Sodium alginate/sodium lignosulfonate hydrogel based on inert Ca2+ activation for water conservation and growth promotion.

Soil degradation has become a major global problem owing to the rapid development of agriculture. The problems of soil drought and decreased soil fertility caused by soil degradation severely affect the development of the agricultural and forestry industries. In this study, we designed sodium alginate (SA)/sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) hydrogel based on the activation and crosslinking of inert Ca2+. CaCO3 and SA were mixed, and then, inert Ca2+ was activated to prepare a gel with a stable structure and a uniform interior and exterior. The crosslinking activated by inert Ca2+ enhanced the stability of the hydrogel, and the optimal swelling rate of the hydrogel reached 28.91 g/g, thereby effectively improving the water-holding capacity of the soil (77.6-108.83 g/kg). SLS was degraded into humic acid (HA) and gradually released, demonstrating a positive growth-promoting effect in plant growth experiments. The SA/SLS hydrogel can be used for soil water retention and mitigation to significantly decrease the water loss rate of soil. This study will assist in addressing soil drought and fertility loss.

Environmental applications of lignin-based hydrogels for Cu remediation in water and soil: adsorption mechanisms and passivation effects.

Heavy metal pollution, particularly the excessive release of copper (Cu), is an urgent environmental concern. In this study, sodium lignosulfonate/carboxymethyl sa-son seed gum (SL-Cg-g-PAA) designed for remediation of Cu-contaminated water and soil was successfully synthesized through a free radical polymerization method using lignin as a raw material. This hydrogel exhibits remarkable Cu adsorption capability when applied to water, with a maximum adsorption capacity reaching 172.41 mg/g. Important adsorption mechanisms include surface complexation and electrostatic attraction between Cu(Ⅱ) and oxygen-containing functional groups (-OH, -COOH), as well as cation exchange involving -COONa and -SO3Na. Furthermore, SL/Cg-g-PAA effectively mitigated the bioavailability of heavy metals within soil matrices, as evidenced by a notable 14.1% reduction in DTPA extracted state Cu (DTPA-Cu) content in the S4 treatment (0.7% SL/Cg-g-PAA) compared to the control group. Concurrently, the Cu content in both the leaves and roots of pakchoi exhibited substantial decreases of 55.19% and 36.49%, respectively. These effects can be attributed to the precipitation and complexation reactions facilitated by the hydrogel. In summary, this composite hydrogel is highly promising for effective remediation of heavy metal pollution in water and soil, with a particular capability for the immobilization of Cu(Ⅱ) and reduction of its adverse effects on ecosystems.

Sequestration of a food dye (sunset yellow) from wastewater using natural adsorbent: a kinetic, isotherm and interference study.

Cocos nucifera, commonly known as coconut is rich in coir dust (CCD) at its outer surface, which is a very significant agri waste used as biosorbent for wastewater treatment. The current work addresses use of CCD for removal of hazardous Sunset Yellow dye (SY) FCF widely used as coloring agent in food industry, from wastewater. The uptake capacity in batch and column mode is 82 mg/g and 160 mg/g respectively. Characterization study including SEM, FTIR and BET results also supported the adsorption process. The comparative analysis with other natural biosorbents showed best results of biosorption with CCD. The output was better at high pH (10) and lower concentration of dye (5 mg/L). The kinetic study suggested pseudo second order rate revealing both adsorbate-adsorbent interdependency. The presence of covalent bonding or valence forces between the interfaces, suggested chemisorption as the rate limiting mechanism with valence forces, hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking being the chief forces responsible in binding of the dye molecules to the surface. The isotherm supported Langmuir model with monolayer and uniform adsorption at the interfaces. The interference test confirmed slight decrease in percent adsorption with interference from chloride and sulfate as dominating ions. The techno-economic feasibility highly recommended in field application of the substitute (net profit value, 1.256 Rs/m3, input cost, 0.052 Rs/m3). The industrial sample analysis with lab to land approach justified sustainability and commercial viability of the present work.

Facile removal of a food dye (sunset yellow, FCF) using Coconut coir dust (CCD).Uptake capacity in batch and column mode is 82 mg/g and 160 mg/g respectively.Chemisorption as the rate limiting mechanism with valence forces, hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking being the chief forces.Better uptake efficiency is seen at higher pH (10) and lower concentration (5mg/L).

Optimization and characterization of laccase (LccH) produced by Hexagonia hirta MSF2 in solid-state fermentation using coir pith wastes (CPW).

The accumulation of coir pith waste, a byproduct of coconut husk processing, poses environmental and logistical challenges. An innovative and sustainable solution involves using coir pith as a substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF). In SSF, coir pith can be converted into valuable products, such as enzymes, organic acids, and bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate laccase production by Hexagonia hirta MSF2 through SSF using the coir pith waste as substrate. Physico-chemical parameters like moisture, pH, temperature, C source, N source, and CuSO4 concentrations were pre-optimized, and optimized through RSM. Laccase activity of 1585.24 U g-1 of dry substrate was recorded by H. hirta MSF2 on coir pith containing 1 % C source, 0.5 % N source, 0.25 mM of CuSO4 concentration, moisture content of 75 % at pH 4.6 and temperature 28 °C. Subsequently, the enzyme extraction parameters including, extraction buffer, mode of extraction, and temperature were optimized. The molecular weight of laccase was 66 kDa as observed by SDS-PAGE and native-PAGE. The optimum activity of partially purified laccase was achieved at 40 °C, and pH 4.0. Increasing salt concentration and use of different inhibitors affected the laccase activity. Organic solvents like dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and methanol, and metal ions like BaCl2, CaCl2, CuSO4, and MnCl2 stimulated the laccase activity. Hence, coir pith used in SSF offers a dual benefit of waste management and enzyme synthesis through an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach.

Combined use of chemical dust suppressant and herbaceous plants for tailings dust control.

Tailings dust can negatively affect the surrounding environment and communities because the tailings are vulnerable to wind erosion. In this study, the effects of halides (sodium chloride [NaCl], calcium chloride [CaCl2], and magnesium chloride hexahydrate [MgCl2·6H2O]), and polymer materials (polyacrylamide [PAM], polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], and calcium lignosulfonate [LS]) were investigated for the stabilization of tailings for dust control. Erect milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) were planted in the tailings and sprayed with chemical dust suppressants. The growth status of the plants and their effects on the mechanical properties of tailings were also studied. The results show that the weight loss of tailings was stabilized by halides and polymers, and decreased with increasing concentration and spraying amount of the solutions. The penetration resistance of tailings stabilized by halides and polymers increased with increasing concentration and spraying amount of the solutions. Among the halides and polymers tested, the use of CaCl2 and PAM resulted in the best control of tailings dust, respectively. CaCl2 solution reduces the adaptability of plants and therefore makes it difficult for grass seeds to germinate normally. PAM solutions are beneficial for the development of herbaceous plants. Among the three herbaceous species, ryegrass exhibited the best degree of development and was more suitable for growth in the tailings. The ryegrass plants planted in the tailings sprayed with PAM grew the best, and the root-soil complex that formed increased the shear strength of the tailings.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Polyaniline-Doped Lignosulfonate in Adsorbing Dye and Heavy Metal Ions.

Lignosulfonate/polyaniline (LS/PANI) nanocomposite adsorbent materials were prepared by the chemical polymerization of lignosulfonate with an aniline monomer as a dopant and structure-directing agent, and the adsorption behavior of dyes as well as heavy metal ions was investigated. LS/PANI composites were used as dye adsorbents for the removal of different cationic dyes (malachite green, methylene blue, and crystal violet). The adsorption behavior of LS/PANI composites as dye adsorbents for malachite green was investigated by examining the effects of the adsorbent dosage, solution pH, initial concentration of dye, adsorption time, and temperature on the adsorption properties of this dye. The following conclusions were obtained. The optimum adsorption conditions for the removal of malachite green dye when LS/PANI composites were used as malachite green dye adsorbents were as follows: an adsorbent dosage of 20 mg, an initial concentration of the dye of 250 mg/L, an adsorption time of 300 min, and a temperature of 358 K. The LS/PANI composite adsorbed malachite green dye in accordance with the Langmuir adsorption model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which belongs to chemisorption-based monomolecular adsorption, and the equilibrium adsorption amount was 245.75 mg/g. In particular, the adsorption of heavy metal ion Pb2+ was investigated, and the removal performance was also favorable for Pb2+.

Sodium lignosulfonate causes cell membrane perturbation in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

Underestimating fungal infections led to a gap in the development of antifungal medication. However, rising rates of morbidity and mortality with fungal infection have revealed an alarming rise in antifungal resistance also. Due to the eukaryotic properties of fungi and the close evolutionary similarity between fungal cells and human hosts, therapeutic targeting of Candida infections is troublesome, along with the development of resistance. The discovery of new antifungals is so far behind schedule that the antifungal pipeline is nearly empty. Previously, we have reported the activity and susceptibility of Sodium lignosulfonate (LIG) against C. albicans. In this work, we have established the mechanistic actions of LIG's activity. We performed flow cytometric analysis for membrane integrity, ergosterol binding assay, crystal violet assay, and membrane leakage assay to analyze quantitatively that the C. albicans membrane is being disrupted in response to LIG. Electron microscopic analysis with SEM and TEM confirmed changes in Candida cellular morphology and membrane perturbation respectively. These findings indicated that LIG causes cell membrane damage in C. albicans. This knowledge about LIG's mechanism of action against C. albicans could be used to explore it further as a lead antifungal molecule to develop it as a potent candidate for antifungal therapeutics in the future.

Monitoring of ammonia concentrations from coir-husk litter of Brazilian poultry house using diode laser photoacoustic spectroscopy.

Ammonia (NH[Formula: see text]) from manure is a concern in raising broiler due to possible damages to production and the environment. Brazil is the main exporter of chicken meat in the world and is also responsible for large waste of poultry litter. The country, likewise, figures as top 5 producers of green coconut, which results in considerable volumes of waste, since 80%-85% of the fruit is unusable. This work analyzes the ammonia concentration profile of two bedding substrates for raising broiler, to know, coir-husk fiber and a commonly used pine wood shavings in a Brazilian climate. A differential home-made photoacoustic cell combined with a diode laser was employed for sensing ammonia at trace levels. Such combination confers selectivity as well as lower limits of detection to the system. The chemical compositions pH, N, C, Ca, Mg, P[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] and K[Formula: see text]O were also determined, in addition to the moisture, dry matter and mineral content of substrates and litters. NH[Formula: see text] concentrations varied from (0.9 ± 0.3) ppmv to (19 ± 3) ppmv and from (2.1 ± 0.5) ppmv to (21 ± 3) ppmv for the coir-husk fiber and wood shavings substrates, respectively. Results showed the feasibility of using coconut fiber as poultry litter in regions where this material is a common waste. Moreover, as NH[Formula: see text] concentrations were lower for coconut fiber bedding compared to shavings, this coir-husk fiber is a potential residue to guarantee the environmental sustainability by Brazilian poultry farming. Coir-husk fibers presented significantly higher amounts of P and K in comparison to pine wood. NH[Formula: see text] profiles revealed that coir-husk fiber emitted lower quantities than wood shavings. Besides, a delay on the NH[Formula: see text] emission pattern was clearly seen when the coconut waste was the bedding material. Such a tendency was confirmed by the logistic model. Our findings, in turn, make the coir-husk an environmentally friendly alternative low-cost product for poultry litter as well as its potential use as natural fertilizer. The later deserves attention since there is a need to accurately assess the emissions of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide during the composting process. In Brazil, the waste generated by the high production of green coconut is an environmental liability. The cost of poultry production has been high, reducing the profit of producers, who seek to make production cheaper. Measuring NH[Formula: see text] from poultry activity in Brazil, a tropical country, aims to control management and reduce production losses, since NH[Formula: see text] is a harmful gas to birds. The measurement of NH[Formula: see text] concentrations at trace levels from raising broilers by photoacoustic diode laser spectroscopy, to the best of our knowledge, has been reported for the very first time.

Associative Behavior of Lignosulphonates in Moderately Concentrated Water, Water-Salt, and Water-Alcoholic Media.

Industrial derivatives of lignin lignosulfonates are produced during sulfite delignification of wood. They are characterized by a wide molecular weight distribution, polyfunctionality, and lack of crystallinity. The presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains in the lignosulfonate macromolecular system determines the amphiphilic and polyelectrolyte properties of this biopolymer. As a polyelectrolyte, lignosulfonates (LSs) show complex conformational and phase behavior, which can be controlled by a wide range of external factors (ionic strength, medium acidity, solvent polarity, etc.). Herein, we present the results of a study of the associative behavior of three lignosulfonate samples with different molecular weight distributions (Mw 9250-46 300) and structural and cationic (Na+, Ca2+) composition. The effects of the concentration of LS (0.2-200.0 g/dm3), temperature (293-353 K), ionic strength of the medium (KCl, 0.08-0.80 mol), and ethanol additives (0.6-73.0 vol %) on the bulk and surface properties of lignosulfonates have been revealed. It was assumed that the LS association in solutions is a consequence of the processes of counterionic condensation with the formation of ionic pairs and multiplets. The binding of counterions is facilitated by an increase in the ionic strength of the medium and ethyl alcohol additives.

Bacillus aryabhattai TFG5-mediated synthesis of humic substances from coir pith wastes.

BACKGROUND: Humic substances (HS) form the largest proportion among all the constituents of soil organic matter and are a key component of the terrestrial ecosystem. HS plays a multifunctional role in the environment by controlling the biogeochemical carbon cycle, providing nutrients and bio-stimulants for plant growth, and interacting with inorganic and organic pollutants. The rate of formation of HS in soils determines its productivity and carbon sequestration capacity. Enhancement of HS synthesis in the soil through the microbial route not only increases CO2 sequestration but also mitigates the greenhouse gas emissions in the environment. RESULT: In this study, we attempted to understand the mechanism of formation and enhancement of HS from coir pith wastes using the tyrosinase produced by Bacillus aryabhattai TFG5. The bacterium TFG5 isolated from the termite garden produced the tyrosinase (1.34 U mL-1) and laccase (2.1 U mL-1) at 48 h and 60 h of fermentation, respectively. The extracellular tyrosinase from B. aryabhattai TFG5 was designated as TyrB. Homology modeling of TyrB revealed a structure with a predicted molecular mass of 35.23 kDa and two copper ions in the active center with its conserved residues required for the tyrosinase activity. TyrB efficiently transformed and polymerized standard phenols, such as p-cresol, p-hydroxyl benzoic acid, Levo DOPA, and 2,6 DMP, besides transforming free phenols in coir pith wash water (CWW). Additionally, UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra of the degradation products of the coir pith treated with TyrB revealed the formation of HS within 3 days of incubation. Furthermore, the E472/664 ratio of the degradation products revealed a higher degree of condensation of the aromatic carbons and the presence of more aliphatic structures in the HS. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed the influence of TyrB for the effective synthesis of HS from coir pith wastes. The results of the present study also confirm the recently accepted theory of humification proposed by the International Humic Substances Society.

Biomass valorisation over metal-based solid catalysts from nanoparticles to single atoms.

Heterogeneous catalysts are vital to unlock superior efficiency, atom economy, and environmental friendliness in chemical conversions, with the size and speciation of the contained metals often playing a decisive role in the activity, selectivity and stability. This tutorial review analyses the impact of these catalyst parameters on the valorisation of biomass through hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation, oxidation, reforming and acid-catalysed reactions, spanning a broad spectrum of substrates including sugars and platform compounds obtained from (hemi)cellulose and lignin derivatives. It outlines multiple examples of classical structure sensitivity on nanoparticle-based materials with significant implications for the product distribution. It also shows how the recently emphasised application of metals in the form of ultrasmall nanoparticles (<2 nm), clusters and single atoms, while fulfilling superior metal utilisation and robustness, opens the door to unprecedented electronic and geometric properties. The latter can lead to facilitated activation of reactants as well as boosted selectivity control and synergy between distinct active sites in multifunctional catalysts. Based on the analysis conducted, guidelines for the selection of metals for diverse applications are put forward in terms of chemical identity and structure, and aspects that should be explored in greater depth for further improving the exploitation of metals in this research field and beyond are highlighted.

Fractionated Lignosulfonates for Laccase-Catalyzed Oxygen-Scavenging Films and Coatings.

Lignin derivatives have potential as antioxidants in advanced packaging materials through their ability to scavenge oxygen in reactions catalyzed by phenol-oxidizing enzymes, such as laccase. The effects of size fractionation of lignosulfonates on laccase-catalyzed reactions were investigated in experiments with aqueous solutions, films, and coated paperboard. Four industrial lignosulfonate preparations were compared: Feed (unfractionated), Prod (5-60 kDa enriched), Conc (≥60 kDa enriched), and Perm (≤60 kDa enriched). Extraction of lignosulfonates from films showed that the enzymic reaction increased the average molecular weight from <10,000 to up to 66,000. The enzymatic reaction resulted in an increase in the water contact angle of the films from the range 25-49° to 56-81°. The four preparations showed relatively small differences with regard to their ability to scavenge oxygen in aqueous solution and in experiments with coated paperboards in sealed chambers. Coatings with lignosulfonates where the contents of low-molecular weight material had been reduced (i.e., Prod and Conc) showed improved water resistance after the enzymic reaction. Thus, in both aqueous and solid media, fractionation of lignosulfonates had little effect on oxygen scavenging, but fractionation was beneficial for other reasons, such as improved cross-linking resulting in higher molecular weight and superior water resistance.

Facile Tailoring of Structures for Controlled Release of Paracetamol from Sustainable Lignin Derived Platforms.

Nowadays, sustainable materials are receiving significant attention due to the fact that they will be crucial for the development of the next generation of products and devices. In the present work, hydrogels have been successfully synthesized using lignin which is non-valorized biopolymer from the paper industry. Hydrogels were prepared via crosslinking with Poly(ethylene) glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE). Different crosslinker ratios were used to determine their influence on the structural and chemical properties of the resulting hydrogels. It has been found that pore size was reduced by increasing crosslinker amount. The greater crosslinking density increased the swelling capacity of the hydrogels due to the presence of more hydrophilic groups in the hydrogel network. Paracetamol release test showed higher drug diffusion for hydrogels produced with a ratio lignin:PEGDGE 1:1. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed approach is a promising route to utilize lignocellulose waste for producing porous materials for advanced biomedical applications in the pharmacy industry.

In vitro screening of technical lignins to determine their potential as hay preservatives.

Our objectives were to evaluate technical lignins for their antifungal properties against 3 molds and 1 yeast causing hay spoilage, and their ability to preserve ground high-moisture alfalfa hay nutritive value in vitro. In experiment 1, 8 technical lignins and propionic acid (PRP; positive control) were tested at a dose of 40 mg/mL. The experiment had a randomized complete block design (RCBD, 4 runs) and a factorial arrangement of 3 molds × 10 additives (ADV). The effects of the ADV on yeast were evaluated separately with a RCBD. Sodium lignosulfonate (NaL) and PRP were the only treatments with 100 ± 2.8% inhibition of fungi. In experiment 2, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for selected lignins and PRP were determined. At pH 4, NaL had the lowest MIC across the molds (20-33.3 mg/mL) and magnesium lignosulfonate (MgL) for the yeast (26.7) among the lignins. However, PRP had MIC values that were several-fold lower across all fungi (1.25-3.33). In experiment 3, a RCBD (5 blocks) with a 3 (ADV; NaL, MgL, and PRP) × 4 (doses: 0, 0.5, 1, and 3% wt/wt fresh basis) factorial arrangement of treatments was used to evaluate the preservative effects of ADV in ground high-moisture alfalfa hay inoculated with a mixture of the fungi previously tested and incubated under aerobic conditions in vitro. After 15 d, relative to untreated hay (14.9), dry matter (DM) losses were lessened by doses as low as 1% for NaL (3.39) and 0.5% for PRP (0.81 ± 0.77%). The mold count was reduced in both NaL at 3% (3.92) and PRP as low as 0.5% (3.94) relative to untreated hay (7.76 ± 0.55 log cfu/fresh g). Consequently, sugars were best preserved by NaL at 3% (10.1) and PRP as low as 0.5% (10.5) versus untreated (7.99 ± 0.283% DM), while keeping neutral detergent fiber values lower in NaL (45.9) and PRP-treated (45.1) hays at the same doses, respectively, relative to untreated (49.7 ± 0.66% DM). Hay DM digestibility was increased by doses as low as 3% for NaL (67.5), 1% MgL (67.0), and 0.5% PRP (68.5) versus untreated hay (61.8 ± 0.77%). The lowest doses increasing neutral detergent fiber digestibility relative to untreated hay (23.3) were 0.5% for MgL and PRP (30.5 and 30.1, respectively) and 1% for NaL (30.7 ± 1.09% DM). Across technical lignins, NaL showed the most promise as a potential hay preservative. However, its effects were limited compared with PRP at equivalent doses. Despite not having an effect on preservation, MgL improved DM digestibility by stimulating neutral detergent fiber digestibility. This study warrants further development of NaL under field conditions.

Lignin for Bioeconomy: The Present and Future Role of Technical Lignin.

Lignin, the term commonly used in literature, represents a group of heterogeneous aromatic compounds of plant origin. Protolignin or lignin in the cell wall is entirely different from the commercially available technical lignin due to changes during the delignification process. In this paper, we assess the status of lignin valorization in terms of commercial products. We start with existing knowledge of the lignin/protolignin structure in its native form and move to the technical lignin from various sources. Special attention is given to the patents and lignin-based commercial products. We observed that the technical lignin-based commercial products utilize coarse properties of the technical lignin in marketed formulations. Additionally, the general principles of polymers chemistry and self-assembly are difficult to apply in lignin-based nanotechnology, and lignin-centric investigations must be carried out. The alternate upcoming approach is to develop lignin-centric or lignin first bio-refineries for high-value applications; however, that brings its own technological challenges. The assessment of the gap between lab-scale applications and lignin-based commercial products delineates the challenges lignin nanoparticles-based technologies must meet to be a commercially viable alternative.

Study on Synergistic Corrosion Inhibition Effect between Calcium Lignosulfonate (CLS) and Inorganic Inhibitors on Q235 Carbon Steel in Alkaline Environment with Cl.

The synergistic corrosion inhibition effect between calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) and three kinds of inorganic inhibitors (Na2MoO4, Na2SnO3, and NaWO4) with various molar ratios on Q235 carbon steel in alkaline solution (pH 11.5) with 0.02 mol/L NaCl was investigated by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Molybdate and stannate in hybrid inhibitor could promote the passivation of steel and form a complex film, which could suppress the corrosion effectively. Moreover, the insoluble metal oxides in the complex film formed by three kinds of inorganic inhibitor could help the adsorption of CLS onto the steel surface. The CLS molecules could adsorb onto the steel surface and metal oxides to form an adsorption film to protect the steel from corrosion. A three-layer protection film formed by a hybrid inhibitor, including passivation film, deposition film, and adsorption film, would effectively inhibit the corrosion reactions on the steel surface. The CLS compound with molybdate with the ratio of 2:3 shows the best inhibition effect on both general corrosion and localized corrosion.

Lignosulfonate Microcapsules for Delivery and Controlled Release of Thymol and Derivatives.

Thymol and the corresponding brominated derivatives constitute important biological active molecules as antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiparasitic agents. However, their application is often limited, because their pronounced fragrance, their poor solubility in water, and their high volatility. The encapsulation of different thymol derivatives into biocompatible lignin-microcapsules is presented as a synergy-delivering remedy. The adoption of lignosulfonate as an encapsulating material possessing relevant antioxidant activity, as well as general biocompatibility allows for the development of new materials that are suitable for the application in various fields, especially cosmesis. To this purpose, lignin microcapsules containing thymol, 4-bromothymol, 2,4-dibromothymol, and the corresponding O-methylated derivatives have been efficiently prepared through a sustainable ultrasonication procedure. Actives could be efficiently encapsulated with efficiencies of up to 50%. To evaluate the applicability of such systems for topical purposes, controlled release experiments have been performed in acetate buffer at pH 5.4, to simulate skin pH: all of the capsules show a slow release of actives, which is strongly determined by their inherent lipophilicity.

Impact of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate on the metabolic, productive, and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic, productive, and carcass parameters of feedlot lambs fed high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate. Treatments consisted of diets including whole cottonseed, crushed cottonseed, whole cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), crushed cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), and a control diet without cottonseed. Thirty ½ Dorper ½ Santa Inês, non-castrated male lambs with an average live weight of 24.9 ± 3.6 kg and an average age of 3.5 months were evaluated in a completely randomized design. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The crushing of cottonseed and association with lignosulfonate increased (P < 0.01) the intake and digestibility of ether extract. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) for the concentrations of urine and plasma urea N, which averaged 616.2 and 108.6 mg/dL, respectively. There was a change (P < 0.01) in nitrogen balance for digested N in g/day. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the urinary concentration of purine derivatives, except for uric acid excretions (P < 0.05). Lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed provided an average daily gain of 0.293 kg/day, which was higher than the 0.226 kg/day obtained without lignosulfonate, but lower than control (0.302 kg/day), which also showed higher values of carcass yield. High-concentrate diets formulated without cottonseed improve lamb production performance. The use of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate provides greater weight gains in lambs.

Solvent-Controlled Spatial Distribution of SI-AGET-ATRP Grafted Polymers in Lignocellulosic Materials.

In the current quest for the design of advanced complex materials, the functionalization of biological materials having hierarchical structures has been of high interest. In the case of lignocellulosic materials, various modification techniques have allowed one to obtain materials with outstanding properties. However, the control over the spatial distribution of the modification inside the wood scaffold, which is an important parameter to obtain the desired properties, has yet to be understood. In this study, the use of solvents with different wood-swelling capabilities is proposed to control the spatial polymer-modification distribution inside the hierarchical wood structure. Wood cubes were functionalized via SI-AGET-ATRP using solvents with different wood-swelling capabilities. Spectroscopic (Raman and FTIR) and electron microscopy techniques showed that a good wood-swelling solvent as reaction media can transport the polymerization initiator molecule into the cell wall, allowing it to react with all the available -OH groups in the wood structure. Conversely, the use of a bad wood-swelling solvent limits the reaction to the available -OH groups at the lumen/cell wall interface. The subsequently added polymers grow from the available initiator sites and therefore show similar spatial distribution. This diffusion limitation is visible not only at the microscopic level (cellular structure) but also at the macroscopic level (over the length of the sample).

Enzyme-Lignin Nanocapsules Are Sustainable Catalysts and Vehicles for the Preparation of Unique Polyvalent Bioinks.

Reactive lignin nanocapsules catalyze a pigmentation reaction to furnish an innovative type of sustainable polyvalent bioink. In this nanodevice, the pigment, vehicle, binder, and additive are included in a single confined spherical space. Bioinks with different shades of color, black, gray, yellow-like, pink-like, and red/brown hues, have been prepared by selecting the reactants and the pigmentation process. Lignin nanocapsules play multiple functions in the support and activation of the enzyme necessary for the synthesis of pigments. Lignin nanocapsules protected the melanin pigment from alkaline and UV-degradation treatment.