Carboxymethyl Cellulose Research Articles

Unveiling soil bacterial ecosystems in andean citrus orchards of Santander, Colombia

Citrus cultivation is vital to global agriculture, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the soil microbiome’s diversity for sustainable practices. This study provides initial insights into the bacteriome in citrus crops in Santander, Colombia, employing a holistic approach combining culture-based techniques, sequencing methods, and bioinformatics analyses. The study explores organic and non-organic cultivation systems, revealing statistically significant differences in bacterial community composition between both practices. In general, the communities are dominated by members of the Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, along with bacterial orders Gaiellales and Burkholderiales, all contributing to intricate ecological processes. Culture-based methods aided in the isolation of potential biotechnologically relevant strains. Among them, strain CP102 showed a pronounced carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) degradation capacity. Genetic analysis of the isolate resulted in the generation of the first closed genome of a member of the species Enterobacter soli and identified an unreported 109 kb plasmid. Further genomic examination revealed genes potentially associated with cellulose degradation in this species, which provides the isolate with biotechnological potential. This research significantly advances the global understanding of citrus-associated bacteriomes, shaping future agricultural practices and promoting the development of sustainable bioproducts.

Use of carboxymethyl cellulose as binder for the production of water-soluble catalysts

Bio-based polymers are materials of high interest given the harmful environmental impact that involves the use of non-biodegradable fossil products for industrial applications. These materials are also particularly interesting as bio-based ligands for the preparation of metal nanoparticles (MNPs), employed as catalysts for the synthesis of high value chemicals. In the present study, Ru (0) and Rh(0) Metal Nanoparticles supported on Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose (MNP(0)s-CMCNa) were prepared by simply mixing RhCl3x3H2O or RuCl3 with an aqueous solution of CMCNa, followed by NaBH4 reduction. The formation of MNP(0)s-CMCNa was confirmed by FT-IR and XRD, and their size estimated to be around 1.5 and 2.2 nm by TEM analysis. MNP(0)s-CMCNa were employed for the hydrogenation of (E)-cinnamic aldehyde, furfural and levulinic acid. Hydrogenation experiments revealed that CMCNa is an excellent ligand for the stabilization of Rh(0) and Ru(0) nanoparticles allowing to obtain high conversions (>90 %) and selectivities (>98 %) with all substrates tested. Easy recovery by liquid/liquid extraction allowed to separate the catalyst from the reaction products, and recycling experiments demonstrated that MNPs-CS were highly efficiency up to three times in best hydrogenation conditions.

Three-in-One Zinc Anodes Created by a Large-scale Two-Step Method Achieving Excellent Long-Term Cyclic Reversibility and Thin Electrode Integrity.

Practical aqueous zinc-ion batteries require low-cost thin zinc anodes with long-term reversible stripping/depositing. However, thin zinc anodes encounter more severe issues than thick zinc, such as dendrites and uneven stripping, resulting in subpar performance and limited lifetimes. Here, this work proposes a three-in-one zinc anode obtained by a large-scale two-step method to address the above issues. In a three-in-one zinc anode, the copper foil as an inactive current collector solves the gradual reduction of the active area when only the pure zinc as an active current collector. This work develops an automatic electroplating device that can continuously deposit a zinc layer on a conducting foil to meet the demand for zinc-coated copper foils. The sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-zinc fluoride (ZnF2) protective layer prevents direct contact between zinc and separator, and provides a uniform and sufficient supply of zinc ions. The CMC-ZnF2-coated copper foil performs up to 3000 reversible zinc deposition/stripping cycles with a cumulative capacity of 6 Ah cm-2 and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.94%. The Zn||ZnVO cell using the three-in-one anode achieved a high capacity retention of over 70% after 15000 cycles. The proposed three-in-one anode and the automatic electroplating device will facilitate industrialization of practical thin zinc anodes.

Carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel for pH-responsive drug release of curcumin

Carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel for pH-responsive drug release of curcumin

The comparison of contribution of GO and rGO produced by green synthesis to the properties of CMC-based wound dressing material

Herein, GO (graphene oxide) or rGO (reduced graphene oxide) which is produced by the green synthesis method using plant extract (Laurus nobilis) was incorporated into a polymeric structure consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to produce a wound dressing material with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. The effect of GO and rGO on the wound dressing features of the produced materials was investigated and compared to each other. Conductivity tests demonstrated that rGO contributed more significantly to the electrical conductivity than GO. While rGO-CMC/PEG/CA reached 3.01 × 10−6 S.cm−1 as the conductivity value, that of GO-CMC/PEG/CA was determined as 0.85 × 10−6 S.cm−1. As for the mechanical tests, it was seen that rGO achieved the best results in terms of elastic modulus (588.62 N/mm2), tensile strength (94.95 MPa) and elongation at break (17.64 %) compared to GO reinforced and pure hydrogel. Curcumin and ascorbic acid were used for antibiotic-free wound treatment and their release kinetics were also modeled. The results showed that rGO reinforced hydrogel provided a more controlled release. All results assured that both the produced GO reinforced and especially rGO reinforced hydrogels could be utilized as modern wound dressing materials with suitable properties to achieve remarkable results for wound healing.

Effects and mechanisms of ultrasound-assisted emulsification treatment on the curcumin delivery and digestive properties of myofibrillar protein-carboxymethyl cellulose complex emulsion gel

Different emulsion gel systems are widely applied to deliver functional ingredients. The effects and mechanisms of ultrasound-assisted emulsification (UAE) treatment and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) modifying the curcumin delivery properties and in vitro digestibility of the myofibrillar protein (MP)-soybean oil emulsion gels were investigated. The rheological properties, droplet size, protein and CMC distribution, ultrastructure, surface hydrophobicity, sulfhydryl groups, and zeta potential of emulsion gels were also measured. Results indicate that UAE treatment and CMC addition both improved curcumin encapsulation and protection efficiency in MP emulsion gel, especially for the UAE combined with CMC (UAE-CMC) treatment which encapsulation efficiency, protection efficiency, the release rate, and bioaccessibility of curcumin increased from 86.75 % to 97.67 %, 44.85 % to 68.85 %, 18.44 % to 41.78 %, and 28.68 % to 44.93 % respectively. The protein digestibility during the gastric stage was decreased after the CMC addition and UAE treatment, and the protein digestibility during the intestinal stage was reduced after the CMC addition. The fatty acid release rate was increased after CMC addition and UAE treatment. Apparent viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus were decreased after CMC addition while increased after UAE and UAE-CMC treatment especially the storage modulus increased from 0.26 Pa to 41 Pa after UAE-CMC treatment. The oil size was decreased, the protein and CMC concentration around the oil was increased, and a denser and uniform emulsion gel network structure was formed after UAE treatment. The surface hydrophobicity, free SH groups, and absolute zeta potential were increased after UAE treatment. The UAE-CMC treatment could strengthen the MP emulsion gel structure and decrease the oil size to increase the curcumin delivery properties, and hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction might be essential forces to maintain the emulsion gel.

Liquid metal in prohibiting polysulfides shuttling in metal sulfides anode for sodium-ion batteries

Metal sulfides are a class of promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their high theoretical specific capacity. Nevertheless, the reactant products (polysulfides) could dissolve into electrolyte, shuttle across separator, and react with sodium anode, leading to severe capacity loss and safety concerns. Herein, for the first time, gallium (Ga)-based liquid metal (LM) alloy is incorporated with MoS2 nanosheets to work as an anode in SIBs. The electron-rich, ultrahigh electrical conductivity, and self-healing properties of LM endow the heterostructured MoS2-LM with highly improved conductivity and electrode integrity. Moreover, LM is demonstrated to have excellent capability for the adsorption of polysulfides (e.g., Na2S, Na2S6, and S8) and subsequent catalytic conversion of Na2S. Consequently, the MoS2-LM electrode exhibits superior ion diffusion kinetics and long cycling performance in SIBs and even in lithium/potassium-ion battery (LIB/PIB) systems, far better than those electrodes with conventional binders (polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)). This work provides a unique material design concept based on Ga-based liquid metal alloy for metal sulfide anodes in rechargeable battery systems and beyond.

Influence of Carboxymethyl Cellulose as a Thickening Agent for Glauber's Salt-Based Low Temperature PCM.

This work is focused on a novel, promising low temperature phase change material (PCM), based on the eutectic Glauber's salt composition. To allow phase transition within the refrigeration range of temperatures of +5 °C to +12 °C, combined with a high repeatability of melting-freezing processes, and minimized subcooling, the application of three variants of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) with distinct molecular weights (700,000, 250,000, and 90,000) is considered. The primary objective is to optimize the stabilization of this eutectic PCM formulation, while maintaining the desired enthalpy level. Preparation methods are refined to ensure repeatability in mixing components, thereby optimizing performance and stability. Additionally, the influence of Na-CMC molecular weight on stabilization is examined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), T-history, and rheology tests. The PCM formulation of interest builds upon prior research in which borax, ammonium chloride, and potassium chloride were used as additives to sodium sulfate decahydrate (Glauber's salt), prioritizing environmentally responsible materials. The results reveal that CMC with molecular weights of 250 kg/mol and 90 kg/mol effectively stabilize the PCM without phase separation issues, slowing crystallization kinetics. Conversely, CMC of 700 kg/mol proved ineffective due to the disruption of gel formation at its low gel point, hindering higher concentrations. Calculations of ionic concentration indicate higher Na ion content in PCM stabilized with 90 kg/mol CMC, suggesting increased ionic interactions and gel strength. A tradeoff is discovered between the faster crystallization in lower molecular weight CMC and the higher concentration required, which increases the amount of inert material that does not participate in the phase transition. After thermal cycling, the best formulation had a latent heat of 130 J/g with no supercooling, demonstrating excellent performance. This work advances PCM's reliability as a thermal energy storage solution for diverse applications and highlights the complex relationship between Na-CMC molecular weight and PCM stabilization.

Effective anaerobic digestion performance from kitchen wastewater by nanoscale zero-valent iron composite materials: Hydrogen corrosion capability and biological biogas upgrading

In this study, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was modified by carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which were compared for the ability of hydrogen corrosion and then for the biogas upgrading during kitchen wastewater anaerobic digestion. The results showed that three nZVI composite materials addition could increase hydrogen evolution performance by 6.11∼10.30 % compared with nZVI. Especially, the hydrogen evolution from sodium dodecyl sulfate modified composite material reached 121.0 mL/g. The continuous release of hydrogen promoted the biogas yield to 510.96 mL/gVS in reaction group with SDS12-nZVI10 addition (N4), with CH4 content reached 93.37 %. Microbial community analysis showed that the total relative abundance of Methanothrix and Methanolinea was 43.60 % in N4, which was higher than other groups. It was indicated that H2-assisted biogas upgrading with nZVI composite materials addition was achievable, particularly in N4.

Heterologous expression and characterization of mutant cellulase from indigenous strain of Aspergillus niger.

The purpose of current research work was to investigate the effect of mutagenesis on endoglucanase B activity of indigenous strain of Aspergillus niger and its heterologous expression studies in the pET28a+ vector. The physical and chemical mutagens were employed to incorporate mutations in A. niger. For determination of mutations, mRNA was isolated followed by cDNA synthesis and cellulase gene was amplified, purified and sequenced both from native and mutant A. niger. On comparison of gene sequences, it was observed that 5 nucleotide base pairs have been replaced in the mutant cellulase. The mutant recombinant enzyme showed 4.5 times higher activity (428.5 µmol/mL/min) as compared to activity of native enzyme (94 µmol/mL/min). The mutant gene was further investigated using Phyre2 and I-Tesser tools which exhibited 71% structural homology with Endoglucanase B of Thermoascus aurantiacus. The root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), radius of gyration (Rg) and hydrogen bonds analysis were carried at 35°C and 50°C to explore the integrity of structure of recombinant mutant endoglucanase B which corresponded to its optimal temperature. Hydrogen bonds analysis showed more stability of recombinant mutant endoglucanase B as compared to native enzyme. Both native and mutant endoglucanase B genes were expressed in pET 28a+ and purified with nickel affinity chromatography. Theoretical masses determined through ExPaSy Protparam were found 38.7 and 38.5 kDa for native and mutant enzymes, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature values for the mutant were 5.0 and 50°C while for native these were found 4.0 and 35°C, respectively. On reacting with carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) as substrate, the mutant enzyme exhibited less Km (0.452 mg/mL) and more Vmax (50.25 µmol/ml/min) as compared to native having 0.534 mg/mL as Km and 38.76 µmol/ml/min as Vmax. Among metal ions, Mg2+ showed maximum inducing effect (200%) on cellulase activity at 50 mM concentration followed by Ca2+ (140%) at 100 mM concentration. Hence, expression of a recombinant mutant cellulase from A. niger significantly enhanced its cellulytic potential which could be employed for further industrial applications at pilot scale.

Effect of carboxymethyl chitosan on the storage stability of rice dough during frozen storage

In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMCNa) on the quality of frozen rice dough. We used a variety of methods to conduct a thorough investigation of frozen rice dough, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rapid visco analyzer (RVA). Our findings showed that frozen storage caused significant damage to the texture of rice dough, and this damage was reduced by the inclusion of CMCh, which led to a gradual change in the orderly structure of proteins. The degree of cross-linking between CMCh-B (DS:1; 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %) and the large protein polymer was significantly higher than that between CMCh-A (DS:0.8; 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %) and CMCNa (DS:1; 1 %), which decreased the ability of bound water to become free water. This resulted in the increase of tan δ, which effectively delayed the structural transformation of frozen rice dough. Furthermore, the introduction of CMCh delayed the immediate order of starch and crystal structure modifications, altering the thermal properties and pasting qualities of the frozen rice dough. Therefore, 1.5 % CMCh-B showed the best protective effect on frozen rice dough.

Amelioration of gastric ulcer using a hydro-alcoholic extract of Mangifera indica in Sprague Dawley rats by prevention of muco-oxidative stress

BackgroundGastric ulcer is a significant global public health concern that can result in severe complications such as gastro-intestinal bleeding, perforations, gastro-intestinal obstruction and cancer. Mangifera indica seed kernel, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely available and used in China. The current study was aimed to determine gastro-protective effect of Mangifera indica kernel extract in preventing gastric ulcer in rats. MethodsSD rats were divided into six groups. Each group consisted of five rats. Group-I received 1 ml/kg/day p.o. of 1 % carboxy methylcellulose. Group-II received indomethacin (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Group-III received Mangifera indica kernel extract (500 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Group-IV received the extract (1000 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Group-V received 50 mg/kg/day ranitidine. Group-VI (per se) received the extract (1000 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The ulcer index, mucus barrier, and histopathology were calculated. After homogenization of gastric tissue in buffer, anti-oxidant enzyme potency was also evaluated. ResultsMangifera indica kernel extract significantly (p < 0.01) and dose-dependently increased mucus, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels while lowered ulcer index and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in comparison to ulcer control group-II. According to histopathological data, indomethacin medication led to gastric ulcers whereas Mangifera indica kernel extract protected from gastric ulcer by prevention of indomethacin-induced muco-oxidative stress. Mangifera indica 1000 mg/kg/day in group-IV had ulcer prevention potency comparable to ranitidine 50 mg/kg/day in group-V. DiscussionThus, Mangifera indica extract possesses promising effect on amelioration of gastric ulcer and protects from gastric ulcer by prevention of indomethacin-induced muco-oxidative stress, re-inforcing the gastric mucosa, and reducing the secretion of gastric acid.

Confinement of Sustainable Carbon Dots Results in Long Afterglow Emitters and Photocatalyst for Radical Photopolymerization.

Sustainable carbon dots based on cellulose, particularly carboxymethyl cellulose carbon dots (CMCCDs), were confined in an inorganic network resulting in CMCCDs@SiO2. This resulted in a material exhibiting long afterglow covering a time frame of several seconds also under air. Temperature-dependent emission spectra gave information on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) while photocurrent experiments provided a deeper understanding of charge availability in the dark period, and therefore, its availability on the photocatalyst surface. The photo-ATRP initiator, ethyl α-bromophenylacetate (EBPA), quenched the emission from the millisecond to the nanosecond time frame indicating participation of the triplet state in photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Both free radical and controlled radical polymerization based on photo-ATRP protocol worked successfully. Metal-free photo-ATRP resulted in chain extendable macroinitiators based on a reductive mechanism with either MMA or in combination with styrene. Addition of 9 ppm Cu2+ resulted in Mw/Mn of 1.4 while an increase to 72 ppm improved uniformity of the polymers; that is Mw/Mn=1.03. Complementary experiments with kerria laca carbon dots confined materials, namely KCDs@SiO2, provided similar results. Deposition of Cu2+ (9 ppm) on the photocatalyst surface explains better uniformity of the polymers formed in the ATRP protocol.

Development of biopellet formulation of Lecanicillium saksenae for the management of pepper root mealybug (Formicoccus polysperes)

Present study was carried out during 2020–23 in the Biocontrol Laboratory for Crop Pest Management, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. An indigenous isolate of Lecanicillium saksenae (Kushwaha) Kurihara and Sukarno, ITCC 7714 was assessed for its effectiveness against the pepper root mealybug (Formicoccus polysperes Williams). Peculiar symptoms like sudden dissolution of mealy coating subsequent to the application of conidial suspension and paralysis occurring 12 h post-treatment was observed in mealybugs upon infection. Its high potency to mealybug was established with its low LC50 value of 2.2 × 105 conidia/ml and its quick killing ability was proved with a lethal time of 23.13 h. Of the various carriers tested for pelleting, talc + chitin (95:5) was found to be the best as it exhibited highest conidial viability of 78.54%, 5-weeks after storage. Other carriers such as talc, chitin, chitosan and talc + chitosan (90:10) exhibited conidial viability of 33.96–74.58%. Among the different binding agents examined, the combination of talc + chitin (95:5) + carboxymethyl cellulose 6% was the superior one to maintain conidial viability to the tune of 80.63% when compared to microcrystalline cellulose 6% and acacia gum, Arabic 5% which exhibited 30.67–51.50% viability. The investigation therefore concluded that L. saksenae is a promising bioagent for the management of root mealybugs with high speed of action unlike the other microbes. Biopellets formulated at 109 conidia/ml using talc + chitin + 6% CMC at 15% moisture content were found to retain its viability and virulence during a storage period of three months, under ambient conditions.

Der Einschluss von nachhaltigen Kohlenstoffpunkten führt zu langnachleuchtenden Emittern und zu Photokatalysatoren für die radikalische Photopolymerisation

AbstractNachhaltige Kohlenstoffpunkte auf der Basis von Cellulose, insbesondere Carboxymethylcellulose basierende Kohlenstoffpunkte (CMCCDs), wurden in ein anorganisches Netzwerk eingeschlossen, was zur Bildung von CMCCDs@SiO2 führte. Das resultierende Material zeigte ein lange anhaltendes Nachleuchten, welches ein Zeitfenster von mehreren Sekunden auch in Gegenwart von Luft umfasste. Temperaturabhängige Emissionsspektren gaben eine Information über die thermisch aktivierte verzögerte Fluoreszenz (TADF) und eine Phosphoreszenz bei Raumtemperatur (RTP), während Experimente zur photoinduzierten Generierung von Ladungsträgern zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Verfügbarkeit von Ladungen in der Dunkelphase führten und daher zu ihrer Verfügbarkeit an der Katalysatoroberfläche. Der photo‐ATRP Initiator α‐Bromphenylethylacetat (EBPA) bewirkte eine Löschung der Emission, was zu einer Verkürzung des Zeitfensters für die Emission vom Millisekundenbereich in den Nanosekundenbereich führte und auf eine Beteiligung des Triplettzustandes an dem photoinduzierten Elektronentransfer (PET) hinweist. Sowohl die freie radikalische Polymerisation als auch die kontrollierte auf einem photo‐ATRP Protokoll basierende radikalische Polymerisation von MMA oder in Kombination mit Styren funktionierten erfolgreich. Die metallfreie photo‐ATRP führte basierend auf einem reduktiven Mechanismus zu einem kettenverlängerbaren Makroinitiator. Die Zugabe von 9 ppm Cu2+ führte zu einem Verhältnis Mw/Mn von 1.4 obwohl eine Erhöhung auf 72 ppm die Einheitlichkeit der Polymere verbesserte, was einem Mw/Mn=1.03 entspricht. Ergänzende Experimente mit in kerria laca eingeschlossenen Kohlenstoffpunkten, insbesondere KCDs@SiO2, führten zu ähnlichen Ergebnissen. Die Abscheidung von Cu2+ (9 ppm) an der Photokatalysatoroberfläche erklärt die bessere Dispersität der Polymere, welche mittels der ATRP gebildet wurden.

Creating value added nano silicon anodes from end-of-life photovoltaic modules: recovery, nano structuring, and the impact of ball milling and binder on its electrochemical performance

Recovery of silicon from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules, purification, conversion to nano silicon (nano-Si), and subsequent application as an anode in lithium-ion batteries is challenging but can significantly influence the circular economy. Currently, a complete technology consisting of cross-contamination-free recovery of silicon wafers from end-of-life PV modules, a low-cost environmentally friendly purification process of the recovered PV silicon, a high yield conversion process of the recovered PV silicon into nano-Si, and its subsequent application in lithium-ion batteries is unavailable. This study provides a complete package including cross-contamination-free recovery, economical purification, reliable conversion to nano-Si, and efficient application of the end-of-life PV nano-Si in lithium-ion batteries. Hydrofluoric acid-free recovery and purification processes are demonstrated which can deliver large quantities of high-purity (≥ 99) silicon. In addition, the subsequent ball milling process produces very distinct nano-Si with different shapes and sizes. This study also creates a very effective nano-Si anode through in-situ crosslinking of water-soluble carboxymethyl cellulose and poly (acrylic acid) precursors. The integration of distinct PV nano-Si and water-soluble carboxymethyl cellulose-poly (acrylic acid) crosslink binder opens distinct possibilities to develop silicon-based practical anode for next generation low-cost lithium-ion batteries to power cell phones to electric vehicles.

Coating with phenolic branched-chain fatty acid reduces Listeria innocua populations on apple fruit

An antimicrobial coating was produced by mixing phenolic branched-chain fatty acid (PBC-FA) with glycerol and a carboxymethyl cellulose solution (CMC) at pH 7. The resulting PBC-FA-CMC solution formed an emulsion with an average droplet size of 77 nm. The emulsion in the coating solution was stable for at least 30 days at 20 °C. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the film formed from the PBC-FA emulsion was tested against a mixture of 3 strains of Listeria innocua (7 log CFU/mL). Film with a concentration of 1000 μg/mL of PBC-FA effectively reduced the population of L. innocua below the limit of detection (<1.48 log CFU/mL) in vitro. The effect of the 1000 μg/mL PBC-FA-CMC coating formulation was then evaluated against L. innocua inoculated on “Gala” apples. Results showed that compared with the non-coated control, the coating reduced L. innocua populations by ~2 log CFU/fruit and ~6 log CFU/fruit on the apple when enumerated on tryptic soy agar and selective media (PALCAM), respectively, indicating that PBC-FA applied as a coating on apples resulted in the sub-lethal injury of bacterial cells. When L. innocua was inoculated onto PBC-FA-coated apples, the L. innocua population decreased by ~4 log CFU/fruit during 14 days of shelf-life at 20 °C. The PBC-FA coating lowered the moisture loss but did not affect the color, firmness, or soluble solids content of apples during the 14-day at 20 °C. Overall, this study revealed that there is a potential that PBC-FA can be used as an antimicrobial coating to inactivate Listeria and preserve the quality of apples.

Wood-inspired anisotropic hydrogel electrolyte with large modulus and low tortuosity realizing durable dendrite-free zinc-ion batteries

While aqueous zinc-ion batteries exhibit great potential, their performance is impeded by zinc dendrites. Existing literature has proposed the use of hydrogel electrolytes to ameliorate this issue. Nevertheless, the mechanical attributes of hydrogel electrolytes, particularly their modulus, are suboptimal, primarily ascribed to the substantial water content. This drawback would severely restrict the dendrite-inhibiting efficacy, especially under large mass loadings of active materials. Inspired by the structural characteristics of wood, this study endeavors to fabricate the anisotropic carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel electrolyte through directional freezing, salting-out effect, and compression reinforcement, aiming to maximize the modulus along the direction perpendicular to the electrode surface. The heightened modulus concurrently serves to suppress the vertical deposition of the intermediate product at the cathode. Meanwhile, the oriented channels with low tortuosity enabled by the anisotropic structure are beneficial to the ionic transport between the anode and cathode. Comparative analysis with an isotropic hydrogel sample reveals a marked enhancement in both modulus and ionic conductivity in the anisotropic hydrogel. This enhancement contributes to significantly improved zinc stripping/plating reversibility and mitigated electrochemical polarization. Additionally, a durable quasi-solid-state Zn//MnO2 battery with noteworthy volumetric energy density is realized. This study offers unique perspectives for designing hydrogel electrolytes and augmenting battery performance.

Inhibitory mechanism of carboxymethyl cellulose on advanced glycation end products in plant-based meat alternatives

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) were detected with high advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels in our previous study, threatening human health. In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on AGEs in both PBMA and chemical model systems. Moreover, the inhibitory effects were dependent on the levels of CMC addition. With 4% CMC addition, the contents of Nε-carboxymethy-l-lysine (CML) and Nε-carboxyethy-l-lysine (CEL) in PBMA decreased by 75% and 83%, respectively. Through comprehensive characterizations and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis, three possible inhibitory pathways were proposed at the molecular level: CMC improved the thermal stability of soy protein isolates (SPI) via covalent bond; CMC occupied the amino reaction sites on SPI and competitively inhibited the reaction between SPI and glucose; CMC scavenged the intermediates of AGEs (i.e glyoxal and methylglyoxal). This research lays a theoretical foundation on the inhibition of AGEs in PBMA through the regulation of hydrocolloids.

Adsorption and inhibition of lipid oxidation of curcumin embeded egg ovalbumin/ sodium carboxymethylcellulose nanoparticles at the oil-in water interface

In this study, the adsorption and inhibition of lipid oxidation propertises of curcumin embeded ovalbumin (OVA)/sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were investigated. The results demonstrated that the adsorption of curcumin and OVA/CMC particles at the oil-water interface might form a dual protection. The larger emulsion droplets were formed at an OVA/CMC ratio of 1:2 (pH 4.4) due to bridging flocculation. In the other two ratios (1:1, 2:1), the emulsions showed good stability after 32 days of storage. At the ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, the oxidation rate of the oil in the emulsion stabilized by OVA/CMC and OVA/CMC-Cur particles reduced by 16.2% and 37.9%, 4.9% and 38.9%, and 8.8% and 35.8%, respectively, than the pure oil. At the ratios of 1:1 and 2:1, the emulsion stabilized by the OVA/CMC-Cur particles demonstrated excellent antioxidant resistance and storage stability, particularly at the ratio of 1:1.