Editorial

4 pages, 214 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

by Ana M. Díez-Pascual

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(4), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23042257 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2098

Petroleum-based plastics can be found everywhere in our habitual life in diverse applications such as automobiles, aerospace, and medical science [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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15 pages, 2474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Birch Tar in Changing the Physicochemical and Biocidal Properties of Polylactide-Based Films

by Agnieszka Richert, Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska, Grażyna B. Dąbrowska and Henryk P. Dąbrowski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010268 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2483

Abstract

The objective of this study was to produce bactericidal polymer films containing birch tar (BT). The produced polymer films contain PLA, plasticiser PEG (5% wt.) and birch tar (1, 5 and 10% wt.). Compared to plasticised PLA, films with BT were characterised by [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to produce bactericidal polymer films containing birch tar (BT). The produced polymer films contain PLA, plasticiser PEG (5% wt.) and birch tar (1, 5 and 10% wt.). Compared to plasticised PLA, films with BT were characterised by reduced elongation at break and reduced water vapour permeability, which was the lowest in the case of film with 10% wt. BT content. Changes in the morphology of the produced materials were observed by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis; the addition of BT caused the surface of the film to be non-uniform and to contain recesses. FTIR analysis of plasticised PLA/BT films showed that the addition of birch tar did not change the crystallinity of the obtained materials. According to ISO 22196: 2011, the PLA film with 10% wt. BT content showed the highest antibacterial effect against the plant pathogens A. tumefaciens, X. campestris, P. brassicacearum, P. corrugata, P. syringae. It was found that the introduction of birch tar to plasticised PLA leads to a material with biocidal effect and favourable physicochemical and structural properties, which classifies this material for agricultural and horticultural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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26 pages, 5606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Nanobiocomposites Based on Natural Polysaccharides as Universal Trophic Low-Dose Micronutrients

by Spartak S. Khutsishvili, Alla I. Perfileva, Olga A. Nozhkina, Tatjana V. Ganenko and Konstantin V. Krutovsky

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 12006; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222112006 - 05 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2002

Abstract

New promising manganese-containing nanobiocomposites (NCs) based on natural polysaccharides, arabinogalactan (AG), arabinogalactan sulfate (AGS), and κ-carrageenan (κ-CG) were studied to develop novel multi-purpose trophic low-dose organomineral fertilizers. The general toxicological effects of manganese (Mn) on the vegetation of potatoes ( [...] Read more.

New promising manganese-containing nanobiocomposites (NCs) based on natural polysaccharides, arabinogalactan (AG), arabinogalactan sulfate (AGS), and κ-carrageenan (κ-CG) were studied to develop novel multi-purpose trophic low-dose organomineral fertilizers. The general toxicological effects of manganese (Mn) on the vegetation of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) was evaluated in this study. The essential physicochemical properties of this trace element in plant tissues, such as its elemental analysis and its spectroscopic parameters in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), were determined. Potato plants grown in an NC-containing medium demonstrated better biometric parameters than in the control medium, and no Mn accumulated in plant tissues. In addition, the synthesized NCs demonstrated a pronounced antibacterial effect against the phytopathogenic bacterium Clavibacter sepedonicus (Cms) and were proved to be safe for natural soil microflora. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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25 pages, 10203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Application of Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) as Active Fillers in Natural Rubber Biocomposites

by Marcin Masłowski, Andrii Aleksieiev, Justyna Miedzianowska and Krzysztof Strzelec

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(14), 7530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147530 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3055

Abstract

In this study, peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) were applied as natural fibrous fillers to create biocomposites containing substances of plant origin. The purpose of the work was to investigate the [...] Read more.

In this study, peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) were applied as natural fibrous fillers to create biocomposites containing substances of plant origin. The purpose of the work was to investigate the activity and effectiveness of selected plants as a material for the modification of natural rubber composites. This research was the first approach to examine the usefulness of peppermint, German chamomile and yarrow in the field of polymer technology. Dried and ground plant particles were subjected to Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), goniometric measurements (contact angle) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization of natural rubber composites filled with bio-additives was performed including rheometric measurements, FTIR, TGA, cross-linking density, mechanical properties and colour change after simulated aging processes. Composites filled with natural fillers showed improved barrier properties and mechanical strength. Moreover, an increase in the cross-linking density of the materials before and after the simulated aging processes, compared to the reference sample, was observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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14 pages, 2223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Rhamnolipids and Ionic Cross-Linking Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Alginate Hydrogels as a Model Bacterial Biofilm

by Natalia Czaplicka, Szymon Mania and Donata Konopacka-Łyskawa

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(13), 6840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22136840 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

The literature indicates the existence of a relationship between rhamnolipids and bacterial biofilm, as well as the ability of selected bacteria to produce rhamnolipids and alginate. However, the influence of biosurfactant molecules on the mechanical properties of biofilms are still not fully understood. [...] Read more.

The literature indicates the existence of a relationship between rhamnolipids and bacterial biofilm, as well as the ability of selected bacteria to produce rhamnolipids and alginate. However, the influence of biosurfactant molecules on the mechanical properties of biofilms are still not fully understood. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of rhamnolipids concentration, CaCl₂ concentration, and ionic cross-linking time on the mechanical properties of alginate hydrogels using a Box–Behnken design. The mechanical properties of cross-linked alginate hydrogels were characterized using a universal testing machine. It was assumed that the addition of rhamnolipids mainly affects the compression load, and the value of this parameter is lower for hydrogels produced with biosurfactant concentration below CMC than for hydrogels obtained in pure water. In contrast, the addition of rhamnolipids in an amount exceeding CMC causes an increase in compression load. In bacterial biofilms, the presence of rhamnolipid molecules does not exceed the CMC value, which may confirm the influence of this biosurfactant on the formation of the biofilm structure. Moreover, rhamnolipids interact with the hydrophobic part of the alginate copolymer chains, and then the hydrophilic groups of adsorbed biosurfactant molecules create additional calcium ion trapping sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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15 pages, 2981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan-Based Materials Modified with Phenolic Acids Irradiated by UVC Light

by Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska, Marcin Wekwejt, Olha Mazur, Lidia Zasada, Anna Pałubicka and Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(12), 6472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22126472 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

This paper concerns the physicochemical properties of chitosan/phenolic acid thin films irradiated by ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 200 and 290 nm (UVC) light. We investigated the preparation and characterization of thin films based on chitosan (CTS) with tannic (TA), caffeic (CA) and [...] Read more.

This paper concerns the physicochemical properties of chitosan/phenolic acid thin films irradiated by ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 200 and 290 nm (UVC) light. We investigated the preparation and characterization of thin films based on chitosan (CTS) with tannic (TA), caffeic (CA) and ferulic acid (FA) addition as potential food-packaging materials. Such materials were then exposed to the UVC light (254 nm) for 1 and 2 h to perform the sterilization process. Different properties of thin films before and after irradiation were determined by various methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), mechanical properties and by the surface free energy determination. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the films and their potential to reduce the risk of contamination was assessed. The results showed that the phenolic acid improving properties of chitosan-based films, short UVC radiation may be used as sterilization method for those films, and also that the addition of ferulic acid obtains effective antimicrobial activity, which have great benefit for food packing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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15 pages, 3093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Palm CNF-ZnO Nanocomposites with Antibacterial and Reinforcing Properties

by Janarthanan Supramaniam, Darren Yi Sern Low, See Kiat Wong, Loh Teng Hern Tan, Bey Fen Leo, Bey Hing Goh, Dazylah Darji, Fatimah Rubaizah Mohd Rasdi, Kok Gan Chan, Learn Han Lee and Siah Ying Tang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(11), 5781; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22115781 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4043

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) isolated from plant biomass have attracted considerable interests in polymer engineering. The limitations associated with CNF-based nanocomposites are often linked to the time-consuming preparation methods and lack of desired surface functionalities. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of preparing a multifunctional [...] Read more.

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) isolated from plant biomass have attracted considerable interests in polymer engineering. The limitations associated with CNF-based nanocomposites are often linked to the time-consuming preparation methods and lack of desired surface functionalities. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of preparing a multifunctional CNF-zinc oxide (CNF-ZnO) nanocomposite with dual antibacterial and reinforcing properties via a facile and efficient ultrasound route. We characterized and examined the antibacterial and mechanical reinforcement performances of our ultrasonically induced nanocomposite. Based on our electron microscopy analyses, the ZnO deposited onto the nanofibrous network had a flake-like morphology with particle sizes ranging between 21 to 34 nm. pH levels between 8–10 led to the formation of ultrafine ZnO particles with a uniform size distribution. The resultant CNF-ZnO composite showed improved thermal stability compared to pure CNF. The composite showed potent inhibitory activities against Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) and Gram-negative Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) bacteria. A CNF-ZnO-reinforced natural rubber (NR/CNF-ZnO) composite film, which was produced via latex mixing and casting methods, exhibited up to 42% improvement in tensile strength compared with the neat NR. The findings of this study suggest that ultrasonically-synthesized palm CNF-ZnO nanocomposites could find potential applications in the biomedical field and in the development of high strength rubber composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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16 pages, 6229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biobased Polyurethane Composite Foams Reinforced with Plum Stones and Silanized Plum Stones

by Karolina Miedzińska, Sylwia Członka, Anna Strąkowska and Krzysztof Strzelec

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094757 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

In the following study, ground plum stones and silanized ground plum stones were used as natural fillers for novel polyurethane (PUR) composite foams. The impact of 1, 2, and 5 wt.% of fillers on the cellular structure, foaming parameters, and mechanical, thermomechanical, and [...] Read more.

In the following study, ground plum stones and silanized ground plum stones were used as natural fillers for novel polyurethane (PUR) composite foams. The impact of 1, 2, and 5 wt.% of fillers on the cellular structure, foaming parameters, and mechanical, thermomechanical, and thermal properties of produced foams were assessed. The results showed that the silanization process leads to acquiring fillers with a smoother surface compared to unmodified filler. The results also showed that the morphology of the obtained materials is affected by the type and content of filler. Moreover, the modified PUR foams showed improved properties. For example, compared with the reference foam (PUR_REF), the foam with the addition of 1 wt.% of unmodified plum filler showed better mechanical properties, such as higher compressive strength (~8% improvement) and better flexural strength (~6% improvement). The addition of silanized plum filler improved the thermal stability and hydrophobic character of PUR foams. This work shows the relationship between the mechanical, thermal, and application properties of the obtained PUR composites depending on the modification of the filler used during synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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18 pages, 3580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant-Origin Stabilizer as an Alternative of Natural Additive to Polymers Used in Packaging Materials

by Angelika Plota and Anna Masek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(8), 4012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22084012 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2310

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, cannabis plants have gained major popularity in the research community. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and stabilization efficiency of cannabidiol (CBD) extract in two different polymers: polylactide (PLA) and ethylene–norbornene copolymer (Topas) that are used [...] Read more.

Over the past 25 years, cannabis plants have gained major popularity in the research community. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and stabilization efficiency of cannabidiol (CBD) extract in two different polymers: polylactide (PLA) and ethylene–norbornene copolymer (Topas) that are used in packaging materials more often. The research technology included weathering in a special chamber, surface free energy and color change measurements, surface morphology and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, thermogravimetry, and determination of the oxidation induction time or temperature (OIT) values, based on which the effectiveness of the cannabidiol extract could be estimated. Obtained results showed that the addition of CBD to polymer mixtures significantly increased their resistance to oxidation, and it can be used as a natural stabilizer for polymeric products. Moreover, samples with cannabidiol changed their coloration as a result of weathering. Therefore, this natural additive can also be considered as a colorimetric indicator of aging that informs about the changes in polymeric materials during their lifetime. On the other hand, surface properties of samples with cannabidiol content did not alter much compared to pure Topas and PLA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites: Synthesis, properties and Applications)

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