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Hispolon, a phenolic pigment isolated from the mushroom species Phellinus linteus, has been investigated for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties; however, low solubility and poor bioavailability have limited its potential clinical translation. In this study, the inclusion complex of hispolon with Sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD) was characterized, and the Hispolon-SBEβCD Complex (HSC) was included within the sterically stabilized liposomes (SL) to further investigate its anticancer activity against melanoma cell lines. The HSC-trapped-Liposome (HSC-SL) formulation was investigated for its sustained drug delivery and enhanced cytotoxicity. The inclusion complex in the solid=state was confirmed by a Job's plot analysis, molecular modeling, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The HSC-SL showed no appreciable deviation in size (<150 nm) and polydispersity index (<0.2) and improved drug encapsulation efficiency (>90%) as compared to control hispolon liposomes. Individually incorporated hispolon and SBEβCD in the liposomes (H-CD-SL) was not significant in loading the drug in the liposomes, compared to HSC-SL, as a substantial amount of free drug was separated during dialysis. The HSC-SL formulation showed a sustained release compared to hispolon liposomes (H-SLs) and Hispolon-SBEβCD liposomes (H-CD-SLs). The anticancer activity on melanoma cell lines (B16BL6) of HSC and HSC-SL was higher than in H-CD-SL and hispolon solution. These findings suggest that HSC inclusion in the HSC-SL liposomes stands out as a potential formulation approach for enhancing drug loading, encapsulation, and chemotherapeutic efficiency of hispolon and similar water insoluble drug molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hurricane and tornado events cause significant damage to high-value timber in the United States each year. Forest managers and landowners are keenly interested in finding solutions to salvage and repurpose these downed timbers before they cause pest infestations and fire outbreaks, completely losing their value or increasing processing costs. To better understand the wood quality of the downed timber, we used acoustic waves techniques as a nondestructive testing approach to assess the wood degradation rate of downed trees and determine the extent of fracture and voids in the damaged regions. We periodically monitored the acoustic velocity of the downed trees for 12 consecutive months using a time of flight (TOF) acoustic method. Acoustic measurements were conducted using three different techniques—longitudinal, transverse, and off-set methods. Wood density, age, and the diameter at breast height (dbh) class measurement for southern timber (chip-n-saw for dbh 8″–11″ and sawtimber with dbh 12″ and up) were used as the predictive parameters of the downed trees. The results indicated positive relationships between dbh class, stand age, and acoustic velocity measurement (R2 > 65%). The TOF acoustic velocity was indicated to potentially separate higher-stiffness timber from lower-stiffness timber in a hurricane event for structural or non-structural applications. The regression coefficient from the repeated measurements indicated that both age and diameter class strongly impacted the acoustic properties of the downed trees (p-value ≤ 0.001). The sawtimber dbh class recorded a higher acoustic velocity compared to the chip-n-saw type. Fracture, voids, and massive decay in downed trees were detected beyond the visible inspection, features that often are identified by loggers in lower quality wood; however, TOF showed a weak response in picking up incremental deterioration due to changes in specific environmental factors that affected acoustic readings. This study showed that acoustic wave methods could potentially be used as a field evaluation tool for assessing the quality of downed trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to utilize bio-oil-based epoxy resin in oriented strand board (OSB) production and investigate the effect of bio-oil substitution in epoxy resin as an adhesive for OSB production. Bio-oil was produced by the fast pyrolysis (FP) process using southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.). Bio-oil-based epoxy resin was synthesized by the modification of epoxy resin with FP bio-oil at various substitution levels. Acetone extraction using a Soxhlet process indicated a superior cured reaction of bio-oil and epoxy resin at 20% bio-oil substitution. FTIR spectra corroborated the Soxhlet extraction with the removal of the epoxide peak signature within the cross-linked polymer. Images from the scanning electron microscopy suggested bulk phase homogeneity. OSB panels were tested according to ASTM D1037-12. The modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength, and water resistance (thickness swell and water absorption) properties of the OSB panels were feasible at bio-oil substitution up to 30% in the epoxy resin system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion economics, risk, and fi nancial analyses for an industrial facility manufacturing cellulose micro- and nanofibrils (CMNF) from wood pulp is presented. Process data is based on mass and energy balances from a pilot facility in the University of Maine. Here, CMNF is produced from untreated wood pulp by using disk refining, with an assumed production capacity of 50 t (dry metric ton equivalent) per day. Stand-alone and co-location manufacturing facilities were simulated and assessed. Minimum product selling prices (MPSP, estimated to achieve a 16% hurdle rate) for different scenarios ranged from USD 1893/t CMNF to USD 2440/t CMNF (dry equivalent). Pulp and energy consumption were identified as major cost drivers. Consequently, it was found that the use of alternative feedstock, in addition to co-location configuration, can reduce MPSP by 37%. Since estimated MPSP of CMNF is lower than cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) - both estimated to achieve a 16% hurdle rate, we believe market adoption of CMNF in the near term is more promising, regardless of specific applications. This study provides state of the art business intelligence information on the conversion economics, risk, and fi nancial analyses for CMNF manufacturing. Thus, the data represents valuable information to entrepreneurs, R&D scientists, and product developers who plan to adopt CMNF in their processes and products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concept for direct surface modification on self-standing films of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) is demonstrated using an aminosilane group in cellulose compatible solvent (dimethyl acetamide, DMA). The chemically modified structure efficiently prevents the oxygen molecules from interacting with the nanocellulose film in the presence of water molecules. Oxygen permeability values lower than 1 mL mm m −2 day −1 atm −1 were achieved at extremely high levels of relative humidity (RH95%). The aminosilane reaction is compared to conventional hydrophobization reaction using hexamethyldisilazane. The differences with respect to interactions between cellulosic nanofibrils, water and oxygen molecules taking place with aminated and silylated CNF films correlated with the degree of surface substitution, surface hydrophilicity and permeability of the formed layer. The self-condensation reactions taking place on the film surface during aminosilane-mediated bonding were decisive for low oxygen permeability. Experimental evidence on the importance of interfacial processes that hinder the water-cellulose interactions while keeping film’s low affinity towards oxygen is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercialization of cellulose nanocrystals ( CNC) presents opportunities for a wide range of new products. Techno-economic assessments can provide insightful information for the efficient design of conversion processes, drive cost-saving efforts, and reduce financial risks. In this study, we conducted techno-economic assessments for CNC production using information from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory Pilot Plant, literature, and discussions with experts. Scenarios considered included variations related to greenfield, co-location, and acid recovery. Operating costs, capital investment, minimum product selling price ( MPSP), financial performance metrics, and the effect of drying and higher reaction yields on CNC manufacturing financials were estimated for each scenario. The lowest MPSP was found for the co-location without acid recovery scenario, mainly driven by capital investment. Risk analysis indicates 95% probability of manufacturing costs lower than USD 5900/t of CNC (dry equivalent) and a MPSP lower than USD 7200/t of CNC (dry equivalent). Finally, based on our analysis, we provide guidance on process optimizations that can improve the economic performance of CNC manufacturing process. In addition, a risk profile of the CNC manufacturing business is provided. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We elucidate the effect of residual lignin on the interfacial, physical and mechanical properties of lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) and respective nanopapers. Fibers containing ∼0, 2, 4, and 14 wt% residual lignin were microfluidized into LCNF aqueous suspensions and were processed into dry films (nanopapers). A systematic decrease in fibril diameter with increasing residual lignin was observed upon fibrillation, consistent with the radical scavenging ability of the lignin that results in better cell wall deconstruction. The stiff nature of the lignin-containing fibrils made them less able to conform during filtration and improved extensively dewatering, owing to a more open structure. However, the softening of the lignin during hot-pressing of the nanopapers and its amorphous nature enabled a binding effect, filling the voids between the nanofibers (thus reducing the number of micropores) and making the surface of the nanopapers smoother. The interfacial free energy of interaction changed drastically with the increased lignin content: the corresponding water contact angles were 35° and 78° for the lignin-free and for the (14%) lignin-containing nanopaper, respectively, revealing the increase in hydrophobicity. Together with the significantly less porous structure of LCNF nanopapers, lower water absorbency was observed with increased lignin content. Lignin in the nanopapers reduced the oxygen permeability by up to 200-fold. Water vapor permeability, in turn, did not correlate linearly with lignin content but depended most significantly on material density. The tensile strength, modulus, and strain for the LCNF nanopapers were found to be in the range 116–164 MPa, 10.5–14.3 GPa, and 1.7–3.5%, respectively. To a good degree of approximation, these mechanical properties were rather insensitive to lignin content and comparable to those of nanopapers derived from fully bleached CNF. Whilst it might be expected that lignin interferes in hydrogen bonding between fibrils, this was apparently counteracted by the uniform distribution of lignin seemingly aiding stress-transfer between fibrils and thus preserving mechanical properties. Overall, LCNF is demonstrated to be a suitable precursor of nanopaper, especially when reduced polarity and low hydrophilicity are desirable in related bio-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the significance of xylan on the behaviour of kraft birch pulp based nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) is discussed. The influence of CNF xylan content on fibril morphology, charge and stability as well as on the film formation ability was investigated, and the features detected on nanoscale and on macroscale are compared. In addition to this, the ability of fibrils to uptake water molecules were investigated by bulk and surface sensitive methods which are dynamic water sorption analysis (DVS) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) equipped with the humidity module, respectively. Surface xylan plays a significant role as an electrosteric stabilizer in dilute CNF dispersions when the surface forces are dominant whereas the removal of xylan drastically changes the CNF dispersion properties. The settling of the unstable CNF dispersions displays behaviour which is typical for hindered sedimentation. When considering thin nanoscale layers of CNF, nanofibrillated cellulosic materials with high content of surface xylan has somewhat higher ability to bind water molecules. However, it seems that in more concentrated CNF dispersions where the fibrillar network itself plays also a decisive role, especially with respect to film formation ability, the impact of xylan diminishes. Solvent cast macroscale CNF films are still enough dense to maintain good oxygen barrier performance at higher humid conditions although agglomeration tendency of fibrils is higher due to the excessive xylan removal. These findings are of high relevance when considering nanocellulosic materials, especially in the form of gels and films, as templates for high added value material solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Acid-catalyzed vapor phase esterification with maleic anhydride was used to improve the integrity and thermo-mechanical properties of fiber webs based on poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA. The fibers were produced by electrospinning PVA from aqueous dispersions containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The effect of esterification and CNC loading on the structure and solvent resistance of the electrospun fibers was investigated. Chemical characterization of the fibers (FTIR, NMR) indicated the formation of ester bonds between hydroxyl groups belonging to neighboring molecules. Thermomechanical properties after chemical modification were analyzed using thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. An 80% improvement in the ultimate strength was achieved for CNC-loaded, crosslinked PVA fiber webs measured at 90% air relative humidity. Besides the ultra-high surface area, the composite PVA fiber webs were water resistant and presented excellent mechanical properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40334. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of organic–inorganic hybrid materials deserves special interest for bone tissue engineering applications, where materials must have properties that induce the survival and activation of cells derived from the mesenchyme. In this work, four bio-nanocomposites based on cellulose and variable content of chitosan, from 15 to 50 w% based on cellulose, with nanohydroxyapatite and β-Glycerophosphate as cross-linking agent were synthesized by simplified and low-energy-demanding solvent exchange method to determine the best ratio of chitosan to cellulose matrix. This study analyzes the metabolic activity and survival of human dermal fibroblast cells cultivated in four bio-nanocomposites based on cellulose and the variable content of chitosan. The biocompatibility was tested by the in vitro cytotoxicity assays Live/Dead and PrestoBlue. In addition, the composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. The results have shown that the vibration bands of β-Glycerophosphate have prevailed over the other components bands, while new diffraction planes have emerged from the interaction between the cross-linking agent and the biopolymers. The bio-nanocomposite micrographs have shown no surface porosity as purposely designed. On the other hand, cell death and detachment were observed when the composites of 1 and 0.1 w/v% were used. However, the composite containing 10 w% chitosan, against the sum of cellulose and β-Glycerophosphate, has shown less cell death and detachment when used at 0.01 w/v%, making it suitable for more in vitro studies in bone tissue engineering, as a promising economical biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover image, by Camilla Abbati de Assis et al., is based on the Modeling and Analysis Conversion Economics of Forest Biomaterials: Risk and Financial Analysis of CNC Manufacturing, DOI: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of thin film nucleation and initial growth on roughness, chemistry and thermomechanical properties of polymer film surfaces were studied. Al2O3 was deposited onto commercial biaxially oriented polypropylene and polylactic acid films at 80°C by using atomic layer deposition technique. Both substrates, especially the more hydrophobic polypropylene, showed initial growth through Al2O3 clusters. There was a faster deposition of Al2O3 on polylactic acid film than on polypropylene at the early stages of the Al2O3 deposition. There were also indications of chemical interactions between polylactic acid and trimethyl aluminum used as a precursor for Al2O3. Changes in the thermo-mechanical properties of the polymer surfaces with Al2O3 also evidenced the differences between the substrate polymer films. The near surface interphase formed in polylactic acid probably contributed to the strong increase and scattering in the softening temperature during the early thin film growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malaria is responsible for over 435,000 deaths annually, mostly occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Detecting Plasmodium spp. sporozoites (spzs) in the salivary glands of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors with circumsporozoite enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (csELISA) is an important surveillance method. However, current technological advances are intellectual property and often require of distribution and highly trained users. The transition into paper-based rapid plataforms would allow for decentralization of survillance, especially in areas where it was virtually eliminated. The addition of bio-based materials have shown the potential to improve binding of target antigens, while being widely available. Here, we evaluate the use of chitosan and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as antibody carriers and substrate coatings on 96-well plates and on wax hydrophobized paper plates for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), P. vivax VK210 (Pv210), and P. vivax VK247 (Pv247). To further improve the user-friendliness of the paper plates a quantitative photograph image-based color analysis was done. Interactions between the materials and the assay antibodies were studied by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Overall, the addition of chitosan increased the interaction with antibodies and enhanced signaling in all tests. This work demonstrated that the adaptation of a PcsELISA shows potential as a cost-effective alternative assay platform easily adaptable in deployable testing sites that also showed reduction in reagent volumes by 80% and assay run time by seventh. While dipstick assays were previously developed, paper-based assays are a cost-effective and field-deployable alternative, reducing volumes of reagents that could be used in malaria control and elimination settings., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2023.)