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Keywords = allyl cellulose

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23 pages, 4926 KiB  
Article
Light-Mediated 3D-Printed Wound Dressings Based on Natural Polymers with Improved Adhesion and Antioxidant Properties
by Rute Silva, Matilde Medeiros, Carlos T. B. Paula, Sofia Saraiva, Rafael C. Rebelo, Patrícia Pereira, Jorge F. J. Coelho, Arménio C. Serra and Ana C. Fonseca
Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081114 - 20 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 622
Abstract
The lack of personalized wound dressings tailored to individual needs can significantly hinder wound healing. Hydrogels offer a promising solution, as they can be engineered to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing an optimal environment for wound repair. The integration of digital light [...] Read more.
The lack of personalized wound dressings tailored to individual needs can significantly hinder wound healing. Hydrogels offer a promising solution, as they can be engineered to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing an optimal environment for wound repair. The integration of digital light processing (DLP), a high-resolution 3D printing process, allows precise customization of hydrogel-based wound dressings. In this study, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-based formulations were prepared in combination with three different polymeric precursors: methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA), poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and allyl cellulose (MCCA). These precursors were used to print high-resolution micropatterned patches. The printed constructs revealed a high gel content and a good resistance to hydrolytic degradation. To improve the adhesive and antioxidant properties of the printed patches, gallic acid (GA) was incorporated through surface functionalization. This enabled the scavenging of approximately 80% of free radicals within just 4 h. The adhesive properties of the printed wound dressings were also significantly improved, with further enhancement observed upon the addition of Fe3+ ions. In vitro cytocompatibility tests using a fibroblast (NHDF) cell line confirmed the suitability of the materials for biomedical applications. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of DLP-printed hydrogels as advanced personalized wound dressing materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials, 3rd Edition)
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30 pages, 5685 KiB  
Article
Development of Polyampholyte Cellulose-Based Hydrogels for Diapers with Improved Biocompatibility
by Beatriz Simões, Rafael C. Rebelo, Sara Ledesma, Patrícia Pereira, Rui Moreira, Brígida C. Ferreira, Jorge F. J. Coelho and Arménio C. Serra
Gels 2025, 11(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11040282 - 10 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 996
Abstract
Non-biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in personal care products (PCPs) pose significant environmental and health concerns despite their high absorption capacity. The aim of this study was to develop cellulose-based hydrogels as a sustainable alternative to those conventional SAPs, taking advantage of cellulose properties [...] Read more.
Non-biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in personal care products (PCPs) pose significant environmental and health concerns despite their high absorption capacity. The aim of this study was to develop cellulose-based hydrogels as a sustainable alternative to those conventional SAPs, taking advantage of cellulose properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and hydrophilicity. A synthesized allyl cellulose (AC) derivative was copolymerized with unusual monomers used in the production of SAPs, and the influence of monomer ratios, crosslinking density, and the ratio of cellulose to monomers on the absorption capacity was investigated and optimized. The most promising hydrogels were fully characterized for the proposed application and compared with a commercial SAP extracted from a baby diaper. The cellulose-based hydrogels showed promising absorption capacities in synthetic urine (~15 g/g), and a high centrifuge retention capacity (12.5 g/g), which was only slightly lower than the commercial SAP. These new hydrogels exhibited excellent biocompatibility and outperformed the established commercial diaper SAP. This study represents a more sustainable alternative to conventional SAPs, potentially reducing health risks while increasing the bio-based content of PCPs. Further optimization of these hydrogels could transform the hygiene product industry, by providing a balance between performance and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Gels: Properties and Prospective Applications)
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19 pages, 6639 KiB  
Article
Efficient Recovery of Waste Cotton Fabrics Using Ionic Liquid Methods
by Xiaozheng Zhang, Wenhao Zhou, Wenhao Xing, Yingjun Xu and Gangqiang Zhang
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070900 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 831
Abstract
Cotton fiber, renewable natural cellulose, make up the largest portion of textile waste. The ionic liquid method has been successfully employed to regenerate waste colored cotton fabric in this study, offering a comprehensive approach to the recycling of waste cotton. The chemical recovery [...] Read more.
Cotton fiber, renewable natural cellulose, make up the largest portion of textile waste. The ionic liquid method has been successfully employed to regenerate waste colored cotton fabric in this study, offering a comprehensive approach to the recycling of waste cotton. The chemical recovery process for reclaimed cellulose materials is crucial for high-value recycling of waste cotton fabrics. In this study, waste and new, colored and white cotton fabrics were used as experimental subjects. The breaking strength, degree of polymerization, iodine adsorption equilibrium value, and crystallinity between old and new fabrics were investigated. Ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole chloride ([AMIM]Cl) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) were selected to dissolve decolorized waste cotton fabric. Optimal conditions for dissolving the fabric using [AMIM]Cl were investigated. The best dissolution conditions identified were DMSO at a ratio of 1:1 with a dissolution temperature of 110 °C over a duration of 120 min. Additionally, the optimal film formation parameters included a solution concentration of 6%, solidification time of 3 min, and solidification bath temperature of 0 °C. Regenerated cellulose films from both the ionic liquid system (A-film) and zinc chloride system (Z-film) were prepared. The characteristics of the film produced using the most advanced technology were systematically investigated and evaluated. The results of this study provide a crucial theoretical foundation for the recovery and regeneration of waste cotton fabrics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Functionalized Polymer Fabrics)
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21 pages, 4322 KiB  
Article
Allyl-Functionalized Polysaccharides for 3D Printable Hydrogels Through Thiol–Ene Click Chemistry
by Zakaria Atmani, Tobias Steindorfer, Rupert Kargl, Karin Stana Kleinschek, Thomas Heinze and Martin Gericke
Polysaccharides 2025, 6(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides6010013 - 14 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1250
Abstract
This study presents the synthesis of allyl-functionalized polysaccharide carbamates (AFCs) with tailored water solubility designed for use in responsive hydrogels and 3D printing applications. A modular one-pot approach was employed to produce cellulose- and xylan-based AFCs, utilizing polysaccharide phenyl carbonates as activated compounds. [...] Read more.
This study presents the synthesis of allyl-functionalized polysaccharide carbamates (AFCs) with tailored water solubility designed for use in responsive hydrogels and 3D printing applications. A modular one-pot approach was employed to produce cellulose- and xylan-based AFCs, utilizing polysaccharide phenyl carbonates as activated compounds. By fine-tuning the degree of substitution (DS) of functional groups, the water solubility and shear-thinning properties of AFCs were controlled to enhance the gelation and printability. AFC-based hydrogels could be obtained by rapid gelation induced without harmful catalysts through UV irradiation at 365 nm. The materials displayed highly porous and interconnected microstructures, as well as mechanical resilience and high swelling ratios. The hydrogel formation was characterized, and its crosslinking degree was calculated using HR-MAS NMR. The study demonstrated that gelation behavior was sensitive to the pH value, with optimal results under neutral or acidic conditions. Initial 3D printing trials confirmed the material’s rapid shaping capabilities, which is beneficial for biomedical applications and advanced manufacturing of stimuli-responsive materials. Full article
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11 pages, 2408 KiB  
Article
A Novel Cellulose-Supported Polymer Electrolyte with High Ionic Conductivity for Lithium Metal Batteries
by Xuefei Cao, Mingyang Xin and Jiaxin Yin
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5487; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235487 - 21 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1611
Abstract
The traditional liquid electrolytes pose safety hazards primarily attributed to the flammability of organic solvent, whereas solid-state electrolytes can significantly enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Polymer solid electrolytes are being considered as an effective solution due to their excellent flexibility and low [...] Read more.
The traditional liquid electrolytes pose safety hazards primarily attributed to the flammability of organic solvent, whereas solid-state electrolytes can significantly enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Polymer solid electrolytes are being considered as an effective solution due to their excellent flexibility and low cost, but they suffer low ionic conductivity or high interface impedance. Here, the ketone-containing allyl acetoacetate monomers were polymerized within the cellulose membrane via UV photopolymerization to prepare a cellulose-supported poly-allyl acetoacetate polymer electrolyte. The PAAA electrolyte shows the ion conductivity of 1.14 × 10−4 S cm−1 and the electrochemical stability window of 4.5 V. The Li symmetric battery can stably cycle for 1500 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. The LiFeO4‖Li cell achieves a discharge specific capacity of 160 mAh g−1 and demonstrates excellent cycling stability. Matching with Ni-rich cathodes also delivers decent performance. The designed polymer electrolyte with high ionic conductivity offers new ideas and directions for the development of future energy storage technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemistry)
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18 pages, 2425 KiB  
Article
Isothiocyanate-Based Microemulsions Loaded into Biocompatible Hydrogels as Innovative Biofumigants for Agricultural Soils
by Michele Baglioni, Ilaria Clemente, Gabriella Tamasi, Flavia Bisozzi, Sara Costantini, Giacomo Fattori, Mariangela Gentile and Claudio Rossi
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3935; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163935 - 21 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1461
Abstract
Biofumigation was proposed as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for the disinfection of agricultural soils, in view of the biocidal effect of isothiocyanates (ITCs) released by some vegetal species, like Brassicaceae. However, biofumigation also presents limitations; thus, a novel and viable alternative [...] Read more.
Biofumigation was proposed as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for the disinfection of agricultural soils, in view of the biocidal effect of isothiocyanates (ITCs) released by some vegetal species, like Brassicaceae. However, biofumigation also presents limitations; thus, a novel and viable alternative could be the direct introduction of ITCs into agricultural soils as components loaded into biodegradable hydrogels. Thus, in this work, ITCs-based microemulsions were developed, which can be loaded into porous polymer-based hydrogel beads based on sodium alginate (ALG) or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Three ITCs (ethyl, phenyl, and allyl isothiocyanate) and three different surfactants (sodium dodecylsulfate, Brij 35, and Tween 80) were considered. The optimal system was characterized with attenuated ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry to study how the microemulsion/gels interaction affects the gel properties, such as the equilibrium water content or free water index. Finally, loading and release profiles were studied by means of UV–Vis spectrophotometry. It was found that CMC hydrogel beads showed a slightly more efficient profile of micelles’ release in water with respect to ALG beads. For this reason, and due to the enhanced contribution of Fe(III) to their biocidal properties, CMC-based hydrogels are the most promising in view of the application on real agricultural soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Applied Chemistry: 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 15644 KiB  
Article
Kevlar®, Nomex®, and VAR Modification by Small Organic Molecules Anchoring: Transfusing Antibacterial Properties and Improving Water Repellency
by Efrosyni Frousiou, Efstathios Tonis, Georgios Rotas, Anna Pantelia, Savvas G. Chalkidis, Nikolaos S. Heliopoulos, Antonia Kagkoura, Dionysios Siamidis, Angeliki Galeou, Anastasia Prombona, Kostas Stamatakis, Nikos Boukos and Georgios C. Vougioukalakis
Molecules 2023, 28(14), 5465; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145465 - 17 Jul 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2852
Abstract
The surface modification of fabrics composed of Kevlar®, Nomex®, or VAR was extensively investigated. Kevlar® and Nomex® are widely-utilized aramid materials, whereas VAR is a technical fabric comprising 64% viscose, 24% para-aramid (Kevlar®), 10% polyamide, [...] Read more.
The surface modification of fabrics composed of Kevlar®, Nomex®, or VAR was extensively investigated. Kevlar® and Nomex® are widely-utilized aramid materials, whereas VAR is a technical fabric comprising 64% viscose, 24% para-aramid (Kevlar®), 10% polyamide, and 2% antistatic fibers. Both aramid materials and cellulose/viscose exhibit exceptional mechanical properties that render them valuable in a wide range of applications. For the herein studied modification of Kevlar®, Nomex®, and VAR, we used small organic molecules 3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (ADMH) and 3-(acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), which were anchored onto the materials under study via graft polymerization. By doing so, excellent antibacterial properties were induced in the three studied fabrics. Their water repellency was improved in most cases as well. Extensive characterization studies were conducted to probe the properties of the modified materials, employing Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Coatings: Design, Synthesis and Application)
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15 pages, 5558 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Woven Jute Fiber Epoxy Bio-Composites through the Epoxy/Thiol-Ene Photopolymerization Technique
by Ricardo Acosta Ortiz, Roberto Yañez Macías, José de Jesús Ku Herrera and Aida Esmeralda García Valdez
Polymers 2023, 15(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010060 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2951
Abstract
An eco-friendly epoxy/thiol-ene photopolymerization (ETEP) process was employed to prepare epoxy bio-composites using a commercial biobased epoxy resin and a woven jute fabric as reinforcement. In this process the components of the thiol-ene system, an allyl-functionalized ditertiary amine curing agent, a multifunctional thiol [...] Read more.
An eco-friendly epoxy/thiol-ene photopolymerization (ETEP) process was employed to prepare epoxy bio-composites using a commercial biobased epoxy resin and a woven jute fabric as reinforcement. In this process the components of the thiol-ene system, an allyl-functionalized ditertiary amine curing agent, a multifunctional thiol and a radical photoinitiator, were added to the epoxy resin to produce a polyether–polythioether crosslinked co-network. Moreover, the jute fibers were functionalized with thiol groups using the 3-mercaptopropyl (trimethoxysilane) with the purpose of creating a chemically bonded polymeric matrix/fiber system. The obtained bio-composites prepared with the thiol-functionalized cellulose fibers exhibited an increase up to 52% and 40% in flexural modulus and strength with respect to the non-functionalized counterparts. Under the three-point bending loadings, the composites displayed higher deformation at break and toughness due to the presence of polythioethers in the co-network. The prepared bio-composites developed in this work are excellent candidates to extend the use of cellulose fibers for structural applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Epoxy Polymers)
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23 pages, 7232 KiB  
Article
Strength Enhancement of Regenerated Cellulose Fibers by Adjustment of Hydrogen Bond Distribution in Ionic Liquid
by Yu Xue, Weidong Li, Guihua Yang, Zhaoyun Lin, Letian Qi, Peihua Zhu, Jinghua Yu and Jiachuan Chen
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102030 - 16 May 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4224
Abstract
To improve the physical strength of regenerated cellulose fibers, cellulose dissolution was analyzed with a conductor-like screening model for real solvents in which 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AMIMCl) worked only as a hydrogen bond acceptor while dissolving the cellulose. This process could be promoted by [...] Read more.
To improve the physical strength of regenerated cellulose fibers, cellulose dissolution was analyzed with a conductor-like screening model for real solvents in which 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AMIMCl) worked only as a hydrogen bond acceptor while dissolving the cellulose. This process could be promoted by the addition of urea, glycerol, and choline chloride. The dissolution and regeneration of cellulose was achieved through dry-jet and wet-spinning. The results demonstrated that the addition of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors either on their own or in combination can enhance the tensile strength, but their effects on the crystallinity of the regenerated fibers were quite limited. Compared with the regenerated fibers without any additives, the tensile strength was improved from 54.43 MPa to 139.62 MPa after introducing the choline chloride and glycerol, while related the crystallinity was only changed from 60.06% to 62.97%. By contrast, a more compact structure and fewer pores on the fiber surface were identified in samples with additives along with well-preserved cellulose frameworks. Besides, it should be noted that an optimization in the overall thermal stability was obtained in samples with additives. The significant effect of regenerated cellulose with the addition of glycerol was attributed to the reduction of cellulose damage by slowing down the dissolution and cross-linking in the cellulose viscose. The enhancement of the physical strength of regenerated cellulose fiber can be realized by the appropriate adjustment of the hydrogen bond distribution in the ionic liquid system with additives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers and Fibers)
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15 pages, 4904 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly and Complete Recycling of Waste Bamboo-Based Disposable Paper Cups for Value-Added Transparent Cellulose-Based Films and Paper Plastic Composites
by Peng Jia, Xiaoqian Ji, Bin Zheng, Chunyang Wang, Wenjie Hao, Wenjia Han, Jun Zhang, Guangmei Xia, Xingxiang Ji and Jinming Zhang
Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14081589 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8127
Abstract
Disposable paper cups are widely used in daily life and most of them are landfilled or incinerated after use, resulting in a serious ecological hazard and significant waste of resources due to the usage of thin polyethylene (PE) as their inner coating. Hence, [...] Read more.
Disposable paper cups are widely used in daily life and most of them are landfilled or incinerated after use, resulting in a serious ecological hazard and significant waste of resources due to the usage of thin polyethylene (PE) as their inner coating. Hence, converting these common solid domestic wastes into high-value added materials is attractive and meaningful. In this study, transparent cellulose-based films were achieved from old bamboo-based disposable paper cups after pretreatment through using the room ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl) as solvent. The cellulose-based film with a dense texture demonstrated a relatively nice mechanical and UV-shielding performances, and its tensile strength was as high as 48 MPa, much higher than that of commercial polyethylene (PE, 12 MPa) film. Thus, the resultant cellulose-based film showed a great potential in the packaging field. Besides, the flexible paper plastic composites (PPC) were also fabricated from the rest thin PE coating with the stuck fibers, and it was found that PPC showed excellent mechanical property and hydrophobicity. Consequently, a feasible and eco-friendly process of recycling and reusing waste disposable paper cups was developed to achieve a complete utilization and valorization of waste disposable paper cups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Application of Cellulose-Based Composites)
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15 pages, 5054 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of Transparent and Uniform Cellulose/Polyethylene Composite Films from Used Disposable Paper Cups by the “One-Pot Method”
by Lixiang Wang, Qiwen Zhou, Xiaoqian Ji, Jianfeng Peng, Haq Nawaz, Guangmei Xia, Xingxiang Ji, Jinming Zhang and Jun Zhang
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061070 - 8 Mar 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4304
Abstract
Disposable paper cups are usually composed of high-grade paper board and an inner polyethylene coatings and are extensively used in daily life. However, most disposable paper cups are only used for a short time and then incinerated or accumulated in landfill at the [...] Read more.
Disposable paper cups are usually composed of high-grade paper board and an inner polyethylene coatings and are extensively used in daily life. However, most disposable paper cups are only used for a short time and then incinerated or accumulated in landfill at the end of their service due to the difficulty in separating the components, leading to a serious threat to our ecosystem. Therefore, developing a facile and green method to recycle and reuse disposable paper cups is vital. By using ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl) as a solvent, transparent and homogenous cellulose/polyethylene composite films were successfully prepared from used bamboo-based disposable paper cups through the “one-pot method”, without any pre-treatment. It was found that there was a transformation of cellulose I to II after the dissolution and regeneration processes, and the crystallinity degree of the regenerated cellulose-based materials decreased significantly, resulting in a change in thermal properties. Meanwhile, compared to traditional pure cellulose films, the composite films possessed good UV-shielding properties and hydrophobicity. Moreover, they also displayed good mechanical properties. Additionally, the size of the ground PE coatings displayed obvious effects on the structures and properties of the composite films, where the CPE100 (sieved with 100–200 mesh) possessed the most homogeneous texture and the highest tensile strength (82 Mpa), higher than that of commercial polyethylene film (9–12 MPa), showing superiority as packaging or wrapping materials. Consequently, the goals to fabricate uniform cellulose/polyethylene composite films and valorize the solid waste from disposable paper cups were simultaneously achieved by a facile and green “one-pot method”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites)
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13 pages, 3738 KiB  
Article
Electromagnetic Shielding and Flame Retardancy of Composite Films Constructed with Cellulose and Graphene Nanoplates
by Zuwei Fan, Yuanyuan Yu, Xiaojie Cheng and Rangtong Liu
Materials 2022, 15(3), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15031088 - 30 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3646
Abstract
Aimed at improving the electromagnetic (EM) shielding and flame retardancy of cellulose materials, graphene (GE) nanoplates were introduced into cellulose matrix films by blending in1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The structure and performance of the obtained composite films were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, [...] Read more.
Aimed at improving the electromagnetic (EM) shielding and flame retardancy of cellulose materials, graphene (GE) nanoplates were introduced into cellulose matrix films by blending in1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The structure and performance of the obtained composite films were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, EM shielding effectiveness (SE), and combustion tests. GE introduction formed and stacked laminated structures in the films after drying due to controlled shrinkage of the cellulose matrix. The lamination of GE nanoplates into the films was beneficial for providing EM shielding due to multiple internal reflection of EM radiation; furthermore, they also increased flame resistance based on the “labyrinth effect.” The SE of these composite films increased gradually with increased GE content and reached 22.3 dB under an incident frequency of 1500 MHz. TG analysis indicated that these composite films possessed improved thermal stability due to GE addition. Reduced flammability was confirmed by their extended times to ignition or inability to be ignited, reduced heat release rates observed in cone calorimetry tests, and increased limiting oxygen index values. These films with improved EM shielding and flame retardancy could be considered potential candidates for multipurpose materials in various applications, such as electronics and radar evasion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances and Applications of 2D Materials)
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14 pages, 1172 KiB  
Article
Development of an Antifungal Device Based on Oriental Mustard Flour to Prevent Fungal Growth and Aflatoxin B1 Production in Almonds
by Tiago Melo Nazareth, Raquel Torrijos, Karla Paiva Bocate, Jordi Mañes, Fernando Bittencourt Luciano, Giuseppe Meca and Pilar Vila-Donat
Toxins 2022, 14(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14010005 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3295
Abstract
The present study describes the manufacture of an antifungal device composed of oriental mustard flour and hydroxyethyl-cellulose (H-OMF) and evaluates its efficacity in inhibiting Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production in almonds. Additionally, it compares the H-OMF with allyl [...] Read more.
The present study describes the manufacture of an antifungal device composed of oriental mustard flour and hydroxyethyl-cellulose (H-OMF) and evaluates its efficacity in inhibiting Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production in almonds. Additionally, it compares the H-OMF with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and a freeze-dried extract of yellow mustard flour (YMF-E); such substances were previously described as antifungal. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), the H-OMF in vitro antifungal activity, and the residual fungal population, as well as the production of AFB1 in almonds were determined. AITC and YMF-E showed significant antifungal activity in vitro. Additionally, the in vitro activity of H-OMF avoided mycelial growth by applying 30 mg/L. Almonds treated with AITC (5.07, 10.13, and 20.26 mg/L) and H-OMF (2000 and 4000 mg/L) showed a reduction in the population of A. flavus and the production of AFB1 to values below the limit of detection. YMF-E showed effectiveness by in vitro methodologies (MIC and MFC) but did not show efficacy when applied in almonds. Our findings indicated that the hydroxyethyl-cellulose-based device containing oriental mustard flour might be utilised as a fumigant to increase the safety of almonds and could be extended to other cereals or dry fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reduction and Control of Mycotoxins along Entire Food and Feed Chain)
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13 pages, 4558 KiB  
Article
Transparent Cellulose-Based Films Prepared from Used Disposable Paper Cups via an Ionic Liquid
by Zhen Xu, Qiwen Zhou, Lixiang Wang, Guangmei Xia, Xingxiang Ji, Jinming Zhang, Jun Zhang, Haq Nawaz, Jie Wang and Jianfeng Peng
Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4209; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234209 - 1 Dec 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4986
Abstract
Paper cups are widely employed in daily life with many advantages, but most of the used paper cups are incinerated or landfilled, due to the great challenge of separating the thin inner polyethylene (PE) coating, causing the waste of energy and the pollution [...] Read more.
Paper cups are widely employed in daily life with many advantages, but most of the used paper cups are incinerated or landfilled, due to the great challenge of separating the thin inner polyethylene (PE) coating, causing the waste of energy and the pollution of our environment. Therefore, recycling and converting the used paper cups into high-value materials is meaningful and important. In this work, transparent cellulose-based films were successfully prepared from the used paper cups via 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid after simple pretreatment. Additionally, the difference in properties and structures of cellulose-based films regenerated in different coagulation baths (water or ethanol) was also explored. It was found that the cellulose-based film possessed good thermal property and displayed better hydrophobicity than the traditional pure cellulose film. Moreover, they also demonstrated good mechanical property and the tensile strength of cellulose-based film regenerated in water can reach 31.5 Mpa, higher than those of cellulose-based film regenerated in ethanol (25.5 Mpa) and non-degradable polyethylene film (9–12 MPa), indicating their great potential as the packaging materials. Consequently, valorization of the low cost used paper cups and preparation of high-valve cellulose-based films were realized simultaneously by a facile and green process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers and Bioplastics)
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10 pages, 4389 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Biological Pretreatment on Rice Straw by an Ionic Liquid or Surfactant
by Ken-Lin Chang, Chun-Hung Liu, Paripok Phitsuwan, Khanok Ratanakhanokchai, Yung-Chang Lin, Cheng-Di Dong, Ming-Hsun Lin and Gordon C. C. Yang
Catalysts 2021, 11(11), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11111274 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3074
Abstract
Fungal delignification can be a feasible process to pretreat biomass for bioethanol production if its performance is improved in terms of efficiency through a few modifications. The aim of this study was to enhance the biodelignification pretreatment of rice straw using laccase in [...] Read more.
Fungal delignification can be a feasible process to pretreat biomass for bioethanol production if its performance is improved in terms of efficiency through a few modifications. The aim of this study was to enhance the biodelignification pretreatment of rice straw using laccase in the presence of ionic liquid (1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [AMIM]Cl) or surfactant (TritonX-100). Addition of 750 mg/L [AMIM]Cl and 500 mg/L TritonX-100 increases the lignin removal to 18.49% and 31.79%, which is higher than that of laccase only (11.97%). The enzymatic saccharification process was carried out based on different strategies. The highest cellulose conversion, 40.96%, 38.24%, and 37.91%, was obtained after 72 h of enzymatic saccharification when the substrate was washed with distilled water after pretreatment of rice straw with laccase + TritonX-100, laccase + [AMIM]Cl, and laccase only, respectively. In addition, the morphology and structure changes of pretreated and untreated rice straw were studied. Both surface area and cellulose crystallinity are substantially altered after laccase + [AMIM]Cl and laccase + TritonX-100 pretreatment. Enhanced saccharification efficiency of rice straw was achieved by laccase pretreatment with ionic liquid or surfactant in a single system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Processes in Biofuel Production and Biomass Valorization)
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