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Sodium metal batteries have gained attention as a potential solution to the low energy densities presented by current sodium‐ion batteries. However, the commonly available electrolyte systems usually fall short in safety performance. Gel polymer electrolytes, closely resembling liquid electrolytes, offer a promising balance of performance and developmental potential. A proposed polymer plastic‐crystal ionic gel composite electrolyte, featuring a polycation auxiliary chain, innovatively copolymerizes ionic liquid cations with electrolyte additives. These auxiliary chains crosslink with the main chain, attracting anions from the ionic liquid and sodium salts. Both experimental evidence and theoretical calculations affirm that this electrolyte exhibits high cation transference numbers and significant mean square displacement radii. By facilitating uniform sodium ion migration, the electrolyte has powered sodium symmetrical cells for over 550 h and has supported stable cycling of Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP)‐sodium metal batteries at a 1 C rate for more than 800 cycles. These achievements underscore its potential in advancing the development of condensed‐state sodium metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the potential of cellulose-based materials in controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), with a particular focus on their structural characteristics, synthesis, modification, and agricultural applications. While previous reviews have explored aspects such as cellulose composites, stimulus-responsive hydrogels, and agrochemical formulations, our review is distinctive in that it provides a comprehensive and detailed study of cellulose characteristics and modification methods. This review places particular emphasis on the importance of surface functionalization in enhancing the properties of cellulose for use in controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). Furthermore, our review examines recent developments in the utilization of cellulose-based CRFs and cellulose hydrogels for the alleviation of drought stress, elucidating their agronomic benefits, including phytotoxicity considerations, enhanced plant production, and impacts on soil properties. Additionally, we assess the biodegradability of these biomaterials, thereby advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding and novel insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance crop productivity and environmental sustainability in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water decreases the brightness of the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence partially due to the hydrolysis of the oxalate reagent. Here, we show that encapsulation of an oxalate ester and the fluorescent activator in microspheres of cellulose esters increases the emission intensity 30 times compared to the same reaction in water without encapsulation, whereas the emission intensity decay rate constants are considerably lower. Emission intensities, rate constants and chemiluminescence quantum yields increase with increasing hydrogen peroxide concentrations. These results expand the potential of application of chemiluminescence, contributing for the development of ultrasensitive analytical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study analyzed the effect of cellulose derivatives, namely methylcellulose (MC) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), on the stability of zeolite in a polymeric solution that would synthesize a three-dimensional network of poly(methacrylic acid)-co-polyacrylamide (PMAA-co-PAAm). Additionally, it investigated the effect of pH on the release of paraquat (PQ) and difenzoquat (DFZ) herbicides. Similar to previous studies with hydrogels containing CMC, the presence of bi and trivalent salts, such as Ca+2 and Al+3, also drastically reduced their swelling degree from 6.7 g/g in NaCl (0.15 mol·L−1) to 2.1 g/g in an AlCl3 solution (0.15 mol·L−1) for the MC nanocomposite. The viscosity results may suggest that the formation of a polysaccharide-zeolite complex contributed to the zeolite stabilization. As for the adsorption results, all samples adsorbed practically the entire concentration of both herbicides in an aqueous solution. Finally, it was also observed that the valence of the salts and molecular weight of the herbicide affect the release process, where DFZ was the herbicide with the highest concentration released. Both nanostructured hydrogels with CMC and MC exhibited lower release at pH = 7.0. These results demonstrated that a more in-depth evaluation of the phenomena involved in the application of these materials in controlled-release systems could help mitigate the impact caused by pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer blends containing up to 70% organosolv lignin content and lyotropic cellulose derivatives have been established as "lignin inks" for direct ink writing of fully biobased 3D parts. However, a fast-crosslinking mechanism is needed to improve throughput and design space. In this paper, UV-photocrosslinkable organosolv lignin/hydroxypropyl cellulose inks are formulated through doping with common photocrosslinkers. The most potent photocrosslinkers for neat hydroxypropyl cellulose, lignin and their blends are determined through a series of DOEs. Hydroxypropyl cellulose is significantly more amenable to photocrosslinking than organosolv lignin. The optimal photocrosslinkable ink formulations are printable and exhibit up to 70% gel content, although thermal post-curing remains essential. Chemical, thermal, and mechanical investigations of the photocrosslinked 3D parts evidence efficient crosslinking of HPC through its hydroxyl groups, while lignin appears internally plasticized and/or degraded during inefficient photocrosslinking. Despite this, photocrosslinkable inks exhibit improved tensile properties, shape flexibility, and fidelity. The heterogeneous crosslinking and residual creep highlight the need to further activate lignin for homogeneous photocrosslinking in order to fully exploit the potential of lignin inks in DIW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the latest trends in sustainable agriculture is the use of beneficial microorganisms to stimulate plant growth and biologically control phytopathogens. Bacillus subtilis, a Gram-positive soil bacterium, is recognized for its valuable properties in various biotechnological and agricultural applications. This study presents, for the first time, the successful encapsulation of B. subtilis within electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) fibers, which are dip-coated with cellulose derivatives. In that way, the obtained fibrous biohybrid materials actively ensure the viability of the encapsulated biocontrol agent during storage and promote its normal growth when exposed to moisture. Aqueous solutions of the cellulose derivatives—sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose, were used to dip-coat the electrospun PHB fibers. The study examined the effects of the type and molecular weight of these cellulose derivatives on film formation, mechanical properties, bacterial encapsulation, and growth. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the morphology of the biohybrid materials and the encapsulated B. subtilis. Additionally, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the surface chemical composition of the biohybrid materials and verified the successful coating of PHB fibers. Mechanical testing revealed that the coating enhanced the mechanical properties of the fibrous materials and depends on the molecular weight of the used cellulose derivatives. Viability tests demonstrated that the encapsulated B. subtilis exhibited normal growth from the prepared materials. These findings suggest that the developed fibrous biohybrid materials hold significant promise as biocontrol formulations for plant protection and growth promotion in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was modified by cellulose derivatives, and the effects of different kinds of cellulose derivatives on the crystallization and mechanical properties of PHBV were investigated. The crystallization and mechanical properties of PHBV/cellulose derivatives composites were measured by means of differential scanning calorimeter, polarizing microscope, and mechanical properties testing instruments. Studies show that cellulose acetate (CA) can promote the crystallization of PHBV, a small amount of CA can significantly increase the crystallization temperature of PHBV. The crystallization rate of PHBV was also accelerated by CA. However, the addition of cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) decreased the crystallization temperature of PHBV and inhibited the nucleation of PHBV. And the degree of inhibition increased with the increase of CAB and CAP content. CAB and CAP have good compatibility with PHBV, CAB, and CAP can be uniformly dispersed in PHBV. Cellulose derivatives with specific component content can enhance the tensile properties of PHBV without losing the impact strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four cellulose derivatives bearing benzothienyl or carbazolyl fluorophore pendants were successfully synthesized through carbamoylation followed by Steglich esterification or only esterification process, respectively. The enantioselective fluorescent sensing properties of the obtained derivatives were then evaluated using eight chiral substrates, including chiral aromatic amines and chiral amino alcohol-based drug intermediates. The four bulky host macromolecules exhibited good enantioselective fluorescence response to most of the tested guests with high enantioselectivity and sensitivity. Especially, a high enantiomeric fluorescence difference ratio (ef = 37.16) was achieved on cellulose tris(2-benzothienylformate) (Cel-3) for the α-methylbenzylamine (Q2), an important chiral agricultural drug intermediate. Worthy to be mentioned, an interesting opposite fluorescence response and a dual fluorescence enhancement pattern were also observed on the benzothienyl derivative Cel-3 for the enantiomer pairs of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl) ethylamine (Q3) and phenylglycinol (Q6), a critical intermediate for chiral drug as an antilipemic agent in high demand, respectively. It indicated that the bulky Cel-3 possessed excellent enantioselective fluorescent sensing properties to the chiral aromatic amine and amino alcohols, revealing good potential as efficient chiral fluorescent sensors. It was speculated that a beneficial chiral domain may be constructed by the appropriate arrangement of bulky conjugated benzothienyl or carbazolyl pendants on the phenylcarbamates or esters surrounding the helical backbone of cellulose, which was crucial for the efficient chiral fluorescent sensing performance. The introduction of bulky fluorophore pendants on the cellulose phenylcarbamates or esters presents an efficient strategy to produce effective chiral fluorescent recognition materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grinding of medical tablets is generally discouraged due to stability issues and various other issues. However, in specific scenarios directed by doctors, pharmacists may engage in grinding medical tablets, particularly to cater to pediatric or dysphagia patient populations as extra-label use. In the case of ground film-coated tablets, many film fragments arise in ground powder. Hence, the determination of the grinding endpoint for film-coated tablets is more challenging compared to uncoated tablets. The reports about grinding efficiency are limited because of the assumption that film-coated tablets are taken as tablets. The purpose of this report is to clarify how pharmaceutical excipients, particularly cellulose derivatives, utilized in film coating influence the grinding efficiency of film-coated tablets. Preliminary findings from the grinding of ten medical commercial tablets suggest that a higher concentration of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) correlated with increased difficulty in grinding film-coated tablets. Four film coating solutions with different HPMC-based components were used to coat model tablets prepared by the authors and their grindability was evaluated. The grinding of these film-coated tablets investigated those higher concentrations of HPMC resulted in increased tablet strength and larger residual film fragments. Moreover, the introduction of small quantities of additional plasticizer to the HPMC solution was found to decrease film strength, making the tablets more amenable to grind. It was shown that the components in the film coating solution affected the mechanical properties of the film and also the grinding characteristics of FC tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer templates are critical in the preparation of ceramic fibers from precursor solutions, but the available options are limited. Here, ZrO 2 nanofiber films and aerogels are developed by solution blow spinning method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as templates. The effects of HPMC ratio, polymer concentration, and calcination temperature on the morphology and structure of the ZrO 2 nanofibers are investigated. The nanofiber films with an areal density of 20 mg cm−2 exhibit excellent filtration property, achieving a filtration efficiency of 94.94% and a pressure drop of 136 Pa at an airflow velocity of 32 L min−1. The nanofiber aerogels display low density of 50 mg cm−3, low thermal conductivity of 0.039 W m−1 K−1, as well as superior compressibility, demonstrating significant potential for thermal protection applications. This work expands the formation template option of ceramic fibers, offering significant guidance in the development of flexible, high-temperature-resistant ceramic fiber materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of natural and biodegradable polymers, particularly cellulose and its derivatives in food industry to replace petroleum-based plastics is demanded. Cellulose is abundant, cost-effective, and it is sourced from bio-wastes and agricultural wastes that makes it a sustainable alternative. Despite its promising mechanical and barrier properties, cellulose high hydrophilicity limits its use. Chemical modification can enhance its mechanical property, thermal stability, and biodegradability those recommend cellulose for food industry as raw food materials, additive ingredients, packaging materials, delivery system, and for enzyme and cell immobilization. This review covers the significance, function, and attributes of cellulose and its derivatives in food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose has been intensively investigated for biomedical applications, because of its excellent properties, like biodegradability, biocompatibility, abundant availability of renewable resources and cost-effectiveness. Among all sources of cellulose, marine macroalgae or seaweeds, are acquiring tremendous attention, due to their high availability around the world. Moreover, the atypical proliferation of some exotic macroalgae species represents a serious problem to the ecosystems, since their accumulation threatens native oceanic species and resources worldwide. Several studies already reported the successfully extraction of cellulose and its derivatives from brown, green and red macroalgae. The extracted cellulose properties vary according to the type of algae, their maturity and the used extraction methods. This review will cover the main methods used to extract cellulose from algae, focusing on more sustainable ones, as well as its further processing into the various cellulose derivatives. Electrospun nanofibers have revealed great potential for biomedical applications, such as delivery of therapeutic agents, tissue engineering, wound dressings and enzyme immobilization. Pure cellulose presents some drawbacks, such as limited solubility in organic solvents and its inability to fuse due to inter and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding. To overcome these limitations, cellulose derivatives, which includes microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers, cellulose acetate and carboxymethyl cellulose, have been extensively studied to generate electrospun fibers. Therefore, this review aims to explore the marine seaweeds as a promising source of cellulose and its derivatives, the extraction methodologies of these compounds, as well as to demonstrate the potential of nanofibers developed by electrospinning with algae-based cellulose for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effect of cellulose derivatives, namely methylcellulose (MC) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), on the stability of zeolite in a polymeric solution that would synthesize a three-dimensional network of poly(methacrylic acid)-co-polyacrylamide (PMAA-co-PAAm). Additionally, it investigated the effect of pH on the release of paraquat (PQ) and difenzoquat (DFZ) herbicides. Similar to previous studies with hydrogels containing CMC, the presence of bi and trivalent salts, such as Ca+2 and Al+3, also drastically reduced their swelling degree from 6.7 g/g in NaCl (0.15 mol·L−1) to 2.1 g/g in an AlCl3 solution (0.15 mol·L−1) for the MC nanocomposite. The viscosity results may suggest that the formation of a polysaccharide-zeolite complex contributed to the zeolite stabilization. As for the adsorption results, all samples adsorbed practically the entire concentration of both herbicides in an aqueous solution. Finally, it was also observed that the valence of the salts and molecular weight of the herbicide affect the release process, where DFZ was the herbicide with the highest concentration released. Both nanostructured hydrogels with CMC and MC exhibited lower release at pH = 7.0. These results demonstrated that a more in-depth evaluation of the phenomena involved in the application of these materials in controlled-release systems could help mitigate the impact caused by pesticides.

Next-generation high-performance polymers require consideration as sustainable solutions. Here, to satisfy these criteria, we propose to combine high-performance styrenic block copolymers, a class of thermoplastic elastomer, with cellulose derivatives as a reinforcing agent with the aim of maintaining and/or improving structural and surface properties. A great advantage of the proposed blends is, besides their biocompatibility, a decrease in environmental impact due to blending with a natural polymer. Particularly, we focus on identifying the effect of different blending compounds and blend ratios on the morphological, structural, thermal, mechanical, electrical and cytotoxic characteristics of materials. This research provides, together with novel material formulations, practical guidelines for the design and fabrication of next-generation sustainable high-performance polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation of cellulose to dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) is a process that has received increased interest during recent years. Herein, kinetic modeling of the reaction with sodium periodate as an oxidizing agent was performed to quantify rate-limiting steps and overall kinetics of the cellulose oxidation reaction. Considering a pseudo-first-order reaction, a general rate expression was derived to elucidate the impact of pH, periodate concentration, and temperature on the oxidation of cellulose and concurrent formation of cellulose degradation products. Experimental concentration profiles were utilized to determine the rate constants for the formation of DAC (k1), degradation constant of cellulose (k2), and degradation of DAC (k3), confirming that the oxidation follows a pseudo-first-order reaction. Notably, the increase in temperature has a more pronounced effect on k1 compared to the influence of IO4− concentration. In contrast, k2 and k3 display minimal changes in response to IO4− concentration but increase significantly with increasing temperature. The kinetic model developed may help with understanding the rate-limiting steps and overall kinetics of the cellulose oxidation reaction, providing valuable information for optimizing the process toward a faster reaction with higher yield of the target product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer blends containing liquid crystalline cellulose derivatives potentially enable the fabrication of optical functional materials because of their unique optical properties, that is, structural color and circular dichroism. However, studies on the effect of the compatibility of the components on the optical properties of such blends are scarce, even though component compatibility is a crucial factor for the physical properties of the polymer blends. In this study, we investigated the effect of the component compatibility on the structural color property of binary blends of acetylated hydroxypropyl celluloses (AHPCs) with different degrees of acetylation (DSAc). The spectroscopic analyses of the AHPC blends revealed that the structural color of blends with a small DSAc gap between AHPC components systematically changed with the blend composition, whereas the color of blends with a large DSAc gap was independent of the composition. Compatibility tests via spin–lattice relaxation time measurements using solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance indicated that the different composition dependence of the color was attributed to the compatibility of the components, which varied according to the DSAc gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible electronics has emerged as a promising field for the development of electronic devices with applications in wearables, biomedical sensors, and edible electronics. Biomaterials play a crucial role in fabricating flexible substrates, and the utilization of polymer blends offers exciting possibilities for tuning mechanical and chemical properties. This paper highlights the potential of a novel polymer blend based on ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) in the fabrication of substrates for flexible electronics. By blending the two cellulose ethers, it is possible to tune the mechanical and chemical properties of the final substrate, tailored to meet specific requirements. To exploit such innovative green substrates for photolithographic processes, their stability, and processability is extensively investigated. The feasibility of photolithographic processes on such biodegradable and edible substrates is demonstrated by fabricating both resistive and capacitive sensors through standard photolithographic processes, presenting a breakthrough in terms of applicability. The utilization of such biomaterials holds tremendous potential for driving technological advancements in various fields. These materials pave the way for innovative devices catering to diverse applications, from agriculture to food and biomedicine. Importantly, they also promote a sustainable approach for their fabrication, laying the foundation for an environment‐aware future of technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulose biomass (LCB) is a plant biomass mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose is the most abundant biodegradable polymer on Earth and is very useful for various applications. However, the complex structure of lignocellulosic biomass, in which cellulose is tightly bound to hemicellulose and lignin, poses significant challenges in the isolation of cellulose from LCB components. This necessitates efficient pretreatment techniques to enable cellulose separation. Conventional pretreatment methods are not sustainable because they involve the use of harsh chemicals, elevated temperatures, high energy consumption, low productivity, and the formation of fermentation inhibitors which can increase the cost of biomass processing with negative environmental impacts. Green pretreatment methods have been proposed to address these issues using milder and more sustainable approaches. These green methods are evaluated in terms of their delignification efficiency, reduced solvent requirement, environmental impact, economic viability, and relevance to recent advancements in sustainable pretreatment technologies. This review provides overview of the application of green and environmentally friendly methods in the isolation of cellulose from various lignocellulosic biomass, as well as the potential of cellulose as a key feedstock in the bioeconomy by showcasing cellulose versatility in various industrial applications.

Dosage forms for topical ocular administration are the basis of patient management in ophthalmology. The eye is a structure evolutionarily protected from the effects of xenobiotics by a number of physiological and anatomical barriers. The development of dosage forms, the targeted delivery into the eye structures is carried out due to the inclusion of special excipients, is aimed at improving the efficiency of managing patients with eye diseases. The action mechanisms of the most common groups of excipients used in ophthalmology underlie their effectiveness and safety, as well as create a basis for the various dosage forms development. Cellulose derivatives, due to their physicochemical and pharmacological characteristics, are one of the preferred groups for the development of topical dosage forms used in ophthalmology. Hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) is one of the most studied cellulose derivatives, which is characterized by a wide range of indications for both the active substance (artificial tear component) and the excipient. The favorable pharmacological properties of hypromellose (the ability to provide long-term exposure to effective concentrations of drugs used topically in ophthalmology, the ability to increase the degree of hydration of the cornea) contribute to the active study of this substance to assess the possibilities of its use in the development of new dosage forms (nanoparticles), as well as expanding the existing list of indications. This review is devoted to the analysis of clinical and experimental studies of the efficacy and safety of hypromellose.

The rapid progress in cultivated meat research has engendered considerable attention towards the edible scaffolding biomaterials employed in the production. Cellulose has the advantages in availability, edibility, animal-free origin, etc., which show its potential in wide fields. This review begins by presenting the fundamental physical and chemical properties of cellulose from different sources, including plant and bacterial cellulose. Subsequently, we summarize the application of cellulose especially in cultivated meat and tissue engineering. Furthermore, we explore various methods for preparing cellulose-based scaffolds for cultivated meat, encompassing five specific structural variations. In the end, associated with utilizing cellulose in cultivated meat production, we address several primary challenges surrounding to cell adhesion, scaling up, processibility and mechanical properties, and provide potential innovations. This review underscores the potential of cellulose as a versatile biomaterial in the cultivated meat industry and provides insight into addressing critical challenges for its integration.

Copyright of Tribologie und Schmierungstechnik is the property of Narr Francke Attempto Verlag GmbH & Co.KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Smart or intelligent food packaging mainly based on colorimetric indicators or halochromic sensors is preferred in recent years since these packaging films can effectively identify and monitor the spoilage, freshness, and quality of packed food products during the whole of supply chains. Biopolymers are generally recognized to be the promising substitute for synthetic plastics due to their excellent biodegradability, proper miscibility properties, compatibility, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and environmental suitability. Cellulose and cellulose derivatives act as promising packaging materials for application in smart/intelligent packaging films. The main purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the different types and sources of cellulose derivatives, and their main characteristics as well as investigate the application of various kinds of cellulose and cellulose derivatives in smart/intelligent bio-based packaging systems. We also explained the current potential application of various cellulose-based smart/intelligent packaging films for monitoring the quality of different types of food products, with a focus on the recent advance and outputs. In addition, the physicomechanical, thermal, and structural attributes of cellulose-based packaging are investigated in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to observe how active alkali and sulfidity loading affect the kraft pulp characteristics of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB). SSB pulp was obtained from the kraft pulping with a variation of active alkali (17, 19, and 22%) and sulfidity loading percentage (20, 22, and 24%). The chemical functional group and composition, morphological properties, crystallinity, and pyrolysis product of the resulting pulp were characterized. Based on Fourier transform infrared characterization, SSB pulp demonstrated a peak absorption showing the existence of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. The fibril was found clearly in the pulp fibers of SSB. The crystallinity of treated SSB was higher than that of untreated samples. The Gaussian function gave more accuracy for crystallinity determination (indicated by an R2 value that was relatively higher than the Lorentzian function). It is consistent with Raman spectra in this study, which showed a specific band at 370–380 and ~ 1090 cm−1 from cellulose. The higher carbohydrate content of SSB pulp showed that the delignification process using kraft pulping with a variation of alkali active and sulfidity loading could be an alternative method to cellulose recovery for cellulose-derived products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetic modeling is essential in understanding and controlling the process of cellulose hydrolysis for producing value-added cellulose derivatives. This study aims to adopt a set of dominate kinetic ordinary differential equations of cornstalk cellulose hydrolysis in supercritical water for mechanism-based prediction of the production of cellulose, glucose, fructose, glyceraldehyde, erythrose, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, glycolaldehyde, threose, aldose, and other cellulose derivatives from cornstalks under processing conditions with a pressure of 89 MPa and a temperature of 378 °C, as considered in a recent experimental study in the literature. The yield rates of several cellulose derivatives, e.g., glucose, fructose, 5-HMF, and erythrose as predicted by the present model, are close to those of experimental measurements. The model is further used to predict the yield rates of a few new cellulose derivatives, e.g., glycolaldehyde, threose, and aldose, that are potentially generated in cornstalk cellulose hydrolysis in supercritical water. The present model and computational simulations can be utilized as a rational tool to predict, control, and optimize the derivative yields in cellulose hydrolysis in supercritical water via tuning the process parameters, and, therefore, are useful for the optimal production of targeted bio-based fuels and chemicals from cornstalks and other agricultural and municipal wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membranes are a selective barrier that allows certain species (molecules and ions) to pass through while blocking others. Some rely on size exclusion, where larger molecules get stuck while smaller ones permeate through. Others use differences in charge or polarity to attract and repel specific species. Membranes can purify air and water by allowing only air and water molecules to pass through, while preventing contaminants such as microorganisms and particles, or to separate a target gas or vapor, such as H2 and CO2, from other gases. The higher the flux and selectivity, the better a material is for membranes. The desirable performance can be tuned through material type (polymers, ceramics, and biobased materials), microstructure (porosity and tortuosity), and surface chemistry. Most membranes are made from plastic from petroleum-based resources, contributing to global climate change and plastic pollution. Cellulose can be an alternative sustainable resource for making renewable membranes. Cellulose exists in plant cell walls as natural fibers, which can be broken down into smaller components such as cellulose fibrils, nanofibrils, nanocrystals, and cellulose macromolecules through mechanical and chemical processing. Membranes made from reassembling these particles and molecules have variable pore architecture, porosity, and separation properties and, therefore, have a wide range of applications in nano-, micro-, and ultrafiltration and forward osmosis. Despite their advantages, cellulose membranes face some challenges. Improving the selectivity of membranes for specific molecules often comes at the expense of permeability. The stability of cellulose membranes in harsh environments or under continuous operation needs further improvement. Research is ongoing to address these challenges and develop advanced cellulose membranes with enhanced performance. This article reviews the microstructures, fabrication methods, and potential applications of cellulose membranes, providing some critical insights into processing–structure–property relationships for current state-of-the-art cellulosic membranes that could be used to improve their performance.

Cellulose derivatives functionalized with multidentate N‑donor atoms containing two, three and four amino functional groups (as marked N2–CL, N3–CL and N4–CL) have been prepared by grafting of linear aliphatic polyamines into the cellulose backbone through the Schiff base reaction. An increase in the adsorptive amounts of Cd2+ and Pb2+ with increasing N‑donor atoms of the grafted polyamines onto the cellulose backbone and the maximum capacity of N4–CL > N3–CL > N2–CL are found. The N4–CL with the highest N content (up to 5.2 mmol N g−1) exhibits the largest adsorptive capacities of 249.7 mg g−1 for Cd2+ and 401.2 mg g−1 for Pb2+. The adsorption of both the ions by the three cellulose derivatives is achieved within 30 min, is independent of pH in the range of 4.5–6 for Cd2+ and 4–6 for Pb2+, and can be satisfactorily fitted by Langmuir and pseudo-second-order equations. Thermodynamic parameters suggest an endothermic and endothermic nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural bone constitutes a complex and organized structure of organic and inorganic components with limited ability to regenerate and restore injured tissues, especially in large bone defects. To improve the reconstruction of the damaged bones, tissue engineering has been introduced as a promising alternative approach to the conventional therapeutic methods including surgical interventions using allograft and autograft implants. Bioengineered composite scaffolds consisting of multifunctional biomaterials in combination with the cells and bioactive therapeutic agents have great promise for bone repair and regeneration. Cellulose and its derivatives are renewable and biodegradable natural polymers that have shown promising potential in bone tissue engineering applications. Cellulose-based scaffolds possess numerous advantages attributed to their excellent properties of non-toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, availability through renewable resources, and the low cost of preparation and processing. Furthermore, cellulose and its derivatives have been extensively used for delivering growth factors and antibiotics directly to the site of the impaired bone tissue to promote tissue repair. This review focuses on the various classifications of cellulose-based composite scaffolds utilized in localized bone drug delivery systems and bone regeneration, including cellulose-organic composites, cellulose-inorganic composites, cellulose-organic/inorganic composites. We will also highlight the physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of the different cellulose-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

Cellulose is one of the most abundant natural polymers in the nature, which has many attractive advantages, such as renewability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. However, due to the strong hydrogen bond network and hierarchical structure, cellulose is extremely difficult to be dissolved and processed. More recently, a class of novel eco-friendly solvents, ionic liquids, have been found to be able to efficiently dissolve cellulose, providing a versatile platform for cellulose processing and functionalization. Herein, we highlight recent advances in efficiently fabricating functional cellulose derivatives via the homogeneous chemical modification and developing all-biomass materials via controlling the dissolution-regeneration process in ionic liquids. The effective and environmentally-friendly utilization of cellulose not only reduces dependence on fossil resources but also protects the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, nanofiltration is actively used for water softening and disinfection, pre-treatment, nitrate, and color removal, in particular, for heavy metal ions removal from wastewater. In this regard, new, effective materials are required. In the present work, novel sustainable porous membranes from cellulose acetate (CA) and supported membranes consisting of CA porous substrate with a thin dense selective layer from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) modified with first-time synthesized Zn-based metal–organic frameworks (Zn(SEB), Zn(BDC)Si, Zn(BIM)) were developed to increase the efficiency of nanofiltration for the removal of heavy metal ions. Zn-based MOFs were characterized by sorption measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained membranes were studied by the spectroscopic (FTIR), standard porosimetry and microscopic (SEM and AFM) methods, and contact angle measurement. The CA porous support was compared with other, prepared in the present work, porous substrates from poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) and polyacrylonitrile. Membrane performance was tested in the nanofiltration of the model and real mixtures containing heavy metal ions. The improvement of the transport properties of the developed membranes was achieved through Zn-based MOF modification due to their porous structure, hydrophilic properties, and different particle shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcrystalline cellulose was obtained from agave bagasse by sequential alkaline hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis at low reagent concentrations, followed by dilute acid hydrolysis. The impact of reaction time, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and sulfuric acid hydrolysis on the physicochemical properties of the extracted crystalline cellulose was examined. Alkaline treatments efficiently produced porous crystalline cellulose and reduced its lignin and hemicellulose content. However, they were inadequate to remove the characteristic calcium oxalate crystals (COC) in agave bagasse cell walls. No significant differences in crystallinity degrees of the alkaline treated samples were detected in 62.8–5.2%, which increased to 69.4% after acid hydrolysis. X-ray diffractograms revealed the presence of type I cellulose as the primary domain, and FTIR confirmed the presence of COC and the removal of the non-cellulosic components during chemical treatments. In addition, morphological studies revealed the disruption of the lignocellulosic matrix and porous formation. The proposed method promises to produce porous crystalline cellulose in a short-term process, avoiding the complex and high-cost steps such as dewaxing and concentrated acid hydrolysis. Moreover, agave bagasse is a potential waste material for cellulose derivatives with interesting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 is the main pollutant in biogas, reducing its calorific value. Among various technological methods to eliminate carbon dioxide from biogas, membrane separation technology stands out for large-scale industrial biogas purification due to its advantages. The selection of membrane material and preparation process are key factors in membrane separation technology. In this study, a premixing process was initially used to blend different masses of packed molecular sieves TS-1 (or ZSM-5) and cellulose derivatives (ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate) separately. These mixtures were then coated onto porous PVDF substrates using a coating process to create various bilayer hybrid composite membranes. Among these, PVDF/EC-ZSM-5 (containing 15 % ZSM-5) bilayer hybrid composite membrane is the most fitting. For CO 2 /CH 4 gas mixtures, the gas selectivity of this membrane surpassed Robeson's 1991 standard line (the CO 2 permeability was 597.48 Barrer, and the CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity was 9.14). Overall, this composite membrane, made for the first time from PVDF, ZSM-5, and EC, is expected to be a promising CO 2 selective separation membrane material for biogas purification in large-scale industrial processes due to its simple production process. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing bioeconomic demand for lightweight, eco-friendly materials with functional versatility and competitive mechanical properties drives the resurgence of cellulose as a sustainable scaffold for various applications. This review comprehensively scrutinizes current progressions in cellulose functional materials (CFMs), concentrating on their structure-property connections. Significant modification methods, including cross-linking, grafting, and oxidation, are discussed together with preparation techniques categorized by cellulose sources. This review article highlights the extensive usage of modified cellulose in various industries, particularly its potential in optical and toughening applications, membrane production, and intelligent bio-based systems. Prominence is located on low-cost procedures for developing biodegradable polymers and the physical-chemical characteristics essential for biomedical applications. Furthermore, the review explores the role of cellulose derivatives in smart packaging films for food quality monitoring and deep probes into cellulose's mechanical, thermal, and structural characteristics. The multifunctional features of cellulose derivatives highlight their worth in evolving environmental and biomedical engineering applications. [Display omitted] • Cellulose-loaded materials were discussed. • Biodegradable materials of cellulose and its derivatives have grown significantly. • Modified cellulose is used extensively in a variety of industries. • Cellulose has potential applications especially for membrane production. • Low-cost protocol investigation shows the physical-chemical characteristics of the membranes for their potential use in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis of starch films with nanocellulose, using the Scopus database and VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software. A total of 258 documents were identified between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a growing interest in research, particularly in journals such as the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Polymers, and Carbohydrate Polymers. The most common terms were "starch" (349 occurrences), "cellulose" (207), and "tensile strength" (175). China (58 articles), Brazil (38), and India (33) led scientific production, with authors like Ilyas (13 articles) and Sapuan (10) at the forefront. Approximately 41.7 % of the studies used corn starch. The analysis revealed that 66 % of the studies investigated films with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), 32 % with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and 2 % with bacterial nanocellulose (CB). The majority of studies (94.1 %) used the casting method for film production. Additionally, 35.44 % focused on reinforcing films with nanocellulose, while 7 % developed blends with other biopolymers. About 59.44 % examined the performance of starch films for food packaging, 11.25 % explored practical applications in various foods. Furthermore, 7.94 % incorporated active agents to improve antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, 1.30 % investigated active packaging. Moreover, 2.36 % explored the use of films in materials engineering, and 2.36 % explored biomedical potential. Only 0.40 % evaluated the impact of films on wastewater treatment. The analysis highlights the potential of starch films with nanocellulose, demonstrating their diverse applications and the growing interest in the field. [Display omitted] • This is the inaugural article conducting a bibliometric analysis on the utilization of starch films with nanocellulose. • Rise in research on starch films with nanocellulose. • Enhancements in properties like solubility, tensile strength, and permeability. • China, Brazil, and India lead in scientific production. • Applications in packaging, biomaterials, and water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic polymers, biopolymers and their modified derivatives are widely used in medicine and pharmacy. They play a significant role in the development of drug dosage forms serving as carriers of therapeutic substances, ensuring modified drug release or masking bitter taste of medicines. Polymers of natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic origin are used. They are characterized by a variety of physicochemical properties, which depend, among others, on their molecular weight or spatial configuration. Among polymers used in pharmaceutical technology, polysaccharides, which include e.g. derivatives of cellulose, are of significant importance. Cellulose is the polymer most commonly found in nature. It is produced during photosynthesis and constitutes the basic material of plant organisms. The raw material is a linear polymer consisting of glucopyranose residues whose units are connected by 1,4β-glycosidic bonds. It occurs as an odourless and tasteless powder with a fibrous structure which is practically insoluble in both hot and cold water. Among the modified derivatives of cellulose, its esters and ethers are of practical importance, such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and ethylcellulose. The monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) define the material as partially O-ethylated cellulose. Ethylcellulose is a biocompatible, non-allergenic and non-irritating hydrophobic polymer that is recognised as a safe excipient approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in oral and topical formulations. Different grades of ethylcellulose are available, which differ in their degree of polymerisation and degree of etherification. The aim of this article was to provide a broad overview of the utilization of ethylcellulose for pharmaceutical purposes, with particular emphasis on its role in the development of oral and topical formulations. The paper is a review of both commercially available products in the manufacture of which ethylcellulose is used, as well as scientific achievements in the design of new drug delivery systems utilizing ethylcellulose.

The continuous growth in energy demand requires researchers to find new solutions to enlarge and diversify the possible ways of exploiting renewable energy sources. Our idea is the development of a solar concentrator based on trapping the luminous radiation with a smart window. This system is able to direct light towards the photovoltaic cells placed on window borders and produce electricity, without any movable part and without changing its transparency. Herein, we report a detailed study of cellulose ethers, a class of materials of natural origin capable of changing their state, from transparent aqueous solution to scattering hydrogel, in response to a temperature change. Cellulose thermotropism can be used to produce a scattering spot in a window filled with the thermotropic fluid to create a new kind of self-tracking solar concentrator. We demonstrate that the properties of the thermotropic fluid can be finely tuned by selecting the cellulose functionalization, the co-dissolved salt, and by regulating their dosage. Lastly, the results of our investigation are tested in a proof-of-concept demonstration of solar concentration achieved by thermotropism-based light trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach of the present paper is based on the study of methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption onto new biocomposite microspheres. The microparticles are composed of red wood powder and cellulose derivatives (ethylcellulose and cellulose acetate) and are prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation process by varying some of the process parameters such as organic phase concentration (RW%), emulsifier concentration (PVA%) and stirring speed of emulsion (N). The obtained microparticles are characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the mean diameters of microparticles and pHpzc are also measured. Designs of experiments (DOE) are used for both the preparation and optimization of microparticles and MB removal study. The MB adsorption tests are carried out onto the optimized spherical microparticles with mean diameter (d32) of 321–334 µm where effects of selected variables i.e. RW%, temperature and MB initial concentration are analyzed and identified. Thus, statistical relationships between responses which are adsorption percentage (Ads. eq. %) and capacity (qe) at equilibrium and variables are determined. The results demonstrated synergistic effects of both RW% and MB initial concentration and an adversary effect of temperature on qe. The Ads.eq. % achieved 92% at a low MB initial concentration of 20 mg L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing fully green materials for flexible electronics is an urgent need due to the growing awareness of an environmental crisis. With the aim of developing a sustainable, printable, and biocompatible material to be exploited in flexible electronics, the rheological, structural and charge transport properties of water-based hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)-detonation nanodiamond (DND) viscous dispersions are investigated. A rheological investigation disclosed that the presence of the DND affects the orientation and entanglement of cellulose chains in the aqueous medium. In line with rheological analyses, the NMR diffusion experiments pointed out that the presence of DND modifies the hydrodynamic behavior of the cellulose molecules. Despite the increased rigidity of the system, the presence of DND slightly enhances the ionic conductivity of the dispersion, suggesting a modification in the charge transport properties of the material. The electrochemical analyses, performed through Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), revealed that the HPC-DND system is remarkably stable in the explored voltage range (−0.1 to +0.4 V) and characterized by a lowered bulk resistance with respect to HPC. Such features, coupled with the printability and filmability of the material, represent good requirements for the exploitation of such systems in flexible electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging plays an important role in food quality and safety, especially regarding waste and spoilage reduction. The main drawback is that the packaging industry is among the ones that is highly dependent on plastic usage. New alternatives to conventional plastic packaging such as biopolymers-based type are mandatory. Examples are cellulose films and its derivatives. These are among the most used options in the food packaging due to their unique characteristics, such as biocompatibility, environmental sustainability, low price, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. Emerging concepts such as active and intelligent packaging provides new solutions for an extending shelf-life, and it fights some limitations of cellulose films and improves the properties of the packaging. This article reviews the available cellulose polymers and derivatives that are used as sustainable alternatives for food packaging regarding their properties, characteristics, and functionalization towards active properties enhancement. In this way, several types of films that are prepared with cellulose and their derivatives, incorporating antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, are herein described, and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gel polymer electrolytes and solid polymer electrolytes are two promising alternatives to substitute separator and liquid electrolyte for a safer and better lithium-based battery. However, low ionic conductivities and poor mechanical properties are still two serious flaws that suppress their commercial applications. Cellulose-based materials have increasingly attracted attention in the development of polymer electrolytes (PEs) owing to their abundant reserves, eco-friendliness and fascinating inherent properties. This review summarizes the structural features, physicochemical characteristics and different kinds of cellulose derivatives, as well as the most recent advances in the field of cellulose-based PEs. Further, diverse manufacturing approaches to obtain PEs and various modification methods to improve the comprehensive performance of PEs are included. Finally, perspectives with regard to the future development of cellulose-based PEs for lithium-based batteries are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pre and post-consumer textile waste were converted into cellulose. • Acid hydrolysis can be used to extract cellulose from complex mixtures. • Textiles dyes didn't significantly interfere in the extraction process. • Recycled cellulose is a suitable raw material for cellulose derivatization. Chemical recycling can be used to separate fibers that are constituents of different types of fabrics. This type of process can be considered one of the most effective forms of recycling, given that a large part of fabrics is made up of fiber mixtures. As part of an innovative circular strategy, the main goal of this work was to study the conditions for extracting cellulose from mixed textile wastes by acid hydrolysis and further transform it into cellulose derivatives, thus contributing to reduce such wastes and expanding the possible sources of cellulose. Our work covers a wide range of textile wastes and addresses the main technical challenges of this recycling methodology. The percentage of recovered cellulose powder varies between 65 and 88%. To evaluate the feasibility of using the extracted cellulose as raw material to produce cellulose derivatives, two strategies were applied: etherification to obtain sodium carboxymethylcellulose (with degree of substituion between 0.27 and 0.61) and esterification, to obtain cellulose acetate (with degree of substituion of 2.59). The cellulose derivatives obtained are very useful as additives in the textile industry, and hence the concept and practice of a circular economy are promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using cellulose derivatives and to evaluate their antimicrobial potential. As effective reducing and stabilizing agents for AgNPs, cellulose derivatives, such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), and cellulose acetate (CA), were used. Their ability to reduce silver ions as well as the size of the resulting AgNPs were compared. The formation and stability of the reduced AgNPs in the solution were monitored using UV-Vis analysis. The size, morphology, and charge of the AgNPs were evaluated. We found that, when using cellulosic derivatives, AgNPs with sizes ranging from 17 to 89 nm and different stabilities were obtained. The parameters, such as size and ζ potential indicate the stability of AgNPs, with AgNPs-CA and AgNPs-HPC being considered more stable than AgNPs-EC and AgNPs-MC since they show higher ζ potential values. In addition, the AgNPs showed antimicrobial activity against all reference strains and clinical isolates. MIC values between 0.0312 and 0.125 mM had a bactericidal effect on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The fungicidal effect was obtained at a MIC value of 0.125 mM. These results may provide rational support in the design of medical gauze products, including gauze pads, rolls, and sponges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Conventional polyol synthesis of silver nanowires has exclusively relied on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a nonbiodegradable polymer with no viable alternatives. The underlying reaction mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we discovered a new sustainable solution by employing biobased cellulose derivatives, including hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), as effective substitutes for PVP. Under mild reaction conditions (125 °C, ambient pressure), HEC facilitates the growth of ultralong silver nanowires (>100 μm) from penta-twinned silver seeds through a four-stage kinetic process. Theoretical calculations further reveal that HEC is physiosorbed onto the silver surfaces, while the presence of bromide ions (Br - ) facilitates the evolution of seeds into nanowires. By varying halide ion concentrations and substitution in different cellulose derivatives, we successfully synthesized silver nanostructures with additional intriguing morphologies, including quasi-spherical nanoparticles, bipyramids, and nanocubes. Furthermore, transparent conductive films fabricated from ultralong silver nanowires synthesized with HEC demonstrated superior performance compared to those made with PVP-synthesized nanowires.

Cellulose possesses numerous advantageous properties and is a precursor to compounds and derivatives. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize cellulose from Butia fruits and simultaneously produce cellulose nanofibers and cellulose acetate from the isolated cellulose. Cellulose extraction was performed using a combination of alkaline and bleaching treatments, while the production of cellulose nanofibers and cellulose acetate was achieved through acid hydrolysis and acetylation, respectively. The materials were characterized by their chemical composition, size distribution, zeta potential, morphology, relative crystallinity (XRD), functional groups (FTIR), molecular structure (NMR), and thermal stability (TGA). The Butia crude fibers presented 49.4 % cellulose, 4.5 % hemicellulose, 25.4 % lignin, and 1.3 % ash. The cellulose nanofibers presented an average diameter ranging from 13.7 to 93.1 nm and exhibited a high degree of crystallinity (63.3 %). FTIR, XRD, 13 C, and 1 H NMR analyses confirmed that the isolation processes effectively removed amorphous regions from the cellulose nanofibers and confirmed the cellulose acetylation process. As demonstrated, cellulosic materials derived from Butia fruit exhibit promise for various applications, including their potential use as reinforcing agents in polymer matrices, due to their high extraction yield, thermal properties, and crystallinity., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The amorphous forms of most active pharmaceutical substances are widely applied in solid dosage form technology because they are characterized by a better solubility and dissolution rate than their crystalline forms. With the amorphization of a crystalline active substance being the greatest challenge to be overcome in pharmaceutical technology, the aim of this study was to assess to what extent polymeric excipients such as cellulose derivatives affect the crystallinity of paracetamol, over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic substance. To realize this purpose, binary physical mixtures containing 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% of paracetamol were gently homogenized in a porcelain mortar with cellulose derivatives such as four kinds of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) differing in their molecular masses and methylcellulose (MC). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and spectroscopic techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman were applied as tools for evaluating the degree of paracetamol crystallinity reduction. The findings of these experiments revealed that cellulose derivatives do indeed reduce the degree of paracetamol crystallinity; however, the effect of the particular polymeric excipients did not show any statistically significant difference. Formation of metastable modification III of paracetamol was also confirmed, a modification which can be created in mixtures containing at least 10% of cellulose derivatives. In brief, all the HPMCs and MC examined affect the crystallinity of paracetamol to a similar degree. Furthermore, the degree of active substance crystallinity decreases as the content of cellulose derivatives in the mixture increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to determine the effect of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel based on cellulose derivatives on the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) on dry land. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD). The applied treatments consisted of four levels of hydrogel: without hydrogel (control), 2, 4, and 6 g per plant, respectively. Each treatment was repeated six times in this experiment, yielding a total of 24 experimental pots. Each experiment pot contained 3 plants, thus all 72 plants. The results showed that the hydrogel would significantly increase soil moisture, relative water content, growth of the plant height, stem diameter, and ear cobs without corn husk. Likewise, on the length of the ear without ear cobs and wet ear weights without corn husk. As the hydrogel preserves soil moisture, allowing water to be available for the plant, it might also temporarily store soil from the water and gradually remove it into the soil. Further investigations should be performed to completely characterize the interaction between the superabsorbent hydrogel and the dry land soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]