Internal Cross-linking Research Articles

High‐Performance PLA Foam Blocks Prepared From Beads Modified by Chain Extension and Heterogeneous Nucleation

ABSTRACTSupercritical CO₂ foaming effectively forms a uniform cellular structure in polylactic acid (PLA) beads by utilizing the high diffusion rate and solubility of CO₂ in polymers. In this study, PLA beads are modified with a chain extender (CE) composed of ethylene and glycidyl methacrylate, while thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) serves as a heterogeneous nucleating agent. After being foamed with supercritical CO, the modified PLA beads are compression molded into foam blocks. The volume expansion ratio of PLA/TPU/CE foams increases by 12.5‐fold, and the resulting foam blocks exhibit a high compressive modulus of 21 MPa. The enhanced compressive strength results from the synergistic effects of chain extension and heterogeneous nucleation, which enhance the material's cellular structure and internal crosslinking. This study offers an effective strategy to enhance the compressive properties of PLA foam blocks, expanding their applications in high‐performance industries. In addition, the use of eco‐friendly PLA and the potential for scalable production make this approach a promising alternative for sustainable materials.

Pullulan fermented by Aureobasidium melanogenum TZ-FC3 for the preparation of self-healing, adhesive, injectable and antibacterial pullulan/PVA/borax hydrogel.

Natural polymer hydrogels, such as pullulan-based hydrogels, offer significant advantages over synthetic materials due to their thermal stability, film-forming capacity, solubility, adhesiveness, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the strain Aureobasidium melanogenum TZ-FC3, which produces a high level of pullulan, was successfully isolated from the mangrove ecosystems of Guangdong Province, China. 66.01 ± 1.10 g/L pullulan without melanin was produced by the TZ-FC3 strain within 120 h at flask level. Pullulan fermented by A. melanogenum TZ-FC3 was added to enhance the hydrogen bond network within the pullulan/PVA/borax hydrogels (P-2, P-3 and P-4 hydrogels) to improve mechanical strength and crosslinking density of PVA/borax hydrogel (P-1 hydrogel). Compared to the P-1 hydrogel, the P-2 hydrogel exhibited a 65.4 % increase in tensile strain, a remarkable 694.03 % increase in tensile strength and improved the degree of internal crosslinking. Additionally, the pullulan/PVA/borax hydrogels demonstrated excellent self-healing properties, adhesion, injectability, and antibacterial activity. The preparation process of pullulan/PVA/borax hydrogels is straightforward and effective, suggesting broad industrial applicability and underscoring their potential as next-generation materials for advanced healthcare solutions.

Photochemical and Collision-Induced Cross-Linking of Lys, Arg, and His to Nitrile Imines in Peptide Conjugate Ions in the Gas Phase.

We report a study of internal covalent cross-linking with photolytically generated diarylnitrile imines of N-terminal arginine, lysine, and histidine residues in peptide conjugates. Conjugates in which a 4-(2-phenyltetrazol-5-yl)benzoyl group was attached to C-terminal lysine, that we call RAAA-tet-K, KAAA-tet-K, and HAAA-tet-K, were ionized by electrospray and subjected to UV photodissociation (UVPD) at 213 nm. UVPD triggered loss of N2 and proceeded by covalent cross-linking to nitrile imine intermediates that involved the side chains of N-terminal arginine, lysine, and histidine, as well as the peptide amide groups. Cross-linking yields were determined from UVPD-MS2 measurements as 67%, 66%, and 84% for RAAA-tet-K, KAAA-tet-K, and HAAA-tet-K ions, respectively. CID-MS3 of the denitrogenated ion intermediates from RAAA-tet-K, KAAA-tet-K, and HAAA-tet-K indicated overall cross-linking yields of 80%, 89%, and 80%, respectively. The nature of the cross-linking reactions and cross-link structures were investigated for RAAA-tet-K by high-resolution cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry that identified precursor ion conformers and multiple dissociation products. All sequences were subjected to conformational analysis by Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, and energy analysis by density functional theory calculations with M06-2X/def2qzvpp that provided relative and dissociation energies for several cross-link structural types. The cross-linking reactions were substantially exothermic, driving the efficient conversion of nitrile-imine intermediates to cyclic products. The principal steps in covalent cross-linking involved proton transfer onto the nitrile imine group accompanied by nucleophilic attack by the peptide side-chain and amide groups. Blocking the proton transfer and nucleophile resulted in a loss of cross-linking abilities.

From micropores to mechanical strength: Fabrication and characterization of edible corn starch-sodium alginate double network hydrogels with Ca2+ cross-linking

This study explores the fabrication and characterization of corn starch‑sodium alginate double network hydrogels using two distinct calcium ion cross-linking methods: the gluconolactone immersed method (GIM) and the calcium chloride immersed method (CCIM). We investigated the ionic cross-linking mechanism of these hydrogels and compared their microstructure and mechanical properties. Our results highlight significant differences between GIM and CCIM hydrogels, with the CCIM method producing a more uniform and compact network. At the same calcium ion concentration, CCIM hydrogel exhibited higher mechanical strength and viscoelasticity properties compared to GIM hydrogel. The rapid release of Ca2+ in CCIM allowed for complete cross-linking with sodium alginate, forming a uniform 3D network structure. In contrast, the slow released Ca2+ in GIM resulted in a heterogeneous structure with a tough outer shell and incomplete internal cross-linking. Specifically, the CCIM hydrogel showed a compact network structure and the highest mechanical strength at a calcium chloride concentration of 1.6% (w/v). This study demonstrates that the Ca2+ release rate significantly impacts the microstructure and mechanical properties of double network hydrogels prepared by the immersion method. With this preparation strategy, corn starch‑sodium alginate edible gels that provided higher strength could be fabricated.

Probing the influence of composition and cross-linking degree on single-chain nanoparticles from poly(tetrahydrofuran-ran-epichlorohydrin) copolymers: Insights from neutron scattering, calorimetry, and dielectric spectroscopy

The industrial sector has made significant strides in the development of multicomponent and multiphasic polymer materials, including polymer blends, composites (such as nanocomposites), and various copolymers. Random copolymers, characterized by their statistical arrangement of repeating units, are particularly noteworthy due to their tunability from amorphous to semicrystalline states. In this study, we focus on poly(tetrahydrofuran-ran-epichlorohydrin) (P(THF-ran-ECH)) copolymers, which serve as precursors for single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). These SCNP-based materials are of particular interest as they bridge the gap between traditional polymers and colloids. This research comprehensively investigates how the type and degree of internal cross-linking influence the structure and dynamics of P(THF-ran-ECH) copolymers and their SCNPs. Techniques such as quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) were employed to study copolymers with varying compositions and levels of cross-linking. By analyzing two samples with different epichlorohydrin (ECH) contents (13 mol% and 27 mol%), we aim to control crystallization and explore its effects on dynamic behavior. Our results show that both the composition and the degree of cross-linking significantly impact the dynamics of the SCNPs, with SCNPs exhibiting slower dynamics compared to their precursor copolymers. Furthermore, semicrystalline samples display faster dynamics in SCNPs than amorphous samples. These findings provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of advanced multicomponent polymer systems.

Multiphase hydrogen bonding strategies room temperature self-healing, recyclable polyurethane elastomers for applications in flame retardant materials

Novel elastomers offer new opportunities to develop multifunctional materials in terms of combining mechanical strength, room-temperature self-healing properties and recyclability. However, self-healing polymers have high mechanical strength at high internal cross-linking density, but restrict the movement of molecular chain segments leading to reduced self-healing efficiency. The presence of microphase-separated structures makes the polymers poorly efficient for repair at room temperature. In this paper, a multiphase hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) strategy is used to introduce an aliphatic ring into the system to form a repeating unit with the hard segments, as well as a bis-benzene ring structure with a methylene linkage to disrupt the crystallization of the hard domains. Specifically, PUPI-M2I3 has a mechanical tensile strength of 17.93 MPa, an excellent tensile ratio of 1109.88 %, the sample can recover 95.93 % at room temperature after 24 h of fracture and stretching, with excellent room temperature self-healing performance and recyclability. Meanwhile, the self-healing flame-retardant material based on PUPI-M2I3 is developed by comprehensive consideration, which opens a new way for the research and development of flame-retardant materials.

A bio-based soy wood adhesive modified by dual-crosslinking strategy with excellent mechanical strength and water-resistance

Soy-based adhesives have garnered significant attention owing to their distinctive environmentally sustainable characteristics and low cost. However, they exhibit inadequate bonding strength and water-resistance, which can be attributed to the presence of polar groups in soy flours. Herein, a simple and eco-friendly dual-crosslinking strategy was proposed to manufacture a soy-based adhesive (SF/IO4/CA adhesive) with excellent mechanical properties and good water-resistance. Specifically, soy flours were treated with sodium periodate (NaIO4) for oxidization, which facilitated the soy flours' self-crosslinking process by converting carbohydrates into components having the cross-linking action (internal cross-linking agents). Then, incorporating the citric acid (CA) would promote to the carboxyl groups (-COOH) of CA to react with the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups (-OH) present in soy flours by esterification reaction. The findings demonstrated that a high-performance plywood using SF/IO4/CA adhesive was successfully produced, which shear strength of cold-water (20 °C for 24 h), hot-water (63 °C for 3 h), and boiling-water (93 °C for 3 h) reached 1.69 MPa, 1.68 MPa, 1.72 MPa, and 1.47 MPa, respectively. The soy-based adhesive has excellent mechanical strength and water-resistance due to its dual-crosslinking network system, which has significant promise for application use in the wood-based panels industry.

Fabrication of black wolfberry anthocyanin-based hydrogels for monitoring freshness and extending shelf-life of Dolang lamb

In this study, a black wolfberry anthocyanin-based indication label (BWIL) was developed using black wolfberry pigment (BWP) in combination with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (PVA:CMC = 4:3). The potential use of BWIL for monitoring the freshness of Dorang lamb was further investigated. As revealed, physical cross-linking occurred between PVA, CMC and BWP during the preparation of BWIL. The addition of BWP promoted the internal cross-linking, porosity, and thermal stability of BWIL significantly (p < 0.05). Specifically, BWIL showed a distinct color change when exposed to the refrigerated conditions of Dorang lamb. After 6 days, 12 days and 16 days of lamb refrigeration, the ΔE of BWIL was 26.3, 28.6 and 30.7, respectively, which far exceeded the human eyes' color threshold discernible (ΔE = 3.5). Besides, the ΔE of BWIL was significantly correlated with pH, fat oxidation, and TVB-N content of Dorang lamb (p < 0.05). This result indicated that BWIL could be used for identifying the freshness of lamb accurately. Importantly, the shelf-life of lamb with BWIL was extended from 6 days to 16 days, which suggests that BWIL would be an effective tool for real-time freshness monitoring and shelf-life extending of Dorang lamb.

Ultrasonic-microwave technique promotes the physicochemical structure of hydrogel and its release characterization of curcumin in vitro

In this study, soybean protein isolate and hawthorn pectin were mixed to prepare binary hydrogels using ultrasound and microwave techniques. Moderate treatment can not only significantly improve the mechanical strength of the hydrogel, but also increase the tightness of the internal cross-linking. The strengthening of interactions (hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bonds) was the main reason for this trend. Especially, the ultrasonic-microwave (80 s) treatment hydrogel possessed excellent hardness (33.426 N), water-holding capacity (98.26%), elasticity (G′ = 1205 Pa), and a more homogeneous and denser microstructure. In addition, the hydrogel minimized the extent of curcumin loss (21.23%) after 5 weeks of storage. In general, the ultrasonic-microwave technique could significantly promote the physicochemical structure and curcumin bioaccessibility of hydrogels, which showed excellent market prospects in the food industry.

Structural heterogeneity in tetra-armed gels revealed by computer simulation: Evidence from a graph theory assisted characterization.

Designing homogeneous networks is considered one typical strategy for solving the problem of strength and toughness conflict of polymer network materials. Experimentalists have proposed the hypothesis of obtaining a structurally homogeneous hydrogel by crosslinking tetra-armed polymers, whose homogeneity was claimed to be verified by scattering characterization and other methods. Nevertheless, it is highly desirable to further evaluate this issue from other perspectives. In this study, a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation coupled with a stochastic reaction model is applied to reveal the topological structure of a polymer network synthesized by tetra-armed monomers as precursors. Two different scenarios, distinguished by whether internal cross-linking is allowed, are considered. We introduce the Dijkstra algorithm from graph theory to precisely characterize the network structure. The microscopic features of the network structure, e.g., loop size, dispersity, and size distribution, are obtained via the Dijkstra algorithm. By comparing the two reaction scenarios, Scenario II exhibits an overall more idealized structure. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the Dijkstra algorithm for precisely characterizing the polymer network structure. We expect this work will provide a new insight for the evaluation and description of gel networks and further help to reveal the dynamic process of network formation.

Camellia meal-based adhesive with synergistic crosslinking of physical and chemical interaction for preparing aldehyde-free, anti-mildew, water-resistant wood-based composites

Wood adhesives containing toxic aldehyde-based adhesives play a vital role in the performance of wood-based panels, while the mechanical properties and water and mildew resistance of aldehyde-free adhesives are lacking. In this study, a high-strength aldehyde-free adhesive was constructed via a combination of physical and chemical crosslinks. Inexpensive alum was used to ensure a high degree of crosslinking and to increase the crystallinity. Metal ions in alum opened the protein helix, exposed the active groups, increased the number of hydrogen bonds, and ultimately improved the internal physical crosslinking ability of the adhesive. The compound formed by the Schiff base reaction formed coordination bonds with metal ions, thus forming a covalently-crosslinked network. The high-strength polymer produced in this study contained multiple physical and covalent crosslinks, resulting in significantly improved mechanical properties of the adhesive. Its water-resistant adhesive strength reached 1.96 MPa, which was 180.2% higher than that of ordinary phytogenic protein adhesive (0.69 MPa), and it can still reach 1.28 MPa after hot water circulation soaking experiment. The adhesive also possessed antifungal properties and flame-retardant capabilities, achieving a V-1 rating in the UL-94 test. This strategy expanded the application of phytogenic protein adhesives in environmentally friendly wood composite materials by replacing synthetic resins that released formaldehyde and provided an economical and feasible industrial scale production method for the preparation of high strength, water, and mildew resistant, flame retardant indoor and outdoor wood-based panels.

Synthesis of phosphate hydrogels with excellent swelling behavior prepared by ascorbic acid -mediated ARGET ATRP

This manuscript explores the synthesis of hydrogels through reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) methods, specifically, activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) and Cu0-mediated ATRP. These techniques are known to offer improved control over polymer network structures due to their slow polymerization kinetics. However, these methods have historically been challenging to apply to stimuli-responsive polymers, such as those with acidic or basic moieties. In this study, the direct synthesis of poly(2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl phosphate) (PMOEP), a phosphate-pendant hydrogel, was investigated in aqueous media by both ascorbic acid (AsA)-mediated ARGET ATRP and Cu0-mediated ATRP. 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl phosphate (MOEP) was utilized as the active monomer with tris(2-pyridylmethyl) amine (TPMA) as the ligand. A unique feature of this work is that the diene moiety inherently present in the commercial monomer, bis[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] phosphate (BMOEP), served as the crosslinking agent to obtain the novel PMOEP hydrogel. Formulations were tuned to optimize the swelling characteristics of the hydrogels, with the restriction that the hydrogels should swell homogeneously without fracture. Importantly, using AsA as the reducing agent in the ARGET ATRP reaction resulted in improved homogeneity and enhanced swelling properties of the hydrogel. Furthermore, tuning the target degree of polymerization (Dp) ([monomer]:[initiator]) had a significant impact on swelling characteristics. Specifically, PMOEP hydrogels synthesized via ARGET ATRP with a target Dp of 300 and 1 mM CuII catalyst demonstrated outstanding water absorption capacity of more than 2500% (relative to the dry mass) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 7.4 and over 6000% in pure water. The morphology of these hydrogels was imaged using field emission environmental scanning electron microscopy (FE-ESEM) and the chemical composition was examined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis was performed to investigate the conversion rate of monomer during Cu0-mediated ATRP. To the authors’ knowledge, the synthesis of a 100% phosphate-pendant hydrogel using AsA-mediated ARGET ATRP and an internal phosphodiester crosslinking moiety without dilution or comonomer, has not been reported previously. This facile method for synthesizing and controlling phosphate-based hydrogel properties also provides an opportunity to include additional functional groups and holds significant promise for applications in biomedical engineering, agriculture, and membrane separations.

Utilization of composite particles with customizable cross-linked lignin patches for dental cleansing

Lignin, a natural polyphenol polymer, is a biocompatible, cost-effective and accessible material. To fully utilize the benefits of lignin, it is crucial to transform its complex macromolecules into nanoscale particles in a single solvent. In this research, an assembly-mediated internal cross-linking method in single solvent was proposed to manufacture cross-linked lignin colloidal particles with nanoscale particle size controlled to be around 50 nm. Then, cross-linked lignin composite particles with a unique “patchy” structure for dental cleansing were obtained by rapidly grafting the cross-linked lignin colloidal particles onto the surface of silica microspheres through the bridging effect of silane coupling agent. The resulting composite particles have rivets with adjustable hardness, significantly lower than traditional abrasives like silica in both hardness and modulus. Through the group cleansing behavior of soft interlocking, a breakthrough has been achieved in the high solid content agglomeration friction mode of traditional abrasives, which effectively reduces tooth wear and exhibits an excellent plaque removal effect.

Synthesizing Hypercrosslinked Polymers with Deep Eutectic Solvents to Enhance CO2 /N2 Selectivity.

Hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) are widely used in ion exchange, water purification, and gas separation. However, HCP synthesis typically requires hazardous halogenated solvents e. g., dichloroethane, dichloromethane and chloroform which are toxic to human health and environment. Herein we hypothesize that the use of halogenated solvents in HCP synthesis can be overcome with deep eutectic solvents (DES) comprising metal halides-FeCl3 , ZnCl2 that can act as both the solvent hydrogen bond donor and catalyst for polymer crosslinking via Friedel Crafts alkylation. We validated our hypothesis by synthesizing HCPs in DESs via internal and external crosslinking strategies. [ChCl][ZnCl2 ]2 and [ChCl][FeCl3 ]2 was more suitable for internal and external hypercrosslinking, respectively. The specific surface areas of HCPs synthesized in DES were 20-60 % lower than those from halogenated solvents, but their CO2 /N2 selectivities were up to 453 % higher (CO2 /N2 selectivity of poly-α,α'-dichloro-p-xylene synthesized in [ChCl][ZnCl2 ]2 via internal crosslinking reached a value of 105). This was attributed to the narrower pore size distributions of HCPs synthesized in DESs.

A Study on the Performance of Asphalt Modified by Desulfurized Waste Rubber/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Composite with Additives

The recycling of waste tires avoids the environmental hazards of landfills and incineration, and its application in asphalt modification achieves resource sustainability. Currently, desulfurized rubber powder (DRP) is widely used as an asphalt modifier, mainly mixed with SBS, and fewer studies have been conducted on high-dose asphalt modification with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In this paper, DR/EVA-composite-modified asphalt (DR/EVACMA) was prepared using 20% DRP and 4% EVA by adding four additives: furfural extract oil (FEO), a crosslinking agent (DCP), a vulcanizing agent (sulfur), and a silane coupling agent (KH-550). The aim was to study the effects of different additives on the physical properties, storage stability, and rheological properties of asphalt. First, conventional physical property measurements were carried out, and the data were analyzed using a polar analysis to determine the degree of influence of the four additives and the optimal ratios. Then, the rheological properties and fatigue resistance of DR/EVACMA were investigated through temperature scanning experiments, linear amplitude scanning (LAS) experiments, and multi-stress creep (MSCR) experiments. Finally, the reaction mechanism and microscopic properties were analyzed through infrared spectroscopy experiments (FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy (FM). The results showed that FEO had the greatest effect on asphalt characteristics. Compared to matrix asphalt and additive-free asphalt, DR/EVACMA has higher physical properties, fatigue resistance, and high temperature rheological properties due to its internal crosslinking structure. Its storage stability is also very good, with a difference of only 0.7 °C in the softening point.

Preparation of multifunctional cellulose macromolecule blended fabrics through internal and external synergy by N1, N6-bis (ethylene oxide-2-ylmethyl) hexane-1,6-diamine

With the diversification of people's demand for textile functions, the preparation of multifunctional fabrics is still a current research hotspot. In this study, the water-soluble epoxy compound N1, N6-bis(oxiran-2-ylmethyl) hexane-1,6-diamine (EH) was introduced into cellulose macromolecule blended fabrics (cotton/modal) by two-phase vaporization technique, resulting in excellent wrinkle, hydrophobicity, and certain UV protection effects. It could be observed by electron microscopy that EH formed a polymer film on the fiber surface. In addition, the results of EDS scans and fiber swelling rate tests showed that EH was uniformly distributed and formed a cross-linked structure in the amorphous zones inside the fibers. Compared with the control fabrics, the wrinkle recovery angle of the EH-treated fabric was increased by 39.7 %. The fabrics could reach a contact angle of 136.9°, providing excellent hydrophobic effect. In addition, the fabrics achieved certain UV protection effects (UPF of 50+). The EH-treated fabrics were less stabilized in strong acid and alkali conditions, but exhibited greater durability in other environments. In summary, the internal and external synergistic effects of EH in forming polymer films on the fibers surface and internal cross-linking structures provided a cleaner, simple, and feasible method for the preparation of multifunctional cellulose macromolecule fibers textiles.

Bifunctional lignocellulose nanofiber hydrogel possessing intriguing pH-responsiveness and self-healing capability towards wound healing applications

Lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNF) obtained from agricultural waste are potential candidates for enhancing composite materials because of their excellent mechanical properties, abundant groups and high biocompatibility. However, the application of LCNF has received limited attention to date from researchers in the healthcare field. Herein, based on the bifunctional group (carboxyl and aldehyde groups) modified LCNF (DCLCNF) and chitosan (CS), we developed a multifunctional bio-based hydrogel (CS-DCLCNF). The addition of lignin-containing DCLCNF strengthened the internal crosslinking and the intermolecular interaction of hydrogels, and the presence of lignin and carboxyl groups increased the mechanical strength of the hydrogel and the adsorption of aromatic drugs. Results revealed that the hydrogels exhibited self-healing, injectable, and high swelling rates. The hydrogels had favorable mechanical strength (G'max of ~16.60 kPa), and the maximum compressive stress was 24 kPa. Moreover, the entire tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) release process was slow and pH-responsive, because of the rich noncovalent and π–π interactions between DCLCNF and TH. The hydrogels also exhibited excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. Notably, the wound healing experiment showed that the hydrogels were beneficial in accelerating wounds healing, which could heal completely in 13 days. Therefore, CS-DCLCNF hydrogels may have promising applications in drug delivery for wound healing.

Self-Adhesive, Strong Antifouling, and Mechanically Reinforced Methacrylate Hyaluronic Acid Cross-Linked Carboxybetaine Zwitterionic Hydrogels.

Hyaluronic acid and zwitterionic hydrogels are soft materials with poor mechanical properties. The unique structures and physiological properties make them attractive candidates for ideal hydrogel dressings, but the crux of lacking satisfying mechanical strengths and adhesive properties is still pendent. In this study, the physical cross-linking of dipole-dipole interactions of zwitterionic pairs was utilized to enhance the mechanical properties of hydrogels. The hydrogels have been prepared by copolymerizing methacrylate hyaluronic (HAGMA) with carboxybetaine methacrylamide (CBMAA) (the mass ratio of [HAGMA]/[CBMAA] is 2:5, 1:5, 1:10, or 1:20), obtaining HA-CB2.5, HA-CB5.0, HA-CB10.0, or HA-CB20.0 hydrogel. Therein, the HA-CB20.0 hydrogel with a high CBMAA content can generate a strong dipole-dipole interaction to form internal physical cross-links, exhibit stretchability and low elastic modulus, and withstand 99% compressive deformation and cyclic compression under strain at 90%. Moreover, the HA-CB20.0 hydrogel is adhesive to diverse substrates, including skin, glass, stainless steel, and plastic. The synergistic effect of HAGMA and CBMAA shows strong anti-biofouling, high water absorption, biodegradability under hyaluronidase, and biocompatibility.

Nanoscale Composite Lignin Colloids with Tunable Visible Colors Used for Anti-UV Cosmetics.

Nanoscale composite lignin colloids were prepared on a large scale with a process of assembly-mediated internal cross-linking in a good solvent, thus possessing absolutely nanoscale dimensions, excellent robustness, and less aggregation. The therefore prime UV resistance and various natural visible colors contribute to the preservation and beautification of skin.

Stabilization of emulsions prepared by ball milling and cellulase treated pomelo peel insoluble dietary fiber: Integrity of porous fiber structure dominates the stability

Emulsion gels from the pomelo peel insoluble dietary fiber (PIDF) were developed. The emulsification potentials of PIDFs subjected to various degrees of ball milling (M−PIDFs), cellulase hydrolysis (C-PIDF), and cellulase hydrolysis followed by ball milling (CM-PIDFs) were evaluated. Emulsions prepared by M−PIDFs for different lengths of ball milling time exhibited similar stability characteristics, confirming that M−PIDF emulsion stability might be determined by the three-dimensional structure formed by M−PIDF stacking and oil droplet capture. C-PIDF had characteristics resembling those of Pickering particles. CM-PIDF emulsions got destabilized with ball milling time prolongation. Interface tension and particle size of C/CM-PIDF decreased gradually during ball milling. Rheological and fluorescence microscopy results revealed that the intact internal crosslinking structure frameworks were disrupted in CM-PIDF emulsions. Therefore, intact fiber-based networks, rather than small particle size or low interfacial tension, determine the stability of PIDF emulsions. This study deepens the understanding of PIDF as a clean emulsifier.