Search Results (168)

Lanthanide rare earth elements possess significant promise for material applications owing to their distinctive optical and magnetic characteristics, as well as their versatile coordination capabilities. This study introduced a lanthanide-functionalized magnetic nanocellulose composite (NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃) for effective phosphorus/nitrogen (P/N) ligand separation. The hybrid material employs the adaptable coordination geometry and strong affinity for oxygen of La³⁺ ions to show enhanced DNA-binding capacity via multi-site coordination with phosphate backbones and bases. This study utilized cellulose as a carrier, which was modified through carboxylation and amination processes employing deep eutectic solvents (DES) and polyethyleneimine. Magnetic nanoparticles and La(OH)₃ were subsequently incorporated into the cellulose via in situ growth. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a specific surface area of 36.2 m²·g⁻¹ and a magnetic saturation intensity of 37 emu/g, facilitating the formation of ligands with accessible La³⁺ active sites, hence creating mesoporous interfaces that allow for fast separation. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a significant affinity for DNA, with adsorption capacities reaching 243 mg/g, mostly due to the multistage coordination binding of La³⁺ to the phosphate groups and bases of DNA. Simultaneously, kinetic experiments indicated that the binding process adhered to a pseudo-secondary kinetic model, predominantly dependent on chemisorption. This study developed a unique rare-earth coordination-driven functional hybrid material, which is highly significant for constructing selective separation platforms for P/N-containing ligands. Full article

Soil salinization poses a significant constraint to agricultural productivity. However, certain plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate salinity stress and enhance crop performance. In this study, a bacterial isolate, R-18, isolated from saline-alkali soil in Ningxia, China, was identified as Enterobacter bugandensis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate was characterized for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting traits and was evaluated for its potential to alleviate NaCl-induced stress in maize (Zea mays L.) under hydroponic conditions. Isolate R-18 exhibited halotolerance, surviving at NaCl concentrations ranging from 2.0% to 10.0%, and alkaliphilic adaptation, growing at pH 8.0–11.0. Biochemical assays confirmed it as a Gram-negative bacterium, displaying positive reactions in the Voges–Proskauer (V–P) tests, catalase activity, citrate utilization, fluorescent pigment production, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, and ammonia production, while testing negative for the methyl red and cellulose hydrolysis. Notably, isolate R-18 demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting attributes, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, ACC deaminase activity, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. Under 100 mM NaCl stress, inoculation with isolate R-18 significantly enhanced maize growth, increasing plant height, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.64%, 47.06%, 34.52%, and 31.25%, respectively. Furthermore, isolate R-18 improved ion homeostasis by elevating the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in maize tissues. Physiological analyses revealed increased chlorophyll and proline content, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating mitigated oxidative damage. Antioxidant enzyme activity was modulated, with decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities but increased catalase (CAT) activity. These findings demonstrated that Enterobacter bugandensis R-18 effectively alleviated NaCl-induced growth inhibition in maize by enhancing osmotic adjustment, reducing oxidative stress, and improving ion balance. Full article

Phosphorylated cellulose is proposed as a bio-resin for the removal of heavy metals, as a substitute for synthetic polymer-based materials. Phosphorylation is carried out using kraft pulp fibers as the cellulose source, with phosphate esters and urea as reactants to prevent significant fiber degradation. Herein, phosphorylated fibers, with three types of counterions (sodium, ammonium, or hydrogen), are used in adsorption trials involving four individual metals: nickel, copper, cadmium, and lead. The Langmuir isotherm model is applied to determine the maximum adsorption capacities at four different temperatures (10, 20, 30, and 50 °C), enabling the calculation of the Gibbs free energy (ΔG), entropy (ΔS), and enthalpy (ΔH) of adsorption. The results show that the adsorption capacity of phosphorylated fibers is equal or even higher than that of commercially available resins (1.7–2.9 vs. 2.4–2.6 mmol/g). However, the nature of the phosphate counterion plays an important role in the adsorption capacity, with the alkaline form showing a superior ion exchange capacity than the hybrid form and acid form (2.7–2.9 vs. 2.3–2.7 vs. 1.7–2.5 mmol/g). The thermodynamic analysis indicates the spontaneous (ΔG = (-)16–(-)30 kJ/mol) and endothermic nature of the adsorption process with positive changes in enthalpy (0.45–15.47 kJ/mol) and entropy (0.07–0.14 kJ/mol·K). These results confirm the high potential of phosphorylated lignocellulosic fibers for ion exchange applications, such as the removal of heavy metals from process or wastewaters. Full article

The implantation of bone substitutes is frequently accompanied by inflammation. To reduce the inflammatory response and enhance cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, scaffolds are often loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, cellulose and cellulose/hydroxyapatite (1:1 by weight) scaffolds were developed. Structural analysis using SEM and micro-computed tomography revealed that the morphology of the scaffolds met the requirements for bone tissue engineering. The scaffolds were initially loaded with dexamethasone sodium phosphate; however, the drug was released very rapidly. To prolong its release, cationic groups were introduced into the cellulose macromolecules by amination with 2-chloro-N,N-diethylethylamine hydrochloride in an alkaline medium. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate was then immobilised on aminated cellulose and aminated cellulose/HAp scaffolds at concentrations of 157 mg/g and 87 mg/g, respectively. Due to ionic interactions between the cationic groups in the scaffolds and the anionic groups of the drug molecules, drug release was effectively prolonged. After 24 h, only about 6–7% of the drug had been released, with complete release occurring after 170 h. The cationic groups in the scaffold framework facilitated the adsorption and sustained release of dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Full article

This research investigates the biochemical and microbiological characteristics of a composite comprising poly(lactide) (PLA) combined with polyethersulfone (PESf) and copper-complexed cellulose phosphate (CelP-Cu). The material was produced using the pneumothermic melt-blown method and then modified with polyethersulfone and cellulose phosphate, followed by complexation with copper ions using the dip-coating technique. Comprehensive physicochemical and biological evaluations were conducted to characterize the composite. The physicochemical assessments involved elemental analysis (C, O, Cu) and morphology examination. The biological evaluations encompassed microbiological testing and biochemical–hematological analysis, including activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). Antimicrobial activity was assessed according to the EN ISO 20645:2006 and EN 14119:2005 standards, by placing material specimens on agar plates inoculated with representative microorganisms. The results revealed that the composites exhibited significant antimicrobial effects against model microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus atrophaeus, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum. This study highlights the potential of PLA/PESf/CelP-Cu composites for novel biomedical applications, demonstrating their biocompatibility and their influence on hemostatic processes and antimicrobial properties. Full article

While carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)—a biocompatible and water-soluble cellulose derivative—holds promise for biomedical applications, challenges remain in synthesizing CMC-based hydrogels with covalent crosslinking through free radical polymerization without requiring complex, multi-step processes. In this study, we introduce a facile one-pot strategy that combines CMC with acrylamide (AAm) under cryogelation and low-intensity UV irradiation to achieve covalent bonding and a high polymerization yield. The resulting polyacrylamide/carboxymethyl cellulose (PAAm/CMC) porous gels were systematically evaluated for their chemical, physical, thermal, and drug-release properties, with a focus on the effects of AAm concentration and polymerization temperature (frozen vs. room temperature). Notably, the cryogel synthesized with 2.5 M AAm (PC2.5) exhibited significantly enhanced mechanical properties—that is, an 8.4-fold increase in tensile modulus and a 26-fold increase in toughness—compared with the non-cryo gel. Moreover, PC2.5 demonstrated excellent cyclic compression stability in water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), with less than 10% reduction in modulus after 100 cycles. These increases in the mechanical properties of PC2.5 are attributed to the formation of macropores with high polymer density and high crosslinking density at the pore walls. PC2.5 also showed slower drug release in PBS and good cytocompatibility. This study presents a simplified and efficient route for fabricating mechanically robust, covalently crosslinked PAAm/CMC cryogels, highlighting their strong potential for biomedical applications in drug delivery systems. Full article

Phosphorus flame retardants react with cellulose hydroxyl groups via esterification, enhancing the effectiveness of char formation, which is beneficial in terms of the search for bio-sourced flame retardants. The current work assessed the flammability of a new polymer synthesized by Michael 1,4-addition (rP) and modified with developed intumescent flame retardant systems (FRs), in which lignocellulose components, such as sunflower husk (SH) and peanut shells (PS), replaced a part of the synthetic ones. The thermal and thermomechanical properties of the rP, with 20 wt.% each from six FRs, were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Moreover, the flammability and evolved gas were studied with pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) and thermogravimetric analysis connected with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests (TGA/FT-IR). The effects were compared to those achieved for unmodified rP and a polymer with a commercially available intumescent flame retardant (IFR). The notable improvement, especially in terms of the heat release rate and heat release capacity, indicates that the system with melamine phosphate (MP) and peanut shells (PS) can be used to decrease the flammability of new polymers. An extensive analysis of the composition and geometry of the ground shells and husk particles preceded the research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long-acting injections (LAIs) are innovative drug delivery systems that improve patient compliance by maintaining therapeutic drug levels over extended periods. Micro- and nanosuspensions are commonly used in LAIs to enhance bioavailability, but their thermodynamic instability poses challenges, including particle aggregation and growth. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two helping processes—vehicle thermal treatment and high-shear homogenization—on the stability and manufacturing efficiency of aripiprazole monohydrate (AM) suspensions. Methods: AM suspensions containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCNa), mannitol and disodium phosphate in water for injections (WFIs) were prepared using a combination of thermal treatment of the vehicle solution, high-shear homogenization and bead milling. Four manufacturing variants were tested to assess the influence of these processes on particle size distribution (PSD), viscosity and stability during a 3-month accelerated stability study. Molecular weight changes in CMCNa from thermal treatment were analyzed using size exclusion chromatography with multiangle scattering (SEC-MALS), and PSD was measured using laser diffraction. Results: Thermal treatment of the vehicle solution had minimal impact on CMCNa molecular weight, preserving its functionality. High-shear homogenization during bead milling significantly reduced particle aggregation, resulting in improved PSD and reduced viscosity. Synergistic effects of the two helping processes used in one manufacturing process were observed, which led to superior stability and minimal changes in PSD and viscosity during storage. Batches without the helping processes exhibited increased particle size and viscosity over time, indicating reduced suspension stability. Conclusions: Incorporating vehicle thermal treatment and high-shear homogenization during bead milling enhances the stability and manufacturing efficiency of AM suspensions. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing laboratory-scale processes to ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical suspensions. Full article

Despite their inherently lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) have recently attracted interest as rechargeable energy storage devices due to their low cost and high operational and environmental safety. They are composed of metallic zinc as the anode, an aqueous zinc salt electrolyte and a cathode capable of (de)intercalating Zn²⁺ ions upon its (oxidation) reduction reaction. In this work, we studied a hybrid AZMB in which a dual-ion electrolyte containing both Zn²⁺ and Li⁺ ions was used in conjunction with a Li⁺ ion intercalation cathode, i.e., LiFePO₄ (LFP), one of the most common, reliable, and cheap cathodes for LIBs. In this study, we present evidence that, thanks to its insolubility in water, ethyl cellulose (EC) can be effectively utilized as a binder for cathode membranes in AZMBs. Furthermore, its solubility in alcohol provides a significant advantage in avoiding the use of toxic solvents, contributing to a safer and more environmentally friendly approach to the formulation process. Full article

Heavy metal ion contamination in aquatic systems presents substantial environmental and public health challenges, demanding innovative remediation solutions. This study reports the synthesis of phosphorylated cellulose (PC) monoliths via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) as a sustainable solution for heavy metal removal. Through systematic optimization of phosphorylation degree (ranging from 16.3% to 49.5%) and pore architecture, we developed materials with exceptional adsorption capacity and flow characteristics. Comprehensive characterization (SEM, FTIR, and elemental analysis) confirmed the successful incorporation of the phosphate group while revealing tunable three-dimensional porous structures controlled by cellulose acetate concentration (80–120 mg mL⁻¹) and phosphorylation parameters. Optimal Cu²⁺ adsorption occurs at 43.9% phosphorylation, coupled with stable permeability, under continuous flow conditions. The monolith effectively removes heavy metal ions (e.g., Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺) across a wide pH range, driven by electrostatic and hard-soft acid-base interactions. Additionally, the material maintains an absorption capacity of over 90% after multiple regeneration cycles. These findings highlight the potential of PC monoliths as cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly adsorbents for heavy metal ion removal in water treatment applications. Full article

An advanced, eco-friendly, and fully bio-based flame retardant (FR) system has been created and applied to the cellulose structure of the cotton fabric through a layer-by-layer coating method. This study examines the flame-retardant mechanism of protein-based and phosphorus-containing coatings to improve fire resistance. During combustion, the phosphate groups (−PO₄²⁻) in phosphorus containing flame retardant layers interact with the amino groups (–NH₂) of protein, forming ester bonds, which results in the generation of a crosslinked network between the amino groups and the phosphate groups. This structure greatly enhances the thermal stability of the residual char, hence improving fire resistance. Cone calorimeter and flammability tests show significant improvements in fire safety, including lower peak heat release rates, reduced smoke production, and higher char residue, all contributing to better flame-retardant performance. pHRR, THR, and TSP of the flame-retarded cotton fabric demonstrated 25, 54, and 72% reduction, respectively. These findings suggest that LbL-assembled protein–phosphorus-based coatings provide a promising, sustainable solution for creating efficient flame-retardant materials. Full article

The effect of a surface coating with an aqueous solution containing a synthetic diammonium hydrogen phosphate fire retardant and vacuum pressure impregnation with a synthetic diammonium hydrogen phosphate fire retardant, potassium acetate, and a natural polymeric retardant, arabinogalactan, to improve the fire resistance and selected properties of structural fir (Abies alba L.) wood was investigated in this article. The combustion characteristics were investigated, and the heat of combustion reflects the effect of the presence of fire retardants. Changes in the content of cellulose, hemicelluloses, holocellulose, lignin, and extractives characterize the chemical changes in wood caused by these factors. The relationship between the combustion characteristics and chemical changes in chemically modified wood as a consequence of the presence of flame retardants were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the effectiveness of the fire retardants against ignition and burning when applied by vacuum pressure impregnation was always higher than in the case of surface coating, even when using impregnation solutions of low concentrations. In the case of diammonium hydrogen phosphate, a low 5% concentration of retardant was sufficient to provide suitable flame retardancy. Further, degradation by depolymerization of cellulose occurred only at temperatures between 460 and 470 °C. Low concentrations of retardant limit the loss to the environment and consequent ecological impact. Full article

Rejections of commercial bone implants have driven research in the biomaterials field to develop more biocompatible and less cytotoxic alternatives. This study aims to create composites based on oxidized bacterial cellulose (OBC) and strontium apatite (SrAp). These composites were produced through a biomimetic method using a simulated body fluid modified with strontium ions to enhance bioactivity and stabilize apatite within the biomaterial. The incorporation of SrAp into OBC membranes was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and indicated by the appearance of a peak corresponding to phosphate group elongation (850 cm⁻¹). Quantification of strontium content by atomic absorption spectrometry revealed a concentration of 3359 ± 727 mg·g⁻¹ of Sr adsorbed onto the material surface after 7 days, beyond which no significant increase was observed. Scanning electron microscopy verified biomineralization through structural modifications, and X-ray diffraction showed that despite new peak appearances, the biomineralized membranes retained crystallinity similar to pure samples. The composite also demonstrated high cell viability for mouse osteoblasts and fibroblasts and a low mortality rate in brine shrimp Artemia (approximately 12.94 ± 4.77%). These findings suggest that these membranes have great potential for application in bone tissue engineering. Full article

Corn, as a raw material supplying energy, plays an important role in animal husbandry. But in recent years, problems related to insufficient energy supply from corn have attracted increasing attention. Therefore, it is highly important to develop new energy-supplying materials to replace corn in animal diets. To study the feasibility of replacing corn with fermented corn straw in ruminants, 16 Yichang white goats were divided into two groups: those kept on a grain-based diet with dry corn straw (DS) and those fed a grain-based diet with fermented corn straw (FS). Corn in the FS group was replaced with fermented corn straw at a ratio of 1.3:1. By increasing the surface area (p = 0.035) and width (p = 0.024) of the rumen epithelial papillae of Yichang white goats, the absolute enzyme activity of carboxymethyl cellulase and the relative enzyme activity of microcrystalline cellulase in the rumen contents increased with fermented corn straw, and the rumen digestibility of cellulose and the whole intestinal apparent digestibility of CP, CF, NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose increased. The timely removal of excess calcium through feces and urine prevented liver and kidney damage, improved the heart index and liver index, and sustained goat health. Due to an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as f-Lachnospiraceae and c_Bacilli in the rumen fluid and colon contents, the abundance of potentially harmful bacteria such as s_Turicibacter decreased. Through the rumen pentose phosphate pathway, carbon metabolism, the AMPK signaling pathway, pathways of neurodegeneration, multiple diseases pathways, vitamin b6 metabolism in the colon, the biosynthesis of nucleotide sugars, and the cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways, rumen fermentation and metabolism are regulated in the goat body, promoting animal health. In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of replacing corn with fermented corn straw on the carcass index, organ index, calcium and phosphorus contents in tissues, serum biochemical parameters, nutrient digestibility, rumen epithelium and intestinal development, rumen fermentation, and microbial enzyme activity of the rumen contents of Yichang white goats. By combining these approaches with microbial 16S amplicon analysis of rumen fluid and colon contents, along with nontargeted metabolome analysis, we demonstrated the feasibility of substituting corn with fermented corn straw in ruminant feed, providing a new approach for the substitution of energy-supplying feed materials. Full article

Following implantation, infections, inflammatory reactions, corrosion, mismatches in the elastic modulus, stress shielding and excessive wear are the most frequent reasons for orthopedic implant failure. Natural polymer-based coatings showed especially good results in achieving better cell attachment, growth and tissue-implant integration, and it was found that the inclusions of nanosized fillers in the coating structure improves biomineralization and consequently implant osseointegration, as the nanoparticles represent calcium phosphate nucleation centers and lead to the deposition of highly organized hydroxyapatite crystallites on the implant surface. In this study, magnetic nanoparticles synthesized by the co-precipitation method were used for the preparation of cellulose acetate composite coatings through the phase-inversion method. The biomineralization ability of the membranes was tested through the Taguchi method, and it was found that nanostructured hydroxyapatite was formed at the surface of the composite membrane (with a higher organization degree and purity, and a Ca/P percentage closer to the one seen with stoichiometric hydroxyapatite, compared to the one deposited on neat cellulose acetate). The results obtained indicate a potential new application for magnetic nanoparticles in the field of orthopedics. Full article