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Keywords = oxidized nanocellulose

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16 pages, 3298 KiB  
Article
High-Performance Catalytic Oxygen Evolution with Nanocellulose-Derived Biocarbon and Fe/Zeolite/Carbon Nanotubes
by Javier Hernandez-Ortega, Chamak Ahmed, Andre Molina, Ronald C. Sabo, Lorena E. Sánchez Cadena, Bonifacio Alvarado Tenorio, Carlos R. Cabrera and Juan C. Noveron
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080719 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 382
Abstract
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a central role as an anode in electrocatalytic processes such as energy conversion and storage and the generation of molecular oxygen from the electrolysis of water. Currently, precious metal oxides such as IrO2 and RuO2 [...] Read more.
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a central role as an anode in electrocatalytic processes such as energy conversion and storage and the generation of molecular oxygen from the electrolysis of water. Currently, precious metal oxides such as IrO2 and RuO2 are recognized as reference OER electrocatalysts with reasonably high activity; however, their widespread use in practical devices has been severely hindered by their high cost and scarcity. It is essential to design alternative OER electrocatalysts made of low-cost and abundant earth elements with significant activity and robustness. We report four new nanocellulose-derived Fe–zeolite nanocomposites, namely Fe/Zeolite@CCNC (1), Fe/Zeolite@CCNF (2), Fe/Zeolite/CNT@CCNC (3), and Fe/Zeolite/CNT@CCNF (4). Two different types of nanocellulose were investigated: nanocellulose nanofibrils and nanocellulose nanocrystals. Characterization with TEM, SEM-EDS, PXRD, and XPS is reported. The nanocomposites exhibited electrocatalytic activity for OER that varies based on the origin of biocarbon and the composition content. The effect of adding carbon nanotubes to the nanocomposites was studied, and an improvement in OER catalysis was observed. The electrochemical double-layer capacitance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the nanocomposites are reported. The nanocomposite 3 exhibited the highest performance, with an onset potential value of 1.654 V and an overpotential of 551 mV, which exceeds the activity of RuO2 for OER catalysis at 10 mA/cm2 in the glassy carbon electrode. A 24 h chronoamperometry study revealed that the catalyst is active for ~2 h under continuous operating conditions. BET surface analysis showed that the crystalline nanocellulose-derived composite exhibited 301.47 m2/g, and the fibril nanocellulose-derived composite exhibited 120.39 m2/g, indicating that the increased nanoporosity of the former contributes to the increase in OER catalysis. Full article
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11 pages, 2262 KiB  
Article
Sensitive and Stable NCF/GO/Au@Ag SERS Substrate for Trace Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
by Lili Kong, Xinna Yu, Qifang Sun, Meizhen Huang, Tianyuan Liu and Jie Chen
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121716 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 362
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have attracted significant attention due to their severe threats to both ecological systems and human health. In this paper, a high-performance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate based on NCF/GO/Au@Ag nanocomposites was developed, which enabled sensitive and stable detection of [...] Read more.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have attracted significant attention due to their severe threats to both ecological systems and human health. In this paper, a high-performance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate based on NCF/GO/Au@Ag nanocomposites was developed, which enabled sensitive and stable detection of PAHs. The NCF/GO/Au@Ag substrate synergistic utilizes the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Au@Ag core–shell nanorods and the additional interfacial charge transfer provided by graphene oxide (GO) to exhibit extremely high sensitivity. And the three-dimensional fibrous network of nanocellulose (NCF) improved nanoparticle dispersion uniformity. Combined finite element simulations and experimental studies verified that the dual plasmonic resonances (512 nm and 772 nm) of Au@Ag nanorods optimally match 785 nm excitation, yielding an enhancement factor of 5.21 × 105. GO integration enhanced Raman signals by 1.68-fold through interfacial charge transfer, while the introduction of NCF reduced the signal relative standard deviation (RSD) from 36.88% to 4.29%. The NCF/GO/Au@Ag substrate achieved a detection limit of 10 μg/L for PAHs, demonstrating exceptional sensitivity and reproducibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
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17 pages, 7596 KiB  
Article
Graphene Oxide-Modulated Nanocellulose/Polyacrylamide/Sodium Alginate Hierarchical Network Hydrogel for Flexible Sensing
by Yanan Wang, Yanan Lu, Jiaming Wang, Chensen Huang, Minghui Guo and Xing Gao
Gels 2025, 11(6), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060379 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 419
Abstract
The application of hydrogels in flexible sensing has received increasing attention, but the simultaneous preparation of hydrogels with good structural stability, strain sensing sensitivity, freezing resistance, and drying resistance remains a challenge. Based on this, a GG-nanocellulose/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide composite hydrogel with a hierarchical [...] Read more.
The application of hydrogels in flexible sensing has received increasing attention, but the simultaneous preparation of hydrogels with good structural stability, strain sensing sensitivity, freezing resistance, and drying resistance remains a challenge. Based on this, a GG-nanocellulose/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide composite hydrogel with a hierarchical network structure was constructed by one-step synthesis by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) and glycerol into the hydrogel. The hydrogel remained structurally intact after 100 compression cycles. In addition, the hydrogel was dried at 30 °C for 24 h. The mass retention rate was 48%, the melting peak was as low as −13.87 °C, and the hydrogel remained flexible and stable at low temperatures. GO modulated the network structure arrangement of the hydrogel through various mechanisms, thereby conferring to the hydrogel an excellent sensing performance, with a sensitivity (GF) of 2.21. In conclusion, this hierarchical network hydrogel has good drying, freezing, and sensing properties, which provides a new viable strategy for monitoring motion signals. Moreover, the hydrogel is predicted to function as a dressing, thereby facilitating the absorption of heat from the skin’s surface, with the aim of alleviating the discomfort associated with joint and muscle injuries caused by strenuous exercise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels for Removal and Adsorption (3rd Edition))
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11 pages, 2055 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Graphene Oxide and Nanocellulose on Water-Based Drilling Fluids: Improved Filtration and Shale Stabilization
by Yerlan Kanatovich Ospanov and Gulzhan Abdullaevna Kudaikulova
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070949 - 31 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 629
Abstract
Shale formations pose significant challenges to traditional drilling fluids, including issues such as fluid invasion, cutting dispersion, and shale swelling, contributing to wellbore instability. While oil-based drilling fluids (OBM) effectively address these challenges, concerns over their environmental impact and cost limit their widespread [...] Read more.
Shale formations pose significant challenges to traditional drilling fluids, including issues such as fluid invasion, cutting dispersion, and shale swelling, contributing to wellbore instability. While oil-based drilling fluids (OBM) effectively address these challenges, concerns over their environmental impact and cost limit their widespread adoption. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising frontier for enhancing the performance of water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) in shale applications. This study examines the effectiveness of water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) enhanced with a nanocomposite of graphene oxide (GO) and nanocellulose (NC) compared to that of conventional WBDFs. The combination of GO and NC is chosen for its synergistic effects: GO provides enhanced mechanical strength and barrier properties, while NC serves to stabilize the dispersion and improve the compatibility with WBDF matrices. The modification with NC aims to optimize the interaction between GO and the drilling fluid components, enhancing performance in regards to shale inhibition and fluid loss control. This research involved the successful synthesis and characterization of a GO/NC nanocomposite, which underwent examination through FTIR, PSD, and SEM analyses. We also evaluated the filtration properties of water-based drilling fluids (WBDF) enhanced with a graphene oxide/nanocellulose (GO/NC) nanocomposite and compared the results to those for conventional WBDF. Filtration performance was assessed under both low-temperature, low-pressure (LTLP) and high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) conditions, and contact angle measurements were conducted to examine the wettability of the shale. The results demonstrated that incorporating GO/NC into the WBDF reduced the filtrate volume by 17% under LTLP conditions and by 23.75% under HTHP conditions, indicating a significant improvement in filtration control. Furthermore, the GO/NC-WBDF increased the hydrophobicity of the shale, as shown by a 61° increase in the contact angle. These findings suggest that GO/NC enhances the performance of WBDF, particularly in unconventional shale formations, by reducing fluid loss and improving wellbore stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Characterization and Modeling of Polymer Nanocomposites)
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23 pages, 3123 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Cellulose Nanocrystal Production from Green Methods
by Eliana Paola Dagnino, Nanci Ehman and María Cristina Area
Processes 2025, 13(3), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030790 - 8 Mar 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2044
Abstract
The outstanding properties of nanocellulose have led to a wide range of applications in packaging, construction, medicine, electronics, cosmetics, environmental solutions, and the food industry. Specifically, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, adaptable surface chemistry, low density, optical capabilities, biodegradability, renewability, and [...] Read more.
The outstanding properties of nanocellulose have led to a wide range of applications in packaging, construction, medicine, electronics, cosmetics, environmental solutions, and the food industry. Specifically, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, adaptable surface chemistry, low density, optical capabilities, biodegradability, renewability, and good mechanical properties. However, these unique characteristics depend on the raw material, processing, and post-treatment. New opportunities in CNC production are being explored based on unconventional resources and new, environmentally friendly production processes to replace highly polluting and inefficient conventional methods. This review evaluated the current methods for obtaining CNC from green processes, focusing on organic acids, enzymes, mechanical, oxidative, and radiation-based methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Section "Environmental and Green Processes")
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44 pages, 11801 KiB  
Review
Layer-by-Layer Nanoarchitectonics: A Method for Everything in Layered Structures
by Katsuhiko Ariga
Materials 2025, 18(3), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030654 - 1 Feb 2025
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1594
Abstract
The development of functional materials and the use of nanotechnology are ongoing projects. These fields are closely linked, but there is a need to combine them more actively. Nanoarchitectonics, a concept that comes after nanotechnology, is ready to do this. Among the related [...] Read more.
The development of functional materials and the use of nanotechnology are ongoing projects. These fields are closely linked, but there is a need to combine them more actively. Nanoarchitectonics, a concept that comes after nanotechnology, is ready to do this. Among the related research efforts, research into creating functional materials through the formation of thin layers on surfaces, molecular membranes, and multilayer structures of these materials have a lot of implications. Layered structures are especially important as a key part of nanoarchitectonics. The diversity of the components and materials used in layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies is a notable feature. Examples of LbL assemblies introduced in this review article include quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanowires, nanotubes, g-C3N4, graphene oxide, MXene, nanosheets, zeolites, nanoporous materials, sol–gel materials, layered double hydroxides, metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, conducting polymers, dyes, DNAs, polysaccharides, nanocelluloses, peptides, proteins, lipid bilayers, photosystems, viruses, living cells, and tissues. These examples of LbL assembly show how useful and versatile it is. Finally, this review will consider future challenges in layer-by-layer nanoarchitectonics. Full article
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24 pages, 5668 KiB  
Article
A New Multi-Active Heterogeneous Biocatalyst Prepared Through a Layer-by-Layer Co-Immobilization Strategy of Lipase and Laccase on Nanocellulose-Based Materials
by Kimberle Paiva dos Santos, Maíra Saldanha Duarte, Nathália Saraiva Rios, Ana Iraidy Santa Brígida and Luciana Rocha Barros Gonçalves
Catalysts 2025, 15(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15020099 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 947
Abstract
Lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) and laccase from Trametes versicolor were co-immobilized onto nanocellulose (NC), using a layer-by-layer approach. Initially, PFL was adsorbed onto NC through ionic and hydrophobic interactions. To achieve higher PFL immobilization yield and activity, NC was functionalized with aldehyde [...] Read more.
Lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) and laccase from Trametes versicolor were co-immobilized onto nanocellulose (NC), using a layer-by-layer approach. Initially, PFL was adsorbed onto NC through ionic and hydrophobic interactions. To achieve higher PFL immobilization yield and activity, NC was functionalized with aldehyde groups through periodate oxidation (NCox) or glutaraldehyde activation (NC-GA). FTIR analysis confirmed these chemical modifications. Among the functionalized NCs, NCox showed the best capacity to retain higher amounts of PFL (maximum load: 20 mg/g), and this support was selected to proceed with the co-immobilization experiments. In this process, NCox-250-PFL (NCox activated with 250 µmol/g of aldehyde groups) was covered with polyethyleneimine (PEI), laccase was co-immobilized, and a crosslinking step using glutaraldehyde was used to covalently attach the enzymes to the support, producing the biocatalyst NCox-250-PFL-PEI-Lac-GA. Co-immobilized enzymes presented higher thermal stability (50 °C) than soluble enzymes; co-immobilized laccase retained 61.1% of its activity after 24 h, and PFL retained about 90% after 48 h of deactivation at 50 °C. In operational stability assays, the heterogeneous biocatalysts maintained more than 45% of their activity after five cycles of pNPB hydrolysis and ABTS oxidation. This co-immobilized biocatalyst, with its high stability and activity retention, is a promising multi-active heterogeneous biocatalyst for use in cascade reactions of industrial interest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immobilized Biocatalysts, 3rd Edition)
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24 pages, 8975 KiB  
Article
Grease, Oxygen, and Air Barrier Properties of Cellulose-Coated Copy Paper
by Ronald Sabo, Cody Schilling, Craig Clemons, Daniel Franke, Neil R. Gribbins, Michael Landry, Kimberly Hoxie and Peter Kitin
Polysaccharides 2024, 5(4), 783-806; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5040049 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1458
Abstract
Cellulose nanomaterials have been demonstrated to be excellent barriers against grease, oxygen, and other vapors, but their implementation in packaging materials is challenging because of numerous technical and practical challenges. In this work, the oxygen, air, grease, and heptane barrier performance of copy [...] Read more.
Cellulose nanomaterials have been demonstrated to be excellent barriers against grease, oxygen, and other vapors, but their implementation in packaging materials is challenging because of numerous technical and practical challenges. In this work, the oxygen, air, grease, and heptane barrier performance of copy papers coated with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNs), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) weas examined. The effects of different materials and processing conditions were evaluated for their impacts on the resulting barrier properties. TOCN coatings demonstrated significantly better barrier properties than CNC and CMC coatings due to the long-range networked structure of TOCN suspensions eliciting enhanced film formation at the paper surface. Neat coatings of nanocellulose did not readily result in strong oxygen barriers, but the addition of CMC and/or an additional waterborne water barrier coating was found to result in oxygen barriers suitable for packaging applications (1 cm3/m2·day transmission at low humidity with a 10 g/m2 coating). Cast films and thick coatings of CMC were good barriers to oxygen, grease, and air, and its addition to cellulose nanomaterial suspensions aided the coating process and reduced coating defects. In all cases, the incorporation of additional processing aids or coatings was necessary to achieve suitable barrier properties. However, maintaining the strong barrier properties of nanocellulose coatings after creasing remains challenging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress on Lignocellulosic-Based Materials)
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23 pages, 4200 KiB  
Article
A Novel Approach to Protect Brazil Nuts from Lipid Oxidation: Efficacy of Nanocellulose–Tocopherol Edible Coatings
by Debora Ribeiro Nascimento, Juliana Mesquita, Thayanne da Silva, Thais Hernandes, Elaine Cristina Lengowski and Katiuchia Takeuchi
Coatings 2024, 14(9), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14091182 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1515
Abstract
High levels of unsaturated fatty acids in Brazil nuts compromise their sensory quality through lipid oxidation. To mitigate this reaction, it is crucial to package nuts under a vacuum and in aluminate packaging. An alternative method is the application of an edible coating [...] Read more.
High levels of unsaturated fatty acids in Brazil nuts compromise their sensory quality through lipid oxidation. To mitigate this reaction, it is crucial to package nuts under a vacuum and in aluminate packaging. An alternative method is the application of an edible coating with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to develop an edible coating composed of carboxymethylcellulose and sorbitol, physically reinforced with nanocellulose, and chemically fortified with tocopherol. The edible coating was characterized based on its physical properties, mechanical strength, biodegradability, optical light transmission properties, color parameters, and water vapor permeability. Formulations CC5 (Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) + sorbitol + 5% nanocellulose) and CCT5 (CMC + sorbitol + tocopherol + soy lecithin + 5% nanocellulose) showed enhanced mechanical strength. The combination of nanocellulose with tocopherol in formulations CCT3 (CMC + sorbitol + tocopherol + soy lecithin + 3% nanocellulose) and CCT5 developed superior barriers to visible and ultraviolet light, a desired characteristic for coatings intended to increase the shelf life of Brazil nuts. The nuts coated with CC5 and CCT3 showed the lowest PV values at the end of the accelerated oxidation test conducted at 60 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Films and Coatings: Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 3343 KiB  
Article
Exploring Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reactions: A Study on Nanocellulose, Dopamine, and Cobalt Complex-Derived Non-Precious Electrocatalyst
by Md Mohsin Patwary, Shanzida Haque, Peter Szwedo, Ghada Hasan, Raja Shekhar Kondrapolu, Fumiya Watanabe, Krishna KC, Daoyuan Wang and Anindya Ghosh
Catalysts 2024, 14(9), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14090613 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1478
Abstract
Cobalt-based catalysts are recognized as promising electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in fuel cells that operate within acidic electrolytes. A synthesis process involving a cobalt complex, nanocellulose, and dopamine, followed by pyrolysis at 500 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere, was used to [...] Read more.
Cobalt-based catalysts are recognized as promising electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in fuel cells that operate within acidic electrolytes. A synthesis process involving a cobalt complex, nanocellulose, and dopamine, followed by pyrolysis at 500 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere, was used to create a cobalt and nitrogen-doped carbonaceous material. Additionally, urea was incorporated to enhance nitrogen doping in the carbonaceous material. The morphology and structure of the material were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), where SEM unveiled dispersed metal oxides within the carbonaceous framework. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed an even distribution of elements across the cobalt-doped carbonaceous material. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis further highlighted significant alterations in the elemental composition due to pyrolysis. The electrochemical behavior of the cobalt-doped carbonaceous material, with respect to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in an acidic medium, was investigated via cyclic voltammetry (CV), revealing an ORR peak at 0.30 V against a reversible hydrogen reference electrode, accompanied by a notably high current density. The catalyst’s performance was evaluated across different pH levels and with various layers deposited, showing enhanced effectiveness in acidic conditions and a more pronounced reduction peak with uniformly applied electrode layers. Rotating disk electrode (RDE) studies corroborated the mechanism of a four-electron reduction of oxygen to water, emphasizing the catalyst’s efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrocatalysis)
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15 pages, 3466 KiB  
Article
Modulating the Release Kinetics of Natural Product Actinomycin from Bacterial Nanocellulose Films and Their Antimicrobial Activity
by Katarzyna Zimowska, Vuk Filipovic, Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic, Jelena Simic, Tatjana Ilic-Tomic, Malgorzata Zimowska, Jacek Gurgul and Marijana Ponjavic
Bioengineering 2024, 11(8), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11080847 - 19 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2498
Abstract
The present study aimed to create a more sustainable and controlled delivery system based on natural biopolymer bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and bacterial natural product actinomycin (Act), with the applicative potential in the biomedical field. In order to provide improved interaction between BNC and [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to create a more sustainable and controlled delivery system based on natural biopolymer bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and bacterial natural product actinomycin (Act), with the applicative potential in the biomedical field. In order to provide improved interaction between BNC and the active compound, and thus to modulate the release kinetics, the TEMPO oxidation of BNC support was carried out. A mix of actinomycins from bacterial fermentation (ActX) were used as natural antimicrobial agents with an established bioactivity profile and clinical use. BNC and TEMPO-oxidized BNC films with incorporated active compounds were obtained and analyzed by FTIR, SEM, XPS, and XRD. The ActX release profiles were determined in phosphate-buffer solution, PBS, at 37 °C over time. FTIR analysis confirmed the improved incorporation and efficiency of ActX adsorption on oxidized BNC due to the availability of more active sites provided by oxidation. SEM analysis indicated the incorporation of ActX into the less-dense morphology of the TEMPO-oxidized BNC in comparison to pure BNC. The release kinetics of ActX were significantly affected by the BNC structure, and the activated BNC sample indicated the sustained release of active compounds over time, corresponding to the Fickian diffusion mechanism. Antimicrobial tests using Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571 confirmed the potency of this BNC-based system for biomedical applications, taking advantage of the capacity of modified BNC to control and modulate the release of bioactive compounds. Full article
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12 pages, 9479 KiB  
Article
An Efficient and Economic Approach for Producing Nanocellulose-Based Aerogel from Kapok Fiber
by Minjie Hou, Qi Wang, Shunyu Wang, Zeze Yang, Xuefeng Deng and Hailong Zhao
Gels 2024, 10(8), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10080490 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1660
Abstract
Cellulose nanofibers (NF) were extracted from kapok fibers using TEMPO oxidation, followed by a combination of mechanical grinding and ultrasonic processing. The TEMPO-mediated oxidation significantly impacted the mechanical disintegration behavior of the kapok fibers, resulting in a high NF yield of 98%. This [...] Read more.
Cellulose nanofibers (NF) were extracted from kapok fibers using TEMPO oxidation, followed by a combination of mechanical grinding and ultrasonic processing. The TEMPO-mediated oxidation significantly impacted the mechanical disintegration behavior of the kapok fibers, resulting in a high NF yield of 98%. This strategy not only improved the fibrillation efficiency but also reduced overall energy consumption during NF preparation. An ultralight and highly porous NF-based aerogel was successfully prepared using a simple ice-templating technique. It had a low density in the range of 3.5–11.2 mg cm−3, high compressional strength (160 kPa), and excellent thermal insulation performance (0.024 W m−1 K−1). After silane modification, the aerogel displayed an ultralow density of 7.9 mg cm−3, good hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 128°, and excellent mechanical compressibility with a high recovery of 92% at 50% strain. Benefiting from the silene support structure, it showed a high oil absorptive capacity (up to 71.4 g/g for vacuum pump oil) and a remarkable oil recovery efficiency of 93% after being reused for 10 cycles. These results demonstrate that our strategy endows nanocellulose-based aerogels with rapid shape recovery and high liquid absorption capabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Characteristics of Aerogel-Based Materials)
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41 pages, 11168 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Hydrogel Formulation Based on Ferulic Acid-Grafted Nano-Chitosan and Bacterial Nanocellulose Enriched with Selenium Nanoparticles from Kombucha Fermentation
by Naomi Tritean, Luminița Dimitriu, Ștefan-Ovidiu Dima, Marius Ghiurea, Bogdan Trică, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Ionuț Moraru, Alina Nicolescu, Anisoara Cimpean, Florin Oancea and Diana Constantinescu-Aruxandei
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(7), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15070202 - 22 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3222
Abstract
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have specific properties that result from their biosynthesis particularities. Chitosan can prevent pathogenic biofilm development. A wide palette of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) biological and physical-chemical properties are known. The aim of this study was to develop a hydrogel formulation (SeBNCSFa) [...] Read more.
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have specific properties that result from their biosynthesis particularities. Chitosan can prevent pathogenic biofilm development. A wide palette of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) biological and physical-chemical properties are known. The aim of this study was to develop a hydrogel formulation (SeBNCSFa) based on ferulic acid-grafted chitosan and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) enriched with SeNPs from Kombucha fermentation (SeNPsK), which could be used as an adjuvant for oral implant integration and other applications. The grafted chitosan and SeBNCSFa were characterized by biochemical and physical-chemical methods. The cell viability and proliferation of HGF-1 gingival fibroblasts were investigated, as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity. The inflammatory response was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of the proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in cell culture medium. Likewise, the amount of nitric oxide released was measured by the Griess reaction. The antimicrobial activity was also investigated. The grafting degree with ferulic acid was approximately 1.780 ± 0.07% of the total chitosan monomeric units, assuming single-site grafting per monomer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy evidenced a convolution of BNC and grafted chitosan spectra, and X-ray diffraction analysis highlighted an amorphous rearrangement of the diffraction patterns, suggesting multiple interactions. The hydrogel showed a high degree of cytocompatibility, and enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potentials. Full article
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13 pages, 6554 KiB  
Article
Wrinkled TiNAgNW Nanocomposites for High-Performance Flexible Electrodes on TEMPO-Oxidized Nanocellulose
by Loïk Gence, Franck Quero, Miguel Escalona, Robert Wheatley, Birger Seifert, Donovan Diaz-Droguett, María José Retamal, Sascha Wallentowitz, Ulrich Georg Volkmann and Heman Bhuyan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141178 - 10 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1440
Abstract
In this study, we present a novel method for fabricating semi-transparent electrodes by combining silver nanowires (AgNW) with titanium nitride (TiN) layers, resulting in conductive nanocomposite coatings with exceptional electromechanical properties. These nanocomposites were deposited on cellulose nanopaper (CNP) using a plasma-enhanced pulsed [...] Read more.
In this study, we present a novel method for fabricating semi-transparent electrodes by combining silver nanowires (AgNW) with titanium nitride (TiN) layers, resulting in conductive nanocomposite coatings with exceptional electromechanical properties. These nanocomposites were deposited on cellulose nanopaper (CNP) using a plasma-enhanced pulsed laser deposition (PE-PLD) technique at low temperatures (below 200 °C). Repetitive bending tests demonstrate that incorporating AgNW into TiN coatings significantly enhances the microstructure, increasing the electrode’s electromechanical robustness by up to four orders of magnitude compared to commercial PET/ITO substrates. Furthermore, the optical and electrical conductivities can be optimized by adjusting the AgNW network density and TiN synthesis temperature. Our results also indicate that the nanocomposite electrodes exhibit improved stability in air and superior adhesion compared to bare AgNW coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanocomposites: From Strategic Design to Applications)
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15 pages, 2026 KiB  
Review
Nanocellulose: The Ultimate Green Aqueous Dispersant for Nanomaterials
by Víctor Calvo, Carlos Martínez-Barón, Laura Fuentes, Wolfgang K. Maser, Ana M. Benito and José M. González-Domínguez
Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1664; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121664 - 12 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3125
Abstract
Nanocellulose, a nanoscale derivative from renewable biomass sources, possesses remarkable colloidal properties in water, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. It emerges as a promising bio-based dispersing agent for various nanomaterials in water. This mini-review explores the interaction between cellulose nanomaterials (nanocrystals or nanofibers) and [...] Read more.
Nanocellulose, a nanoscale derivative from renewable biomass sources, possesses remarkable colloidal properties in water, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. It emerges as a promising bio-based dispersing agent for various nanomaterials in water. This mini-review explores the interaction between cellulose nanomaterials (nanocrystals or nanofibers) and water, elucidating how this may enable their potential as an eco-friendly dispersing agent. We explore the potential of nanocellulose derived from top-down processes, nanocrystals, and nanofibers for dispersing carbon nanomaterials, semiconducting oxide nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials in water. We also highlight its advantages over traditional methods by not only effectively dispersing those nanomaterials but also potentially eliminating the need for further chemical treatments or supporting stabilizers. This not only preserves the exceptional properties of nanomaterials in aqueous dispersion, but may even lead to the emergence of novel hybrid functionalities. Overall, this mini-review underscores the remarkable versatility of nanocellulose as a green dispersing agent for a variety of nanomaterials, inspiring further research to expand its potential to other nanomaterials and applications. Full article
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