Biodegradable Polyvinyl Alcohol Research Articles

Three-birds-with-one-stone: An eco-friendly and renewable humic acid-derived material application strategy for macrolide antibiotic detection and multifunctional composite film preparation

This research proposes a simple and novel strategy for the green detection of antibiotics along with the reduction of microplastic and humic acid (HA) hazards. The entire process is based on a single-step solvent-sieving method to separate HA into insoluble (IHA) and soluble (SHA) components, subsequently recombining and designing the application according to the original characteristics of selected fractions in accordance with the zero-waste principle. IHA was applied as a dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) sorbent without chemical modification for the enrichment of trace MACs in complex biological matrices. The recovery of MACs was 74.06–100.84 % in the range of 2.5–1000 μg∙kg−1. Furthermore, SHA could be combined with biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to prepare multifunctional composite films. SHA endows the PVA film with favorable mechanical properties, excellent UV shielding as well as oxidation resistance performance. Compared with pure PVA, the tensile strength, toughness, antioxidant and UV-protection properties were increased to 157.3 Mpa, 258.6 MJ·m−3, 78.6 % and 60 % respectively. This study achieved a green and economically valuable utilization of all components of waste HA, introduced a novel approach for monitoring and controlling harmful substances and reducing white pollution. This has significant implications for promoting sustainable development and recovering valuable resources.

A biodegradable PVA coating constructed on the surface of the implant for preventing bacterial colonization and biofilm formation

BackgroundBone implant infections pose a critical challenge in orthopedic surgery, often leading to implant failure. The potential of implant coatings to deter infections by hindering biofilm formation is promising. However, a shortage of cost-effective, efficient, and clinically suitable coatings persists. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a prevalent biomaterial, possesses inherent hydrophilicity, offering potential antibacterial properties.MethodsThis study investigates the PVA solution's capacity to shield implants from bacterial adhesion, suppress bacterial proliferation, and thwart biofilm development. PVA solutions at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% were prepared. In vitro assessments evaluated PVA's ability to impede bacterial growth and biofilm formation. The interaction between PVA and mCherry-labeled Escherichia coli (E. coli) was scrutinized, along with PVA’s therapeutic effects in a rat osteomyelitis model.ResultsThe PVA solution effectively restrained bacterial proliferation and biofilm formation on titanium implants. PVA solution had no substantial impact on the activity or osteogenic potential of MC3T3-E1 cells. Post-operatively, the PVA solution markedly reduced the number of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli colonies surrounding the implant. Imaging and histological scores exhibited significant improvements 2 weeks post-operation. Additionally, no abnormalities were detected in the internal organs of PVA-treated rats.ConclusionsPVA solution emerges as an economical, uncomplicated, and effective coating material for inhibiting bacterial replication and biofilm formation on implant surfaces, even in high-contamination surgical environments.

Antimicrobial evaluation of composite films based on polyvinyl alcohol/triazolopyrimidenes/selenium nanoparticles

Background Using ultrasonic waves, a multi-component reaction of aminotriazole, carbonyl compounds and cyanoester derivatives, triazolopyrimidines are created with outstanding yields in a shorter amount of time. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with outstanding biological activity combined with triazolopyrimidine can imply promising materials for different biological applications. Objective Synthesis of triazolopyrimidine compounds conjugated with SeNPs and their incorporation into biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol for antimicrobial application were investigated. Methods The synthesized triazole derivatives were used in the synthesis of in situ SeNPs. The synthesized triazole derivatives and SeNPs were blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVa) to prepare composite films. All synthesized compounds were confirmed using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The prepared PVa composite films with nanoparticles were tested against Gram-positive (+ ve) and Gram-negative (−ve) bacteria. Results The treated PVA with the SeNPs showed high biological efficiency compared with PVA treated with triazole derivatives.

A green QuEChERS syringe filter based micro-solid phase extraction using hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent as immobilized sorbent for simultaneous analysis of five anti-diabetic drugs by HPLC-UV

BackgroundHere, it has been discussed about creating a specific and sustainable analytical technique for monitoring anti-diabetic drugs in order to accurately determine the dosage in patients and reduce side effects, remove them from wastewater (as emerging contaminants), and ultimately abate pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment. ResultsIn this research, a green and reproducible Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) method based on syringe filter based micro-solid phase extraction (SF-μSPE) coupled with HPLC-UV using a green sorbent was developed and optimized for the extraction of five anti-diabetic drugs from wastewater, serum, and plasma real samples. A novel green sorbent composed of a liquid mixture of thymol: menthol ([Thy]:[Men], 1:1) hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent (HNADES) and curcumin (Cur) immobilized into the non-toxic and biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers’ mat was synthesized simply via cheap equipment. Cur was added to enhance the hydrophobicity and functionality of the sorbent. The immobilization process was performed by soaking the mat in the liquid mixture for a specific duration. The correct synthesis and experimental molar ratio of the HNADES components were confirmed by ATR-FTIR and NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy. The prepared green sorbent (Cur-HNADES/PVA) was characterized using ATR-FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX/EDX mapping analysis, and water contact angle (WCA) measurement, and it exhibited satisfactory adsorption capacity for the target analytes. SignificanceUnder optimal conditions (pH = 6.0, adsorption cycle = 3, sample volume = 5.0 mL, desorption cycle = 1, type and volume of elution = 80:20 %v/v MeOH/ACN and 500.0 μL), the method was validated in terms of specificity, linear dynamic ranges (LDRs = 0.1–2000.0 μg L−1 and 0.1–1800.0 μg L−1), limits of detection (LODs = 0.03–0.09 μg L−1), and precision (within-day RSDs% = 0.32–1.45% and between-day RSDs% = 0.59–2.03%). Evaluation of the greenness aspects of the proposed method was accomplished using the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) approaches. It is noteworthy that the conducted research represents the first report of the synthesis and application of this novel and green sorbent for the determination of anti-diabetic drugs in the mentioned real samples.

Integration of inorganic ionic oligomers and nanocellulose within PVA networks: A degradable and green nanocomposite with self-healable property and high mechanical strength in a wet state

Preparation of green expandable biodegradable polymer materials with high strength and toughness has always been the goal of researchers. Although the research of biodegradable polymer materials has made some progress in recent years, it is still a huge challenge to prepare biodegradable polymer materials with green expandable technology. In this study, biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), inorganic calcium phosphate oligomers (CPO ∼ 1 nm), and TEMPO oxide cellulose nanofibers (TOCN) were used to prepare composite materials through simple and green process. The obtained materials, due to the high density of hydrogen bonds and coordination interaction, are conducive to the preparation of PVA-based plastics with fracture strength ≈176.0 MPa. The breaking strength of PVA-based plastics after soaking in water for 7 days at room temperature is ≈ 16.1 MPa, similar to polyethylene in the dry state. In addition, PVA/TOCN/CPO composites can be processed into products with the required shape.

Substantial and efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions based on protein and polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers by electrospinning

The adverse effects of heavy metal pollutants in wastewater have threatened human health in recent decades. Therefore, the development of absorbents for such pollutants is essential to overcome these problems. Electrospun nanofibers are often used for wastewater treatment owing to their high porosity and high specific surface area. Zein from plants and collagen from animals are vulnerable to moisture, which limits its broad application in practice. However fully biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is soluble in water, can be mixed with protein individually to overcome the limitation. In this work, the two proteins described above and PVA were combined to prepare protein nanofibers by electrospinning technology, which could achieve adsorption of Cu2+. As the protein content increased, the adsorption properties of the obtained nanofibers for Cu2+ showed a rising and then decreasing trend, with the highest point at 50 % of protein content, especially the collagen nanofibers, which reached 24.62 mg/g. Both protein nanofibers reached adsorption equilibrium after 15 h, but overall, collagen nanofibers showed a superior adsorption performance for Cu2+ than that by zein nanofibers. In the process of Cu2+ adsorption by protein nanofibers, both physical and chemical effect existed, and the physical effect played the leading role.

Study of lignite humic acids hybrid modification technology of biodegradable films based on polyvinyl alcohol

Object of article study is lignite humic acids hybrid modification technology of biodegradable films based on polyvinyl alcohol. The possibility of increasing the strength and operational properties of biodegradable polymeric materials based on polyvinyl alcohol by using its modification with the different types of humic acids from lignite is considered. Lignite humic acids hybrid modification films with antibacterial properties were obtained. The two-stage technology of lignite humic acids hybrid modification of biodegradable films based on polyvinyl alcohol was formalized. At the first stage of lignite humic acids hybrid modification technologies for hybrid-modified biodegradable materials production, lignite humic acids are received. At the second stage, hybrid modification of lignite humic acids (that are part of biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol films), which are received by watering from a solution, takes place. It has been conducted a study on determining the effect of lignite humic acids hybrid modification on the most important operational properties of biodegradable film based on polyvinyl alcohol, i. e., tensile strength, relative elongation at break and time of mold appearance. Changes in tensile strength, relative elongation at break and time of mold appearance for the lignite humic acids hybrid modified biodegradable polymeric materials based on polyvinyl alcohol were revealed depending on the content of the different types of lignite humic acids. It was also shown that the lignite humic acids hybrid modification of polyvinyl alcohol with the different types of humic acids allows preserving the biodegradability of the films along with imparting the antibacterial properties. The developed lignite humic acids hybrid modified biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol films with antibacterial properties, in terms of their operational characteristics, are superior to the known similar biodegradable films based on natural biopolymers.

A Green Electrically Conductive Textile with Tunable Piezoresistivity and Transiency

AbstractA green textile‐based conductor with controllable electrical resistance change with deformation and transiency (i.e., dissolution in water) will be the holy grail in wearable electronics since it can satisfy divergent needs with a single solution and be sustainable simultaneously. Nevertheless, designing such material is challenging since opposite requirements shall be satisfied. To solve such a problem, cotton is functionalized using conductive inks made of graphene or carbon nanofiber, a biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol binder, and environmentally friendly solvents. The electrical resistance shows an anisotropic response to bending depending on the composition of the coating and the stress direction, functioning either as a deformable compliant electrode or a tunable piezoresistor. Indeed, it can withstand thousands of bending cycles with a change in resistance of less than 5% or change its resistance by many orders of magnitude with the same deformation thanks to the combination of cotton twill and different nanofillers. A simple modification in the binder composition adding waterborne polyurethane allows the coating to go from entirely transient in water within minutes to withstanding simulated washing cycles for hours without losing its electrical conductivity. This green versatile conductor may serve opposing needs by altering the material composition and the deformation direction.

Functionalized polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers with visible light-triggered antibacterial and ethylene scavenging capabilities for food packaging

In this study, the sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine-titanium dioxide P25 (CoPcTs-P25) nanoparticles were prepared by in situ synthesis and the samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol was selected as the backing material and CoPcTs-P25 was added as a visible-light ethylene scavenger and bacterial inhibitor, and PVA-CA@CoPcTs-P25 nanofiber films were prepared by electrospinning. In addition, the effects on ethylene degradation, bacterial survival and biocompatibility of the composite nanofiber were also evaluated. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of PVA-CA@1.5%CoPcTs-P25 nanofibers for ethylene could reach 13.92% under visible light irradiation for 6 h. The nanofiber exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), with a remarkable inhibition rate of over 90%. This bifunctional nanofiber demonstrated a new strategy for developing packaging materials and provided a broad prospect in fruits and vegetables preservation.

Fabrication of ecofriendly jute fiber reinforced flexible planar composite as a potential alternative of leather

Natural fiber reinforced composites are a lightweight, affordable, and environmentally friendly replacement for many problematic applications. These natural fibers could be constructed into flexible planar materials with the aid of composite phenomena that can be used for a variety of applications where flexibility is important like as artificial leather. In this work, nonwoven matt made from spinning wastes of jute fiber was used to reinforce the biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The percentage of fibers within the PVA matrix was adjusted to develop the flexible planar composites. The nonwoven matt was immerged into the PVA solution casting mold with the aid of the solution evaporation approach. The flexible planar composite was then obtained through heat-induced pressing. Tensile strength, tearing strength, bending modulus, flexing endurance, abrasion resistance, and moisture management profiles of the developed flexible planar composite were assessed. Additionally, studies were performed for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The tensile strength has been found 7.78 N/mm2 with 9.84% elongation for a 1.2 mm thick flexible composite. The flexing endurance has been supported by no visible crack formation against 50,000 flexing cycles. The moisture management profile has been ensured by the hydrophobic surface of the composite. Developed flexible planar composite has been shown to have consistent mechanical performance for use as artificial leather, which could be appealing for the fabrication of leather-alternative bags, belts, and wallets.

Innovative fully soluble NPK gel fertilizers based on biopolymers with controlled release of nutrients

The purpose of this work was to obtain and evaluate the properties of two innovative fertilizers based on multicomponent polymers, characterized by the controlled release of nutrients. One of the methods is based on the use of multicomponent liquid fertilizers containing different amounts of microelements NPK 15-10-50 with polyacrylamide hydrogel. The second method involves cross-linking biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol with multi-component NPK fertilizers.

Preparation and characterization of lignin nanoparticles and chitin nanofibers reinforced PVA films with UV shielding properties

Environmental pollution of non-degradable packaging and the increasing demand for biodegradable food packaging materials are driving research on the design and development of multifunctional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based films. However, binary PVA blends are not suitable to satisfy the requirements for mechanical properties, thermal stability, hydrophobicity and UV-barrier properties of food packaging materials. Herein, ternary nanocomposite films have been fabricated by incorporating sustainably renewable chitin nanofibers (ChNF) and biomass-based lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) into the biodegradable PVA. Results suggest that addition of 5 wt% ChNF and 1 wt% LNPs improves the films toughness appreciably along with superior thermal stability and surface hydrophobicity. More importantly, these nanocomposite films are transparent but could shield 95% of the UVB (275–325 nm) and UVC (200–275 nm) radiation. The outcome is deemed to aid developing novel PVA-based for biodegradable food packing materials and UV-shielding biomaterials, and it provides a way to solve the pollution of non-degradable plastics. • Successfully incorporated chitin nanofibers and lignin nanoparticles in the PVA films. • Mechanical properties and UV barrier properties of PVA films improved substantially. • PVA based UV shielding films have been developed.

Design and Functional Test of Transistor Inverter Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol and Graphene Oxide Electrolyte

Eco‐friendly “green” electronics are attracting increasing interest in recent years. For example, neural prostheses, nerve implants, drug delivery devices, and diagnostic electronics, as well as some green materials (paper, silk, and polysaccharides) with bioabsorbable and biocompatible transistors, load inverters, and other devices. Here, biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO) electric double‐layer (EDL) transistors are prepared on glass substrates. PVA film treated with GO solution is used as a gate dielectric. Oxide EDL transistors show good performance. A resistive load inverter is also constructed, which shows full swing characteristics and high voltage gain at low operating voltage. The waveform conversion is realized, including the conversion from sine wave to rectangular wave, and the conversion from noise signal to two‐bit output. In addition, PVA/GO transistors can be easily dissolved in water. The proposed PVA/GO oxide transistors may have potential applications in “green” portable devices.

Innovative NPK Fertilizers based on Polyacrylamide and Polyvinyl Alcohol with Controlled Release of Nutrients

Abstract The aim of the present work was the preparation and properties evaluation of two innovative fertilizers based on multicomponent polymers characterized by a controlled release of nutrients. One method was based on a multi-component liquid containing different amounts of microelements NPK 12-5-6 fertilizers with polyacrylamide hydrogel beads. The second method concerned the cross-linking of biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol with multi-component NPK fertilizers. Polyacrylamide-based compositions with the highest amount of NPK salts as well as polyvinyl alcohol-based fertilizers in dense gel form, based on 60 phr crosslinking concentrate have shown optimal properties. Regardless of the type of fertilizers used, their components were released slowly. The obtained fertilizers were classified according to the kinetics of nutrient release. Fertilizers made from polyacrylamide based fertilizers have been classified into a group of controlled release fertilizers (CRF), while those made from biodegradable environmentally friendly polyvinyl alcohol have been defined as slow released fertilizers (SRF).

Enhanced UV emissions in Polypyrrole/PVA composite for smart apparels

A cost-effective, scalable, eco-friendly, flexible smart apparel was fabricated by casting method employing polypyrrole(PPy) with biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol on cotton fabric. Different concentration of PPy is embedded in PVA. The X-ray diffraction pattern affirmed the interaction between PVA and PPy. Optical absorption spectra showed two peaks corresponding to PVA and the excitonic peak of PPy higher concentration of GCN exhibited a low bandgap harvesting the visible and IR part of the solar regime. High optical (0.104 S/cm) and electrical conductivity(2.3928 × 10−3) were attained for the higher concentration of PPy which might be attributed to the availability of the more defect centers in between the HUMO and LUMO of PVA. The room temperature photoluminescence exhibited enhanced blue emission at 379 nm for a higher concentration of PPy in PVA thin film due to the charge transfer mechanism. As 5PPy possesses, higher PL emission and higher electrical conductivity, it was taken further to fabricate smart apparel in cotton cloth. The fabricated smart apparels can be used to manufacture flexible, lightweight, eco-friendly optoelectronic devices.

PVA tactile sensors based on Electrical Contact Resistance (ECR) change mechanism for subtle pressure detection

A tactile-sensing device, made of biodegradable Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material, has been developed. The device has a composite PVA film, with conductive fillers of Iron (Fe) particle or multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), sandwiched in between top and bottom PVA substrates. The filler allows conducting paths to be formed when the contact areas between the substrates increases with an external applied force, resulting in the reduction of Electrical Contact Resistance (ECR). Our sensors employ a much simpler structure and fabrication method compared to other previously reported biodegradable tactile sensors. The devices are optimized with their filler weight percentage and device structure, showing excellent sensitivity (1.998 kPa−1) in the subtle pressure range (0~0.5 kPa). These tactile sensors are tested for air flow and vibration detections, showing the potential for future low-cost biodegradable wearable health monitoring applications.

Nonionic nontoxic antimicrobial polymers: indole-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) with pendant alkyl or ether groups

A series of new nonionic antimicrobial polymers with a biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) backbone grafted with indole units and different hydrophobic alkyl or ether groups were synthesized by facile esterification.

Structure, chain dynamics and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/phytic acid composites

The global micro- and nano-plastic issue has greatly triggered the development of advanced biodegradable polymeric materials. The creation of biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/phytic acid (PhyAc) composite represents a sustainable solution. However, it remains unclear how PhyAc molecules affect intermolecular hydrogen-bonding (H-bonding), structure, chain dynamics and mechanical properties of PVA so far. Herein, we explore structure, chain dynamics and mechanical properties of PVA/PhyAc composite by combining molecular dynamics simulation and experimental. The number of PVA-PhyAc H-bonds per PhyAc molecule and that of total H-bonds show different PhyAc content dependence. The PVA composite with 1.9 wt% of PhyAc shows a lower free volume and a smaller diffusion coefficient. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVA reaches the maximum value at ca. 1.25 wt% of PhyAc. Interestingly, 10 wt% PhyAc endows PVA with the highest tensile strength in addition to a good antibacterial capability. This work reveals how small molecules affect structure and mechanical properties of polymers and contributes to expanding practical applications of PVA/PhyAc in industry.

Upscaling of lignin precursor melt spinning by bicomponent spinning and its use for carbon fibre production.

Upscaling lignin-based precursor fibre production is an essential step in developing bio-based carbon fibre from renewable feedstock. The main challenge in upscaling of lignin fibre production by melt spinning is its melt behaviour and rheological properties, which differ from common synthetic polymers used in melt spinning. Here, a new approach in melt spinning of lignin, using a spin carrier system for producing bicomponent fibres, has been introduced. An ethanol extracted lignin fraction from LignoBoost process of commercial softwood kraft black liquor was used as feedstock. After additional heat treatment, melt spinning was performed in a pilot-scale spinning unit. For the first time, biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a spin carrier to enable the spinning of lignin by improving the required melt strength. PVA-sheath/lignin-core bicomponent fibres were manufactured. Afterwards, PVA was dissolved by washing with water. Pure lignin fibres were stabilized and carbonized, and tensile properties were measured. The measured properties, tensile modulus of 81.1 ± 3.1 GPa and tensile strength of 1039 ± 197 MPa, are higher than the majority of lignin-based carbon fibres reported in the literature. This new approach can significantly improve the melt spinning of lignin and solve problems related to poor spinnability of lignin and results in the production of high-quality lignin-based carbon fibres. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 2)'.

Investigation of antibacterial activity of polyvinyl alcohol packaging films composed of silver oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide and tragacanth gum using Box–Behnken design

The present study aimed to develop an antibacterial packaging system based on biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer. Box–Behnken design was used to investigate silver oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide and tragacanth gum as film additives to obtain maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The experimental design showed the inhibitory effect of graphene oxide and tragacanth gum on the antibacterial activity of PVA films containing Ag2O nanoparticles. The optimum film containing 5% Ag2O nanoparticles (% of PVA weight) was prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyser (TG‐DTA). Results of this study showed the formation of PVA film with 0.04‐mm thickness, with a higher density of Ag2O nanoparticles (25‐ to 75‐nm size) around the upper surface. Compared with blank PVA film, the optimum film showed higher tensile strength and thermal stability. It was also more efficient in water vapour and oxygen barrier properties, along with preserving raw beef samples by inhibiting the growth of beef natural bacteria for at least 7 days, when stored in the refrigerator.