Unraveling the structural aspects of microwave-assisted OrganoCat-based coconut shell lignins: An eco-friendly route for obtaining bio-based antioxidants.

New routes for biomass valorization have been developing by the scientific community. The aim of this work was developing a novel OrganoCat-based protocol and deeply understand the structure of the obtained lignins. Microwave-assisted OrganoCat-based process was performed using a biphasic system (ethyl acetate and oxalic acid or HCl) at mild conditions. OrganoCat-based lignins (OCLs) were characterized by compositional analysis, FTIR, 1H, 13C, 1H13C HSQC, 31P NMR, TGA and GPC. The solubility of OCLs in different organic solvents and their antioxidant capacity against DPPH were investigated. The spectroscopic analyses showed that OCLs have high residual extractives and the lignin motifs were preserved. OCLs have presented lower thermal stability than MWL, but showed great antioxidant activities and high solubility in a wide range of organic solvents. A novel biorefinery protocol yielded coconut shell lignins with peculiar structural and compositional features and several technological applications through an eco-friendly, sustainable and relatively low-cost biphasic pulping process.

Tailoring Hydrogel Structures: Investigating the Effects of Multistep Cellulose Defibrillation on Polyvinyl Alcohol Composites.

Defibrillating cellulose through various grinding steps and incorporating it into hydrogels introduces unique properties that warrant thorough exploration. This study investigates cellulose defibrillation at different steps (15-120) using an ultra-fine friction grinder, blended with high-molecular-weight polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and crosslinked via freeze-thawing. A critical discovery is the influence of defibrillation on the hydrogel structure, as evidenced by reduced crystallinity, thermal degradation, and the enhanced swelling of PVA chains. Despite an increased elastic modulus of up to 120 steps, the synthesized material maintains remarkable strength under hydrated conditions, holding significant promise in biomaterial applications.

Inclusion of Soybean Hulls (Glycine max) and Pupunha Peach Palm (Bactris gasipaes) Nanofibers in the Diet of Growing Rabbits: Effects on Zootechnical Performance and Intestinal Health.

This study evaluated the inclusion of nanofibers from soybean hulls and pupunha peach palm heart sheaths in the diet of growing rabbits. Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits (male and female) were allocated in three experimental groups: control, fed a basal diet; Nanosoy, fed a diet containing 7% soybean-hull nanofibers; and Nanopupunha, fed a diet containing 7% pupunha palm heart-sheath nanofibers. The Nanosoy-group rabbits showed poorer final weight, daily feed intake, and daily weight gain than those in other groups. In the duodenum, villus height, total mucosal thickness, and villus width were higher in rabbits that received nanofiber-supplemented diets than in the controls. Higher villus density and wall thickness were observed in Nanopupunha-fed rabbits than in the controls. In the jejunum, although the crypt depth was higher in Nanosoy-fed rabbits, the villus height:crypt depth ratio was higher in the Nanopupunha-fed group. Nanosoy-fed animals exhibited increased count Enterobacteriaceae populations. Rabbits in both nanofiber-fed groups exhibited higher lactic-acid bacterial counts than those in the control-diet group. Therefore, although the inclusion of 7% Nanopupunha in the diet of rabbits did not alter the performance, it improved intestinal health and increased the lactic-acid bacterial count in the cecum of growing rabbits.

Linking geographical origin with nutritional, mineral, and visual proprieties of pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia seed) from the south of Brazil.

The effect of harvest location on cooked pinhão seeds (Araucaria angustifolia) was investigated with regard to its centesimal composition, minerals, and color, and later correlated with environmental and soil variables. Significant differences between cooked pinhão from various harvesting locations were seen; also, principal component analysis was performed for the minerals, protein, moisture, total starch, and color parameters. The geographic location was one of the most important factors. Caçador presented greater differences: lower values for moisture, minerals, geographic parameter, and color characteristics. However, nearby localities, such as Cruz Machado with Bituruna and Lapa with São João do Triunfo, presented similar overall values for minerals and geographic parameters. Each regional geographic location was able to present unique characteristics so that the principal component analysis categorized it in specific quadrants, which is also in agreement with the CIELAB color space. However, hierarchical tree exhibited that CAÇ was the most distinct, due to the most distant municipality, presenting a unique microbiome. The pinhão is a source of various nutrients, which contributes to healthy dietetic daily values. It provides from 20% to 30% of dietary fiber, Cu (42.2%), P (31.1%), K (23.5%), and Zn (22.1%), while also providing quantities of Mg (12.9%), Mn (12.4%), Fe (11.5%), and Ca (6.4%). Therefore, it is possible to obtain food products based on cooked pinhão that contain many nutritional components associated with human health benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The pinheiro-do-paraná is a conifer that is currently endangered. However, the commercial use of its seeds may be key to guaranteeing its preservation, in addition to strengthening the economies of households and small producers. The pinhão collected from a large area of Araucária forests, after subsequent boiling, removal of the almond, grinding, and freezing provides large amounts of carbohydrates, higher dietary fiber content, resistant starch, and large quantities of Cu, P, K, and Z, in addition to significant amounts of Mg, Mn, Fe, and Ca. All of these are desirable characteristics that increase the value of pinhão.

The Importance of Antioxidant Biomaterials in Human Health and Technological Innovation: A Review.

Biomaterials come from natural sources such as animals, plants, fungi, algae, and bacteria, composed mainly of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate molecules. The great diversity of biomaterials makes these compounds promising for developing new products for technological applications. In this sense, antioxidant biomaterials have been developed to exert biological and active functions in the human body and industrial formulations. Furthermore, antioxidant biomaterials come from natural sources, whose components can inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, these materials incorporated with antioxidants, mainly from plant sources, have important effects, such as anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antitumor, and anti-aging, in addition to increasing the shelf-life of products. Aiming at the importance of antioxidant biomaterials in different technological segments as biodegradable, economic, and promising sources, this review presents the main available biomaterials, antioxidant sources, and assigned biological activities. In addition, potential applications in the biomedical and industrial fields are described with a focus on innovative publications found in the literature in the last five years.

Synthesis of an organic-inorganic composite from calcium carbonate and Kraft lignin and its use as carrier material for controlled release of semiochemical agents.

The control of pests in agricultural systems is currently based on the widespread use of pesticides that efficiently control pests but have negative effects on the environment and humans. Thus, several studies have been conducted to develop alternative sustainable ways to control pests in agriculture. The use of semiochemicals presents a good alternative to develop a sustainable tool monitoring and control insect pests in crops areas. The dispensing carriers of semiochemicals are typically made of non-degradable material, often petroleum derivatives such as butyl rubber, that become polluting waste after application. To develop a biodegradable and low-cost dispenser for semiochemicals, particles of CaCO3 and a CaCO3/Kraft lignin composite were synthesized using CO2 bubbling, characterized and evaluated for 30 days as a dispenser of the limonene molecule, which is a common semiochemical in plants and also pheromone component is some insect species, such as the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus. Furthermore, limonene is volatile molecule that is easy to acquire and low-cost, which makes it an ideal semiochemical to evaluate the potential of the CaCO3 particles and CaCO3/Kraft lignin composite as a semiochemical dispenser for use in agriculture. The pure calcium carbonate I, pure calcium carbonate II, and composite I synthesized particles presented a larger specific surface area than the other composites. All the particles evaluated showed a slow limonene release rate between the 5th and 30th days evaluated, indicating the potential of these materials as pheromone dispensers. The composites with higher specific surface area, calcium carbonate II (19.5 m2/g) and composite I (23.1 m2/g), released a higher level of limonene during the 30 days evaluated.

Safety aspects of kraft lignin fractions: Discussions on the in chemico antioxidant activity and the induction of oxidative stress on a cell-based in vitro model.

Lignin is a complex phenolic biopolymer present in plant cell walls and a by-product of the cellulose pulping industry. Lignin has functional properties, such as antioxidant activity, that make it a potential natural active ingredient for health-care products. However, not all safety aspects of lignin fractions have been adequately investigated. Herein, we evaluated the antioxidant and genotoxic potential of two hardwood kraft lignins (F3 and F5). The chemical characterization of F3 and F5 demonstrated their thermal stability and the presence of different phenolic units, while the DPPH assay confirmed the antioxidant activity of these lignin fractions. Despite being antioxidants in the DPPH assay, F3 and F5 were capable of generating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequently causing oxidative DNA damage (Comet assay) in HepG2 cells. The biological relevance of the DPPH assay might be uncertain in some cases; therefore, we suggest combining in chemico tests with biological system-based tests to determine efficacy and safety levels of lignins and define appropriate applications of lignins for consumer products. Moreover, kraft lignins obtained by acid precipitation may pose risks to human health; however, as genotoxicity is not the sole endpoint of toxicity required in hazard assessments, additional toxicological evaluations are needed.

Thymol-Loaded Biogenic Silica Nanoparticles in an Aquatic Environment: The Impact of Particle Aggregation on Ecotoxicity.

Thymol, a monoterpene phenol, is used as a natural biocide. To circumvent its chemical instability, we propose use of thymol-loaded biogenic silica nanoparticles (BSiO2 #THY NPs); however, the toxicity of this system for aquatic organisms is unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the toxicogenetic effects induced by thymol, BSiO2 NP, and BSiO2 #THY on Artemia salina and zebrafish (Danio rerio) early life stages. We also investigated the impact of BSiO2 aggregation in different exposure media (saline and freshwater). Based on the median lethal concentration at 48 h (LC5048h ), BSiO2 #THY (LC5048h = 1.06 mg/L) presented similar toxic potential as thymol (LC5048h = 1.03 mg/L) for A. salina, showing that BSiO2 had no influence on BSiO2 #THY toxicity. Because BSiO2 aggregated and sedimented faster in A. salina aqueous medium than in the other medium, this NP had lower interaction with this microcrustacean. Thus, BSiO2 #THY toxicity for A. salina is probably due to the intrinsic toxicity of thymol. For zebrafish early life stages, BSiO2 #THY (LC5096h = 13.13 mg/L) was more toxic than free thymol (LC5096h = 25.60 mg/L); however, BSiO2 NP has no toxicity for zebrafish early life stages. The lower aggregation of BSiO2 in the freshwater medium compared to the saline medium may have enhanced thymol's availability for this aquatic organism. Also, BSiO2 #THY significantly induced sublethal effects as thymol, and both were genotoxic for zebrafish. In conclusion, although BSiO2 #THY still needs improvements to ensure its safety for freshwater ecosystems, BSiO2 NP seems to be a safe nanocarrier for agriculture. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:333-341. © 2020 SETAC.

PINE NANOCELLULOSE AND BACTERIAL NANOCELLULOSE DRESSINGS ARE SIMILAR IN THE TREATMENT OF SECOND-DEGREE BURN? EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Crusts in 7th follow-up day: G1 yes; G2 no; G3 no (left to right). Bespite all the advances in medicine and the wide variety of dressings available, the treatment of burn wounds still represents an important medical challenge. The pinus cellulose membrane dressing is a biomaterial with characteristics similar to those of bacterial cellulose, but with lower cost. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of pinus nanocellulose membrane on healing of deep second degree burns in rats and compare with Membracel®. METHOD: Thirty male Wistar rats were submitted to deep second degree burn in dorse, with boiling water at 97o C for 20 s, generating a 314 mm² area wound. The animals were distributed in three dressing groups (n=10): group 1 - simple gauze; group 2 - bacterial cellulose membrane (Membracel®); and group 3 - pinus cellulose membrane. They were evaluated for 20 days to verify clinical condition, macro and microscopic appearance and wound contraction. RESULTS: All of them remained clinically well with no differences in weight. Crusts were observed in group 1, and none in groups 2 and 3. Regarding to scar contraction, groups 2 and 3 were similar, better than group 1. Microscopic analysis showed predominance of advanced healing degree in groups 1 and 3, and initial in group 2. Mature collagen was predominant in all groups. CONCLUSION: The pinus nanocellulose membrane is effective in the treatment of experimental second degree burn in rats and its effectiveness is similar to that of the bacterial nanocellular membrane.

Effect of cellulose size-concentration on the structure of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels.

Microfibrillated cellulose as a reinforcement agent has been investigated extensively due to their unique characteristics, which can reorder the structure of polymers and hydrogels leading to improved mechanical properties with minimal disadvantages in terms of the targeted original applications. However, effect of using a macro- to a micro-fibrillated cellulose onto polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels is still unknown, because of the unique ability for both to be produced as hydrogels from freeze-thawing mechanisms - hydrogen bonding - there is a potential synergism. Therefore, macro and microfibrillated kraft bleached paper was synthesised at various concentrations on polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels. The overall effect presented a strong interaction between both compounds but it was increased with macrofibrillated cellulose. Increase in crystallinity was also observed with a macro-sized fibre without variation on tensile elastic modulus but an overall improvement was perceived on thermal properties and a slower swelling rate with a microfibrillated cellulose.

Pine nanocellulose and bacterial nanocellulose dressings are similar in the treatment of second-degree burn? experimental study in rats / Os curativos de nanocelulose de pinus e nanocelulose bacteriana são semelhantes no tratamento da queimadura de segundo grau? estudo experimental em ratos

ABSTRACT Background: Despite all the advances in medicine and the wide variety of dressings available, the treatment of burn wounds still represents an important medical challenge. The pinus cellulose membrane dressing is a biomaterial with characteristics similar to those of bacterial cellulose, but with lower cost. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of pinus nanocellulose membrane on healing of deep second degree burns in rats and compare with Membracel®. Method: Thirty male Wistar rats were submitted to deep second degree burn in dorse, with boiling water at 97o C for 20 s, generating a 314 mm² area wound. The animals were distributed in three dressing groups (n=10): group 1 - simple gauze; group 2 - bacterial cellulose membrane (Membracel®); and group 3 - pinus cellulose membrane. They were evaluated for 20 days to verify clinical condition, macro and microscopic appearance and wound contraction. Results: All of them remained clinically well with no differences in weight. Crusts were observed in group 1, and none in groups 2 and 3. Regarding to scar contraction, groups 2 and 3 were similar, better than group 1. Microscopic analysis showed predominance of advanced healing degree in groups 1 and 3, and initial in group 2. Mature collagen was predominant in all groups. Conclusion: The pinus nanocellulose membrane is effective in the treatment of experimental second degree burn in rats and its effectiveness is similar to that of the bacterial nanocellular membrane.

RESUMO Racional: Apesar de todos os avanços da medicina e da grande variedade de curativos disponíveis, o tratamento das queimaduras ainda representa importante desafio médico. O curativo de membrana de celulose de pinus é biomaterial com características semelhantes à de celulose bacteriana, mas de menor custo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da membrana de nanocelulose de pinus na cicatrização de queimaduras profundas de segundo grau em ratos e comparar com a Membracel®. Método: Trinta ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à queimadura profunda de segundo grau em dorso, com água fervente a 97o C por 20 s, gerando lesão de 314 mm². Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos de curativos (n = 10): grupo 1 - gaze simples; grupo 2 - membrana de celulose bacteriana (Membracel®); e grupo 3 - membrana de celulose de pinus. Eles foram avaliados por 20 dias para verificar o quadro clínico, aspecto macro e microscópico e a contração da ferida. Resultados: Todos permaneceram clinicamente bem, sem diferenças de peso. Crostas foram observadas no grupo 1 e nenhuma nos grupos 2 e 3. Em relação à contração da cicatriz, os grupos 2 e 3 foram semelhantes, melhores que o grupo 1. A análise microscópica mostrou predomínio de grau de cicatrização avançado nos grupos 1 e 3, e inicial no grupo 2. O colágeno maduro foi predominante em todos os grupos. Conclusão: A membrana de nanocelulose de pinus é eficaz no tratamento de queimaduras experimentais de segundo grau em ratos e sua eficácia é semelhante à da membrana nanocelular bacteriana.

Cassava starch films reinforced with lignocellulose nanofibers from cassava bagasse.

Cassava bagasse, a high-fiber coproduct of cassava starch processing, was used to produce lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNF) to apply as reinforcement in cassava starch films. LCNF-reinforced cast starch films were evaluated for changes in structural, thermal and mechanical properties and compared with control films reinforced with commercial grade nanoclay (Nclay). Five different types of cassava starch cast-films were produced: no-reinforcement control, two LCNF-reinforced, and two Nclay-reinforced, each at 0.65 and 1.3% w w-1. The LCNF morphology showed the characteristic microscopic structure of lignocellulose nanofibers, with an aspect ratio > 85 and average diameter of 4.5 nm. All reinforced films were transparent and had a good distribution of the nanoparticles within. The opacity values reduced for the films with all nanoreinforcements, compared to control. The permeability to water vapor reduced with reinforcements, with lower values for the films tested with LCNF 0.65 and Nclay 1.3. Thermal stability improved with 1.3% of LCNF and both concentrations of Nclay. Tensile stress for films increased and elongation at break value decreased with both types of nanoreinforcements.

A tough and novel dual-response PAA/P(NiPAAM-co-PEGDMA) IPN hydrogels with ceramics by photopolymerization for consolidation of bone fragments following fracture.

In this work, a novel dual-response hydrogel for enhanced bone repair following multiple fractures was investigated. The conventional treatment of multiple bone fracture consists on removing smaller bone fragments from the body in a surgery, followed by the fixation of the bone using screws and plates. This work proposes an alternative for this treatment via in situ UV-initiated radical polymerization of a novel IPN hydrogel composed of PAA/P(NiPAAM-co-PEGDMA) incorporated with ceramic additives. The influence of different additives on mechanical properties and sensitivity of the polymer, as well as the prepolymer mixture, were investigated in order to analyse the suitability of the composites for bone healing applications. This material exhibited an interpenetrating network, confirmed by FTIR, with ceramics particles dispersed in between the polymer network. These structures presented high strength by tensile tests, sensitivity to pH and temperature and a decrease on Tg values of NiPAAm depending on the amount of PEGDMA and ceramics added; although, the addition of ceramics to these composites did not decrease their stability drastically. Finally, cytotoxicity tests revealed variations on the toxicity, whereas the addition of TCP presented to be non-toxic and that the cell viability increased when ceramics additives were incorporated into the polymeric matrix with an increased reporter activity of NF-κB, associated with aiding fibroblast adhesion. Hence, it was possible to optimise feedstock ratios to increase the applicability of the prepolymer mixture as a potential treatment of multiple fractures.

Enhanced microfibrillated cellulose-based film by controlling the hemicellulose content and MFC rheology.

Understanding of how hemicellulose acts on the rheology of microfibrillated cellulose in suspension or after drying is insufficient. In this study, different concentrations of hemicellulose in the cellulose pulp of Eucalyptus sp. were obtained by alkaline treatment with potassium hydroxide. The treated pulps and the suspension of microfibrils obtained were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, rheological analysis, X-ray diffraction and dynamic mechanical analysis. The lowest hemicellulose content obtained was approximately 2% wt. Treatments with KOH above 10% did not cause a significant reduction in hemicellulose content and caused a change in the type of cellulose crystallinity. The rheological analysis showed that the apparent viscosity of the suspensions was strongly influenced by the presence of hemicellulose. The morphology of the MFC films of the treated pulps presented the appearance of voids with the reduction of hemicellulose content, generating a decrease in its mechanical properties.

The evaluation of the potential ecotoxicity of pyroligneous acid obtained from fast pyrolysis.

Pyroligneous acid (PA) is a by-product of bio-oil, which is obtained by pyrolysis of the wood. This product has been tested for use in several areas, such as agriculture, as a promising green herbicide; however, there are few scientific data regarding its environmental impacts. For this study, an ecotoxicity testing battery, composed of Daphnia magna acute toxicity test, Allium cepa test and in vitro Comet assay with the rainbow trout gonad-2 cell fish line (RTG-2) were used to evaluate the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of PA obtained from fast pyrolysis of eucalyptus wood fines. The PA presented acute toxicity to D. magna (microcrustacea) with EC50 of 26.12 mg/L, and inhibited the seed germination (EC50 5.556 g/L) and root development (EC50 3.436 g/L) of A. cepa (higher plant). No signs of genotoxicity (chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in A. cepa and primary DNA lesions in RTG-2 cells) were detected to this product. The acute toxicity and absence of genotoxicity may relate to the molecules found in the PA, being the phenolic fraction the key chemical candidate responsible for the toxicity observed. In addition, daphnids seem to be more sensitivity to the toxicity of PA than higher plants based on their EC50 values. This first ecotoxicological evaluation of PA from fast pyrolysis pointed out the need of determining environmental exposure limits to promote the safer agriculture use of this product, avoiding impacts to living organisms.

Slow delivery of biocide from nanostructured, microscaled, particles reduces its phytoxicity: A model investigation.

Nano-engineered delivery systems have emerged as possible solutions for more efficient pest management in agriculture. Likewise for nanostructured drug delivery systems (DDS) in medicine, the use of biocide delivery systems (BDS) brought concerns on their toxicology on non-targeted organisms. Plants, for instance, are the foundation of the ecosystem, acting as primary actor in the food chain and is associated with the whole biodiversity, being strictly related to human health. This is a very important consideration to fully understand the benefits of using delivery systems for crop protection and production. Herein, a biocide delivery system was prepared by loading nanostructured, microscaled, biogenic silica particles with thymol, a known phytotoxicant. The resulting system contains 120 mg of thymol per gram of silica and displays slow release features. The Allium cepa bioassay was chosen to demonstrate how the toxicity and cellular damages induced by thymol can be significantly reduced through a slow, controlled, release strategy. The lower mobility of the reference particles associated with slow-delivery features reduced the toxicity and cellular damages caused by thymol in the plant genetic model.

Durabilidade de madeira de eucalipto citriodora (Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson) tratada com CCA em ambiente amazônico / Durability of eucalyptus citriodora wood (Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson) treated with CCA in the Amazon environment

A intensa exploração econômica tem causado diminuição do estoque original das espécies madeireiras amazônicas, incluindo aquelas de alta durabilidade natural destinadas a usos em contato com o solo. A escassez dessas madeiras resulta na elevação do preço, inviabilizando economicamente seu uso, sendo uma alternativa a substituição por espécies plantadas de rápido crescimento tratadas com preservativos. Outra vantagem, além da econômica, de utilizar espécies plantadas em substituição às tradicionais é ambiental, pois reduzirá a pressão exploratória sobre aquelas. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o grau de degradação biológica de madeira de eucalipto citriodora (Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson) tratado por processo a vácuo e pressão com arseniato de cobre cromatado (CCA) e exposta em ensaio de campo em Rio Branco-AC. O ensaio foi implantado em maio de 2005 com estacas tratadas ou não com CCA. As variáveis avaliadas foram: 1) degradação por fungos, 2) degradação por cupins, e 3) região ou parte da peça afetada. A partir da terceira avaliação (47 meses de ensaio), 100 por cento dos corpos de prova não tratados foram classificados com o grau de degradação máximo e, ao contrário, 100 por cento dos tratados com CCA, decorridos 60 meses de ensaio, foram classificados com o grau mínimo. As partes não tratadas com maior e menor grau de degradação foram, respectivamente, o topo inferior e a parte aérea acima de 10 cm do solo. A degradação provocada por fungos foi levemente inferior à dos cupins. O ensaio aponta para a viabilidade técnica do uso de madeira tratada de eucalipto em substituição às espécies tradicionais da Amazônia.

The intense economic exploration has caused a decrease of the original stock of Amazon woody species, including those of high natural durability used in soil contact. The lack of those species results in increased price that makes economically unfeasible of the use, an alternative is the replacement by planted species of fast-growing treated with preservatives. Another advantage of to use species planted to replace the traditional species is environmental, because this will reduce the exploratory pressure on these species. The objective of this study is to evaluate the degree of biological degradation of eucalyptus citriodora wood (Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson) treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) under vacuum and pressure process and exposed in field experiment in Rio Branco-AC. The experiment was implemented in May 2005 with cuttings treated with CCA and not treated. The variables evaluated were: 1) degradation by fungi, 2) degradation by termites, and 3) region or part of the piece affected. After the 3rd evaluation (47 months of test), 100 percent of the specimens without treated were classified with the maximum degree of degradation and, in contrast, 100 percent of the specimens treated with CCA, after 60 months of test, were classified with the minimum degree of degradation. The parties of the pieces without treatment with the higher and the lesser degrees of degradation were, respectively, the inferior head and the aerial part above 10 cm of soil. The degradation caused by fungi was slightly lower than that of termites. The field experiment has shown that is technically feasible the use of eucalyptus wood to replace the traditional species of the Amazon.

Cellulose nanocrystals/cellulose core-in-shell nanocomposite assemblies.

We report herein for the first time how a co-electrospinning technique can be used to overcome the issue of orienting cellulose nanocrystals within a neat cellulose matrix. A home-built co-electrospinning apparatus was fabricated that was comprised of a high-voltage power supply, two concentric capillary needles, and one screw-type pump syringe. Eucalyptus-derived cellulose was dissolved in N-methylmorpholine oxide (NMMO) at 120 degrees C and diluted with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which was used in the external concentric capillary needle as the shell solution. A cellulose nanocrystal suspension obtained by the sulfuric acid hydrolysis of bleached sisal and cotton fibers was used as the core liquid in the internal concentric capillary needle. Three flow rate ratios between the shell and core, four flow rates for the shell dope solution, and four high voltages were tested. The resultant co-electrospun composite fibers were collected onto a grounded metal screen immersed in cold water. Micrometer and submicrometer cellulose fiber assemblies were obtained which were reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals and characterized by FESEM, FTIR, TGA, and XRD. Surprisingly, it was determined that the physical properties for the cellulose controls are superior to the composites; in addition, the crystallinity of the controls was slightly greater.