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Strong, anti-swelling, and biodegradable seaweed-based straws with surface mineralized CaCO3 armor.
Liu, Yuanpu; Peng, Wen; Wei, Ting; Yuan, Yajie; Cao, Xianyu; Ma, Meng; Sun, Qingjie; Li, Man; Xie, Fengwei.
Affiliation
  • Liu Y; College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
  • Peng W; College of Horticulture, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
  • Wei T; College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
  • Yuan Y; College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
  • Cao X; College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
  • Ma M; College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
  • Sun Q; College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China.
  • Li M; College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, PR China; Qingdao Special Food Research Institute, Qingdao 266109, PR China. Electronic address: manliqau@163.com.
  • Xie F; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
Carbohydr Polym ; 341: 122347, 2024 Oct 01.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38876717
ABSTRACT
While the extensive utilization of disposable plastic straws has resulted in significant environmental issues such as microplastics and soil and ocean pollution, the quest for alternative straws for versatile use remains a formidable challenge. Here, drawing inspiration from naturally water-resistant materials such as bones and sea urchins, we have developed seaweed-based straws with significantly improved water resistance and mechanical strength via in-situ mineralization of CaCO3 on their surfaces. Specifically, the COO- groups on the G (α-L-guluronate) blocks of alginate were employed to establish a robust cross-linked network, while the COO- groups on the M (ß-D-mannuronate) blocks attracted free Ca2+ through electrostatic forces, thereby promoting CaCO3 nucleation. This effectively prevents COOH groups from hydrating, reducing swelling, and results in the fabrication of nano- to micron-sized CaCO3 particles that reinforce the structure without compromising the cross-linked network. Compared with the control group, the S5% sample (prepared with 5 % Na2CO3 solution) exhibited a 102 % increase in water contact angle, a 35 % decrease in swelling degree, and a 35.5 % and 37.5 % increase in ultimate flexural and tensile stress, respectively. Furthermore, the potential use of these straws as a waste for heavy metal adsorption was investigated, addressing environmental concerns while demonstrating economic feasibility.
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Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Seaweed / Calcium Carbonate Language: En Journal: Carbohydr Polym Year: 2024 Document type: Article Country of publication:

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Seaweed / Calcium Carbonate Language: En Journal: Carbohydr Polym Year: 2024 Document type: Article Country of publication: