Polysaccharides

Neural regeneration requires an optimal environment, including structural, chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties. Alginate (Alg) and graphene oxide (GO) are promising biomaterials for nerve tissue engineering, as Alg provides biocompatibility and hydrogel formation, while GO enhances mechanical strength and conductivity. For this study, GO was synthesized using the modified Hummer’s method, and Alg–GO scaffolds with varying GO concentrations were developed. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of GO into the Alg matrix, while UV–Vis and photoluminescence analyses demonstrated GO-induced modifications of the optical properties. Thermal analysis revealed improved stability with increasing GO content, whereas swelling tests showed enhanced water uptake and retention. Conductivity measurements indicated a clear improvement in electrical conductivity, particularly at moderate GO concentrations. SEM imaging confirmed a homogeneous distribution of GO within the Alg matrix, with structural uniformity across all samples. Cytocompatibility was assessed using SH–SY5Y neuroblastoma cells through MTT, LDH, and LIVE/DEAD assays. All composites supported cell attachment, viability, and proliferation, with GO concentrations up to 6% promoting optimal cell growth without inducing cytotoxicity. In contrast, excessive GO content (9%) resulted in reduced proliferation, although biocompatibility was maintained. These results highlight the potential of Alg–GO scaffolds as promising candidates for neural tissue engineering. The findings demonstrate the potential of Alg–GO scaffolds as advanced biomaterials for regenerative medicine. Future research should focus on in vivo evaluations to confirm their therapeutic applicability.

This study aimed to develop a pH-responsive microencapsulation system using complex coacervation with chitosan (CS) and hydrolyzed karaya gum (HKG) as natural wall materials to encapsulate ginger essential oil (GEO) as a core material. Key parameters influencing coacervate formation and encapsulation efficiency were studied and optimized. The results indicated that the maximum complexation yield (77.3%) was achieved at a pH of 4.6 with a CS:HKG mass ratio of 1:2. Under these optimal conditions, microcapsules were fabricated at various wall-to-core ratios, with the 3:1 ratio demonstrating the highest encapsulation efficiency (65.73%) and process yield (75.7%). Physicochemical characterization revealed that the microcapsules possessed low hygroscopicity and a pH-dependent solubility profile. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that freeze-dried microcapsules had a more porous, amorphous structure compared to the denser, irregular particles produced by oven-drying. Crucially, in vitro release studies demonstrated a pronounced pH-responsive behavior: GEO release was significantly faster and more extensive in simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.0) than in neutral or simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). These findings highlight the successful fabrication of a stable CS-HKG micro-delivery system that effectively protects GEO and facilitates its controlled, targeted release in acidic environments, indicating strong potential for applications in gastric targeted functional food and pharmaceutical products.

Cellulose and hemicellulose, both widely present in radioactive waste, undergo combined radiolytic and hydrolytic degradation during disposal under the highly alkaline conditions imposed by the cementitious waste matrices and engineered barriers. This combined process generates water-soluble organic compounds that can complex with radionuclides, thereby potentially enhancing their migration from the waste to the biosphere. Identification of these degradation products formed by cellulosic materials is essential for assessing their complexation potential and predicting their impact on radionuclide mobility. In this work, degradation products resulting from sequential radiolytic and alkaline degradation of cellulosic tissues, realistically present in radioactive waste, were identified using multiple advanced techniques, i.e., Electrospray Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, Ion Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Our results confirm that isosaccharinic acid (α-ISA and β-ISA) is the major end product from cellulose degradation, while xylo-isosaccharinic acid (XISA) indicates hemicellulose degradation. Furthermore, significant concentrations of formic and lactic acid were detected, alongside minor products including glycolic, acetic, propionic, malonic, and oxalic acids, with malonic and oxalic acids appearing only after irradiation at high irradiation doses and under air (malonic) or argon (oxalic). Additional unquantified compounds, such as glutaric acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, and oligosaccharides, were observed as well. These findings advance our insight into the degradation of end products of cellulosic materials in radioactive waste and establish a foundation for future research on their complexation potential and impact on radionuclide mobility, especially for compounds where data are lacking.