Search Results (159)

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of liquid–solid (LS) systems on the dissolution profiles of a poorly soluble drug—suvorexant (SUV). In the first stage of this study, LS systems were prepared by using two different non-volatile solvents: ethylene glycol diethyl ether and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400). To compare the properties of different types of LS systems, formulations were prepared that differed in the content of SUV (10 and 20 mg) as well as in the ratio of excipients (microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silica), which was 10:1 or 1:1. The physicochemical properties of the prepared formulations were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This was followed by a dissolution study of SUV from prepared LS systems, using a 0.4% sodium lauryl sulfate solution as the medium to maintain sink conditions. Results showed that the LS systems change the crystalline structure of SUV to an amorphous one and improve the dissolution rate of SUV. The greatest improvement was achieved by using the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silica in a 10:1 ratio for the preparation of the system (CCA variant). It was observed that the type of solvent used and the order of combining excipients during the preparation of LS systems are also important for the properties. The main point was that physicochemical characterization of the prepared formulations lead to a loss of crystallinity of SUV associated with its introduction into liquid–solid systems. Full article

This study systematically investigated the pretreatment effects of diol-based DESs (deep eutectic solvents) on Pinus massoniana Lamb. (P. massoniana). A diol-based DES system (Choline chloride (ChCl): AlCl₃: BDO) was developed to degrade and disassemble P. massoniana, thereby facilitating saccharification and achieving the utilization of high-value lignin. The DES-based pretreatment achieved a glucan recovery yield of 92.95% and a xylan yield of 71.73% at 130 °C. Meanwhile, the lignin removal yields reached 61.96% at 130 °C, and the lignin recovered from DES fractionation was also preserved well; moreover, the β-O-4′ linkage content was retained at approximately 51.63%. DES was also demonstrated to be promising for promoting cellulose saccharification, lignin fractionation and enzymatic hydrolysis. The preservation mechanism was speculated to involve the introduction of diol -OH groups at the C_α-position of the lignin β-O-4′ structure via etherification. In addition, FT-IR indicated that the main structure of cellulose in P. massoniana remained unchanged after pretreatment. The grafting of diol onto the C_α-position of the β-O-4′ linkages was confirmed by 2D-HSQC, which could inhibit lignin further condensation; ³¹P NMR revealed that the total phenolic -OH content increased significantly and was enhanced by pretreatment, which indicated that methoxy and ether bond groups were reduced. Full article

Ionic liquid (IL) N-methyl-N′-1-(4-t-butylphenylphosphinyl)butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl) imide was used for the first time as an ion carrier in membrane systems to selectively transport Au(III), Pt(IV), and Pd(II) ions. Au(III), Pd(II), and Pt(IV) were transported from HCl solutions utilizing a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) with cellulose triacetate as the support, o-nitrophenyl pentyl ether as the plasticizer, and ionic liquid as the mentioned ion carrier. The modifications of source and receiving aqueous phase compositions are examined. High selectivity for Au(III) using the ionic liquid in the membrane was achieved at elevated HCl concentrations (≥0.5 M). When a 0.010 M KI solution was used as the receiving phase and a membrane with the optimal composition was applied, the extraction of Au(III) ions reached a maximum recovery rate of 93%. Moreover, PIM studies showed that carrier molecules doped in the membrane creates complexes with the Au(III) ion with a molar ratio of 1:1. The extractability of Au(III) through PIMs exceeded that of other metal ions, with the selectivity of transported metal ions ranked as follows: Au(III) >> Pt(IV), Pd(II). The recovery factors for gold, platinum, and palladium ions after 6 h of transport were 94%, 8%, and 1%, respectively. Full article

Cellulose dissolution solvents have been developed for the fabrication of regenerated cellulose (RC) films, which are known for their high optical transparency, excellent barrier properties, and biodegradability. In this study, three types of aqueous dissolution systems, including glycol ether/sodium hydroxide (NaOH), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/NaOH, and urea/NaOH aqueous systems, were investigated to compare their effects on lignocellulosic microfine (LCMF) solutions and the resulting regenerated cellulose films. The dissolution yields of LCMFs in these solvents ranged from 77.0% to 85.0%. The incorporation of glycol-based co-solvents in NaOH significantly influenced the transparency (over 70% of transparency) of the regenerated LCMF films. The use of a high molecular weight of co-solvent (PEG) especially resulted in enhanced stability of the LCMF solutions, as evidenced by higher inherent viscosities and the minimal viscosity change over 30 days compared to glycol ether/NaOH and urea/NaOH systems. Furthermore, the films regenerated from the PEG/NaOH solvent showed the lowest shrinkage (19.4%) and the highest mechanical strength (47.8 MPa), followed by the glycol ether/NaOH and urea/NaOH systems. These results confirm that the type of co-solvent in cellulose dissolution systems influences the composition, coagulation behavior, and drying characteristics of regenerated LCMF films, affecting their mechanical performance. This study provides insights into the effective utilization of lignocellulosic materials for the efficient fabrication of regenerated cellulose. Full article

Gypsum is one of the main binding materials used in the construction industry. Its properties can be modified by the addition of chemical admixtures that may influence the hydration process and the microstructure of the hardened material. An important group of such admixtures comprises cellulose ethers. The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth analysis of the effects of hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC) on the hydration and mechanical properties of gypsum. HEMC was applied in various amounts (ranging from 0.5 to 7% by mass of gypsum); the water-to-gypsum ratio was 0.75. The hydration process was investigated using calorimetry, thermal analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. Compressive and bending strength tests were also performed. The results of calorimetric measurements show that the presence of HEMC led to delayed hydration and prolonged gypsum crystallization, particularly at higher admixture dosages. No formation of new phases in the gypsum paste was observed in the presence of HEMC. However, the admixture modified the microstructure of the hardened material, as reflected by increased compressive and bending strength. This effect is most likely associated with the slower precipitation of gypsum crystals in the presence of HEMC. Full article

This study presents a simple method for producing chemically crosslinked porous materials from lignocellulosic fibers with different particle sizes and lignin contents. Porous materials were prepared from organosolv pulp (OP), kneaded organosolv pulp (KOP), lignin-rich microfibrillated cellulose (LMFC), and enzyme cellulose nanofiber (ECNF) and were crosslinked using epichlorohydrin, glutaraldehyde, and glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE). Among the crosslinkers, GDE provided the best dimensional stability and elastic recovery after repeated compression–recovery cycles in water. Notably, KOP-based porous materials outperformed those derived from LMFC and ECNF, despite being produced via a simple kneading process without energy-intensive fibrillation. KOP-derived materials exhibited excellent dimensional stability and high water absorption exceeding 5890%, demonstrating strong potential for bio-based absorbent applications such as hygiene and packaging. Full article

Carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl cellulose (CMHPC) combines the advantages of both carboxymethyl and hydroxypropyl substitutions, exhibiting superior solubility, viscosity characteristics, and enhanced salt tolerance compared to carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). This study presents an optimized synthesis route for CMHPC through homogeneous hydroxypropylation of CMC under alkaline conditions. The effects of key reaction parameters, including propylene oxide amount and reaction time, on the structure and resulting properties were systematically investigated. The resulting CMHPC were comprehensively characterized using FTIR, solid state ¹³C NMR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc., confirming the successful hydroxypropyl group incorporation and morphological changes. In our findings, the suitable concentrations for NaOH and CMC were 5% and 4%, respectively, which could balance the yield and solution fluidity. CMHPC exhibited a much faster dissolution speed (3–5 min) than that of CMC (>30 min), indicating markedly enhanced hydrophilicity and solubility. Moreover, CMHPC also exhibited improved salt and acidity tolerance due to the steric hindrance of hydroxypropyl groups. CMHPC was also used to modify recycled coarse aggregate (RCA), and the results indicated that CMHPC could enhance the surface compactness and structural integrity of RCA. Moreover, CMHPC effectively improved the water resistance of RCA by constructing a physical barrier and optimizing the pore structure of the aggregate. This research provides valuable insights into the fabrication of modified cellulose ethers in homogeneous systems and offers a practical pathway for producing high-value cellulose derivatives with tailored properties, particularly for potential construction applications. Full article

To avoid dependence on conventional raw materials, global emphasis has been placed on obtaining alternative plant celluloses and the chemical synthesis of cellulose. The use of synthetically derived cellulose as a precursor for cellulose nitrates (NCs) is currently absent in global practice, which underscores the undoubted relevance of this research. Cellulose nitrate (NC) was synthesized in a 138% actual yield by nitration of synthetic cellulose (SC)—a new type of cellulose—prepared by electropolymerization from an aqueous glucose solution in the presence of catalytic tungsten–vanadium heteropolyacid of the 1–12 series with the chemical formula H₆[PW₁₀V₂O₄₀]: a nitrogen content of 11.83%, a viscosity of 198 mPa·s, a high solubility of 91% in an alcohol–ether solvent, and an ash content of 0.05%. SEM provided a general concept of the morphological structure of SC and SC-derived NC. The initial SC consisted of flat, curly fibers with a smooth surface approximately 10–20 μm wide, with no aggregation observed. The fibers of SC-derived NC had a cylindrical shape with a diameter of up to 25 μm and a rough surface. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that SC and SC-derived NC have the main functional groups characteristic of classical cellulose (3346, 2901, 1644, 1429, 1162, and 1112 cm⁻¹) and nitrate esters of cellulose (1650, 1278, 832, 747, and 689 cm⁻¹), respectively. For the first time, a full-profile analysis discovered that SC is made up of the monoclinic phase of cellulose Iβ with an antiparallel chain arrangement. SC with a crystallinity index (CrI) of 81–86% was shown to undergo amorphization upon nitration, with the CrI declining to 17% and the crystallite sizes decreasing from 44 × 62 × 59 × 94 Å to 29 × 62 × 26 × 38 Å. Coupled TGA/DTA revealed that SC exhibits a high-temperature endothermic peak of decomposition of 374 °C, with a weight loss of 84%. The thermostable SC-derived NC exhibits a high onset temperature of intense decomposition of 200 °C and an exothermic peak of 208 °C, with a weight loss of 88%, and is characterized by a high specific heat of decomposition of 7.74 kJ/g. This study provides new insights into the functionalization of SC with a high degree of polymerization, expanding the classical concepts of cellulose nitration. Full article

Brazil is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane, and its processing residues have potential as feed for ruminants; however, treatments are required to improve their digestibility. This study evaluated the chemical composition, carbohydrate fractionation, and ruminal degradability of sugarcane silages from two genotypes treated with alkaline additives—calcium oxide (CaO) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). A 2 × 4 factorial design was used, comprising two genotypes and four treatments (no additives, 1% CaO, 1% NaOH, and 0.5% CaO + 0.5% NaOH). A significant interaction (p < 0.05) between genotype and additive was observed for dry matter, ether extract, fiber components, lignin, cellulose, non-fiber carbohydrates, total digestible nutrients, and phosphorus. The IAC-862480 genotype without additives exhibited higher values for most variables compared with CTC-3. Interactions were also detected for total carbohydrates and fractions A + B1 and C, except in silages treated with 1% CaO or the combined 0.5% CaO + 0.5% NaOH, where genotypes did not differ. Overall, alkaline additives improved the nutritional quality of sugarcane silages. Treatments with 1% CaO or 0.5% CaO + 0.5% NaOH were the most effective in hydrolyzing structural carbohydrates and enhancing dry matter and neutral detergent fiber degradability, especially in the CTC-3 genotype. Full article

To promote energy efficiency, emission reduction, and green low-carbon development, this study investigates the influence of cellulose ether (CE) content and its interactions with supplementary materials, including stone powder (SP), manufactured sand (MS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and bentonite (BT), on the performance of premixed mortar using an L16(4⁵) orthogonal experimental design. The effects of five factors at four levels were analyzed, focusing on mortar workability and compressive strength. Results showed that CE content significantly affected consistency, water retention, and compressive strength (p < 0.01). A 60% increase in CE led to a 4.7% reduction in flowability, a 2.05% improvement in water retention, and an 18.49% decrease in compressive strength. Response surface methodology identified optimal compositions for each property. The CE-BT interaction influenced consistency (R² = 0.6894), while CE-PVA interactions affected water retention (R² = 0.9336). A ternary model for compressive strength (CE-SP-MS) showed that SP and MS replacements had significant negative effects, with optimal SP replacement at 10%. PVA at 0.04% effectively inhibited plastic shrinkage cracking. The study provides predictive models for mortar performance, aiding in the optimization of premixed mortar formulations. Full article

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a versatile cellulose ether with two standardized forms: highly substituted (H-HPC), which is water-soluble and thermoresponsive, and low-substituted (L-HPC), which is insoluble but swellable. This systematic review with bibliometric analysis aimed to map the global HPC research landscape (2005–2024), focusing on publication trends, research impact, and thematic directions. Original research articles and conference proceedings indexed in Scopus were included, while reviews and non-research items were excluded. The database was searched on 7 July 2025 using predefined strategies and analyzed using Excel for descriptive statistics and VOSviewer for network visualization. Risk of bias assessment was not applicable; data accuracy was ensured through duplicate removal and the use of standardized bibliometric indicators. A total of 1273 H-HPC and 92 L-HPC publications were analyzed. H-HPC research dominates multidisciplinary applications in drug delivery, 3D printing, thermochromic, and energy materials, whereas L-HPC remains focused on pharmaceutical disintegration and binding. Nevertheless, the field is constrained by reliance on commercial grades and a narrow application focus, leaving broader material innovations underexplored. HPC is positioned as a strategic polysaccharide derivative with expanding translational potential. Future studies should emphasize greener synthesis, advanced functionalization, and industrial scale-up. Funding: Supported by BRIN. Systematic review registration: INPLASY202590019. Full article

Background: Natural compounds such as fisetin have promising in breast cancer treatment, but their poor pharmacokinetics limit their therapeutic application. This study utilized a synergistic approach by combining fisetin-loaded Nigella sativa (N.S.) oil nanovesicles (FIS-NSs) and carbohydrate-based microneedles (FIS-NSs-MNs) to improve breast cancer management. Methods: Chemical composition of NS petroleum ether extract using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). FIS-NSs were prepared and characterized for particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and stability. These vesicles were embedded into gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and carboxymethyl cellulose microneedles. In vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, and in vivo antitumor efficacy in Ehrlich tumor models were evaluated. Results: Optimized FIS-NSs displayed nanoscale size (190 ± 0.74 nm), low P.D.I (0.25 ± 0.07), high surface charge (+37 ± 0.57 mV), and high encapsulation (88 ± 0.77%). In vitro investigations showed sustained FIS release (~85% over 72 h), while ex vivo permeation showed higher absorption than free fisetin. Both FIS-NSs and FIS-NSs-MNs showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, with lower IC₅₀ than free fisetin (24.7 µM). In vivo, FIS-NSs-MNs and tumor burden inhibition (~77%), reduced oxidative stress (54%), restored antioxidant defenses, and decreased inflammatory markers. Immunohistochemical analysis for caspase-3 showed apoptosis activation within tumor tissues. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that FIS administration via NS-MNs improves drug stability, penetration, and apoptotic activity, resulting in enhanced anticancer effects. This innovative nanovesicle–microneedle platform provides a non-invasive, effective, and patient-friendly approach for the effective treatment of breast cancer, with potential for broader applications in oncological nanomedicine. Full article

In an era defined by the imperative for sustainable, high-performance materials, this review examines the development and utility of key ester and ether derivatives from both cellulose and hemicellulose sourced from lignocellulosic biomass, with a special emphasis on waste feedstocks. Our findings indicate that these derivatives exhibit tunable physicochemical properties, enabling their broad use in established industrial sectors while also fueling the emergence of novel technological applications in nanotechnology, controlled delivery, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, electronics, and energy fields. This dual-polysaccharide platform demonstrates that underutilized biomass streams can be repurposed as valuable feedstocks, promoting a circular supply chain and supporting more sustainable solutions, thereby aligning with the goals of eco-friendly innovation in materials science. Future progress will likely depend on integrating green chemistry synthesis routes, optimizing waste-to-product conversion efficiency and scalability, and engineering derivatives for multifunctional performance, thus bridging the gap between commodity-scale use and high-tech material innovation. Full article

The potential of fungal probiotics as ruminant feed additives has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. oryzae and T. longibrachiatum supplementation on Angus cattle during the early stages of fattening. In this study, 80 Angus cattle aged approximately 9~10 months (40 males and 40 females), with an average initial body weight (BW) of 276.46 ± 27.92 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups. Each group included 4 replicates (2 replicates of males and 2 replicates of females). Each replicate contained 5 male or 5 female Angus cattle. Cattle in the control group received a total mixed ration (TMR) without additives, while those in test groups 1, 2, and 3 received a TMR supplemented with complex probiotics (CPs) at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g·kg⁻¹ of feed dry matter (DM), respectively. The adaptation and experimental periods were 7 and 60 days, respectively. Compared with those in the control group, the apparent digestibility of ether extract, calcium, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher in test group 3. Test group 2 exhibited increased apparent digestibility of hemicellulose. Meanwhile, test group 3 exhibited increased levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acids and decreased pH. CPs increased the abundance of the SR1 phylum, Solibacillus, Lysinibacillus, and Planococcaceae_Bacillus and decreased the proportions of Lactococcus, Ruminococcus, and Ophryoscolex. Solibacillus was associated with the apparent digestibility of CP, Ca, and ADF. Planococcaceae_Bacillus was associated with increased apparent digestibility of CP, ADF, and hemicellulose. This suggests that CPs improve crude protein and cellulose digestion by increasing the proportions of Solibacillus and Planococcaceae_Bacillus. Therefore, the optimal CP dietary supplementation dose for Angus cattle was 3 g·kg⁻¹ of DM. Full article

This study aims to address the poor extensibility, brittleness, and limited hydration stability of pure sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels, which hinder their use in flexible, skin-adherent applications such as facial masks, by developing bio-based composites incorporating five representative functional additives: xanthan gum, guar gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), poly(ethylene glycol)-240/hexamethylene diisocyanate copolymer bis-decyl tetradeceth-20 ether (GT-700), and Laponite^® XLG. Composite hydrogels were prepared by blending 1.5 wt% SA with 0.3 wt% of each additive in aqueous humectant solution, followed by ionic crosslinking using 3% (w/w) CaCl₂ solution. Physicochemical characterization included rotational viscometry, uniaxial tensile testing, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, swelling ratio analysis, and pH measurement. Among them, the SA/XLG composite exhibited the most favorable performance, showing the highest viscosity, shear-thickening behavior, and markedly enhanced extensibility with an elongation at break of 14.8% (compared to 2.5% for neat SA). It also demonstrated a mean swelling ratio of 0.24 g/g and complete dissolution in water within one year. ATR-FTIR confirmed distinct non-covalent interactions between SA and XLG without covalent modification. The hydrogel also demonstrated excellent conformability to complex 3D surfaces, consistent hydration retention under centrifugal stress (+23.6% mass gain), and complete biodegradability in aqueous environments. Although its moderately alkaline pH (8.96) may require buffering for dermatological compatibility, its mechanical resilience and environmental responsiveness support its application as a sustainable, single-use skin-contact material. Notably, the SA/XLG composite hydrogel demonstrated compatibility with personalized fabrication strategies integrating 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, wherein facial topography is digitized and transformed into anatomically matched molds—highlighting its potential for customized cosmetic and biomedical applications. Full article