Guar Gum Films Research Articles

Antimicrobial guar gum films optimized with Pickering emulsions of zein-gum arabic nanoparticle-stabilized composite essential oil for food preservation

In this study, composite essential oil Pickering emulsion stabilized with zein-gum arabic (GA) nanoparticles (ZGCEO) was prepared to improve the characteristics of guar gum (GG) films. ZGCEO exhibited commendable stability and compatibility with GG, while leading to a noticeable improvement in the light barrier (from 3.98 A mm−1 to 17.09 A mm−1) and water vapor barrier characteristics of GG films, concomitantly mitigating their hydrophilic nature, with decreasing moisture content (from 17.70 % to 10.50 %), water solubility (from 84.41 % to 71.79 %), water vapor permeability (from 5.64 × 10−11 g (m s Pa)−1 to 4.97 × 10−11 g (m s Pa)−1), and an increasing water contact angle (from 69.8° to 94.2°). The addition of 2 % ZGCEO yielded a notable increase in the tensile strength of the GG-ZGCEO films, but the elongation at break decreased with increasing ZGCEO concentration. Moreover, the incorporated ZGCEO demonstrated outstanding antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics, featuring a slow-release behavior of essential oil. The GG-ZGCEO coating also showed an excellent preservation effect in pork and “Huangguan” pears during storage. Collectively, we substantiated the efficacy of ZGCEO in augmenting the functional attributes of GG films, thereby establishing their potential utility as antimicrobial packaging materials conducive to food preservation.

Stepwise reinforcement strategy for guar gum/sodium alginate based films: Introduction of carboxylated cellulose nanofibers by different methods and further calcium ion crosslinking

Insufficient mechanical, barrier and water resistance properties of guar gum (GG) films limit their application in food packaging field. Herein, the properties of GG films were enhanced by a stepwise modification strategy. The mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of GG films were initially reinforced by doping with a different type of polysaccharide (sodium alginate; SA). Next, carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CCN) were introduced as a reinforcing agent to improve film properties via two methods (blending and layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method). Finally, the water resistance of composite films was further enhanced by calcium ion cross-linking treatment. GG/SA composite films exhibited better mechanical strength and water vapor barrier capacity compared to pristine GG film. In addition, the introduction of CCN, either by blending or LBL method, improved the light barrier, water vapor barrier and tensile strength. The calcium ion cross-linking treatment further enhanced the water vapor barrier, thermal stability, tensile strength and water resistance capacity. The potential applications of GG/SA/CCN films in real food packaging were also explored. In short, this study presents a simple and feasible performance enhancement strategy for GG and other underperforming polysaccharide matrix films, with potential applications in the development of high-performance bio-based food packaging materials.

Suppressing Li dendrite by a guar gum natural polymer film for high‐performance lithium metal anodes

AbstractLithium dendrites pose a major hurdle for enhancing the energy density of lithium metal batteries, and the artificial solid electrolyte interface layer offers a potential solution. In this work, a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly guar gum film is applied to the artificial protective layer. The guar gum artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer formed naturally, enriched with OH and AOA groups, displayed exceptional electrochemical stability, and achieved an impressively high transference number of 0.88 for lithium‐ion movement. In symmetric cells, the Li@GG‐Cu anode displays remarkable cycling performance even during extended periods. This is evidenced by its ability to maintain a surface capacity of approximately 850 h (1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2). In addition, when utilizing a complete cell setup comprising a LiFPO4 cathode (weighing 1.5 mg cm−2) and anode coated with a guar gum film, the capacity retention of an impressive 96.2% showcases outstanding preservation of battery performance over time even after 700 cycles. This performance surpasses that of a lithium foil electrode (87.1%) and a copper anode with lithium deposition (0%). Our work exhibits a promising material for a novel configuration of artificial SEI, effectively stabilizing lithium metal anode.

A novel high water-soluble antibacterial films-based guar gum incorporated with Aloe vera gel and ε-polylysine.

The high water-soluble films are commonly used in food coating and food encapsulation. In this study, the effect of Aloe vera gel (AV) and ε-polylysine (ε-PL) on the comprehensive properties of films based on guar gum (GG) were investigated. When GG to AV was 8:2, the GG:AV:ε-PL composite films (water solubility=68.50%) had an 82.42% higher water solubility than pure guar gum (PGG) films (water solubility=37.55%). Compared with PGG films, the composite films more transparent, better thermal stability and elongation at break. X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis showed the composite films were amorphous structures and the AV and ε-PL did not change the structure of PGG. FITR analysis confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds within the composite films. Antibacterial properties showed the composite films had a good antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the composite films can be a new option of high water-soluble antibacterial food packaging materials.

Guar gum based flexible packaging material with an active surface reinforced by litchi shell derived micro fibrillated cellulose and halloysite nanotubes

In this study, authors investigated the potential of incorporating micro-fibrillated cellulose derived from litchi shells and halloysite nanotubes into guar gum films for active antioxidant food packaging applications. The films were prepared using a solvent casting method, and the concentration of micro-fibrillated cellulose was varied to determine its effect on the films' properties. Our results demonstrated that the guar gum and micro-fibrillated cellulose show covalent contact and hydrogen bonding, according to Fourier transform infrared. X-Ray diffraction analysis revealed that the addition of micro-fibrillated cellulose and Halloysite nanotube significantly increased the crystallinity of the films. However, Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the incorporation of both improved the thermal stability of the films. Scanning electron microscopy analysis depicted dense disorder network that would be responsible lower contact angle in the developed film with increased MFC concentration. The incorporation of micro-fibrillated cellulose and halloysite nanotube enhanced the films' antioxidant properties from 3.40 to 39.50%, with a higher radical scavenging activity observed at higher concentrations. In conclusion, our study suggests that incorporating micro-fibrillated cellulose and halloysite nanotube into antioxidant guar gum films can produce a promising active food packaging material with improved antioxidant properties. This study contributes to the development of sustainable and effective active food packaging solutions, with the potential to reduce food waste and improve food quality.

Development of simultaneous antioxidant and visual pH‐sensing films based on guar gum loaded with Aronia melanocarpa extract

SummaryAnthocyanins have attracted increasing attention for different packaging systems due to having functional features such as biocompatibility, antioxidative activity, visible colour response at varying pH values. In this study, the extract of Aronia melanocarpa as anthocyanins source was incorporated into guar gum films to take advantage of both antioxidant and pH responsive attributes. Aronia addition did not affect the thermal stability of guar gum films. Radical scavenging activity of the films (%) was measured by 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and aronia added films exhibited very strong antioxidant activity (up to 85%). The colour of aronia solution varied from pink to brown with pH ranging from 1 to 13. Similarly, when the films were immersed in buffer solutions at different pH values, the visual colour varied from pink to brownish yellow. ΔE values of GR_AR_3 (guar gum films having the highest aronia concentration) ranged between 23.31 and 40.62 at pH 1–13. This result proved colour change of the films can be even detected by untrained consumers. Furthermore, the films were found to be very sensitive to ammonia vapour. Aronia incorporated guar gum films could be suggested as both antioxidant films to prevent foods oxidation from oxidation and promising intelligent films to monitor the deterioration of foods.

Breaking intramolecular hydrogen bonds of polymer films to enable dendrite-free and hydrogen-suppressed zinc metal anode

Zn-based energy storage devices such as Zn ion hybrid capacitor (ZICs) and Zn ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive attention due to the advantages of low cost, chemical stability, and high capacity of Zn metal anode. However, the Zn anode faces the difficulties of inevitable dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) during cycling. Herein, we construct guar gum film, as artificial solid electrolyte interphase, on the Zn metal to suppress the dendrite grown and promote Zn deposition. Meanwhile, the Zn2+ desolvation process is enhanced by regulating the hydrogen bonding inside the film. As a result, the Zn anode coated with guar gum with rich free hydroxyl groups (RFH-GG@Zn) remains a low overpotential (45 mV) after an alternant plating/stripping process for more than 2,500 h. The application of RFH-GG@Zn promotes the cycling performance and rate ability of ZICs and ZIBs. This work aims to prepare high-performance Zn metal anodes by reducing intramolecular hydrogen bonding to enhance the protective effect of the coating on Zn anodes.

Development and evaluation of sumac (Rhus coriaria) incorporated guar gum films as colorimetric pH indicator with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential

Development and evaluation of sumac (Rhus coriaria) incorporated guar gum films as colorimetric pH indicator with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential

Preparation and characterization of sustainable osthole@guar gum composite film and antifungal mechanism against Ustilaginoidea virens

The purpose of this study is to develop a new safe and sustainable technology to reduce the excessive dependence on chemical pesticides in crop protection fields. Ost-HP-β-CD inclusion complex was prepared using osthole (Ost) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) as ingredients that were added into guar gum film (GG film) to develop osthole@guar gum composite film. The results suggest that the characteristic peaks of Ost were detected in Ost@GG composite film, and its thermal stability was superior compared to Ost. The inhibition rate of Ost@GG composite film 200 times solution on conidia and hyphae of Ustilaginoidea virens was 100%, which was significantly higher than that of GG film and Ost-HP-β-CD inclusion complex at the same dilution times. Ost@GG composite film might destroy cell wall of U. virens causing leakage of intracellular contents and cell death. Ost@GG composite film has exceptional properties and antifungal activity U. virens.

Improved recovery of cellulose nanoparticles from printed wastepaper and its reinforcement in guar gum films

Improved recovery of cellulose nanoparticles from printed wastepaper and its reinforcement in guar gum films

Assessment of the performance of several novel approaches to improve physical properties of guar gum based biopolymer films

Biopolymer-based films are natural, renewable, nontoxic and biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging. Despite years of ongoing research, biopolymer films still lag much behind plastic films in mechanical and barrier properties. In this study, guar gum (GG) based films were prepared to evaluate the potential of some novel applications in enhancing films physical properties. For this purpose, GG and glycerol based films were prepared with varying amounts of orange peel oil (1%, 2% v/v), and/or reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNT), and crosslinked with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). Oil incorporation, despite weakening films’ mechanical strength, increased film hydrophobicity and enhanced its water barrier properties. Crosslinking, decreased films’ relatively high solubility while also improving other film properties. Orange peel oil preserved its antimicrobial activity and HNT stabilized GG films provided controlled release of volatile essential oil. Findings indicated the possibility of improving physical properties of GG films with the methods employed.

Development of a guar gum film with lysine clonixinate for periodontal treatments.

Periodontal pain is a public health problem derived from different conditions, including periodontal diseases, prosthetic complications, and even extractions performed by dentist. There are various treatments to control acute dental pain, being the administration of analgesics, such as Lysine Clonixinate (LC), a common practice. Unfortunately, higher and repeated dosages are usually required. The purpose of this work was to develop a prolonged release pharmaceutical form as an alternative treatment for dental pain. Hence, we conceived a film based on guar gum and loaded different concentrations of LC. We evaluated the film's appearance, brittleness, strength, and flexibility, and then chose one formulation for adequate characteristics. Subsequently, we assessed the morphology, thermal behavior, and swelling properties of the films (LC-free and -loaded). Finally, we performed the release studies of LC from the films in vitro using a simulated saliva medium and employed several mathematical models to evaluate the release kinetics. Guar gum is a natural polymer obtained from the endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus that presents properties such as biosafety, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Thus, it represents a potential excipient for use in pharmaceutical formulations. Moreover, our results revealed that the LC-loaded film presented a high adherence, suitable swelling behavior, high LC content, and a prolonged drug release. Therefore, the LC-loaded film may be considered a potential option to be applied as an alternative to treat dental pain.

Hydrophobically modified guar gum films for wound dressing

Hydrophobically modified guar gum (HMG) was prepared by microwave-assisted polycondensation of naturally abundant guar gum (GG) and dimer acid (DA) following green chemistry principles. HMG was blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) along with gentamicin sulphate (a hydrophilic antibacterial drug) or amoxicillin (a hydrophobic antifungal drug) to obtain drug-loaded films. The two films were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Water absorbency, drying time (water holding time) and vertical wicking time were also determined. The results suggest that the drug-loaded films, HMGA with amoxicillin and HMGG with gentamicin sulphate, could retain moisture for 5–7 h and easily absorb wound exudates. Drug release data were analysed using first-order, Higuchi, Hixson–Crowell and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic models and reveal that the HMG-based films exhibit good drug delivery efficiency for hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drugs. The results of agar diffusion method indicate the two films to exhibit significant resistance toward bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungal (Candida albicans) growth. In vivo wound healing studies on Wistar albino rats show almost full wound closure within 15 days. These results demonstrate the HMG-based drug-loaded films to be promising candidates to serve as biodegradable wound dressing.

Design and validation of antibacterial and pH response of cationic guar gum film by combining hydroxyethyl cellulose and red cabbage pigment

A simple and feasible method was adopted to construct the antibacterial and pH response of cationic guar gum (CGG) composite films (CGG-HEC, RC) through using hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as an enhancer and red cabbage (RC) as a smart active substance. The effect of different HEC content on the binary composite films (CGG-HEC) performance shows that the highest tensile strength (51.59 MPa) can be obtained by adding 10% HEC due to the good compatibility between CGG and HEC. The ternary composite film (RC3) with 10% HEC and 3% RC addition has good performance in all aspects, such as high tensile strength (65.41 MPa), appropriate water vapor transmission coefficient (1.08), and good thermodynamic stability. In addition, RC3 has good antibacterial properties against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, taking advantage of the antibacterial properties of CGG and RC. RC3 can respond to changes in environmental pH and has a significant color change, and also has a significant color change when detecting the deterioration of pork and soy milk. Therefore, the ternary composite film (RC3) has good mechanical properties, antibacterial and intelligent response characteristics, and may be used in intelligent antibacterial packaging.

Physicochemical Properties and Bioactivity of a New Guar Gum-Based Film Incorporated with Citral to Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is the most notorious rice insect pest. In order to repel BPH effectively while being environmentally friendly, a new film based on guar gum incorporated with citral (GC film) was formulated. A toxicity bioassay of citral and guar gum at different proportions (ratios of 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 in w/w) of GC film-forming emulsion to BPH was performed with the rice stem dipping method. Results showed that the most effective ratio of citral to guar gum was 1:1 with the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 4.30 mg/mL, far below the LC50 of guar gum (GG)/citral individual (141.51 and 44.38 mg/mL, respectively). The mortality of BPH adults and nymphs in the third instar treated with different dilution multiples of GC film-forming emulsion ranged from 46.67% to 82.22% and from 37.78% to 71.11%, respectively. These indicated that GC film-forming emulsion had a direct toxicity on BPH, and the mixture of citral and GG had synergistic interactions. Subsequently, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the incorporation of guar gum with citral was successful and did not result in the formation of new chemical bonds. The GC film exhibited a darker color and rougher surface topography with larger apertures and deeper gullies (Ra = 1.42 nm, Rq = 2.05 nm, and Rmax = 25.40 nm) compared to the guar gum film (GG film) (Ra = 1.00 nm, Rq = 1.33 nm, and Rmax = 16.40 nm), as determined by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The GC film exhibited a 50.4% lower solubility in water (30.30% vs. 15.00%) and 71.3% oxygen permeability (8.26 × 10−9 vs. 2.37 × 10−9 cm3/m2·d·Pa) (p < 0.05) but did not demonstrate any significant difference in mechanical properties, such as thickness (39.10 vs. 41.70 mm), tensile strength (41.89 vs. 38.30 N/mm2), and elongation at break (1.82% vs. 2.03%) (p < 0.05) compared to the GG film. Our findings established a link between physicochemical properties and bioactivity, which can provide useful information on developing and improving GC films and may offer an alternative approach for the control of BPH in the near future.

Experimental and Monte Carlo simulation of palmitate-guar gum derivative as a novel flooding agent in the underground reservoir

Nowadays, biopolymers acquire incremental attention on industrial scale owing to their distinct properties. Guar gum is a hydrophilic, biodegradable polysaccharide widely implemented in several industries. In this study, native guar gum (GG) and palmitate-guar gum (PGG) were evaluated as potential candidates for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Spectroscopic characterization of GG and PGG conducted through FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra. Thermal behavior screened through TGA, DSC and DTA analysis. Moreover, the surface morphology and grafting process investigated through Atomic force microscope (AFM) images. Rheological behavior modeled as a function of shear stress/shear rate and viscosity/shear rate profiles. Both biopolymers display shear-thinning performance and well fitted with Allometric1model, while scanning of shear stress is well fitted by the Hershel-Bulkley model. The rheological assessment confirms that GG and PGG solutions exhibit non-Newtonian performance and reasonable salt resistance. In addition, the elastic and dynamic properties indicate that GG and PGG systems are elastic gels since elastic modulus (G′) prevail viscous modulus (G″). On the other hand, the Monte Carlo simulation conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the wettability alteration through adsorption of biopolymer chains on SiO2-quartz crystal. The obtained simulation outputs reveal that PGG film is more stable than GG film and displays a higher surface coverage, and more negatively electrostatic energies with SiO2-quartz crystal rather than GG. Moreover, contact angle and wettability alteration assessed mathematically as a function of capillary pressure and interfacial tension of water/oil phases. Flooding tests conducted on sandstone core at nearby reservoir conditions and cumulative oil recovery was reported relevant to injected pore volumes. Based on the core flooding data, the reported GG and PGG biopolymers can be considered as a well-optimized EOR- and wettability modifying candidates in the saline reservoirs.

Characterization of curcumin incorporated guar gum/orange oil antimicrobial emulsion films

Edible films are manufactured from natural, renewable, nontoxic, and biodegradable polymers and are safe alternatives to plastic food packaging. Despite ongoing research, biopolymer-based edible films still are not at a quality to ensure total commercial replacement of synthetic packaging materials. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of some novel methods employed to improve edible film properties. These include dispersion of orange oil (1% & 2% v/v) and/or curcumin into guar gum (GG), glycerol and lecithin-based edible films that are further reinforced with Sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) crosslinking with the aim enhancing films physical properties. The films were characterized by measurement of film thickness, density, moisture content, water dissolvability, FTIR Spectroscopy, opacity, water vapor permeability, tensile properties, and antimicrobial activity. Orange oil and curcumin preserved their antimicrobial activity inside the films, which bestowed the films with an active packaging function. Control GG films had acceptable tensile and barrier properties that were further improved. All other film properties, such as opacity, dissolvability, and moisture content, that should be designed for specific application, were successfully modified with the methods used. Our results confirm successful application of STMP crosslinking, emulsion film formation, and active agent addition to edible films in manufacturing GG films for packaging.

Synthesis of hydrophobically modified guar gum film for packaging materials

Guar gum was hydrophobically modified by microwave assisted condensation with dimer acid (DA, a dimer of ricinoleic acid derived from castor oil) under “green” conditions. The condensation product (HMG) was then blended with polyvinyl alcohol and cast into films abbreviated as HMGF (hydrophobically modified guar gum film). FTIR and UV–visible spectroscopies, X-ray diffractometry, swelling, permeability and tensile strength measurements were used to evaluate the properties of HMG and HMGF. HMGF exhibits optimal mechanical strength with UV protective effect and restricted entry of chemical contaminants. HMGF could be easily disposed by burying in soil. HMGF may be a potential eco-friendly food packaging material.

Methylation of guar gum for improving mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable packaging films

Improving functional properties of biopolymers for use as environment friendly packaging is an area of current interest. Biodegradable films with improved barrier and mechanical properties were prepared from methylated guar gum. Methylation resulted in structural modification of guar gum (GG) promoting greater crystallization thereby enhancing thermal stability towards decomposition. Reduction in radius of gyration (Rg), weight average molecular weight (Mw), and an increase in polydispersity index (PDI) were also observed due to methylation. Methylated guar gum (MGG) films exhibited 40% lower water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) as compared to control purified guar gum (PGG) films. Films prepared by partial replacement of PGG with MGG (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% w/w) showed gradual improvement in percent elongation. The study gives an insight on the role of methylation in enhancing barrier and mechanical properties of GG based biodegradable films for possible application in food packaging.

Film-nanoparticle composite for enhanced oral delivery of alpha-casozepine

Whey-derived alpha-casozepine bioactive peptide (YLGYLEQLLR) was associated with previously optimized guar-gum film-PLGA nanoparticles, aiming to increase both stability across gastrointestinal tract and permeability across absorptive epithelia. Oral films associated with nanoparticles (FNp) enhance buccal absorption along with protection of carried bioactive molecules that are swallowed, with inherent increase of bioavailability. None of developed formulations induced significant loss of cell viability. Permeability across both buccal and intestinal cell barriers was enhanced when alpha-casozepine was carried by FNp system, when compared with film and nanoparticles alone, in a simulated gastrointestinal tract environment. Moreover, differences in permeability profile across buccal and intestinal epithelia were in accordance with the slower erosion of PLGA nanoparticles in a media of neutral pH, resembling oral cavity conditions, and a faster erosion in acidic conditions, as occurs in stomach, as observed by a continuous analysis of nanoparticle morphology over 980 min by atomic force microscopy. Additionally, apparent permeability of alpha-casozepine across TR146 human buccal carcinoma cells and Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture, carried by FNp was indeed superior when compared with peptide loaded in PLGA nanoparticles and in films alone or with free peptide control solution. Both FNp and PLGA nanoparticles alone enhanced the permeability of relaxing peptide compared with guar-gum films alone. An increased tongue adhesion when PLGA nanoparticles were added to the guar-gum films was also observed. Developed formulations improved both buccal an intestinal absorption of carried bioactive molecules without compromising cell viability.