Hyaluron-Based Bionanocomposites of Silver Nanoparticles with Graphene Oxide as Effective Growth Inhibitors of Wound-Derived Bacteria.

Keeping wounds clean in small animals is a big challenge, which is why they often become infected, creating a risk of transmission to animal owners. Therefore, it is crucial to search for new biocompatible materials that have the potential to be used in smart wound dressings with both wound healing and bacteriostatic properties to prevent infection. In our previous work, we obtained innovative hyaluronate matrix-based bionanocomposites containing nanosilver and nanosilver/graphene oxide (Hyal/Ag and Hyal/Ag/GO). This study aimed to thoroughly examine the bacteriostatic properties of foils containing the previously developed bionanocomposites. The bacteriostatic activity was assessed in vitro on 88 Gram-positive (n = 51) and Gram-negative (n = 37) bacteria isolated from wounds of small animals and whose antimicrobial resistance patterns and resistance mechanisms were examined in an earlier study. Here, 69.32% of bacterial growth was inhibited by Hyal/Ag and 81.82% by Hyal/Ag/GO. The bionanocomposites appeared more effective against Gram-negative bacteria (growth inhibition of 75.68% and 89.19% by Hyal/Ag and Hyal/Ag/Go, respectively). The effectiveness of Hyal/Ag/GO against Gram-positive bacteria was also high (inhibition of 80.39% of strains), while Hyal/Ag inhibited the growth of 64.71% of Gram-positive bacteria. The effectiveness of Hyal/Ag and Hyal/Ag/Go varied depending on bacterial genus and species. Proteus (Gram-negative) and Enterococcus (Gram-positive) appeared to be the least susceptible to the bionanocomposites. Hyal/Ag most effectively inhibited the growth of non-pathogenic Gram-positive Sporosarcina luteola and Gram-negative Acinetobacter. Hyal/Ag/GO was most effective against Gram-positive Streptococcus and Gram-negative Moraxella osloensis. The Hyal/Ag/GO bionanocomposites proved to be very promising new antibacterial, biocompatible materials that could be used in the production of bioactive wound dressings.

Preparation, Physicochemical, and Cyto- and Genotoxic Characterisation of Polysaccharide Composites Containing Carbon Quantum Dots.

Rapid industrial growth is associated with an increase in the production of environmentally harmful waste. A potential solution to significantly reduce pollution is to replace current synthetic materials with readily biodegradable plastics. Moreover, to meet the demands of technological advancements, it is essential to develop materials with unprecedented properties to enhance their functionality. Polysaccharide composites demonstrate significant potential in this regard. Polysaccharides possess exceptional film-forming abilities and are safe for human use, biodegradable, widely available, and easily modifiable. Unfortunately, polysaccharide-based films fall short of meeting all expectations. To address this issue, the current study focused on incorporating carbon quantum dots (CQDs), which are approximately 10 nm in size, into the structure of a starch/chitosan biocomposite at varying concentrations. This modification has improved the mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. The inclusion of nanoparticles led to a slight reduction in solubility and an increase in the swelling degree. The optical characteristics of the obtained films were influenced by the presence of CQDs, and the fluorescence intensity of the nanocomposites changed due to the specific heavy metal ions and amino acids used. Consequently, these nanocomposites show great potential for detecting these compounds. Cellular viability assessments and comet assays confirm that the resulting nanocomposites do not exhibit any cytotoxic properties based on this specific analytic method. The tested nanocomposites with the addition of carbon quantum dots (NC/CD II and NC/CD III) were characterised by greater genotoxicity compared to the negative control. The positive control, the starch/chitosan composite alone, was also characterised by a greater induction of chromatin damage in mouse cells compared to a pure mouse blood sample.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Ozonated Olive Oil against Bacteria of Various Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles Isolated from Wounds of Companion Animals.

Frequent colonization and bacterial infection of skin wounds in small animals prevent or impair their healing. However, the broadly applied antimicrobial therapy of wounds is not always necessary and promotes the spread of bacterial resistance. Thus, alternatives to antimicrobial therapy, including preventive measures in the form of wound dressings with antibiotic properties, should be searched for. The aim of this study was to develop a new, efficient, cost-effective and non-toxic formulation with antimicrobial properties to serve as an alternative to antibiotic administration in wound-healing stimulation in companion animals. Nano/microencapsulated ozonated olive oil in a hyaluronan matrix was developed, with ozone concentration high enough to prevent bacterial growth. The presence and size of nano- and microcapsules were determined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activity of developed formulations was examined in vitro on 101 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the wounds of companion animals. The highest ozone concentration in the developed formulations inhibited the growth of 40.59% bacteria. Species and genus-specific differences in reactions were observed. Enterococcus spp. proved the least susceptible while non-pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria were the most susceptible to the examined formulations. Changes in the bacterial morphology and cell structure of Psychrobacter sanguinis suspension mixed with Ca-stabilized formulations with nano/microencapsulated ozonized olive oil were revealed during SEM observations. The combination of compounds that promote wound healing (hyaluronic acid, olive oil, ozone and calcium) with the antibacterial activity of the developed formula makes it a promising bionanocomposite for use as a topical dressing.

The Preparation of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles in Hyaluronic Acid and the Influence of Low-Pressure Plasma Treatment on Their Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties.

Nanometals constitute a rapidly growing area of research within nanotechnology. Nanosilver and nanogold exhibit significant antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer properties. The size and shape of nanoparticles are critical for determining their antimicrobial activity. In this study, silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized within a hyaluronic acid matrix utilizing distilled water and distilled water treated with low-pressure, low-temperature glow plasma in an environment of air and argon. Electron microscopy, UV-Vis and FTIR spectra, water, and mechanical measurements were conducted to investigate the properties of nanometallic composites. This study also examined their microbiological properties. This study demonstrated that the properties of the composites differed depending on the preparation conditions, encompassing physicochemical and microbiological properties. The application of plasma-treated water under both air and argon had a significant effect on the size and distribution of nanometals. Silver nanoparticles were obtained between the range of 5 to 25 nm, while gold nanoparticles varied between 10 to 35 nm. The results indicate that the conditions under which silver and gold nanoparticles are produced have a significant effect on their mechanical and antibacterial properties.

Carbon Dots-Types, Obtaining and Application in Biotechnology and Food Technology.

Materials with a "nano" structure are increasingly used in medicine and biotechnology as drug delivery systems, bioimaging agents or biosensors in the monitoring of toxic substances, heavy metals and environmental variations. Furthermore, in the food industry, they have found applications as detectors of food adulteration, microbial contamination and even in packaging for monitoring product freshness. Carbon dots (CDs) as materials with broad as well as unprecedented possibilities could revolutionize the economy, if only their synthesis was based on low-cost natural sources. So far, a number of studies point to the positive possibilities of obtaining CDs from natural sources. This review describes the types of carbon dots and the most important methods of obtaining them. It also focuses on presenting the potential application of carbon dots in biotechnology and food technology.

An Innovative Method for the Production of Yoghurt Fortified with Walnut Oil Nanocapsules and Characteristics of Functional Properties in Relation to Conventional Yoghurts.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial nutrients involved in a plethora of metabolic and physiological processes. PUFAs have been extensively researched for their effects on human nutrition and health. The high demand for these fatty acids offers the possibility of adding vegetable oils to dairy products such as yoghurt. The aim of this study was to produce nano/microcapsules comprising walnut oil through exclusively natural ingredients utilised in yoghurt manufacturing. Additionally, the study tested yoghurt supplemented with PUFAs using the acquired nano/microcapsules. Chemical and physiochemical properties, microbiological analysis, rheological measurements, texture analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and sensory and fatty acids profile analysis were performed. A physico-chemical analysis highlighted the impact of oil addition on fat and dry matter concentration, revealing an increased quantity of said components in yoghurt after oil addition. Based on the identified parameters for potential and active acidity in the yoghurts, normal lactic fermentation was observed. Furthermore, the addition of oil was found to have an impact on the pH of the yoghurt. Microbiological analysis indicated that the incorporation of nano-encapsulated walnut oil did not have any notable effect on the abundance of determined microorganisms in the yoghurt. However, it was observed that the number of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus increased as a result of storage. The incorporation of enclosed oil in yoghurt resulted in negligible alterations in rheological and sensory characteristics when compared with the plain variant. The addition of oil had an effect on most of the analysed fatty acids. Fortified yoghurt shows a more favourable proportion of the fatty acid groups tested (SFA, MUFA, and PUFA) and lower values of fat quality factors (AI and TI).

The Effect of Plasma-Treated Water on Microbial Growth and Biosynthesis of Gamma-Decalactones by Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast.

In recent years, the production of plasma-treated water (PTW) by low-temperature low-pressure glow plasma (LPGP) has been increasingly gaining in popularity. LPGP-treated water changes its physical and physiochemical properties compared to standard distilled water. In this study, a non-conventional lipolytic yeast species Yarrowia lipolytica was cultivated in culture media based on Nantes plasma water with heightened singlet oxygen content (Nantes PW) or in water treated with low-temperature, low-pressure glow plasma while in contact with air (PWTA) or nitrogen (PWTN). The research aimed to assess the influence of culture conditions on castor oil biotransformation to gamma-decalactone (GDL) and other secondary metabolites in media based on nanowater. The Nantes plasma water-based medium attained the highest concentration of gamma-decalactone (4.81 ± 0.51 g/L at 144 h of culture), maximum biomass concentration and biomass yield from the substrate. The amplified activity of lipases in the nanowater-based medium, in comparison to the control medium, is encouraging from the perspective of GDL biosynthesis, relying on the biotransformation of ricinoleic acid, which is the primary component of castor oil. Although lipid hydrolysis was enhanced, this step seemed not crucial for GDL concentration. Interestingly, the study validates the significance of oxygen in ß-oxidation enzymes and its role in the bioconversion of ricinoleic acid to GDL and other lactones. Specifically, media with higher oxygen content (WPTA) and Nantes plasma water resulted in remarkably high concentrations of four lactones: gamma-decalactone, 3-hydroxy-gamma-decalactone, dec-2-en-4-olide and dec-3-en-4-olide.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties and Storage Stability of Chitosan-Starch Films Containing Micellar Nano/Microstructures with Turmeric and Hibiscus Extracts.

The dynamic development of the food industry and the growing interest of consumers in innovative solutions that increase the comfort and quality of life push the industry towards seeking pioneering solutions in the field of food packaging. Intelligent and active packaging, which affects the quality and durability of food products and allows one to determine their freshness, is still a modern concept. The aim of our study was to obtain two types of films based on chitosan and starch with micellar nanostructures containing extracts from turmeric rhizomes and hibiscus flowers. The presence of spherical nanostructures was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope. The structural and optical properties of the obtained composites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UltraViolet-Visible (UV-VIS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical micellar structures with a size of about 800 nm in the obtained biocomposites. The presence of nano-/microstructures containing extracts affected the mechanical properties of the composites: it weakened the strength of the films and improved their elongation at break (EAB). Films with nano-/microparticles were characterised by a higher water content compared to the control sample and lower solubility, and they showed stronger hydrophilic properties. Preliminary storage tests showed that the obtained biocomposites are sensitive to changes occurring during the storage of products such as cheese or fish. In addition, it was found that the film with the addition of turmeric extract inhibited the growth of microorganisms during storage. The results suggest that the obtained bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or intelligent materials.

Preparation and Characterisation of Acid-Base-Change-Sensitive Binary Biopolymer Films with Olive Oil and Ozonated Olive Oil Nano/Microcapsules and Added Hibiscus Extract.

The purpose of this study was to develop and characterise bionanocomposites based on chitosan (CHIT) and alginate (ALG) in two series, which were subsequently functionalised with emulsions based on a combination of water, oil, ozonated oil and hibiscus flower extracts. The structure and morphology of the materials produced were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, along with a surface colour analysis and the determination of the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting composites. Functionalisation did affect the analysed composite parameters. The FTIR spectra indicated that the polysaccharide matrix components were compatible. The SEM images also confirmed the presence of nano/microcapsules in the polysaccharide matrix. The obtained results indicate that the order of adding polysaccharides has a significant impact on the encapsulation capacity. The encapsulation resulted in the improved thermal stability of the composites. The emissions analysis showed that the composites containing nano/microcapsules are characterised by a higher emission intensity and are sensitive to acid or base changes. Significant differences in emission intensity were observed even at low concentrations of acids and bases. A drop in the mechanical properties was observed following functionalisation. The results of this study suggest that these bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or smart packaging materials.

Synthesis and Investigation of Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Films Containing Encapsulated Propolis in Hyaluronic Matrix.

The dynamic development of nanotechnology has enabled the development of innovative and novel techniques for the production and use of nanomaterials. One of them is the use of nanocapsules based on biodegradable biopolymer composites. Closing compounds with antimicrobial activity inside the nanocapsule cause the gradual release of biologically active substances into the environment, and the effect on pathogens is regular, prolonged and targeted. Known and used in medicine for years, propolis, thanks to the synergistic effect of active ingredients, has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Biodegradable and flexible biofilms were obtained, the morphology of the composite was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size was measured by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. Antimicrobial properties of biofoils were examined on commensal skin bacteria and pathogenic Candida isolates based on the growth inhibition zones. The research confirmed the presence of spherical nanocapsules with sizes in the nano/micrometric scale. The properties of the composites were characterized by infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. It has been proven that hyaluronic acid is a suitable matrix for the preparation of nanocapsules, as no significant interactions between hyaluronan and the tested compounds have been demonstrated. Color analysis and thermal properties, as well as the thickness and mechanical properties of the obtained films, were determined. Antimicrobial properties of the obtained nanocomposites were strong in relation to all analyzed bacterial and yeast strains isolated from various regions of the human body. These results suggest high potential applicability of the tested biofilms as effective materials for dressings to be applied on infected wounds.

Formation and Investigation of Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Biocomposite Films Containing Turmeric Extract Nano/Microcapsules.

In the era of growing plastic consumption, food waste by consumers and overproduction caused by economic reasons, the global goal is to decrease these phenomena. Biocomposite films investigated in the past years are creating a promising future toward ecological, intelligent and active packaging. Due to their unique properties, they can be used in many areas of our life and reduce the constantly increasing pollution of our planet. The aim of our study was to obtain innovative and flexible biopolymer films based on sodium alginate and chitosan, as well as to develop methods for generating nanocapsules with turmeric extract in them. Bionanocomposites were analyzed using UV-VIS, FTIR, photoluminescence spectroscopy and SEM microscopy, while contact angles, surface free energy, particle size (DLS) and zeta potential were determined. The mechanical and colorimetric properties of the produced films were investigated, and the water content, solubility and water absorption were determined. Microbiological tests were carried out to analyze the influence of the produced films on the development of microorganisms. The results of the performed analyses allowed us to confirm the presence of curcumin nano- and microcapsules in the alginate-chitosan composite. Moreover, studies have shown that the structure of polysaccharides does not change during capsule manufacturing. The film with the highest concentration of the capsules showed better parameters in tests of solubility, water content, degree of swelling and mechanical properties. The obtained properties of the developed films allow them to be used as active and intelligent packaging materials, or as their parts.

Design of Carbon Nanocomposites Based on Sodium Alginate/Chitosan Reinforced with Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes.

The aim of this study was to use a simple, low-cost and environmentally friendly synthesis method to design nanocomposites. For this purpose, carbon nanostructures were used to reinforce the chitosan/alginate bond in order to improve the mechanical, solubility, water absorption and barrier (protection against UV radiation) properties of the chitosan/alginate structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet and visible light absorption spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and color analysis were utilized, and the thickness and mechanical properties of the obtained films were determined. The tests that were carried out showed an equal distribution of nanostructures in the composite material and the absence of chemical interactions between nanoparticles and polymers. It was also proven that the enrichment of the polysaccharide composite with graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes positively affected its absorption, mechanical capabilities and color.

Comparison of Physicochemical Properties of Silver and Gold Nanocomposites Based on Potato Starch in Distilled and Cold Plasma-Treated Water.

Nanometal-containing biocomposites find wide use in many industries and fields of science. The physicochemical properties of these materials depend on the character of the polymer, the size and shape of the metallic nanoparticles, and the interactions between the biopolymer and the nanoparticles. The aim of the work was to synthesise and study the effect of plasma-treated water on the properties of the obtained metallic nanoparticles as well as the physicochemical and functional properties of nanocomposites based on potato starch. The metallic nanoparticles were synthesised within a starch paste made in distilled water and in distilled water exposed to low-temperature, low-pressure plasma. The materials produced were characterised in terms of their physicochemical properties. Studies have shown that gold and silver nanoparticles were successfully obtained in a matrix of potato starch in distilled water and plasma water. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) images and UV-Vis spectra confirmed the presence of nanosilver and nanosilver in the obtained composites. On the basis of microscopic images, the size of nanoparticles was estimated in the range from 5 to 20 nm for nanoAg and from 15 to 40 nm for nanoAu. The analysis of FTIR-ATR spectra showed that the type of water used and the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles did not lead to changes in the chemical structure of potato starch. DLS analysis showed that the nanoAg obtained in the plasma water-based starch matrix were smaller than the Ag particles obtained using distilled water. Colour analysis showed that the nanocomposites without nanometals were colourless, while those containing nanoAg were yellow, while those with nanoAu were dark purple. This work shows the possibility of using plasma water in the synthesis of nanometals using potato starch, which is a very promising polysaccharide in terms of many potential applications.

The In Vitro Toxicity Profile of ZnS and CdS Quantum Dots in Polysaccharide Carriers (Starch/Chitosan).

Nanocomposites are an emerging technology for ensuring food safety and quality. Their unique properties, attributed to nanoparticle presence, facilitate the development of sophisticated sensors and biosensors for detecting harmful substances, microbial growth, and environmental changes in food products. Smart and/or active food packaging development also benefits from the use of nanocomposites. This packaging, or portions of it, provide active protection for its contents and serve as sensors to promptly, simply, and safely identify any detrimental changes in stored food, without elaborate techniques or analyses. Films made from potato starch and chitosan were produced and quantum dots of zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS)were synthesized in them for this study. The presence and dimensions of the QDs (quantum dots) were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. The study aimed to establish the toxicity profile of a starch-chitosan bionanocomposite integrated with ZnS and CdS quantum dots. Cytotoxic and genotoxic features were assessed through cytogenetic instability assessments, consisting of the alkaline comet assay, erythrocyte micronucleus assay, and peripheral blood cell viability analysis of a laboratory mouse model.

Preparation of Nano/Microcapsules of Ozonated Olive Oil in Hyaluronan Matrix and Analysis of Physicochemical and Microbiological (Biological) Properties of the Obtained Biocomposite.

Hydrogels, based on natural polymers, such as hyaluronic acid, are gaining an increasing popularity because of their biological activity. The antibacterial effect of ozone is widely known and used, but the instability the gas causes, severely limits its application. Ozone entrapment in olive oil by its reaction with an unsaturated bond, allows for the formation of stable, therapeutically active ozone derivatives. In this study, we obtained an innovative hydrogel, based on hyaluronic acid containing micro/nanocapsules of ozonated olive oil. By combination of the biocompatible polymer with a high regenerative capacity and biologically active ingredients, we obtained a hydrogel with regenerative properties and a very weak inhibitory effect against both bacterial commensal skin microbiota and pathogenic Candida-like yeasts. We assessed the stability and rheological properties of the gel, determined the morphology of the composite, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. We also performed Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy. The functional properties, including the antimicrobial potential were assessed by the microbiological analysis and in vitro testing on the HaCat human keratinocyte cell line. The studies proved that the obtained emulsions were rheologically stable, exhibited an antimicrobial effect and did not show cytotoxicity in the HaCat keratinocyte model.

The Functional and Application Possibilities of Starch/Chitosan Polymer Composites Modified by Graphene Oxide.

This study describes functional properties of bionanocomposites consisting of starch/chitosan/graphene oxide (GO) obtained using the green synthesis method, such as water-barrier and optical properties, as well as the rate of degradation by enzymatic and acid hydrolysis. The toxicity of the composites and their effects on the development of pathogenic microflora during storage of meat food products was also investigated. Although the results showed that the barrier properties of the composites were weak, they were similar to those of biological systems. The studies carried out confirmed the good optical properties of the composites containing chitosan, which makes it possible to use them as active elements of packaging. The susceptibility of starch and chitosan films to enzymatic and acid hydrolyses indicates their relatively high biodegradability. The lack of toxicity and the high barrier against many microorganisms offer great potential for applications in the food industry.

Polysaccharides Composite Materials as Carbon Nanoparticles Carrier.

Nanotechnology is a dynamically developing field of science, due to the unique physical, chemical and biological properties of nanomaterials. Innovative structures using nanotechnology have found application in diverse fields: in agricultural and food industries, where they improve the quality and safety of food; in medical and biological sciences; cosmetology; and many other areas of our lives. In this article, a particular attention is focused on carbon nanomaterials, especially graphene, as well as carbon nanotubes and carbon quantum dots that have been successfully used in biotechnology, biomedicine and broadly defined environmental applications. Some properties of carbon nanomaterials prevent their direct use. One example is the difficulty in synthesizing graphene-based materials resulting from the tendency of graphene to aggregate. This results in a limitation of their use in certain fields. Therefore, in order to achieve a wider use and better availability of nanoparticles, they are introduced into matrices, most often polysaccharides with a high hydrophilicity. Such composites can compete with synthetic polymers. For this purpose, the carbon-based nanoparticles in polysaccharides matrices were characterized. The paper presents the progress of ground-breaking research in the field of designing innovative carbon-based nanomaterials, and applications of nanotechnology in diverse fields that are currently being developed is of high interest and shows great innovative potential.

The Preparation and Characterization of Quantum Dots in Polysaccharide Carriers (Starch/Chitosan) as Elements of Smart Packaging and Their Impact on the Growth of Microorganisms in Food.

Nanocomposite materials are increasingly commonly used to ensure food safety and quality. Thanks to their unique properties, stemming from the presence of nanoparticles, they are used to develop advanced sensors and biosensors, e.g., for various harmful substances, heavy metals, microorganism growth, and environmental changes in food products. The aim of this study is to produce novel films based on natural resources-potato starch and chitosan-incorporating generated quantum dots of zinc sulfide and cadmium sulfide. The biocomposites were subjected to the following assays: FTIR spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and SEM/TEM spectroscopy. Their mechanical properties were also analyzed, a colorimetric analysis was performed, and the water content, solubility, and water absorption capacity were determined. A storage test was also performed, using poultry meat covered with the produced films, to assess the microbiological quality. The results confirmed the presence of the quantum dots in the starch-chitosan matrix. The unique optical properties of the films were also demonstrated. It was shown that the composites with nanoparticles limited the growth of selected microorganisms in poultry meat. The food storage time was found to have an impact on the fluorescent properties of the composites. The results point to the possibility of using the produced films as active and smart packaging.

Utilisation of Carp Skin Post-Production Waste in Binary Films Based on Furcellaran and Chitosan to Obtain Packaging Materials for Storing Blueberries.

The aim of the study was to develop and characterise an innovative three-component biopolymer film based on chitosan (CHIT), furcellaran (FUR) and a gelatin hydrolysate from carp skins (Cyprinus carpio) (HGEL). The structure and morphology were characterised using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The FT-IR test showed no changes in the matrix after the addition of HGEL, which indicates that the film components were compatible. Based on the obtained AFM results, it was found that the addition of HGEL caused the formation of grooves and cracks on the surface of the film (reduction by ~21%). The addition of HGEL improved the antioxidant activity of the film (improvement by up to 2.318% and 444% of DPPH and FRAP power, respectively). Due to their properties, the tested films were used as active materials in the preservation of American blueberries. In the active films, the blueberries lost mass quickly compared to the synthetic film and were characterised by higher phenol content. The results obtained in this study create the opportunity to use the designed CHIT-FUR films in developing biodegradable packaging materials for food protection, but it is necessary to test their effectiveness on other food products.

The influence of the grass mixture composition on the quality and suitability for football pitches.

The selection of grass mixtures with appropriate visual and functional parameters for sowing football fields is a key element in shaping the sports infrastructure, ensuring the spectacularity of a match and comfort for players. The aim of the research was to investigate the properties of lawn grass mixtures and their suitability for football pitches. The experiment was conducted at the Toya Golf & Country Club (51° 20' E, 17° 07' N), Wroclaw, Poland, between 2007 and 2009. 12 grass mixtures were selected, mainly based on red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The assessment was carried out using a nine-point scale, according to the Plant Variety Office methodology for crops and turf grass. Six features of sports turf were studied: appearance, density, colour, leaf fineness, overwintering, and susceptibility to disease and they significantly varied, depending on the grass mixture and the year of research. Our study showed that mixtures based on the dominance of meadow grass were characterized by higher values of the general visual aspect, colour and slenderness of the leaf blade and these based on the dominance of perennial ryegrass and co-dominance of perennial ryegrass and meadow grass were the most useful in terms of wintering, resistance to diseases and sodding.