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This study focuses on the creation of high degree biocomposite with the utilization of renewable resources, including cardanol oil, palm kernel fiber and chitosan biopolymer. The principal aim of this research was to achieve high degree ratio of biocomposite for safe and eco-friendly application. The chitosan biopolymer was extracted from marine waste sea urchin spikes via deproteination. The biocomposites were prepared via hand layup technique following testing via ASTM standards. According to results, among the composites fabricated, PC5 exhibits exceptional mechanical strength with tensile strength of 88.2 MPa, flexural strength of 133.35 MPa and impact energy of 3.92 J. Therefore, PC6 composite performs better wear resistance with reduced coefficient of friction of 0.399 and Sp. wear rate of 0.01 mm3/Nm, respectively. And also, PC6 provides good thermal resistance with initial decomposition temperature of 345 °C. Similar to mechanical properties, in fatigue behavior also PC5 exhibits high fatigue life cycle counts with 19,647 for 25% UTS, 18,799 for 50% UTS and 17,571 for 75% UTS. The obtained results show that the inclusion of palm kernel fiber and chitosan significantly enhances the mechanical properties, wear and thermal resistance of the composites, while the cardinal oil binder ensures proper adhesion. However, thermal aging conditions were implemented to assess the material's ability to withstand harsh environmental factors. Notably, among the composite materials tested, the designations with chitin (such as PC4, PC5, and PC6) exhibited lesser susceptibility to the effects of thermal aging. This resilience is attributed to the presence of NH2 functional groups within chitin, which play a role in reducing the impact of thermal aging. These discoveries highlight the promising qualities of the developed polyester biocomposites, suggesting their suitability for a wide array of industrial applications requiring materials capable of enduring high-temperature environments such as automotive door panels, structural, space, defense and sports applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double emulsion consists of two interfacial layers which can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances within a single carrier. Besides encapsulation, double emulsion has also been used to modify the sensorial properties of food products. However, at the same time, double emulsion is susceptible to destabilization under environmental stresses and long-term storage. In this paper, recent articles on double emulsion were critically highlighted in terms of production, composition, and stabilization. With current existing fundamental knowledge about double emulsion, this paper aims to review the utilization of double emulsion for food application to bring potential benefits, stability, and future application. The stability of double emulsion during production and storage was affected by the production method, composition, and temperature control. In terms of food application, double emulsion has been successfully applied in fat-reducing products, food encapsulation, fortification, preservation, edible food packaging, etc. The recent insights in forming stable storage of double emulsion with food-grade emulsifiers have also been discussed in this review paper. In the future, the efforts in mitigating the destabilization behaviour of double emulsion might be beneficial in boosting the applications of double emulsion in bigger markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe visible light absorption capabilities, along with its electrical characteristics, of a low-cost, plant-based, biopolymer, gum acacia, have been chemically modified by tailoring its defect concentrations via pH modification, where the acid solvent of fruit (peel) extracts of jamun was used to influence the chemical structure by reactive modification. Ultraviolet-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy of the gum acacia biopolymer treated with the extracted anthocyanin from jamun peel showed a prominent, characteristic red shift in the visible spectrum range. Impedance spectroscopy analysis showed the occurrence of localized ionic conduction. The bulk conductivity of the modified specimens increased due to the profound release of conducting ions in the water-swollen network. The reactively modified biopolymer could be used in multiple fields of material science, specifically in energy device applications, viz., photovoltaics (PV), by utilizing its cost effectiveness and photolytic effectiveness. 2nd, as a polymer electrolyte and dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) material by utilizing its capacity of gel formation. In our research described in this article, the underlying charge transfer mechanism for such responses was examined after crosslinking in the organic dyes extracted from the peel of jamun fruit with gum acacia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe present study used low-cost, abundant, and nontoxic kaolin and kaolin-based PVA/alginate composite (KPA) as adsorbents to remove U(VI) and Sr(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The characterization of the adsorbents was performed by several techniques. The results showed that PVA/alginate enhanced the functional groups and changed the surface morphology. Adsorption isotherm parameters were determined through both linear and non-linear regression analyses, from which it was inferred that the Langmuir model provides a better fit than other ones. The uranium removal capacity of KPA significantly improved as compared to that of kaolin, reaching 104.17 mg/g under the conditions of 30 min, pH 4.0, 298 K, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1.2 g/L. The strontium removal capacity of kaolin was significantly high as compared to that of KPA, reaching 68.96 mg/g under the optimum conditions. Removal of the radionuclides on both adsorbents was better described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, showing the ions to be immobilized on the adsorbents through chemical adsorption. Kaolin was not affected by interfering metals for U(VI) and Sr(II) adsorption, but KPA composite was influenced by the other metals. The adsorbents display potential as candidates to remove uranium and strontium from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Previous studies have investigated complexation and coacervation of scallop Patinopecten yessoensis male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and polysaccharides influenced by pH and blending ratio. It has been found that SMGHs/polysaccharide composite shows better gel properties under strongly acidic conditions. Thus, the complexation and coacervation of SMGHs and gellan gum (GG) were investigated via turbidimetric titration at different pH values (1–12) and biopolymer blending ratios (9.5:0.5–6:4).Both pHc and pHφ1 exhibited ratio‐independent behavior with constant values at approximately pH 5.8 and pH 3.8, respectively, dividing SMGHs/GG blends into three phases named mixed polymers, soluble complexes and insoluble coacervates, respectively. Overall, SMGHs and GG exhibited synergistic gelation under neutral and acidic conditions, with the initial storage modulus (G') increasing by approximately 42.5‐, 573.7‐ and 3421‐fold and 97.7‐, 550.3‐ and 0.5‐fold, respectively, at pH 7, 5 and 3, compared with SMGHs and GG. As pH decreased from 7 to 3, the initial G' and viscosity η values of SMGHs/GG gels increased by 20.1‐ and 2.3‐fold, respectively, exhibiting the greatest increase in gel strength. Moreover, the free water in the SMGHs/GG system significantly shifted toward lower relaxation times attributed to the immobilization of the outer hydration layers. SMGHs/GG gels in the insoluble phase exhibited denser networks and rougher surfaces, supporting the enhanced rheological properties and water retention capacity of the gel.This work provides a basic foundation for the development of pH‐driven SMGHs/GG gelation by examining complexation and coacervation processes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polymers are getting attention as renewable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics due to their environmental benefits. However, improving their physical properties remains challenging. In this work, biodegradable biopolymers (PVA-PCD) were fabricated by chemically crosslinking petroleum-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with biomass-derived cardanol-based polyols (PCD). Biopolymers were characterized using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and swelling tests. Cardanol, the raw material, was converted into polyols via epoxidation followed by hydroxylation. FT-IR analysis confirmed that PVA-PCD biopolymers were crosslinked between the hydroxyl groups of PVA and PCD and the aldehydes of crosslinker glutaraldehyde (GLU), accompanied by the formation of acetal groups with ether bridges. XRD showed that the crystallinity of crosslinked polymers decreased, indicating that crosslinking occurs disorderly. TGA exhibited that GLU significantly improved the thermal stabilities of PVA and PCD-PVA polymers, as evidenced by increased decomposition temperatures. On the other hand, the effect of PVA/PCD ratios was minor on biopolymers' thermal stabilities. Swelling tests revealed that increased crosslinking density decreased the swelling ratio, suggesting that PVA-PCD biopolymers become more hydrophobic with high brittleness, high strength, and low swelling capacity. In summary, this study demonstrates that PVA-PCD biopolymers fabricated from biomass-derived materials have potential for various applications, such as biodegradable materials and sustainable packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the few synthetic resins from petroleum-based sources that are biodegradable and can reduce the environmental pollution is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA film is non-toxic, transparent, and biocompatible in line with green ecologically friendly requirements. It is completely biodegradable and possesses good mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and gas barrier. PVA's hydroxyl groups, however, decrease its mechanical and thermal properties and make it water-soluble, which limits its use. However, it is possible to control the water solubility or absorption by partially cross-linking the polymer chains. This work aims to enhance the mechanical properties while making an insoluble film through cross-linking with oxalic acid (OA). In the present investigation, PVA film was cross-linked with OA (with variable weight percentage (wt%) of OA) to limit its ability to absorb moisture. Tensile testing was utilized to evaluate the mechanical properties of the films, revealing their ultimate tensile strength, % elongation, and Young's modulus. With increase in wt% of OA, % elongation of PVA-based films decreases, whereas maximum tensile strength was observed at 10 wt% of OA configuration. In comparison to neat PVA, the differential thermo-gravimetric analysis peak migrated towards the higher temperature side with an increase in the OA concentration. The peak value of tan δ curve also increased and shifted towards higher temperature side as the OA concentration increased. This concludes that prepared films have high damping coefficient and can absorb impact load. Finally, the films' creep-recovery behaviour was also examined in detail. To represent the potential application of these films as packaging materials, anti-microbial tests were also conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocellulose is considered a promising and sustainable biomaterial, with excellent properties of biorenewability with improved mechanical properties. As a unique natural biopolymer, it has been applied to many different industries, where efficient and environmentally friendly productions are in demand. For the first time, ferns from the class Polypodiopsida were used for the isolation of cellulose fibers, which was performed using a chemo-mechanical method. As chemical treatment plays a crucial role in the isolation of nanocellulose, it affects the efficiency of the extraction process, as well as the properties of the resulting nanocellulose. Therefore, mechanical fibrillation was performed via grinding, while the chemical process consisted of three different treatments: alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. In three different experiments, each treatment was separately prolonged to investigate the differing properties of isolated nanocellulose. Structural analysis and morphological analysis were investigated by SEM, EDS, FT-IR, and DLS. The thermal stability of cellulose fibers was investigated by TGA/DSC. The morphology of obtained nanocellulose was confirmed via SEM analysis for all samples, with particles ranging from 20 nm up to 600 nm, while the most consistent sizes were observed for NC3, ranging from 20 to 60 nm. FT-IR spectra showed prominent absorption peaks corresponding to cellulose, as well as the absence of absorption peaks, corresponding to lignin and hemicellulose. The EDS confirmed the elemental purity of nanocellulose, while TGA/DSC indicated higher thermal stability of nanocellulose, compared to untreated fern, which started to degrade earlier than nanocellulose. Such characteristics with unique properties make nanocellulose a versatile biomaterial for the industrial production of cellulosic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible polymers are safe for consumption by humans and use in society. Shellac is a derivative of Lac, which has been used for a long time in many different industries due to its remarkable properties, which include film-forming, water resistance, thermoplastic, adhering, bonding, and simple solubility in spirit and aqueous alkali solvents. A paradigm shift has been observed in the variety of applications and uses of shellac due to the growing desire for natural products, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, 3D printing, stealth technology, green electronics, and intelligent sensor industries. It is commonly used as an enteric coating in the pharmaceutical sector and as a preservative coating or confectioners glaze in the food industry. Being a natural and eco-friendly substance, shellac has a great deal of potential for more sustainable technologies. Due to the film's strength and polymerization, shellac, however, has limitations. The low stability and mechanical brittleness of shellac, which result from self-polymerization reactions, limit its application even though it has great potential as an environmentally benign protective covering. This review offers a comprehensive understanding of lac, encompassing its characteristics, its uses, and its prospects for the future. This study aims to investigate a new method that may mitigate some of the disadvantages of shellac coating whilst improving the material's stability and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution is a major driver of climate change that is associated with biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and negative soil, plant, animal, and human health. One of the solutions that has been proposed and is currently reducing the adverse effects of plastic on the planet is the replacement of synthetic plastics with biopolymers. The biodegradable polymers have been adapted for most of the applications of synthetic plastic. However, their use and disposal present some sustainability challenges. Recycling emerges as an effective way of promoting the sustainability of biopolymer use. In this article, we review recycling as a viable solution to improve the sustainability of biopolymers, emphasizing the current types and technologies employed in biopolymer recycling and the challenges faced in their adoption. Our exploration of the future directions in the conversion of biopolymers into new polymers for reuse establishes a connection between established continuous technological innovation, integration into circular economy models, and the establishment and strengthening of collaborations among key stakeholders in relevant industries as necessary steps for the adoption, full utilization, and improvement of recycling technologies for biopolymers. By connecting these factors, this study lays a foundation for the establishment of a roadmap for improved biopolymer recycling technologies and processes that promote the sustainability of synthetic plastic alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the modeling and experimental validation of cell morphology in microcellular-foamed polycaprolactone (PCL) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as the blowing agent. The microcellular foaming process (MCP) was conducted using a solid-state batch foaming process, where PCL was saturated with scCO2 at 6 to 9 MPa and 313 K, followed by depressurization at a rate of −0.3 and −1 MPa/s. This study utilized the Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state and the Peng–Robinson–Stryjek–Vera equation of state to model the solubility and density of the PCL-CO2 mixture. Classical nucleation theory was modified and combined with numerical analysis to predict cell density, incorporating factors such as gas absorption kinetics, the role of scCO2 in promoting nucleation, and the impact of depressurization rate and saturation pressure on cell growth. The validity of the model was confirmed by comparing the theoretical predictions with experimental and reference data, with the cell density determined through field-emission scanning electron microscopy analysis of foamed PCL samples. This study proposes a method for predicting cell density that can be applied to various polymers, with the potential for wide-ranging applications in biomaterials and industrial settings. This research also introduces a Python-based numerical analysis tool that allows for easy calculation of solubility and cell density based on the material properties of polymers and penetrant gases, offering a practical solution for optimizing MCP conditions in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fruit loss frequently occurs due to physical and microbial deterioration. This study aimed to develop an emulsified coating formulation based on pectin (BP)/cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/(peppermint essential oil) PEO using the Pickering technique with an appropriate level of CNF as a stabiliser and to study its effect on grape quality during storage. The incorporation of 0.4% PEO‐stabilised with various 0.1%–0.325% CNF into 0.5% BP edible coatings was developed. A 0.175% concentration of CNF was found to be appropriate for stabilising the emulsion system. This technique improved the functional performance of BP coatings, including their antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum by 64.94% on the 7th day of incubation. Moreover, light transmission at UV and visible wavelengths and elongation improved by 23.17% and 71.26% respectively compared to the pure BP‐based coating. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterise the biocompatibility of each coating formulation. The PEO‐CNF emulsion coating may be an alternative for the active coating of fresh fruit commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive biohydrogel received prominent application in the diverse field. Hydrogel based on biopolymer is generally biocompatible and degradable but exhibiting poor conductivity. To enhance the conductivity of biohydrogel, composite of bioplomer and synthetic polymer are preferred. This work aims to prepare such composite for the augmentation of conductivity of biohydrogel. Gum Ghatti (GG), a natural biopolymer, was grafted with polyacrylic acid and subsequently cross-linked to form a hydrogel. The synthesized hydrogel was then infused with oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (-o-MWCNTs). The materials underwent comprehensive characterization using techniques, such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TGA-DTA. The grafted GG demonstrated a synergistic blend of biopolymer and polyacrylic acid (AA) properties. The hydrogel's electrical conductivity was systematically investigated at varying loadings of -o-MWCNTs within the GG-cl-P(AA) matrix. As the loading of -o-MWCNTs increased from 10 to 30 mg, there was a notable enhancement in electrical conductivity. However, at higher loading amounts, the electrical conductivity exhibited a subsequent decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymer materials have attracted attention due to their richness, sustainability, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability properties. This review explores recent advances in biopolymer synthesis, properties, and their commercial applications. Biopolymers, derived from renewable sources, have garnered significant attention due to their environmental benefits and potential to replace conventional petrochemical-based plastics. The synthesis of biopolymer delves into innovative biopolymer production techniques, including microbial fermentation, chemical modifications, and novel biotechnological approaches. A detailed examination of the unique properties of biopolymers, including physical, thermal, mechanical, and optical characteristics of naturally generated biopolymers. It explores the diverse range of applications of biopolymers across industries, including packaging for the food industry, biomedical engineering, cosmetics, and different mechanical applications. The review further discusses the growing commercial applications of biopolymers across various industries, such as packaging, agriculture, medicine, and textiles. This review aims to provide an understanding of the current method of synthesis properties and future potential application of biopolymers in advancing sustainable materials science. [Display omitted] • The biopolymeric materials synthesis techniques are discussed. • Potential of biomass wastes towards the extraction of biopolymer is explored. • Biopolymeric material properties and applications are summarized. • Recent development of biopolymer for different application are discussed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of chitosan (CH) has grown significantly over the last two decades due to its renewable and biodegradable source, and also because of the recent increase in the our knowledge of its functionality in technological and biomedical applications. The present article reviews the biopolymer CH and its derivatives, as versatile biomaterials for potential drug delivery systems, as well as tissue engineering applications, analgesia and treatment of arthritis. CH and its derivatives, as natural antimicrobial agents, can be applied in biomedical, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical applications. Its antimicrobial activity depends on many factors such as its molecular size, source, associated components, concentration, and type of microorganism. In our research described here we prepared and characterized the dynamic viscosity and the rheological properties of a biopolymer material based on CH in solution in acidic water. The dynamic viscosity and shear stress were measured under the influence of an increasing CH concentration of 1–10 g/l and an increasing temperature of 288.15–318.15 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin is a promising biopolymer for edible coatings thanks to its low cost and gelling properties. However, its weak mechanical properties limit its use. This study aimed to develop a gelatin coating with tomato extract, analyzing its antioxidant activity and rheological properties for food applications. Gelatin concentrations (2, 5, and 7%) were evaluated, and it was determined that 7% with 7.5% glycerol was the optimal mixture. Three concentrations of tomato extract (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) were added, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS technique, as well as the interaction of components through FT-IR and physicochemical analysis. The results showed that there were no significant differences in terms of their physicochemical characterization, maintaining a pH of 5 and a yellowish hue. The FT-IR spectra indicated there were hydrogen bond interactions between gelatin and the extract. The antioxidant capacity was higher with the 1.5% extract, achieving an inhibition of 58.9%. It was found that the combination of the different materials used improved the rheological (specifically the viscosity and stability of the material) and antioxidant properties of the gelatin. These findings suggest that modified gelatin coatings may be effective in extending the shelf life of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biostimulants are an important alternative to improve and promote higher efficiency in cropping systems. Although the biostimulant industry has been developing for several years, there are still areas of opportunity for new sources of biostimulants as well as new ecofriendly extraction techniques that allow for a circular economy and the reuse of waste. Lignin is a heteropolymer that constitutes about 40% of the plant cell wall. A great source of lignin is agrowastes, giving it added value. Recently, its use has been tested in agronomy as a carrier of nutrients and pesticides. Walnuts are produced on a large scale in Northern Mexico, and the shell represents between 15 and 40% of its total weight. However, to obtain this biopolymer, to date, non-environmentally friendly techniques have been used; for this reason, it is necessary to find extraction alternatives to make this proposal sustainable. In this work, the obtaining and characterization of lignin through mild extraction conditions from nutshells and its evaluation as a biostimulant on the growth of tomato seedlings are reported. Lignin was extracted by hydrolysis with a mixture of acetic acid and distilled water (65:35 v/v). The results showed that it was possible to obtain 15% (w/w) lignin using mild solvents, evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proton magnetic nuclear resonance (H-RMN), and infrared (IR). Subsequently, lignin solutions were prepared at different concentrations, 0, 10, 50, and 100 ppm, and applied via foliar weekly to tomato seedlings. A greater fresh weight of the stem was found with 10 and 50 ppm, and the height and the fresh biomass increased with the three concentrations (10, 50, and 100 ppm), concluding that lignin extracted from nutshells using mild conditions can act as a plant biostimulant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cereal wastes such as rice bran and cereal dust are valuable yet underutilised by-products of grain processing. This study aimed to bio-convert these wastes into bacterial cellulose (BC), an emerging sustainable and renewable biomaterial, via an inexpensive solid-state fermentation (SSF) pre-treatment using three mould isolates. Medium substitution by directly using untreated rice bran or cereal dust did not significantly increase the yield of bacterial cellulose produced by Novacetimonas sp. (NCBI accession number PP421219) compared to the standard Hestrin–Schramm (HS) medium. In contrast, rice bran fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus yielded the highest bacterial cellulose (1.55 ± 0.6 g/L dry weight) compared to the untreated control (0.45 ± 0.1 g/L dry weight), demonstrating an up to 22% increase in yield. Using the SSF process, the media production costs were reduced by up to 90% compared to the standard HS medium. Physicochemical characterisation using SEM, EDS, FTIR, XPS, XRD, and TGA was performed to gain insights into the internal structure, morphology, and chemical bonding of differently produced BC, which revealed comparable biopolymer properties between BC produced in standard and waste-based media. Hence, our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of fungal SSF for transforming abundant cereal waste into BC, providing a circular economy solution to reduce waste and convert it into by-products to enhance the sustainability of the cereal industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels possess excellent biological properties that make them ideal for biomedical applications. They are compatible with living cells and tissues because they can swell in the presence of water. In this study, we investigated the stability and biocompatibility of hydrogels. We synthesized and characterized N-acryl glycine (NAG) monomer and then synthesized its copolymer using the miniemulsion-polymerization technique, a soft-hydrogel method. To confirm the morphological properties of the dried hydrogel particles, we used the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) technique. We also investigated the rheological properties of the hydrogels for different concentrations to evaluate their mechanical strength and gel-like properties. Our findings indicated that the 10 % gel had superior strength and yield strain at all examined temperatures (30 °C, 37 °C, and 40 °C) compared to other concentrated gels. We systematically evaluated the biocompatibility of the hydrogel using three different cell lines: HEK 293T, RAW 264.7, and HeLa. Our cell line studies demonstrated that hydrogels are viable when exposed to a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. Moreover, cell proliferation was observed at concentrations below 0.25 mg/mL. The MTT assay and rheology results suggest that hydrogel characteristics are more suitable for various biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of novel cellulosic materials is imperative at the moment to ensure high-quality materials for building polymer composites that possess high-performance. This study was conducted to explore the specific properties of a novel micro-sized cellulosic fillers obtained from Nelumbo nucifera leaves and thereby to establish its feasibility as composite reinforcement. The physico-chemical, surface and thermal behaviours are investigated for cellulosic micro fillers that extracted through thermo-chemical method. The density of the extracted fillers was analysed to realize its mode of applicability. Whereas chemical characterization studies were indispensable to explore the chemical nature of the material. Of which, X-ray diffraction analysis proved that Nelumbo nucifera leaves has good crystallinity index (75.9%) and crystalline size (8.2 nm). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer analysis showed that the material possesses high cellulosic contents rather very less non-cellulosic residues. Scanning electron microscope images disclosed the roughness pattern of the filler surface and subsequently the average particle size of the micro fillers is identified as 23.253±6.55μm through ImageJ tool. At the same time, atomic force microscopy images revealed that micro cellulose extracted has desired average roughness (28.296 μm). Though, the suitable surface features of Nelumbo nucifera leaves are found to be virtuous for providing interfacial bonding with other matrices during composite formulation. Along with that, good thermal stability (215°C) offers its processing and application even at relatively higher temperatures. Since, the present study has accomplished that Nelumbo nucifera leaves is a promising alternative source of micro cellulose for traditionally used sources like wood, hemp, and cotton, for the extraction of micro cellulose, which could be further used as a promising alternative to synthetic reinforcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural polymer chitin is an abundant source for valuable N-acetylchitooligosaccharides and N-acetylglucosamine applicable in several industries. The endochitinase Chit36-TA from Trichoderma asperellum was recombinantly expressed in Komagataella phaffii for the enzymatic degradation of chitin from unused insect exuviae into N-acetylchitooligosaccharides. Chit36-TA was purified by Ni–NTA affinity chromatography and subsequently biochemically characterized. After deglycosylation, the endochitinase had a molecular weight of 36 kDa. The optimum pH for Chit36-TA was 4.5. The temperature maximum of Chit36-TA was determined to be 50 °C, while it maintained > 93% activity up to 60 °C. The chitinase was thermostable up to 45 °C and exhibited ~ 50% activity after a 15 min incubation at 57 °C. Chit36-TA had a maximum specific enzyme activity of 50 nkat/mg with a Km value of 289 µM with 4-methylumbelliferyl-N,N′,N″-triacetyl-β-chitotrioside as substrate. Most tested cations, organic solvents and reagents were well-tolerated by the endochitinase, except for SDS (1 mM), Cu2+ (10 mM) and Mn2+ (10 mM), which had stronger inhibitory effects with residual activities of 3, 41 and 28%, respectively. With a degree of hydrolysis of 32% applying colloidal shrimp chitin (1% (w/v)) and 12% on insect larvae (1% (w/v)) after 24 h, the endochitinase was found to be suitable for the conversion of colloidal chitin as well as chitin from black soldier fly larvae into water-soluble N-acetylchitooligosaccharides. To prove scalability, a bioreactor process was developed in which a 55-fold higher enzyme activity of 49 µkat/l and a tenfold higher protein expression of 1258 mg/l were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of food disposal has grown more serious, but the application of nanocomposite polymers offers a viable solution. These cutting-edge polymers provide cost-effective solutions and a sustainable means of reducing environmental harm. Food waste can be used extensively to make nanocomposite polymers, that are useful in a variety of industrial applications. Biodegradable components like lignin and chitin, which are sourced from animal products or crop leftovers, are used to create the cutting-edge polymers. The mechanical qualities and endurance of the polymers are improved by including these natural components, making them suitable for a variety of industrial fields. In the rapidly expanding sector of biocomposite polymer materials, there is a big emphasis on using food waste as a viable feedstock. According to research, biocomposites made from food waste have better mechanical strength and barrier qualities than conventional materials. These biocomposites can also be modified to fulfil specific application requirements, such as better thermal insulation capabilities or higher fire resistance. They are a desirable replacement for conventional synthetic polymers due to their sustainability, which also expands the variety of possible uses. Inorganic and organic nanoparticles are mixed with biopolymers to form nanocomposite materials based on biopolymers. While many waste materials can be employed as substrates for the manufacture of bionanomaterials, recent focus has been placed on the food industry waste, which is produced at a significant pace globally. These biopolymers are gaining popularity in the pharmaceutical and medical industries in addition to their current use in culinary applications because of their distinctive properties. This study sheds light on the possibilities of this novel strategy for sustainable development by compiling a wide range of food waste sources and biopolymer synthesis technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, a substantial quantity of agricultural food waste and byproducts that contain significant bioactive chemicals are produced, particularly across the whole supply chain. Reducing food waste and byproducts is the initial choice to mitigate environmental issues and contribute to economic and societal well-being. Despite the implementation of many policies and the availability of numerous management methods to utilize agricultural food wastes, these wastes continue to be generated on a yearly basis. Researchers have identified numerous types of waste materials that can be used as substrates in the manufacturing of biomaterials. Conversely, there has been a growing emphasis on using agro-food waste, namely waste from fruits, vegetables, and fatty products, to produce various types of biopolymers. Biopolymers comprise gelatin, xanthan gum, cellulose, collagen, Polyhydroxyalkanoates and other chemically related substances. This review focuses on significant biopolymeric materials synthesized from agricultural food waste and their prospective applications. This work also addresses the difficulties and possibilities associated with the creation of sustainable biopolymer-based composites derived from agri-food waste biomass through a closed loop strategy and circular economy. The study's findings suggest that incorporating agricultural biomass into the production of biopolymer-based composites holds significant promise for improving environmental sustainability. The extensive aggregated data can aid academics in addressing and resolving the problems related to food waste and the depletion of fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pectin from Taiwan Citrus depressa Hayata's peels (CDH pectin) and sodium alginate (Na alginate) were mixed in neutral acidity to produce microhydrogel beads or microspheres. The potential use of the microspheres such as encapsulation materials for quercetin and nobiletin, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity, toxic elements absorption ability, and thermal characteristics were explored. Results: Different ratios of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced microspheres of varying sizes and shapes. The highest yield (47.59%) with the broadest diameter was obtained at a Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 2:1, while the smallest yield was obtained from Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 1:3 (24.13%). Increasing the amount of Na alginate resulted in more spherical microspheres, higher heavy metals (cobalt and nickel) removal rates, yet a lower swelling ratio. A high pectin concentration also increased the encapsulation efficiency of quercetin and nobiletin, reaching 91.5% and 86.74%, respectively. Quercetin and nobiletin release analysis (in vitro) showed a slow release of drugs from the microspheres. Less than 20% quercetin and nobiletin were released from the microspheres in SGF (simulated gastric fluid) pH 1.2 solution after 2 h and more than 40% of the encapsulated drug was released in SIF (simulated intestinal fluid) pH 6.8 after 4 h. The strong DPPH scavenging activity of quercetin (99%) was not hindered by encapsulation materials. ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry) analysis demonstrated that the biopolymer can absorb cobalt and nickel from water. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result showed that the combination of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced a biopolymer that exhibited a weight loss of only 1.86–4.33% at 100 °C. Conclusions: These findings suggest that microspheres produced from CDH pectin cross-linked with sodium alginate had potential in nobiletin and quercetin encapsulation. Moreover, the polymer could absorb heavy metals and exhibit an important characteristic for hot food and beverage packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, biopolymer coatings have emerged as an effective approach for extending the shelf life of edible fruits. The invention of biopolymer coverings has emerged as an innovation for extending fruit shelf life. Natural polymers, like chitosan, alginate, and pectin, are used to create these surfaces, which have several uses, including creating a barrier that prevents water evaporation, the spread of living microbes, and respiratory movement. These biopolymer coatings' primary benefits are their environmental friendliness and lack of damage. This study highlights the advancements made in the creation and usage of biopolymer coatings, highlighting how well they preserve fruit quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and satisfy consumer demand for natural preservation methods. This study discusses the usefulness of the biopolymer coating in terms of preserving fruit quality, reducing waste, and extending the product's shelf life. Biopolymer coatings' potential as a sustainable solution for synthetic preservatives in the fruit sector is highlighted as are formulation process advances that combine natural ingredients and environmental implications. This essay focuses on the essential methods, such as new natural additives, as well as the environmental effect of biopolymer coatings, which are safe and healthy commercial alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing rise in CO2 emission, resulting in accelerated global warming, there is an increased utilization of lignocellulosic waste biomass to synthesize inexpensive CO2 adsorbents, via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of biomass followed by chemical activation (CAC) to create porous activated hydrochar that can capture CO2. However, despite analogous thermochemical conversion (HTC and CAC) conditions, the activated hydrochars derived from different biomass precursors exhibit dissimilarity in surface morphology and its corresponding CO2 capture capacity. Hence, finding the fundamental key underlying this discrepancy is of interest where biopolymer constituents' composition is hypothesized to be the determining factor. This study, therefore, explored the biopolymer model compounds of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and glucose which were independently hydrothermally carbonized and KOH-activated to develop porous adsorbents. The findings of this study highlighted discrete porosity development in the biopolymer-derived activated hydrochar ranging from 591 m2/g for glucose precursor to as high as 2279 m2/g for that cellulose. On the other hand, lignin-based activated hydrochar demonstrated the lowest microporosity (0.084 cm3/g), reflecting its reluctance in transforming the hydrochar carbon matrix into substantially rich micro-cavities, at moderate HTC and CAC conditions. CO2 capture was observed to be the lowest of 1.45 mmol/g for glucose and highest of 2.45 mmol/g for cellulose-derived activated hydrochars, reflecting the direct influence of surface porosity on CO2 adsorbed. Literature data of other lignocellulosic biomass-derived activated hydrochars were combined with results of this study where a statistical analysis revealed the inhibiting role of glucose in pore creation while micropore creation was favored by cellulose and hemicellulose, benefitting CO2 capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this current study, hydrogels based on acacia gum (AG), polyacrylamide (PAM), and carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG) were successfully developed and ciprofloxacin (drug) incorporated into it. To optimize the hydrogel, the concentrations of crosslinker and initiator were varied, and their effects on the swelling were examined. The hydrogel was subjected to characterization techniques such as Powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflection‐Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The hydrogel swelling and in vitro drug release were assessed in pH 1.2 and 7.4 buffer solutions. The findings revealed that an alkaline pH yielded superior results for the swelling and in vitro drug release experiments compared to an acidic pH. The drug release kinetic of the ciprofloxacin‐loaded AG/PAM/CMTKG hydrogel followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, demonstrating non‐fickian diffusion at pH 7.4 and fickian mechanism at pH 1.2. The pH‐dependent behavior of ciprofloxacin‐loaded AG/PAM/CMTKG hydrogel displayed its potential implications for site‐specific ciprofloxacin release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread adoption of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) encounters challenges due to its higher production costs compared to conventional plastics. To overcome this obstacle, this study investigates the use of low-cost raw materials and optimized production methods. Specifically, food processing byproducts such as corn germ and corn bran were utilized as solid substrates through solid-state fermentation, enriched with molasses and cheese whey. Employing the One Factor at a Time technique, we examined the effects of substrate composition, temperature, initial substrate moisture, molasses, and cheese whey on PHB production at the flask scale. Subsequently, experiments were conducted at the bioreactor scale to evaluate the influence of aeration. In flask-scale experiments, the highest PHB yield, reaching 4.1 (g/kg Initial Dry Weight Substrate) (IDWS) after 72 hours, was achieved using a substrate comprising a 1:1 mass ratio of corn germ to corn bran supplemented with 20 % (v/w) cheese whey. Furthermore, PHB production in a 0.5-L packed-bed bioreactor yielded a maximum of 8.4 (g/kg IDWS), indicating a more than 100 % increase in yield after 72 hours, with optimal results achieved at an aeration rate of 0.5 l/(kg IDWS. h). • PHB was synthesized using a mixture of agricultural and food waste substrates. • The impact of operational variables on PHA production in SSF was determined. • Temperature, moisture, substrate composition and cheese whey affected on process. • SSF was scaled up to a packed-bed bioreactor to investigate aeration rate effect. • Maximum PHB production reached 8.4 (g/kg IDWS) using Cupriavidus necator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability in agriculture can only be achieved by protecting important resources, one of them being water. Availability of water in the soil greatly influences agricultural productivity. Hydrogels play a key role in ensuring water availability and achieving agricultural sustainability. A novel superabsorbent hydrogel was synthesized from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam seed polysaccharides. The synthesized hydrogel was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Swelling capacity of the hydrogel in different solutions, water retention duration, its influence on the soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and degradation in soil were assessed. The hydrogel absorbs up to 326 g/g and degrades naturally at around 1.4 wt% daily. The hydrogel improved the SWHC by 34% at a concentration of 0.3% w/w. Further pot experiments with black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) plants showed that the superabsorbent hydrogel ensured water availability for 35 days and relieved the plants from drought‐induced stress. The data presented here indicates that the synthesized hydrogel can potentially be used as a soil conditioner for the sustained release of water and fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levan is a highly water-soluble biopolymer that has extensive applications in the pharmaceutical, personal care, food, and industrial fields. Lactobacillus fermentum SHN1 was isolated from milk and dairy products as an exopolysaccharide (levan) producer and identified according to morphological, biochemical tests and using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The sequence alignment in the gene bank indicated that the isolate has a high percentage of similarity (100%) to the recovered sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum isolate. The produced biopolymer was characterized as levan by FTIR, ¹H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The effect of various nutritional and physical factors including pH, carbon source, sucrose concentration, nitrogen source, inoculum size, and incubation period, on the synthesis of levan by L. fermentum SHN1 was studied. The findings indicated that the optimal carbon source for the production of levan was 100 g/L sucrose, yielded of 25.95 g/L. Additionally, a combination of peptone + yeast extract at a ratio of 2:0.5 was identified as the most effective nitrogen source for levan production, giving in a yield of 24.21 g/L. L. fermentum SHN1 produces the greatest quantity of levan, 23.89 g/L, under a pH of 6.5 and an inoculum size of 1%, resulting in a yield of 25 g/L. The most favorable period for incubation was 48 hours, resulting in a production yield of 24.87 g/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, starch‐based nanofiber mats were successfully prepared from aqueous solution by electrospinning and used for probiotic encapsulation for the first time. The physicochemical properties of the octenylsuccinated (OS) starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend solutions were systematically investigated. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectra analysis, it was found that miscibility and hydrogen bonding interactions exist between OS starch and PVA molecules. Thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the produced nanofibers possess satisfactory thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy images and diameter distribution histograms showed that continuous and defect‐free nanofibers were obtained and along with the increase in the weight ratio of OS starch, the average diameter gradually decreased. In addition, it was confirmed that the probiotics were successfully encapsulated in nanofiber mats. The survival rates of Lactobacillus plantarum AB‐1 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG encapsulated in nanofibers were as high as 94.63% and 92.42%, respectively, significantly higher than those of traditional freeze‐drying. Moreover, compared to free cells, probiotics encapsulated in nanofiber mats retained better viability after 21 days of storage at 4 and 25°C, and showed remarkably higher survival rates after exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal fluid. This study showed that the developed nanofibers can be a promising encapsulation system for the protection of probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycogen is a natural polysaccharide used as an energy storage macromolecule. The role of glycogen metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus has been under investigation for several years, along with its implication in cancer and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies using pig liver glycogen with rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase (RMGPb), which catalyzes the first step of glycogen degradation to glucose-1-phosphate, showed that the surface of an average glycogen molecule is covered by a total of 20 RMGPb dimeric molecules. In this work, we selected oyster glycogen (Glyc) to investigate its interaction with RMGPb by employing biophysical techniques. Dynamic, static, and electrophoretic light scattering were used to investigate the solution behaviors and structures of both the Glyc molecule itself and the formed complexes between Glyc and GPb at different mixing ratios. It was established that the interaction between oyster Glyc and RMGPb is similar to that previously reported for pig liver glycogen. Moreover, the structure of the complexed GPb was monitored by fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study developed and characterized hydrogels (HG-CGG) and films (F-CGG) based on cationic guar gum (CGG) for application in wound healing. Methods: HG-CGG (2% w/v) was prepared by gum thickening and evaluated for pH, stability, spreadability, and viscosity. F-CGG was obtained using an aqueous dispersion of CGG (6% w/v) and the solvent casting method. F-CGG was characterized for thickness, weight uniformity, morphology, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and swelling potential. Both formulations were evaluated for bioadhesive potential on intact and injured porcine skin, as well as antioxidant activity. F-CGG was further studied for biocompatibility using hemolysis and cell viability assays (L929 fibroblasts), and its wound-healing potential by the scratch assay. Results: HG-CGG showed adequate viscosity and spreadability profiles for wound coverage, but its bioadhesive strength was reduced on injured skin. In contrast, F-CGG maintained consistent bioadhesive strength regardless of skin condition (6554.14 ± 540.57 dyne/cm2 on injured skin), presenting appropriate mechanical properties (flexible, transparent, thin, and resistant) and a high swelling capacity (2032 ± 211% after 6 h). F-CGG demonstrated superior antioxidant potential compared to HG-CGG (20.50 mg/mL ABTS+ radical scavenging activity), in addition to exhibiting low hemolytic potential and no cytotoxicity to fibroblasts. F-CGG promoted the proliferation of L929 cells in vitro, supporting wound healing. Conclusions: Therefore, CGG proved to be a promising material for developing formulations with properties suitable for cutaneous use. F-CGG combines bioadhesion, antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, cell proliferation, and potential wound healing, making it promising for advanced wound treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pullulan is a biopolymer produced by various strains of the fungi Aureobasidium pullulans. It is made up of maltotriose units consisting of α-(1,6) and α-(1,4) glycosidic bonds. Pullulan was discovered by Bauer in 1938, characterized by Bernier in 1958 and named as 'pullulan' by Bender in 1959. Submerged fermentation is widely employed for pullulan production followed by downstream processing for recovery of pullulan. Factors such as nutrients, minerals, pH, temperature, surfactants, light intensity, and melanin intermediate affect its production. Various optimization methods such as Plackett Burman design, response surface methodology, and artificial neural networks have been utilised for enhancing the yield of pullulan. Pullulan yield as high as 62.52 g/L can be achieved using a 5 L fermenter under optimised conditions. It can be characterized by techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy. The biopolymer has remarkable properties which makes it an ideal candidate to be used in various applications such as the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, cosmetics, food, and wastewater treatment. Pullulan's applications can be expanded by chemically modifying to obtain grafted pullulan, polymer blends, nanocomposites and hydrogels which have been gaining importance in recent years. Over the years, many patents using pullulan have been granted for different applications worldwide. This review sheds light on all these aspects of pullulan including its future scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cellulose with quaternary ammonium functions was prepared and utilized to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions and water samples from plating baths. Batch sorption tests conducted with aqueous solutions revealed that the removal of Cr(VI) was rapid, completing in just 3 min. Cr(VI) sorption was pH dependent, exhibiting a low removal rate at acidic pH levels and increasing with the solution pH. Within the pH range of 6–10, up to 99% of Cr(VI) could be removed from the solution. The optimum conditions identified were applied to an actual plating bath water sample, resulting in 99% of Cr(VI) removal from the solution. The maximum sorption capacity of the prepared sorbents was 32.68 mg/g. The removal rate of Cr(VI) changed by only 1% at low coexistence of ions (namely Cl−, SO42−, PO43–, and NO3−), but it decreased by 14% to 45% when concentrations increased from 5 to 100 mg/L. Thermodynamic studies revealed that Cr(VI) sorption was both spontaneous and exothermic. The exhausted sorbent can regenerate completely with 1 M HCl or H2SO4 solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose present in natural plant sources has better potentials to replace traditional synthetic fibers. However, a lack of knowledge and awareness on cellulose hinders efforts to fully utilize this extremely biodegradable resource. This study aims to extract and characterize the microcrystalline cellulose (MC) obtained from Pandanus tectorius leaves. The MC particles are extracted with the aid of alkaline and chemical treatment. The extracted MC powder is in pure white color and further investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM) to understand its physicochemical properties and surface morphology. The band gap energy of exfoliated MC was 4.21 eV; with crystallinity index and degree of crystallinity of 76.8% and 81.4%, the dislocation density is calculated as 0.002. Thermal stability of MC particle was up to 470 °C; further increment in temperature degrades the MC particles. The obtained results depict that exfoliated MC particles have better band gap, and it can be used for food packing industries, and furthermore, this type of waste plant weeds can be converted in to useful MC particles to be used as a filler material in developing polymer matrix composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food fortification with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) can effectively reduce deficiencies of these important micronutrients, but the reactivity of bioavailable Fe compounds in foods remains a challenge. Here, this problem was tackled by binding water-soluble Fe3+ and Zn2+ sources to alginate by ionotropic gelation, resulting in the formation of mixed Fe/Zn alginate beads. The dry beads were 0.8–1.4 mm in diameter and had Fe and Zn contents of up to 143 mg/g. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful binding of Fe3+ and Zn2+ with the carboxylic acid groups of alginate with preferential binding of Fe3+ over Zn2+. When added to difficult-to-fortify polyphenol-rich foods, the Fe alginate beads caused smaller color changes than water-soluble Fe sources, confirming that binding Fe3+ to alginate reduced its reactivity and improved its stability. Adding increasing amounts of Zn into the beads further improved color stability as evidenced by the lower ΔE values. The in vitro Fe solubility was 75–90% within 120 min at pH 1.0, independent of the Zn content, suggesting that the Fe from these structures is released in the stomach and available for absorption in the intestine. Their improved stability may make these Fe/Zn alginates attractive dual fortificants for difficult-to-fortify foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch and chitosan, polysaccharides derived from natural sources, have significant potential across various domains. Starch is extracted from starch‐bearing plants, such as potatoes, whereas chitosan is obtained from the exoskeletons of marine animals, fungi and insects. However, the original forms of starch and chitosan have several limitations, such as low solubility and weak mechanical strength. Interestingly, the combined effects of starch and chitosan resulted in the development of starch‐chitosan blends with markedly improved functional properties. These blends demonstrated high tensile strength, improved hydrophilicity and increased adsorption capacity. Furthermore, modification of starch‐chitosan blends by techniques such as crosslinking and incorporation of other functional materials contributes to diverse characteristics and functionalities. This review addresses a crucial gap in the literature by providing an overview and up‐to‐date analysis of starch‐chitosan blends. The preparation methods and functional properties of these blends in various forms, such as films, beads and hydrogels, have been extensively discussed. Emphasis is placed on the versatile applications of these blends in research, development and industries such as pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, agriculture and food technology. This review aims to provide an insightful overview of starch‐chitosan blends and stimulate broader interdisciplinary research interests. By providing concluding insights and prospects, this review highlights the potential for further exploration of the impact of starch‐chitosan blends on consumers and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distal ulna locking bone plates (DLBPs) are commonly employed in the treatment of distal ulna fractures. However, commercially available metallic bone plates experience stress shielding and lack corrosion resistance. Poly lactic acid (PLA) is highly favored biopolymer due to its biocompatible and bioabsorbable nature with human tissues. The use of additive layer manufacturing (ALM) is gaining attention for creating customized implants with intricate structures tailored to patient autonomy. ALM‐based PLA bone plates must provide high resistance against impact and torsional forces, necessitating the adjustment of printing process parameters. This study focuses on examining the influence of key printing parameters, on the impact strength and torque‐withstanding capability of DLBPs. Experimental results, along with microscopic images, reveal that an increase in infill density (IF) and wall thickness imparts strong resistance to layers against crack propagation under impact and torsional loads. On the contrary, an increase in layer height and printing speed leads to delamination and early fracture of layers during impact and torsional testing. IF significantly contributes to improving the impact strength and torque‐withstanding capability of DLBPs by 70.53% and 80.65%, respectively. The study highlights the potential of the ALM technique in developing DLBPs with sufficient mechanical strength for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the geotechnical performance of municipal solid waste fines (MSWF) stabilized with xanthan gum and agar gum. As urbanization escalates, the challenge of managing MSW becomes more critical, especially in India, projected to produce up to 436 million tonnes annually by 2050. Landfill mining yields material with poor engineering properties, necessitating effective stabilization techniques. This research evaluates the efficacy of xanthan and agar gums in enhancing the geotechnical properties of MSW fines. Various tests, including compaction, triaxial, and unconfined compressive strength, were conducted on samples subjected to different curing periods. The results indicate a substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of MSW fines treated with agar gum, including a maximum increase of 58% in unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Microstructural examinations confirm enhanced interparticle bonding, while leachate analysis shows a notable reduction in heavy metal release. Statistical assessments underscore the significance of curing time in determining the final properties of the treated MSW fines. Overall, agar gum emerges as a more effective biopolymer for MSW fines stabilization, with curing duration playing a vital role in achieving optimal geotechnical characteristics. These findings offer valuable insights for selecting appropriate bio-treatment methods for heterogeneous materials like MSW fines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing economic and environmental concerns arising from the extensive exploration and dependence on fossil fuel-based materials have encouraged the search for eco-friendly alternatives. Fibers based on biomass-derived materials have been attracting growing interest. Among other features, the mechanical performance of bio-based fibers needs to be improved to effectively compete with their counterparts and emerge as viable substitutes. This review presents scientific advancements in the development of naturally derived fibers, and strategies for their production with tailored mechanical properties. The potential of natural precursor-based fibers for their conversion into high-performance carbon fibers is also emphasized. Studies reporting the mechanical properties of bio-based fibers developed by wet spinning are identified, analyzed, and discussed. These studies show that cellulose is the most studied material, while Ioncell technology is identified as the most suitable method for producing cellulose-based fibers with the highest tensile strength. Studies have also demonstrated that silk fibroin exhibits tensile strength and elongation at break ranging from 300 to 600 MPa and 30 to 50%. Although several novel processes have been explored, there are still challenges that need to be addressed for bio-based fibers to become feasible options, and to boost their usage across industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges for modern agriculture is to seek methods for improvement of crop growth and quality which is based on the sustainable agriculture to provide the growing population with access to high-quality food. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) and slow-release fertilizers (SRF) are the answer to these challenges, as they constitute an alternative means of achieving higher agronomic efficiency relative to traditional fertilizers. The focus of this paper is to review the changes and trends regarding the CRF/SRF, with a particular focus on biopolymer-coated fertilizers, specifically sodium alginate as both the biopolymer for coating and a soil conditioner. The presented literature review reveals the promising prospects related to the necessity of developing fertilizers with a controlled/slow release of minerals, involving materials that provide the appropriate mineral release rate and which are characterized by properties ensuring a substantial reduction in the negative impact on the natural environment. This finds confirmation in the clear tendency for applying biodegradable materials, particularly originating from natural sources, which may become the appropriate materials used for fertilizer coating when considering the new requirements concerning environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aim to optimize the formulation of the sodium alginate biosensor substrate with incorporation of sodium alginate (1%‐6%(w/v)) as a polymer backbone and glycerol (10–50 wt%) as a plasticizer. The effect of their interaction on film's tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) were analyzed via response surface methodology‐central composite design (RSM‐CCD). The optimum parameter of the films for the maximum TS was at 1.90%(w/v) of sodium alginate and 17 wt% of glycerol and for maximum EB was at 4.89%(w/v) of sodium alginate and 49.65 wt% of glycerol. The optimum parameter of the films had revealed the better TS was at lower sodium alginate content and better EB was at higher glycerol content. In terms of thermal stability, the thermal decomposition temperature (Tonset) of sodium alginate decreased with the incorporation of glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid polymer electrolytes are given great importance as they can provide significant potential in building electrochemical devices including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. This study prepared and optimized a blend of rosin gum and cellulose acetate to which LiNO3 was added to prepare lithium ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte. A maximum ionic conductivity of 6.21×10−5 Scm−1 was attained. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the synthesized polymer electrolytes indicated that the films possess an amorphous structure and indicate the complete dissolution of salt. The analysis of the blend polymer doped with the salt using FTIR spectroscopy provided a comprehensive understanding of the detailed interaction between the salt and the blend system. The thermogravimetry study demonstrated that electrolyte membrane was stable up to 205 °C. The electrochemical stability of the produced electrolyte was investigated using LSV analysis which showed that the electrolyte was stable up to 2.6 V. The calculation of transference numbers verified that ions are the main charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific community has explored new packaging materials owing to environmental challenges and pollution from plastic waste. Bacterial cellulose (BC), produced by bacteria like Gluconacetobacter xylinus, shows high potential for food preservation owing to its exceptional mechanical strength, high crystallinity, and effective barrier properties against gases and moisture, making it a promising alternative to conventional plastics. This review highlights recent advances in BC production, particularly agro-industrial residues, which reduce costs and enhance environmental sustainability. Incorporating antimicrobial agents into BC matrices has also led to active packaging solutions that extend food shelf-life and improve safety. A bibliometric analysis reveals a significant increase in research on BC over the last decade, reflecting growing global interest. Key research themes include the development of BC-based composites and the exploration of their antimicrobial properties. Critical areas for future research include improving BC production's scalability and economic viability and the integration of BC with other biopolymers. These developments emphasize BC's potential as a sustainable packaging material and its role in the circular economy through waste valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review summarizes studies on modification of fish collagen and pectin to obtain the branched and three-dimensional structures. They are biodegradable and biocompatible sealants prepared via radical graft copolymerization under photocatalysis in the presence of a RbTe1.5W0.5O6 complex oxide of a β-pyrochlore structure, including the variation of composition of a initial reaction mixture, and via the isolation stage by introduction of known modification additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a curdlan-producing bacterium was isolated from Cow pea soil and identified as Priestia megaterium based on 16 S rRNA sequencing. To identify the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for curdlan production, submerged fermentation studies with different sources was carried out. To enhance the curdlan yield, optimization by one-factor-at-a-time approach was conducted. The optimal fermentation media consisted of 15% (w/v) sucrose, 0.1% (w/v) urea, 0.1% (w/v) KH2PO4, 0.04% (w/v) MgSO4·7H2O, trace elements, initial pH of 7.0 with 10% (v/v) inoculum size and agitation speed of 180 rpm. Kinetics of growth, curdlan yield, sucrose and ammonia depletion were studied for a period of 168 h. Maximum curdlan yield (0.31 g/L) was achieved at 96 h of fermentation. At this point, the fermentation media had an optical density of 9.68, biomass concentration of 4.26 mg/mL, and viable count of 2.4 × 104 CFU/mL. Additionally, the maximum percentage consumption of sucrose and ammonia over 168 h of fermentation were 75 and 62.5%, respectively. Finally, the identity of biopolymer curdlan was validated through characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Some characteristic features of curdlan such as the β-1,3-linkage was depicted by the absorption band at 890 cm−1 in FTIR, flaky granules with irregularities as seen in SEM, and thermal degradation between 235 and 350 °C by TGA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on curdlan production from Priestia megaterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, bead foams are of great interest due to their high lightweight potential. The processing of such foams strongly depends on the crystallization and rheological behavior of the polymers used. By blending polymers, these properties can be tailored to obtain beaded foams with low density, small cell size and high cell density. As a bio-based polymer, PLA is of great interest due to its renewable carbon source. PLA suffers from its low thermal and rheological properties, which can be compensated by using blends. The correlation between the PLA/PHBV ratio and the rheological as well as the crystallization behavior was investigated. The use of PHBV as a minor phase significantly changes the rheological properties and increases the crystallization behavior of PLA. These findings were applied to the foam extrusion process to obtain low density bead foams. Bead foams with densities below 100 kg/m3, mean cell sizes below 50 µm and cell densities of 1 × 107 cells/cm3 were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Pectin from Taiwan Citrus depressa Hayata’s peels (CDH pectin) and sodium alginate (Na alginate) were mixed in neutral acidity to produce microhydrogel beads or microspheres. The potential use of the microspheres such as encapsulation materials for quercetin and nobiletin, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity, toxic elements absorption ability, and thermal characteristics were explored. Results Different ratios of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced microspheres of varying sizes and shapes. The highest yield (47.59%) with the broadest diameter was obtained at a Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 2:1, while the smallest yield was obtained from Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 1:3 (24.13%). Increasing the amount of Na alginate resulted in more spherical microspheres, higher heavy metals (cobalt and nickel) removal rates, yet a lower swelling ratio. A high pectin concentration also increased the encapsulation efficiency of quercetin and nobiletin, reaching 91.5% and 86.74%, respectively. Quercetin and nobiletin release analysis (in vitro) showed a slow release of drugs from the microspheres. Less than 20% quercetin and nobiletin were released from the microspheres in SGF (simulated gastric fluid) pH 1.2 solution after 2 h and more than 40% of the encapsulated drug was released in SIF (simulated intestinal fluid) pH 6.8 after 4 h. The strong DPPH scavenging activity of quercetin (99%) was not hindered by encapsulation materials. ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry) analysis demonstrated that the biopolymer can absorb cobalt and nickel from water. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result showed that the combination of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced a biopolymer that exhibited a weight loss of only 1.86–4.33% at 100 °C. Conclusions These findings suggest that microspheres produced from CDH pectin cross-linked with sodium alginate had potential in nobiletin and quercetin encapsulation. Moreover, the polymer could absorb heavy metals and exhibit an important characteristic for hot food and beverage packaging applications.