Search Results (129)

The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to increased interest in biodegradable polymer fibers and nonwoven mats due to their eco-friendly characteristics and potential to reduce plastic pollution. This review highlights how mechanical properties influence the performance and suitability of biodegradable polymer fibers across diverse applications. This covers synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as well as natural polymers including chitosan, collagen, cellulose, alginate, silk fibroin, and starch-based polymers. A range of fiber production methods is discussed, including electrospinning, centrifugal spinning, spunbonding, melt blowing, melt spinning, and wet spinning, with attention to how each technique influences tensile strength, elongation, and modulus. The review also addresses advances in composite fibers, nanoparticle incorporation, crosslinking methods, and post-processing strategies that improve mechanical behavior. In addition, mechanical testing techniques such as tensile test machine, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis are examined to show how fabrication parameters influence fiber performance. This review examines the mechanical performance of biodegradable polymer fibers and fibrous mats, emphasizing their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials in applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical implants, wound dressings, packaging, and filtration. Full article

Honey, propolis or royal jelly are considered natural remedies with therapeutic properties since antiquity. Many papers explore the development of antimicrobial biomaterials based on individual bee products, but there is a lack of studies on their synergistic effects. Combining honey, propolis and royal jelly with silver nanoparticles in a biopolymer matrix offers a synergistic strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This approach supports progress in wound healing, soft tissue engineering and other domains where elimination of the microorganisms is needed like food packaging. In this study we have obtained antimicrobial films based on bee products and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated in an alginate–chitosan blend. The novel biomaterials were analyzed by UV-Vis, fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy or microscopy, SEM and thermal analysis. Antibacterial tests were conducted against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while the antifungal properties were tested against Candida albicans. The diameters for growth inhibition zones were up to 10 mm for bacterial strains and 8 mm for the fungal strain. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays were performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of the materials, the results indicating that the combination of honey, propolis, royal jelly and AgNPs does not produce synergistic toxicity. Full article

Fruit and vegetable production is often impacted by microbial pathogens that compromise the quality of produce and lead to significant economic losses at the postharvest stages. Due to their efficacy, agrochemicals are widely applied in disease management; nevertheless, this practice has led to the appearance of microbial strains resistant to these types of agrochemicals. Additionally, there is growing concern among consumers about the presence of these chemical residues in fruits and the negative impacts they cause on multiple ecosystems. In response, there is a growing need for safe, effective, green, and sustainable disease control technologies. Bionanocomposites, with their unique ability to combine nanomaterials and biopolymers that have attractive properties, represents a promising alternative for postharvest disease control. These technologies allow for the development of functional coatings and films with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, which are critical for extending shelf life and preserving fruit quality. Recent advances have demonstrated that integrating nanoparticles, such as ZnO, TiO₂, Ag, and chitosan-based nanosystems, into biopolymeric matrices, like alginate, pectin, starch, or cellulose, can enhance mechanical strength, regulate gas exchange, and control the release of active agents. This review presents systematized information that is focused on the creation of coatings and films based on bionanocomposites for the management of disease in fruits and vegetables. It also discusses the use of diverse biopolymers and nanomaterials and their impact on the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Full article

Global concerns about environmental pollution, poor waste management, and the rise in antimicrobial resistance due to uncontrolled antibiotic use have driven researchers to seek alternative, multifaceted solutions. Plants, animals, microorganisms, and their processing wastes serve as valuable sources of natural biopolymers and bioactive compounds. Through nanotechnology, these can be assembled into formulations with enhanced antimicrobial properties, high safety, and low toxicity. This review explores polysaccharides, including chitosan, alginate, starch, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, gums, carrageenan, dextran, pullulan, and hyaluronic acid, used in nanotechnology, highlighting their advantages and limitations as nanocarriers. Addressing the global urgency for alternative antimicrobials, we examined natural compounds derived from plants, microorganisms, and animals, such as phytochemicals, bacteriocins, animal antimicrobial peptides, and proteins. Focusing on their protection and retained activity, this review discusses polysaccharide-based nanoformulations with natural antimicrobials, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, nanoplexes, and nanogels. Special emphasis is placed on strategies and formulations for the encapsulation, entrapment, and conjugation of natural compounds using polysaccharides as protective carriers and delivery systems, including a brief discussion on their future applications, prospects, and challenges in scaling up. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes over 84% of all lung cancer cases and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Alectinib, a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, is effective in ALK-positive NSCLC; however, its clinical potential is hampered by poor aqueous solubility and limited oral bioavailability. This study aimed to develop Alectinib-loaded chitosan–alginate nanoparticles (ACANPs) to enhance its solubility, oral bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. Methods: ACANPs were synthesized using a novel combined solid/oil/water (s/o/w) emulsification technique with ionotropic gelation. Characterization was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements. A validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method quantified the Alectinib. In vitro drug release studies compared free Alectinib with ACANPs. Cytotoxicity against NSCLC cell lines (A549 and H460) was assessed using MTT assays. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in rats using LC–MS/MS. Results: ACANPs showed a high encapsulation efficiency (~97%), an average particle size of 161 nm, and a positive zeta potential of +21 mV. In vitro release studies revealed a threefold increase in drug release from ACANPs over 48 h compared to free Alectinib. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated significantly reduced IC₅₀ values for ACANPs. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed an enhanced maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the curve (AUC), indicating a 78% increase in oral bioavailability. Conclusions: ACANPs substantially improved the solubility, cytotoxic efficacy, and oral bioavailability of Alectinib, suggesting their potential as a promising nanocarrier system for enhancing NSCLC treatment outcomes. Full article

The presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in water bodies has emerged as a new environmental concern and the efficient separation of these nanoparticles remains a critical challenge. Here, we developed novel magnetic nanoflocculants for the recovery of AgNPs from water. Alternating layers of biopolymers, in particular, chitosan, alginate, and polymeric bio-based soluble substances (BBS) derived from urban waste, were coated on magnetic nanoparticles via the layer-by-layer technique to prepare reusable magnetic nanoflocculants (MNFs). The MNFs obtained were characterized with diverse physicochemical techniques. Surface response methodology, based on the Doehlert matrix, has shown to be a useful tool to determine the effect of pH (in the range 5–9), concentration of AgNPs (7–20 mg L⁻¹), and MNFs (50–1000 mg L⁻¹) on the performance of AgNPs removal. The model predicts a high AgNPs removal percentage at low pH values and high MNF concentration. In particular, for the most efficient MNFs, 90% of AgNPs removal was obtained at pH 5 and 600 mg L⁻¹ MNF concentration. Additionally, the effects of AgNPs size, ionic strength, the presence of humic acids, and two types of surfactants (LAS anionic and TWEEN 20 nonionic) on the AgNPs removal were evaluated. Finally, recovery and reuse experiments showed that MNF made of Chitosan-BBS can be reused in ten cycles, losing only 30% of the initial removal capacity. Therefore, magnetic flocculation could represent a sustainable alternative for AgNPs separation with potential applications in water treatment and remediation of nanoparticle contamination. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural polymer nanoparticles have potential as delivery systems, can enhance pharmacological activity, and can improve stability in the cosmetic field. In this research, we implemented a development approach for chitosan–alginate and chitosan–pectin nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate effect of formulation, process variables, in vitro antiaging evaluation, and metabolite profiling of Toona sinensis leaf extracts. Methods: Polymeric nanoparticles have been prepared using the ionic gelation method (Temperature = 40 °C, time = 1 h and speed = 1000 rpm), in vitro antiaging evaluation using the Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor Screening Kit method, and analysis of metabolite profiling with UHPLC–HRMS. Results: Research results found that the SLE and EAFSL nanoparticles that have good and stable characteristics before and after storage in a climatic chamber after 3 months are FIIA-NPSLE (0.75% chitosan and 1.25% Alginate), FIP-NPSLE (1% chitosan and 0.5% Pectin), FIIA-NPEAFSL (0.75% chitosan and 1.25% Alginate), and FIIIP-NPEAFSL (0.125% chitosan and 0.375% Alginate). Chitosan–alginate polymers, such as FIIA-NPEAFSL, have higher inhibition of the elastase enzyme than FIIA-NPSLE, with a % inhibition (IC₅₀) of FIIA-NPEAFSL being 87.30%, while the IC₅₀ of FIIA-NPSLE is 39.40%. Meanwhile, using chitosan–pectin polymers, such as FIP-NPSLE, results in lower inhibition of the elastase enzyme compared to the chitosan–alginate polymer, with an IC₅₀ of 27.28% while IC₅₀ FIIIP-NPEAFSL is 39.53%. SLE and EAFSL nanoparticles with chitosan–alginate and chitosan–pectin polymers resulted in a significant PDI during storage from 1.3 to 1.9, and zeta potential values were very low, ranging from −11 mV to −27 mV. Metabolite profiling using UHPLC–HRMS on T. sinensis leaf extracts revealed that the main compounds contained were glycitein, quercetin, quercetin-3β-D-glucoside, kaempferol, and ellagic acid, which has potential as an antiaging agent. Conclusions: It can be concluded that using chitosan, alginate, and pectin in the process of encapsulating extracts into nanoparticles with the same process variables affect evaluation of antiaging activity in elastase enzymes. Further research will develop these nanoparticles into nanohydrogels with antiaging activity. Full article

Iron oxide-based nanoparticles, such as magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have gained significant attention in the area of drug delivery due to their unique magnetic properties, allowing for precise targeting and controlled release of therapeutic agents. Several successful research studies were reported with combinations of magnetic nanoparticles and polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, chitosan, cellulose, etc. The presented research work is based on synthesising MNPs via the co-precipitation method and their successful encapsulation within alginate beads, serving as a promising drug delivery system for aceclofenac, a model drug. The physical and chemical characteristics of both the prepared magnetite nanoparticles and the aceclofenac-loaded MNPs alginate beads were thoroughly examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Furthermore, a drug release study was conducted to evaluate the release kinetics of aceclofenac from the prepared MNP alginate beads. The magnetic characteristics of magnetite and MNP beads shed light on the potential application of novel drug delivery systems for magnetically targeted therapeutic interventions. The present research offers valuable insights into the development of magnetic nanoparticle-based drug carriers, paving the way for enhanced drug delivery strategies in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Full article

Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach for improved regeneration of native tissue and could increase the quality of life of many patients. However, the treatment of injured tissue transitions is still in its early stages, relying primarily on a purely physical approach in medical surgery. A biodegradable implant with a modified surface that is capable of biological active protein delivery via a nanoparticulate release system could advance the field of musculoskeletal disorder treatments enormously. In this study, interconnected 3D macroporous scaffolds based on Polycaprolactone (PCL) were fabricated in a successive process of blending, annealing and leaching. Blending with varying parts of Polyethylene oxide (PEO), NaCl and (powdered) sucrose and altering processing conditions yielded scaffolds with a huge variety of morphologies. The resulting unmodified hydrophobic scaffolds were modified using two graft polymers (CS-g-PCL_x) with x = 29 and 56 (x = PCL units per chitosan unit). Due to the chitosan backbone hydrophilicity was increased and a platform for a versatile nanoparticulate release system was introduced. The graft polymers were synthesized via ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-Caprolactone using hydroxy groups of the chitosan backbone as initiators (grafting from). The suspected impact on biocompatibility of the modification was investigated by in vitro cell testing. In addition, the CS-g-PCL modification opened up the possibility of Layer by Layer (LbL) coating with alginate (ALG) and TGF-β₃-loaded chitosan tripolyphosphate (CS-TGF-β₃-TPP) nanoparticles. The subsequent release study showed promising amounts of growth factor released regarding successful in vitro cell differentiation and therefore could have a possible therapeutic impact. Full article

Hydrogels have emerged as a promising material for the removal of heavy metal ions from contaminated water owing to their high water absorption capacity and biocompatibility. Despite notable advancements in improving the adsorptive capacity of hydrogels, the demand for a more efficient structure persists. Here, we explore the ion adsorption performance of crosslinked hydrogels based on chitosan and sodium alginate with various ratios of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene platelets (GNP). This study highlights the adsorption of chromium ions and the thermal stability of hydrogels for pure, single-particle, and hybrid nanocomposites. The results depict a uniform microstructure attained when CNT, GNP, or both are implemented into the hydrogel due to the strong interaction of functional moieties. The incorporation of CNT and GNP manipulates the crystalline structure of the hydrogels, lowering their crystallinity by around 28% and 13%, respectively. The synergistic effect of CNT and GNP in hybrid hydrogels raises the decomposition temperature by 16%, indicating a favorable interplay interaction between nanoparticles and polymers. Calculations of the adsorption capacity accentuate such a mutual effect between CNT and GNP in various loads of ion capture from aqueous solutions. Kinetic models fitted to the hydrogel nanocomposites reveal that the pseudo-second-order model aligns better with the experimental data in comparison to the pseudo-first-order and intraparticle diffusion models, addressing the adsorption mechanisms while capturing chromium ions. Full article

The development of environmentally friendly materials is a subject of increasing interest in corrosion protection research. The objective of the present investigation is to propose the preparation procedure of chitosan–alginate (CHI/ALG) nanocontainers loaded with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles or combining ZnO nanoparticles with corrosion inhibitor caffeine (CAF), both suitable for incorporation into the matrix of ordinary zinc coatings on mild steel substrates. The nanocontainers were synthesized through spontaneous polysaccharide complexation in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles and CAF using a cross-linking agent, namely tripolyphosphate (TPP). Dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler velocimetry measurements are used for evaluation of the size distribution and zeta potentials of the nanocontainers, both loaded or unloaded with CAF. Using UV-spectroscopy, entrapment efficiency and release amounts of CAF are quantitatively evaluated. The nanocontainers thus obtained were incorporated into the matrices of ordinary zinc coatings via co-electrodeposition with zinc from zinc sulfate solution, aiming to improve the corrosion protection of steel in corrosive environments containing chloride ions. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the electrodeposited hybrid coatings before and after treating in the model corrosive medium of 3.5% NaCl is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cyclic voltammetry method (CVA) is applied to characterize the cathodic (electrodeposition) and anodic (dissolution) processes. The protective characteristics of the hybrid coatings are investigated by application of potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves and polarization resistance (Rp) measurements after a time interval of 40 days. The obtained results indicate that both hybrid coating types could prolong the life time of mild steel in aggressive Cl⁻ ion-containing solution, combining the protection effect of sacrificial zinc with barrier (ZnO) and active (CAF) protective effects. Full article

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signaling molecule in plants, playing key roles in germination, microbial symbiosis, and nodule formation. However, its instability requires innovative approaches, such as using nanoencapsulated NO donors, to prolong its effects. This study evaluated the impact of treating soybean (Glycine max) seeds with the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles, on the germination, nodulation, and plant growth. Seeds were treated with free GSNO, chitosan nanoparticles with/without NO (NP CS-GSNO/NP CS-GSH, where GSH is glutathione, the NO donor precursor), and alginate nanoparticles with/without NO (NP Al-GSNO/NP Al-GSH). Chitosan nanoparticles (positive zeta potential) were smaller and released NO faster compared with alginate nanoparticles (negative zeta potential). The seed treatment with NP CS-GSNO (1 mM, related to GSNO concentration) significantly improved germination percentage, root length, number of secondary roots, and dry root mass of soybean compared with the control. Conversely, NP CS-GSH resulted in decreased root and shoot length. NP Al-GSNO enhanced shoot dry mass and increased the number of secondary roots by approximately threefold at the highest concentrations. NP CS-GSNO, NP Al-GSNO, and NP Al-GSH increased S-nitrosothiol levels in the roots by approximately fourfold compared with the control. However, NP CS-GSNO was the only treatment that increased the nodule dry mass of soybean plants. Therefore, our results indicate the potential of chitosan nanoparticles to improve the application of NO donors in soybean seeds. Full article

Biomimetic natural biomaterial (BNBM) nanocomposite scaffolds for bone replacement can reduce the rate of implant failure and the associated risks of post-surgical complications for patients. Traditional bone implants, like allografts, and autografts, have limitations, such as donor site morbidity and potential patient inflammation. Over two million bone transplant procedures are performed yearly, and success varies depending on the material used. This emphasizes the importance of developing new biomaterials for bone replacement. Innovative BNBM nanocomposites for modern bone fabrication can promote the colonization of the desired cellular components and provide the necessary mechanical properties. Recent studies have highlighted the advantages of BNBM nanocomposites for bone replacement; therefore, this review focuses on the application of cellulose, chitosan, alginates, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and synthetic polymers enhanced with nanoparticles for the fabrication of nanocomposite scaffolds used in bone regeneration and replacement. This work outlines the most up-to-date overview and perspectives of selected promising BNBM nanocomposites for bone replacement that could be used for scaffold fabrication and replace other biomorphic materials such as metallics, ceramics, and synthetic polymers in the future. In summary, the concluding remarks highlight the advantages and disadvantages of BNBM nanocomposites, prospects, and future directions for bone tissue regeneration and replacement. Full article

Background: Despite extensive research over the decades, cancer therapy is still a great challenge because of the non-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, which could be overcome by limiting the distribution of chemotherapeutic agents toward cancer cells. Objective: To reduce the cytolytic effects against cancer cells, graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles (NPs) can load anticancer medicines and genetic tools. Methodology: During the current study, folic-acid-conjugated graphene oxide (Fa-GO) hybrid mucoadhesive chitosan (CS)-based hydrogel beads were fabricated through an “ion-gelation process”, which allows for regulated medication release at malignant pH. Results: The fabricated chitosan–alginate (SA-CS) hydrogel beads were examined using surface morphology, optical microscopy, XRD, FTIR, and homogeneity analysis techniques. The size analysis indicated that the size of the Fa-GO was up to 554.2 ± 95.14 nm, whereas the beads were of a micrometer size. The folic acid conjugation was confirmed by NMR. The results showed that the craggy edges of the graphene oxide were successfully encapsulated in a polymeric matrix. The mucoadhesive properties were enhanced with the increase in the CS concentration. The nanohybrid SA-CS beads exhibited good swelling properties, and the drug release was 68.29% at pH 5.6 during a 24 h investigation. The accelerated stability study, according to ICH guidelines, indicated that the hydrogel beads have a shelf-life of more than two years. Conclusions: Based on the achieved results, it can be concluded that this novel gastro-retentive delivery system may be a viable and different way to improve the stomach retention of anticancer agents and enhance their therapeutic effectiveness. Full article

A hybrid alginate hydrogel–chitosan nanoparticle system suitable for biomedical applications was prepared. Chitosan (CS) was used as a matrix for the encapsulation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil (LEO) and Mentha (Mentha arvensis) essential oil (MEO). An aqueous solution of an acidic Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES), namely choline chloride/ascorbic acid in a 2:1 molar ratio, was used to achieve the acidic environment for the dissolution of chitosan and also played the role of the ionic gelator for the preparation of the chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs). The hydrodynamic diameter of the CS-MEO NPs was 130.7 nm, and the size of the CS-LEO NPs was 143.4 nm (as determined using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis). The CS-NPs were incorporated into alginate hydrogels crosslinked with CaCl₂. The hydrogels showed significant water retention capacity (>80%) even after the swollen sample was kept in the aqueous HCl solution (pH 1.2) for 4 h, indicating a good stability of the network. The hydrogels were tested (a) for their ability to absorb dietary lipids and (b) for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodborne pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of the hybrid hydrogels was comparable to that of the widely used food preservative sodium benzoate 5% w/v. Full article