Methylcellulose Research Articles

Microscale Templating of Functional Particles Using Self-Limiting Electrospray Deposition.

Electrospray deposition (ESD) uses strong electric fields applied to solutions and dispersions exiting a capillary to produce charged monodisperse droplets driven toward grounded targets. Self-limiting electrospray deposition (SLED) is a phenomenon in which highly directed, uniform, and even 3D coatings can be achieved by trapping charge in the deposited film, redirecting the field lines to uncoated regions of the target. However, when inorganic particles are added to SLED sprays, the buildup of charge required to repel incoming material is disrupted as particle loading increases. Due to its fibril gelling behavior, methylcellulose (MC) SLED can form nanowire morphologies. These wires, when used as a binder, can separate particles and prevent percolation. In this work, a variety of conductive and insulating particles are explored using patterned and un-patterned substrates. This exploration allows us to maximally load particles for high-concentration and highly controlled self-limiting functional sprays. This is demonstrated using Ti3C2Tx MXene to functionalize an interdigitated electrode for use as a supercapacitor.

FORMULATION AND IN VITRO TESTS OF KETOPROFEN NANOSUSPENSION USING THE MILLING METHOD WITH POLYMER VARIATIONS

Objective: The aim of this research was to formulate ketoprofen nanosuspension with a variety of polymers and to compare the dissolution rate of the nanosuspensions with ketoprofen suspension. Methods: Ketoprofen nanosuspension was formulated by milling method using a different polymer such as Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) K-30 (F1), Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) (F2) and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) (F3). Nanosuspensions were prepared and characterized, including organoleptic, pH, particle size, zeta potential, Polydispersity Index (PI), specific gravity, crystalline state determination, physical stability at room temperature for 3 mo, and in vitro dissolution test compared with ketoprofen suspension. Results: The ketoprofen nanosuspensions with PVP K-30 and PVA showed stable preparations, while those with HPMC showed less stability, as indicated by sedimentation during storage. The particle size values of PVP K-30 and PVA were 10.004±0.03 nm; and 9.560±0.01 nm; zeta potential and polydispersity index values met the test requirements. The dissolution rate of the ketoprofen nanosuspensions was higher with a cumulative of F1, F2, and F3 were 83.35%; 85.00%, and 81.09% after 60 min, while the ketoprofen suspension was only 7.62%. Conclusion: The milling method of ketoprofen nanosuspensions with PVP and PVA has more stable physical characteristics than nanosuspension with HPMC. The ketoprofen nanosuspensions have a higher dissolution rate than the ketoprofen suspension.

Poly(ionic) Liquid-Enhanced Ion Dynamics in Cellulose-Derived Gel Polymer Electrolytes.

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are regarded as a promising alternative to conventional electrolytes, combining the advantages of solid and liquid electrolytes. Leveraging the abundance and eco-friendliness of cellulose-based materials, GPEs were produced using methyl cellulose and incorporating various doping agents, either an ionic liquid (1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Pyr14][TFSI]), its polymeric ionic liquid analogue (Poly(diallyldimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) [PDADMA][TFSI]), or an anionically charged backbone polymeric ionic liquid (lithium poly[(4-styrenesulfonyl)(trifluoromethyl(S-trifluoromethylsulfonylimino) sulfonyl) imide] LiP[STFSI]). The ion dynamics and molecular interactions within the GPEs were thoroughly analyzed using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Heteronuclear Overhauser Enhancement Spectroscopy (HOESY), and Pulsed-Field Gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Diffusion (PFG-NMR). Li+ transference numbers (tLi+) were successfully calculated. Our study found that by combining slow-diffusing polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) with fast-diffusing lithium salt, we were able to achieve transference numbers comparable to those of liquid electrolytes, especially with the anionic PIL, LiP[STFSI]. This research highlights the influence of the polymer's nature on lithium-ion transport within GPEs. Additionally, micro supercapacitor (MSC) devices assembled with these GPEs exhibited capacitive behavior. These findings suggest that further optimization of GPE composition could significantly improve their performance, thereby positioning them for application in sustainable and efficient energy storage systems.

Fabrication, characterization, and fat substitution application in chocolate spreads of methyl cellulose and xanthan gum foam-templated oleogels.

Food-grade oleogels were prepared by lyophilizing the foam-template of methyl cellulose (MC) and xanthan gum (XG). The cryogels prepared using MC exhibited low density, high porosity and firmness, as well as high oil absorption capacity (OAC) and oil binding capacity (OBC). Furthermore, the addition of XG improved properties of cryogels. As the concentrations of MC and XG were incremented, notable enhancements in the cryogels' density and firmness were observed, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in porosity. Upon attaining MC concentration of 1.2 % and XG concentration of 0.3 %, the OBC of the cryogels surpassed 90 %. SEM images revealed that the cryogels possessed a dense and highly uniform porous network structure. Furthermore, oleogels formulated using the higher viscosity variant of MC (designated as MC3) exhibited greater firmness and apparent viscosity, resulting in the formation of a robust network structure that demonstrated excellent thermal stability. The incorporation of oleogels into chocolate spreads significantly enhanced textural and rheological characteristics, while simultaneously decreasing their enthalpy of crystallization. Notably, the partial substitution of these oleogels in the spreads yielded a crystalline morphology that was indistinguishable from those prepared solely with saturated fats, indicating a successful integration and preservation of desirable structural attributes.

A randomized, placebo-controlled first-in-human study of oral TQS-168 in healthy volunteers: Assessment of safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and food effect.

TQS-168, a first-in-class small-molecule inducer of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha gene expression, is in development for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A single-ascending-dose (SAD) and multiple-ascending-dose (MAD) study of TQS-168 was carried out in healthy male subjects to investigate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), food effect, and preliminary pharmacodynamic effects (PD). Since solubility enhancement could be beneficial, assessment of three formulations was incorporated into the study using an integrated rapid manufacturing and clinical testing approach. Dosing in the SAD part was initiated with a crystalline methylcellulose (MC) suspension, and then spray-dried dispersion (SDD) and hot-melt extrusion (HME) suspensions were evaluated. The HME and SDD formulations showed two and fourfold higher exposure than the MC suspension, respectively, and the SDD formulation was selected for progression to subsequent SAD and MAD cohorts, in which there was further investigation of the food effect on exposure in addition to assessments of safety, tolerability, PK, and PD. Cmax and AUC plasma exposures of TQS-168 were supra-proportional at higher doses, irrespective of formulation. Median Tmax for TQS-168 occurred between 0.5 and 4.0 h post-dose and occurred later with higher doses. Geometric mean half-lives (T1/2) for TQS-168 were independent of formulation and food, ranging from 3.2 to 10.5 h following single doses and 4.1 to 7.3 h following multiple doses. Food blunted TQS-168 Cmax but had minimal impact on AUC. TQS-168 was considered to be safe and generally well tolerated following single and multiple oral doses. The SDD formulation was selected for future patient studies.

Investigating the impact of beeswax addition and diacylglycerol profiles on bigel properties and application in bread: insights on intermolecular interaction mechanisms

This study investigates the development of diacylglycerol (DAG)-based bigels as a healthier substitute for baking oil by combining hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)-based hydrogel with beeswax (BW)-based oleogel. Results indicated that increasing the concentration of BW enhances the interpenetration ability between the oleogel and hydrogel, leading to the formation of a stable bi-continuous bigel, as well as improved gel properties and thermal stability. The lipid profiles revealed that DAG's fatty acid composition could result in higher viscosity (0.075 ± 0.00 Pa.s) and lower interfacial equilibrium ability (14.02 ± 0.23 mN/m) compared to triglycerides (TAG). These characteristics contributed to enhanced mechanical properties and the maintenance of oil-water interface stability in the bigel. Spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the DAG-based bigel could exhibit stronger van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding between molecules compared to the TAG-based bigel. Consequently, DAG-based bigels showed superior gel properties and stability. Furthermore, textural analyses and sensory evaluations indicated that replacing 50% of butter with the DAG-based bigel in bread does not significantly alter the product compared to using 100% butter. This study underscores the potential of DAG in the preparation of bigels, promoting their application as the fat substitutes.

Creation of Composite Aerogels Consisting of Activated Carbon and Nanocellulose Blended with Cross-Linked Biopolymers: Application as Ethylene Scavengers.

This study involved producing aerogels using activated carbon (AC) and nanocellulose (NC). Two distinct structured composites, AC composite aerogel (ACCA) and NC composite aerogel (NCCA), were developed by separately mixing AC and NC with identical proportions of cross-linked biopolymers: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), and chitosan (C). These aerogels were evaluated for their capability to adsorb ethylene gas through batch experiments, while the physical and chemical characteristics were thoroughly examined to determine their feasibility of removing ethylene. The resulting ACCA and NCCA aerogels exhibited low densities of 0.094 g cm-3 and 0.077 g cm-3, respectively, coupled with high porosity ranging between 95 and 96%. During the ethylene adsorption test, NCCA exhibited superior ethylene removal rates (~14.88-16.77 mL kg-1) compared to ACCA (~13.57-14.97 mL kg-1). Specifically, NCCA achieved a removal efficiency of 83.86% compared to 74.64% for ACCA. Kinetic model fitting yielded high R2 values ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 with the Lagergren kinetic model. These findings suggest the potential of composite aerogels to be incorporated into food packaging materials for dynamic ethylene capture, independent of environmental conditions, thereby providing promising routes for further development.

Formulation and Evaluation of Mucoadhesive Microsphere of Esomeprazole and Domperidone

Purpose: To prepare and evaluate mucoadhesive microsphere of esomeprazole and domperidone for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease Methods: The microspherewere prepared by solvent evaporation technique by using sodium carboxy methyl cellulose and sodium alginate as polymer. Esomeprazole and Domperidone was entrapped in the microsphere at various polymer. The microsphere were evaluated for their micromeretic properties and in- vitro release. Results: The microspheres were discrete, spherical and showed good drug entrapment efficiency. Results indicate that the drug was compatible with the polymer used. Amongst all the formulations, F6 showed the most suitable sustain release properties with 97.75 % of drug released at the end of 24 hrs. Conclusion: Microsphere prepared using sodium carboxy methyl cellulose and sodium alginate can be used as a sustained release delivery system for esomeprazole and domperidone.

Experimental investigation on bond properties of nano-Al2O3 and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) modified coated steel bar embedded in concrete

In this work, cementitious coatings incorporate nano-Al2O3 (NA) and HPMC were developed applying to the surface of steel bars to enhance bond behavior. A total of 81 pull-out specimens were prepared to evaluated bond properties of different coated steel bars embedded in ordinary performance concrete (OPC), high performance concrete (HPC) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The mechanical properties of the cement-based coatings have also been examined. Test results show that flexural and compressive strengths of coating paste exhibited initially increasing and followed by decreasing as NA content increase. Synergistic effect of NA and HPMC results in cement-based coating exhibiting superior mechanical properties. Besides, coating microscopic morphology characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique revealed that fewer coating defects with NA and HPMC compounding. More importantly, the highest bond strength between coated steel bar and different types concretes was found at 1.0 % NA content in the coatings. Synergistic effect of 1.0 % NA and 0.12 % HPMC improved bond strength of coated steel bar embedded in OPC, HPC and UHPC. It can be obtained from bond-slip curve that, regardless of the HPMC addition to coatings, coated steel bar with 1.0 % NA content shows higher bond stiffness. With both NA and HPMC added, bond stiffness, bond toughness and bond ductility of coated steel bar are superior to those of the coating with NA alone. Moreover, as concrete strength increases, the bond strength, bond stiffness and bond toughness of coated steel bar also increase, respectively.

Studies of the Sorption-Desorption of Pesticides from Cellulose-Based Derivative Nanocomposite Hydrogels

This study analyzed the effect of cellulose derivatives, namely methylcellulose (MC) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), on the stability of zeolite in a polymeric solution that would synthesize a three-dimensional network of poly(methacrylic acid)-co-polyacrylamide (PMAA-co-PAAm). Additionally, it investigated the effect of pH on the release of paraquat (PQ) and difenzoquat (DFZ) herbicides. Similar to previous studies with hydrogels containing CMC, the presence of bi and trivalent salts, such as Ca+2 and Al+3, also drastically reduced their swelling degree from 6.7 g/g in NaCl (0.15 mol·L−1) to 2.1 g/g in an AlCl3 solution (0.15 mol·L−1) for the MC nanocomposite. The viscosity results may suggest that the formation of a polysaccharide-zeolite complex contributed to the zeolite stabilization. As for the adsorption results, all samples adsorbed practically the entire concentration of both herbicides in an aqueous solution. Finally, it was also observed that the valence of the salts and molecular weight of the herbicide affect the release process, where DFZ was the herbicide with the highest concentration released. Both nanostructured hydrogels with CMC and MC exhibited lower release at pH = 7.0. These results demonstrated that a more in-depth evaluation of the phenomena involved in the application of these materials in controlled-release systems could help mitigate the impact caused by pesticides.

Innovative no-cure mortar for enhanced brick masonry performance: A mechanical properties analysis

The aim of this research study was to develop a novel blend of mortar that requires no curing in masonry construction. For this purpose, locally available materials such as cement, sand, marble waste and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) were used in the preparation of the novel blend of mortar. The novel blend of mortar was finalized after assessing its properties with variation in the quantities of its constituent materials. Using the finalized blend of mortar, masonry prisms were fabricated and tested at 28 days of age for compression and diagonal tension, while triplet prisms were used for assessing its initial shear parameters. Results of masonry prisms built with the novel blend of mortar were compared with control specimens containing cement-sand mortar cured for different periods. The results indicated that the performance of masonry built with the novel blend is identical to that of conventional masonry cured for 28 days. However, compared to conventional masonry cured for 3 days, the masonry built with novel blend showed a 55%, 12% and 90% enhancement in shear strength, compressive strength and diagonal shear strength, respectively. The novel of blend of mortar can be used in masonry construction without the need of curing.

Silica/carbon dot nanosorbent for the detection and removal of Pb(II) and Co(II) ions from wastewater

In excess, cobalt and lead ions adversely affect both the environment and ecosystems, having negative impact on agricultural plants and feed cultures as well as fish, animal, and human health. In this study, a three-component sorbent based on carbon dots (CDs), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and silica (SiO2) was developed for the removal of cobalt(II) and lead(II) ions from aqueous media. CDs synthesized directly on the HPMC surface were condensed with SiO2 via the hydrolysis of tetraethyl siloxane. As a result, a recyclable porous CD/HPMC/SiO2 nanosorbent with high sorption capacity was synthesized. The CD/HPMC/SiO2 nanosorbent has an adsorption capacity of 258 ± 4 mg/g and 168 ± 6 mg/g for lead(II) and cobalt(II), respectively. The material also displayed adequate cyclability as Co2+ and Pb2+ ions were easily removed from the sorbent surface.

Fabrication of copper ion-substituted hydroxyapatite/Silk fiber/Methylcellulose composite: mechanical, antimicrobial, hemocompatibility, bioactivity and cytocompatibility evaluation

Herein, we reported the preparation of copper substituted hydroxyapatite (Cu-HAP) and fabrication of electrospun composites using Cu-HAP, SF (Silk fiber) and MC (Methylcellulose) by E-Spin method. Characterization techniques such as XRD (phase formation), FTIR (chemical bonds), SEM and EDAX (surface morphology and elemental composition) were carried out. Porosity measurement, swelling and mechanical properties were carried out to investigate the physicochemical properties of the fabricated electrospun composites. The hemocompatibility analysis indicated a hemolysis ratio < 2 %, which confirms the blood compatibility nature of the composite. Antibacterial activity of Copper hydroxyapatite/silk fiber/ Methylcellulose electrospun composite showed estimable activity against E.coli (zone of inhibition: 46 ± 0.94 mm) compared with pure SF/MC electrospun composite (33 ± 1.21). Bioactivity study confirmed the development of bone-like apatite on the surfaces of optimized (SF/MC 30 wt% of Cu-HAP) electrospun composite. Furthermore, MG63 cells were utilised to study the biocompatibility of the enhanced electrospun composite and good cell viability (99.93 ± 0.12 % using 25 μg/mL) was observed from microscopic image and the results showed that 30 wt% of Cu-HAP added polymer composite has outstanding osteoinductivity, biocompatibility, and antibacterial results, making it a very valuable aspirant for use in bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications to repair bone defects.

Novel lattice Boltzmann method for simulation of strongly shear thinning viscoelastic fluids

AbstractThe simulation of viscoelastic liquids using the Lattice–Boltzmann method (LBM) in full three dimensions remains a formidable numerical challenge. In particular the simulation of strongly shear‐thinning fluids, where the ratio between the high‐shear and low‐shear viscosities is large, is often prevented by stability problems. Here we present a novel approach to overcome this issue. The central idea is to artificially increase the solvent viscosity which allows the method to benefit from the very good stability properties of the LBM. To compensate for this additional viscous stress, the polymer stress is reduced by the same amount. We apply this novel method to simulate two realistic cell carrier fluids, methyl cellulose and alginate solutions, of which the latter exhibits a viscosity ratio exceeding 10,000.

Effect of 1,4-Napthaquinone (NQ) and benzophenone (BPH)on the photodegradation and biodegradation of methyl cellulose film

The induced photodegradation of methyl cellulose (MC) films in air was investigated in the absence and presence of aromatic carbonyl compounds(photosenssitizers): 1,4-naphthaquinone (NQ) and benzophenone (BPH) by accelerated weathering tester. The addition of (0.01 wt %) of low molecular weight aromatic carbonyl compounds to cellulose derivatives films(25µm in thickness) enhanced the photodegradation of the polymer films.The photodegradation rate was measured by the increase in carbonyl absorbance. Decreases in solution viscosity and reduction of molecular weight were also observed in the irradiated samples. Changes in the number-average chain scission, the degree of deterioration and in the quantum yield of chain scission values are also observed, and it was concluded that branching or cross-linking has occurred for cellulose derivative with NQ and BPH. Findings from all analytical techniques indicated that the 1,4-naphthaquinone (NQ) photosensitizer enhance the photodegradation of methyl cellulose more than benzophenone (BPH). The effect of the photosensitizer concentration, (ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 %), on the rate of photodegradation was also monitored for MC films. The rates are increased with increasing the photosensitizer concentration. The effect of film thickness is also studied at fixed sensitizer concentration (0.05%), and results show that the rate of cellulose derivative photodegradation decreases with increasing film thickness. The rate constants of the photodegradation of the photosensitizers deduced in cellulose derivatives films, [at concentration of (0.1%)by weight and thickness (25µm)]. Biodegradation of irradiated cellulose derivatives films was conclusively established with bacteria type Pseudomonas aeuroginosa Rb-19 isolated from crude oil. The amount of bacteria growth on MC after 30 days was lower, while there was no growth observed in MC with BPH

Microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum within a Novel Polysaccharide-Based Core-Shell Formulation: Improving Probiotic Viability and Mucoadhesion.

Probiotics health benefits are hampered by long-term storage, gastrointestinal transit, and lack of adequate colonization within the colon. To this end, we have designed a core-shell structure that features an acid resistant core formulation with low water activity composed of alginate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and gellan gum (AHG) and a mucoadhesive shell made from chemically modified carboxymethyl chitosan with polyethylenimine (PEI-CMC). The structure of the core-shell microparticles was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and rheological measurements confirmed the improved ionic interactions between the core and the shell using the PEI-modified CMC. Simulated release from core-shell microparticles using polystyrene beads showed preferential release under intestinal conditions. PEI-CMC coating yielded improvements in mucoadhesion that was consistent with a positive shift in surface charge of the particles. Ex vivo studies using Bifidobacterium lactis probiotic bacteria demonstrated a 1.1 × 105-fold improvement in bacterial viability with encapsulation under storage conditions of high humidity and temperature (30 °C). When exposed to simulated gastric fluid, encapsulation increased the probiotic viability by 3.0 × 102-fold. In vivo studies utilizing bioluminescent Lactobacillus plantarum in mice revealed that encapsulation extended the duration of the signal within the gut and resulted in higher plate counts in suspensions isolated from the cecum. Conversely, we observed an abrupt loss of signal in the gut of the free probiotic. In conclusion, this core-shell system is suitable for improving probiotic shelf life and maximizing delivery to and retention by the colon.

Development of chitosan/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-based polyelectrolyte complex of dexamethasone for treatment of anterior uveitis

Anterior uveitis is one of the most prevalent forms of ocular inflammation caused by infections, trauma, and other idiopathic conditions if not treated properly, it can cause complete blindness. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) loaded polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of anterior uveitis. DSP-loaded PEC-NPs were formed through complex coacervation by mixing low molecular weight chitosan and the anionic polymer carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). The formulations were optimized using Box-Behnken design and evaluated the effect of independent variables: Chitosan concentration, CMC concentration, and pH of chitosan solution on the dependent variables: particle size (PS), Polydispersity Index (PDI), pH of the formulation, and % entrapment efficacy (%EE). The PS, PDI, zeta potential, and pH of the optimized formulation were found 451 ± 82.0995 nm, 0.3807 ± 0.1862, +20.33 ± 1.04 mV and 6.8367 ± 0.0737 respectively. The %EE and drug loading of formulation were 61.66 ± 4.2914% and 21.442 ± 1.814% respectively.In vitrodrug release studies of optimized formulation showed the prolonged release up to 12 h whereas, the marketed formulation showed the burst release 85.625 ± 4.3062% in 1 h and 98.1462 ± 3.0921% at 6 h, respectively. Fourier transform infrared studies suggested the effective incorporation of the drug into the PEC-NPs formulation whereas differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction studies showed the amorphized nature of the drug in the formulation. Transmission electron microscopy study showed self-assembled, nearly spherical, core-shell nanostructures. The corneal permeation study showed higher permeation of the drug from PEC-NPs compared to the marketed formulation. Hen's Eggs test-Chorioallantoic Membrane test of the optimized formulation revealed non-irritant and safe for ocular administration. Therefore, DSP-loaded PEC-NPs are an effective substitute for conventional eye drops due to their ability to increase bioavailability through longer precorneal retention duration and sustained drug release.

Co‐encapsulation of ω‐3 LC‐PUFAs and carotenoids for enhanced synergistic antioxidant effects

AbstractThis work aimed to study the co‐encapsulation of ω‐3 Long‐Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC‐PUFAs) with β‐carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin and the cellular uptake of carotenoids. Monodisperse microcapsules with good properties, including particle surface morphology, water activity, microencapsulation efficiency, and glass transition temperature, were successfully prepared using a microfluidic‐jet spray drier with OSA‐modified starch as a wall matrix. The presence of carotenoids enhanced the oxidative stability of ω‐3 LC‐PUFAs. Caco‐2 cell uptakes of the carotenoids from the spray‐dried microcapsules were studied and compared to those encapsulated in the methylcellulose (MC) or xanthan gum (XG) delivery systems. The microcapsules encapsulated by OSA‐modified starch showed higher cellular uptakes of carotenoids (i.e., β‐carotene, 0.31 μg/mg protein; lutein, 0.52 μg/mg protein; zeaxanthin, 0.54 μg/mg protein) than those in the MC or XG delivery systems. The Caco‐2 cell uptake depended on carotenoid type, where hydrocarbon carotenoids (i.e., β‐carotene) had lower uptake than oxygenated carotenoids (i.e., lutein or zeaxanthin).

Wetting and emulsification properties of cellulose nanocrystals modified with tannic acid and alkyl cellulose derivatives

HypothesisCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are sustainable rod-like nanoparticles that can be used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and can create hydrophilic coatings. Modifying the surface of CNCs can improve emulsion properties and allow for adjustable wettability. ExperimentsThis study explores the improvement of Pickering emulsion properties for various oils and the adjustability of coated surfaces through the physical modification of CNCs, without chemical functionalization and with bio-based additives, including antioxidant tannic acid (TA), methyl cellulose (MC), and ethyl cellulose (EC) as surface modifiers. The identification of optimal formulations involved varying the weight fraction of both the polyphenol and cellulose derivative. FindingsThe findings suggest that, akin to pure CNCs, Pickering emulsions stabilized with TA and/or MC-modified CNCs demonstrate comparably high stability. The introduction of MC at a low weight fraction enhances hydrophilicity, and AFM analysis reveals smooth surfaces, mitigating the potential influence of roughness. In contrast, EC-modified CNCs result in less stable emulsions but exhibit more hydrophobic surfaces. This translates to a broad spectrum of characteristics, ranging from quasi-superhydrophilic to nearly hydrophobic (with contact angles spanning from below 11° up to 75°), all controllable through a straightforward physical coating process. This facile preparation of coated CNCs provides a versatile approach to customizing the wetting and emulsification properties of nanomaterials.

Influence of cellulose on the properties of physically cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)/Agar double network hydrogels and investigation of multifunctional flexible sensors

With the slogan "double carbon target" coming into the public's view, green, healthy, non-toxic and harmless hydrogel flexible sensors have become one of the research subjects of many staff. But most hydrogels need a crosslinking agent to complete polymerization. In this work, a PVA (poly (vinyl alcohol))/Agar hydrogel material was designed to form three-dimensional reticulated composite hydrogels with a variety of cellulose, and more green and healthy citric acid was used instead of PVA crosslinker to promote hydrogel polymerization. Through the test of four kinds of cellulose, it was found that PVA/ HPMC ( (Hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose)/Agar hydrogel has the most outstanding performance, its mechanical property is 1.77MPa, its elongation at break can reach 766%, and it has good recovery performance, fatigue resistance and good adhesion. After it is applied to the flexible hydrogel sensor, its gauge factor value is as high as 5.94 under the strain of more than 200%. When simulating human skin and detecting human motion, the electrical signal changes sensitively and repeatedly, and has a good response when testing temperature and humidity. PVA/HPMC/Agar hydrogel provides a more healthy solution for flexible electronic devices.