Hybrid Bionanocomposite Research Articles

Chitosan‐based pH‐sensitive antibacterial bionanocomposites with laponite immobilized silver nanoparticles for delivery of sunitinib maleate to breast cancers

In this work, new pH‐sensitive and antibacterial drug carrier systems based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in the interlayer of laponite (Lap) in the presence of chitosan (CTS) for the controllable release of sunitinib maleate (STM) were developed. Silver ions and sunitinib maleate were first loaded into Lap, and the CTS‐based hybrid bionanocomposite carrier (Lap@CTS@AgNPs@STM) was obtained in the presence of citric acid as a cross‐linker agent. The successful preparation of nanocarrier and Ag NPs formation was thoroughly confirmed using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM. TEM images illustrated the excellent distribution of Ag NPs in the structure of Lap@CTS@AgNPs. The as‐prepared samples showed a pH‐sensitive anticancer drug release behavior. The STM release mechanism was studied using Korsmeyer–Peppas and Higuchi kinetic models. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial tests were carried out against both bacteria S. aureus and E. coli and MCF‐7 cell lines, respectively, to prove the effectiveness of synthesized samples as multifunctional carrier systems for biomedical applications.

Mechanical, barrier, antibacterial and biodegradable properties of carrageenan/natamycin/graphene hybrid bio nanocomposite film for active antimicrobial food packaging applications

Mechanical, barrier, antibacterial and biodegradable properties of carrageenan/natamycin/graphene hybrid bio nanocomposite film for active antimicrobial food packaging applications

Multifunctional organic and inorganic hybrid bionanocomposite of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/nanobioactive glass/nanocellulose for bone tissue engineering

The present study explored a novel organic-inorganic hybrid CPBNC bionanocomposite by developing chitosan (C)-poly(vinyl alcohol) (P)/nanobioactive glass (B)-nanocellulose (NC) with the addition of 1%, 2% and 3 wt% of nanocellulose as template material for bone tissue application. Nanobioactive glass of size 6–10 nm and nanocellulose of size 6–7 nm was confirmed by TEM analysis. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated strong electrostatic interactions between the functional groups present in the CPBNC bionanocomposite. The mechanical analysis confirmed the formation of CPBNC bionanocomposite and showed improved tensile strength (59.7 ± 1.5 MPa) young's modulus (174.9 ± 6.1 MPa) and compressive strength (4.9 ± 0.2 MPa). Porosity percentage of 61–79% was comparable to cancellous bones with suitable swelling and decreased degradation behaviour properties that could be ideal for cell seeding. Morphological studies by FE-SEM displayed a homogeneous dispersion and smooth surface. The biomimetic mineralization process confirmed the hydroxyapatite nucleation from FE-SEM analysis. It was observed that the CPBNC bionanocomposites provided a better antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. aureus. The hemocompatibility test proved that CPBNC bionanocomposites are blood compatible and showed a hemolytic ratio of less than 2%. The above findings point to a simple method of synthesizing high-performance NC-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Probing lubricated sliding wear properties of HDPE/UHMWPE hybrid bionanocomposite.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and its derivatives have been clinically used as an acetabular liner material in total hip joint replacement (THR) over last six decades. Despite significant efforts, the longevity of UHMWPE implants is still impaired due to their compromised tribological performance, leading to osteolysis and aseptic loosening. The present study aims to critically evaluate and analyze the tribological performance, of the next generation acetabular liner material, that is, a chemically modified graphene oxide (GO) reinforced HDPE/UHMWPE (HU) bionanocomposite (HUmGO), against stainless steel (SS 316L) counterface in lubricated conditions. This work also provides a performance comparative assessment of HUmGO with respect to medical grades, UHMWPE (UC) and crosslinked UHMWPE (XL-UC). Significant attempts have been made to correlate the tribological properties (frictional behavior, wear rate, wear debris shape and size, wear mechanism) with the physicomechanical conditions (contact stresses) at sliding contact and the variation in molecular architecture of different UHMWPE materials. Additionally, an emphasis is put forward to critically anlyze the nature of lubrication regime based on the bearing characterstic parameters. HUmGO exhibited a lower COF (0.07) and specific wear rate (2.86 × 10-8mm3/Nm) than UC and XL-UC under identical sliding conditions. The worn surfaces on HUmGO revealed the signatures of less abrasive wear and limited deformation. Based on the estimated lambda (λ) ratio and Sommerfield number, all the investigated sliding contacts exhibited boundary lubrication. Taken together, the modified GO reinforced HDPE/UHMWPE bionanocomposite can be considered as a new generation biomaterial for the fabrication of acetabular liner for hip-joint prosthesis.

Performance evaluation of polymer-marine biomass based bionanocomposite for the adsorptive removal of malachite green from synthetic wastewater.

In this experimental investigation, feasibility and performance of a polymer hybrid bio-nano composite were evaluated to remove malachite green (MG) under controlled environment conditions. The polymer hybrid bio-nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, SEM and EDS. The influence of operating variables, namely effect of pH (2-11), nanocomposite dosage (20-100mg), initial MG concentration (10- 200mg/L), contact time (10-120min) and temperature (298-318K) were explored. The maximum removal efficiency (RE) of 99.79% was achieved at neutral pH at the dosage level of 50mg with the initial MG concentration of 150mg/L in 40min. The equilibrium results revealed that the adsorption of MG data fitted to Langmuir isotherm (R2>0.970) indicating monolayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of polymer hybrid nanocomposite was found to be 384.615mg/g. Kinetic studies were performed using five kinetic models and results showed the pseudo second order model fitted very well with the MG adsorption data (R2>0.990). The thermodynamic results confirmed that MG adsorption onto polymer hybrid nanocomposite is feasible and (ΔS ͦ=0.2893kJ/mol K), spontaneous (ΔH ͦ=81.103kJ/mol K) and exothermic (ΔG ͦ<0). A mechanism is also proposed for the removal of MG using the polymer nanocomposite and identified that electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding as the major mechanism for removal of MG. FTIR results confirmed the presence of carboxyl (-COO) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups which helped in effective binding of cationic dye. The overall results revealed that polymer nanocomposite could be used as a potential adsorbent for removing MG from aqueous solution.

Combined Experimental Thin Film, DFT-TDDFT Computational Study, structure properties for [FeO+P2O5] bio-nanocomposite by Geotrichum candidum and Environmental application

Geotrichum candidum mycelium free extract were used to fabricate the hybrid bio-nanocomposite [G. candidum/FeO+P2O5]NC with an average crystallite size ranging from 80 nm to 96 nm. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the structure, simulations, and biological activities of this bio nanocomposite. Various techniques of experimental characterization for the [G. candidum/FeO+P2O5]NC such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX and optical calculations. [G. candidum/FeO+P2O5]NC was tested as antibacterial agent against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans by well diffusion method. Also, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of NC were measured. Additionally, testing the efficiency of the produced [FeO+P2O5]NC against polluted water samples with pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and certain heavy metals from Kitchener drainage in Mahalla, Gharbia governorate, Egypt. [G. candidum/FeO+P2O5]NC hybrid bio-nanocomposite has showed ability to inhibit bacteria by 90.5% compared to amoxicillin as a synthetic antibacterial and reduced the total count with 54.8%, also it was reduced fungi by 99.4% compared to nystatin as a standard antifungal which reduced the total count of fungi with 98%. Furthermore, [G. candidum/FeO+P2O5]NC had high activity to remove of certain heavy metals nearly to 96.7 % for Pb, 10.7% for Cd, 12.18% for Cr, 5.7 % for Ni, and 23.4% for Zn.

A hybrid bionanocomposite for Pb (II) ion removal from water: synthesis, characterization and adsorption kinetics studies

A hybrid bionanocomposite for Pb (II) ion removal from water: synthesis, characterization and adsorption kinetics studies

Hybrid Bionanocomposite Containing Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles Embedded in a Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogel Plus Silk Fibroin as a Scaffold for Wound Dressing Applications.

Based on the promising biomedical developments in wound healing strategies, herein, a new nanobiocomposite scaffold was designed and presented by incorporation of carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels prepared using epichlorohydrin as a cross-linking agent (CMC hydrogel), a natural silk fibroin (SF) protein, and magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles (Mg(OH)2 NPs). Biological evaluation of the CMC hydrogel/SF/Mg(OH)2 nanobiocomposite scaffold was conducted via in vitro cell viability assays and in vivo assays, red blood cell hemolysis, and antibiofilm assays. Considering the cell viability percentage of Hu02 cells (84.5%) in the presence of the prepared nanobiocomposite after 7 days, it was indicated that this new nanoscaffold was biocompatible. The signs of excellent hemocompatibility and the high antibacterial activity were observed due to the low-point hemolytic effect (8.3%) and high-level potential in constraining the P. aeruginosa biofilm formation with a low OD value (0.13). Moreover, in vivo wound healing assay results indicated that the wound healing method was faster in mice treated with the prepared nanobiocomposite scaffold (82.29%) than the control group (75.63%) in 12 days. Apart from the structural characterization of the CMC hydrogel/SF/Mg(OH)2 nanobiocomposite through FTIR, EDX, FESEM, and TG analyses, compressive mechanical tests, contact angle, porosity, and swelling ratio studies indicated that the combination of the CMC hydrogel structure with SF protein and Mg(OH)2 NPs could significantly impact Young's modulus (from 11.34 to 10.14 MPa), tensile strength (from 299.35 to 250.78 MPa), elongation at break (12.52 to 12.84%), hydrophilicity, and water uptake capacity (92.5%).

Prospective of biosynthesized L.satiVum oil/PEG/Ag-MgO bionanocomposite film for its antibacterial and anticancer potential.

A substantial interest has been manifested in utilizing oil/metal oxide hybrid bionanocomposite, especially organic/ inorganic to design different biomedical applications. The present study reports the synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and anticancer properties of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and L.satiVum oil/PEG/Ag-MgO bionanocomposite. The fabricated AgNPs and L.sativum oil/PEG/Ag-MgO bionanocomposite were characterized by employing different spectroscopic (UV, FTIR, XRD) and microscopic (TEM, SEM) techniques. The particle size analysis showed that the mean size of 16.32 nm for AgNPS and 13.45 nm L.satiVum oil/PEG/Ag-MgO, indicating the excellent dispersion of Ag-MgO nanoparticles in the PEG– L.satiVum oil matrix. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs and polymeric bionanocomposite was investigated against two pathogenic bacteria. The highest antibacterial effect was observed for bionanocomposite towards Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (27 mm) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (25 mm) at 40 µg/well. The bionanocomposite completely vanished the bacterial growth (100%) at 80 µgmL−1 concentrations. Moreover, the AgNPs and polymeric bionanocomposite was evaluated for anticancer activity against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells) at different doses (50, 250, 500, and 1000 µgmL−1). The results showed polymeric bionanocomposite was stronger in inducing the HeLa cancer cell death than AgNPs. Overall, the fabricated L.satiVum oil/PEG/Ag-MgO bionanocomposite serve as a potential antimicrobial and anticancer agent and could be used in the development of novel drugs and health care products in near future.

Green synthesis of chitosan/nanosilver hybrid bionanocomposites with promising antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticervical cancer activity

Being a versatile biopolymer, chitosan has been used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (SNPs) impregnated hybrid chitosan-nanosilver bionanocomposite (CSSNC) films via a green ex-situ and in-situ route using fruit waste extract. CSSNC hybrid bionanocomposite films were prepared in six different concentrations and characterized by using different techniques i.e. UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Among the CSSNC, CS9AGE1 has been optimized for further biological assays for which the antimicrobial activity revealed the highest zone of inhibition against E. coli (20 mm) and S. aureus (17.5 mm). The antioxidant activity revealed dose-dependent radical scavenging against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (50 µg mL−1), nitric oxide (50 µg mL−1) radical, and total reduction capability (40 µg mL−1). Furthermore, low percent cell viability was observed for cancerous cells at a concentration of 50 µg mL−1 against cervical cancer cells, (HeLa cell line). Therefore, the overall accomplishment confesses a strong potential of CSSNC fabrication via an eco-friendly route exhibiting remarkable anticancer and antioxidant activity and hence provide a gateway to be further explored in the biomedical sciences.

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-based hybrid bionanocomposite hydrogels: Ciprofloxacin delivery, release kinetics and antibacterial activity

The current study developed a series of novel biomaterials based on the growth of calcium phosphate (HA) within the polyvinyl alcohol/κ-carrageenan (PVACar) hydrogels to assess their potential as drug delivery system. All synthesized samples were analyzed by using common techniques e.g. Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM), scanningelectron microscopy(SEM)with an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ciprofloxacin (as a drug model) encapsulation efficiency and release performance of the samples were investigated. Experimental results showed that the incorporation of HA led to sustain release of ciprofloxacin, whereas about ~ 70% of ciprofloxacin was diffused from pristine PVACar sample during 30 h. The kinetic investigations showed the best fit with Korsmeyer-Peppas model with Fick's diffusion as the drug release mechanism.Moreover, the performance of ciprofloxacin-loaded hydrogels as antibacterial hydrogels was tested, which showed good antibacterial activity against Gram-positiveStaphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria.

Prospective of Green Synthesized Oleum cumini Oil/PVP/MgO Bionanocomposite Film for Its Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anticancer Applications

Nowadays, considerable interest has been expressed in using oil/metal oxide hybrid bionanocomposite, particularly organic/inorganic, to engineer different biomedical applications. The fabricated Oleum cumini oil/PVP/MgO bionanocomposite in this study was characterized using different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques as well as a thermal stability study. The obtained results proved excellent dispersion of MgO nanoparticles in the PVP–Oleum cumini oil matrix with particle size 50–60 nm. The green synthesized Oleum cumini oil/PVP/MgO bionanocomposite was evaluated for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The prepared bionanocomposite displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida tropicalis, and Candida Glabrata. Also, the bionanocomposite showed anticancer activity against the pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1), and exhibited significant antioxidant effects against the DPPH and ABTS scavenging free radicals. Conclusively, the fabricated Oleum cumini oil/PVP/MgO bionanocomposite combine the benefits of Oleum cumini oil and MgO, and thus might hold a great promise for biomedical applications in the near future.

Nonisocyanate Poly(Hydroxyl Urethane)-Based Green Polymer Hybrid Coating Systems: Tailoring of Biomacromolecular Compound Architecture Using APTMS-ZnO/TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanoparticles.

Hybrid bionanocomposite coating systems (HBCSs) are green polymer materials consisting of an interface between a coating matrix and nanoparticles. The coating matrix was prepared by using a nonisocyanate poly(hydroxyl urethane) (NIPHU) prepolymer crosslinked via 1,3-diaminopropane and epoxidized Jatropha curcas oil. TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanoparticles (TARC) were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose, and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS)-coated ZnO nanoparticles (APTMS-ZnO) and their suspensions were synthesized separately. The suspensions at different weight ratios were incorporated into the coating matrix to prepare a series of HBCSs. FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, XRD, SEM, and TEM were used to confirm the chemical structures, morphology, and elements of the coating matrix, nanomaterials, and HBCSs. The thermomechanical properties of the HBCSs were investigated by TGA-DTG and pencil hardness analyses. The UV and IR absorption spectra of the HBCSs were obtained using UV–vis spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. The HBCSs exhibited good thermal stability at about 200 °C. The degradation temperature at 5% mass loss of all samples was over around 280 °C. The HBCSs exhibited excellent UV block and IR active properties with a stoichiometric ratio of the NIPHU prepolymer and EJCO of 1:1 (wt/wt) containing 5 wt % TARC and 15 wt % APTMS-ZnO nanoparticles. It was observed that the sample with 5 wt % TARC and 15 wt % APTMS-ZnO (HBCS-2) exhibited a uniform crosslinking and reinforcement network with a Tonset of 282 °C. This sample has successfully achieved good coating hardness and excellent UV and IR absorption.

Development of new organic-inorganic, hybrid bionanocomposite from cellulose and clay for enhanced removal of Drimarine Yellow HF-3GL dye

Cellulose/clay composites were prepared and applied for the adsorption of Drimarine Yellow HF-3GL direct dye. The prepared composites were characterized by FTIR, TGA, EDX, SEM and XRD techniques. Bagasse was used as a cellulose source, while clay was obtained from local source, which was modified chemically before composite preparation. Adsorption efficiencies were compared of composite I and II as a function of contact time, temperature, pH, initial dye concentration and composite dose. Non-linear kinetic and equilibrium isotherm employed and dye adsorption data fitted well to pseudo-second order kinetics model. Among isotherms, the Redlich-Peterson isotherm well defined the sorption process of dye on to composites. Thermodynamic factors (ΔS°, ΔH° and ΔG°) revealed that the sorption process was spontaneous, exothermic and feasible. Cellulose/clay composite I and II removed 88.64% and 89.95% dye with 60 min at pH 2 and 30 °C, respectively. For reusability, desorption was performed using different eluting agents and NaOH showed higher desorption efficiency. For the treatment of wastewater, the developed composites were applied to textile effluents and color removal of (90–96.07%) and (97–98.23%) was achieved using cellulose/clay composite I and II, respectively. The results showed that cellulose/clay composite are efficient for the removal dyes and could possibly be used for the treatment of textile effluents.

Fibroin‐functionalized magnetic carbon nanotube as a green support for anchoring silver nanoparticles as a biocatalyst for A3 coupling reaction

Novel and powerful fibroin‐functionalized magnetic carbon nanotube–supported silver nanoparticles (CNT–Fe3O4–fibroin–Ag) were successfully synthesized as a nontoxic and inexpensive biocatalyst. The structure of the organic–inorganic hybrid bionanocomposite was characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry. Then, the catalytic activity of synthesized bionanocomposite was evaluated in the three‐component A3 coupling reaction under solvent‐free conditions with good to excellent yields. Several propargylamine derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of different aldehydes with amines and phenylacetylene. Biodegradability, biocompatibility, availability, easy synthesis, high stability, high‐throughput, cost‐effectiveness, and efficient magnetic separation are some advantages of this catalyst that make it economically justified and sustainable. Moreover, the catalyst can be recycled for several runs without appreciable loss in its catalytic activity.

Hybrid Green Bionanocomposites of Bio-based Poly(butylene succinate) Reinforced with Pyrolyzed Perennial Grass Microparticles and Graphene Nanoplatelets.

Bio-based poly(butylene succinate) (BioPBS) was combined with pyrolyzed Miscanthus microparticles (biocarbon) and graphene nanoplatelets to create a hybrid bionanocomposite. Pyrolyzed biomass, known as biocarbon, was incorporated into a BioPBS matrix to improve the thermo-mechanical properties of the bioplastic while simultaneously increasing the value of this co-product. Biocomposites loaded with 25 wt % biocarbon showed 57, 13, and 32% improvements in tensile modulus, heat deflection temperature, and thermal expansion, respectively. Further improvements were found when graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) were added to the biocomposite, forming a hierarchical hybrid bionanocomposite. Two processing methods were used to incorporate graphene into the composites: (I) graphene, BioPBS, and biocarbon were added together and directly compounded, and (II) a masterbatch of graphene and BioPBS was processed first and then diluted to the same ratios as those used in the direct compounding method I. The two methods resulted in different internal morphologies that subsequently impacted the mechanical properties of the composites; little change was observed in the thermal properties studied. Bionanocomposites processed using the direct compounding technique showed the greatest increase in tensile strength and modulus: 17 and 120%, respectively. Bionanocomposites processed using a masterbatch technique had slightly lower strength and modulus but showed almost twice the impact strength compared with the direct compounding method. This masterbatch technique was found to have a superior balance of stiffness and toughness, likely due to the presence of superclustered graphene platelets, confirmed through a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope.

Effects of Hybridized Organically Modified Montmorillonite and Cellulose Nanocrystals on Rheological Properties and Thermal Stability of K-Carrageenan Bio-Nanocomposite

Herein, hybrid k-carrageenan bio-nanocomposite films were fabricated by using two types of nanofillers, organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Hybrid bio-nanocomposite films were made by casting techniques employing 4 wt% of CNCs, OMMT, and hybridized CNCs/OMMT in a 1:1 ratio. The rheological and morphological properties and thermal stability of all composites were investigated using rotational rheometry, thermogravimetry analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the hybrid CNC/OMMT bio-nanocomposite exhibited significantly improved properties as compared to those for the bio-nanocomposites with single fillers due to the nanosize and homogenous nanofiller dispersion in the matrix. Rheological analysis of the hybrid bio-nanocomposite showed higher dynamic shear storage modulus and complex viscosity values when compared to those for the bio-nanocomposite with individual fillers. The TEM analysis of the hybridized CNC/OMMT bio-nanocomposite revealed that more particles were packed together in the CNC network, which restricted the matrix mobility. The heat resistance and thermal stability bio-nanocomposite k-carrageenan film enhanced rapidly with the addition of hybridized CNCs/OMMT to 275 °C. The hybridized CNCs/OMMT exhibited synergistic effects due to the good affinity through interfacial interactions, resulting in the improvement of the material properties.

Development of new organic-inorganic, hybrid bionanocomposite from cellulose nanowhisker and Mg/Al-CO3-LDHfor enhanced dye removal.

The utilization of nanocomposite hydrogels in wastewater treatment has become one of the most important and remarkable issues in recent years. In this research project regarding to the importance of nanomaterials and bio-polymers, we tried to design and construct a new organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials with enhanced dye removal efficiency containing cellulose nanowhiskers and Mg/Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) as organic and inorganic nanoscale materials, respectively. For this purpose, cellulose nanoparticles fabricated and modified through free radical graft polymerization of acrylic acid in presence of as prepared Mg/Al-CO3-LDH. The successful preparation of the product was evaluated using FT-IR, UV-vis, TGA, SEM, BET and XRD techniques. Also, the applicability of the prepared nanocomposite hydrogel (cellulose nanowhisker-graft-PAA/LDH) for removal of several cationic dyes was investigated. Kinetics study showed that adsorption onto the nanocomposite hydrogel was fitted into second order model for all of the dyes. The maximum adsorption capacity of nanocomposite hydrogel for cationic dyes were in range of 21-27 mg g-1 that showed significant improvement in comparison with the cellulose nanowhisker-graft-PAA hydrogel. For example, the percentage of dye removal increased from 33% by hydrogel to about 96% by nanocomposite hydrogel for Fuchsine. Furthermore, the hydrogel applied several times and showed stable performance after three adsorption-description cycles.

Effect of layered graphene oxide on the structure and properties of bovine serum albumin grafted polyacrylonitrile hybrid bionanocomposites

Herein, one‐pot synthetic protocol is utilized to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) reinforced bovine serum albumin grafted polyacrylonitrile (BSA‐g‐PAN) microspheres through emulsifier‐free in situ emulsion polymerization route by using potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator. The surface morphologies of pure PAN, BSA‐g‐PAN hybrid polymer, and BSA‐g‐PAN/GO hybrid bionanocomposites are observed through scanning electron microscope. Pure PAN shows the self‐assembled cauliflower like morphology which is found to be structurally interfered due to grafting between BSA and PAN. Moreover, the growth of cauliflower like morphology is influenced by the incorporation of GO platelets within BSA‐g‐PAN matrix, due to strong interfacial adhesion between GO and PAN. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy techniques are used to evaluate structural distributions of layered GOs within BSA‐g‐PAN chains. Due to filling up of microvoids of BSA‐g‐PAN structure by the GO layers, the oxygen permeability of the hybrid bionanocomposite is reduced by 22 folds with incorporation of only 3 wt% of GO. Moreover, the BSA‐g‐PAN/GO hybrid bionanocomposite shows significant antibacterial activities against bacteria such as S. aureus and E. coli. Primarily, thermal, gas barrier, biodegradability, antimicrobial, and mechanical properties of the synthesized hybrid bionanocomposites are studied to explore the hybrid bionanocomposite in packaging applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3989–4003, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Hybrid Bionanocomposites from Spent Hen Proteins.

Spent hens, a poultry by-product, have little economic value for processing and mostly end up in landfills. However, there are concerns over disposal of spent hens; therefore, it is pertinent to find out alternative uses that are environmentally sound. On the other hand, single-use plastic packaging is leading to a global environmental crisis. In this study, proteins were extracted from spent hen, plasticized, and processed into films by compression molding. The hybrid bionanocomposite films were successfully prepared using glycerol as a plasticizer, chitosan as a cross-linker, and varying concentrations of nanoclay as a nanoreinforcement. The effects of nanoreinforcements, plasticization, and cross-linking were then evaluated on thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of the prepared bionanocomposite films. Various concentrations of nanoclay and chitosan were dispersed in the protein matrix. However, with the same plasticizer loading, the optimum addition of chitosan and nanoclay led to almost twofold increase in the mechanical strength, compared to neat protein films. The results indicated that at optimal conditions, a good intercalation and/or exfoliation of the protein biopolymers into clay interlayer galleries was observed leading to improved thermal, thermomechanical, and barrier properties. These hybrid bionanocomposite films have great future potential to be used in packaging and other applications.