Recent Progress in MOF-Aerogel Fabrication and Applications.

Recent advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) underscore their significant potential in chemical and materials research, owing to their remarkable properties and diverse structures. Despite challenges like intrinsic brittleness, powdered crystalline nature, and limited stability impeding direct applications, MOF-based aerogels have shown superior performance in various areas, particularly in water treatment and contaminant removal. This review highlights the latest progress in MOF-based aerogels, with a focus on hybrid systems incorporating materials like graphene, carbon nanotube, silica, and cellulose in MOF aerogels, which enhance their functional properties. The manifold advantages of MOF-based aerogels in energy storage, adsorption, and catalysis are discussed, with an emphasizing on their improved stability, processability, and ease of handling. This review aims to unlock the potential of MOF-based aerogels and their real-world applications. Aerogels are expected to reshape the technological landscape of MOFs through enhanced stability, adaptability, and efficiency.

Monodispersed Renewable Particles by Cascade and Density Gradient Size Fractionation to Advance Lignin Nanotechnologies.

Control over particle size and shape heterogeneity is highly relevant to the design of photonic coatings and supracolloidal assemblies. Most developments in the area have relied on mineral and petroleum-derived polymers that achieve well-defined chemical and dimensional characteristics. Unfortunately, it is challenging to attain such control when considering renewable nanoparticles. Herein, a pathway toward selectable biobased particle size and physicochemical profiles is proposed. Specifically, lignin is fractionated, a widely available heterogeneous polymer that can be dissolved in aqueous solution, to obtain a variety of monodispersed particle fractions. A two-stage cascade and density gradient centrifugation that relieves the need for solvent pre-extraction or other pretreatments but achieves particle bins of uniform size (~60 to 860 nm and polydispersity, PDI<0.06, dynamic light scattering) along with characteristic surface chemical features is introduced. It is found that the properties and associated colloidal behavior of the particles are suitably classified in distinctive size populations, namely, i) nanoscale (50-100 nm), ii) photonic (100-300 nm) and iii) near-micron (300-1000 nm). The strong correlation that exists between size and physicochemical characteristics (molar mass, surface charge, bonding and functional groups, among others) is introduced as a powerful pathway to identify nanotechnological uses that benefit from the functionality and cost-effectiveness of biogenic particles.

The biological function of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles on metabolism.

Multiple studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in the process of information transfer and material transport between cells. EVs are classified into different types according to their sizes, which includes the class of exosomes. In comparison to normal EVs, tumor-derived EVs (TDEs) have both altered components and quantities of contents. TDEs have been shown to help facilitate an environment conducive to the occurrence and development of tumor by regulation of glucose, lipids and amino acids. Furthermore, TDEs can also affect the host metabolism and immune system. EVs have been shown to have multiple clinically useful properties, including the use of TDEs as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of diseases and using the transport properties of exosomes for drug delivery. Targeting the key bioactive cargoes of exosomes could be applied to provide new strategies for the treatment of tumors. In this review, we summarize the finding of studies focused on measuring the effects of TDE on tumor-related microenvironment and systemic metabolism. Video Abstract.

Recent Advances of Lignin Functionalization for High-Performance and Advanced Functional Rubber Composites.

The biomass lignin is the only large-volume renewable feedstock that is composed of aromatics but has been largely underutilized and is sought for valorization as a value-added material. Recent research has highlighted lignin as a promising alternative to traditional petrol-based reinforcements and functional additives for rubber composites. This review summarized the recent advances in the functionalization of lignin for a variety of rubber composites, as well as the compounding techniques for effectively dispersing lignin within the rubber matrix. Significant progress has been achieved in the development of high-performance and advanced functional rubber/lignin composites through carefully designing the structure of lignin-based additives and the optimization of interfacial morphologies. This Review discussed the effect of lignin on composite properties, including mechanical reinforcement, dynamic properties, antiaging performance, and oil resistance, and also the advanced stimuli-responsive performance in detail. A critical analysis for the future development of rubber/lignin composites is presented as concluding remarks.

Analysis of preoperative influential factors and construction of a predictive nomogram of difficult thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preoperative influential factors of difficult thyroidectomy and establish a preoperative nomogram for predicting the difficulty of thyroidectomy. METHODS: A total of 753 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection between January 2018 and December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled in this study and randomly divided into training and validation groups at a ratio of 8:2. In both subgroups, the patients were divided into difficult thyroidectomy and nondifficult thyroidectomy groups based on the operation time. Patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), thyroid ultrasound, thyroid function, preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA), postoperative complications and other data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of difficult thyroidectomy, and a nomogram predicting surgical difficulty was created. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male sex (OR = 2.138, 95% CI 1.055-4.336, p = 0.035), age (OR = 0.954, 95% CI 0.932-0.976, p < 0.001), BMI (OR = 1.233, 95% CI 1.106-1.375, p < 0.001), thyroid volume (OR = 1.177, 95% CI 1.104-1.254, p < 0.001) and TPO-Ab (OR = 1.001, 95% CI 1.001-1.002, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for difficult thyroidectomy. The nomogram model incorporating the above predictors performed well in both the training and validation sets. A higher postoperative complication rate was found in the difficult thyroidectomy group than in the nondifficult thyroidectomy group. CONCLUSION: This study identified independent risk factors for difficult thyroidectomy and created a predictive nomogram for difficult thyroidectomy. This nomogram may help to objectively and individually predict surgical difficulty before surgery and provide optimal treatment.

In Situ Detection of Nanotoxicity in Living Cells Based on Multiple miRNAs Probed by a Peptide Functionalized Nanoprobe.

The potential toxicity of nanoparticles, especially for clinically applicable ones, has become a critical concern. Technologies that can in situ-evaluate the toxicity of nanoparticles with high sensitivity are urgently needed. In this study, a facile strategy was developed for sensitive detection on the nanotoxicity of nanoparticles with low toxicity or a low dose. A functional nanoprobe loaded with molecular beacons was constructed to realize in situ evaluation of the nanotoxicity through probing multiple miRNAs in nanoparticle-exposed living cells. Being composed of protamine complexed with molecular beacons for miRNA detection and decorated by TAT and KALA peptides, the dual-peptide functionalized nanoprobe can efficiently deliver molecular beacons into living cells to realize the real-time monitoring of early biomarkers (miR-21 and miR-221) to evaluate nanotoxicity. Using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with different surface modifications as typical representatives of low toxic nanoparticles, we demonstrate that our nanoprobe can sensitively detect miRNA changes in cells under diverse exposure conditions, that is, MSN-NH2 exhibits the strongest capability to upregulate miR-21 and miR-221, and the upregulation is exposure dose- and time-dependent. Our approach is much more sensitive as compared with conventional methods to study cytotoxicity such as 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell morphology observation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. This study paves a path for effective and facile nanotoxicity evaluation and provides insights into the biological impacts of MSNs.

Clinical and prognosis value of the number of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM) are largely associated with adverse outcomes. The present study aimed to assess the correlation between the number of metastatic lymph nodes (NMLNs) and clinical prognosis in patients with PTC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with PTC who underwent initial thyroid cancer surgery in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between 2017 and 2019. A total of 694 patients with PTC and cervical lymph node dissection as well as a total checked number of lymph nodes ≥ 5 were involved in this study. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients were compared according to NMLNs, the number of central cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) and the number of lateral lymph nodes (LLNs). RESULTS: NMLNs > 5, CLNs > 5 and LLNs > 5 were 222 (32.0%), 159 (24.3%) and 70 (10.1%) seen in the analyzed samples, respectively. Young patients, patients with larger tumor diameter, bilaterality, multifocality and gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE) were more inclined to NMLNs > 5, CLNs > 5 and LLNs > 5 (P < 0.05). It was found that the recurrence-free survival among pN1 patients was significantly discrepant between different groups (NMLNs ≤ 5/5: P = 0.001; LLNs ≤ 5/5: P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients aged < 55 years (OR = 1.917), primary tumor size > 10 mm (OR = 2.131), bilaterality (OR = 1.889) and tumor gross ETE (OR = 2.759) were independent predictors for high prevalence of total NMLNs > 5 (P < 0.05). Specially, patients aged < 55 years (OR = 2.864), primary tumor size > 10 mm (OR = 2.006), and tumor gross ETE (OR = 2.520) were independent predictors for high prevalence of CLNs > 5 (P < 0.01); Bilaterality (OR = 2.119), CLNs > 5 (OR = 6.733) and tumor gross ETE (OR = 4.737) were independent predictors for high prevalence of LLNs > 5 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it is evident that NMLNs is related to the invasive clinicopathological features and adverse outcome of patients with PTC which should be correctly evaluated to provide an appropriate guidance for reasonable treatment and careful follow-up.

Antimicrobial/Biocompatible Hydrogels Dual-Reinforced by Cellulose as Ultrastretchable and Rapid Self-Healing Wound Dressing.

Hydrogels as a wound dressing, integrated with ultrastretchability, rapid self-healing, and excellent antimicrobial activity, are in high demand, particularly for joint skin wound healing. Herein, a multifunctional and ductile composite hydrogel was developed using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-borax gel as a matrix that was synergized or dual-reinforced with dopamine-grafted oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC-DA) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF). Moreover, neomycin (NEO), an aminoglycoside antibiotic with multifunctional groups, was incorporated into the hydrogel network as both an antibacterial agent and a cross-linker. The dynamic reversible borate ester linkages and hydrogen bonds between OCMC-DA, PVA, and CNF, along with dynamic cross-linking imine linkages between NEO and OCMC-DA, endowed the hydrogel with excellent self-healing ability and stretchability (3300%). The as-reinforced networks enhanced the mechanical properties of hydrogels significantly. More remarkably, the composite hydrogel with improved biodegradability and biocompatibility is pH-responsive and effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, which is attributed to the controllable release of NEO for steady availability of the antibiotic on the wound location. Overall, the antimicrobial hydrogel with rapid self-healing and reliable mechanical properties holds significant promise as dressing material for wound healing.

Using a Membrane-Penetrating-Peptide to Anchor Ligands in the Liposome Membrane Facilitates Targeted Drug Delivery.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are typical cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) that intercalate into biomembranes and exhibit broad activities. We designed a triple fusion protein consisting of an AMP, Ib-AMP4 at the N-terminus, a fluorescent GFP probe in the center, and the tumor-targeting peptide P1c at the other terminus. After purification from E. coli, the interaction between the Ib-AMP4-GFP-P1c fusion protein (IGP) and the lipid membrane was characterized. Experiments using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) demonstrated that IGP proteins spontaneously bound the lipid bilayer with a maximal molar ratio of 1:52 (protein:lipid). Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed that the IGP protein was present in the liposome membrane. After decoration with IGP proteins, the DOPC:DOPG liposomes were applied to cancer cells. Microscopy and flow cytometry reveal that the decorated liposomes selectively bound integrin αvß3-positive A549 cells. In addition, compared with the common chemical conjugation method, the reported method seemed to be superior in certain aspects, such as simple sample preparation and cost-effectiveness. Next, the IGP protein was applied to decorate red blood cell (RBC) liposomes for targeted delivery in both in vitro and in vivo applications. The IGP-decorated RBC liposomes preferentially targeted integrin αvß3 expressing A549 cancer cells. The in vivo imaging showed that IGP-decorated RBC liposomes were concentrated in tumor tissue and were primarily metabolized by the liver and kidney.

Minimally invasive comprehensive treatment for granulomatous lobular mastitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a minimally invasive comprehensive treatment for granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) and compare its effect with the existing methods, particularly in terms of its recurrence rate and esthetic outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 69 GLM patients receiving the minimally invasive comprehensive treatment. Patients' information, including age, clinical features, image characteristics, histopathological findings, mastitis history, treatment process, operative technique, recurrence, and esthetic effect, was evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were female with a median age of 32 (range 17-55) years. Hospital stays ranged from 2 to 34 days, with a median of 6 days. The shortest time for complete rehabilitation was 2 days and the longest time was 365 days, with a median of 30 days. After a median follow-up of 391 days (range 162-690), 7 patients (10.14%) relapsed. The average cosmetic score was 2.62 ± 0.57 points and was mainly related to the past treatment, especially the surgical history. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive comprehensive treatment is a new method for the treatment of GLM, ensuring a therapeutic effect while maintaining breast beauty.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells inhibit hypertrophic scar (HS) fibrosis via p38/MAPK pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on hypertrophic scar (HS) fibrosis. METHOD: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of collagen I (Col1), collagen III (Col3), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) after fibroblasts and cultured HS tissues were treated with ADSC medium. All data were analyzed by using SPSS17.0 software. Statistical analysis was performed by Student t tests. RESULTS: The in vitro study showed that ADSC medium decreased the expression of Col1, Col3, and α-SMA. In addition, the protein level of p-p38 was downregulated by ADSC medium treatment in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that ADSC could decrease collagen deposition and scar formation in in vitro experiments. The regulation of the p38/MAPK signaling pathway might play an important role in the process.

An observational study on the clinical features of esophageal cancer followed by multiple primary cancers.

AIM: To investigate the nature of multiple primary cancers initiated by esophageal cancer-multiple primary cancers (EC-MPC). PATIENTS & METHODS: SEER data about patients'/tumor characteristics, and survival were analyzed and compared. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: 1727 of 29,733 registered EC patients have EC-MPC. Individuals diagnosed at 60-79 years old, earlier stage and/or moderately differentiated EC were more likely to get EC-MPC. Fewer patients in the EC-MPC group suffered from metastases. Patients in the EC-MPC group showed a longer survival rate and lower EC-specific deaths. Other factors like age, sex, race, tumor differentiation and Tumor, Node, Metastasis stage also affected survival. Radiation can improve survival. EC-MPC patients have some distinct features compared with solitary EC.

Thyroxine Affects Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Macrophage Differentiation and Myocardial Cell Apoptosis via the NF-κB p65 Pathway Both In Vitro and In Vivo.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have demonstrated that the inflammatory response is involved in the progression of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced myocardial cell apoptosis. Accumulating evidence has shown that thyroxine participates in diseases by downregulating the inflammatory response. This study aimed at investigating whether thyroxine alleviates LPS-induced myocardial cell apoptosis. METHODS: Bone marrow-derived macrophages (Mø) were treated with LPS and thyroxine, and Mø differentiation and Mø-related cytokine expression were measured. The effect of Mø differentiation on mouse cardiomyocyte (MCM) apoptosis was also detected in vitro. In addition, C57BL/6 mice underwent thyroidectomy and were treated with LPS 35 days later; subsequently, Mø differentiation and myocardial cell apoptosis in hearts were analyzed. To determine whether the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 pathway mediates the effect of thyroxine on Mø differentiation and myocardial cell apoptosis, the specific NF-κB p65 pathway inhibitor JSH-23 was administered to mice that underwent a thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Levothyroxine treatment significantly reduced the activation of the NF-κB p65 pathway, decreased M1 macrophage (Mø1) differentiation and Mø1-related cytokine mRNA levels in LPS-treated Mø, and increased M2 macrophage (Mø2) differentiation and Mø2-related cytokine mRNA expression. The protective effects of levothyroxine on MCM apoptosis mediated by LPS-treated Mø were alleviated by JSH-23. In mice, thyroidectomy aggravated LPS-induced cardiac injury and cardiac dysfunction, further promoted NF-κB p65 activation, and increased cardiac Mø1 expression and myocardial cell apoptosis but decreased cardiac Mø2 expression. JSH-23 treatment significantly ameliorated the thyroidectomy-induced increases in myocardial cell apoptosis and Mø differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroxine alleviated the Mø1/Mø2 imbalance, reduced the inflammatory response, decreased myocardial cell apoptosis, and protected against cardiac injury and cardiac dysfunction in LPS-treated mice. Thyroxine may be a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat LPS-induced cardiac injury.

Inhibition of Notch signaling pathway enhanced the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway on the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. Human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) were selected and treated with radiation of different doses. Cells were treated with Gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) to analyze the effects of GSI on the Notch signaling, which were detected by Immunofluorescence assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. Besides, Transwell assay, Scratch test, colony formation assay, MTT assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to show the effects of GSI on the invasion and migration, survival fraction, cell viability, and apoptosis of MCF-7 and T47D cells after radiation therapy. Moreover, cell transfection with a dominant negative mutant of RBPJ, the key transcription factor of Notch signaling pathway, were also applied to show the inhibition of Notch signaling pathway. Initially, we found that the 4 Gy radiation activated Notch signaling pathway, and enhanced the invasion and migration of MCF-7 and T47D cells. However, GSI inhibited the Notch signaling pathway, and reversed the enhancement of radiation on the migration and invasion, promoted the enhancement of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation of MCF-7 and T47D cells induced by radiation. Except that, we also determined that GSI and dnRBPJ suppressed the upregulation of Notch signaling after radiation therapy. Our study demonstrated that inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway enhanced the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells, which may provide evident for a beneficial adjuvant therapy in the breast cancer treatment.

Polyethylene glycol regulates the pitch and liquid crystal behavior of cellulose nanocrystal-based photonic crystals.

Inspired by iridescent color in natural creations, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) photonic crystals artificially created by nanotechnology have great application prospects due to their potential to control light propagation in the linear and nonlinear regimes. One of the most important development directions of photonic crystals is the diversification of colors, usually by adjusting the pitch. However, few researchers notice the effect of polymer molecular weight and content on pitch regulation and the interaction between polymer and CNC liquid crystals. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used as polymers to regulate the pitch of CNC photonic crystals and investigate the changes in microstructure, crystal structure, thermal properties, and liquid crystal texture of the composites by changing the PEG content and molecular weight. Different photonic crystal construction systems show that when the molecular weight of PEG is 0.4 k, it can be filled between CNCs to regulate the pitch of photonic crystals, while when the molecular weight of PEG is 20 k, it cannot always be filled between CNCs in evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) process due to the depletion interaction, which cannot effectively regulate the pitch. This study reveals the relationship between PEG and CNC liquid crystals, which supports the development of photonic crystals and the pitch regulation.

Photoluminescent Nanocellulosic Film for Selective Hg2+ Ion Detection.

We developed a highly sensitive solid-state sensor for mercury detection by stabilizing red-sub-nanometric fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNC, 0.9 ± 0.1 nm diameter) with bovine serum albumin in a matrix composed of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) (BSA-AuNC/CNF). The main morphological and optical features of the system were investigated via atomic force/transmission electron microscopy and UV-Vis/fluorescence spectroscopy. The hybrid film (off-white and highly transparent) showed strong photoluminescene under UV irradiation. The latter is assigned to the AuNC, which also increase the ductility of the emitting film, which was demonstrated for high sensitivity Hg2+ detection. When used as a sensor system, following AuNC printing on CNF hybrid films, a limit of detection <10 nM was confirmed. What is more, nanocellulose films have a high pore structure and selective separation properties, showcasing a wide range of potential applications in many fields such as water treatment and oil-water separation.

Structural changes of hemicellulose during pulping process and its interaction with nanocellulose.

It is believed that hemicellulose plays a crucial role in binding cellulose and lignin in plant cells. It may provide significant implications through figuring out the interaction between hemicellulose and microfibers and gaining insights how the structure of hemicellulose affects its association with cellulose nanofibers. Herein, the hemicellulose and nanocellulose fractions from pulps obtained by controlling the H-factors of kraft pulping process were quantitatively evaluated for their adsorption behavior using QCM-D. The results showed that harsher cooking (corresponding to high H-factor) significantly affected the chemical composition of hemicellulose, leading to a decrease of its molecular weight and gradually turning it into a linear structure. Hemicellulose possesses a strong natural affinity for CNC-coated sensors. The hemicellulose from the pulp cooked by high H-factor process decreases its ability to adsorb onto nanocellulose, the adsorption rate also slows down, and the conformation of the adsorbed layer changes which makes the binding weak and reversible. In conclusion, the pulping process in high H-factor significantly changed the structure of hemicellulose, leading to a variation in the strength of its interaction with nanocellulose.

Association of thyroid autoimmunity with extra-thyroid diseases and the risk of mortality among adults: evidence from the NHANES.

Background: Thyroid autoimmunity is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases. However, its association with extra-thyroid diseases and mortality risk in the general population remains uncertain. Our study aims to evaluate the association of thyroid autoimmunity with extra-thyroid disease and the risk of mortality. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with participants from 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2011-2012, tracking their mortality until 2019. Associations between thyroid autoimmunity, which was defined as having positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and/or thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and extra-thyroid disease including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, arthritis, cancer and chronic renal disease and the risk of mortality were investigated. Results: A total of 7431 participants were included in this study. Positive The prevalence of positive TgAb was 7.54%, and positive TPOAb prevalence was 11.48%. TgAb was significantly associated with diabetes (Model 1: OR=1.64, 95% CI:1.08-2.50; Model 2: OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.21-3.08) and hypertension (Model 1: OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91; Model 2: OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.44-0.88). TPOAb was associated with a lower prevalence of chronic lung disease (model 1: OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95; model 2: OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.95). No associations were observed between TgAb, TPOAb and other extra-thyroid diseases. Neither TgAb nor TPOAb were associated with all-cause mortality or heart disease mortality. Conclusion: TgAb was linked to a higher prevalence of diabetes and a lower prevalence of hypertension, while TPOAb was associated with a decreased prevalence of chronic lung disease. However, neither TgAb nor TPOAb posed a risk for all-cause mortality or heart disease mortality.

Pickering emulsion stabilization with colloidal lignin is enhanced by salt-induced networking in the aqueous phase.

We study the effect of electrolytes on the stability in aqueous media of spherical lignin particles (LP) and its relevance to Pickering emulsion stabilization. Factors considered included the role of ionic strength on morphology development, LP size distribution, surface charge, interfacial adsorption, colloidal and wetting behaviors. Stable emulsions are formed at salt concentrations as low as 50 mM, with the highest stability observed at a critical concentration (400 mM). We show salt-induced destabilization of LP aqueous dispersions at an ionic strength >400 mM. At this critical concentration LP flocculation takes place and particulate networks are formed. This has a profound consequence on the stability of LP-stabilized Pickering emulsions, affecting rheology and long-term stability. The results along with quartz microgravimetry and confocal microscopy observations suggest a possible mechanism for stabilization that considers the interfacial adsorption of LP at oil/water interfaces. The often-unwanted colloidal LP destabilization in water ensues remarkably stable Pickering emulsions by the effect of network formation.

Hydrostability, mechanical resilience, and biodegradability of paper straws fabricated through lignin-based polyurethane and chitosan binary emulsion bonding.

This study focuses on enhancing the strength and water stability of paper straws through a novel approach involving a binary emulsion of lignin-based polyurethane and chitosan. Kraft lignin serves as the raw material for synthesizing a blocked waterborne polyurethane, subsequently combined with carboxylated chitosan to form a stable binary emulsion. The resulting emulsion, exhibiting remarkable stability over at least 6 months, is applied to the base paper. Following emulsion application, the paper undergoes torrefaction at 155 °C. This process deblocks isocyanate groups, enabling their reaction with hydroxyl groups on chitosan and fibers, ultimately forming ester bonds. This reaction significantly improves the mechanical strength and hydrophobicity of paper straws. The composite paper straws demonstrate exceptional mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 47.21 MPa, Young's modulus of 4.33 GPa, and flexural strength of 32.38 MPa. Notably, its water stability is greatly enhanced, with a wet tensile strength of 40.66 MPa, surpassing commercial paper straws by 8 folds. Furthermore, the composite straw achieves complete biodegradability within 120 days, outperforming conventional paper straws in terms of environmental impact. This innovative solution presents a promising and sustainable alternative to plastic straws, addressing the urgent need for eco-friendly products.