Loaded Cellulose Acetate Research Articles

Enhancing mechanical properties of cellulose acetate/carbon black nanofibers for oil spill cleanup

Oil contamination caused by various oil-related industries and domestic usage is one of the major global challenges that threaten the environment. Therefore, employing efficient and environmentally friendly methods for oil removal from oily water is crucial. Nanofibers offer suitable mediums for such applications due to their low fiber diameter and high surface area. Herein, mechanically enhanced carbon black (CB) loaded-cellulose acetate (CA) nanofiber mats were developed for oil removal applications. Initially, CA/CB nanofibers were fabricated from 15% wt. CA solutions containing 2% wt. CB. To improve the mechanical properties, the samples were treated in an ethanol:acetone bath for 2 and 4h. Increasing post-treatment duration increased the nanofiber diameters from 438 nm to 601 nm and decreased porosities from 75% to 66%. The post-treatments improved the mechanical properties of the samples and the highest modulus was achieved as 20.85 MPa. The water and oil contact angles increased from 86° to 102° and 61° to 80°, respectively. The liquid absorption and retention capacities of the samples were evaluated by immersing them in water, seawater, waste oil, and their emulsions. Despite their lower initial oil absorption compared to the non-treated one, post-treated samples still retained large amounts of oil at the end of 24 h.

Hybrid films loaded with 5-fluorouracil and Reglan for synergistic treatment of colon cancer via asynchronous dual-drug delivery

Combination therapy with oral administration of several active ingredients is a popular clinical treatment for cancer. However, the traditional method has poor convenience, less safety, and low efficiency for patients. The combination of traditional pharmaceutical techniques and advanced material conversion methods can provide new solutions to this issue. In this research, a new kind of hybrid film was created via coaxial electrospraying, followed by a casting process. The films were composed of Reglan and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-loaded cellulose acetate (CA) core-shell particles in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) film matrix. Microscopic observations of these films demonstrated a solid cross section loaded with core-shell particles. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared tests verified that the Reglan and 5-FU loaded in the films showed amorphous states and fine compatibilities with the polymeric matrices, i.e., PVP and CA, respectively. In vitro dissolution tests indicated that the films were able to provide the desired asynchronous dual-drug delivery, fast release of Reglan, and sustained release of 5-FU. The controlled release mechanisms were shown to be an erosion mechanism for Reglan and a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism for 5-FU. The protocols reported herein pioneer a new approach for fabricating biomaterials loaded with multiple drugs, each with its own controlled release behavior, for synergistic cancer treatment.

Fabrication of carvacrol loaded cellulose acetate phthalate/shellac composite film and its application to mackerel fillets preservation

In this research, the carvacrol (CAR) loaded cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) /shellac (SH) films were prepared via electrostatic repulsion strategy and casting method. The CAP/SH-CAR films demonstrated excellent tensile strength, while also exhibiting good UV light barrier and thermal stability. The results showed that the addition of CAR significantly improved the barrier of the CAP film to water vapor and oxygen permeability. When the addition amount of CAR was 0.9 % (w/w) with respect to CAP content, the CAP/SH-CAR films exhibited good antibacterial activity and effectively reduced the growth of S. aureus and E. coli by approximately 47.9 % and 50.9 %, respectively. The presence of SH improved the retention rate of CAR in CAP/SH-CAR films, with the retention rate ranging from 45.2 to 56.8 %. Finally, the CAP/SH-CAR films were applied to preserve the mackerel fillets, indicating that the rate of freshness deterioration had been delayed and showing a good freshness preservation effect. Therefore, the CAP/SH-CAR films have the potential to be used as food packaging materials.

Improved performance of metal-organic frameworks loaded cellulose acetate based film for packaging application

Bio-nanocomposite-based packaging materials have gained significance due to their possible applications in food packaging. Cellulose acetate is a biopolymer obtained by acetylation of cellulose and has characteristics such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and high transparency. Introducing iron-based metal-organic frameworks offer good mechanical strength, unique surface area and both chemical and thermally stability, making them favourable as supporting materials in fabricating polymer-based packaging materials. Among them, Fe- (Material Institute Lavoisier) MIL-88A is an iron-based nontoxic metal-organic framework, integrated with cellulose acetate and spinach extract was added to the prepared material in different compositions and cast as film. The Spinach loaded, Fe- (Material Institute Lavoisier) MIL-88A integrated cellulose acetate film significantly enhanced the tensile strength, water vapour permeability, and anti-microbial activity. The prepared film is then characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, studies on mechanical properties as well as degradation tests and real-time applications of the prepared films were carried out.

Bactericidal activities of Sm2O3/ Sb2O3/graphene oxide loaded cellulose acetate film

Development of wound bandages with suitable performance to accelerate the healing process. Biocompatible, nontoxic, and thermally stable materials were required to enhance the healing period. Cellulose Acetate (CA) with a different contribution of nanoparticles such as antimony (III) oxide (Sb2O3) and samarium (III) oxide (Sm2O3) as the loaded drug through the film casting method. The tests used include scanning tunneling microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology of the film samples presents a variety in roughness and porosity with diameters between 3 and 7 μm for Sb2O3@CA. In addition, the good distribution of crystalline materials is represented for the rod shapes Sb2O3/Sm2O3/GO@CA with a diameter between 0.4 and 1 μm. The cell viability measured at extremely low doses was around 118% of the control sample. Then, at a dosage of 3500 g/mL, the viable cells dropped to about 43% when the nanoparticles were loaded into CA.

Correction: Eco-friendly technology for preparation, characterization and promotion of honey bee propolis extract loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers in medical domains

Correction: Eco-friendly technology for preparation, characterization and promotion of honey bee propolis extract loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers in medical domains

Deportment of cobalt bismuth nanoferrites in Kevlar‐supported cellulose acetate membranes for heavy metal‐salts rejection profile

AbstractThe designed novel hybrid laminate membranes have been synthesized with silane surface functionalized Kevlar fabric packed between two layers of cobalt bismuth nanoferrites (CBF)‐loaded cellulose acetate. Primarily, nanoreinforcement; Co‐Bi nano‐ferrites were synthesized using sol–gel technique and functionalization is carried out using 3‐aminpropyl‐tri‐methoxysilane. Secondarily, thermally assisted evaporation methodology coupled with dip‐coating is adopted to synthesize hybrid Kevlar laminate membranes. Finally, structural, thermal, and flux along rejection studies are done on resultant hybrid membranes. The surface morphology, porosity generation, and homogeneous distribution of nanoincorporation with various concentration are revealed from micrographs of SEM of membranes. Noteworthy, impact of nanoreinforcement has been observed to holdup thermal oxidation of synthesized unique formulations of hybrid membranes employing TGA. Presence of CBF in cellulose acetate (CA)/Kevlar laminate membranes are modified glass transition and crystallization temperatures as cleared in DSC. De‐ionized water for flux and heavy metal salts rejection capabilities of each formulated membrane were tested at applied pressures 60, 120, and 180 psi. The important findings are indicated that, increasing concentration of CBF loading in CA remarkably enhanced efficacy of metal‐nitrates rejection with membranes. It is attributed to sole magneto‐physiochemical behavior of nanoferrites that, facilitate enhanced adsorption in designed hybrid membranes for heavy metal rejection from industrial wastes.

Evaluation of thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel containing gefitinib loaded cellulose acetate butyrate nanoparticles in a subcutaneous breast cancer model

In the present study, gefitinib loaded cellulose acetate butyrate nanoparticles (Gnb-NPs) were prepared and then incorporated into thermo-sensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate hydrogels for intratumoral administration in mice bearing breast cancer. Accordingly, Gnb-NPs were prepared using the solvent evaporation process and optimized by applying a two-level fractional factorial design. Properties of NPs, including particle size, zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PdI), encapsulation efficiency (EE) % and drug loading (DL) %, were investigated; the optimized Gnb-NPs were then loaded in chitosan hydrogels (Gnb-NPs-Hydrogel). The formulated Gnb-NPs-Hydrogel was assessed in terms of gelling time, release behavior, injectability, swelling and degradation behavior. The anti-cancer efficacy of Gnb-NPs-Hydrogel was evaluated in vitro against the 4 T1 breast cancer cell line and in vivo in breast tumor bearing mice. The optimized formulation showed spherical particles with the size of 156.50 ± 2.40 nm, PdI of 0.20 ± 0.002, ZP of −4.90 ± 0.04 mV, EE of 99.77 ± 0.09 % and DL of 20.59 ± 0.05 %. Incorporating Gnb-NPs into the hydrogel led to the decrease of the drug release rate. Gnb-NPs-Hydrogel displayed a greater cytotoxic effect in comparison to the free Gnb and Gnb-Hydrogel in 4 T1 cancer cells. Furthermore,intratumorallyinjectedGnb-NPs-Hydrogel showed the strongest antitumor efficacy in vivo. The superior performance of Gnb-NPs-Hydrogel, thus, demonstrated its potential for the treatment of breast cancer.

Drug delivery nano-scaffold for effective implantation in orthopedic applications

The number of patients in need of a total hip replacement is increased constantly. However, infections and acute-chronic inflammations associated with implants are considered to be two of the major causes of implant failure after an invasive orthopedic surgery. In this work, a drug delivery nanoplatform system was fabricated of vancomycin loaded polycaprolactone scaffolds and dexamethasone loaded cellulose acetate scaffolds via dual syringe electrospinning system. Scanning electron microscopy applied to prove the scaffolds’ successful fabrication. The controllable release of both drugs assessment and the mass loss estimation were examined through drug release kinetics and degradation studies, respectively. In vitro investigation of non-woven fibrous meshes-coated titanium implants took place and showed good cell adhesion and proliferation. Due to the results, these drug delivery nanoplatforms may be a promising approach, to prevent and treat not only orthopedic implant-associated infections, but also acute and chronic inflammations.

Incorporation of biogenic zinc nanoparticles into a polymeric membrane: Impact on the capture of organic herbicides

Nanoparticle incorporated membranes are potential tools to remove hazardous organic pollutants from drinking water sources. Cellulose acetate membranes were impregnated by incorporating zinc nanoparticles, produced using a green synthesis with Mentha plant extract utilizing microwave energy. The synthesized nanoparticles were extensively characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Nanoparticle tracking analysis. The spectroscopy results showed an absorbance peak at 300 nm, confirming the successful synthesis, while X-ray diffraction confirmed that the particles are crystalline with a mean particle size of 36 nm. The surface roughness and topography of the zinc nanoparticle impregnated membranes was studied using atomic force microscopy to check the homogeneity of dispersion of the nanoparticles in the membrane. The efficiency of the zinc nanoparticles and the zinc nanoparticle loaded cellulose acetate membranes for adsorption of organic herbicides such as metolachlor and acetochlor was studied. The particles themselves and the particle-embedded membranes proved to be very adsorbent due to their unique structural properties, providing large surface area and high adsorption capacity. The incorporation of zinc nanoparticles into the membrane decreased the time needed for the removal of the selected herbicides relative to that of the nanoparticles alone, and provides a promising method for water purification. • Zero valent Zinc NPs (36 nm, 98.34% Zn) are easily synthesized using a green method. • ZnNPs adsorbed model pesticides acetochlor (61%) and metolachlor (97%) in 60 min. • Incorporation of ZnNPs in a cellulose membrane increased their adsorption ability. • The ZnNPs-CA complex removed 99.8% metolachlor in 20 min & 61% acetochlor in 30 min. • Mineralization of herbicides and NP stability were enhanced by the membrane support.

A PTHrP-2 loaded adhesive cellulose acetate nanofiber mat as wound dressing accelerates wound healing

Although various dressings currently used have the effect of promoting wound healing, they still cannot meet the requirements of clinically efficient treatment. Recently, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its pathway have been shown as the new target for wound repair. However, using PTH in clinical wound treatment can be a question. This study is to develop a novel PTHrP-2 loaded cellulose acetate nanofiber mat (CAP) via electrospinning to benefit wound repair. By observing the effects of prepared CAP on cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and wound healing in the rat models, we have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of CAP. With the extract of CAP, the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and fibroblasts was enhanced. It also could significantly increase the movement rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and promote tube formation. The wound closure speed of CAP treatment was significantly faster than the cellulose acetate group. In conclusion, CAP has a promoting effect in angiogenesis, collagen formation and re-epithelialization, thereby it can accelerate wound healing. CAP is a promising translational nanocomposite material, which might be transferred into a new type of wound dressing.

Preparation of biosensor based on triarylmethane loaded cellulose acetate xerogel for the detection of urea

Urea released by kidney into blood and urine is a major reason for the gradual loss of kidney function. Therefore, it is of great importance to construct a real-time detection method for Urea. On the other side, a sponge-like microporous cellulose acetate (CA) xerogel has been introduced as a low-density biomaterial with various promising applications. In this study, a facile, portable, fast, and highly sensitive microporous CA biopolymer test dipstick, comprising triarylmethane (TAM) as a spectroscopic chromophore and urease (U) enzyme as a catalytic agent, is constructed for colorimetric detection of urea. Identification of urea occurs via proton transfer from the hydroxyl substituent of TAM to ammonia released in an aqueous environment from the hydrolysis of urea/urease reaction. Importantly, TAM probe was in-situ integrated within the generated sponge-like CA dipstick sensor assay (CA-U-TAM). This resulted in ratiometric changes of 131 nm red-shift in the absorption spectra, from 439 nm to 580 nm, as a function of the urea total content in the aqueous medium. Additionally, composition/morphology of the prepared CA-TAM dipstick was explored and revealed the presence of large surface area and high porous scaffolds with a pore size of ∼7.5 μm.

Development of microfluidic-based cellulose acetate phthalate nanoparticles containing omeprazole for antiulcer activity: In vitro and in vivo evaluations

Omeprazole (OME)-loaded cellulose acetate phthalate nanoparticles (CAP NPs) are prepared by the use of microfluidic (MF) nanoprecipitation method for antiulcer evaluations. First, it is found that the samples synthesized by MF have smaller size (~65 nm) with lower polydispersity index (0.09) and higher surface charge (-43 ± 4.23 mV) compared to those obtained via bulk method (BM). Moreover, in one hand, the MF-based NPs showed higher encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity and on the other hand, they have slower OME release especially in acidic media (<10% during 2 h) compared to BM-based NPs. Eventually, in vivo test including the antiulcer assessments by photograph and histological images is carried out to evaluate the OME-loaded MF-based CAP NPs. The results of the MF-based NPs reveal that relative suitable antiulcer activity in terms of the lowest ulcer index (~10), the highest protection rate (~82%) and the minimum level of microscopic damages based on epithelial cell loss and edema in submucosal layer compared to the other formulations.

Bioactive Sambong oil-loaded electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers: Preparation, characterization, and in-vitro biocompatibility

Blumea balsamifera oil loaded cellulose acetate nanofiber mats were prepared by electrospinning. The inclusion of blumea oil increased the nanofiber diameter. FTIR spectra confirm the addition of blumea oil in the nanofiber mats. The XRD pattern suggests that the inclusion of blumea oil has caused a misalignment in the polymer chains of the cellulose acetate. Thus, a decrease in the tensile strength was observed for the blumea oil loaded nanofibers. The increase in fiber diameter causes a reduction in the porosity of the nanofiber mats. The blumea oil loaded nanofiber mats showed antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The blumea oil showed antioxidant abilities against the DPPH solution. MVTR of the neat and blumea oil loaded nanofiber mats was in the range of 2450–1750 g/m2/day, which is adequate for the transport of air and moisture from the wound surface. Blumea oil loaded mats showed good cell viability ~92% for NIH 3T3 cells in more extended periods of incubation. A biphasic release profile was obtained, and the release followed the first-order kinetics depending upon the highest value of the coefficient of correlation R 2 (88.6%).

Carboxymethyl cellulose-based wafer enriched with resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles for enhanced wound healing.

The present study aimed to prepare and investigate the wound healing potential of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based wafers incorporated with resveratrol (RSV)-loaded cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) NPs. Accordingly, RSV-CAB NPs were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. The effect of different formulation parameters (polymer content, surfactant concentration, and the volume ratio of aqueous phase to organic phase) on the properties of NPs was investigated using the Box-Behnken design. Then, the optimized NPs were incorporated in wafers comprising CMC combined with hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) or chitosan. Hydration capacity, porosity, adhesive strength, and hardness of the prepared nanocomposite wafers were examined. Optimized formulation was spherical, showing the particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency %, drug loading %, and release efficiency % of 248.5nm, 0.38, - 1.59, 87.58, 25.94, and 67.10, respectively. The CMC-HPMC wafers exhibited higher porosity, hydration capacity, and adhesive performance, as compared with the CMC wafers alone and CMC-chitosan wafers. Wound healing test and histological evaluation in the excisional wounds of the rats showed that the RSV-NPs-wafers were more effective as a healing accelerator, in comparison to wafers without drug or those containing the free RSV. These results demonstrated the potential of the RSV-NPs-wafer in wound healing drug delivery applications. Graphical abstract.

Copper Nanoparticles Deposited Cellulose Acetate Microfibers as Heterogenous Catalysts for 4-Nitrophenol Reduction in Aqueous Media

In this work, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) loaded cellulose acetate microfibers (CAMFs-Cu) are successfully prepared as a novel heterogenous catalyst. For this purpose, the cellulose acetate microfibers (CAMFs) with a diameter of ca. 300–500 nm are fabricated by electrospinning method. Then, CuNPs are deposited onto the CAMFs via a convenient wet reduction process using copper chloride as precursor and sodium borohydride as reduction agent. The chemical composition of the fabricated CAMFs-Cu is characterized by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal that the CuNPs with a diameter of approximately 20 nm are homogenously deposited on the CAMFs. The distribution density for the CuNPs increases with precursor concentrations. The catalytic performance shows that the CAMFsCu lead to approximate 100% reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) and the reaction constant increases with deposited Cu content. The CAMFs-Cu heterogenous catalysts are very stable and could be reused up to eight times in consecutive runs without any treatment between the cycles. The CAMFs-Cu is thus expected to have great potential as a highly efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly reusable catalyst for catalytic applications.

Gallic acid‐loaded electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers as potential wound dressing materials

Gallic acid (GA)–loaded cellulose acetate (CA) nanofiber mats with 10 to 40 wt.% GA contents (based on the weight of CA) were fabricated by electrospinning. The effects of GA contents and applied potential on the morphology and the average diameters of fibers were studied. The electrospun fiber mats containing 20 and 40 wt.% GA were investigated for their potential use as carrier of GA in wound dressing application. The GA‐loaded CA films were prepared by solvent casting technique for use in comparative studies. Determination of the release characteristics of GA from the GA‐loaded fiber mats and films was carried out by the total immersion and the transdermal diffusion through a pig skin method in acetate buffer solution (pH 5.5) or normal saline (pH 7.0) at either 32 or 37°C, respectively. In the total immersion method, the maximum amounts of the GA released from the fiber mats containing 20 and 40 wt.% GA in the acetate buffer were approximately 97% and 71% (based on the weight of initial GA), while those of the GA released into the normal saline were approximately 96% and 81%, respectively. Lower values were observed in the experiments of the transdermal diffusion through a pig skin method. The corresponding GA‐loaded CA films showed the lower amounts of GA released into media. The as‐loaded and the as‐released GA remained its antioxidant activity as investigated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Lastly, the GA‐loaded CA fiber mats exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, which showed the potential for use as wound dressing materials.

Eco-friendly technology for preparation, characterization and promotion of honey bee propolis extract loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers in medical domains

Honey bee propolis extract (HBP) was prepared by three methods; namely, soxhlet-reflux, magnetic stirring and ultrasound extraction. Based on the efficacies of HBP formation, the soxhlet-reflux method gave the highest yield of HBP. Electrospinning of cellulose acetate (CA) solution loaded with different concentrations of HBP was assessed. The results show that the surface morphology of CA nanofibers characterized by SEM changes with the addition of HBP to CA solution. The thermal stability of the as-formed CA/HBP marginally increases when compared with CA nanofibers. It was also observed that the CA/HBP nanofibers are effective inhibitors of growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Additionally, the in vitro release results of HBP from CA nanofibers displayed that the HBP release is sustained and controlled in neutral pH rather than alkaline and acid pH.

Smart Membranes Production by Supercritical Phase Inversion to Increase Food Shelf-life

The freshness of minimally processed foods is also determined by their appearance; browning due to oxidative phenomena is one of the main reasons of discarded by consumers. To overcame this problem, the development of antioxidant active packaging has gained increasing interest in the food industry. In this work, a supercritical phase inversion process was tested to produce Curcumin (Cu) loaded Cellulose Acetate (CA) membranes, to be inserted in food packaging as antioxidant devices. Active membranes were produced at different process conditions (pressures ranging between 150-250 bar and temperatures ranging between 35-55 °C), polymer amount (12, 18, 24% w/w) and at constant ratio Cu/CA (10% w/w). Cu-loaded membranes showed an homogeneous cellular morphology with a mean pore size lower than 12 µm. Cu release was measured and a maximum release time of about 2 days was obtained; moreover, antioxidant tests were also performed on the loaded membranes, showing an activity up to 90%.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro diffusion study of nonwoven electrospun nanofiber of curcumin-loaded cellulose acetate phthalate polymer

Novel curcumin (CUR)-loaded cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) nonwoven electrospun nanofiber (NF) transdermal mat was developed and evaluated for its in vitro CUR diffusion properties. Various CAP solutions from 5 to 20wt% were tested; 17.5wt% was found to be a suitable concentration for NF fabrication without defects, such as bubble or ribbon structures. The selected wt% CAP solution was loaded with CUR and electrospun into NFs. The prepared CUR-loaded NFs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and in vitro diffusion studies. The as-prepared fibers demonstrated controlled in vitro transdermal delivery of CUR for up to 24h.