Composite Biomaterials Research Articles

A Comprehensive Review of Different Nano – Biocomposite Materials Used in The Food Packaging Industry

Nanotechnology is the ability to manipulate materials at the nanoscale, which is approximately 1300nm in size. At this scale, particles have a significantly large surface area and display unique characteristics, including electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. As a valuable tool, nanotechnology has been employed in the food industry to enhance production processes and improve food quality. It is estimated that by 2023, approximately 1400 food and agricultural companies will actively engage in research related to nanotechnology. The impact of nanotechnology on the food industry is far-reaching and encompasses various aspects such as food processing, product formulations, food safety and biosecurity. One notable advancement is in the development of intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems. With nanotechnology, food packaging can now possess sophisticated features that help monitor freshness levels, control microbial growth, and provide other benefits that extend shelf life. This revolutionizes conventional packaging methods by promoting optimal preservation of products while maintaining high standards of safety for consumers. In conclusion, nanotechnology continues to transform the way we produce and consume food through its innovative applications in the industry. Its potential for improving efficiency and enhancing food quality makes it an essential component for future advancements in the field of agriculture and nutrition.

Citrus waste fibres for natural cosmetic and bioplastic packaging

In this work new biocomposite materials from wasted citrus peels has been validated for a value-added packaging and novel cosmetic products. Specifically, extracted natural fibres and dehydrated pulp from citrus fruit were combined with polylactic acid and other additives as materials for the production of bio-based packaging jars and cosmetic products. For the composition of the packaging an orange powder (dehydrated wastes) was found to be the best performing, while orange comminute, which results from milling the orange peel, was most suitable for composition of the cosmetic formulations. Polylactic acid was compounded with citrus fibres by up to 25 wt.% by twin screw extrusion and processed via injection moulding, one of the most widespread processing technologies for producing rigid packaging containers. Composites were characterized, defining their mechanical, morphological and thermal properties. Validation of packaging thermostability performance was performed by Heat deflection temperature in compliance to ISO75 and VICAT softening temperature in accordance with ISO306. Compatibility tests of packaging demonstrators with newly formulated cosmetic products has been investigated as well. An accelerated compatibility test of the cosmetic jars with water and oil-based simulants was performed at ambient temperature, -5 °C, and at 45 °C. The results indicated that new cosmetic packaging are not consistent with water-based cosmetic formulations but are compatible with products based on natural oils. While the price of these products is generally higher than those using conventional plastics, they are competitive for premium cosmetic brands.

Analysis on the Effect of Elevated Loading of Reclaimed Spent Bleach Earth on Physico-Mechanical Properties of PLA Polymer Composite in Single Screw Extrusion Process

Wood has found widespread use in various applications, however, this extensive usage has resulted in adverse environmental effects, such as contributing to global warming. To mitigate these impacts, there is potential in utilizing reclaimed spent bleach earth (SBE) as an alternative source for biocomposite materials. While polylactic (PLA) polymer is biodegradable, it exhibits limited mechanical properties. This study aims to explore the feasibility of incorporating SBE into polymer matrices. Different filler loading percentages for the PLA/SBE composite (0 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, and 40 wt.%) and extruder temperatures (170°C and 180°C) were considered. The SBE powder underwent characterization using techniques including Particle Size Analysis (PSA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (FESEM-EDX). Characterization data revealed that SBE particles ranged in size from 40.24 μm to 51.37 μm and exhibited a crystalline structure. Density of the SBE/PLA composite directly correlated with composition, whereas tensile strength and Young's modulus displayed an inverse relationship. Moreover, varying the temperature by 10°C did not result in significant property changes. The connection between properties and SBE filler loading was evident through alterations in density and Young's modulus values. Furthermore, the composite's behavior shifted from ductile to brittle. Examination of surface fractures through fractography established a link between composite properties, filler loading, and temperature. Images of all samples displayed well-dispersed structures without significant voids. In conclusion, ANOVA analysis indicated that filler loading significantly impacted strength properties. These findings serve as a valuable addition to the existing database, which is currently limited in its coverage of SBE/PLA polymer composites, particularly in applications like packaging.

Application of Hashin–Shtrikman bounds homogenization model for frequency analysis of imperfect FG bio-composite plates

Despite abundant theoretical investigations on the dynamic behavior of functionally graded (FG) structures, the study on frequency analysis of FG bio-composite structures is limited. FG bio-composite materials due to their biocompatibility potentials and good material properties can be applied in biomedical applications, especially dental implants. In this investigation, a natural frequency response of the FG bio-composite plate is analyzed within the framework of the newly developed refined higher-order shear deformation plate theory. Additionally, the imperfection impact on frequency behavior is evaluated while three imperfection distribution patterns are taken into account. The constitutive materials of FG bio-composite plate are Hydroxyapatite and Titanium. The effective material properties of the structure are determined with the help of the upper Hashin–Shtrikman bounds homogenization model. In continuation, to solve the derived governing equations of imperfect FG bio-composite plate, Galerkin's analytical method is employed. Also, the precision of the used theory is validated, the obtained outcomes are compared and an acceptable matching is found. Later, the sensitivity of different considerable variables is comprehensively assessed and discussed.

Flexural behaviour of bamboo scrimber beams with different composite and reinforced technology: A literature review

Bamboo scrimber (BS) is a novel renewable biocomposite material with excellent mechanical performance and stability that is suitable for load-bearing structural members. Beam-type components are among the most widely used members in structural engineering, and their flexural behaviour is crucial for the safety and applicability of structures. Based on a review of the existing literature, this article presents a comprehensive overview and discussion of the research and development of various forms of beam-type BS members with the aim of reaching a clearer understanding of the bending mechanisms and mechanical characteristics of BS beams. The members highlighted in this review include general BS beams, reinforced BS beams (with steel bars and fibre-reinforced polymer plates), composite BS beams (with profile steel and concrete), and strengthened damaged BS beams. Moreover, the factors affecting the flexural performance of BS beams, such as span-depth ratios, their mechanical properties, and reinforcing materials, are analysed quantitatively. Finally, the calculation models for the flexural bearing capacity and stiffness of BS beams are summarised and compared. This review aims to illustrate the potential of BS in the field of structural engineering and provide references for future research and design methods for BS flexural members.

Enhancing Phosphorus Fertilizer Value of Sewage Sludge Ashes and Biochars Through Chemical Pre-treatments and Application Methods

PurposeThis study aimed to improve the phosphorus (P) fertilizer value of sewage sludge ashes and biochars through different pre-treatments and application methods.MethodsIn experiment 1, two sewage sludges, their respective ash, and biochar underwent three chemical pre-treatments (H2SO4, NaOH, and Ca(OH)2. These materials were utilized as P fertilizers in a maize plant trial), using two application methods (mixed and placed). In experiment 2, biochars sourced from four sewage sludges were pre-treated with H2SO4 and NaOH and then employed as P fertilizers in a barley plant trial.ResultsExperiment 1 revealed a significant impact of application method on shoot dry matter, with mixing outperforming placement. Acidification pre-treatment of the ash led to significantly higher shoot dry matter (2.7 ± 0.3 g) and P uptake (7.9 ± 0.9 mg per plant) compared to untreated ash (0.7 ± 0.1 g; 1.9 ± 0.2 mg per plant). Similarly, NaOH-treated biochar caused elevated shoot dry matter (2.6 ± 0.4 g) and P uptake (6.9 ± 0.4 mg per plant) compared to untreated biochar (0.7 ± 0.2 g; 1.9 ± 0.1 mg per plant). These outcomes highlight the dependence of pre-treatment efficacy on biomaterial composition. Experiment 2 demonstrated that despite differing elemental compositions of the biochars, NaOH treatment led to significantly greater shoot dry matter and P uptake compared to untreated and acidified treatments.ConclusionsChemical pre-treatments have the potential to enhance the short-term P fertilizer value of ashes and biochar. However, further studies are essential to assess the economic feasibility and potential environmental risks, including increased heavy metal solubility.Graphical

A review on exploration of the mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed biocomposites fabricated by fused deposition modelling (FDM)

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the current state of biocomposites used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) with a focus on their mechanical characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThe study presents a variety of biocomposite materials that have been used in filaments for 3D printing by different researchers. The process of making filaments is then described, followed by a discussion of the process parameters associated with the FDM.FindingsTo achieve better mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts, it is essential to optimize the process parameters of FDM while considering the characteristics of the biocomposite material. Polylactic acid is considered the most promising matrix material due to its biodegradability and lower cost. Moreover, the use of natural fibres like hemp, flax and sugarcane bagasse as reinforcement to the polymer in FDM filaments improves the mechanical performance of printed parts.Originality/valueThe paper discusses the influence of critical process parameters of FDM like raster angle, layer thickness, infill density, infill pattern and extruder temperature on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed biocomposite.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Biomass–Fungi Biocomposite Materials: The Effects of Mixing and Printing Parameters on Fungal Growth

Biomass–fungi biocomposite materials are derived from sustainable sources and can biodegrade at the end of their service. They can be used to manufacture products that are traditionally made from petroleum-based plastics. There are potential applications for these products in the packaging, furniture, and construction industries. In the biomass–fungi biocomposite materials, the biomass particles (made from agricultural waste such as hemp hurd) act as the substrate, and a network of fungal hyphae grow through and bind the biomass particles together. Typically, molding-based methods are used to manufacture products using these biocomposite materials. Recently, the authors reported a novel extrusion-based 3D printing method using these biocomposite materials. This paper reports a follow-up investigation into the effects of mixing parameters (mixing time and mixing mode) on fungal growth in biomass–fungi mixtures prepared for 3D printing and the effects of printing parameters (printing speed and extrusion pressure) on fungal growth in printed samples. The fungal growth was quantified using the number of fungal colonies that grew from samples. The results show that, when mixing time increased from 15 to 120 s, there was a 52% increase in fungal growth. Changing from continuous to intermittent mixing mode resulted in an 11% increase in fungal growth. Compared to mixtures that were not subjected to printing, samples printed with a high printing speed and high extrusion pressure had a 14.6% reduction in fungal growth, while those with a low printing speed and low extrusion pressure resulted in a 16.5% reduction in fungal growth.

Itaconate and citrate releasing polymer attenuates foreign body response in biofabricated cardiac patches

Application of cardiac patches to the heart surface can be undertaken to provide support and facilitate regeneration of the damaged cardiac tissue following ischemic injury. Biomaterial composition is an important consideration in the design of cardiac patch materials as it governs host response to ultimately prevent the undesirable fibrotic response. Here, we investigate a novel patch material, poly (itaconate-co-citrate-co-octanediol) (PICO), in the context of cardiac implantation. Citric acid (CA) and itaconic acid (ITA), the molecular components of PICO, provided a level of protection for cardiac cells during ischemic reperfusion injury in vitro. Biofabricated PICO patches were shown to degrade in accelerated and hydrolytic conditions, with CA and ITA being released upon degradation. Furthermore, the host response to PICO patches after implantation on rat epicardium in vivo was explored and compared to two biocompatible cardiac patch materials, poly (octamethylene (anhydride) citrate) (POMaC) and poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). PICO patches resulted in less macrophage infiltration and lower foreign body giant cell reaction compared to the other materials, with corresponding reduction in smooth muscle actin-positive vessel infiltration into the implant region. Overall, this work demonstrates that PICO patches release CA and ITA upon degradation, both of which demonstrate cardioprotective effects on cardiac cells after ischemic injury, and that PICO patches generate a reduced inflammatory response upon implantation to the heart compared to other materials, signifying promise for use in cardiac patch applications.

Use of a commingling process for innovative flax fibre reinforced unidirectional composites

Optimisation of textile preforms play a crucial role in the development of high-performance biobased composites materials. In this context, the main ambition of this work is to quantify and assess the mechanical properties and behaviour of biocomposite materials made from unidirectional commingled preforms based on flax and poly-(propylene) fibres. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature examining the effect of the commingling process on the ultrastructure and the mechanical properties of flax fibres. At the scale of the elementary fibre, fibre mechanical properties are observed to be stable after commingling. However, repeated drawing in the commingling process leads to increased cellulose crystallinity and a larger fraction of elementary fibres exhibiting quasi-linear tensile behaviour. The composite materials produced with these commingled flax/poly-(propylene) preforms contain few cortical residues and show a remarkable degree of fibre individualisation. Moreover, they exhibit high Young's modulus and a stress at break of 24 GPa and 194 MPa, respectively, for a fibre volume fraction of 36 %. A substantial drop in properties is however noted at high fibre fractions due increased heterogeneity of the materials. Remarkably, the biocomposites achieved unprecedented transverse modulus and stress at break of 2.3 GPa and 16.5 MPa, respectively. Our results validate the potential and interest in commingling processes for designing a new family of plant fibre composite materials.

AGRO-WASTE NATURAL FIBER SAMPLE PREPARATION TECHNIQUES FOR BIO-COMPOSITES DEVELOPMENT: METHODOLOGICAL INSIGHTS

In today's engineering industries, there is a growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products due to their recyclability, abundant availability and property variability. One key aspect of this sustainability effort is the development of eco-friendly materials, particularly bio composites derived from agricultural waste residues. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties as well as suitability of these fibers depend greatly on the methods used for extraction, processing, chemical modification and physical treatments. Understanding these processes comprehensively is essential for obtaining desired natural fibers/fillers from agricultural waste for creating effective bio composites to meet specific application demands. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the various extraction and modification techniques employed for natural fibers. It offers an in-depth review of diverse extraction processes, ranging from the initial harvesting to the decortication stage. It has been revealed that the choice of extraction methodologies depends on climate, water resources, local traditions, and the desired fiber quality. Additionally, the paper explores chemical and physical treatments, highlighting how each method influences the structure and properties of natural fibers. Overall, this review offers practical insights into the steps taken to transform agro-waste biomass into desired natural fiber and in turn biocomposite material, while enhancing product quality and performance.

Thermal insulation and energy performance's assessment of a mycelium-based composite wall for sustainable buildings

Bio-composite insulation materials play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of buildings. This paper numerically investigates the eco-friendly application of mycelium in south-facing walls in Marrakech, Morocco, using 2D CFD simulations. In this context, the thermal efficiency of bio-sourced insulating materials was assessed and compared to that of conventional insulating materials. The study basically aims at the time lag and the decrement factor analysis to evaluate the dynamic thermal performance of a multilayer wall insulated with mycelium. A life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is performed to establish the optimal thickness of the mycelium insulation, which was turned out to be 0.08 m. This optimization leads to a substantial improvement in energy efficiency, resulting in energy savings increasing by 87.4 % in winter and 55.9 % in summer. Besides, during the last 72 h of the simulation, the indoor surface temperature drops by approximately 4 °C on summer days and raises by approximately 1 °C on winter days. The thickness of mycelium insulation was found to have a significant impact on energy savings, increasing them from 56 % to 93 %, and representing nearly a 1.7-fold improvement. The study has also targeted annual CO2 emissions to reveal a potential reduction of around 72 % using optimal mycelium composite insulation. Finally, a comparative analysis with the guidelines of Moroccan thermal regulations was achieved. The obtained findings exhibit that the examined configuration excels in terms of thermal performance, economic feasibility, and environmental benefits.

Perforated red blood cells enable compressible and injectable hydrogels as therapeutic vehicles

Hydrogels engineered for medical use within the human body need to be delivered in a minimally invasive fashion without altering their biochemical and mechanical properties to maximize their therapeutic outcomes. In this regard, key strategies applied for creating such medical hydrogels include formulating precursor solutions that can be crosslinked in situ with physical or chemical cues following their delivery or forming macroporous hydrogels at sub-zero temperatures via cryogelation prior to their delivery. Here, we present a new class of injectable composite materials with shape recovery ability. The shape recovery is derived from the physical properties of red blood cells (RBCs) that are first modified via hypotonic swelling and then integrated into the hydrogel scaffolds before polymerization. The RBCs’ hypotonic swelling induces the formation of nanometer-sized pores on their cell membranes, which enable fast liquid release under compression. The resulting biocomposite hydrogel scaffolds display high deformability and shape-recovery ability. The scaffolds can repeatedly compress up to ∼87% of their original volumes during injection and subsequent retraction through syringe needles of different sizes; this cycle of injection and retraction can be repeated up to ten times without causing any substantial mechanical damage to the scaffolds. Our biocomposite material system and fabrication approach for injectable materials will be foundational for the minimally invasive delivery of drug-loaded scaffolds, tissue-engineered constructs, and personalized medical platforms that could be administered to the human body with conventional needle-syringe systems.

The Nanoscale Ordering of Cellulose in a Hierarchically Structured Hybrid Material Revealed Using Scanning Electron Diffraction.

Cellulose, being a renewable and abundant biopolymer, has garnered significant attention for its unique properties and potential applications in hybrid materials. Understanding the hierarchical arrangement of cellulose nanofibers is crucial for developing cellulose-based materials with enhanced mechanical properties. In this study, the use of Scanning Electron Diffraction (SED) is presented to map the nanoscale orientation of cellulose fibers in a bio-composite material with a preserved wood cell structure. The SED data provides detailed insights into the ordering of cellulose with an extraordinary resolution of ≈15nm. It enables a quantitative analysis of the fiber orientation over regions as large as entire cells. A highly organized arrangement of cellulose fibers within the secondary cell wall is observed, with a gradient of orientations toward the outer part of the wall. The in-plane fiber rotation is quantified, revealing a uniform orientation close to the middle lamella. Transversely sectioned material exhibits similar trends, suggesting a layered cell wall structure. Based on the SED data, a 3D model depicting the complex helical alignment of fibers throughout the cell wall is constructed. This study demonstrates the unique opportunities SED provides for characterizing the nanoscale hierarchical arrangement of cellulose nanofibers, empowering further research on a range of hybrid materials.

Investigation on the mechanical genes of “rigidity-flexibility balance” composite materials similar to feather shaft by SR-CT in-situ experiments

Feather shaft is a fiber reinforced lightweight bio-composite materials with good strength and toughness. It provides possibility for the design of carbon fiber composite that combine rigidity and flexibility, and the key to achieve this is to study the corresponding mechanical gene. Here, inspired by the ring array fiber in the feather shaft, a carbon fiber composite was designed. Through experimental investigation, the “ring array” induced shear strain shielding, progressive damage caused by shear strain reversal and “rigidity-flexibility balance” caused by progressive damage was revealed, which will help establish an approach from structure to mechanical properties through strain and damage.

Fabrication of a novel biomaterial of mono-layer of halloysite nanotube-magnesium oxide/ β-tricalcium phosphate composite on implant substrate: Structural and biological properties

In the present study, a novel composite coating consisting of magnesium oxide on halloysite nanotube (HNT-MgO) and doping of zinc and strontium ions in beta-tricalcium phosphate (Mn+-β-TCP). The monolayers of biomaterials were developed by coating HNT-MgO-Mn+-β-TCP on Ti–6Al–4V alloy using the electrophoretic method. The physicochemical properties such as functional groups, phase composition, surface morphology, cross-section, and chemical composition of biomaterials were characterized by adopted analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Scanning electron microscopy-Energy dispersive spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The cytotoxic activity of the prepared composite was tested against osteosarcoma MG-63 cells using MTT assay, and AO/EB staining the results clearly showed, that by increasing the composite concentration (5–100 μg/ml) the cell viability was reduced. Further, a cell adhesion study was performed by FE-SEM analysis, which showed that the MG-63 cells could inhibit and restrict the HNT-MgO-Mn+-β-TCP monolayer composite. The composite coating confirms the significant anticancer activity against osteosarcoma cells suggesting it is a promising candidate for further studies for practical orthopedic applications.

Enhancing properties of jute/starch bio-composite material through incorporation of magnesium carbonate hydroxide pentahydrate: A sustainable approach

This research aims to develop an environment-friendly composite material that possesses enhanced fire retardant (FR), thermal, as well as mechanical characteristics. The aim has been accomplished with the development of a jute/thermoplastic starch (TPS) based bio-composite. The fire retardancy and thermal stability of the jute/TPS composite were enhanced by the incorporation of magnesium carbonate hydroxide pentahydrate (MCHPH). Upon exposure to heat or fire, the MCHPH particles decompose in a two-stage process to yield water vapors and a char layer of MgO and CO2, which restrict access to oxygen and result in flame suppression. Moreover, the main contribution of the article is the improvement of mechanical properties simultaneously with the enhancement in the fire retardant and thermal properties, which have rarely been reported in the literature. The enhancement of mechanical properties is supported by the compatibility of MCHPH particles with jute/TPS. All the composites were developed with a constant 40 % jute fiber content, while the MCHPH concentration varied from 0 % to 9 % by weight. The tensile strength of TPS was enhanced by 595 % with the reinforcement of jute fiber and MCHPH nano-filler. Compatibility between TPS, jute, and MCHPH was discovered through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the fractured surfaces of the composites. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a decrease in the weight loss of the MCHPH-filled jute/TPS composites at high temperatures. The vertical burning test also revealed that the composites met the requirements for a V-0 rating. The heat release rate of the composites was reduced by 36 % after the addition of MCHPH, as measured by cone calorimetry test. The biodegradability test confirmed the eco-friendly nature of the composites by demonstrating significant weight loss in soil over a 4-weeks period. Thus, the present study provided the basis for the development of a novel green composite with commendable gains in flame resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical robustness.

Simple design for membrane-free microphysiological systems to model the blood-tissue barriers

Microphysiological systems (MPS) incorporate physiologically relevant microanatomy, mechanics, and cells to mimic tissue function. Reproducible and standardized in vitro models of tissue barriers, such as the blood-tissue interface (BTI), are critical for next-generation MPS applications in research and industry. Many models of the BTI are limited by the need for semipermeable membranes, use of homogenous cell populations, or 2D culture. These factors limit the relevant endothelial-epithelial contact and 3D transport, which would best mimic the BTI. Current models are also difficult to assemble, requiring precise alignment and layering of components. The work reported herein details the engineering of a BTI-on-a-chip (BTI Chip) that addresses current disadvantages by demonstrating a single layer, membrane-free design. Laminar flow profiles, photocurable hydrogel scaffolds, and human cell lines were used to construct a BTI Chip that juxtaposes an endothelium in direct contact with a 3D engineered tissue. A biomaterial composite, gelatin methacryloyl and 8-arm polyethylene glycol thiol, was used for in situ fabrication of a tissue structure within a Y-shaped microfluidic device. To produce the BTI, a laminar flow profile was achieved by flowing a photocurable precursor solution alongside phosphate buffered saline. Immediately after stopping flow, the scaffold underwent polymerization through a rapid exposure to UV light (<300 mJ/cm2). After scaffold formation, blood vessel endothelial cells were introduced and allowed to adhere directly to the 3D tissue scaffold, without barriers or phase guides. Fabrication of the BTI Chip was demonstrated in both an epithelial tissue model and blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In the epithelial model, scaffolds were seeded with human dermal fibroblasts. For the BBB models, scaffolds were seeded with the immortalized glial cell line, SVGP12. The BTI Chip microanatomy was analyzed post facto by immunohistochemistry, showing the uniform production of a patent endothelium juxtaposed with a 3D engineered tissue. Fluorescent tracer molecules were used to characterize the permeability of the BTI Chip. The BTI Chips were challenged with an efflux pump inhibitor, cyclosporine A, to assess physiological function and endothelial cell activation. Operation of physiologically relevant BTI Chips and a novel means for high-throughput MPS generation was demonstrated, enabling future development for drug candidate screening and fundamental biological investigations.

Fabrication and characterizations of simvastatin-containing mesoporous bioactive glass and molybdenum disulfide scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Due to the limitations of the current treatment approaches of allograft and autograft techniques, treating bone disorders is a significant challenge. To address these shortcomings, a novel biomaterial composite is required. This study presents the preparation and fabrication of a novel biomaterial composite scaffold that combines poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and simvastatin (Sim) to address the limitations of current bone grafting techniques of autograft and allograft. The fabricated scaffold of PLGA-MBG-MoS2-Sim composites was developed using a low-cost hydraulic press and salt leaching method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the scaffolds have a pore size between 143 and 240 μm. The protein adsorption for fabricated scaffolds was increased at 24 h. The water adsorption and retention studies showed significant results on the PLGA-MBG-MoS2-Sim composite scaffold. The biodegradation studies of the PLGA-MBG-MoS2-Sim composite scaffold have shown 54% after 28 days. In vitro, bioactivity evaluation utilizing simulated body fluid studies confirmed the development of bone mineral hydroxyapatite on the scaffolds, which was characterized using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, the PLGA-MBG-MoS2-Sim composite scaffold is biocompatible with C3H10T1/2 cells and expresses more alkaline phosphatase and mineralization activity. Additionally, in vivo research showed that PLGA-MBG-MoS2-Sim stimulates a higher rate of bone regeneration. These findings highlight the fabricated PLGA-MBG-MoS2-Sim composite scaffold presents a promising solution for the limitations of current bone grafting techniques.

Evaluating the Impact of Biocomposite Brick Materials on The OTTV and Diverse Thermal Characteristics of Rooms in Residential Buildings

The development of biocomposite materials for building purposes, including their incorporation in bricks, has gained momentum. Bricks are extensively utilized in residential buildings in Indonesia, making their performance a critical factor. To ensure building performance meets certain standards, Indonesia adheres to SNI 6389:2011, which mandates compliance with the Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) before construction commences. This study aims to examine the impact of using biocomposite bricks on the OTTV value. Additionally, it investigates the effects on various thermal properties of the room, such as humidity, air temperature, operative temperature, and Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), which serve as indicators for assessing thermal comfort. The findings demonstrate that the use of biocomposite bricks can reduce the OTTV value by approximately 7.9% - 10.2%. However, there is no significant alteration observed in the physical properties of the room when compared to conventional bricks. As a result, it can be inferred that the use of biocomposite bricks holds promise for further progress in enhancing energy efficiency and addressing environmental concerns.