Article
Polymer Science
Asmaa M. Elzayat, Ines Adam-Cervera, Marie Albus, Amparo Chafer, Jose D. Badia, Francisco F. Perez-Pla, Rafael Munoz-Espi
Summary: Polysaccharide/silica hybrid microcapsules were prepared using ionic gelation followed by spray-drying. The presence of silica affected the morphology and stability of the particles, and showed excellent performance as catalysts for organic reactions.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Peiyuan Li, Chuo Guo, Xiaofei Li, Kai Yuan, Xudong Yang, Yurong Guo, Xi Yang
Summary: The study found that oil droplets were always located in the casein-dominant regions regardless of the polymer types used for preparing emulsions. As Alg concentration increased, the gelation time of composite emulsion gels shortened, and the incorporation of oil droplets also affected the phase separation rate and extent between Alg and caseins.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chuhuan Hu, Wei Lu, Analucia Mata, Katsuyoshi Nishinari, Yapeng Fang
Summary: Alginate is an important natural biopolymer that is widely used in various industries such as food, biomedical, and chemical. The gelation of alginate induced by different cations, including H+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Sr2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Al3+, and Fe3+, can lead to gels with different properties and applications. Understanding the mechanisms and properties of ionotropic alginate gels is crucial for practical applications of alginate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
M. V. D'Angelo, L. Pauchard, H. Auradou, B. Darbois Texier
Summary: This article introduces new methods for achieving more complex shapes in kitchen experiments, particularly the creation of helices. By depositing solutions on a thread and observing their deformation, the mechanical characteristics of the helices were deduced and compared to laboratory testing results. Mixed gels obtained by combining different gelling agents were also explored.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Ivan Donati, Bjorn E. Christensen
Summary: Alginate is a family of linear polysaccharides derived from brown seaweeds and bacteria, which exhibits complex interaction patterns with specific counterions and salts. It can form thermostable hydrogels with the use of divalent gelling ions, such as Ca2+, Ba2+, or Sr2+. The mechanism of alginate gelation is still explained by the egg-box model, but novel insights have also been proposed.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Aureliano Agostinho Dias Meirelles, Ana Leticia Rodrigues Costa, Mariano Michelon, Juliane Vigano, Marcio S. Carvalho, Rosiane Lopes Cunha
Summary: The study evaluated the use of glass microfluidic devices to produce emulsion-filled alginate microgels and investigated the effect of process variables on microgels size and polydispersity. Monodisperse particle size distribution of the microgels was observed, with size influenced by the viscosity of the O/W emulsion and the phases flow rates. These results demonstrate the potential of microfluidic processes for encapsulating lipophilic compounds in microgels.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Olga Kaltsa, Aggeliki Alibade, Eleni Bozinou, Dimitris P. Makris, Stavros I. Lalas
Summary: This study evaluated the physical and antioxidant properties of chocolate alginate beads containing Moringa oleifera leaf extract, finding that increasing extract concentration resulted in smaller, more spherical beads with lighter color and higher chroma. The radical scavenging activity was improved with higher extract concentration for beads hardened for 8 and 20 minutes, while hardening time did not affect DPPH* inhibition.
JOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Janjira Jinnoros, Bhundit Innawong, Patchimaporn Udomkun, Pramuk Parakulsuksatid, Juan L. Silva
Summary: The study demonstrated that pulsed-vacuum stimulation has a significant impact on the external gelation process of calcium-alginate hydrogel balls, particularly in the initial stages. Different working pressures directly affect the diffusion coefficient of Ca2+, weight reduction rate, and volume shrinkage rate, with a clear linear relationship between these parameters.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Azin Rashidy Ahmady, Kavoos Razmjooee, Vida Nazar, Saeed Saber-Samandari
Summary: This study compared alginate microparticles and nanoparticles as thymol delivery systems. The results showed that thymol-loaded alginate nanoparticles released thymol in a more sustainable and controllable manner, and both carriers exhibited good cell viability and antibacterial properties.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yongli Zhang, Yi Yang, Xiaoxiang Zhao, Jianping Gao
Summary: It has been reported that monovalent cations and Mg2+ ions cannot form gels with alginate, while bivalent cations like Ca2+, Ba2+, Sr2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ ions can. This study explores the ionically crosslinking of alginate with a monovalent cation, Ag+ ion, and investigates the conditions for gel bead formation, as well as the structure and properties of the resulting alginate beads. Additionally, the possibility of drug loading in alginate beads is also examined. The results demonstrate that Ag+ ions can induce gelation of alginate and can be used to fabricate alginate beads similar to those prepared using Ca2+ as the crosslinking agent.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tyrell J. Williams, Claudia Daboin, Paul Kim, Fengguang Guo, Paul de Figueiredo, Daniel L. Alge
Summary: Methods for culturing oxygen-sensitive cells and organisms under anaerobic conditions are vital to biotechnology research. This study developed a biomaterial-based platform for anaerobic culture using glucose oxidase (GOX) functionalized alginate microparticles. These microparticles had high enzyme activity and were able to rapidly deplete oxygen, creating a suitable environment for anaerobic culture.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dyah Hesti Wardhani, Nita Aryanti, Abdul Aziz, Rinda Ameliya Firdhaus, Hana Nikma Ulya
Summary: Alginate can be modified using ultrasonic degradation method for specific purposes. Degraded alginate can be used as a matrix for iron encapsulation, and the released iron follows the Korsmeyer-Peppas model.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yasir Iqbal, Faheem Amin, Noor ul Hudda Gilani
Summary: A sodium alginate-graphene oxide (SA-GO) hydrogel membrane was prepared using the freeze-gelation method and externally crosslinked with CaCl2. The bonding interaction of sodium alginate and the porosity of the SA-GO hydrogels were characterized by FTIR analysis and confirmed by SEM surface morphology analysis. Swelling studies and in-vitro degradation tests demonstrated improved porosity and controlled degradation of the GO-incorporated hydrogel membranes.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sarit S. Sivan, Iris Bonstein, Yariv N. Marmor, Gadi Pelled, Zulma Gazit, Michal Amit
Summary: This study presents a novel method for encapsulating human bone marrow stem cells in small-sized microspheres using one-step emulsification by internal gelation. The resulted microspheres demonstrated high viability and integrity, and showed long-lasting viability and biocompatibility in an intervertebral disc model.
Article
Polymer Science
Alessandro Candiani, Giada Diana, Manuel Martoccia, Fabiano Travaglia, Lorella Giovannelli, Jean Daniel Coisson, Lorena Segale
Summary: The ionotropic gelation technique was used to prepare vitamin D3-loaded microparticles from an oil-in-water Pickering emulsion stabilized by flaxseed flour. The hydrophobic phase contained a vitamin D3 solution in a blend of vegetable oils (90% extra virgin olive oil and 10% hemp oil), while the hydrophilic phase was a sodium alginate aqueous solution. The microparticles had a particle size of about 1 mm, 6% residual water content, and excellent flowability in the dried state. The polymeric structure of the microparticles preserved the vegetable oil blend from oxidation and maintained the integrity of vitamin D3, making it an innovative ingredient for pharmaceutical and food/nutraceutical purposes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Diego Diaz, Diana Garcia-Gonzalez, Pravash Bista, Stefan A. L. Weber, Hans-Jurgen Butt, Amy Stetten, Michael Kappl
Summary: When neutral water drops impact and rebound from superhydrophobic surfaces, they acquire a positive electrical charge. The maximum contact area is identified as the dominant control parameter for charge separation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuai Li, Pravash Bista, Stefan A. L. Weber, Michael Kappl, Hans-Juergen Butt
Summary: When a polar liquid slides over a hydrophobic surface, it becomes charged and the surface acquires an opposite charge. Lubricant-infused surfaces (LIS) are important for applications such as energy generation due to their low friction for drops. This study investigates slide electrification on LIS by measuring the charge generated by water drops sliding down inclined surfaces. The results show a dependency of charge on drop numbers, which is attributed to changes in surface conductivity and depletion of lubricant.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Liu, Yuling Sun, Rui Ma, Xiaoteng Zhou, Lijun Ye, Volker Mailaender, Werner Steffen, Michael Kappl, Hans-Jurgen Butt
Summary: Researchers have developed a superhydrophobic textile coated with a hybrid coating of titanium dioxide and polydimethylsiloxane, which exhibits low adhesion, excellent heat resistance, and flame-retardant properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diana Garcia-Gonzalez, Tomas P. Corrales, Maria Dacunzi, Michael Kappl
Summary: This study investigates the Cassie-to-Wenzel transition on superhydrophobic micropillar surfaces by squeezing a water drop, revealing the changes in force and pressure during the transition process.
Article
Mechanics
Diego Diaz, Xiaomei Li, Pravash Bista, Xiaoteng Zhou, Fahimeh Darvish, Hans-Juergen Butt, Michael Kappl
Summary: We investigated the charge separation of bouncing drops on hydrophobic surfaces and found that it can be significantly higher than on superhydrophobic surfaces. The presence of self-generated electrostatic forces between the drop and the surface was observed, affecting the rebounding height and retraction motion of the drops. Our calculations showed that these electrostatic forces can be stronger than gravity, reducing the restitution coefficients up to 50%. This new approach provides an advantage compared to other methods for drop charge detection that require more complex setups.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Diana Garcia-Gonzalez, Michiel A. Hack, Michael Kappl, Hans-Juergen Butt, Jacco H. Snoeijer
Summary: When a particle, such as dust, contacts a thin liquid film covering a surface it is trapped by the liquid. This effect is caused by the formation of a meniscus, resulting in a capillary force that makes the particle adhere to the surface. While capillary adhesion is well-characterised in static situations, the dynamic formation of the liquid bridge after the initial contact is highly intricate.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ngoc N. Nguyen, Sina Davani, Ramazan Asmatulu, Michael Kappl, Rudiger Berger, Hans-Jurgen Butt
Summary: This study investigates the adhesion mechanism between ice and solid surfaces, finding that capillary bridges formed by the quasi-liquid layer on the ice surface enhance ice adhesion. These findings are of great significance for the development of water-repellent superhydrophobic coatings for efficient anti-icing of solid surfaces.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dimosthenis Ioannou, Youmin Hou, Prexa Shah, Kosmas Ellinas, Michael Kappl, Andreas Sapalidis, Vassilios Constantoudis, Hans-Jurgen Butt, Evangelos Gogolides
Summary: Superhydrophobic membranes fabricated using plasma micro-and nanotexturing followed by plasma deposition showed enhanced performance and stability in membrane distillation operations. Both hydrophobic PTFE and hydrophilic CA membranes were transformed into superhydrophobic with water static contact angles greater than 150 degrees and contact angle hysteresis lower than 10 degrees. The superhydrophobic PTFE membranes exhibited improved water flux and stable performance with salt rejection >99.99% even when exposed to low surface tension solutions. Additionally, the proposed method was effective in transforming hydrophilic CA membranes into superhydrophobic membranes with excellent performance and stability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chien-Hua Tu, Martin Steinhart, Ruediger Berger, Michael Kappl, Hans-Juergen Butt, George Floudas
Summary: By confining semicrystalline polymers within nanoscopic cylindrical pores, they can flow at temperatures below the melting point with intermediate viscosity between the melt and crystal states. This unexpected enhancement in flow, while preserving the polymer crystallites, is important for designing polymer processing conditions applicable at low temperatures, such as for cold drawn polymers like polytetrafluoroethylene, self-healing materials, and nanoconfined donor/acceptor polymers used in organic electronics.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jeongbin Heo, Jaeseung Lee, Wonmi Shim, Hyeonjin Kim, Syuji Fujii, Jaehoon Lim, Michael Kappl, Hans-Juergen Butt, Sanghyuk Wooh
Summary: The surface-templated evaporation-driven(S-TED) method using liquid-repellent surfaces has gained attention for fabricating supraparticles of defined shape, size, and porosity. However, challenges in mass production have hindered its widespread adoption. To overcome this, the evaporation-driven multiple supraparticle synthesis by drying arrays of self-lubricating colloidal dispersion microdrops is introduced. A hydrophilic micropattern on a hydrophobic substrate is prepared as a template for this method. By employing an Ouzo-like colloidal dispersion, the successful fabrication of supraparticle arrays is achieved.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pranav Sudersan, Maren Mueller, Mohammad Hormozi, Shuai Li, Hans-Juergen Butt, Michael Kappl
Summary: Surface tension is a key physical property for understanding wetting phenomena. We employed atomic force microscopy to measure microscopic droplets and calculated surface tension based on the measured forces. Our method simplifies the experiment and reduces the complexity and cost compared to traditional methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Youmin Hou, Prexa Shah, Vassilios Constantoudis, Evangelos Gogolides, Michael Kappl, Hans-Juergen Butt
Summary: Membrane distillation (MD) is a new desalination technology that utilizes phase change to separate water vapor from saline based on low-grade energy. A super liquid-repellent membrane with hierarchical porous structures has been developed to address the conflicting requirements of membrane design. The membrane improves distillation flux by up to 60% and exhibits excellent salt rejection and operating stability. This approach has broad applications beyond desalination, such as wastewater treatment.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Prexa Shah, Youmin Hou, Hans-Juergen Butt, Michael Kappl
Summary: Membrane distillation (MD) is an important technique for brine desalination and wastewater treatment. Researchers have found that depositing a layer of polysiloxane nanofilaments on microporous membranes can increase the distillation rate and reduce membrane wetting and fouling. Compared to conventional hydrophobic membranes, these multiscale porous membranes exhibit superior fouling resistance and achieve higher distillation flux without the use of fluorinated compounds.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Deepika Sharma, Gregory R. Ziegler, Federico M. Harte
Summary: Fabrication of bead-free nanofibers from pure casein is challenging due to its self-aggregation tendency. In this study, the influence of pH, ethanol content, ionic environment, and casein concentration on the solubility and solution characteristics of casein-based spinning dopes was analyzed. The addition of tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) reduced bead defects and improved the properties of the nanofibers. The viscosity of the solution depended on the casein concentration, and bead-free nanofibers were obtained at a concentration higher than the entanglement concentration (C-e).
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Smriti Shrestha, Leonie Van't Hag, Victoria Haritos, Sushil Dhital
Summary: This study investigated the pasting properties, structural formation, and molecular changes of mungbean, green lentil, and yellow pea proteins during high moisture extrusion (HME). The results showed that protein composition and conformation played important roles in the structural development and molecular changes during HME.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shi Liu, Na Sun, Kunyu Ren, Xubin Tan, Lanxin Li, Zhe Wang, Shicheng Dai, Xiaohong Tong, Huan Wang, Lianzhou Jiang
Summary: In this study, self-assembled soy protein nanoparticles (SPN) were successfully prepared and used for encapsulation of lutein, 8-carotene, and curcumin. The encapsulated natural pigments showed improved stability, especially curcumin. This study provides a new approach for extending the use of lipophilic natural edible pigments in food products.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jianming Wang, Ziyun Liu, Kaiwen Zheng, Zhe Yuan, Chen Yang
Summary: By combining with high methoxyl pectin (HMP), the emulsifying properties of oat protein isolate (OPI) were improved. The OPI-HMP complex formed soluble complexes under specific pH conditions, exhibiting excellent emulsifying activity and stability, making it suitable as a delivery system for lipid soluble bioactive compounds in food and biomedical applications.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zihao Yin, Junzhe Zou, Mengwei Wang, Ruonan Huang, Yuemiao Qian, Mingyong Zeng, Fangwei Li
Summary: Phycocyanin, a protein prone to degradation under acidic conditions and unstable at high temperatures, has limited application in food. This study successfully combined phycocyanin with whey protein isolate using protein coprecipitation and chitosan coating to form composite particles, which maintained the color and colloidal stability of phycocyanin. The composite particles showed minimal color changes and retained high pigment retention rates after heating. Furthermore, the composite particles exhibited excellent antioxidant capacity. This breakthrough expands the application of phycocyanin in acidic beverages and other food forms.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yuting Su, Qian Zhou, Hui Xu, Manting Huang, Siqian Li, Jiayi He, Ka-Wing Cheng, Mingfu Wang
Summary: By developing the CM-Cur/QT complex, the solubility and stability of quercetin were improved, leading to enhanced bioavailability. The complex showed increased bio-accessibility and antioxidant efficacy during in vitro digestion, and facilitated the internalization of quercetin in macrophages, exerting a potential synergistic anti-inflammatory effect.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sheliang Zhao, David Julian Mcclements, Xuebo Liu, Fuguo Liu
Summary: The low oral bioavailability of some bioactive ingredients is a challenge in the supplement and functional food areas. This study designs natural carriers that can simultaneously deliver both hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive ingredients, thereby increasing their ability to exert synergistic effects.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Md Easdani, Shabbir Ahammed, Md Nazmus Saqib, Fei Liu, Fang Zhong
Summary: Compiling hydrophobic and hydrophilic proteins to form a mechanically reliable bilayer film with improved water barrier properties and hydrophobicity is challenging. By introducing cross-linkers, the film exhibits compatible and flexible surfaces, enhanced color and transparency, and controlled water vapor permeability. The bilayer film shows potential for improving value-added functional properties.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tian-Qi Zhou, Xue-Chen Wang, Ling-Yi Gao, Jia-Nan Yan, Hai-Tao Wu
Summary: This study investigated the synergetic gelation of curdlan gum (CG) and gellan gum (GG) at different ratios. The optimal gelation was achieved at a mass ratio of 1:1 and a total concentration of 0.6%. The gel properties were influenced by the CG/GG ratio, with the strongest gel observed at a ratio of 5:5. The improved gel properties were attributed to hydrogen bonds between CG and GG. The CG/GG binary composite gel exhibited increased water holding capacity as the CG/GG ratio decreased. Furthermore, the microstructure of the CG/GG gel was denser and more homogeneous, supporting its stronger gel rigidity and water holding capacity.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jialin Sun, Zihao Wei, Changhu Xue
Summary: In this study, porous gelatin microspheres (PGMs) with surface and internal porous structure were developed for the controlled release and rapid functional response of anthocyanins (ANCs). The loading of ACNs was achieved through electrostatic interaction, resulting in a high loading capacity. ACN@PGMs exhibited long-term controlled release, improved storage stability, and ammonia responsiveness, making them suitable for applications as antioxidant factors and food freshness indicators in the food industry.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xinlai Dou, Yanling Hao, Ying Sun, Pin Yang, Linlin Liu, Yinyuan He, Yanguo Shi, Chunhua Yang, Fenglian Chen
Summary: In this study, chitosan hydrochloride/carboxymethyl starch sodium (CHC-CMS-Na) nanogels were prepared as a baking additive and showed potential in improving bread quality.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xinya Wang, H. Douglas Goff, Steve W. Cui
Summary: This study thoroughly investigated the synergistic gelation between yellow mustard gum (YMG) and kappa-carrageenan using multiple techniques. The results showed that the interaction between YMG and kappa-carrageenan was mainly polymer associations, and YMG affected the gel formation process of kappa-carrageenan.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jielong Zhang, Dasong Liu, Xiumei Tao, Jun Tang, Xiaoyu Peng, Thom Huppertz, Xiaoming Liu, Peng Zhou
Summary: The effect of enzymatic dephosphorylation on the structure of casein micelles in caprine micellar casein concentrate was studied. The results showed that with increasing dephosphorylation, the molar mass decreased, the radii decreased, the hydration increased, and the internal protein inhomogeneity disappeared.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wentao Ma, Chao Yuan, Bo Cui, Tian Gao, Li Guo, Bin Yu, Meng Zhao, Feixue Zou
Summary: This study investigated the influence of highly-branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) on the physiochemical properties of x-carrageenan (KC) gels. The addition of HBCD significantly enhanced the storage modulus and freeze-thaw stability of KC gels. HBCD promoted the distribution of KC chains and aggregation of KC helixes, resulting in a compact network structure and reduced water loss. Furthermore, HBCD strengthened the thermal reversibility of KC gels through enhanced hydrogen-bonding interactions.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ya-Ru Wang, Qin Yang, Yi-Xuan Jiang, Han-Qing Chen
Summary: This study successfully improved the aqueous solubility, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity of RES by using ovalbumin fibrils as nanocarriers. The pH value was found to have an impact on the formation and properties of the complex, with the best interaction observed at pH 2.0.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)