Water Absorption Ability Research Articles

Bamboo fiber-enhanced UHPC: Early hydration and microstructural/mesoscale analysis

This study investigates the impact of incorporating bamboo fibers, a natural and renewable material, into ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) on its early hydration, mechanical properties, internal relative humidity, autogenous shrinkage, and microstructure. The results show that adding bamboo fibers significantly improves various UHPC properties. Bamboo fibers regulate hydration and prolong the hydration process through their water absorption and retention abilities. With a fiber content of 1.0 vol percent (vol%), the compressive strength increases by 10.2 %, reaching 97.1 MPa, and at 2.0 vol%, flexural strength and toughness increase by 37.9 % and 739.5 %, respectively. Additionally, bamboo fibers help maintain internal relative humidity above 98 % during the first 7 days of curing and reduce autogenous shrinkage by up to 55.9 %. The fibers also optimize the microstructure by minimizing voids, with a 1.0 % fiber content reducing the void ratio to 1.64 %. This reduces large voids and improves the material's density. Overall, bamboo fibers show great promise in enhancing UHPC's structural performance and environmental adaptability while being a sustainable and cost-effective material.

Self-healing, adhesive, antibacterial, and biocompatible hydrogel dressings using sialic acid substituted chitosan and oxidized pullulan with incorporation of epigallocatechin gallate

The development of innovative therapeutic strategies is highly desired for wound regeneration. In this study, sialic acid substituted chitosan (CS-SA) was reacted with oxidized pullulan (OPL) via Schiff base links to obtain functional CS-SA/OPL hydrogels, into which the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was in situ incorporated. The prepared hydrogels exhibited interconnected porous structure and good water absorption ability (over 37 g/g). Furthermore, the CS-SA/OPL hydrogels performed excellent self-healing and adhesive properties. With the incorporation of EGCG, the antibacterial effects against E. coli and S. aureus, as well as antioxidative activity, were significantly improved. In addition, in vitro L-929 cell experiments confirmed that cell viability and cell immigration could be significantly improved with the incorporation of EGCG in CS-SA/OPL hydrogels. Based on the above results, hydrogels possess a promising potential as wound dressings in wound healing applications.

Oxygen vacancies boosted Bi2WO6 for photoelectrochemical water oxidation

In this work, bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) films enriched with oxygen vacancies were fabricated via the hydrogen treatment with an excellent catalytic activity. The photocurrent density of Bi2WO6 H-15 is 0.18 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE), which is 11.25 times higher than that of pure Bi2WO6. The introduction of oxygen vacancy not only increases the charge concentration, facilitates the charge transport, promotes the water absorption ability, but also extends the light absorption of Bi2WO6. The density of states (DOS) calculated by the density functional theory (DFT) showed that a new defect level was formed and increased DOS at the valance band maximum (VBM). This work manifests the effective use of oxygen vacancies in regulating carriers transport, which is of great significance for the PEC oxygen evolution reaction.

Effect of beeswax and coconut oil as natural coating agents on morphological, degradation behaviour, and water barrier properties of mycelium-based composite in modified controlled environment

Non-degradable coatings made of petroleum-based plastics hinder the degradation performance of products. This highlights the urgent need to develop biodegradable, bio-based coatings derived from renewable resources to create a more sustainable and greener world with a smaller environmental footprint. This study endeavours to examine the effects of beeswax and coconut oil additions on the morphological, degradation, and water-barrier properties of mycelium-based composite (MBC). Coconut oil is supplemented with varying amounts of beeswax, comprising 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 wt%. Dip coating is applied to prepare coated-MBC at 65 °C for 2 min. The coated-MBC is characterized by water absorption test, water loss measurement, density measurement, yeast and mould test, shrinkage measurement, weight loss measu rement, soil burial test, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and macroscopic appearance. Findings revealed that a higher composition of beeswax (80 BW) leads to lower water absorption ability (26.25 %) and no fungal growth for 36 days, in contrast to uncoated-MBC (0 BW), which are used as a reference sample.

Fabrication of Mupirocin-Loaded PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticulate Films for Enhanced Wound Healing.

Chitosan-based biomaterials are being investigated for their unique properties that support skin regeneration and wound healing. This study focused on the preparation and characterization of a mupirocin (Mup)-loaded PEGylated chitosan (CS-PEG) nanoparticulate film (NF) [CBNF]. The CBNF was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. The results demonstrated that CBNF was successfully incorporated into the composites, as shown by functional group modification through FTIR analysis. Additionally, the SEM micrograph revealed the deposition of nanoparticles (<200 nm) on the surface of transparent CBNF. The film has higher water absorption (≥1700%) and moderate water retention ability within 6 h. Furthermore, histological findings showed significant development, with re-epithelialization and granulation of tissues after 19 days, indicating the healing efficiency of CNBF. These results suggest that drug-loaded films could be an effective carrier and delivery agent for Mup-like anti-inflammatory drugs.

Enhancing the Humidity Stability of Perovskite Films through Interfacial Modification with Differentiated Hydrophilic Organics.

Preparing high-quality perovskite films is a decisive step toward realizing highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (Pero-SCs). Water is a key factor affecting the stability of the Pero-SCs. Here, the widely used water adsorbents chitosan, sorbitol, and sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) were used as hydrophilic layers on the upper interface of the perovskite to form a barrier against water. The water adsorbents also passivated defects on the surface of the perovskite active layer due to their -OH and -COOH functional groups. The NaHA-modified devices showed the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) (PCE = 21.74%). Although the NaHA-modified Pero-SCs showed optimal photovoltaic performance, the stability of the modified devices decreased due to the strong water adsorption ability of NaHA, while with moderate water adsorption ability sorbitol-modified devices exhibited good stability and PCE. The devices were tested in the dark and room temperature at different humidity levels for 800 h. At low humidity (25% ± 5% RH), the PCEs of the sorbitol- and NaHA-modified devices were maintained at 80% and 71% of the initial values, respectively. At high humidity (75% ± 5% RH), the PCE was maintained at 64% and 23% of the initial values, respectively. This work provides an avenue to select adsorbents with suitable water absorption ability as the interface modification layer, thus reducing the water erosion of perovskite films and obtaining highly stable inverted Pero-SCs.

A shape memory cationized chitosan sponge loaded with thrombin for high-effective hemostasis and antibacterial activity

This study presents a thrombin-loaded cationized chitosan (TCCS) sponge with highly effective hemostatic and antibacterial activity. The TCCS sponge, prepared using a multistep method, features a porous structure, favorable mechanical properties, excellent water absorption ability, and shape recovery triggered by water or blood. The TCCS sponge exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, it demonstrated enhanced procoagulant and hemostatic efficacy in rat tail amputation and rat liver perforation wound models compared to commercial hemostats. Furthermore, the sponge exhibited favorable biocompatibility and biosafety. These findings suggest that the TCCS sponge has substantial potential for practical applications in managing severe hemorrhages and bacterial infections.

MXene reinforced microporous bacterial cellulose/sodium alginate dual crosslinked cryogel for bone tissue engineering

The entangled assembly of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers does not provide a three-dimensional (3D) macroporous structure for cellular infiltration thus hindering its use as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering. In addition, it is difficult to achieve uniform dispersion of bioactive agents in entangled BC nanofibers. To address this, the BC nanofibers were integrated with MXene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial known for its electrical signaling and mechanical strength, along with sodium alginate to form cryogel. The cryogel was fabricated using a cross-linking to enhance its mechanical properties, pores for cellular infilteration. MXene incorporation not only increased water absorption (852%-1446%) and retention (692%-973%) ability but also significantly improved the compressive stress (0.85 MPa-1.43 MPa) and modulus (0.22 MPa-1.17 MPa) confirming successful MXene reinforcement in cryogel. Biological evaluation revealed that the optimum concentration of MXene increased the cell proliferation and the osteogenic role of fabricated scaffolds was also confirmed through osteogenic gene expressions. The macropores in reconstructed MXene-BC-based cryogel provided ample space for cellular proliferation. The osteogenic role of the scaffold was examined through various gene expressions. The Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that MXene-loaded scaffolds especially in low concentration, had an obvious osteogenic effect hence concluding that BC can not only be reconstructed into the desired form but osteogenic property can be induced. These findings can open a new way of reconstructing BC into a more optimal structure to overcome its structural limitations and retain its natural bioactivities.

Water-triggered shape memory cellulose / sodium alginate / montmorillonite composite sponges for rapid hemostasis

Uncontrollable bleeding caused by severe trauma is life-threatening. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop hemostatic materials that meet the rapid hemostasis of wounds. In this study, a water-triggered shape memory carboxylated cellulose nanofiber/sodium alginate/montmorillonite (CNSAMMTCa) composite hemostatic sponge was prepared, which can promote coagulation by concentrating the blood and activating intrinsic pathway. The anisotropic three-dimensional porous structure formed by directional freeze-drying technology improved the performance of composite sponges which showed good prospects in rapid hemostasis. The results showed that CNSAMMTCa composite sponge had good porous structure, water absorption ability, cytocompatibility and blood cell aggregation capacity. Simultaneously, we confirmed that CNSA3MMT2Ca has best coagulation performance in the mouse censored bleeding model and liver rupture bleeding model. Therefore, CNSAMMTCa composite hemostatic sponge is a safe and efficient rapid hemostatic material which is expected to become an alternative material for clinical hemostatic materials.

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

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

Synthesis and characterization of a magnetic bacterial cellulose-chitosan nanocomposite and evaluation of its applicability for osteogenesis.

Natural biopolymers are used for various purposes in healthcare, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing. Bacterial cellulose and chitosan were preferred in this study due to their non-cytotoxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-inflammatory properties. The study reports the development of a magnetic bacterial cellulose-chitosan (BC-CS-Fe3O4) nanocomposite that can be used as a biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering. Iron oxide nanoparticles were included in the composite to provide superparamagnetic properties that are useful in a variety of applications, including osteogenic differentiation, magnetic imaging, drug delivery, and thermal induction for cancer treatment. The magnetic nanocomposite was prepared by immersing Fe3O4 in a mixture of bacterial cellulose-chitosan scaffold and then freeze-drying it. The resulting nanocomposite was characterized using FE-SEM and FTIR techniques. The swelling ratio and mechanical strength of the scaffolds were evaluated experimentally. The biodegradability of the scaffolds was assessed using PBS for 8 weeks at 37°C. The cytotoxicity and osteogenic differentiation of the nanocomposite were studied using human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and alizarin red staining. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test was used for statistical analysis. The FTIR spectra demonstrated the formation of bonds between functional groups of nanoparticles. FE-SEM images showed the integrity of the fibrillar network. The magnetic nanocomposite has the highest swelling ratio (2445% ± 23.34) and tensile strength (5.08 MPa). After 8 weeks, the biodegradation ratios of BC, BC-CS, and BC-CS-Fe3O4 scaffolds were 0.75% ± 0.35, 2.5% ± 0.1, and 9.5% ± 0.7, respectively. Magnetic nanocomposites have low toxicity (P < 0.0001) and higher osteogenic potential compared to other scaffolds. Based on its high tensile strength, low water absorption, suitable degradability, low cytotoxicity, and high ability to induce an increase in calcium deposits by stem cells, the magnetic BC-CS-Fe3O4 nanocomposite scaffold can be a suitable candidate as a biomaterial for osteogenic differentiation.

Water-compatible cross-linked pyrrolidone acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives with persistent adhesion for transdermal delivery: Synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic force

Poor skin adhesion and mechanical properties are common problems of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) in transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS). Its poor water compatibility also causes the patch to fall off after sweating or soaking in the application site. To solve this problem, poly (2-Ethylhexyl acrylate-co-N-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-co-N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)acrylamide) (PENH), a cross-linked pyrrolidone polyacrylate PSA, was designed to improve the adhesion and water resistance of PSA through electrostatic force and hydrogen bonding system. The structure of PENH was characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, DSC, and other methods. The mechanism was studied by FTIR, rheological test, and molecular simulation. The results showed that the PENH patch could adhere to human skin for more than 10 days without cold flow, and it could still adhere after sweating or water contact. In contrast, the commercial PSA Duro-Tak® 87-4098 and Duro-Tak® 87-2852 fell off completely on the 3rd and 6th day, respectively, and Duro-Tak® 87-2510 showed a significant dark ring on the second day. Mechanism studies have shown that the hydrogen bond formed by 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NVP), and N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)acrylamide (HEAA) enhances cohesion, the interaction with skin improves skin adhesion, and the electrostatic interaction with water or drug molecules enhances the ability of water absorption and drug loading. Due to the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic force, PENH can maintain high cohesion after drug loading or water absorption. PENH provides a choice for the development of water-compatible patches with long-lasting adhesion. Statement of significanceBased on the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic force, a hydrogen-bonded, cross-linked pyrrolidone acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive for transdermal drug delivery was designed and synthesized, which has high adhesion and cohesive strength and is non-irritating to the skin. The patch can be applied on the skin surface continuously for more than 10 days without the phenomenon of “dark ring”, and the patch can remain adherent after the patient sweats or bathes. This provides a good strategy for choosing a matrix for patches that require prolonged administration.

Effect of thermocycling on the retentive force of the retentive inserts in three denture attachments and their water absorption ability.

This study aimed to evaluate the thermocycling effect on the retentive force of 3 different retentive inserts in 3 denture attachments (Blue, Pink, Clear retentive inserts in LOCATOR; Blue, Pink, Clear retentive inserts in LOCATOR R-Tx; and White, Yellow, Green retentive inserts in Novaloc) (n=10). Maximum retentive force of each retentive insert was evaluated at baseline, 7-day water storage, and after 5,000-, and 10,000- cycle thermocycling. The water absorption percentage of the retentive inserts was also determined. Comparing between baseline and 7-day water storage, the retentive forces of the LOCATOR and LOCATOR R-Tx groups were significantly reduced (p<0.05), while the retentive force of the Novaloc group was significantly increased (p<0.05). Comparing between 7-day water storage and 10,000-cycle thermocycling, the retentive force of most retentive inserts remained unchanged (p>0.05). The water absorption percentage of the LOCATOR and LOCATOR R-Tx groups was significantly greater than that of the Novaloc group (p<0.05).

Synthesis, UV-curing behaviors and general properties of acrylate-urethane resins prepared from castor oil-based polyols

Castor oil-based polyols with high OH values are synthesized through the low odor thiol-ene reaction and then are used for preparing UV-curable acrylate-urethane resins (AUCORs). The structure of the AUCORs is confirmed by 1H NMR and IR. The AUCORs based resins containing diluents can rapidly form cured films under UV light irradiation in air, with a very high gel ratio of over 95 %. The UV-curing dynamics shows that polymerization rate and final acrylate conversion under the N2 atmosphere both depend on CC bond content, but they are reduced under air due to oxygen inhibition effect. All the cured films have good heat stability with an initial decomposition temperature over 300 °C. The cured films can display different Tg within the region of 55–85 °C depending on the crosslink density tuned by the acrylate/urethane content. The urethane content/diluter can affect some general properties of the coating films, for instance water absorption ability, wettability, hardness and adhesion force. Interestingly, the cured films have a very good light transmittance in the visible light region, as high as that of glass slides.

Multifunctional Hydrogels Based on γ-Polyglutamic Acid/Polyethyleneimine for Hemostasis and Wound Healing.

Current hemostatic materials have many shortcomings, such as biotoxicity or poor degradability, and do not effectively promote wound healing after hemostasis. To address these limitations, a hemostasis-promoting wound-healing hydrogel, polyglutamic acid/polyethyleneimine/montmorillonite (PPM), comprising polyglutamic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde-modified polyethyleneimine, and amino-modified montmorillonite (montmorillonite-NH2) was constructed in this study. Due to the excellent water absorption abilities of γ-polyglutamic acid, the PPM and polyglutamic acid/polyethyleneimine hydrogels could rapidly absorb the blood and tissue fluid exuded from the wound to keep the wound clean and accelerate the blood coagulation. The homogeneous distribution of montmorillonite-NH2 enhanced not only the mechanical properties of the hydrogel but also its hemostatic properties. In addition, the modification of polyethylenimine with 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde provided anti-inflammatory effects and endorsed the wound healing. Cellular and blood safety experiments demonstrated the biocompatibility of the PPM hydrogel, and animal studies demonstrated that the PPM hydrogel effectively stopped bleeding and promoted wound healing. The concept design of clay-based hydrogel may create diverse opportunities for constructing hemostasis and wound-healing dressings.

Investigation of Coir Fiber as a Sustainable Reinforcement in Non-Asbestos Organic Brake Pad Composites

This work highlights the establishment and characterisation of new natural fibre-reinforced composite brake pad materials to replace asbestos fibre material, the dust of which is carcinogenic and dangerous to humans. Different additives like M-Sand and Glass fibre are used to study the change in properties of coir fibre-reinforced non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake friction material. The coir fibre-built-up NAO brake cushion material was created utilizing a pressure shaping interaction with 3 distinct definitions by differing the constituents. Studies are directed at NAO brake contact materials to track down their similarity as a brake rubbing material. The material was inspected and tried utilizing a Widespread Testing Machine (UTM), Tensiometer, nail Circle and Rockwell hardness analyzer to investigate its rigidity and tribological properties individually. The water retention and oil ingestion properties of the brake cushion material were additionally concentrated according to ASTM norms. The hardness, porosity, and ultimate strength of NAO brake friction samples were higher than those of commercial brake pad material (CBP). The density appears to be less than that of commercial brake pad material. The presence of coir fibre and M- Sand increased the amount of water and oil absorption by the materials. Hence, the NaOH treatment has reduced the water absorption ability of the materials. The wear rate was higher than that of commercial brake pad material and the COF value was between 0.4 and 0.5 for every sample that we prepared by varying the quantity of different additives. It can be concluded that the sample with 15% coir fibre and 15% M- Sand has shown a better result than others except for an increase in water absorption. As a result, coir fibre-reinforced non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake friction material can be a viable candidate filler material for the production of asbestos-free replacement brake pads with no adverse effects.

Antibacterial and antioxidant wound dressings with pH responsive release properties accelerate chronic wound healing

Accelerating chronic wound healing is of great clinical significance. In this study, a bilayer pad (PCL-TH/PVA-Alg@CUR) with tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber as the outer layer (PCL-TH), and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel loaded with sodium alginate microspheres (Alg) encapsulating of curcumin (CUR) as the inner layer (PVA-Alg@CUR) was prepared to accelerate the chronic wound healing. The prepared bilayer pad shows a porous structure and can release CUR specifically according to the pH of chronic wounds. Moreover, it has good water vapor transmittance and water absorption ability, and its mechanical properties can meet the daily expansion and contraction of the skin. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the bilayer pads were verified by the inhibition zone, co-culture method and in vitro free radical scavenging experiments. In addition, in vivo experiments have shown that the bilayer pad can inhibit the bacteria at the wound site and accelerate the healing of the chronic diabetic wound infected by bacteria. This study indicates the prepared antibacterial and antioxidant bilayer dressing with pH responsive release property have potential clinical applications.

MWCNTs Alleviated saline-alkali stress by optimizing photosynthesis and sucrose metabolism in rice seedling

ABSTRACTSaline and alkali stress affects the growth and development, survival rate, and final yield of rice, while new nano materials can have a positive effect on rice growth. In order to investing the effects of carboxymethyl multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the growth and development of rice seedlings under salt alkali stress, rice seedlings were cultured using rice variety “Songjing 3” using nutrient solution water culture method. The effects of MWCNTs on water absorption capacity, leaf photosynthesis, and sucrose metabolism of rice seedlings under 50 mmol/L saline-alkali stress (1NaCl: 9Na2SO4: 9NaHCO3: 1Na2CO3) conditions were investigated. The results showed that MWCNTs can improve the water use ability of roots and leaves, especially the water absorption ability of roots, which provides a guarantee for the improvement of rice biomass and the enhancement of leaf photosynthetic capacity under adverse conditions. After treatment with MWCNTs, the photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of leaves increased significantly, and the photochemical quenching value (qP), photochemical quantum efficiency value (Fv/Fm), and electron transfer rate value (ETR) of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters increased significantly, which is beneficial to the improvement of the PSII photosynthetic system. MWCNTs treatment promoted the increase of photosynthetic pigment content in leaves under salt and alkali stress, improved the ratio of Chla and Chlb parameters, increased the activities of key photosynthetic enzymes (RUBPCase and PEPCase) in leaves, increased the value of total lutein cycle pool (VAZ), and significantly enhanced the deepoxidation effect of lutein cycle (DEPS), which can effectively alleviate the stomatal and non stomatal constraints on leaf photosynthesis caused by salt and alkali stress. MWCNTs treatment significantly enhanced the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SS) under salt and alkali stress, and decreased the activities of soluble acid invertase (SAInv) and alkaline/neutral invertase (A/N-Inv), indicating that MWCNTs promoted sucrose synthesis while inhibiting sucrose decomposition, thereby promoting sucrose accumulation in rice leaves. This study can provide theoretical and experimental basis for the application of MWCNTs to the production of rice under salt and alkali stress, and can find a new way for rice production in saline and alkaline lands.

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

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

Effects of endogenous lipid on the functional qualities of tuna protein during cold storage

The effects of endogenous lipid on the quality of tuna protein during storage was evaluated. Defatted tuna protein was prepared and co-stored with different contents of tuna oil or soybean oil, and the functional qualities, oxidation, protein structure and lipid oxidation were compared. During storage, a higher tuna oil content caused a greater attenuation in the functional qualities of protein, including emulsifying, foaming and water absorption abilities, and tuna oil could lead to more severe attenuation than soybean oil. Besides, the higher the oxidation degree of oil, the higher the oxidation degree and the more disordered of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins, which indicated that protein oxidation could be induced by lipid oxidation and cause greater structural damage. Finally, Pearson correlation revealed that variation in myofibrillar protein more strongly affects the functional qualities than sarcoplasmic protein. Therefore, the removal of endogenous lipid had a significant positive impact on the quality stability of protein products during storage, especially for marine protein products.