Polymers

Research

14 pages, 2567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Anti-Fatigue Double-Wrapped Yarns with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Generating Compression Fabrics

by Qian Zhang, Jiaqi Chen, Ziqin He, Wenfu Liu, Andreii S. Kritchenkov, Lu Wang, Wanjun Liu and Jing Gao

Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2476; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172476 - 30 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 669

Abstract

Elastic yarns are the key component of high-performance compression garments. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate anti-fatigue yarns with high mechanical force and long elongation for generating compression garments with prolonged wear. In this paper, we report the development of anti-fatigue double-wrapped [...] Read more.

Elastic yarns are the key component of high-performance compression garments. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate anti-fatigue yarns with high mechanical force and long elongation for generating compression garments with prolonged wear. In this paper, we report the development of anti-fatigue double-wrapped yarns with excellent mechanical properties by wrapping high-denier Spandex with nylon filaments in opposite twists. In particular, high-denier (560 D) Spandex as the core was untwisted, which can maximally reduce the interaction between the core and wrapping filaments, enabling high elongation of double-wrapped yarns. In addition, we chose 70 D nylon filaments with a tensile force of 3.87 ± 0.09 N as the wrapping materials to provide sufficient force for double-wrapped yarns. Notably, opposite twists were induced for the inner and outer wrapping filaments to achieve a balanced stable yarn structure. By systematically optimizing manufacturing parameters, including inner wrapping density, outer wrapping density, take-up ratio, and drafting ratio, we obtained double-wrapped yarn with excellent tensile stress (32.59 ± 0.82 MPa) and tensile strain (357.28% ± 9.10%). Notably, the stress decay rate of optimized yarns was only 12.0% ± 2.2%. In addition, the optimized yarn was used as the weft-lining yarn for generating weft-lined fabrics. The elastic recovery rate of the obtained fabric was decreased by only 2.6% after five cyclic stretches, much lower than the control fabric. Our design of anti-fatigue double-wrapped yarns could be widely used for fabricating high-performance compression garments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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24 pages, 6066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)/ZnO Nanocomposite Films for Active Packaging Applications: Impact of ZnO Type on Structure–Property Dynamics

by Chris Vanheusden, Pieter Samyn, Thijs Vackier, Hans Steenackers, Jan D’Haen, Roos Peeters and Mieke Buntinx

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1861; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131861 - 29 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1143

Abstract

Bio-based and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have great potential as sustainable packaging materials. The incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) could further improve their functional properties by providing enhanced barrier and antimicrobial properties, although current literature lacks details on how the characteristics of [...] Read more.

Bio-based and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have great potential as sustainable packaging materials. The incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) could further improve their functional properties by providing enhanced barrier and antimicrobial properties, although current literature lacks details on how the characteristics of ZnO influence the structure–property relationships in PHA/ZnO nanocomposites. Therefore, commercial ZnO NPs with different morphologies (rod-like, spherical) and silane surface modification are incorporated into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) via extrusion and compression molding. All ZnO NPs are homogeneously distributed in the PHBHHx matrix at 1, 3 and 5 wt.%, but finer dispersion is achieved with modified ZnO. No chemical interactions between ZnO and PHBHHx are observed due to a lack of hydroxyl groups on ZnO. The fabricated nanocomposite films retain the flexible properties of PHBHHx with minimal impact of ZnO NPs on crystallization kinetics and the degree of crystallinity (53 to 56%). The opacity gradually increases with ZnO loading, while remaining translucent up to 5 wt.% ZnO and providing an effective UV barrier. Improved oxygen barrier and antibacterial effects against S. aureus are dependent on the intrinsic characteristics of ZnO rather than its morphology. We conclude that PHBHHx retains its favorable processing properties while producing nanocomposite films that are suitable as flexible active packaging materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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17 pages, 5182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of Polyphenols on the Properties of Crosslinked Acellular Fish Swim Bladders: Experiments and Molecular Dynamic Simulations

by Yuqing Han, Jie Jiang, Jinjin Li, Ling Zhao and Zhenhao Xi

Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081111 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 959

Abstract

Acellular fish swim bladders (AFSBs) are a promising biomaterial in tissue engineering, however, they may suffer from rapid degradation due to enzyme invasion. In this work, natural polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), proanthocyanidin (PC), tannic acid (TA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA), were utilized [...] Read more.

Acellular fish swim bladders (AFSBs) are a promising biomaterial in tissue engineering, however, they may suffer from rapid degradation due to enzyme invasion. In this work, natural polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), proanthocyanidin (PC), tannic acid (TA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA), were utilized to improve the properties of AFSBs through crosslinking modifications. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results indicate that the triple helix of the collagen in AFSBs is well preserved after crosslinking. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water contact angle (WCA) and in vitro degradation tests indicate that the polyphenol-crosslinked AFSBs exhibit improved thermal stability, enzymatic stability, hydrophilicity and mechanical properties. Among them, EGCG with multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and low potential resistance is more favorable for the improvement of the mechanical properties and enzymatic stability of AFSBs, as well as their biocompatibility and integrity with the collagen triple helix. Moreover, the crosslinking mechanism was demonstrated to be due to the hydrogen bonds between polyphenols and AFSBs, and was affected by the molecular size, molecular weight and the hydroxyl groups activity of polyphenol molecules, as clarified by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The approach presented in this work paves a path for improving the properties of collagen materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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15 pages, 4679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Biodegradation Rate of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Composites Using Reed Fiber

by Jia Xu, Kunpeng Feng, Yuan Li, Jixing Xie, Yingsai Wang, Zhiqiang Zhang and Qing Hu

Polymers 2024, 16(3), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030411 - 1 Feb 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1921

Abstract

To enhance the degradability of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), reed fiber (RF) was blended with PBAT to create composite materials. In this study, a fifteen day degradation experiment was conducted using four different enzyme solutions containing lipase, cellulase, Proteinase K, and esterase, respectively. The [...] Read more.

To enhance the degradability of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), reed fiber (RF) was blended with PBAT to create composite materials. In this study, a fifteen day degradation experiment was conducted using four different enzyme solutions containing lipase, cellulase, Proteinase K, and esterase, respectively. The degradation process of the sample films was analyzed using an analytical balance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The PBAT/RF composites exhibited an increased surface hydrophilicity, which enhanced their degradation capacity. Among all the enzymes tested, lipase had the most significant impact on the degradation rate. The weight loss of PBAT and PBAT/RF, caused by lipase, was approximately 5.63% and 8.17%, respectively. DSC analysis revealed an increase in the melting temperature and crystallinity over time, especially in the film containing reed fibers. FTIR results indicated a significant weakening of the ester bond peak in the samples. Moreover, this article describes a biodegradation study conducted for three months under controlled composting conditions of PBAT and PBAT/RF samples. The results showed that PBAT/RF degraded more easily in compost as compared to PBAT. The lag phase of PBAT/RF was observed to decrease by 23.8%, while the biodegradation rate exhibited an increase of 11.8% over a period of 91 days. SEM analysis demonstrated the formation of more cracks and pores on the surface of PBAT/RF composites during the degradation process. This leads to an increased contact area between the composites and microorganisms, thereby accelerating the degradation of PBAT/RF. This research is significant for preparing highly degradable PBAT composites and improving the application prospects of biodegradable green materials. PBAT/RF composites are devoted to replacing petroleum-based polymer materials with sustainable, natural materials in advanced applications such as constructional design, biomedical application, and eco-environmental packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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12 pages, 18305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Physical Properties of Starch-Based Powders for Potential Anti-Adhesion Applications

by Jaydon Sun, Tzu-Shan Fang, Yu-Xiang Chen, Yu-Cheng Tsai, Yi-Xin Liu, Chih-Yu Chen, Chen-Ying Su and Hsu-Wei Fang

Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4702; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244702 - 13 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1931

Abstract

Postoperative adhesion is one of the most common complications that occur during and after surgery; thus, materials that can prevent adhesion are often applied. Starch powders with a high water absorption capacity are preferred, and many studies have focused on increasing the water [...] Read more.

Postoperative adhesion is one of the most common complications that occur during and after surgery; thus, materials that can prevent adhesion are often applied. Starch powders with a high water absorption capacity are preferred, and many studies have focused on increasing the water absorption of modified starches, as native starch powders display poor water-holding capacities. The effects of salts on the physical properties of acetylated distarch phosphate potato starch powders were investigated here. Changes in functional groups, the crystal structures of modified starch, particle morphologies, water absorption, viscosity, and in vivo adhesion were investigated. The results showed that salts greatly improved the water absorption and viscosity of acetylated distarch phosphate potato starch powders. Among the three different salt-modified starch powders, NaCl-modified starch powders displayed higher water absorption and viscosity and demonstrated better in vivo anti-adhesion performance. The results of this study propose a potential biomaterial that may function as an anti-adhesive, potentially leading to reduced surgical risks and a better quality of life for patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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14 pages, 4791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Soluble Proteins in High-Moisture Soy Protein–Gluten Extrudates Preparation

by Meng Ning, Yan Ji, Jinchuang Zhang, Hongyang Pan and Jie Chen

Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4686; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244686 - 12 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1442

Abstract

In this study, the effects of different soluble proteins, including collagen peptides (CP), soy protein hydrolysate (HSPI), whey protein isolate (WPI), sodium caseinate (SC), and egg white protein (EWP), on the structural and mechanical properties of blends containing soy protein isolate (SPI) and [...] Read more.

In this study, the effects of different soluble proteins, including collagen peptides (CP), soy protein hydrolysate (HSPI), whey protein isolate (WPI), sodium caseinate (SC), and egg white protein (EWP), on the structural and mechanical properties of blends containing soy protein isolate (SPI) and wheat gluten (WG) were investigated using high-moisture extrusion. The addition of CP and HSPI resulted in a more pronounced fibrous structure with increased voids, attributing to their plasticizing effect that enhanced polymer chain mobility and reduced viscosity. WPI, SC, and EWP acted as crosslinking agents, causing early crosslink formation and decreased polymer chain mobility. These structural variations directly influenced the tensile properties of the extrudates, with CP displaying the highest anisotropic index. Moreover, the presence of soluble proteins impacts the permeability of the extrudates. These insights shed light on how soluble proteins can be used to modify the properties of SPI-WG blends, making them suitable for meat analogue production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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14 pages, 3967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study of Resistant Dextrins and Resistant Maltodextrins from Different Tuber Crop Starches

by Xinyang Chen, Yinchen Hou, Zhen Wang, Aimei Liao, Long Pan, Mingyi Zhang, Yingchun Xue, Jingjing Wang, Yingying Liu and Jihong Huang

Polymers 2023, 15(23), 4545; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15234545 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2986

Abstract

The anti-digestibility of resistant dextrin (RD) and resistant maltodextrin (RMD) is usually significantly affected by processing techniques, reaction conditions, and starch sources. The objective of this investigation is to elucidate the similarities and differences in the anti-digestive properties of RD and RMD prepared [...] Read more.

The anti-digestibility of resistant dextrin (RD) and resistant maltodextrin (RMD) is usually significantly affected by processing techniques, reaction conditions, and starch sources. The objective of this investigation is to elucidate the similarities and differences in the anti-digestive properties of RD and RMD prepared from three different tuber crop starches, namely, potato, cassava, and sweet potato, and to reveal the associated mechanisms. The results show that all RMDs have a microstructure characterized by irregular fragmentation and porous surfaces, no longer maintaining the original crystalline structure of starches. Conversely, RDs preserve the structural morphology of starches, featuring rough surfaces and similar crystalline structures. RDs exhibite hydrolysis rates of approximately 40%, whereas RMDs displaye rates lower than 8%. This disparity can be attributed to the reduction of α-1,4 and α-1,6 bonds and the development of a highly branched spatial structure in RMDs. The indigestible components of the three types of RDs range from 34% to 37%, whereas RMDs vary from 80% to 85%, with potato resistant maltodextrin displaying the highest content (84.96%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, there are significant differences in the processing performances between different tuber crop starches. For the preparation of RMDs, potato starch seems to be superior to sweet potato and cassava starches. These attributes lay the foundation for considering RDs and RMDs as suitable components for liquid beverages, solid dietary fiber supplements, and low glycemic index (low-GI) products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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16 pages, 6929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spherical CaCO₃: Synthesis, Characterization, Surface Modification and Efficacy as a Reinforcing Filler in Natural Rubber Composites

by Khansinee Longkaew, Alain Gibaud, Wasan Tessanan, Philippe Daniel and Pranee Phinyocheep

Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4287; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214287 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2007

Abstract

Natural rubber (NR), an important natural polymer derived from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, has been widely used in the rubber industry owing to its excellent elastic properties. However, it requires reinforcing fillers to improve its mechanical properties for the manufacturing of rubber products. [...] Read more.

Natural rubber (NR), an important natural polymer derived from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, has been widely used in the rubber industry owing to its excellent elastic properties. However, it requires reinforcing fillers to improve its mechanical properties for the manufacturing of rubber products. Generally, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is employed as a non-reinforcing filler. This work aimed to synthesize spherical-shaped CaCO₃ at a submicrometric scale without and with surface treatment and explore its utilization as a reinforcing filler in NR composites. The morphological shape and polymorphic phase of CaCO₃ were investigated using SEM, TEM, XRD, ATR-FTIR and Raman techniques. The mechanical properties of various amounts (0 to 60 phr) of CaCO₃-filled NR composites were explored. As a result, the NR/treated CaCO₃ composites provided higher tensile strength than the NR/untreated CaCO₃ composites and pure NR at all filler loadings. This may have been due to the improved interfacial interaction between NR and CaCO₃ with the improved hydrophobicity of CaCO₃ after treatment with olive soap. The optimal filler loading was 20 phr for the highest tensile strength of the rubber composites. In addition, the elongation at break of the NR/treated CaCO₃ was slightly decreased. Evidence from SEM and FTIR revealed the vaterite polymorph and shape stability of CaCO₃ particles in the NR matrix. The results demonstrate that the particle size and surface treatment of the filler have essential effects on the mechanical property enhancement of the rubber composites. Synthesized spherical CaCO₃ could be a potential reinforcing filler with broader application in polymer composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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14 pages, 2684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Preheating Whey Protein Concentrate on the Stability of Purple Sweet Potato Anthocyanins

by Shuo Zhang, Guowei Deng, Fang Wang, Haiyan Xu, Jiagen Li, Jialei Liu, Dengfeng Wu and Shitao Lan

Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153315 - 6 Aug 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1446

Abstract

Anthocyanins (ANs) have strong antioxidant activities and can inhibit chronic diseases, but the instability of ANs limits their applications. The conservation of preheating whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the stability of purple sweet potato ANs was investigated. The retention of ANs in WPC-ANs [...] Read more.

Anthocyanins (ANs) have strong antioxidant activities and can inhibit chronic diseases, but the instability of ANs limits their applications. The conservation of preheating whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the stability of purple sweet potato ANs was investigated. The retention of ANs in WPC-ANs was 85.88% after storage at 25 °C for 5 h. WPC-ANs had higher retention of ANs in heating treatment. The retention rates of ANs in WPC-ANs exposed to light and UV lamps for 6 h were 78.72% and 85.76%, respectively. When the concentration of H₂O₂ was 0.50%, the retention rate of ANs in the complexes was 62.04%. WPC-ANs’ stability and antioxidant activity were improved in simulated digestive juice. The WPC-ANs connection was static quenching, and the binding force between them was a hydrophobic interaction at one binding site, according to the fluorescence quenching spectroscopy. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further indicated that the secondary structure and microenvironment of amino acid residues in WPC can be impacted by the preheating temperature and preheating times of WPC. In conclusion, preheating WPC can successfully preserve the stability of purple sweet potato ANs by binding to them through a non-covalent interaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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14 pages, 1506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Essential Oil Embedded in Polylactic Acid/Chitosan-Based Film for Mango Post-Harvest Application against Pathogenic Fungi

by Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny, Siew Juan Leem, Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar, Nor’Izzah Zainuddin, Muhammad Huzaifah Mohd Roslim, Raja Hasnida Raja Hashim, Kavita Pusphanathan, Masoom Raza Siddiqui, Mahboob Alam and Mohd Rafatullah

Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2722; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122722 - 18 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1758

Abstract

Mango has a high global demand. Fruit fungal disease causes post-harvest mango and fruit losses. Conventional chemical fungicides and plastic prevent fungal diseases but they are hazardous to humans and the environment. Direct application of essential oil for post-harvest fruit control is not [...] Read more.

Mango has a high global demand. Fruit fungal disease causes post-harvest mango and fruit losses. Conventional chemical fungicides and plastic prevent fungal diseases but they are hazardous to humans and the environment. Direct application of essential oil for post-harvest fruit control is not a cost-effective approach. The current work offers an eco-friendly alternative to controlling the post-harvest disease of fruit using a film amalgamated with oil derived from Melaleuca alternifolia. Further, this research also aimed to assess the mechanical, antioxidant, and antifungal properties of the film infused with essential oil. ASTM D882 was performed to determine the tensile strength of the film. The antioxidant reaction of the film was assessed using the DPPH assay. In vitro and in vivo tests were used to evaluate the inhibitory development of the film against pathogenic fungi, by comparing the film with different levels of essential oil together with the treatment of the control and chemical fungicide. Disk diffusion was used to evaluate mycelial growth inhibition, where the film incorporated with 1.2 wt% essential oil yielded the best results. For in vivo testing of wounded mango, the disease incidence was successfully reduced. For in vivo testing of unwounded mango to which the film incorporated with essential oil was applied, although some quality parameters such as the color index were not significantly affected, weight loss was reduced, soluble solid content was increased, and firmness was increased, compared to the control. Thus, the film incorporated with essential oil (EO) from M. alternifolia can be an environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional approach and the direct application of essential oil to control post-harvest disease in mango. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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19 pages, 8927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pluronic F127 and P104 Polymeric Micelles as Efficient Nanocarriers for Loading and Release of Single and Dual Antineoplastic Drugs

by Ramón A. Gutiérrez-Saucedo, Julio C. Gómez-López, Adrián A. Villanueva-Briseño, Antonio Topete, J. F. Armando Soltero-Martínez, Eduardo Mendizábal, Carlos F. Jasso-Gastinel, Pablo Taboada and Edgar B. Figueroa-Ochoa

Polymers 2023, 15(10), 2249; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102249 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3667

Abstract

The potential application of biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric micelles formed by Pluronic F127 and P104 as nanocarriers of the antineoplastic drugs docetaxel (DOCE) and doxorubicin (DOXO) is presented in this work. The release profile was carried out under sink conditions at 37 °C [...] Read more.

The potential application of biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric micelles formed by Pluronic F127 and P104 as nanocarriers of the antineoplastic drugs docetaxel (DOCE) and doxorubicin (DOXO) is presented in this work. The release profile was carried out under sink conditions at 37 °C and analyzed using the Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas, and Peppas–Sahlin diffusion models. The cell viability of HeLa cells was evaluated using the proliferation cell counting kit CCK-8 assay. The formed polymeric micelles solubilized significant amounts of DOCE and DOXO, and released them in a sustained manner for 48 h, with a release profile composed of an initial rapid release within the first 12 h followed by a much slower phase the end of the experiments. In addition, the release was faster under acidic conditions. The model that best fit the experimental data was the Korsmeyer–Peppas one and denoted a drug release dominated by Fickian diffusion. When HeLa cells were exposed for 48 h to DOXO and DOCE drugs loaded inside P104 and F127 micelles, they showed lower IC₅₀ values than those reported by other researchers using polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers or liposomes as alternative carriers, indicating that a lower drug concentration is needed to decrease cell viability by 50%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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13 pages, 2721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Crosslinked Injectable Mussel-Inspired Hydrogels with Adhesive, Self-Healing, and Biodegradation Properties

by Ruixiao Wang, Liqun Liu, Xiang He, Zongmei Xia, Zhenjie Zhao, Zhenhao Xi, Juan Yu and Jie Wang

Polymers 2023, 15(8), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15081876 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3225

Abstract

The non-invasive tissue adhesives with strong tissue adhesion and good biocompatibility are ideal for replacing traditional wound treatment methods such as sutures and needles. The self-healing hydrogels based on dynamic reversible crosslinking can recover their structure and function after damage, which is suitable [...] Read more.

The non-invasive tissue adhesives with strong tissue adhesion and good biocompatibility are ideal for replacing traditional wound treatment methods such as sutures and needles. The self-healing hydrogels based on dynamic reversible crosslinking can recover their structure and function after damage, which is suitable for the application scenario of tissue adhesives. Herein, inspired by mussel adhesive proteins, we propose a facile strategy to achieve an injectable hydrogel (DACS hydrogel) by grafting dopamine (DOPA) onto hyaluronic acid (HA) and mixing it with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) solution. The gelation time and rheological and swelling properties of the hydrogel can be controlled conveniently by adjusting the substitution degree of the catechol group and the concentration of raw materials. More importantly, the hydrogel exhibited rapid and highly efficient self-healing ability and excellent biodegradation and biocompatibility in vitro. Meanwhile, the hydrogel exhibited ~4-fold enhanced wet tissue adhesion strength (21.41 kPa) over the commercial fibrin glue. This kind of HA-based mussel biomimetic self-healing hydrogel is expected to be used as a multifunctional tissue adhesive material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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15 pages, 2658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams for the Removal of Petroleum-Derived Pollutants: Sorption in Batch and in Continuous-Flow

by Fabrizio Olivito, Vincenzo Algieri, Antonio Jiritano, Matteo Antonio Tallarida, Paola Costanzo, Loredana Maiuolo and Antonio De Nino

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071785 - 3 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2689

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluated the potential of two synthesized bio-based polyurethane foams, PU1 and PU2, for the removal of diesel and gasoline from water mixtures. We started the investigation with the experiment in batch. The total sorption capacity S (g/g) for the [...] Read more.

In this paper, we evaluated the potential of two synthesized bio-based polyurethane foams, PU1 and PU2, for the removal of diesel and gasoline from water mixtures. We started the investigation with the experiment in batch. The total sorption capacity S (g/g) for the diesel/water system was slightly higher with respect to gasoline/water, with a value of 62 g/g for PU1 and 65 g/g for PU2. We found that the sorption follows a pseudo second-order kinetic model for both the materials. The experimental data showed that the best isotherm models were obtained with Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson models. In addition, to provide an idea of the process scalability for future industrial applications, we tested the sorption capacity of the foams using a continuous-flow of the same oil/water mixtures and we obtained performances even better with respect to the batch test. The regeneration can be performed up to 50 times by centrifuge, without losing efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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17 pages, 7417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Process Parameters on the Fibrous Structure and Textural Properties of Calcium Caseinate Extrudates

by Ziqi Zhao, Zhaojun Wang, Zhiyong He, Maomao Zeng and Jie Chen

Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051292 - 3 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1805

Abstract

Textured calcium caseinate extrudates are considered promising candidates in producing fish substitutes. This study aimed to evaluate how the moisture content, extrusion temperature, screw speed, and cooling die unit temperature of the high-moisture extrusion process affect the structural and textural properties of calcium [...] Read more.

Textured calcium caseinate extrudates are considered promising candidates in producing fish substitutes. This study aimed to evaluate how the moisture content, extrusion temperature, screw speed, and cooling die unit temperature of the high-moisture extrusion process affect the structural and textural properties of calcium caseinate extrudates. With an increase in moisture content from 60% to 70%, there was a decrease in the cutting strength, hardness, and chewiness of the extrudate. Meanwhile, the fibrous degree increased considerably from 1.02 to 1.64. The hardness, springiness, and chewiness showed a downward trend with the rise in extrusion temperature from 50 °C to 90 °C, which contributed to the reduction in air bubbles in the extrudate. Screw speed showed a minor effect on fibrous structure and textural properties. A low temperature (30 °C) in all cooling die units led to damaged structure without mechanical anisotropy, which resulted from fast solidification. These results show that the fibrous structure and textural properties of calcium caseinate extrudates can be effectively manipulated by adjusting the moisture content, extrusion temperature, and cooling die unit temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Structure-Function Relationship and Application II)

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