Effect of Plasma Treatment on Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

Bamboo cellulose fiber (BF)-reinforced epoxy (EP) composites were fabricated with BF subjected to plasma treatment using argon (Ar), oxygen (O2), and nitrogen (N2) gases. Optimal mechanical properties of the EP/BF composites were achieved with BFs subjected to 30 min of plasma treatment using Ar. This is because Ar gas improved the plasma electron density, surface polarity, and BF roughness. Flexural strength and flexural modulus increased with O2 plasma treatment. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the etching of the fiber surface with Ar gas improved interfacial adhesion. The water contact angle and surface tension of the EP/BF composite improved after 10 min of Ar treatment, owing to the compatibility between the BFs and the EP matrix. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed a reduction in lignin after treatment and the formation of new peaks at 1736 cm-1, which indicated a reaction between epoxy groups of the EP and carbon in the BF backbone. This reaction improved the compatibility, mechanical properties, and water resistance of the composites.

Low cytotoxicity, antibacterial property, and curcumin delivery performance of toughness-enhanced electrospun composite membranes based on poly(lactic acid) and MAX phase (Ti3AlC2).

MXenes, synthesized from their precursor MAX phases, have been extensively researched as additives to enhance the drug delivery performance of polymer matrices, whereas there is a limited number of previous reports on the use of MAX phases themselves for such applications. The use of MAX phases can exclude the complicated synthesis procedure and lessen resultant production and environmental costs required to convert MAX phases to MXenes. Herein, electrospun membranes of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and a MAX phase (Ti3AlC2) have been fabricated for curcumin delivery. The composite membrane exhibits significantly higher toughness (8.82 MJ m-3) than the plasticized PLA membrane (0.63 MJ m-3) with low cytotoxicity, supporting proliferation of mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The curcumin-loaded composite membrane exhibits high water vapor transmission (∼7350 g m-2 day-1), porosity (∼85 %), water wettability, and antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus. Seven-day curcumin release is enhanced from 45 % (PLA) to 67 % (composite) due to curcumin diffusion from the polymer fibers and MAX phase surface that contributes to overall increased curcumin adsorption and release sites. This work demonstrates the potential of the MAX phase to enhance both properties and curcumin delivery, promising for other eco-friendly systems for sustainable drug delivery applications.

Fabrication of Fish Scale-Based Gelatin Methacryloyl for 3D Bioprinting Application.

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is an ideal bioink that is commonly used in bioprinting. GelMA is primarily acquired from mammalian sources; however, the required amount makes the market price extremely high. Since garbage overflow is currently a global issue, we hypothesized that fish scales left over from the seafood industry could be used to synthesize GelMA. Clinically, the utilization of fish products is more advantageous than those derived from mammals as they lower the possibility of disease transmission from mammals to humans and are permissible for practitioners of all major religions. In this study, we used gelatin extracted from fish scales and conventional GelMA synthesis methods to synthesize GelMA, then tested it at different concentrations in order to evaluated and compared the mechanical properties and cell responses. The fish scale GelMA had a printing accuracy of 97%, a swelling ratio of 482%, and a compressive strength of about 85 kPa at a 10% w/v GelMA concentration. Keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) were bioprinted with the GelMA bioink to assess cell viability and proliferation. After 72 h of culture, the number of cells increased by almost three-fold compared to 24 h, as indicated by many fluorescent cell nuclei. Based on this finding, it is possible to use fish scale GelMA bioink as a scaffold to support and enhance cell viability and proliferation. Therefore, we conclude that fish scale-based GelMA has the potential to be used as an alternative biomaterial for a wide range of biomedical applications.

New insights from poly-lactic acid and ionomer films coupled with recombinant antibodies for processing sexed-sorting bovine sperm.

In this study, the efficacy of ionomers and poly-lactic acid (PLA) as an alternative solid material combined with scFv antibodies specific to bovine Y-sperm (Y-scFv) was studied to create a novel method of sexing technology. The coupling efficiency of Y-scFv to the surface of PLA, Na+ and Zn2+ ionomer film was between 2 and 8 mg/mL. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm that Y-scFv was bound with a carboxylic acid group in each film. Therefore, Na+, Zn2+ ionomers and PLA films conjugated with 4 and 8 mg/mL Y-scFv showed the highest concentration of Y-sperm in the eluted fraction. Considering that the elute fraction was enriched Y-sperm fraction, it contained 67.70-77.94 % of the Y-sperm ratio related to the produced supernatant fraction, which contained up to 69.31-76.01 % enriched X-sperm. In addition, the sperm quality after the sexing process was analyzed by CASA and imaging flow cytometry, which showed that each polymer did not have a negative effect on sperm motility and acrosome integrity for X-sperm. The capacity of ionomer and PLA combined with Y-scFv are used for bovine sperm sexing.

Kinetics of Phosphate Ions and Phytase Activity Production for Lactic Acid-Producing Bacteria Utilizing Milling and Whitening Stages Rice Bran as Biopolymer Substrates.

A study evaluated nine kinetic data and four kinetic parameters related to growth, production of various phytase activities (PEact), and released phosphate ion concentration ([Pi]) from five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains cultivated in three types of media: phytate (IP6), milling stage rice bran (MsRB), and whitening stage rice bran (WsRB). Score ranking techniques were used, combining these kinetic data and parameters to select the most suitable LAB strain for each medium across three cultivation time periods (24, 48, and 72 h). In the IP6 medium, Lacticaseibacillus casei TISTR 1500 exhibited statistically significant highest (p ≤ 0.05) normalized summation scores using a 2:1 weighting between kinetic and parameter data sets. This strain also had the statistically highest levels (p ≤ 0.05) of produced phosphate ion concentration ([Pi]) (0.55 g/L) at 72 h and produced extracellular specific phytase activity (ExSp-PEact) (0.278 U/mgprotein) at 48 h. For the MsRB and WsRB media, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TISTR 877 performed exceptionally well after 72 h of cultivation. It produced ([Pi], ExSp-PEact) pairs of (0.53 g/L, 0.0790 U/mgprotein) in MsRB and (0.85 g/L, 0.0593 U/mgprotein) in WsRB, respectively. Overall, these findings indicate the most promising LAB strains for each medium and cultivation time based on their ability to produce phosphate ions and extracellular specific phytase activity. The selection process utilized a combination of kinetic data and parameter analysis.

Hair Growth Promotion and Anti-Hair Loss Effects of By-Products Arabica Coffee Pulp Extracts Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction.

Coffee has been a common ingredient in many traditional hair loss remedies, but limited scientific evidence supports its use, particularly in coffee pulp. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is caused by androgens, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In the present study, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used under various conditions to obtain six coffee pulp extracts. The SFE-4 extract, using 50% (v/v) ethanol as a co-solvent at conditions of 100 °C and 500 bars for 30 min, exhibited the highest phenolic, flavonoid, and caffeine contents. Additionally, the SFE-4 extract increased the migration and cell proliferation of HFDPCs (human hair follicle dermal papilla cells), which control hair cycle regulation, and had scavenging effects on ABTS and DPPH radicals. Additionally, the SFE-4 extract showed potassium ion channel opener activity in HFDPCs, as well as a stimulation effect on the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (28.53 ± 1.08% of control), which may be related to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene upregulation. In human prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and HFDPC cells, the SFE-4 extract significantly decreased the expression of SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and SRD5A3, an essential pathway involved in AGA. Hair growth factor genes in the Wnt/-catenin (CTNNB1) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH, SMO, and GLI1) pathways could be significantly activated by the SFE-4 extract. These results imply that employing SFE in coffee pulp extraction could help AGA treatment by preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth pathways. This would help small coffee producers gain economic empowerment and ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural waste utilization.

Enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility of bacterial cellulose composite films with inclusion of 2D MoS2 and helical carbon nanotubes for use as antimicrobial drug carriers.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biomaterial being investigated for a range of applications. Herein, BC films derived from nata de coco pieces are reinforced by two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and helical carbon nanotubes (HCNTs) to enhance their tensile mechanical properties, and the biocompatibility of the BC composite films is demonstrated. A simple preparation is presented using a kitchen blender to disperse and blend the BC fibers and additives in a common fabrication medium, followed by vacuum filtration. The mechanical properties of the BC/MoS2/HCNTs composite films are enhanced due to the synergistic effect of MoS2 and HCNTs embedded in the BC films. The MoS2/HCNTs binary additive (1 phr) is capable of increasing the strength and Young's modulus by 148 % and 333 %, respectively, relative to the BC films. The cell cytotoxicity of the BC/MoS2/HCNTs films was assessed using an MTT assay. The composite films are biocompatible with a cell viability of L929 fibroblast cells >70 %, coupled with observations of direct cell attachment on the films. The composite films also exhibited good performance in absorbing and releasing gentamicin antibiotics to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The BC/MoS2/HCNTs films are thus potential BC-based candidates as biocompatible robust antibiotic carriers.

Surface-Modified Carboxylated Cellulose Nanofiber Hydrogels for Prolonged Release of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride (PHMB) for Antimicrobial Applications.

The surface modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) using a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)/sodium bromide (NaBr)/sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) system was successful in improving their hydrophilicity. Following that, we fabricated hydrogels containing carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (c-CNFs) and loaded them with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) using a physical crosslinking method, aiming for efficient antimicrobial uses. The morphological and physicochemical properties of all hydrogel formulations were characterized, and the results revealed that the 7% c-CNFs-2 h loaded with PHMB formulation exhibited desirable characteristics such as regular shape, high porosity, good mechanical properties, suitable gel content, and a good maximum swelling degree. The successful integration of PHMB into the c-CNF matrix was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the 7% c-CNFs-2 h loaded with the PHMB formulation demonstrated PHMB contents exceeding 80% and exhibited a prolonged drug release pattern for up to 3 days. Moreover, this formulation displayed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, the novel approach of c-CNF hydrogels loaded with PHMB through physical crosslinking shows promise as a potential system for prolonged drug release in topical drug delivery while also exhibiting excellent antibacterial activity.

Enhancing protein trapping efficiency of graphene oxide-polybutylene succinate nanofiber membrane via molecular imprinting.

Filtration of biological liquids has been widely employed in biological, medical, and environmental investigations due to its convenience; many could be performed without energy and on-site, particularly protein separation. However, most available membranes are universal protein absorption or sub-fractionation due to molecule sizes or properties. SPMA, or syringe-push membrane absorption, is a quick and easy way to prepare biofluids for protein evaluation. The idea of initiating SPMA was to filter proteins from human urine for subsequent proteomic analysis. In our previous study, we developed nanofiber membranes made from polybutylene succinate (PBS) composed of graphene oxide (GO) for SPMA. In this study, we combined molecular imprinting with our developed PBS fiber membranes mixed with graphene oxide to improve protein capture selectivity in a lock-and-key fashion and thereby increase the efficacy of protein capture. As a model, we selected albumin from human serum (ABH), a clinically significant urine biomarker, for proteomic application. The nanofibrous membrane was generated utilizing the electrospinning technique with PBS/GO composite. The PBS/GO solution mixed with ABH was injected from a syringe and transformed into nanofibers by an electric voltage, which led the fibers to a rotating collector spinning for fiber collection. The imprinting process was carried out by removing the albumin protein template from the membrane through immersion of the membrane in a 60% acetonitrile solution for 4 h to generate a molecular imprint on the membrane. Protein trapping ability, high surface area, the potential for producing affinity with proteins, and molecular-level memory were all evaluated using the fabricated membrane morphology, protein binding capacity, and quantitative protein measurement. This study revealed that GO is a controlling factor, increasing electrical conductivity and reducing fiber sizes and membrane pore areas in PBS-GO-composites. On the other hand, the molecular imprinting did not influence membrane shape, nanofiber size, or density. Human albumin imprinted membrane could increase the PBS-GO membrane's ABH binding capacity from 50 to 83%. It can be indicated that applying the imprinting technique in combination with the graphene oxide composite technique resulted in enhanced ABH binding capabilities than using either technique individually in membrane fabrication. The suitable protein elution solution is at 60% acetonitrile with an immersion time of 4 h. Our approach has resulted in the possibility of improving filter membranes for protein enrichment and storage in a variety of biological fluids.

Production of Phenylacetylcarbinol via Biotransformation Using the Co-Culture of Candida tropicalis TISTR 5306 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5606 as the Biocatalyst.

Phenylacetylcarbinol (PAC) is a precursor for the synthesis of several pharmaceuticals, including ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and norephedrine. PAC is commonly produced through biotransformation using microbial pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) in the form of frozen-thawed whole cells. However, the lack of microorganisms capable of high PDC activity is the main factor in the production of PAC. In addition, researchers are also looking for ways to utilize agro-industrial residues as an inexpensive carbon source through an integrated biorefinery approach in which sugars can be utilized for bioethanol production and frozen-thawed whole cells for PAC synthesis. In the present study, Candida tropicalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the co-culture of both strains were compared for their biomass and ethanol concentrations, as well as for their volumetric and specific PDC activities when cultivated in a sugarcane bagasse (SCB) hydrolysate medium (SCBHM). The co-culture that resulted in a higher level of PAC (8.65 ± 0.08 mM) with 26.4 ± 0.9 g L-1 ethanol production was chosen for further experiments. Biomass production was scaled up to 100 L and the kinetic parameters were studied. The biomass harvested from the bioreactor was utilized as frozen-thawed whole cells for the selection of an initial pyruvate (Pyr)-to-benzaldehyde (Bz) concentration ([Pyr]/[Bz]) ratio suitable for the PAC biotransformation in a single-phase emulsion system. The initial [Pyr]/[Bz] at 100/120 mM resulted in higher PAC levels with 10.5 ± 0.2 mM when compared to 200/240 mM (8.60 ± 0.01 mM). A subsequent two-phase emulsion system with Pyr in the aqueous phase, Bz in the organic phase, and frozen-thawed whole cells of the co-culture as the biocatalyst produced a 1.46-fold higher PAC level when compared to a single-phase emulsion system. In addition, the cost analysis strategy indicated preliminary costs of USD 0.82 and 1.01/kg PAC for the single-phase and two-phase emulsion systems, respectively. The results of the present study suggested that the co-culture of C. tropicalis and S. cerevisiae can effectively produce bioethanol and PAC from SCB and would decrease the overall production cost on an industrial scale utilizing the two-phase emulsion system with the proposed multiple-pass strategy.

Mechanical properties and water resistance improvement of thermoplastic modified starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and zinc oxide nanometal particles by reactive blending.

Novel biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS) with high mechanical properties and water resistance was developed using reactive blending technique. Effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) addition to TPS properties and reaction was investigated. Thermoplastic modified starch (TPMS) was prepared by melt-mixing modified starch with glycerol 70/30%wt/wt. Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) 5%wt was incorporated with modified starch, glycerol, and zinc oxide (ZnO) 0-5 %wt. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of the carboxyl anion (OZn) between the -COO- of CMC and the free Zn+ ion of ZnO. The tensile strength of the TPMS/CMC/ZnO blend increased 7 time with ZnO 5 % (14 MPa) addition compared to TPMS (2 MPa). The color (∆E) of TPMS/CMC/ZnO differed notably at high ZnO concentrations (1-5 %wt). The TPMS/CMC blend displayed a smooth fracture surface due to the miscibility of the materials. Small particles of ZnO dispersed finely in the TPMS matrix and increased the interfacial tension and water contact angle of the blends. The miscibility of TPS with CMC and the occurrence of ionic interactions of -COO- of CMC and -OH of starch with the Zn+ ion as physical crosslinking were indicated to improve the mechanical properties and water resistance of the blends.

Bamboo Pulp Toughening Poly (Lactic Acid) Composite Using Reactive Epoxy Resin.

A novel poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composite with excellent mechanical properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance was developed using a reactive melt-blending technique. PLA was melt mixed with epoxy resin (EPOXY) and bamboo pulp (PULP) to improve its reaction and mechanical properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful reaction of the PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites; the epoxy groups of EPOXY reacted with the -COOH groups of PLA and the -OH groups of PULP. The PLA/EPOXY/PULP5 composite showed a high tensile strength (67 MPa) and high toughness of 762 folding cycles, whereas the highest tensile strength was 77 MPa in the PLA/EPOXY5/PULP20 sample. SEM images presented a gap between the PLA and PULP; gap size decreased with the addition of EPOXY. The Tg of the PLA decreased with the EPOXY plasticizer effect, whereas the Tm did not significantly change. PULP induced crystallinity and increased Vicat softening of the PLA/PULP and PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites. The EPOXY reaction of the PLA/PULP composites improved their tensile properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance.

Property Improvements of Silica-Filled Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Butadiene Rubber Blend Incorporated with Fatty-Acid-Containing Palm Oil.

Using vegetable oils as a plasticizer or processing aid in green rubber products is becoming popular due to environmental concerns. However, differences in vegetable oil processing result in varying amounts of low-molecular-weight (low-MW) free fatty acids (FFAs) in their composition, which range from 2% to 30%. This research investigated how the properties of silica-filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and butadiene rubber (BR) blends were affected by the presence of FFAs in palm oil (PO). The rubber compounds containing a 70/30 SBR/BR blend, 30 phr of silica, and 2 phr of bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT), and the vulcanizing agents were prepared and tested. The PO content was kept constant at 20 phr, while the number of FFAs, i.e., lauric acid (LA), palmitic acid (PA), and oleic acid (OA), in PO varied from 10-30%. The viscosity, dynamic mechanical properties, morphology, cure characteristics, and mechanical properties of the rubber blend were then measured. Regardless of the FFA types, increasing FFA content in PO decreased scorch time, cure time, minimum torque, and viscosity. As the FFA content increased, the torque difference and crosslink density also increased, which led to higher hardness, modulus, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. The FFA types had a slight effect on the vulcanizate properties, even though LA showed slightly better mechanical properties than PA and OA. The results reveal that FFAs in PO not only improve processability but also function as a co-activator in silica-filled sulfur-vulcanized SBR/BR blend compounds.

Reactive Blending of Modified Thermoplastic Starch Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Poly(butylene succinate) Blending with Epoxy Compatibilizer.

Biodegradable starch-based polymers were developed by melt-blending modified thermoplastic starch (MTPS) with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) blended with epoxy resin (Er). A modified thermoplastic starch blend with chlorhexidine gluconate (MTPSCh) was prepared by melt-blending cassava starch with glycerol and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) 1.0% wt. The Er was melt-blended with PBS (PBSE) at concentrations of 0.50%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% (wt%/wt%). The mechanical properties, water resistance, and morphology of the MTPSCh/PBSE blends were investigated. The MTPSCh/PBSE2.5% blend showed an improvement in tensile strength (8.1 MPa) and elongation at break (86%) compared to the TPSCh/PBS blend (2.6 MPa and 53%, respectively). In addition, water contact angle measurements indicated an increase in the hydrophobicity of the MTPSCh/PBSE blends. Thermogravimetric analysis showed an improvement in thermal stability when PBS was added to the MTPSCh blends. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data confirmed a new reaction between the amino groups of CHG in MTPSCh and the epoxy groups of Er in PBSE, which improved the interfacial adhesion of the MTPSCh/PBSE blends. This reaction improved the mechanical properties, water resistance, morphology, and thermal stability of the TPSCh/PBSE blends.

The nutritional value, bioactive availability and functional properties of garlic and its related products during processing.

Garlic, a common culinary spice, is cultivated and used around the globe. Consumption of garlic and its supplements reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and boosts the immune system with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties. Diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, triallyl trisulfide, phenolics, flavonoids, and others are the most commercially recognized active ingredients in garlic and its products. In recent years, global demand for medicinal or functional garlic has surged, introducing several products such as garlic oil, aged garlic, black garlic, and inulin into the market. Garlic processing has been demonstrated to directly impact the availability of bioactive ingredients and the functionality of products. Depending on the anticipated functional qualities, it is also recommended that one or a combination of processing techniques be deemed desirable over the others. This work describes the steps involved in processing fresh garlic into products and their physicochemical alterations during processing. Their nutritional, phytochemical, and functional properties are also reviewed. Considering the high demand for functional food, this review has been compiled to provide guidance for food producers on the industrial utilization and suitability of garlic for new product development.

Extraction of gymnemic acid from Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne. leaves and production of dry powder extract using maltodextrin.

The aim of the present study was to maximize the extraction of gymnemic acid (GA) from Phak Chiang Da (PCD) leaves, an indigenous medicinal plant used for diabetic treatment in Northern Thailand. The goal was to overcome the low concentration of GA in the leaves, which limits its applications among a larger population and develop a process to produce GA-enriched PCD extract powder. The solvent extraction method was employed to extract GA from PCD leaves. The effect of ethanol concentration and extraction temperature were investigated to determine the optimum extraction conditions. A process was developed to produce GA-enriched PCD extract powder, and its properties were characterized. In addition, color analysis (L*, a*, and b*) was performed to evaluate the overall appearance of the PCD extract powder. Antioxidant activity assay was conducted to assess the ability of the PCD extract powder to neutralize DPPH free radicals. The results showed that the concentration of 50% (v/v) ethanol at 70 °C for 2 h resulted in a higher GA concentration of 8307 mg/kg from dried PCD leaves. During the drying process, the use of maltodextrin at a concentration of 0.5% (w/v) was found to produce PCD extract powder with the maximum GA concentration. The color analysis revealed that the PCD extract powder had a dark greenish tint mixed with yellow. The antioxidant activity assay showed that 0.1 g of PCD extract powder was able to neutralize 75.8% of DPPH free radicals. The results concluded that PCD extract powder could potentially be used as a source of nutraceuticals or as a functional food ingredient. These findings suggest the potential value of GA-rich PCD extract powder in various applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food industries.

Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Bamboos and Their Application in Cassava Starch-Based Film.

Cellulose from different species of bamboo (Thyrsostachys siamesi Gamble, Dendrocalamus sericeus Munro (DSM), Bambusa logispatha, and Bambusa sp.) was converted to cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by a chemical-mechanical method. First, bamboo fibers were pre-treated (removal of lignin and hemicellulose) to obtain cellulose. Next, the cellulose was hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid using ultrasonication to obtain CNCs. The diameters of CNCs are in the range of 11-375 nm. The CNCs from DSM showed the highest yield and crystallinity, which was chosen in the film fabrication. The plasticized cassava starch-based films with various amounts (0-0.6 g) of CNCs (from DSM) were prepared and characterized. As the number of CNCs in cassava starch-based films increased, water solubility and the water vapor permeability of CNCs decreased. In addition, the atomic force microscope of the nanocomposite films showed that CNC particles were dispersed uniformly on the surface of cassava starch-based film at 0.2 and 0.4 g content. However, the number of CNCs at 0.6 g resulted in more CNC agglomeration in cassava starch-based films. The 0.4 g CNC in cassava starch-based film was found to have the highest tensile strength (4.2 MPa). Cassava starch-incorporated CNCs from bamboo film can be applied as a biodegradable packaging material.

Ethyl cellulose composite membranes containing a 2D material (MoS2) and helical carbon nanotubes for efficient solar steam generation and desalination.

With the increasing water consumption, water evaporators have been investigated for clean water production. Herein, the fabrication of electrospun composite membrane evaporators based on ethyl cellulose (EC), with the incorporation of light-absorption enhancers 2D MoS2 and helical carbon nanotubes, for steam generation and solar desalination is described. Under natural sunlight, the maximum water evaporation rate was 2.02 kg m-2 h-1 with an evaporation efficiency of 93.2 % (1 sun) and reached 2.42 kg m-2 h-1 at 12:00 pm (1.35 sun). The composite membranes demonstrated self-floating on the air-water interface and minimal accumulation of superficial salt during the desalination process due to the hydrophobic character of EC. For concentrated saline water (21 wt% NaCl), the composite membranes maintained a relatively high evaporation rate of up to ~79 % compared to the freshwater evaporation rate. The composite membranes are robust due to the thermomechanical stability of the polymer even while operating under steam-generating conditions. Over repeated use, they exhibited excellent reusability with a relative water mass change of >90 % compared to the first evaporation cycle. Moreover, desalination of artificial seawater produced a lower cation concentration (~3-5 orders of magnitude) and thereby yielded potable water, indicating the potential for solar-driven freshwater generation.

Enhancement in mechanical and antimicrobial properties of epoxidized natural rubber via reactive blending with chlorhexidine gluconate.

An epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blend with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was prepared using a two-roll mill at 130 °C. CHG was added at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10% (w/w) as an antimicrobial additive. The ENR blend with 10% (w/w) CHG showed the best tensile strength, elastic recovery, and Shore A hardness. The ENR/CHG blend exhibited a smooth fracture surface. The appearance of a new peak in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed that the amino groups of CHG reacted with the epoxy groups of ENR. The ENR with 10% CHG exhibited an inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus. The proposed blending improved the mechanical properties, elasticity, morphology, and antimicrobial properties of the ENR.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties and GC-MS Chemical Compositions of Makwaen Pepper (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum) Extracted Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide.

This research aimed to optimize pressure (10-20 MPa) and temperature (45-60 °C) conditions for supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of Makwaen pepper (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum) extract (ME) in comparison to conventional hydro-distillation extraction. Various quality parameters, including yield, total phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activities of the extracts, were assessed and optimized using a central composite design. The optimal SFE conditions were found to be 20 MPa at 60 °C, which resulted in the highest yield (19%) and a total phenolic compound content of 31.54 mg GAE/mL extract. IC50 values for DPPH and ABTS assays were determined to be 26.06 and 19.90 µg/mL extract, respectively. Overall, the ME obtained through SFE exhibited significantly better physicochemical and antioxidant properties compared to ME obtained through hydro-distillation extraction. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that beta-pinene was the major component in the ME obtained through SFE (23.10%), followed by d-limonene, alpha-pinene, and terpinen-4-ol at concentrations of 16.08, 7.47, and 6.34%, respectively. On the other hand, the hydro-distillation-extracted ME showed stronger antimicrobial properties than the SFE-extracted ME. These findings suggest that both SFE and hydro-distillation have the potential for extracting Makwaen pepper, depending on the intended purpose of use.