Improved Water Absorption Research Articles

Cotton-like antibacterial polyacrylonitrile nanofiber-reinforced chitosan scaffold: Physicochemical, mechanical, antibacterial, and MC3T3-E1 cell viability study

Bio-scaffolds, while mimicking the morphology of native tissue and demonstrating suitable mechanical strength, enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, infiltration, and differentiation, are often prone to failure due to microbial infections. As a result, tissue engineers are seeking ideal scaffolds with antibacterial properties. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were integrated into cotton-like polyacrylonitrile nanofibers via a polydopamine (PDA) interlayer (Ag@p-PAN). These Ag@p-PAN nanofibers were then incorporated into the chitosan (CS) matrix, developing an antibacterial CS/Ag@p-PAN composite scaffold. The composite scaffold features an interconnected porous morphology with fiber-infused pore walls, improved water absorption and swelling properties, a controlled degradation profile, enhanced porosity, better mechanical strength, strong antibacterial properties, and excellent MC3T3-E1 cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, and infiltration. This study presents a novel method for reinforcing CS-based scaffolds by incorporating bioactive nanofibers, offering potential applications in tissue engineering and other biomedical fields.

Dried Laminaria thalli extract for stimulating germination and digestibility of oats and buckwheat

Despite their beneficial properties, cereal crops contain a number of antinutritive substances, the amount of which can be reduced by germination. In this work, we test the hypothesis about the possibility of stimulating the germination of cereal crops (on the example of oats and buckwheat) and increasing their digestibility using a dried Laminaria thalli extract. The research was conducted using hulless oats (Avena nudisativa) for germination and hulled buckwheat grain (Fagopyrum esculentum), as well as dried Laminaria thalli. Germination was carried out at a temperature of (20±2) °C for 120 h, using drinking water (control) and drinking water with addition of 1 wt% of dried kelp thalli. The germination intensity was assessed based on the mass of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. In all samples, the mass fraction of extractive substances and dry matter digestibility with modifications were determined. It was found that the addition of dried Laminaria thalli to water in the amount of 1 wt% stimulates the germination of oats and buckwheat, as well as their digestibility, significantly. The experimental samples demonstrated an improved water absorption and an increase in the weight of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. The use of dried Laminaria thalli extract in germination of oats and buckwheat for food purposes reduces the technological process up to two days with a simultaneous increase in digestibility and minimization of losses of extractive substances.

Investigation of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SBA)-Based Engineered Geopolymer Mortar Reinforced with Coconut Fibre for Engineered Geopolymer Composites

In recent years, there have been growing demand for fibre-reinforced cementitious composites using materials wastes to reduce cost and cement usage in concrete production. Therefore, this study aims to prepare sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA)-based geopolymer reinforced with coconut fibre as a material suitability evaluation for engineered geopolymer composites. The sugarcane baggase ash was characterised for its physical and chemical properties using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The coconut fibres was added at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%, while the plain cement mortar was used as the control mix. Both destructive (compressive and tensile strength) and non- destructive test (water absorption, and ultrasonic pulse velocity test) were conducted on the resulting geopolymer mortar. The result of the SBA characterisation showed that the SBA met the ASTM C618 requirement for a pozzolanic material. The addition of 1% fibre to the geopolymer composite resulted in enhanced durability property than the plain cement mortar. The ultrasonic pulse velocity test demonstrated that bagasse ash-based geopolymer composites can be classified as a excellent cementitious material. The study also found the engineered cementitious composite showed better compressive and tensile strength than the plain concrete mortar, while the addition of fibre provided a denser microstructure for additional strength. The optimum fibre content was found at 1% for improved water absorption performance, UPV, and compressive strength. The study concludes that SBA composite reinforced with coconut fibre can provide better alternatives to achieve sustainability in engineered geopolymer concrete applications.

A New Paradigm on Waste-to-Energy Applying Hydrovoltaic Energy Harvesting Technology to Face Masks.

The widespread use of single-use face masks during the recent epidemic has led to significant environmental challenges due to waste pollution. This study explores an innovative approach to address this issue by repurposing discarded face masks for hydrovoltaic energy harvesting. By coating the face masks with carbon black (CB) to enhance their hydrophilic properties, we developed mask-based hydrovoltaic power generators (MHPGs). These MHPGs were evaluated for their hydrovoltaic performance, revealing that different mask configurations and sizes affect their efficiency. The study found that MHPGs with smaller, more structured areas exhibited better energy output, with maximum open-circuit voltages (VOC) reaching up to 0.39 V and short-circuit currents (ISC) up to 65.6 μA. The integration of CB improved water absorption and transport, enhancing the hydrovoltaic performance. More specifically, MHPG-1 to MHPG-4, which represented different sizes and features, presented mean VOC values of 0.32, 0.17, 0.19 and 0.05 V, as well as mean ISC values of 16.57, 15.59, 47.43 and 3.02 μA, respectively. The findings highlight the feasibility of utilizing discarded masks in energy harvesting systems, offering both environmental benefits and a novel method for renewable energy generation. Therefore, this work provides a new paradigm for waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies and inspires further research into the use of unconventional waste materials for energy production.

Growth-promoting rhizobacteria improve physiological variables in lemon balm, Melissa officinalis L., subjected to water stress

Climate change has caused droughts in regions that previously did not have water issues, affecting the production of medicinal plants grown in small-scale agricultural units. Plants such as lemon balm, Melissa officinalis L., are sensitive to water stress, which reduces their yield. One alternative to mitigate water stress is the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, in the high tropics of Colombia, the use of these microorganisms is not common due to a lack of knowledge about how they can improve water absorption and increase the yield of medicinal plants. This study aimed to determine the effect of native PGPR on lemon balm plants subjected to water stress conditions using a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replications. Applications of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens were made, and the plants were subjected to two water levels (field capacity and 50% field capacity). Physiological variables of stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence were measured at the end of the experiment. Bacillus cereus significantly improved growth parameters such as number of leaves (115.00±34.71), fresh weight of root (5.51±3.07 g) and shoot (8.32±4.27), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens increased stomatal conductance (401.3 μmol H2O m2 s1) in water-stressed plants. These results suggest that the use of native PGPR considerably improves the growth and development parameters of lemon balm plants and provides a viable alternative for farmers to enhance yield and resistance to water stress conditions.

Unlocking the Potential of Palm Kernel Shell and Quarry Dust: A Cost-Driven Approach to Replacing Sand and Gravel in Concrete

This research investigates the potential of palm kernel shells (PKS) and quarry dust (QD) as sustainable and cost-effective replacements for sand and gravel in concrete production. The study explores the impact of varying PKS and QD content on workability, density, water absorption, and mechanical properties. While increasing these alternative aggregates decreases workability and density, it improves water absorption and, in some cases, mechanical strength. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) identified a combination of 5% PKS and 20% QD (-1, -1) as the optimal replacement level for achieving a balance between cost and performance. This mix offers a significant cost reduction of 18.2% relative to concrete made with conventional aggregates. The study highlights the potential of PKS and QD as sustainable alternatives for conventional aggregates. Utilizing these readily available waste materials can reduce reliance on natural resources, promote waste management practices, and contribute to a more environmentally friendly construction industry. Additionally, the research suggests that quarry dust alone might be a more suitable replacement material than PKS due to its superior influence on concrete strength. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing concrete mix design with PKS and QD, promoting cost-effective and sustainable construction practices in regions with abundant palm oil production and quarrying activities.

Health Claims for Sports Drinks-Analytical Assessmentaccording to European Food Safety Authority's Scientific Opinion.

In Europe, sports food supplements (SSFs) are subject to specific laws and regulations. Up to 70% of athletes are highly influenced by the information on the label or the advertisement of the SSF, which often does not correspond to the scientific evidence, such as health claims. The aim is to analyze such claims relating to sports drinks (SDs) in commercial messages. To this end, an observational and cross-sectional study was conducted based on the analysis of the content and degree of adequacy of the health claims indicated on the labelling or technical data sheet of the SDs with those established by the European legislation in force according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The SSFs were searched for via Amazon and Google Shopping. A total of 114 health claims were evaluated. No claim fully conformed with the recommendations. A total of 14 claims (n = 13 products) almost conformed to the recommendations; they were "Maintain endurance level in exercises requiring prolonged endurance", "Improve water absorption during physical exercise", and "Improved physical performance during high intensity, high duration physical exercise in trained adults", representing 12.3% of the total (n = 114). The vast majority of the claims identified indicated an unproven cause-effect and should be modified or eliminated, which amounts to food fraud towards the consumer.

Properties of Sustainable Packaging Paper Fabricated from Banana Fibers Using Banana Peel Lye As a Pulping Delignification Reagent

ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish a sustainable fabrication method for packaging paper using a Potassium-based delignification alkali; banana peel lye (BPL) to pulp banana stem fibers. This was an experimental study where Caustic soda was used as a positive control. The packaging paper was constructed using a handmade craft method described by TAPPI 2002. The packaging properties were tested according to the KEBS EAS 859:2017 standard for packaging, which outlines the minimum/maximum requirement for three properties; bursting strength, tearing resistance, and water absorbency. The results indicate that the pulping process using BPL yielded more fiber than the NaOH pulping process at 68% and 56%, respectively. The test results for the packaging paper revealed that BPL and NaOH packaging paper surpassed the minimum KEBS requirement for bursting strength and tearing resistance however it had a high water absorbency rate. The property tests statistical analysis showed that for all three tests, there was no significant difference between the packaging papers made with BPL and those made from NaOH indicating that BPL is a suitable replacement for NaOH. Further research is recommended to improve water absorption properties as well as to experiment with surface enhancement treatments such as dyeing.

Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Self-Cementing Nanoscale Polymeric Microspheres with Salt and Temperature Tolerance.

Polymer microspheres with temperature and salt resistance were synthesized using the anti-suspension polymerization method, incorporating the functional monomers AMPS, AM, and AA. To enhance their self-gelling properties, the microspheres were designed with a core-shell structure. The shell is composed of a polymeric surfactant, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether methacrylate (AEOMA), which serves as a thermosensitive crosslinking agent, enabling self-crosslinking upon shell decomposition, addressing compatibility with reservoir pore throat dimensions. Comprehensive characterizations including infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and laser particle size analysis were conducted. The microspheres exhibited successful synthesis, a nanoscale size, and regular spherical morphology. They demonstrated excellent temperature and salt resistance, making them suitable for high-temperature, high-salinity reservoir profile control. With a stable three-dimensional network structure, the microspheres displayed good expansion behavior due to hydrophilic groups along the polymer chains, resulting in favorable water affinity. Even after aging, the microspheres maintained their gelling state with a distinct and stable microscopic network skeleton. They exhibited superior plugging performance in low-permeability reservoirs, while effectively improving water absorption profiles in reservoirs with permeability contrasts of 10 to 80, thereby enhancing oil recovery.

Disentangling the effects of liquid nitrogen on impermeable seed coated species

Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the sacred lotus, is a plant of deep cultural, nutritional, and environmental importance, especially in Asian countries. It is widely used for its edible seeds and roots, and it also has ceremonial significance in many cultural traditions. In addition to its use in cuisine and rituals, Nelumbo nucifera plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, oxygenating the water and providing habitat for various species of wildlife. However, the wider use of Nelumbo nucifera in nature management and agriculture is hindered by the physical dormancy of its seeds. This dormant trait prevents seeds from germinating under normal conditions, thereby limiting their natural dispersal and use in controlled cultivation and recovery projects. Liquid nitrogen (LN) treatment is investigated to disturb the dormancy of impermeable Nelumbo nucifera seeds by physically damaging the seed shell and facilitating water and oxygen penetration. Extremely low temperatures during LN treatment can weaken the seed coat, improving water absorption and promoting germination. This research investigates how LN treatment affects seed germination and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds. Various factors, such as seed quality, treatment duration, and germination conditions, are considered when evaluating the effectiveness of LN treatment. Conduct thorough experiments and optimize LN treatment protocols to maximize the benefits of Nelumbo nucifera seed germination.

Self-healing sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/polyvinyl alcohol membrane reinforced with sulfonated silica for direct methanol fuel cell

Nafion, the predominant choice for polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), excels in proton conductivity but is plagued by elevated methanol permeability and sustained performance degradation. To address these issues, this study aims to synthesize a self-healable composite membrane composed of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone), polyvinyl alcohol, and sulfonated silica (S/PVA/S–SiO2). The composite membrane with 3 wt% S–SiO2 demonstrates the highest proton conductivity, thanks to its improved water absorption and increased proton transfer sites. Compared to pure SPEEK, the composite membrane has a 20% lower methanol permeability. With its enhanced selectivity, the S/PVA/S–SiO2 membrane produces a power density of 3.64 mW cm−2 at 26.67 mA cm−2. Furthermore, by virtue of reversible hydrogen bonding, the composite membrane shows exceptional self-healing capabilities, restoring its methanol-blocking function by 83.6%. These results highlight that the S/PVA/S–SiO2 membrane holds promise for DMFC applications.

Effects of stir-frying on the processing characteristics and in vitro digestion of oat flour during storage

This study focused on stir-frying, a traditional Chinese method for treating oats before milling. The effects of stir-frying on the processing properties and in vitro digestion of oat flour during storage have not been explored. The results revealed that stir-frying treatment caused a greater amylopectin content of the oat flour, which made the oat flour easier to improve water absorption and expansion ability. The WAI of stir-fried oat flour was notably greater than that of raw oat flour, while the results of WSI were opposite. The enthalpy of gelatinization of the two oat flours increased significantly (p < 0.05) during storage, and the gelatinization characteristics changed significantly after 9 months of storage. SEM and CLSM studies showed that the dough made from stir-fried oat flour exhibited a well-formed gel network structure, better clumping performance and fat stability during storage. Compared with raw oat flour, stir-fried oat flour had a faster starch hydrolysis rate, a greater rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content, and a lower resistant starch (RS) content. The effect of storage time on the digestibility of stir-fried oat flour was less compared with raw oat flour. Overall, stir-frying improved the processing adaptability, digestibility, and stability of oat flour during storage.

Exploring the effects of non-thermal plasma pre-treatment on coriander (Coriander sativum L.) seed germination efficiency

This study investigates the effects of non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment on the germination characteristics of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum L.). Different germination factors, water imbibition rate and changes in mass, were analyzed. The results indicate that a suitable duration of NTP treatment (180 s and 300 s) enhances seed germination characteristics, whereas prolonged exposure (420 s) leads to adverse effects. Furthermore, shorter NTP exposures (180 s) improved water absorption and surface properties of seeds, while longer exposures (420 s) caused mass loss and compromised seed vigor. Overall, the findings demonstrate the significance of optimizing NTP treatment conditions for enhancing seed germination characteristics.

Exploring water-absorbing capacity: a digital image analysis of seeds from 120 wheat varieties

Wheat is a staple food crop that provides a significant portion of the world's daily caloric intake, serving as a vital source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber for billions of people. Seed shape studies of wheat typically involve the use of digital image analysis software to quantify various seed shape parameters such as length, width, area, aspect ratio, roundness, and symmetry. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the water-absorbing capacity of seeds from 120 distinct wheat lines, leveraging digital image analysis techniques facilitated by SmartGrain software. Water absorption is a pivotal process in the early stages of seed germination, directly influencing plant growth and crop yield. SmartGrain, a powerful image analysis tool, was employed to extract precise quantitative data from digital images of wheat seeds, enabling the assessment of various seed traits in relation to their water-absorbing capacity. The analysis revealed significant transformations in seed characteristics as they absorbed water, including changes in size, weight, shape, and more. Through statistical analysis and correlation assessments, we identified robust relationships between these seed traits, both before and after water treatment. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) were employed to categorize genotypes with similar trait patterns, providing insights valuable for crop breeding and genetic research. Multiple linear regression analysis further elucidated the influence of specific seed traits, such as weight, width, and distance, on water-absorbing capacity. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of seed development, imbibition, and the crucial role of water absorption in wheat. These insights have practical implications in agriculture, offering opportunities to optimize breeding programs for improved water absorption in wheat genotypes. The integration of SmartGrain software with advanced statistical methods enhances the reliability and significance of our findings, paving the way for more efficient and resilient wheat crop production. Significant changes in wheat seed shape parameters were observed after imbibition, with notable increases in area, perimeter, length, width, and weight. The length-to-width ratio (LWR) and circularity displayed opposite trends, with higher values before imbibition and lower values after imbibition.

Comparative differences in maintaining membrane fluidity and remodeling cell wall between Glycine soja and Glycine max leaves under drought

Water shortage is one of the most important environmental factors limiting crop yield. In this study, we used wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.) and soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merr.) seedlings as experimental materials, simulated drought stress using soil gravimetry, measured growth and physiological parameters, and analyzed differentially expressed genes and metabolites in the leaves of seedling by integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques. The results indicate that under water deficit, Glycine soja maintained stable photosynthate by accumulating Mg2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Zn2+ and B3+, and improved water absorption by increasing root growth. Notably, Glycine soja enhanced linoleic acid metabolism and plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP1) gene expression to maintain membrane fluidity, and increased pentose, glucuronate and galactose metabolism and thaumatin protein genes expression to remodel the cell wall, thereby increasing water-absorption to better tolerate to drought stress. In addition, it was found that secondary phenolic metabolism, such as phenylpropane biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis and ascobate and aldarate metabolism were weakened, resulting in the collapse of the antioxidant system, which was the main reason for the sensitivity of Glycine max to drought stress. These results provide new insights into plant adaptation to water deficit and offer a theoretical basis for breeding soybean varieties with drought tolerance.

Effect of Polyamines on Post Harvest Physiology and Vase Life of Cut Gerbera

The study was conducted at College of Horticulture, SKLTSHU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Significantly highest relative water content (74.22%) and carotenoid content (5.58 mg) were recorded in spermine 1.0 mM compared to spermidine 1.5 mM and putrescine 3.0 mM. The impact of spermine in increasing the petal carotenoid content might be delaying carotenoid degradation via their enzymatic oxidation in the chromoplasts and prevent the breakdown of flavonoids to make the flower fresh by improving water absorption. An increase in membrane stability index (55.87%) as indicated by ion leakage was found to be delayed or reduced (25.93%) by the use of spermine 1 mM. While the control was at highest (38.58%) and prolonged flower longevity compared with untreated flowers. Spermine 1.0 mM was found to be more effective in maintaining higher levels of TSS (10.37o Brix) and soluble sugars are involved in membrane stability and reduce the flower wilting. Thus, the treatments of spermine @ 1.0 mM ppm influenced the postharvest physiology of gerbera flowers and extended the vase life of gerbera by 4-5 days as compared to control.

Black phosphorus boosts wet-tissue adhesion of composite patches by enhancing water absorption and mechanical properties

Wet-tissue adhesives have long been attractive materials for realizing complicated biomedical functions. However, the hydration film on wet tissues can generate a boundary, forming hydrogen bonds with the adhesives that weaken adhesive strength. Introducing black phosphorus (BP) is believed to enhance the water absorption capacity of tape-type adhesives and effectively eliminate hydration layers between the tissue and adhesive. This study reports a composite patch integrated with BP nanosheets (CPB) for wet-tissue adhesion. The patch’s improved water absorption and mechanical properties ensure its immediate and robust adhesion to wet tissues. Various bioapplications of CPB are demonstrated, such as rapid hemostasis (within ~1-2 seconds), monitoring of physical-activity and prevention of tumour-recurrence, all validated via in vivo studies. Given the good practicability, histocompatibility and biodegradability of CPB, the proposed patches hold significant promise for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Self-Healing Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone)-Based Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: Effect of Solvent Content.

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with superior characteristics are needed to advance fuel cell technology. Nafion, the most used PEM in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), has excellent proton conductivity but suffers from high methanol permeability and long-term performance degradation. Thus, this study aimed to create a healable PEM with improved durability and methanol barrier properties by combining sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA). The effect of changing the N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent concentration during membrane casting was investigated. Lower DMAc concentrations improved water absorption and, thus, membrane proton conductivity, but methanol permeability increased correspondingly. For the best trade-off between these two characteristics, the blend membrane with a 10 wt% DMAc solvent (SP10) exhibited the highest selectivity. SP10 also showed a remarkable self-healing capacity by regaining 88% of its pre-damage methanol-blocking efficiency. The ability to self-heal decreased with the increasing solvent concentration because of the increased crosslinking density and structure compactness, which reduced chain mobility. Optimizing the solvent concentration during membrane preparation is therefore an important factor in improving membrane performance in DMFCs. With its exceptional methanol barrier and self-healing characteristics, the pioneering SPEEK/PVA blend membrane may contribute to efficient and durable fuel cell systems.

Starch removal treatment, not the specific thermal processing techniques, improved protein digestibility of corn (Zea mays) gluten meal

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a promising alternative protein source for human consumption, yet it remains under utilized due to its low protein digestibility and poor functionality. Thermal processing techniques have been demonstrated to effectively improve digestibility of plant proteins. The presence of other components such as starch also play a vital role in protein digestibility. However, the impact of starch removal and various thermal processing methods (such as microwaving, extrusion, heating, and baking) on the in vitro protein digestibility of CGM, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remains unexplored. This study demonstrated that the applied thermal processing did not significantly enhance CGM protein digestibility, while starch removal using α-amylase significantly improved protein digestibility by 26.3%–37.8% (P < 0.05). The elevated protein digestibility resulting from starch removal could possibly be attributed to the improved water absorption capacity and zeta potential, reduced disulfide bond content and particle size, and changes in secondary structures from ordered β-sheet to disordered random coils. The altered surface morphology with more pores and lower aggregation, as evidenced by SEM and CLSM images, also contributed to the increased digestibility after starch removal. This study presented novel evidence supporting the potential applications of CGM with removed starch as a sustainable protein source with enhanced digestibility and has unraveled its underlying chemistry mechanism.

Fabricating of poly(vinyl alcohol)/halloysite nanotubes/gelatin composite sponges with enhanced mechanical properties and rapid water absorption speed

AbstractIn the biomedical field, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge has been widely used. In particular, it is considered a potential implant material for repairing soft tissues. However, its insufficient water absorption and mechanical properties limit its application. In this work, a novel PVA/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)/gelatin ternary composite sponge was prepared by water solution mixing and casting techniques. HNTs and gelatin/PVA solution were mixed at different weight ratios. The structure of the ternary composite sponges was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy. The physical properties of the ternary composite sponges were characterized. The maximum water absorption reached 1783.5% with a rapid water absorption speed at a weight ratio of HNTs/gelatin of 1:8. Owing to its interconnected macroporous structure and good interfacial interaction, its highest compression strength and tensile strength reached 8.22, 1.51 MPa, respectively. In addition, its thermal stability was enhanced as well, which demonstrated that the prepared composite sponge had better performance than the pure PVA sponge by constructing a ternary system. Therefore, the results suggest that the PVA/HNTs/gelatin ternary composite sponge shows a wider application value as a potential material for repairing soft tissue.Highlights A composite PVA sponge with promising applications in tissue engineering. Simple preparation method, water solution mixing and casting techniques. Pioneering a PVA/HNTs/gelatin ternary system sponge. Improved water absorption ability and mechanical properties.