Gum Biopolymer Research Articles

Biological Solutions for the Remediation of Cracks in Ancient Earthen Structures: Experimental Studies

The aim of this research is to investigate two biological solutions, namely, soybean urease induced calcite precipitation (SICP) and xanthan gum (XG) biopolymer, for the remediation of cracks in ancient earthen structures. In this study, soil crack patterns captured by a high-resolution camera are quantified using image processing software. Optical microscopy and wind erosion tests were utilized to analyze the surface cementation effect in the repaired earth samples. Experimental results show that repaired samples treated with SICP solution (a mixture of soybean urease and urea-calcium chloride solutions), XG solution, and SICP-XG solutions (a mixture of SICP and xanthan gum solutions) can significantly decrease the surface crack ratio, and both the total length and the average width of the cracks, especially for the sample treated by the SICP-XG solution. In the wind erosion test, the repaired cracks in these three earthen samples remain stable under wind speeds of 15 m/s. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tests confirmed the cementation effect induced by CaCO3 crystals and xanthan gum.

Adsorption of the Xanthan Gum Polymer and Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate Surfactant in Sandstone Reservoirs: Experimental and Density Function Theory Studies.

Chemical flooding using a polymer and/or surfactant has been widely applied in oilfields worldwide for enhanced oil recovery. Chemical adsorption in reservoirs has a significant effect on the rock permeability and wettability and hence can affect the overall oil production. In this work, two chemicals, namely, the xanthan gum (XG) biopolymer and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) anionic surfactant, were used individually as displacement fluids. The amount of chemical adsorption on the rock surface and the residual resistance factor (permeability reduction) were calculated throughout the flooding experiments using an unconsolidated sandstone (SS) pack model. The effects of the injected chemicals’ concentration and reservoir salinity on adsorption capacity have been examined. Additionally, the effect of the addition of nanosilica particles (NSPs) to the injected fluid on the rock adsorption was also investigated. The results showed that the amount of XG and SDBS adsorption on the rock surface increased, albeit to a different extent, by increasing the chemical concentration at the applied salinities (0, 3.5, 5, and 10%) of the displacement fluids. Also, the permeability reduction increased with the increase in XG and SDBS concentrations; however, permeability reduction due to SDBS flooding was lower than that of XG in SS. The use of NSPs as a coinjectant to the XG and SDBS displacement fluids increased the adsorption on the SS rock. A plausible mechanism for the adsorption of the XG/NSP and SDBS/NSP blends on the SS surface was proposed. A density function theory calculation was employed to establish a relation between the adsorptivity of NSPs on SDBS and XG and the total energy and dipole moment of the molecules.

Gel Stability of Calcium Bentonite Suspension in Brine and Its Application in Water-Based Drilling Fluids.

With the development of the oil industry and the increasingly complex drilling environment, the performance of drilling fluids has to be constantly improved. In order to solve the problem of bentonite dispersion and hydration in a saline medium, a drilling fluid additive with good performance and acceptable cost was sought. The effects of several water-soluble polymers, such as cellulose polymers, synthetic polymers and natural polymers, on the rheology and gel suspension stability of calcium-based bentonite were compared in this study. Among the examined polymers, the xanthan gum biopolymer (XC) was the least negatively affected in the saline medium used. However, its high price limits its industrial application in oil and gas drilling fluids. In this study, a salt-tolerant polymer, modified vegetable gum (MVG), was prepared by a cross-linking modification of a natural plant gum, which is abundant and cheap. Then, a salt-tolerant polymer mixture called SNV was prepared, composed of the salt-resistant natural polymer MVG and the biopolymer XC. The salt tolerance and slurry ability of SNV and common water-soluble polymers were evaluated and compared. We then selected the most suitable Herschel–Bulkley model to fit the rheological curve of the SNV–bentonite aqueous suspension system. SNV improved the rheological properties of the calcium-based bentonite slurry and the dispersion stability of bentonite. In an SNV concentration of 0.35%, the apparent viscosity (AV) of the base slurry increased from 2 mPa·s to 32 mPa·s, and the low shear reading value at 3 rpm increased from 0 dia to 5 dia. This could greatly improve the viscosity and cutting carrying capacity of the bentonite drilling fluid. The bentonite drilling fluid prepared with SNV could be directly slurried with brine and even seawater; this means that when drilling in ocean, coastal saline water and high-salinity-surface saline water areas, the slurry preparation cost and preparation time can be conveniently reduced.

Electrical and Dielectrical Properties of Khaya Gum Biopolymer Thin Filmcoated by Spray Pyrolysis Technique

Electrical and Dielectrical Properties of Khaya Gum Biopolymer Thin Filmcoated by Spray Pyrolysis Technique

Green synthesis of guar gum/Ag nanoparticles and their role in peel-off gel for enhanced antibacterial efficiency and optimization using RSM

Polysaccharide-based guar gum (GG) biopolymer is used via a hydrothermal process to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The GG biopolymer act as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Moreover, GG was used for preparing peel-off masks to provide the desired consistency of formulation and synthesis of nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent. This work presents the novel GG/Ag nanoparticles peel-off gel and evaluates the antibacterial efficiency. The synthesized Ag-nanoparticles analyzed by UV–spectroscopy reflect a prominent peak at 413 nm. The size and distribution of nanoparticles were examined by TEM images obtained from the 6 to 18 nm range. We demonstrate the efficiency of peel-off facial gel as an antibacterial and preservative-free cosmetic product at different temperature ranges. The RSM study was used for parameter optimization of peel-off gel for extrudability, spreadability, and drying time by employing a CCD. The results show that the optimized GG, PVA, and ethanol concentration were 3.47, 8.30, and 5.80 w/w%, respectively, with 0.02 w/w% Ag nanoparticles. The peel-off gel antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (11 ± 0.1 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (10 ± 0.3 mm), and Propionibacterium acnes (11 ± 0.3 mm). The peel-off gel was prepared from natural ingredients; due to this, it is non-toxic for human skin.

Design, development and characterization of interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel bead for controlled release of glipizide drug

In the current study, a novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel bead was developed by encapsulation of antidiabetic drug glipizide using sodium alginate (SAL) and xanthan gum (XAG) biopolymers by ionotropic gelation technique with calcium chloride as cross-linking agent. In light of the fact that IPN hydrogel beads possess greater benefits in controlling the release of such short acting drug, sodium alginate and xanthan gum IPN hydrogel beads were prepared at different mass ratios (SAL:XAG = 10:0, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5). Similarly, drug-loaded IPN hydrogel beads were also developed. The prepared hydrogel beads were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and thermogravimetric studies to understand the type of interactions between the composite beads. Surface morphology changes were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and swelling behavior of prepared hydrogel beads were also studied. Based on in vitro drug dissolution studies, it was observed that SXF4 preparation containing SAL and XAG polymers at 7:3 ratio showed extended drug release of 97.53% at 9 h. This study demonstrated that inclusion of XAG has extended the drug release and able to achieve zero-order drug release profile.

Thermodynamics, kinetics and isotherm studies on the removal of anionic Azo-dye (Congo red) using synthesized Chitosan/Moringa oleifera gum hydrogel composites

ABSTRACT Low cost and biocompatible hydrogels were synthesized using chitosan (CS) and Moringa oleifera (MO) gum biopolymers through Maillard reaction with glutaraldehyde as crosslinker. These CS/MO hydrogels were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Equilibrium swelling behavior at different pH, temperature and salt solutions indicated almost equal swelling at all pH values, while higher swelling was observed at high temperature and low salt concentrations. Congo red dye, an azo dye, is potentially carcinogenic and can have different molecular structure at different pH. For its removal, variables including initial dye concentration, temperature, pH and contact time were optimized in order to achieve best adsorption capacity. The kinetics and isotherm studies suggested that the process of Congo red sorption on hydrogels was better fitted through pseudo second-order and Langmuir isotherm model. Maximum adsorption capacity of 50.25 mg/g was obtained at pH 2 as per Langmuir isotherm that represented a monolayer adsorption mechanism. The thermodynamic evaluation of the system suggested chemical nature of adsorption of dye. Since CS/MO hydrogels showed removal of more than 95% at all pH values along with ease of use, they could exhibit a potential of commercial utility in textile sectors for Congo red dye removal if further studies are conducted.

Geotechnical properties of problematic expansive subgrade stabilized with xanthan gum biopolymer

This article presents a comprehensive study on the efficacy of xanthan gum (XG) biopolymer as a green construction material in treating problematic expansive subgrade. The soil was treated with various concentrations of XG (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 5.0%) considering long-term aging period (0, 4, 7, 14, 28, 60 and 365 days). The results showed a reduction in soil plasticity at a higher aging period with the increase in XG content. At 1.5% XG content the unconfined compressive strength, elastic modulus, resilient modulus, unsoaked and soaked CBR values of treated soil were notably increased by 5–10 orders of magnitude and regarded as optimum. Meanwhile, microstructural studies coupled with elemental analysis highlight the bridging of soil particles with stiff XG-hydrogel formation that contributes to strength development. Overall, XG-treatment exhibits an economical and sustainable solution for the treatment of problematic expansive subgrade.

Strengthening potential of xanthan gum biopolymer in stabilizing weak subgrade soil

Strengthening potential of xanthan gum biopolymer in stabilizing weak subgrade soil

Advancing the stability and efficiency of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells through a novel, green, and water-based thixotropic biopolymer/ordered nanopores silica designed quasi-solid-state gel electrolytes

The practical application of liquid electrolyte-constructed quantum-dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) is far from satisfactory due to the short-term performance, poor TiO2 penetration, leakage, and volatilization of liquid electrolytes. In this respect, three of the most critical problems with QDSSCs are addressed in this research: (i) low open-circuit voltage (VOC); (ii) low fill factor (FF), thereby, low efficiency; and, (iii) the device's poor performance stability over time. Herein, a simple approach to fabricate water-based quasi-solid-state gel electrolytes (QSSGE) designed QDSSCs by combining guar gum (GG) biopolymer and ordered nanopores silica (SBA) is reported. For the first time, SBA is being employed as an electrolyte additive to catalyze the reduction of polysulfide electrolyte more efficiently. The resultant SBA/GG gel electrolytes system offers several advantages including (i) passivating the surface trap states between TiO2/QD/electrolyte interfaces; (ii) providing a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure for the free migration of ions; (iii) its surface rich hydroxyl groups establish good contact with the photoanode. The Cu-In-S sensitized devices with SBA/GG gel electrolytes demonstrated superior power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 9.14% in one full sunlight. This photovoltaic performance is considered to be one of the highest for copper-based QDSSCs. The outstanding PCE with gel electrolyte-constructed QDSSCs are reflected from simultaneous augmentation in VOC and FF that initiated by the synergistic interaction between SBA and GG for controlled interfacial electron-hole recombination dynamics. Moreover, gel electrolyte-constructed QDSSCs outperformed both SBA and liquid electrolyte-constructed QDSSCs in terms of performance stability, lasting up to 168 h instead of 120 or 72 h, respectively. The primary goal of this research is to develop biopolymer-based QSSGEs that are both efficient and stable while also being environmentally beneficial.

Biopolymers in the preservation of rhizobacteria cells and efficiency in soybean inoculation

Soybean (Glycine max (L). Merr.) is among the most important legumes worldwide performing a significant role in biological fixation of nitrogen through rhizobacteria. These microorganisms that act in the plant root system are inoculated by biological products, which must contain viable cells. The viability of inoculants is a market challenge, and biopolymers have been studied for the preservation of microorganisms. Thus, this study aimed to assess the influence of adding xanthan gum and carboxymethylcellulose biopolymers on the preservation of cells of Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, Azospirillum sp., and Pseudomonas fluorescens, and inoculation of soybean seeds. The inoculants were produced and stored added with biopolymers. Soybean seeds were inoculated at 0, 90 and 210 inoculant storage days and sown in pots of 1 L. 50 days after emergence for assessing physiological parameters of stomatal conductance (gs - mol H20 m-2 s-1), CO2 assimilation rate (A - µmol CO2 m-2 s-1), transpiration rate (E - mmol H2O m-2 s-1), in addition to morphological parameters of plant height (H), fresh mass of aerial part (FMAP), root fresh mass (RFM), number of nodules (NNo), fresh mass of nodules (FMNo), dry mass of aerial part (DMAP), root dry mass (RDM), and dry mass of nodules (DMNo). The use of biopolymers proved efficient at preserving the cells of the microorganisms tested at 210 storage days through the responses obtained from an increase in aerial and root plant biomass resulting from a more efficient nodulation in the inoculant with biopolymer.

In-situ petroleum hydrocarbons contaminated soils remediation by polymer enhanced surfactant flushing: Mechanistic investigation

Chemicals injection for in-situ remediation of contaminated soils has attracted great attention. Efficiency of this technology relies on various parameters. Among them, chemical formulation of flushing agents has a key role. In this study, synergistic effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) ionic surfactant and Xanthan Gum (XG) biopolymer on the emulsification and solubilization of two types of petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants was investigated. Interfacial tension (IFT) measurements, bottle tests, droplet size distributions determination, and visual fluid flow experiments at pore-scale were conducted to assess pollutants removal strength of the proposed polymer enhanced surfactant flushing strategy. Results showed that although SDS surfactant reduced the equilibrium IFT of system to appropriate low value (i.e. less than 3 mN/m), it was not able to form stable oil-in-water emulsions. Nevertheless, addition of XG biopolymer, with no remarkable effect on IFT, improved emulsions formation and stability. Fluid flow experiments showed that oil snap-off and emulsion division are essential mechanisms of in-situ emulsion formation. A significant amount of hydrocarbon pollutants remained in porous medium after injection of 10 pore volumes of SDS. While, smaller size emulsions, as well as better contaminants removal were achieved for SDS solution with 4000 ppm XG at much lower injected pore volumes.

Application of Gellan Gum Biopolymer in Biomedical Applications: A Review

Gellan gum (GG) has gained considerable attention in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries due to its functional characteristics. It has versatile properties, such as water solubility, easy bio-fabrication, good film/hydrogel-formation, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. These properties render GG a promising material in biomedical applications, specifically in the development of wound dressing materials. In this review, the use of GG biopolymer as a wound dressing material was discussed. Various fillers, such as titanium dioxides, clay, drug, and honey, have been incorporated in GG to produce film, hydrogel, or scaffold materials. The effects of filler on the mechanical performance, physical properties, antibacterial activities, and healing activities of GG biocomposites were explained. Overall, this review summarizes the effect of fillers on GG biocomposites for various biomedical uses.

Laryngeal and Esophageal Mucosal Protection Using the Angico Gum Biopolymer in a Mouse Model of Reflux.

This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo protective effect of the angico gum biopolymer in reducing the inflammatory response and preserving the integrity of the laryngeal and esophageal mucosa. Animal study. A murine surgical model of gastroesophageal reflux disease was accomplished and subsequently treated with angico gum or omeprazole. On days 3 and 7 post surgery, samples of the larynx and esophagus, respectively, were collected to measure the level of inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance and mucosal permeability to fluorescein). Angico gum and omeprazole decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and dramatically improved the integrity of the laryngeal mucosa. It also reduced inflammation (decreased wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) of the esophagus and preserved the barrier function (inferred by assessing the integrity of the mucosa). This study demonstrates the protective effect of angico gum in an experimental gastroesophageal reflux disease model. Angico gum attenuates inflammation and impairment of the mucosal barrier function not only in the larynx but also in the esophagus. NA Laryngoscope, 133:162-168, 2023.

Monitoring of microscopic behavior of nano-enhanced colloidal gas aphron in fractured and un-fractured non-uniform porous medium

The present article aimed to examine the pore-scale examination of a fluid capability to block pores and fractures deduced by return permeability and the blocking ability of a novel lightweight Colloidal Gas Aphron Nano-Fluid (CGANF) in heterogeneous fractured/un-fractured porous medium. Silica (S) and fumed silica (FS) nanoparticles, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) anionic surfactant, and Xanthan Gum (XG) bio-polymer were employed for following up CGANF bubbles' movements in incongruous micro-models’ inclusive crack. The transparent nature of the glass micro-model provides an intuition into the lenticular behavior of CGANF bubbles in the heterogeneous porous media. Differential pressure analysis through porous media during experiments demonstrated that opposition to the stream of CGANF bubbles increased as more CGANF fluid was injected. Also, the lamella division mechanism generated more small bubbles resulting in increasing differential pressure across porous micro-models. Contrasted to bigger CGANF bubbles, smaller CGANF bubbles had lesser movability. Therefore, they were key factors for blocking pores and throats of porous media and changed the orientation of bigger bubbles in cracks toward the matrix. Observations revealed that CGANF micron-bubbles built up through the porous media could set up an impressive snag to control loss of filtrate, and permeability of models was reverted almost to its primary permeability when saturation fluid was reinjected into micro-models. For the detailed analysis in this study, the maximum percentages of reverted permeability for fractured and un-fractured non-uniformed micro-models were attained 91.81% and 90.70%, respectively. Also, by increasing XG concentrations from 0.286 to 0.571% w/v, return permeability percentage increased from 84.4% to 87.4%. There was an optimum concentration of nanoparticles at 0.0571% w/v of silica and fumed silica, and consequently, returned permeability and infusion pressure of CGANF fluid reached their maximum values. Moreover, the stability of the CGANF fluid increased to 8.15% and 12.6% by adding silica and fumed silica nanoparticles, respectively, to the CGA fluid formulation without nanoparticles. This article presents a novel insight into porous media for analyzing blockage capability and controlling porous media damage created via CGANF-based fluids in non-uniformed environments. • Enhancing the behavior and properties of CGANF fluids. • Use of silica and fumed silica nanoparticles in CGANF fluids. • Controlling filtration loss by forming an effective seal using CGA/CGANF fluids. • Use of heterogeneous transparent glass micromodels for monitoring the bubbles flowin the pores and fracture by microscope. • Analysis of return permeability by high accurate pressure drop data through micromodel.

Geoenvironmental Application of Novel Persian Gum Biopolymer in Sandy Soil Stabilization

Geoenvironmental Application of Novel Persian Gum Biopolymer in Sandy Soil Stabilization

Sustainable biopolymer soil stabilization in saline rich, arid conditions: a \u2018micro to macro\u2019 approach

Water scarcity in semi-arid/arid regions is driving the use of salt water in mining operations. A consequence of this shift, is the potentially unheeded effect upon Mine Tailing (MT) management. With existing stabilization/solidification methodologies exhibiting vulnerability to MT toxicity and salinity effects, it is essential to explore the scope for more environmentally durable sustainable alternatives under these conditions. Within this study we investigate the effects of salinity (NaCl, 0–2.5 M) and temperatures associated with arid regions (25 °C, 40 °C), on Locust Bean Gum (LB) biopolymer stabilization of MT exemplar and sand (control) soil systems. A cross-disciplinary ‘micro to macro’ pipeline is employed, from a Membrane Enabled Bio-mineral Affinity Screen (MEBAS), to Mineral Binding Characterisation (MBC), leading finally to Geotechnical Verification (GV). As predicted by higher Fe2O3 LB binding affinity in saline in the MEBAS studies, LB with 1.25 M NaCl, results in the greatest soil strength in the MT exemplar after 7 days of curing at 40 °C. Under these most challenging conditions for other soil strengthening systems, an overall UCS peak of 5033 kPa is achieved. MBC shows the critical and direct relationship between Fe2O3-LB in saltwater to be ‘high-affinity’ at the molecular level and ‘high-strength’ achieved at the geotechnical level. This is attributed to biopolymer binding group’s increased availability, with their ‘salting-in’ as NaCl concentrations rises to 1.25 M and then ‘salting-out’ at higher concentrations. This study highlights the potential of biopolymers as robust, sustainable, soil stabilization additives in challenging environments.

Effect of Xanthan Gum Biopolymer on Lime Treated SandBentonite Mixtures

Effect of Xanthan Gum Biopolymer on Lime Treated SandBentonite Mixtures

Application of biopolymers to preserve Pseudomonas fluorescens cells and their efficiency in the biological control of Macrophomina sp.

Agricultural crops have been increasingly attacked by microorganisms that cause low productivity and severe losses to producers. In this context, chemical products are no longer sufficient to control pathogens, leading to the introduction of biological inoculants that can inhibit unwanted microorganisms. However, these products must be formulated properly to have their useful life guaranteed. In this sense, this study aimed to assess the use of carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan gum biopolymers in the conservation of cells of Pseudomonas fluorencens, an effective rhizobacteria in the biological control of the Macrophomina sp. fungus, responsible for black rot in different cultures. The inoculant produced from the bacteria fermentation was stored and assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 days after adding the biopolymers. The cell culture was then fermented and added with biopolymers, followed by pH measure and CFU mL-1 count. Antagonist activity against Macrophomina sp. Was assessed through the methods of fungal culture method in the antagonist culture, paired culture, and central risk pairing. Assessments were performed at 24, 48, and 72 hours after incubation in a growth chamber. Percentage of growth inhibition was then calculated and subjected to Tukey test at 5% significance level. According to the results, the biopolymers were able to preserve the Pseudomonas fluorescens cells for 210 days and ensure better antagonist potential against the pathogen, corroborating that the market should provide products with longer shelf life

Improving the Mechanical Properties of Red Clay Using Xanthan Gum Biopolymer

The traditional treatment of red clay using inorganic materials leads to many serious environmental problems. The study investigates the mechanical properties of red clay using an environmental-friendly material—xanthan gum—through confined compression, direct shear, and scanning electron microscope tests. At the macroscale, xanthan gum content and curing age had obvious effects on the compressibility, presenting the treated red clay was in the category of low compressibility which gradually increased when xanthan gum content exceeded 1.5%. The xanthan gum content and curing age also had significant influences on the cohesion but not on the internal friction angle. The shear strength of red clay can be improved by increasing the cohesion without obviously changing the friction characteristics. After curing for 28 days, the cohesion and internal friction angle of 2.0% xanthan gum-treated soil were effectively improved to 170.44 kPa and 20.56°, which were increased by 69.79% and 9.36°, respectively, compared with untreated red clay. Microscopic analysis indicated that the strengthening mechanism by xanthan gum was derived from changing the arrangement characteristics of soil particles and forming hard biopolymer-red clay matrices. The proper xanthan gum can effectively wrap clay particles and fill pore spaces. However, the extensive stacking of gels would also reduce the effective connection of clay particles and produce local weak points in the soil, resulting in attenuation of mechanical properties. This study enriches the treatment measure of red clay and provides beneficial experiences for biopolymer application on special clay.