Efficient remediation of different concentrations of Cr-contaminated soils by nano zero-valent iron modified with carboxymethyl cellulose and biochar.

Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is widely used in soil remediation due to its high reactivity. However, the easy agglomeration, poor antioxidant ability and passivation layer of Fe-Cr coprecipitates of nZVI have limited its application scale in Cr-contaminated soil remediation, especially in high concentration of Cr-contaminated soil. Herein, we found that the carboxymethyl cellulose on nZVI particles could increase the zeta potential value of soil and change the phase of nZVI. Along with the presence of biochar, 97.0% and 96.6% Cr immobilization efficiency through CMC-nZVI/BC were respectively achieved in high and low concentrations of Cr-contaminated soils after 90-days remediation. In addition, the immobilization efficiency of Cr(VI) only decreased by 5.1% through CMC-nZVI/BC treatment after 10 weeks aging in air, attributing to the strong antioxidation ability. As for the surrounding Cr-contaminated groundwater, the Cr(VI) removal capacity of CMC-nZVI/BC was evaluated under different reaction conditions through column experiments and COMSOL Multiphysics. CMC-nZVI/BC could efficiently remove 85% of Cr(VI) in about 400 hr when the initial Cr(VI) concentration was 40 mg/L and the flow rate was 0.5 mL/min. This study demonstrates that uniformly dispersed CMC-nZVI/BC has an excellent remediation effect on different concentrations of Cr-contaminated soils.

Gradient Hierarchically Porous Ionic-Junction Fibers of Wet-Spun Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coagulated with Copper Sulfate.

Polyelectrolyte-based ionic-junction fibers newly serve as signal transmission and translation media between electronic devices and biological systems, facilitating ion transport within organic matrices. In this work, we fabricated gel filaments of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) chelated with Cu(II) ions through wet-spinning, using a saturated coagulant of CuSO4. Interestingly, the as-spun fibers exhibited dramatic 3D porous frameworks that varied with the temperature and precursor concentration. At 20 °C, the Cu(II) chelation networks favored the formation of well-organized cellular chambers or corrugated channels, displaying dense stacking patterns. However, critical transitions from cellular chambers to corrugated channels occurred at precursor dope concentrations of approximately 2 and 7 wt %, with the porous structure diminishing beyond 8 wt %. We have proposed schematic diagrams to mimic the 3D pore structure, dense porous stacking, and formation mechanism, according to electronic micrographs. Our investigations revealed that the distinct ion-junction channels or chambers are under the control of axial drawing extension as well as the outside-inside penetration of Cu(II) ions into the dope and inside-outside diffusion of water into coagulants. Therefore, controlling the metal chelation-water diffusion process at specific temperatures and concentrations will offer valuable insights for tailoring ionic-junction soft filaments with gradient hierarchically porous structures and shape memory properties.

Carboxymethyl cellulose/quaternized chitosan hydrogel loaded with polydopamine nanoparticles promotes spinal cord injury recovery by anti-ferroptosis and M1/M2 polarization modulation.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a catastrophic neurological condition resulting in long-term loss of motor, autonomic, and sensory functions. Recently, ferroptosis, an iron-regulated form of cell death distinct from apoptosis, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for SCI. In this study, we developed an injectable hydrogel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and quaternized chitosan (QCS), loaded with modified polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs), referred to as CQP hydrogel. This hydrogel effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS), prevented the accumulation of Fe2+ and lipid peroxidation associated with ferroptosis, and restored mitochondrial functions in primary neuronal cells. When administered to animal models (rats) with SCI, the CQP hydrogels improved motor function by regulating iron homeostasis, inhibiting ferroptosis, and mitigating oxidative stress injury. Both in vitro and in vivo studies corroborated the capacity of CQP hydrogels to promote the shift from M1 to M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages. These findings suggest that CQP hydrogels, functioning as a localized iron-chelating system, have potential as biomaterials to enhance recovery from SCI by targeting ferroptosis and modulating anti-inflammatory macrophages activity.

Organic nanoparticles incorporated starch/carboxymethylcellulose multifunctional coating film for efficient preservation of perishable products.

Most of postharvest agricultural produces are perishable due to microorganisms infections and physiological change. Herein, one kind of multifunctional coating film of SC-ECCNPs was developed by incorporating organic nanoparticles of ECCNPs into starch/carboxymethylcellulose (SC) to prolong shelf life of food with excellent performances. The SC-ECCNPs coating was prepared with starch and sodium carboxymethylcellulose as film substrate (SC) to incorporate with organic nanoparticles of ECCNPs formed by integrating epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), cysteine (Cys), and cinnamaldehyde (CA). The incorporation of ECCNPs improves the UV-resistance and physical properties of SC-ECCNPs coating and also endows it with excellent antioxidative and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The application possibilities of SC-ECCNPs coating were explored with strawberries and oranges as samples, validating that the SC-ECCNPs coating can prolong the shelf life of fruits at room temperature. The biosafety of the coating was further confirmed with hemolysis and MTT experiments. The SC-ECCNPs coating film was prepared with natural substrates via a simple and green method. The investigation provides an instructive way for developing advanced packaging materials with high performances.

Fabrication of enhanced aerogel template oleogels with enzyme-hydrolyzed soy protein isolate and covalent cross-linking.

In recent years, the utilization of aerogel templates in oleogels to replace animal fats has garnered considerable attention due to health concerns. This study employed a "fiber-particle core-shell nanostructure model" to combine sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) and soy protein isolate (SPI) or SPI hydrolysate (SPIH), and freeze-dried to form aerogel template, which was then dipped into oil to induce oleogels. The results showed that adding SPIH significantly improved the physicochemical properties of oleogels. The results of ζ-potential, FTIR, and rheology demonstrated a stronger binding of SPIH to CMC-Na compared to SPI. The CMC-Na-SPIH aerogels exhibited a coarser surface and denser network structure in contrast to CMC-Na-SPI aerogels, with an oil holding capacity (OHC) of up to 84.6 % and oil absorption capacity (OAC) of 47.4 g/g. The mechanical strength of oleogels was further enhanced through chemical crosslinking. Both CMC-Na-SPI and CMC-Na-SPIH oleogels displayed excellent elasticity and reversible compressibility, with CMC-Na-SPIH oleogels demonstrating superior mechanical strength. Additionally, CMC-Na-SPIH oleogels exhibited enhanced slow release of antimicrobial substances and antioxidant properties. Increasing the content of SPI/SPIH significantly improved the mechanical strength, antioxidant capacity, and OHC of the oleogels. This research presents a straightforward and promising approach to enhance the performance of aerogel template oleogels.

In-vitro and in-vivo investigation of wound healing efficacy of Syzygium cumini leaf extracts loaded carboxymethylcellulose film.

The study focused on Syzygium cumini Leaf Extract (SCLE) loaded into Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) film via Solution casting. Phytochemical screening revealed carbohydrates, and HPLC analysis identified quercetin, known for promoting wound healing. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed various functional groups. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) determined the crystallite size to be 14.58 nm. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) showed the dispersion of extracts, and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis detailed the weight percentages of components. Antibacterial activity tests revealed zones of inhibition for S. aureus (15 mm) and E. coli (11 mm). The film exhibited 63.11 % antioxidant activity at 517 nm with DPPH at a 750 µl sample concentration. Drug release kinetics were also studied. In-vitro wound healing using the L929 cell line showed 83 % healing at a 100 µl concentration. Over 14 days, the treatment group's wounds healed completely within 7 days, unlike the control groups which showed no recovery after 14 days. These findings indicate that the SCLE-CMC film is highly effective in promoting wound healing.

Stimuli-Responsive Release-Active Dressing: A Promising Solution for Eradicating Biofilm-Mediated Wound Infections.

Biofilm-mediated wound infections pose a significant challenge due to the limitations of conventional antibiotics, which often exhibit narrow-spectrum activity, fail to eliminate recurrent bacterial contamination, and are unable to penetrate the biofilm matrix. While the search for alternatives has explored the use of metal nanoparticles and synthetic biocides, these solutions often suffer from unintended toxicity to surrounding tissues and lack controlled administration and release. In this study, we engineered a pH-responsive release-active dressing film based on carboxymethyl cellulose, incorporating a synthetic antibacterial molecule (SAM-17). The dressing film exhibited optimal mechanical stability for easy application and demonstrated excellent fluid absorption properties, allowing for prolonged moisturization at the site of injury. The film exhibited pH-dependent release of cargo, with 78% release within 24 h at acidic pH, enabling targeted antibacterial drug delivery within the wound microenvironment. Furthermore, the release-active film effectively eliminated repeated challenges of bacterial contamination. Remarkably, the film demonstrated a minimal toxicity profile in both in vitro and in vivo models. The film eliminated preformed bacterial biofilms, achieving a reduction of 2.5 log against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 4.1 log against vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA). In a biofilm-mediated MRSA wound infection model, this release-active film eradicated the biofilm-embedded bacteria by over 99%, resulting in accelerated wound healing. These findings highlight the potential of this film as an effective candidate for tackling biofilm-associated wound infections.

Functionality of wet-granulated disintegrant in comparison to directly incorporated disintegrant in a poorly water-soluble tablet matrix.

Tablet disintegration is crucial for drug release and subsequent systemic absorption. Although factors affecting the disintegrant's functionality have been extensively studied, the impact of wet granulation on the performance of disintegrants in a poorly water-soluble matrix has received much less attention. In this study, the disintegrants, crospovidone (XPVP), croscarmellose sodium (CCS) and sodium starch glycolate (SSG), were wet-granulated with dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate as the poorly water-soluble matrix and polyvinylpyrrolidone as the binder. The effect of wet granulation was studied by evaluating tablet tensile strength and disintegratability. Comparison between tablets with granulated or ungranulated disintegrants as well those without disintegrants were also made. Different formulations showed different degrees of sensitivity to changes in tablet tensile strength and disintegratability post-wet granulation. Tablet tensile strength decreased for tablets with granulated disintegrant XPVP or CCS, but to a smaller extent for SSG. While tablets with granulated XPVP or CCS had increased disintegration time, the increment was lesser than for SSG, suggesting that wet granulation impacted a swelling disintegrant more. The findings showed that tablets with wet-granulated disintegrant had altered the disintegrant's functionality. These findings could provide better insights into changes in the disintegrant's functionality after wet granulation.

High internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized by egg yolk-carboxymethyl cellulose as an age-friendly dysphagia food: Tracking the dynamic transition from co-solubility to coacervates.

Although protein-polysaccharide complexes with different phase behaviors all show potential for stabilizing high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs), it is not clarified which aggregation state is more stable and age-friendly. In this study, we investigated and compared the stability and age friendliness of HIPPEs stabilized with egg yolk and carboxymethyl cellulose (EYCMC) in different phase behaviors. The results revealed differences in particle size, aggregation state, charge potential, and stability of secondary and tertiary structures of EYCMC. The behavior of EYCMC at the oil-water interface was mainly divided into three phases: rapid diffusion, permeation, and reorganization. The electrostatic interaction, kinetic hindrance, and depletion attraction were the mechanisms primarily involved in stabilizing HIPPEs by EYCMC. Rheological analysis results indicated that HIPPEs had excellent viscoelasticity, structural recovery properties and yield stress. HIPPEs were used in 3D printing, electronic nose testing, IDDSI testing and in vitro digestive simulations for the elderly, demonstrating a fine appearance, safe consumption and bioaccessibility of ß-carotene. Soluble complexes showed the best stability and age friendliness compared to other aggregated forms. This study serves as a foundational source of information for developing innovative foods utilizing HIPPEs.

Preparation and Screening of SRB Gel Particles Used for Deep Purification of Acid Mine Drainage.

The progressive decline of the coal industry necessitates the development of effective treatment solutions for acid mine drainage (AMD), which is characterized by high acidity and elevated concentrations of heavy metals. This study proposes an innovative approach leveraging sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) acclimated to contaminated anaerobic environments. The research focused on elucidating the physiological characteristics and optimal growth conditions of SRB, particularly in relation to the pH level and temperature. The experimental findings reveal that the SRB exhibited a sulfate removal rate of 88.86% at an optimal temperature of 30 °C. Additionally, SRB gel particles were formulated using sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and their performance was assessed under specific conditions (pH = 6, C/S = 1.5, T = 30 °C, CMC = 4.5%, BSNa = 0.4 mol/L, and cross-linking time = 9 h). Under these conditions, the SRB gel particles demonstrated an enhanced sulfate removal efficiency of 91.6%. Thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) provided further insights into the stability and properties of the SRB gel spheres. The findings underscore the potential of SRB-based bioremediation as a sustainable and efficient method for AMD treatment, offering a novel and environmentally friendly solution to mitigating the adverse effects of environmental contamination.

Carboxymethyl cellulose-based photothermal film: A sustainable packaging with high barrier and tensile strength for food long-term antibacterial protection.

Traditional packaging materials feed the growing global food protection. However, these packaging materials are not conducive to environment and have not the ability to kill bacteria. Herein, a green and simple strategy is reported for food packaging protection and long-term antibacterial using carboxymethylcellulose-based photothermal film (CMC@CuS NPs/PVA) that consists of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) immobilized copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). With satisfied oxygen transmittance (0.03 cc/m2/day) and water vapor transmittance (163.3 g/m2/day), the tensile strength, tear strength and burst strength reached to 3401.2 N/m, 845.7 mN and 363.6 kPa, respectively, which could lift 4.5 L of water. The composite film had excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and photothermal stability. Under the irradiation of near infrared (NIR), it can rapidly heated up to 197 °C within 25 s. The antibacterial analysis showed that the inhibition rate of composite film against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) could all reach >99 %. Furthermore, the synthesized CuS NPs was well immobilized and the residual rate of copper kept 98.7 % after 10 days. Noticeably, the composite film can preserve freshness of strawberries for up to 6 days. Therefore, the composite film has potential application for food antibacterial protection.

Fortification of cassava starch edible films with Litsea cubeba essential oil for chicken meat preservation.

Chicken meat is highly perishable and mainly preserved by plastic packaging materials, whereas their widely used have increased environmental burden and threatened human health. Bioactive packaging materials fabricated by biopolymers are promising alternatives for meat preservation. Herein, cassava starch (CS)/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) edible films fortified with Litsea cubeba essential oil (LC-EO) were fabricated and characterized. Results showed the textural, mechanical and barrier properties of the CS/CMC edible films were significantly improved after incorporating with LC-EO. Moreover, the composite edible films exhibited potent antibacterial properties, biodegradability, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability. Whereas the water solubility and moisture content was reduced up to 29.68 % and 24.37 %, respectively. The release behavior of LC-EO suggested the suitability of the composite edible films for acidic foods. Comparing with the control group, the pH values of the meat samples packaged with CS/CMC/LCEO-4 mg/mL edible films maintained at around 6.7, and weight loss rate was 15 %. The color and texture changes, and the lipid oxidation of the meat samples with CS/CMC/LCEO-4 mg/mL packaging were also markedly delayed. The microbial growth was retarded at 6.35 log CFU/g after storage for 10 days. These findings suggested the CS/CMC/LCEO-4 mg/mL edible films had great potential for chicken meat preservation.

Pd@Na-CMC/g-C3N4: A nanostructured catalyst system based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/graphitic carbon nitride hydrogel beads and its performance in the treatment of organic and inorganic pollutants in water.

The chemical reduction of organic or inorganic water contaminants is very important for both human health and pollution control. However, challenges still persist in preparing catalysts for chemical reduction, and there is a need for the development of inexpensive, easily synthesized, and effective catalyst systems. In this study, we have synthesized a new palladium nanocatalyst supported on the composite hydrogel beads composed of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The Pd@Na-CMC/g-C3N4 composite was fully characterized using FE-SEM, XRD, BET, EDS, TEM, and EDS mapping analysis, confirming its successful preparation at the nano-scale. Pd@Na-CMC/g-C3N4 was utilized to reduce various nitroaromatics such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 2-nitrophenol (2-NA), 4-nitroaniline (4-NA), 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (4-NPDA), and organic dyes including methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), Rhodamine B (RhB), as well as potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) (K3[Fe(CN)6]), which is the inorganic contaminant. While Pd@Na-CMC/g-C3N4 completely reduced nitroaromatics within 65-120 s at 1 × 10-4 M concentration, organic dyes within 0-60 s at 1 × 10-5 M concentration, and K3[Fe(CN)6] within 90 s at 0.002 M concentration in water at room temperature. Rate constant values (kapp) of 4-NP, 2-NA, 4-NA, 4-NPDA, MO, RhB, and K3[Fe(CN)6] were calculated to be 0.0085 s-1, 0.012 s-1, 0.016 s-1, 0.01 s-1, 0.013 s-1, 0.021 s-1, and 0.015 s-1, respectively. Additionally, the Pd@Na-CMC/g-C3N4 displayed high stability and even after four consecutive runs, it was able to reduce 4-NP and MO without any significant loss in its performance.

Photocrosslinked carboxymethylcellulose-based hydrogels: Synthesis, characterization for curcumin delivery and wound healing.

Skin could protect our body and regenerate itself to against dysfunctional and disfiguring scars when faced with external injury. As wound dressings, hydrogels are biocompatible, hydrophilic and have a 3D structure similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM). In particular, hydrogels with drug-releasing capabilities are in acute wound healing. In this paper, photocrosslinked hydrogels served as wound dressing based on sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were prepared to promote wound healing. Photocrosslinked hydrogels were prepared by grafting lysine and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) onto CMC and encapsulating curcumin (Cur). The synthesized hydrogels had the unique 3D porous structure with a swelling ratio up to 1300 % in aqueous solution. The drug release ratios of the hydrogels were 20.8 % in acid environment, and 14.4 % in alkaline environment. Notably, the hydrogels showed good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties and also exhibited the ability to accelerate the process of skin wound healing while prevent inflammation and scar formation when applied to a mouse skin wound model. As a result, the prepared hydrogels Gel-CLA@Cur showed great potential in wound healing.

Eco-Friendly g-C3N4/Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Alginate Composite Hydrogels for Simultaneous Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dye Pollutants.

The presented study was focused on the simple, eco-friendly synthesis of composite hydrogels of crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/alginate (SA) with encapsulated g-C3N4 nanoparticles. The structural, textural, morphological, optical, and mechanical properties were determined using different methods. The encapsulation of g-C3N4 into CMC/SA copolymer resulted in the formation of composite hydrogels with a coherent structure, enhanced porosity, excellent photostability, and good adhesion. The ability of composite hydrogels to eliminate structurally different dyes with the same or opposite charge properties (cationic Methylene Blue and anionic Orange G and Remazol Brilliant Blue R) in both single- and binary-dye systems was examined through adsorption and photocatalytic reactions. The interactions between the dyes and g-C3N4 and the negatively charged CMC/SA copolymers had a notable influence on both the adsorption capacity and photodegradation efficiency of the prepared composites. Scavenger studies and leaching tests were conducted to gain insights into the primary reactive species and to assess the stability and long-term performance of the g-C3N4/CMC/SA beads. The commendable photocatalytic activity and excellent recyclability, coupled with the elimination of costly catalyst separation requirements, render the g-C3N4/CMC/SA composite hydrogels cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials, and strongly support their selection for tackling environmental pollution issues.

Enhanced photocatalytic regeneration of carboxymethyl cellulose/lignin/ZnO complex hydrogel after methylene blue adsorption.

The biodegradable, nontoxic, and renewable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel has been developed into a green adsorbent. However, the weak chemical interaction limits its adsorption capability and reusability. This work incorporated lignin with complex structure and ZnO nanoparticles with photocatalytic properties into CMC hydrogel beads to improve the removal of methylene blue (MB) through chemical interaction. Scanning electron microscopic images and Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the compatibility between lignin and ZnO nanoparticles as well as the increment of active sites for dye removal. The MB adsorption on CMC hydrogel beads was more significantly affected by the temperate and initial concentration compared to contact time, pH, and adsorbent dosage. The MB adsorption capacity of CMC hydrogel was improved to 276.79 mg/g after incorporating lignin and ZnO nanoparticles. The adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, indicating chemical adsorption. After 6 cycles, the adsorption capacity was reduced by about 15 %. The UV irradiation could recover and improve MB adsorption capacity of CMC hydrogel beads containing ZnO nanoparticles due to the introduction of reactive oxygen species.

Bromelain Immobilized onto Clay-Carboxymethylcellulose Composites for Improving Nutritive Value of Soybean Meal.

Improvement of nutritional value and reduction of antinutritional factors (ANFs) of soybean meal (SBM) for animal feed applications could be achieved by using bromelain immobilized onto bentonite (Bt)-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) composites. The composite with mass ratio between CMC to calcium ion (Ca2+) at 1:20 provided the highest enzyme activity, immobilization yield higher than 95%, with superior thermal and storage stabilities. Performance of the immobilized bromelain for soybean protein hydrolysis was further studied. The results showed that at 60 °C, the immobilized bromelain exhibited the highest efficiency in enzymatic hydrolysis to release free alpha amino nitrogen (FAN) as a product with high selectivity and to effectively reduce SBM allergenic proteins within 30 min. In conclusion, immobilization of bromelain onto Bt-CMC composites leads to stability enhancement of the enzyme, enabling effective improvement in SBM quality in a short treatment time and showing great potential for application in animal feed industries.

Strain-Stiffening Mechanoresponse in Dynamic-Covalent Cellulose Hydrogels.

Mechanical stimuli such as strain, force, and pressure are pervasive within and beyond the human body. Mechanoresponsive hydrogels have been engineered to undergo changes in their physicochemical or mechanical properties in response to such stimuli. Relevant responses can include strain-stiffening, self-healing, strain-dependent stress relaxation, and shear rate-dependent viscosity. These features are a direct result of dynamic bonds or noncovalent/physical interactions within such hydrogels. The contributions of various types of bonds and intermolecular interactions to these behaviors are important to more fully understand the resulting materials and engineer their mechanoresponsive features. Here, strain-stiffening in carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels cross-linked with pendant dynamic-covalent boronate esters using tannic acid is studied and modulated as a function of polymer concentration, temperature, and effective cross-link density. Furthermore, these materials are found to exhibit self-healing and strain-memory, as well as strain-dependent stress relaxation and shear rate-dependent changes in gel viscosity. These features are attributed to the dynamic nature of the boronate ester cross-links, interchain hydrogen bonding and bundling, or a combination of these two intermolecular interactions. This work provides insight into the interplay of such interactions in the context of mechanoresponsive behaviors, particularly informing the design of hydrogels with tunable strain-stiffening. The multiresponsive and tunable nature of this hydrogel system therefore presents a promising platform for a variety of applications.

Advanced-design cross-linked binder enables high-performance silicon-based anodes through in-situ crosslinking based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and poly-lysine.

Practical employment of silicon (Si) electrodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is limited due to the severe volume changes suffered during charging-discharging process, causing serious capacity fading. Here, a composite polymer (CP-10) containing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) and poly-lysine (PL) is proposed for the binder of Si-based anodes, and a multifunctional strategy of "in-situ crosslinking" is achieved to alleviate the severe capacity degradation effectively. A cross-linked three-dimensional (3D) network is established through the strong hydrogen bonding interaction and reversible electrostatic interactions within CP-10, offering favorable mechanical tolerance for the extreme volume expansion of Si. Moreover, hydrogen bonding interaction along with ion-dipole interaction formed between CP-10 and Si surface enhance the bonding capability of Si-based anodes, promoting the maintenance of anodes' integrity. Consequently, over 800 cycles are achieved for the Si@CP-10 at 0.5C while maintaining a fixed discharge specific capacity of 1000 mAh g-1. Moreover, the Si/C@CP-10 can stably operate over 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 77.12 % at 1C. The prolonged cycling lifetime of Si/C and Si anodes suggests great potential for this strategy in promoting the implementation of high-capacity LIBs.

Calorimetric investigation on heat release during the disintegration process of pharmaceutical tablets.

The compendial USP〈701〉 disintegration test method offers a crucial pass/fail assessment for immediate release tablet disintegration. However, its single end-point approach provides limited insight into underlying mechanisms. This study introduces a novel calorimetric approach, aimed at providing comprehensive process profiles beyond binary outcomes. We developed a novel disintegration reaction calorimeter to monitor the heat release throughout the disintegration process and successfully obtained enthalpy change profiles of placebo tablets with various porosities. The formulation comprised microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), anhydrous lactose, croscarmellose sodium (CCS), and magnesium stearate (MgSt). An abrupt temperature rise was observed after introducing the disintegration medium to tablets, and the relationship between the heat rise time and the tablet's porosity was investigated. The calorimeter's sensitivity was sufficient to discern distinct heat changes among individual tablets, and the analysis revealed a direct correlation between the two. Higher porosity corresponded to shorter heat rise time, indicating faster disintegration rates. Additionally, the analysis identified a concurrent endothermic process alongside the anticipated exothermic phenomenon, potentially associated with the dissolution of anhydrous lactose. Since lactose is the only soluble excipient within the blend composition, the endothermic process can be attributed to the absorption of heat as lactose molecules dissolve in water. The findings from this study underscore the potential of utilising calorimetric methods to quantify the wettability of complex compounds and, ultimately, optimise tablet formulations.