Polymers

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23 pages, 3589 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Chitosan-Based Films with 1-Methylimidazolium-Chitosan

by Carolina Muñoz-Nuñez, Yoleida Quiroz-Pereira, Alexandra Muñoz-Bonilla and Marta Fernández-García

Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2608; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192608 - 26 Sep 2025

The design and the synthesis of functional films with enhanced functionality represent a significant step forward in sustainable material development due to their potential applications. In this study, a novel chitosan derivative (CS-MeIm) was synthetized by chemically modifying chitosan (CS) structure with 1-methyl-1H-imidazole [...] Read more.

The design and the synthesis of functional films with enhanced functionality represent a significant step forward in sustainable material development due to their potential applications. In this study, a novel chitosan derivative (CS-MeIm) was synthetized by chemically modifying chitosan (CS) structure with 1-methyl-1H-imidazole (MeIm), a heterocyclic compound known for its biological properties. This functionalization not only enhances the intrinsic capabilities of CS but also provides a strategic platform for advanced material engineering. The modified compound, CS-MeIm, was incorporated at 10 wt% into films based on CS matrix, which was also reinforced with 1 or 5 wt% of chitin nanowhiskers (ChNw), to improve their functionality for its potential applications. The fabrication process was optimized to ensure the homogeneity and the structural integrity of the films, which were extensively evaluated to study their thermal stability, mechanical integrity, and bioactivity. The incorporation of the imidazole ring into the CS backbone provided a marked enhancement in antioxidant capacity from 3 to 15 μmol Trolox/gram of film; and excellent antimicrobial activity against common microbes, particularly against E. coli with an efficacy of 99.999%. The findings reveal that this chemical modification not only raises the intrinsic properties of CS but also introduces a versatile platform for creating biodegradable films with high functionality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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25 pages, 3843 KB

Open AccessArticle

Air-Assisted Sprayed Flexible Cellulose Acetate/Chitosan Materials for Food Packaging

by Nasrin Moshfeghi Far, Ana Kramar and Javier González-Benito

Polymers 2025, 17(18), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182479 - 13 Sep 2025

Viewed by 507

Abstract

Cellulose and chitin are the most abundant natural polymers, and their exploitation paves the way for sustainable materials and products. This work investigates the preparation of composites based on acetylated cellulose and partially deacetylated chitin, i.e., chitosan, using versatile and robust air-assisted solution [...] Read more.

Cellulose and chitin are the most abundant natural polymers, and their exploitation paves the way for sustainable materials and products. This work investigates the preparation of composites based on acetylated cellulose and partially deacetylated chitin, i.e., chitosan, using versatile and robust air-assisted solution spraying (AASS), a potential method for preparing materials both in situ and ex situ. These materials, in the form of films, despite being prepared from high-molecular-weight and rigid biopolymers, show high flexibility (Young’s moduli below 1 GPa), outstanding mechanical properties (tensile strengths above 19 MPa and strain at failure higher than 2%), and bioactivity towards E. coli. The unprecedented flexibility, obtained without the use of any plasticizer or by casting with humidity control, is a direct consequence of the specific film morphology, whereby films are constituted from merging droplets. Depending on the solution properties (viscosity, surface tension), various droplet sizes are obtained, thus influencing the roughness and indirectly the wettability. Wettability analysis towards water and oil revealed higher contact angles towards both fluids as the content of chitosan increases in the composite what directly impacts packaging applications by better protecting the food. Besides this, higher chitosan content in the composite (7.5% w/w) enabled bioactivity against E. coli, where colony development was inhibited on the film surface compared with the neat cellulose acetate. This study shows a very high potential for AASS for obtaining uniform thin flexible films for food packaging applications, allowing faster drying and lower energy consumption than other film-forming techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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25 pages, 9053 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Mechanical Robustness of Sprayed Cellulose Nanofibril Coatings Through Internal Crosslinking with Boric Acid

by Pieter Samyn, Patrick Cosemans, Erik V. Van der Eycken and Guglielmo A. Coppola

Polymers 2025, 17(18), 2451; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182451 - 10 Sep 2025

Viewed by 449

Abstract

The enhanced mechanical durability of sprayed nanocellulose coatings at the macroscopic level is primarily required to promote their application in demanding industrial applications with frequently exposed surfaces. In this study, different coating configurations are designed by spraying aqueous cellulose nanofiber (CNF) suspensions in [...] Read more.

The enhanced mechanical durability of sprayed nanocellulose coatings at the macroscopic level is primarily required to promote their application in demanding industrial applications with frequently exposed surfaces. In this study, different coating configurations are designed by spraying aqueous cellulose nanofiber (CNF) suspensions in combination with boric acid (BA) as an internal crosslinker and polydopamine (PDA) as an adhesive interlayer onto glass substrates. Multilayer coatings (CNF/BA) or mixed-layer coatings (CNF + BA) with various concentrations of BA and numbers of sprayed layers are evaluated for maximized mechanical performance based on tape tests, rub tests, cross-cut tests, and scratching tests. Good adhesive strength was realized with an interlayer of PDA/BA (high-concentration BA = 10 mM). The highest cohesive strength was observed for a mixed CNF + BA coating (high-concentration BA = 10 mM) with a scratch resistance of 9 N, and a multilayer CNF/BA coating (gradient layers with ultra-high BA concentration = 100 mM) with a scratch resistance of 8 N. The coatings with the highest density did not uniquely introduce the best mechanical resistance when comparing CNF/BA and CNF + BA coatings, as the formation of BA crystals in multilayer coatings might negatively affect the mechanical properties through embrittlement. Alternatively, the mixed CNF + BA coatings with high BA concentrations provide high density and the best mechanical resistance. The favorable crosslinking corresponds to stabilized water contact angles and reduced spreading of the water as a function of time, while a decrease in coating density causes a reduction in transparency. The chemical interactions between CNF and BA are illustrated by infrared spectroscopy, confirming a reduction in free hydroxyl groups upon crosslinking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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23 pages, 5366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Agricultural Waste-Derived Cellulose/ZnO Composites: Dual Photocatalytic and Adsorptive Action for Textile Dye Removal

by Jihene Belhaj, Ramzi Khiari, Valentín García-Caballero, Antonio A. Romero and Araceli García

Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131737 - 22 Jun 2025

Viewed by 732

Abstract

The synthesis of cellulose extracted from agricultural waste, specifically almond and fig tree trimmings, and its combination with ZnO nanoparticles to form cellulose/ZnO composites was studied. These adsorbents/photocatalysts were fully characterized, confirming not only the effective deposition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the [...] Read more.

The synthesis of cellulose extracted from agricultural waste, specifically almond and fig tree trimmings, and its combination with ZnO nanoparticles to form cellulose/ZnO composites was studied. These adsorbents/photocatalysts were fully characterized, confirming not only the effective deposition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the cellulose surface but also the improvement in homogeneity and lower agglomeration and size of ZnO particles grown on these fibers (crystallites were 43 ± 12 nm for pristine ZnO and 13–26 nm for composites). The efficacy of these composites was evaluated against methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and bromophenol blue (BB), this study being the first time that BB removal results have been reported using dual photo-adsorptive cellulosic composites. After 20 min, removals of approximately 45% were achieved for the anionic dyes MO and BB under UV light and up to 65% for MB with either applied radiation, indicating a clear adsorption mechanism for this cationic dye. A reusability study was conducted for the BB removal system, with only a 15–19% loss in BB removal capacity under UV irradiation after the third reuse. These results demonstrated the potential and efficiency of cellulose/ZnO composites as promising photocatalysts for textile wastewater treatment, providing a sustainable and interesting approach to mitigate dye pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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12 pages, 5707 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Acidic Phosphonic Chitosan and the Complexation of La(III) in Acidic Aqueous Solution

by Min Zhou, Zhenglin Liu, Dandan Lu, Jiajun Wang, Zili Chen and Yunren Qiu

Polymers 2025, 17(10), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101341 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 534

Abstract

Due to the similar physicochemical properties of rare earth ions, their separation presents significant challenges. In this study, acidic phosphonic chitosan (aPCS) was prepared by modifying chitosan with phosphite and formaldehyde for improving the water solubility and complexing ability of rare earth ions [...] Read more.

Due to the similar physicochemical properties of rare earth ions, their separation presents significant challenges. In this study, acidic phosphonic chitosan (aPCS) was prepared by modifying chitosan with phosphite and formaldehyde for improving the water solubility and complexing ability of rare earth ions in acidic aqueous solutions. DFT calculations revealed that its phosphonic groups serve as preferred reaction sites, forming stable bidentate complexes with rare earth cations. The complexation abilities of aPCS and phosphorylated chitosan (PCS) for La(III) were compared at various pHs by complexation–ultrafiltration. The results showed that aPCS achieved a 97% rejection for La(III), while 70% for PCS at pH 5 and P/RE 10. Furthermore, aPCS maintained higher rejection than PCS at pH of 3 to 7. In conclusion, aPCS demonstrates excellent potential for the selective extraction and purification of rare earth ions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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17 pages, 2894 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Chitooligosaccharides with Specific Sequence Arrangement and Their Effect on Inducing Salt Resistance in Wheat Seedlings

by Jingwen Li, Anbang Li, Yupeng Li, Siqi Zhu, Lin Song, Song Liu, Ronge Xing and Kecheng Li

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091194 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 659

Abstract

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) exhibits good activity of inducing plant resistance, but the structure–activity relationship is still unclear. In this study, chitin oligosaccharides (CHOS) with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 2~6 were used as raw materials. Three deacetylases (NodB, VcCOD, and ArCE4A) [...] Read more.

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) exhibits good activity of inducing plant resistance, but the structure–activity relationship is still unclear. In this study, chitin oligosaccharides (CHOS) with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 2~6 were used as raw materials. Three deacetylases (NodB, VcCOD, and ArCE4A) were employed to prepare three different sequence-arranged COSs, namely N-COS, C-COS, and A-COS, and their structures were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Further studies were conducted on inducing the plant salt resistance of the three different sequence-arranged COSs on wheat seedlings. The results showed a sequence-dependent effect of COS inducing plant salt resistance. Among them, A-COS exhibited the best activity. When sprayed at a concentration of 10 mg/L on wheat seedlings under salt stress for 3 days, the leaf length of the wheat seedlings sprayed with A-COS was recovered, and the wet mass and dry mass were recovered by 20.40% and 6.64%, respectively. Following the enhancement of proline accumulation, the malondialdehyde content decreased by 34.75%, and the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio also exhibited a significant reduction, thereby alleviating salt stress-induced damage. This study was the first to demonstrate the effect of COS with specific sequences on inducing plant salt resistance, providing a theoretical basis for the development of a new generation of efficient COS plant biostimulator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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17 pages, 1890 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Curcumin-Loaded TiO₂-Reinforced Chitosan Monofilaments for Biocompatible Surgical Sutures

by Fatma Demirci

Polymers 2025, 17(4), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040484 - 12 Feb 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1418

Abstract

Sutures provide mechanical support for wound closure after various traumas and surgical operations. Absorbable sutures are increasingly favored as they eliminate the need for secondary procedures and minimize additional damage to the wound site. In this study, chitosan sutures were produced using the [...] Read more.

Sutures provide mechanical support for wound closure after various traumas and surgical operations. Absorbable sutures are increasingly favored as they eliminate the need for secondary procedures and minimize additional damage to the wound site. In this study, chitosan sutures were produced using the dry jet–wet spinning method, achieving number 7-0 sutures (approximately 76 μm diameter) with a homogeneous surface. FTIR analysis demonstrated molecular interactions between chitosan and TiO₂ or curcumin, confirming successful incorporation. The addition of 3% TiO₂ increased the tensile strength of chitosan sutures by 12.32%, reaching 189.41 MPa. Morphological analysis revealed smooth surfaces free of pores and bubbles, confirming the production of high-quality sutures. Radical scavenging activity analysis showed that curcumin-loaded sutures exhibited 43% scavenging ability after 125 h, which was significantly higher compared to pure chitosan sutures. In vitro antibacterial tests demonstrated that curcumin-loaded sutures provided 98.87% bacterial inactivation against S. aureus within 24 h. Additionally, curcumin release analysis showed a cumulative release of 77% over 25 h. The bioactivity of the sutures was verified by hydroxyapatite layer formation after incubation in simulated body fluid, supporting their potential for tissue regeneration. These findings demonstrate that TiO₂ reinforcement and curcumin loading significantly enhance the functional properties of chitosan sutures, making them strong candidates for biocompatible and absorbable surgical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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11 pages, 5365 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Composite Material with a Thermoplastic Matrix Reinforced with Cellulose Acetate Microfibers

by Pedro Rodríguez Sandoval, Andres Felipe Rubiano-Navarrete, Edwin Yesid Gómez-Pachón and Ricardo Vera-Graziano

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2557; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182557 - 10 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2555

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has been widely used in various applications due to its flexibility, lightness, and low production cost. However, its massive use in disposable products has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for more sustainable alternatives. This study aims to investigate the [...] Read more.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has been widely used in various applications due to its flexibility, lightness, and low production cost. However, its massive use in disposable products has raised environmental concerns, prompting the search for more sustainable alternatives. This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties achievable in a composite material utilizing low-density polyethylene (LDPE), potato starch (PS), and cellulose microfibrils (MFCA) at loadings of 0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.30%. Initially, the cellulose acetate microfibrils (MFCA) were produced via an electrospinning process. Subsequently, a dispersive mixture of the aforementioned materials was created through the extrusion and pelletizing process to form pellets. These pellets were then molded by injection molding to produce test specimens in accordance with ASTM D 638, the standard for tensile strength testing. The evaluation of the properties was conducted through mechanical tensile tests (ASTM D638), hardness tests (ASTM D 2240), melt flow index (ASTM D1238), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study determined the influence of cellulose acetate microfibril loadings below 0.3% as reinforcement within a thermoplastic LDPE matrix. It was demonstrated that these microfibrils, due to their length-to-diameter ratio, contribute to an enhancement in the mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Cellulose-Based and Chitosan-Based Materials)

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