmin Liang, Jinyuan Cheng, Xuelian Zhou, Jia Wang, Guigan Fang, Kuizhong Shen, Xianzhi Meng, Chen Huang, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: A novel Na2S-facilitated DES pretreatment method was proposed to fractionate moso bamboo, which achieved high lignin removal and preserved most cellulose and hemicellulose with excellent enzymatic digestibility.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zechun Ren, Xinyuan Zhou, Kejiao Ding, Tong Ji, Hao Sun, Xiang Chi, Yunzhao Wei, Min Xu
Summary: This study prepared a thermal/magnetic/light-triggered multi-stimuli responsive shape memory polymer composite with excellent properties by adding magnetic nanoparticles into a polyurethane composite. The composite showed high shape recovery rate, fast response behavior, and suitability for 3D printing. Controllable external stimuli allowed for dynamic, remote, and precise control of 4D transformations. This work is significant for the design of smart materials and devices.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yurany Camacho Ardila, Jaiver Efren Jaimes Figueroa, Maria Regina Wolf Maciel
Summary: The higher heating value (HHV) and elemental composition are important properties of biomass, and their prediction using proximate and ultimate analysis is accurate.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiaohan Chen, Xianke Wang, Lili Shang, Xinxin Ma, Changhua Fang, Benhua Fei, Huanrong Liu, Shuqin Zhang
Summary: This study focuses on the comprehensive characterization of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of bamboo parenchyma and the evaluation of its tensile and compressive properties, as well as the analysis of its failure mechanisms. The study found that the measured tensile strength and elastic modulus of the parenchyma tissue are 48.81 MPa and 706.48 MPa, respectively. Compression failure modes in parenchyma tissue encompass compression bending and cell fracture, shear failure of the middle lamella, and detachment and debonding of the cell wall.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tianfeng Liu, Yuxin Liu, Yunlin Fu, Mengji Qiao, Penglian Wei, Zhigao Liu, Yingjian Li
Summary: This study explored the formation mechanism of agarwood induced by fungus and its potential application in high-quality and high-yielding agarwood production. The results showed that the transition layer played a critical role in the continuous accumulation of agarwood, and the parenchyma cells of the xylem rays and interxylary phloem were the main action site of fungus. The accumulation and distribution of chemical composition in different layers were also investigated. The study identified the drivers of specific compounds and provided a theoretical foundation for future agarwood production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
