Acid Blends Research Articles

Effect of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds on the quality and visual appraisal of broiler meat

For 2160 broilers, were raised from 1 to 42 d of age, was evaluated the consequences of microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds on dietary supplementation in broilers on meat quality and consumer acceptance during 200 days. Broilers were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments: Negative control (NC): basal diet; Positive control (PC): NC+ Zinc bacitracin 15%; B150: NC+150 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds; B300: NC+300 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds; B450:NC+450 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds; and B600:NC+600 g/t of the microencapsulated blend of organic acids and bioactive compounds. The poultry meat characteristics (thawing loss, cooking loss, shear force, color and microstructure of the meat), oxidative stability (lipid oxidation, antioxidant activity DPPH and ABTS) and consumer acceptance (visual appraisal and willingness to buy) were evaluated. Color parameters (L and b), thawing losses and shear force were not significantly different among the treatments (NC, PC, B150, B300, B450 and B600; p > 0.05). The highest level of a was in the PC. The cooking losses were the greatest in B600. No treatment showed changes in muscle fibers. The antioxidant activity for DPPH was higher for B600. For ABTS, B150 and B300 presented the least lipid oxidation. When evaluating consumers' visual preference, B300 had the greatest in consumer preference and B150 and B300 had the greatest purchase intention on the first day of storage. After 6 days, B300 continued to be the most preferred and B150 and B450 began to show the greatest purchase intention. The B300 treatment showed a protective effect on lipid stability and consumer preference. These results highlight the importance of using a precise additive dosage during animal production to guarantee the meat's quality and satisfy consumers’ demands.

Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Clinical Outcome of Atopic Dermatitis in Children.

The use of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is an area of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 FA can help manage symptoms of AD by reducing lesion severity, skin inflammation, dryness and itching, while others show no significant beneficial effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FA from fish oil in combination with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from blackcurrant seed oil in children with AD. This is a longitudinal, prospective, randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical trial. The study was conducted during the 2-year period throughout autumn, winter, and spring, avoiding the summer when AD usually improves. Children were randomized to receive the active study product (Mega Kid®) containing a specific blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo. The primary outcomes were changes in severity of AD measured using SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), patient-oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) and the difference in topical corticosteroid (TCS) use. The secondary outcomes were changes in itch intensity, sleep quality and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). Data were analyzed for 52 children (26 in the intervention group and 26 in the placebo group). In children receiving the active product, intention-to-treat analysis showed that after 4 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the SCORAD index (from median 42 to 25, p < 0.001) and the use of topical corticosteroids (from median 30 to 10 mg/month, p < 0.001), but also significant improvements in itch, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids in combination with GLA and vitamin D may decrease symptoms and were associated with an improvement clinical picture of AD in children. Therefore, we can conclude that supplementation with this specific combination could be considered a safe and effective intervention that may significantly reduce the severity of AD in pediatric patients.

Dietary supplementation of microencapsulated botanicals and organic acids enhances the expression and function of intestine epithelial digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in broiler chickens

Organic acids and botanicals have shown protective effects on gut barrier and against inflammation in broilers. However, their effects on intestinal digestive enzymes and nutrients transporters expression and functions have not been fully studied. The objective of this study was to understand how a microencapsulated blend of botanicals and organic acids affected intestinal enzyme activities and nutrient transporters expression and functions in broilers. A total of 288 birds were assigned to a commercial control diet or diet supplemented with 500 g/MT (metric ton) of the microencapsulated additive. Growth performance was recorded weekly. At d 21 and d 42, jejunum and ileum were isolated for enzyme (maltase, sucrase, and aminopeptidase) and transporter (SGLT1, GLUT2, GLUT1, EAAT3, B0AT1, and PepT1) analyses. Jejunum specific nutrients (glucose, alanine, and glutamate) transport activities were evaluated by Ussing chamber. Protein expression of nutrient transporters in small intestine were measured in mucosa and brush-border membrane (BBM) samples by western blot. Intestinal gene expression of the transporters was determined by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test comparing the supplemented diet to the control. The feed efficiency was significantly improved through the study period in the supplemented group (P ≤ 0.05). Significant changes of intestinal histology were shown in both jejunum (P ≤ 0.10) and ileum (P ≤ 0.05) after 21 d of treatment. At d21, jejunal maltase activity was upregulated (P ≤ 0.10). The Ussing chamber transport of glucose and alanine was increased, which was in line with increased gene expression (GLUT2, GLUT1, EAAT3, and B0AT1) (P ≤ 0.10 and P ≤ 0.05, respectively) and BBMV protein levels (B0AT1, P < 0.10). At d21, ileal sucrase and maltase activities were upregulated (P ≤ 0.05). Increased expressions of GLUT1, EAAT3, and B0AT1 were observed in both mRNA and protein levels (P ≤ 0.05). Similar pattern of changes was also shown at d42 of age. Our results suggest that feeding microencapsulated additives improves intestinal nutrient digestion and transporter expression and function in broilers, thereby enhancing feed efficiency.

4D printed Electroactive carbon fiber and carbon nanotube synergistically reinforced composites for supporting personalized insole

Smart footwear plays a vital role in walk correction, with mechanical behavior and shape memory effect (SME) being essential aspects. To create personalized smart insoles, we developed a novel blend of polylactic acid (PLA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and carbon nanotubes (CNT) via melting-extrusion for a continuous-fiber 3D printer. Diverse insole support unit-cell structures (triangular, rhombus, grid) were fabricated with PLA/TPU/CNT filaments, incorporating continuous carbon fibers (CFs) in the front, middle, and back parts of a particular orthopedic insole. The compressive strength and modulus of samples unexpectedly decreased upon CNT incorporation. However, CNT in the TPU phase improved the shape memory performance, shortening the recovery time by 58 %. CF-reinforced composites exhibited excellent mechanical properties and SME; the front triangular structure showed a 13.4 times increase in compressive strength and a 22.6 times increase in modulus compared to free-fiber composites. The printed samples demonstrated remarkable electro-induced shape memory properties due to the dual conductive network formed by CF and CNT. Our PLA/TPU/CNT/CF (nano-) composite is well-suited for personalized shape-memory insole applications, offering enhanced mechanical performance and electro-induced shape-memory capabilities.

Investigating the Effects of Temperature, Azodicarbonamide, Boron Nitride, and Multilayer Film/Foam Coextrusion on the Properties of a Poly(Hydroxyalkanoate)/Poly(Lactic acid) Blend

AbstractPoly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) are emerging as sustainable materials in packaging and medical device industries. Nevertheless, the high cost and the need to improve the mechanical properties have limited their widespread use. Blending with other bio-based polymers, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), has been proposed in previous studies. This study investigates the effects of temperature, azodicarbonamide (AZ, foaming agent), boron nitride (BN, filler), and multilayer film/foam coextrusion on the properties of a blend containing an amorphous PHA and PLA. The effect of twin-screw micro-compounder temperature (185 °C &amp; 205 °C) and BN concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 wt% (185 °C) on the properties of the PHA/PLA blend were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. Design of experiments (DoE) was used to find the optimal concentrations of AZ and BN (205 °C) using JMP® software. The response surface analysis predicted an optimal design based on the target response levels (modulus, tensile strength, strain at break, and toughness). This formulation was prepared and characterized using DSC, TGA, tensile, and melt flow index (MFI) measurements. Finally, this formulation was processed via film/foam coextrusion and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and density measurements. This study demonstrated that AZ and BN can be used to manipulate the mechanical properties and crystallinity of PHA/PLA blends, while reducing the overall material cost via density reduction (20–21% for the optimal formulation). Furthermore, reducing the concentration of AZ using the I-optimal design in this study could alleviate the toxicity concerns for food packaging.

Solvent-free synthesis of starch citrate via dry heat reaction: An in-depth analysis on structural and physicochemical properties

The main objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and validity of the solvent-free dry heat reaction by investigating the structural and physicochemical properties of the starch citrates. Initially, a solid blend of native corn starch (NCS) and citric acid (CA) was heated in a preheated oven followed by further heating under continuous stirring to facilitate the reaction. The presence of ester bonds in the starch citrates was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which revealed a new absorption peak at 1738 cm−1. The starch citrates (SC) showed an increased thermally stable resistant starch (RS) content, with a thermally stable RS content of 74.37% and enhanced solubility. The solid-phase prepared starch citrates demonstrated reduced relative crystallinity, decreased swelling power, and lower pasting viscosities than native corn starch. Overall, these findings suggest that the solvent-free method of dry heat reaction between corn starch and citric acid is a viable technique for green preparing starch citrates.

Biobased rubber toughened poly(lactic acid) blend for sustainable packaging films: The role of optical purity of poly(lactic acid)

AbstractThis study investigates the novel effect of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) optical purity on PLA/liquid natural rubber (LNR) blend films fabricated by solution casting. An investigation was conducted to examine how different levels of PLA optical purity affect the mechanical, structural, morphological, thermal, and barrier properties of PLA/LNR films. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the D‐isomer content of PLA significantly affected the chemical interactions between the LNR and PLA. The favorable chemical interaction between the LNR and PLA with a high D‐isomer content also increased the elongation at break by 300%. Morphological investigations proved that the chemical interaction also improved the dispersion and reduced the size of the LNR droplets formed in the PLA matrix. Notably, while low D‐isomer PLA blends showed decreased crystallinity (Xc) upon LNR addition, high D‐isomer PLA blends exhibited increased Xc by 460%, leading to a 42% increase in oxygen transmission rate. Additionally, hydrolytic degradation of high D‐isomer PLA increased by 259% with increasing LNR content. Overall, optical purity of PLA plays an important role in determining the properties of PLA blends.

High toughness and fast home-compost biodegradable packaging films derived from polylactic acid/thermoplastic starch/para-rubber ternary blends

This research aims to formulate biobased and biodegradable packaging films with high toughness and fast home-compost biodegradation using ternary blends of polylactic acid (PLA), Para rubber (NR), and thermoplastic starch (TPS) through blown-film extrusion. The TPS content in this work ranges from 5 to 20 wt%, while the PLA: NR ratio is fixed at 70:30. At this PLA: NR ratio, the blend with 10 wt% TPS (PNT10) exhibited the highest % elongation at break and tensile toughness. Peroxide radical initiator was investigated as a potential additive for improving the properties of the ternary blend. Our binary interaction study indicated that peroxide initiated grafting reactions of PLA–NR and NR–TPS pairs, while no grafting occurred between PLA and TPS. In ternary blends, the highest peroxide content (0.5 wt%) increased the % elongation at break up to 120%, with the tensile toughness reaching 7255 MJ/m3. The improved compatibility induced by peroxide addition was supported by enhanced dispersion of TPS in the PLA/NR matrices. Results from the room-temperature soil burial test indicated that the presence of TPS could significantly accelerate the home-compost degradation of PNT films compared to films produced from neat PLA and PLA/NR. This suggests its potential as both a cost reducer and a biodegradation accelerator.

Development of Ionic Polymer Membrane Based on PVDF for Capacitor Application

Objective: To address these issues, we propose the use of ionic polymer membranes. By reducing the demand for synthetic plastics, these membranes contribute to pollution reduction. Moreover, they offer economic and environmental benefits. Ionic polymers can also help limit carbon dioxide emissions. Method: In our study, we created a blend of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and polyvinyl sulfonic acid (PVSA). This blend was used to fabricate an ionic membrane through the solvent casting method. The resulting membrane acts as a successful dielectric material, sandwiched between copper electrodes. We conducted extensive characterization, including microstructure analysis, crystal structure examination, identification of functional groups, and thermal behavior assessment. Results: Our findings demonstrate the potential of ionic polymer membranes for capacitor applications. By varying the composition of PVDF/PVP/PVSA, we explored different dielectric properties. Notably, the ionic polymer electrolyte can serve as an effective dielectric material, with copper electrodes providing a practical application. Conclusion: Our investigation included electrical current density measurements using cyclic voltammetry, elemental composition analysis, morphological studies, and material composition assessments.

Investigation of thermodynamically induced nanoparticle localization in Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Poly(lactic acid) blends with surface-grafted carbon nanotubes

Physically anchoring multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) onto the polymer blend interface has been extensively investigated, however, the tunable localization of polymer grafted MWCNT in immiscible polymer blends is seldom reported. Herein, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) grafted MWCNT (PMMA-g-MWCNT) were nondestructively prepared via the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The compatibilization effects of PMMA-g-MWCNT on morphology and mechanical properties of blend composites are investigated. The results demonstrate that the fillers are distributed at the blend interface due to the high affinity between PMMA and PVDF. The interaction between PMMA and PLA changes the crystallinity of blends. Moreover, the surface modification of MWCNT enhances the interaction of filler and matrix, and the elongation at break is as high as 52 % for composites with 10 % PMMA-g-MWCNT. The fracture surface of specimen after tensile tests exhibits an obvious ductile transition with filler contents. This work systematically discussed the relationship between the PMMA-g-MWCNT distribution and the mechanical strength of composites, which provided a solid experimental foundation on the toughening mechanism of PMMA-g-MWCNT used as a compatibilizer for PVDF/PLA blends.

Synergistic effect of TiO2 nanoparticles and poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) on the morphology and crystallization behavior of polylactic acid

The impact of adding ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA 80) and 1 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles on the morphology and crystallization behavior of poly(lactic acid) blends was investigated using DSC, SEM, and POM. Thermal analysis revealed the enhancement of crystallinity of PLA in the presence of TiO2 and higher EVA 80 content in the blend. The PLA and EVA 80 components showed compatibility, as evidenced by the shift of the glass transition temperatures of the PLA phase in the blend to lower values compared to neat PLA. The lower temperature shift of the cold crystallization of the PLA and the formation of the small spherulites of the PLA in the blends indicated that the EVA 80 and TiO2 act as a nucleating agent for crystallization. The non-isothermal crystallization parameters of the composites were evaluated using Avrami's modified model, the MO approach, and Friedman’s isoconversional method. The Avrami’s modified rate constant (K) and the effective activation energy values significantly increased with the incorporation of EVA 80 and TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed improved thermal stability of PLA by adding EVA 80 and TiO2.

Exploring the Electrochemical Performance of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles Entrenched in Miscible Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Poly(lactic acid) Blends as Freestanding Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

The focus of the study in this article is analyzing the electrochemical properties of molybdenum disulfide on miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends for supercapacitors. The interaction between molybdenum disulfide and miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends, affinity toward water, surface morphology, and mechanical properties are inspected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, and universal testing machine, respectively. Among the developed membranes, 0.75 wt% of molybdenum disulfide on poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) shows better electrochemical performances. It exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 255.5 F g-1 at a current density of 1.00 mA g-1, maximum energy density of 22.7 Wh kg-1, and maximum power density of 360 W kg-1. A cycle study reveals 92% capacitance retention after 2500 cycles. The designed supercapacitor device shows a maximum specific capacitance of 1240 μF g-1 at a current density of 0.5 μA g-1, maximum energy density of 43 μWh kg-1, and maximum power density of 700 μW kg-1. Flexible membranes of molybdenum disulfide are expected to be a potent combination for supercapacitor applications.

Eco-friendly Blends of Polylactic Acid and Polyhydroxybutyrate Enhanced with Epoxidized Soybean Oil Methyl Ester for Food-Packaging Applications

Eco-friendly Blends of Polylactic Acid and Polyhydroxybutyrate Enhanced with Epoxidized Soybean Oil Methyl Ester for Food-Packaging Applications

Optimising the hygiene of a liquid feeding system to improve the quality of liquid feed for pigs

Poor feeding system hygiene may contribute to uncontrolled spontaneous fermentation in liquid pig feed and its associated undesirable effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of an intensive sanitisation programme in a grow-finisher liquid feeding system by monitoring microbiological and physico-chemical parameters of liquid feed and microbial colonisation of the feeding system surfaces. The sanitisation programme involved a combination of physical and chemical cleaning between batches of grow-finisher pigs, combined with nightly rinsing of the system with an organic acid blend. Improved hygiene of the internal surfaces of the mixing tank and feed pipeline, particularly until week 5 post-cleaning, was evidenced by reduced counts of lactic acid bacteria, total aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and moulds and decreased adenosine triphosphate concentrations. Enterobacteriaceae and moulds remained undetectable on pipeline surfaces for 10 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy of the feed pipelines confirmed these findings. Conversely, the impact on liquid feed microbiology was minimal and short-lived. However, acetic acid, ethanol and biogenic amine concentrations decreased in the feed post-cleaning and no gross energy losses were observed. Therefore, by controlling surface microbial communities on liquid feeding systems via implementation of the sanitisation programme developed in the current study, on-farm liquid feed quality should be improved.

Compatibilization of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactic acid blends by gamma radiation

Compatibilization of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactic acid blends by gamma radiation

Cast Extruded Films Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoate/Poly(lactic acid) Blend with Herbal Extracts Hybridized with Zinc Oxide.

The aim of the presented work was to functionalize a blend based on polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA): poly(hydroxybutyrate (PHB) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and a mixture of three selected herb extracts, namely, Hypericum L., Urtica L. and Chelidonium L., (E), zinc oxide (ZnO) and a combined system (EZnO), produced via extrusion. Before processing with bioresin, the natural modifiers were characterized using thermal analysis, FTIR and antimicrobial tests. The results revealed interactions between the extracts and the filler, leading to higher thermal stability in EZnO than when using E alone. Moreover, the mixture of extracts exhibited antimicrobial properties toward both Gram-negative (S. aureus) as well as Gram-positive bacteria (E. coli). Modified regranulates were transformed into films by cast extrusion. The influence of the additives on thermal (DSC, TGA and OIT), mechanical, barrier (WVTR and OTR), morphological (FTIR) and optical properties was investigated. The EZnO additive had the highest impact on the mechanical, barrier (OTR and WVTR) and optical properties of the bioresin. The microbial test results revealed that PHA-EZnO exhibited higher activity than PHA-ZnO and PHA-E and also reduced the number of S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans cells. The findings confirmed the synergistic effect between the additive components. Modified polyester films did not eliminate the phi6 bacteriophage particles completely, but they did decrease their number, confirming moderate antiviral effectiveness.

The effect of the fatty acid composition of fried oil on the oil-absorbing capacity of tofu puffs

The influence of the fatty acid composition of fried oil on the oil-absorbing capacity of tofu puffs was examined. Two edible vegetable oils and three blends of different oleic acid and linoleic acid ratios were analyzed before and after frying, along with the rheological properties, fatty acid composition, acid value, peroxide value, and p-anisidine value. As well as the moisture content, oil content, and microstructure changes of the tofu puffs, were evaluated. The results revealed that the viscosity of all fried oils increased after short-time thermal exposure, while the acid value, peroxide value, and p-anisidine value also increased. The blend oil, with an oleic acid and linoleic acid ratio of 1:1, demonstrated good oxidation stability and low viscosity. The tofu puffs fried with this blend oil had lower oil content and weak adhesion, attributed to their microstructure. The development of special frying oil with good stability based on fatty acid composition provides a theoretical basis for the production of low-oil frying food.

Effects of inclusion of the blend of essential oils, organic acids, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc in the maternal diet, and of incubation temperature on early and late development of quail

The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGFI) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality.

The effect of tetra‐needle‐like zinc oxide whisker as additive on the crystallization kinetics of polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid blend

AbstractHerein, we investigate the effect of the addition of tetra‐needle‐like zinc oxide whisker (T‐ZnOw), a novel reinforcing additive, on the melt crystallization behavior of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)/polylactic acid (PLA) polymer blends. PBAT and PLA were blended in a Haake mixer at a fixed weight ratio of 70/30, and the contents of T‐ZnOw varied from 0 to 7 wt%. The melt thermal properties and crystallization behavior of PBAT/PLA blends and PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The kinetics of melt crystallization have been quantitatively explained using a range of mathematical formalisms. The Avrami equation is adopted to analyze the isothermal crystallization process and kinetics of PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites. For its nonisothermal crystallization process and kinetics, the Ozawa equation cannot describe the entire process, while the Jeziomy‐modified Avrami equation can only describe the initial stage of its nonisothermal crystallization. Using Mo‐analysis, the impact of T‐ZnOw contents on the composite's nonisothermal crystallization kinetic has been thoroughly examined. Given that the PBAT/PLA blend system's crystal formation may be inhibited by T‐ZnOw, the observation demonstrates that T‐ZnOw only marginally alters this process. The work is of significant scientific value and adds a new concept to the development of sustainable thin film for packaging.Highlights T‐ZnOw is used as a novel additive for PBAT/PLA polymer blends. The crystallization of PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composite systems is thoroughly examined. T‐ZnOw marginally reduces the kinetics of the crystallization process of PBAT/PLA blends. PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites follow volume nucleation with mixed 2D/1D growth. The nonisothermal crystallization of PBAT/PLA/T‐ZnOw composites is validated by Mo‐analysis.

An Optimized and Universal Protocol for the Synthesis of Morpholine-2,5-Diones from Natural Hydrophobic Amino Acids and Their Mixture.

Morpholine-2,5-diones (MDs) are increasingly attractive compounds that can be produced using amino acid (AA) as a starting material. These compounds can undergo polymerization to produce biodegradable materials, namely, polydepsipeptides, that hold the potential to be used in medicinal applications. In this study, a simplified yet high-yield MD synthesis procedure was developed and applied to produce a range of MDs derived from hydrophobic AAs including Leu, Ile, Val, Phe, Asp(OBzl), Lys(Z), and Ser(tBu). Moreover, using a blend of hydrophobic amino acids (Leu, Ile, Val, and Phe), mixtures of MDs could be synthesized simultaneously. Finally, the polymerization of these MD mixtures was probed and proven successful. The concept investigated herein constitutes a novel path toward the valorization of protein-rich waste by producing renewable and biodegradable materials.