Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qiong Xiao, Siying Ye, Yonghui Zhang, Jun Chen, Fuquan Chen, Huifen Weng, Anfeng Xiao
Summary: This study achieved an improvement in the gel properties of agar without reducing its gel strength through modification with succinic anhydride. Cross-linking increased the gel strength and transparency of agar, while succinylation enhanced its water-retention capacity, swelling ratio, and freeze-thaw stability.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Francisca Silva-Brito, Sara G. Pereira, Cristina M. R. Rocha, Elisabete da Costa, M. Rosario Domingues, Andreina Azevedo, Anake Kijjoa, Helena Abreu, Leonardo Magnoni
Summary: The study investigated the effects of different light spectra on the growth, agar yield, and gel properties of Gracilaria gracilis. Results show that blue light can increase agar yield and gel strength, but decrease growth rate. Agar waste was found to have high antioxidant activity, indicating potential applications.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Ying Chen, Jie Li, Jiawei Lu, Meng Ding, Yi Chen
Summary: PVA hydrogels with high strength and toughness can be fabricated through dual physical and chemical cross-linking. The best mechanical properties are achieved by reacting at room temperature and subsequently undergoing freeze-thaw and annealing treatment. Additionally, the mechanical properties of PVA hydrogel increase and then decrease with the increase of molecular weight or mass fraction. By changing the reaction solvent, the mechanical properties of PVA hydrogel can be effectively adjusted.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengjia Du, Yiguo Zhao, Yin Zhang, Shifan Sun, Yapeng Fang
Summary: Agarose/fish gelatin double-network hydrogels (DNs) were fabricated and compared with beef tendons and single-network hydrogels. Increasing the concentration of fish gelatin significantly improved the mechanical strength and toughness of the DNs, while a moderate increase in agarose concentration only improved the mechanical strength. The DNs had higher hardness, water holding capacity, and lower swelling rate compared with single-network hydrogels, and showed a high correlation with beef tendons, indicating their potential as artificial food.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paulina Guzman Garcia Lascurain, Sara Goidanich, Francesco Briatico Vangosa, Marilena Anzani, Alfiero Rabbolini, Antonio Sansonetti, Lucia Toniolo
Summary: In the past decade, the use of soft materials, such as gels and agar, has allowed for better control of the water release process for cleaning interventions. Agar, a cheap and easily available natural polysaccharide harvested from algae, has been proven to effectively clean stone materials, gypsum works, and paintings. A new type of agar, agar foam, offers even more control of water release and ease of application on delicate surfaces. The study compared agar foam with the conventional sol/gel agar system and found that the foam has improved dissipative behavior and can be applied with better control and ease. CO2 foam, in particular, reduces water release while maintaining moldability and ease of application. This study concludes that agar foam is a promising alternative for cleaning delicate surfaces with complex geometries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fang Yuan, Dongling Wu, Jia Guo, Qian Liu, Tao Wang
Summary: Fermentation process can improve the activity of cottonseed meal and prepare high O and N-doped porous carbon materials. The optimized fermented carbon material exhibits high specific capacitance and hierarchical structure, which enables the preparation of high energy density flexible symmetric capacitors. This study provides a simple, efficient, low activator ratio, and high heteroatoms content strategy for preparing porous carbon materials.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Chen, Yongli Lv, Sheng Zhang, Hongyao Yin, Yujun Feng
Summary: In this study, a doubly cross-linked polymer gel consisting of high-viscosity friction reducer (HVFR), zirconium ion (Zr4+), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) was reported. The gel can be spontaneously formed via heating due to the formation of physical and chemical crosslinks. Compared to single cross-linked polymer gels, the double cross-linked polymer gel exhibits improved thermal stability and can withstand temperatures up to 190 degrees C.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belen Reig-Vano, Cristian Huck-Iriart, Silvia de la Flor, Anna Trojanowska, Bartosz Tylkowski, Marta Giamberini
Summary: Beads made from a mannuronate-rich alginate were prepared using different concentrations (0.5, 2, and 10 wt%) of XCl2 crosslinking agents (X = Ca, Cu, or Zn). The focus was on Zn due to its beneficial properties. The beads were characterized using various techniques and it was found that the crosslinking agent significantly affected the properties of the beads. Zn-based beads displayed a unique core-shell structure and had the highest Young modulus compared to the other beads. The results collectively suggested a bridging coordination for these systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yao Guo, Tao Wang, Xingxing Chen, Dongling Wu
Summary: The research successfully fabricated a symmetric flexible supercapacitor with both electrode and electrolyte derived from agar, demonstrating high gravimetric capacitance and excellent rate performance. The study presents an effective strategy of preparing supercapacitor electrode and electrolyte using agar as the starting material.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zulhelmi Amir, Ismail Mohd Saaid, Badrul Mohamed Jan, Muhamad Fazly Abdul Patah, Mohd Usman Mohd Junaidi, Wan Zairani Wan Bakar
Summary: This article studied the effects of salinity and NH4Cl as retarders on the performance of the PAM/PEI polymer gel. The results showed that the effectiveness of NH4Cl to extend the gelation time is significantly reduced in high salinity. Additionally, the gel network greatly loses its gel strength with the increase of salinity, indicating the formation of a weak and vulnerable gel structure.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lei Huang, Yun Chu, Lulu Zhang, Xiru Liu, Wangping Hao, Yanyan Chen, Jianwu Dai
Summary: A double crosslinking pure chitosan (CS) hydrogel material has been designed, which shows significantly increased strength and toughness due to the synergistic effect of chemical covalent network, hydrophobic interactions, and enhanced intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The results suggest great potential applications of this hydrogel in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
A. H. Asadova, E. A. Masimov
Summary: The thermal hysteresis and stability of agarose-water gelling systems were found to be dependent on the concentration of agarose, with higher concentrations leading to higher gelation temperature and strength. Additionally, an increase in the concentration of polymer solvent resulted in gel melting at higher temperatures. The enthalpy was determined to be 150.0127 KC/mol, and during the gelation process, phase separation occurred with an increase in the value of Δt = t(melting) - t(gelation).
MODERN PHYSICS LETTERS B
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Said A. H. Vuai
Summary: The study found that G. salicornia showed promising results as a local source of agar with high gel strength, despite producing an intermediate amount of agar. It was suggested to maintain the extraction volume at 1000 mL as increasing it to 1500 mL did not significantly change agar yield and gel strength. Further research is needed to determine the optimal amount and concentration of alkali for improving agar yield and gel strength in Gracilaria species.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jie Zhu, Jinping Zhang, Ruiqi Zhao, Yang Zhao, Jie Liu, Nuo Xu, Xiangjian Wan, Chenxi Li, Yanfeng Ma, Hongtao Zhang, Yongsheng Chen
Summary: In this study, a crosslinked gel polymer electrolyte (c-GPE) was developed through in situ crosslinking using cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP). The c-GPE demonstrated high solvent uptake and improved oxidative stability, resulting in enhanced performance for lithium metal batteries.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianlin Wang, Chunyu Wang, Wei Wang, Wei Li, Jincheng Lou
Summary: The carboxymethylated nanocellulose used in this study, with strong swelling behavior and anionic character, was chosen as raw materials to improve the electrolyte absorption ability and lithium ion transfer number of the resulting gel polymer electrolytes. The resulting CMNC films exhibited excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and flexibility, indicating promising application in lithium-ion batteries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei-Han Hui, Yen-Lin Chen, Shu-Wei Chang
Summary: Crosslinking affects the mechanical behavior and tissue metabolism of collagen-based tissues. Aging and diabetes alter the crosslinking type and density, thus changing tissue properties. High-connectivity enzymatic crosslinking and advanced-glycation end-products result in uniform deformation under daily activity, while low-connectivity enzymatic crosslinking does not. High-connectivity model displays more sliding, while AGEs induce instability in structures near the binding sites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yao-Bin Ma, Xiao-Qiu Zhou, Wei-Dan Jiang, Pei Wu, Yang Liu, Shu-Wei Li, Ling Tang, Lu Zhang, Hai-Feng Mi, Lin Feng
Summary: Tea polyphenols (TPs) are an inexpensive feed additive that can protect the gill function of fish against Flavobacterium columnare (F. columnare) through various mechanisms, including suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan-Jia Guo, Jing-Ru Pang, Yu Zhang, Zhong-Rui Li, Xiao-Lin Zi, Hong-Min Liu, Ning Wang, Li-Juan Zhao, Ya Gao, Bo Wang, Piet Herdewijn, Cheng-Yun Jin, Ying Liu, Yi-Chao Zheng
Summary: This study identifies the conjugation of NEDD8 to LSD1 and its impact on GC cells, revealing the significance of LSD1 neddylation in GC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geum-Jae Jeong, Fazlurrahman Khan, Nazia Tabassum, Young-Mog Kim
Summary: Vibrio species are motile gram-negative bacteria commonly found in aquatic environments. They can adapt to environmental fluctuations and develop protective mechanisms against host immune systems. Different types of sigma and anti-sigma factors play important roles in regulating gene expression and virulence in Vibrio species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zahra Mohammadbagheri, Behrooz Movahedi, Shaghayegh Saeedi, Abbas Rahmati
Summary: In this study, a reusable biobased composite hydrogel was successfully synthesized and used for the removal of Tl(I) from aqueous solutions. The hydrogel exhibited high adsorption capacity and thermal stability, and the adsorption process was found to be thermodynamically spontaneous. The results demonstrated that the hydrogel can be reused multiple times without significant loss of its adsorption capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iqra Batool, Muhammad Imran, Ayesha Anwar, Farhan Ahmed Khan, Afrah E. Mohammed, Ashwag Shami, Hafiz Iqbal
Summary: Enzyme immobilization on ZnO/SnO2 and ZnO/SnO2/SA nanocomposites was studied, and the catalytic and biochemical characteristics of the immobilized enzyme were investigated. The results showed that ZnO/SnO2 and ZnO/SnO2/SA nanostructures are suitable carriers for enzyme immobilization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elias Mosaffa, Dhruvi Patel, Nasim Amiri Ramsheh, Rishikumar Indravadan Patel, Atanu Banerjee, Hossein Ghafuri
Summary: In this study, a unique 3D bead structure of adsorbent, composed of bacterial cellulose microfilaments reinforced chitosan adorned with melamine 2D plates, was synthesized for anionic dye removal. The adsorbent showed high specific surface area and abundant functional groups, resulting in exceptional adsorption capacity. The characteristics and optimal conditions of the adsorbent were assessed and analyzed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carolina Gismene, Jorge Enrique Hernandez Gonzalez, Marilia de Freitas Calmon, Andrey Fabricio Ziem Nascimento, Angela Rocio Nino Santisteban, Felipe Antunes Calil, Alana Della Torre da Silva, Paula Rahal, Rejane Maira Goes, Raghuvir Krishnaswamy Arni, Ricardo Barros Mariutti
Summary: Mammaliicoccus sciuri, a bacterium of clinical and veterinary relevance, expresses the virulence factor Exfoliative Toxin C (ExhC), which binds specifically to desmoglein-1 (Dsg1) and plays a role in tissue integrity. This study investigates the necrotic activity of ExhC and identifies a variant lacking necrotic potential but retaining enzymatic activity through mutagenesis experiments and crystal structure determination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bibhas K. Bhunia, Ashutosh Bandyopadhyay, Souradeep Dey, Biman B. Mandal
Summary: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major cause of chronic low back pain and disability. Researchers have developed a bioactive silk-based hybrid hydrogel system functionalized with decellularized human Wharton's jelly extracellular matrix as bioactive cues. The hydrogels mimic the rheological and mechanical properties of the native nucleus pulposus tissue and support cell viability, proliferation, and tissue maturation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qun Zhang, Yonggan Yan, Zhao Li, Jing Du, Kai Zhang, Liguo Zhang, Ting Wang, Alberto Bianco, Shaohua Ge, Baojin Ma
Summary: A new crosslinking strategy has been devised to construct injectable sodium alginate hydrogels, which can be regulated for injectability and have great potential in biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seong Eun Hong, Ji-Soo Lee, Hyeon Gyu Lee
Summary: The potential of multi-layer nanoemulsions for improving the cellular uptake, antioxidant activity, and in vitro bioaccessibility of alpha-tocopherol was examined. The results showed that the multi-layer nanoemulsions significantly enhanced the cellular uptake and antioxidant activity of alpha-tocopherol compared to free coumarin 6. Furthermore, the use of chitosan and dextran sulfate as wall materials in the multi-layer nanoemulsions led to even higher cellular uptake, in vitro bioaccessibility, and antioxidant activity of alpha-tocopherol.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingjing Yu, Yanhui Zhang, Ruoning Zhang, Yanxiang Gao, Like Mao
Summary: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) based on beeswax (BW) oleogels and octenyl succinic acid starch (OSA starch) were prepared by a simple one-step method. The results showed that oleogelation improved the stability and encapsulation capability of the HIPEs, which is significant for the development of novel healthy food.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bi-Feng Yao, Xiu-Ju Luo, Jun Peng
Summary: The balanced and continuous fission and fusion of mitochondria, regulated by OPA1, are important for maintaining mitochondrial dynamics in cardiovascular disorders. Understanding the role of OPA1 in mitochondrial fusion can provide insights into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gokul Paramasivam, Anandhavelu Sanmugam, Vishnu Vardhan Palem, Murugan Sevanan, Ananda Babu Sairam, Nachiappan Nachiappan, Buhyun Youn, Jung Sub Lee, Muthuchamy Nallal, Kang Hyun Park
Summary: Nanomaterials are being used to deliver therapeutic agents in living systems. Different nanotechnological applications such as immunosensors, immune assays, and drug delivery are being implemented using nanotechnology. Genomics plays a crucial role in selecting appropriate drugs for personalized cancer therapy. It helps in analyzing gene and protein expression, disease classification, and designing disease models. Delivering drugs to specific areas using nanoparticles is a challenging issue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Li, Wei Wang, Han Wu, Feng Peng, Hui Gao, Ying Guan
Summary: In this study, CMH-based CPF films were prepared and their thermal and barrier properties were successfully regulated. The tensile strength and water vapor barrier property of CPF films were significantly improved, making them promising for food packaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)