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1.
Biomacromolecules ; 25(7): 4604-4614, 2024 Jul 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38922332

RESUMO

As a natural renewable biomacromolecule, lignin has some inherently interesting properties such as fluorescence, antioxidation, and antibacterial performance. However, the unsatisfactory fluorescence and biological activities have greatly limited their value-added and large-scale applications. In this work, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) grafted with vitamin B1 hybrid nanoparticles (LEVs) were obtained by using ethylenediamine and different contents of vitamin B1 through a simple hydrothermal method. The chemical structure, fluorescence properties, and bioactivity were characterized to assess the effects of ethylenediamine and vitamin B1 on the properties of LEVs. It was found that the fluorescence performance of synthesized LEV particles was improved with the increase in the amount of vitamin B1. The free radical scavenging rate (RSA, %) increased to 97.8%, while the antibacterial rates reached up to 99.9%. The antibacterial activity of LEV involved multiple combined mechanisms. The introduction of imine, amide groups, and positively charged VB1 of LEV will make it easier to interact with the negatively charged bacterial phospholipid membranes and cause bacterial lysis and death. Then, the PVA/LEV hydrogel composites were prepared by the freezing-thawing method, and the results showed that PVA/LEV hydrogels had more comprehensive performance such as improved mechanical properties and antioxidant and antibacterial activities, resulting in its great potential to be used as an efficient biomedical material.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos , Lignina , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/química , Lignina/química , Lignina/farmacologia , Nanopartículas/química , Tiamina/química , Tiamina/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Fluorescência , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos , Hidrogéis/química , Hidrogéis/farmacologia
2.
Biomacromolecules ; 22(6): 2693-2701, 2021 06 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34077181

RESUMO

In recent years, lignin specific activities, such as antioxidation and antibacterial and anti-ultraviolet performance, have drawn more and more attention. Nevertheless, the insufficient radical scavenging (antioxidation) activity has become one of the main drawbacks that limits its high-value application. In this study, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared via a facile acid treatment strategy. Subsequently, surface amination of LNPs (a-LNPs) was carried out through the Mannich reaction. Specifically, the antioxidant behavior of LNPs and modified LNPs was evaluated by DPPH/DMPO radical scavenging and in vitro HeLa cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging tests, which demonstrated that the antioxidation activity of a-LNPs was more evident than that of both LNPs and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) commercial antioxidant. The mechanism of the radical scavenging ability of aminated LNPs was elucidated and proved to be related to the bond dissociation enthalpy of Ar-O···H, determined by the electron-donating effect of the substituted groups in the ortho-position. Meanwhile, the morphologies, solubilities, and UV-absorbing and antibacterial behavior of LNPs and a-LNPs were also studied, and the results showed that a-LNP sample exhibited higher UV resistance performance than LNPs. We expected that the modified LNPs with high antioxidation activity can serve as a safe and lower-cost biobased antioxidant.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Nanopartículas , Aminação , Células HeLa , Humanos , Lignina
3.
Molecules ; 26(7)2021 Apr 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33917644

RESUMO

Oxidative stability of food is one of the most important parameters affecting integrity and consequently nutritional properties of dietary constituents. Antioxidants are widely used to avoid deterioration during transformation, packaging, and storage of food. In this paper, novel poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based films were prepared by solvent casting method adding an hydroxytyrosol-enriched extract (HTyrE) or an oleuropein-enriched extract (OleE) in different percentages (5, 10 and 20% w/w) and a combination of both at 5% w/w. Both extracts were obtained from olive oil wastes and by-products using a sustainable process based on membrane technologies. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of each sample carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear resonance magnetic spectroscopy (NMR) proved that the main components were hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) and oleuropein (Ole), respectively, two well-known antioxidant bioactive compounds found in Olea europaea L. All novel formulations were characterized investigating their morphological, optical and antioxidant properties. The promising performances suggest a potential use in active food packaging to preserve oxidative-sensitive food products. Moreover, this research represents a valuable example of reuse and valorization of agro-industrial wastes and by-products according to the circular economy model.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Glucosídeos Iridoides/farmacologia , Azeite de Oliva/química , Álcool Feniletílico/análogos & derivados , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Álcool de Polivinil/química , Resíduos/análise , Varredura Diferencial de Calorimetria , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/química , Glucosídeos Iridoides/química , Fenóis/análise , Álcool Feniletílico/química , Álcool Feniletílico/farmacologia , Espectroscopia de Prótons por Ressonância Magnética , Termogravimetria
4.
Biomacromolecules ; 21(8): 3254-3269, 2020 08 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32602702

RESUMO

Considering the current context of research aiming at proposing new bioplastics with low costs and properties similar to fossil-based commodities currently on the market, in the present work, a hybrid blend containing a prevalent amount of cheap inedible cereal flour (70 wt %) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) (30 wt %) has been prepared by a simple, eco-friendly, and low-cost processing methodology. In order to improve the interfacial tension and enhance the adhesion between the different phases at the solid state, with consequent improvement in microstructure uniformity and in material mechanical and adhesive performance, the PBS fraction in the blend was replaced with variable amounts (0-25 wt %) of PBS-based green copolymer, which exerted the function of a compatibilizer. The copolymer is characterized by an ad hoc chemical structure, containing six-carbon aliphatic rings, also present in the flour starch structure. The two synthetic polyesters obtained through two-stage melt polycondensation have been deeply characterized from the molecular, thermal, and mechanical points of view. Copolymerization deeply impacts the polymer final properties, the crystallizing ability, and stiffness of the PBS homopolymer being reduced. Also, the prepared ternary blends were deeply investigated in terms of microstructure, thermal, and mechanical properties. Lastly, both pure blend components and ternary blends were subjected to disintegration experiments under composting conditions. The results obtained proved how effective was the compatibilizer action of the copolymer, as evidenced by the investigation conducted on morphology and mechanical properties. Specifically, the mixtures with 15 and 20 wt % Co appeared to be characterized by the best mechanical performance, showing a progressive increase of deformation while preserving good values of elastic modulus and stress. The disintegration rate in compost was found to be higher for the lower amount of copolymer in the ternary blend. However, after 90 days of incubation, the blend richest in copolymer content lost 62% of weight.


Assuntos
Farinha , Triticum , Butileno Glicóis , Polímeros
5.
Molecules ; 25(17)2020 Aug 29.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32872548

RESUMO

The main objective of this research activity was to design and realize active films with tunable food functional properties. In detail, caffeic acid (CA), a polyphenol with high antioxidant effect, was used as active ingredient in poly (vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (EVOH) films at 5 wt.% and 15 wt.% and successfully realized by means of the solvent casting process. Optical, morphological, thermal and mechanical studies were considered to define the effect of the presence of the CA component on the structural properties of the matrix. In addition, moisture content and antioxidant activity were evaluated, to have clear information on the CA effect in terms of functional characteristics of realized food packaging systems. Results from tensile tests showed increased values for strength and deformation at break in EVOH_CA based films. Results from colorimetric and transparency analysis underlined that the presence of caffeic acid in EVOH copolymer induces some alterations, whereas the addition of the active ingredient determined a positive radical scavenging activity of the formulations, confirming the possibility of practically using these polymeric systems in the food packaging sector.


Assuntos
Antioxidantes/química , Ácidos Cafeicos/química , Embalagem de Alimentos , Polivinil/química , Fenômenos Mecânicos
6.
Molecules ; 26(1)2020 Dec 29.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33383931

RESUMO

Polylactic acid (PLA) films containing 1 wt % and 3 wt % of lignin nanoparticles (pristine (LNP), chemically modified with citric acid (caLNP) and acetylated (aLNP)) were prepared by extrusion and characterized in terms of their overall performance as food packaging materials. Morphological, mechanical, thermal, UV-Vis barrier, antioxidant and antibacterial properties were assayed; appropriate migration values in food simulants and disintegration in simulated composting conditions were also verified. The results obtained indicated that all lignin nanoparticles succeeded in conferring UV-blocking, antioxidant and antibacterial properties to the PLA films, especially at the higher filler loadings assayed. Chemical modification of the fillers partially reduced the UV protection and the antioxidant properties of the resulting composites, but it induced better nanoparticles dispersion, reduced aggregates size, enhanced ductility and improved aesthetic quality of the films through reduction of the characteristic dark color of lignin. Migration tests and disintegration assays of the nanocomposites in simulated composting conditions indicated that, irrespectively of their formulation, the multifunctional nanocomposite films prepared behaved similarly to neat PLA.


Assuntos
Plásticos Biodegradáveis/química , Embalagem de Alimentos , Lignina/química , Nanocompostos/química , Poliésteres/química , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Plásticos Biodegradáveis/farmacologia , Compostos de Bifenilo/química , Compostos de Bifenilo/farmacologia , Carbamatos/química , Carbamatos/farmacologia , Ácido Cítrico/química , Ácido Cítrico/farmacologia , Fulerenos/química , Fulerenos/farmacologia , Lignina/farmacologia , Nanocompostos/ultraestrutura , Nanopartículas/química , Nanopartículas/ultraestrutura , Niacinamida/análogos & derivados , Niacinamida/química , Niacinamida/farmacologia , Poliésteres/farmacologia , Pirazóis/química , Pirazóis/farmacologia , Protetores Solares/química , Protetores Solares/farmacologia
7.
Molecules ; 24(23)2019 Nov 20.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31757106

RESUMO

This work deals with the formulation of environmentally friendly, cheap, and readily-available materials for green building applications, providing the function of air purificator by improving the safety and the comfort of an indoor environment. High surface area TiO2-SiO2 samples, prepared by a simple, cost effective, and scalable synthetic approach, proved to be effective in maximizing the properties of each component, i.e., the photocatalytic properties of titania and the high surface area of silica. TiO2 was introduced onto an ordered mesoporous silica Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15), that is featured by interesting insulating features, by using an incipient wetness impregnation method. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated in gas phase oxidation of ethylbenzene, which was selected as model volatile organic compound (VOC) molecule. The morphological, textural and structural features along with the electronic properties, the hydrophilicity and heat capacity of the materials were investigated in depth by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis, FT-IR spectroscopies, and modulated DSC (MDSC) dynamic scan. Outstanding performances in the ethylbenzene abatement results are promising for further application in the green building sector.


Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/química , Poluição do Ar em Ambientes Fechados , Derivados de Benzeno/química , Materiais de Construção , Dióxido de Silício/química , Titânio/química , Oxirredução , Porosidade
8.
Molecules ; 24(17)2019 Aug 27.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31461962

RESUMO

This work investigates the feasibility of using coffee silverskin (CSS) as a reinforcing agent in biobased polyethylene (BioPE) composites, by adding it in bulk and thin film samples. The effect of two different treatments, alkali bleaching (CSS_A) and esterification with palmitoyl chloride (CSS_P), on mechanical, thermal, morphological and water absorption behavior of produced materials at different CSS loading (10, 20 and 30 wt %) was investigated. A reactive graft copolymerization of BioPE with maleic anhydride was considered in the case of alkali treated CSS. It was found that, when introduced in bulk samples, improvement in the elastic modulus and a reduction in strain at maximum stress were observed with the increase in CSS fraction for the untreated and treated CSS composites, while the low aspect ratio of the CSS particles and their poor adhesion with the polymeric matrix were responsible for reduced ductility in films, decreasing crystallinity values and reduction of elastic moduli. When CSS_A and CSS_P are introduced in the matrix, a substantial reduction in the water uptake is also obtained in films, mainly due to presence of maleated PE, that builds up some interactions to eliminate the amounts of OH groups and hydrophobized CSS, due to the weakened absorption capacity of the functionalized CSS.


Assuntos
Café/química , Anidridos Maleicos/química , Palmitatos/química , Módulo de Elasticidade , Esterificação , Estudos de Viabilidade , Teste de Materiais , Propriedades de Superfície
9.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 17(19): 12760-70, 2015 May 21.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25902727

RESUMO

Styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene (SBS) copolymers epoxidised at different epoxidation degrees were used as modifiers for diglycidyl ether of the bisphenol A-diamino diphenyl methane (DGEBA-DDM) system. Epoxy systems containing modified epoxidised styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene (eSBS) triblock copolymer with compositions ranging from 0 to 30 wt% were prepared and the curing reaction was monitored in situ using rheometry and pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) analysis. By controlling the mole percent of epoxidation, we could generate vesicles, worm-like micelles and core-shell nanodomains. At the highest mole percent of epoxidation, the fraction of the epoxy miscible component in the triblock copolymer (epoxidised polybutadiene (PB)) was maximum. This gave rise to core-shell nanodomains having a size of 10-15 nm, in which the incompatible polystyrene (PS) becomes the core, the unepoxidised PB becomes the shell and the epoxidised PB interpenetrates with the epoxy phase. On the other hand, the low level of epoxidation gave rise to bigger domains having a size of ∼1 µm and the intermediate epoxidation level resulted in a worm-like structure. This investigation specifically focused on the importance of cure rheology on nanostructure formation, using rheometry. The reaction induced phase separation of the PS phase in the epoxy matrix was carefully explored through rheological measurements. PVT measurements during curing were carried out to understand the volume shrinkage of the blend, confirming that shrinkage behaviour is related to the block copolymer phase separation process during curing. The volume shrinkage was found to be maximum in the case of blends with unmodified SBS, where a heterogeneous morphology was observed, while a decrease in the shrinkage was evidenced in the case of SBS epoxidation. It could be explained by two effects: (1) solubility of the epoxidised block copolymer in the DGEBA leads to the formation of nanoscopic domains upon reaction induced phase separation and (2) the plasticisation effect of the epoxidised block copolymer in the epoxy resin.

10.
Plants (Basel) ; 13(13)2024 Jul 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38999679

RESUMO

Agriculture has a significant environmental impact and is simultaneously called to major challenges, such as responding to the need to develop more sustainable cropping systems with higher productivity. In this context, the present study aimed to obtain lignin nanoparticles (LNs) from pomace, a waste product of the olive oil chain, to be used as a nanobiostimulant in tomato plants. The biostimulant effect of this biopolymer is known, but its reduction to nanometer size can emphasize this property. Tomato plants were subjected to different LN dosages (25, 50, and 100 mg L-1) by foliar application, and inductive effects on photosynthetic machinery, aerial and root biomass production, and root morphology were observed. The treated plants showed increased efficiency in catching and using light, while they reduced the fraction dissipated as heat or potentially toxic to cells for the possibility of creating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Finally, this benefit was matched by increased pigment content and a stimulatory action on the content of nitrogen (NBI) and antioxidant substances such as flavonoids. In conclusion, the present study broadens the horizon of substances with biostimulant action by demonstrating the validity and efficacy of nanobiostimulants obtained from biological residues from the olive oil production chain.

11.
Int J Biol Macromol ; 264(Pt 2): 130773, 2024 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38467211

RESUMO

This work reports on the development of starch-rich thermoplastic based formulations produced by using mango kernel flour, avoiding the extraction process of starch from mango kernel to produce these materials. Glycerol, sorbitol and urea at 15 wt% are used as plasticizers to obtain thermoplastic starch (TPS) formulations by extrusion and injection-moulding processes. Mechanical results show that sorbitol and urea allowed to obtain samples with tensile strength and elongation at break higher than the glycerol-plasticized sample, achieving values of 2.9 MPa of tensile strength and 42 % of elongation at break at 53 % RH. These results are supported by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs, where a limited concentration of voids was observed in the samples with sorbitol and urea, indicating a better interaction between starch and the plasticizers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that urea and sorbitol increase the thermal stability of TPS in comparison to the glycerol-plasticized sample. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic-mechanical-thermal analysis (DMTA) verify the increase in stiffness of the sorbitol and urea plasticized TPS and also illustrate an increase in the glass transition temperature of both samples in comparison to the glycerol-plasticized sample. Glass transition temperatures of 45 °C were achieved for the sample with sorbitol.


Assuntos
Mangifera , Plastificantes , Plastificantes/química , Amido/química , Glicerol/química , Farinha , Plásticos , Sorbitol/química , Ureia/química
12.
Polymers (Basel) ; 16(10)2024 May 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38794588

RESUMO

Using biomass to develop and obtain environmentally friendly and industrially applicable biomaterials is increasingly attracting global interest. Herein, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were extracted from Lemna minor L., a freshwater free-floating aquatic species commonly called duckweed. To obtain CNCs and LNPs, two different procedures and biomass treatment processes based on bleaching or on the use of an ionic liquid composed of triethylammonium and sulfuric acid ([TEA][HSO4]), followed by acid hydrolysis, were carried out. Then, the effects of these treatments in terms of the thermal, morphological, and chemical properties of the CNCs and LNPs were assessed. The resulting nanostructured materials were characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the two methodologies applied resulted in both CNCs and LNPs. However, the bleaching-based treatment produced CNCs with a rod-like shape, length of 100-300 nm and width in the range of 10-30 nm, and higher purity than those obtained with ILs that were spherical in shape. In contrast, regarding lignin, IL made it possible to obtain spherical nanoparticles, as in the case of the other treatment, but they were characterized by higher purity and thermal stability. In conclusion, this research highlights the possibility of obtaining nanostructured biopolymers from an invasive aquatic species that is largely available in nature and how it is possible, by modifying experimental procedures, to obtain nanomaterials with different morphological, purity, and thermal resistance characteristics.

13.
Polymers (Basel) ; 15(22)2023 Nov 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38006105

RESUMO

The mechanical performance of thermoplastic bulk samples obtained by plasticizing wheat flours differing in grain hardness, alveographic parameters, absence or presence of bran, and grinding level was assessed. Grains of four bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Altamira, Aubusson, Blasco, and Bologna) were milled with the aim of producing single-cultivar refined flour (R), or wholegrain flour with fine (F) or coarse (C) grinding. The flours were plasticized, injection molded and tested for tensile properties. The results confirmed that the presence of bran increased the strength (σ) and reduced the elongation at break (ε) of thermoplastics obtained from the flours of each cultivar. The grinding level had an effect, since σ was higher and ε was lower in F than in C samples. SEM analysis of samples revealed that the bran and its texture affected the exposure of starch granules to plasticizer. Composting experiments also revealed that the formulations are able to disintegrate within 21 days with a mass loss rate higher in plastics from F than C flours, while germination tests carried out with cress seeds indicated that it takes two months before the compost loses its phytotoxic effects. Overall, the refining and bran particle size of wheat flours, besides their gluten composition and baking properties, represent novel choice factors to be considered when tailoring the manufacturing of plastic materials for selected requirements and uses.

14.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(22)2023 Nov 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37999307

RESUMO

Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) is a bio-compatible polymer widely used in additive manufacturing, and in the form of cellular foam it shows excellent mechanical and piezoelectric properties. This type of structure can be easily 3D-printed by Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM) with commercially available composite filaments. In this work, we present mechanical and electrical investigations on 3D-printed low-cost and eco-friendly foamed PLA. The cellular microstructure and the foaming degree were tuned by varying extrusion temperature and flowrate. The maximum surface potential and charge stability of disk samples were found in correspondence of extrusion temperature between 230 and 240 °C with a flowrate of 53-44% when charging on a heated bed at 85 °C. The cells' morphology and correlated mechanical properties were analyzed and the measured piezoelectric d33 coefficient was found to be 212 pC/N. These findings show the importance of printing parameters and thermal treatment during the charging process in order to obtain the highest charge storage, stability and material flexibility. These results suggest that 3D-printed cellular PLA is a promising sustainable material for sensing and energy-harvesting applications.

15.
Pharmaceutics ; 15(8)2023 Jul 31.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37631271

RESUMO

Hazelnut shells, the main waste deriving from hazelnut processing, represent an interesting source of active molecules useful in pharmaceutics, although they have not yet been examined in depth. A hydrosoluble extract (hazelnut shell extract, HSE) was prepared by the maceration method using a hydroalcoholic solution and used as the active ingredient of patches (prepared by casting method) consisting of composites of highly deacetylated chitosan and green clay. In vitro studies showed that the formulation containing HSE is able to stimulate keratinocyte growth, which is useful for healing purposes, and to inhibit the growth of S. aureus (Log CFU/mL 0.95 vs. 8.85 of the control after 48 h); this bacterium is often responsible for wound infections and is difficult to treat by conventional antibiotics due to its antibiotic resistance. The produced patches showed suitable tensile properties that are necessary to withstand mechanical stress during both the removal from the packaging and application. The obtained results suggest that the developed patch could be a suitable product to treat wounds.

16.
Int J Pharm ; 638: 122925, 2023 May 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37028573

RESUMO

ß-glucan is a well-known functional and bioactive food ingredient. Recently, some studies highlighted several interesting pharmacological activities, such as hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study is to evaluate a novel application of ß-glucan, obtained from barley, for the development of formulations for skin use. Several water suspensions were obtained from barley flour of different particle sizes treated by high power ultrasonic (HPU) technique. Barley flour fraction in the range of 400-500 µm allowed to obtain a stable suspension, represented both by a water soluble and water insoluble fraction of ß-glucans, that showed excellent film forming ability. The plasticizer sorbitol as well as the bioadhesive biopolymer acacia gum were added to this suspension in order to obtain a gel suitable to prepare films by casting. The obtained films demonstrated suitable mechanical properties and ability to stimulate in vitro keratinocytes growth suggesting its possible application in dermatological field as for wound treatment. This study demonstrated the dual use of barley suspension: as excipient and as active ingredient.


Assuntos
Hordeum , beta-Glucanas , Ultrassom , Farinha , Água , Extratos Vegetais
17.
Polymers (Basel) ; 15(18)2023 Sep 17.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37765648

RESUMO

The aim of this work was to develop sustainable patches for wound application, using the biopolymer starch, created using a low-cost 3D printing PAM device. The composition of a starch gel was optimized for PAM extrusion: corn starch 10% w/w, ß-glucan water suspension (filler, 1% w/w), glycerol (plasticizer, 29% w/w), and water 60% w/w. The most suitable 3D printing parameters were optimized as well (nozzle size 0.8 mm, layer height 0.2 mm, infill 100%, volumetric flow rate 3.02 mm3/s, and print speed 15 mm/s). The suitable conditions for post-printing drying were set at 37 °C for 24 h. The obtained patch was homogenous but with low mechanical resistance. To solve this problem, the starch gel was extruded over an alginate support, which, after drying, becomes an integral part of the product, constituting the backing layer of the final formulation. This approach significantly improved the physicochemical and post-printing properties of the final bilayer patch, showing suitable mechanical properties such as elastic modulus (3.80 ± 0.82 MPa), strength (0.92 ± 0.08 MPa), and deformation at break (50 ± 1%). The obtained results suggest the possibility of low-cost production of patches for wound treatment by additive manufacturing technology.

18.
Polymers (Basel) ; 14(24)2022 Dec 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36559837

RESUMO

The development of bio-based materials is of great importance in the present environmental circumstances; hence, research has greatly advanced in the valorization of lignin from lignocellulosic wastes. Lignin is a natural polymer with a crosslinked structure, valuable antiradical activity, unique thermal- and UV-absorption properties, and biodegradability, which justify its use in several prospective and useful application sectors. The active functionalities of lignin promote its use as a valuable material to be adopted in the composite and nanocomposites arenas, being useful and suitable for consideration both for the synthesis of matrices and as a nanofiller. The aim of this review is to summarize, after a brief introduction on the need for alternative green solutions to petroleum-based plastics, the synthesis methods for bio-based and/or biodegradable thermoplastic and thermosetting nanocomposites, along with the application of lignin nanoparticles in all green polymeric matrices, thus generating responsiveness towards the sustainable use of this valuable product in the environment.

19.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 12(3)2022 Feb 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35159913

RESUMO

Nanotechnologies are attracting attention in various scientific fields for their technological and application potential, including their use as bio-activators and nanocarriers in agriculture. This work aimed to synthesize a hybrid material (ZnO@LNP) consisting of lignin nanoparticles containing zinc oxide (4 wt %). The synthesized ZnO hybrid material showed catalytic effect toward thermal degradation, as evidenced by the TGA investigation, while both spectroscopic and contact angle measurements confirmed a modification of surface hydrophilicity for the lignin nanoparticles due to the presence of hydrophobic zinc oxide. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the ZnO@LNP and the zinc release of this material were evaluated. At the application level, this study proposes for the first time the use of such a hybrid system to prime maize seeds by exploiting the release characteristics of this material. Concerning the dosage applied, ZnO@LNP promoted inductive effects on the early stages of seed development and plant growth and biomass development of young seedlings. In particular, the ZnO@LNP stimulated, in the primed seeds, a higher content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, total phenols, and a better antioxidant activity, as supported by the lower levels of lipid peroxidation found when compared to the control samples.

20.
Pharmaceutics ; 14(3)2022 Feb 22.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35335859

RESUMO

The success of wound treatment is conditioned by the combination of both suitable active ingredients and formulation. Grape seed extract (GSE), a waste by-product obtained by grape processing, is a natural source rich in many phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities and for this reason useful to be used in a wound care product. Bioadhesive polymeric patches have been realized by combining acacia gum (AG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Prototypes were prepared by considering different AG/PVP ratios and the most suitable in terms of mechanical and bioadhesion properties resulted in the 9.5/1.0 ratio. This patch was loaded with GSE combined with cyclic dextrin (CD) to obtain the molecular dispersion of the active ingredient in the dried formulation. The loaded patch resulted mechanically resistant and able to release GSE by a sustained mechanism reaching concentrations able to stimulate keratinocytes' growth, to exert both antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

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