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14 pages, 3356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart and UV-Resistant Edible Coating and Films Based on Alginate, Whey Protein, and Curcumin

by Atcharaporn Botalo, Thitirat Inprasit, Sarute Ummartyotin, Kittipong Chainok, Suteera Vatthanakul and Penwisa Pisitsak

Polymers 2024, 16(4), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16040447 - 06 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 706

Abstract

In this work, smart edible coating and films with excellent UV barrier properties were prepared from alginate, whey protein isolate, and curcumin. The primary focus of this investigation centered on assessing the impact of whey protein and curcumin on the physical and functional [...] Read more.

In this work, smart edible coating and films with excellent UV barrier properties were prepared from alginate, whey protein isolate, and curcumin. The primary focus of this investigation centered on assessing the impact of whey protein and curcumin on the physical and functional properties of the alginate films. Whey protein reduced the film transparency while simultaneously enhancing the hydrophobicity and antioxidant properties of the alginate film. Curcumin imparted a yellow hue to the film, consequently decreasing the transparency of the film. It also substantially improved hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity, and UV-blocking efficiency within the films. Remarkably, curcumin demonstrated a significant reduction in the water vapor transmission rate of the film. For the preservation of apples, a higher concentration of curcumin was required, which effectively suppressed the respiration rate and moisture loss post-harvest, resulting in an extended shelf-life for the apples. As a result, the coated apples exhibited significantly reduced enzymatic browning and weight loss in comparison to their uncoated counterparts. Furthermore, these curcumin-containing films underwent a reversible color change from orange to red when exposed to ammonia vapor. This attribute highlights the potential of the developed coating and film as a smart, active food packaging solution, particularly for light-sensitive food products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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24 pages, 2544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Anti-Ageing Cream Based on Hyaluronic Acid and Other Innovative Cosmetic Actives

by Anca Maria Juncan, Claudiu Morgovan, Luca-Liviu Rus and Felicia Loghin

Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4134; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204134 - 18 Oct 2023

Viewed by 2291

Abstract

The importance of incorporating hyaluronic acid (HA) as a cosmetic ingredient in skin care formulations emerged lately because the amount of HA naturally found in the epidermis decreases with age, and when applied to the skin through cosmetic products, it confers hydration and [...] Read more.

The importance of incorporating hyaluronic acid (HA) as a cosmetic ingredient in skin care formulations emerged lately because the amount of HA naturally found in the epidermis decreases with age, and when applied to the skin through cosmetic products, it confers hydration and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Currently, the diversity of cosmetic products for mature skin and the use of various and innovative active ingredients supporting their anti-ageing effect represent ample proof that the cosmetic industry is currently relying on these actives. The main objective of this study was the development of an anti-ageing formulation, incorporating HA and different other active ingredients. The developed formulation contains a novel complex of natural waxes, with an essential role in the restoration of the skin’s hydro–lipid barrier, in combination with innovative active ingredients—like low-molecular hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA), sodium hyaluronate (NaHA), ectoin, gold, and an anti-ageing botanical complex—contributing to optimal skin hydration specifically designed to reduce the visible signs of ageing. An important objective was represented by the skin compatibility and topography assessment after 28 days (D28) of regular application of the developed cream. Stability testing, physicochemical characteristics, and microbiological control, including efficacy testing of the used preservative (challenge test) were performed for the cosmetic formulation. In silico approaches were applied to demonstrate the safety of cosmetic-related substances and the risk assessment of the cosmetic formulation. Safety and instrumental evaluation were performed to demonstrate the skin tolerance—the compatibility and the efficacy, respectively—of the developed anti-ageing cream. As result, quality control of the developed cosmetic formulation evidenced an appropriate cosmetic preparation with desirable aspect and adequate physicochemical characteristics. The concentrations of restricted ingredients like preservatives and UV filters were in accordance with those recommended by the Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and so were considered to be safe. Additionally, according to the margin of safety (MoS) calculation, cosmetic ingredients incorporated in the developed formulation could be considered safe. The developed formulation was very well tolerated, and wrinkle depth and length in the periorbital area were significantly reduced after 28-day cosmetic treatment. Subjects’ assessment questionnaires revealed self-perceived benefits referring to the cosmetic qualities and efficacy of the anti-ageing cream. This study confirmed the skin tolerance and efficacy of the new complex anti-ageing cream incorporating HA, microencapsulated sodium hyaluronate, ectoin, and a botanical extract. The formulated cosmetic product could serve as a daily care for mature skin to alleviate the effects of skin ageing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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14 pages, 3476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phase Behavior of Aqueous Mixtures of Sodium Alginate with Fish Gelatin: Effects of pH and Ionic Strength

by Daria S. Kolotova, Ekaterina V. Borovinskaya, Vlada V. Bordiyan, Yuriy F. Zuev, Vadim V. Salnikov, Olga S. Zueva and Svetlana R. Derkach

Polymers 2023, 15(10), 2253; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102253 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1603

Abstract

The phase behavior of aqueous mixtures of fish gelatin (FG) and sodium alginate (SA) and complex coacervation phenomena depending on pH, ionic strength, and cation type (Na⁺, Ca²⁺) were studied by turbidimetric acid titration, UV spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, [...] Read more.

The phase behavior of aqueous mixtures of fish gelatin (FG) and sodium alginate (SA) and complex coacervation phenomena depending on pH, ionic strength, and cation type (Na⁺, Ca²⁺) were studied by turbidimetric acid titration, UV spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for different mass ratios of sodium alginate and gelatin (Z = 0.01–1.00). The boundary pH values determining the formation and dissociation of SA-FG complexes were measured, and we found that the formation of soluble SA-FG complexes occurs in the transition from neutral (pH_c) to acidic (pH_φ1) conditions. Insoluble complexes formed below pH_φ1 separate into distinct phases, and the phenomenon of complex coacervation is thus observed. Formation of the highest number of insoluble SA-FG complexes, based on the value of the absorption maximum, is observed at рH_opt and results from strong electrostatic interactions. Then, visible aggregation occurs, and dissociation of the complexes is observed when the next boundary, pH_φ2, is reached. As Z increases in the range of SA-FG mass ratios from 0.01 to 1.00, the boundary values of рН_c, рH_φ1, рH_opt, and рH_φ2 become more acidic, shifting from 7.0 to 4.6, from 6.8 to 4.3, from 6.6 to 2.8, and from 6.0 to 2.7, respectively. An increase in ionic strength leads to suppression of the electrostatic interaction between the FG and SA molecules, and no complex coacervation is observed at NaCl and CaCl₂ concentrations of 50 to 200 mM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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14 pages, 12841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Unique Morphology of Coconut Petiole Fibers Facilitates the Fabrication of Plant Composites with High Impact Performance

by Shiqiang Fu, Hongwu Wu, Kang Zhu, Zhouxiang Zhao and Zhifang Liang

Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092200 - 05 May 2023

Viewed by 2601

Abstract

The present work explored alkali–treated coconut petiole fibers (ACPFs) characterization and the effect of fiber loadings on the mechanical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/ACPF composites for the first time. The physical, mechanical, and interfacial properties, as well as the morphology of the [...] Read more.

The present work explored alkali–treated coconut petiole fibers (ACPFs) characterization and the effect of fiber loadings on the mechanical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/ACPF composites for the first time. The physical, mechanical, and interfacial properties, as well as the morphology of the ACPFs were reported. It was found that ACPFs with a density of 0.92 g/cm³ have average tensile strength and tensile modulus equal to 355.77 MPa and 5212.36 MPa. The interfacial strength between ACPFs and PLA was high (14.06 MPa), attributed to the micro–sized holes on the fibers, as established from SEM micrographs. Then composites with varying fiber loadings were fabricated by melt–blending and compression molding. The mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact) performance of composites was reported. Based on the high interfacial strength between fibers and PLA and the unique “spiral” structure of fibers, the composites reached a high impact strength of 8.2 kJ/m² and flexural modulus of 6959.70 MPa at 50 wt.%, representing 150% and 50% improvement relative to pure PLA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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22 pages, 7227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Aloe-Emodin Microcapsules and Its Effect on Antibacterial and Optical Properties of Water-Based Coating

by Nan Huang and Xiaoxing Yan

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071728 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1316

Abstract

With the development of science and technology, the function of waterborne coatings has been advanced to a higher standard, which requires researchers to innovate and expand the research on them. Aloe-emodin is a natural material with antibacterial properties. Applying its antibacterial effect to [...] Read more.

With the development of science and technology, the function of waterborne coatings has been advanced to a higher standard, which requires researchers to innovate and expand the research on them. Aloe-emodin is a natural material with antibacterial properties. Applying its antibacterial effect to the coating can enrich its function and meet the diversified needs of consumers. In this study, the urea-formaldehyde resin was used as the wall material and the aloe-emodin as the core material to prepare the microcapsules. The coating rate, yield, and morphology of the microcapsules were characterized. Through an orthogonal experiment and a single factor experiment, the optimization scheme of microcapsule preparation was explored. The results indicated that the optimum preparation process of aloe-emodin microcapsules was as follows: the mass ratio of core material to wall material was 1:15, the molar ratio of urea to formaldehyde was 1:1.2, the temperature of microencapsulation was 50 °C, and the stirring speed of microencapsulation was 600 rpm. On this basis, the aloe-emodin microcapsules with 0%, 1.0%, 3.0%, 6.0%, 9.0%, and 12.0% contents were added to the waterborne coating to prepare the paint films, and their influence on the antibacterial and optical properties of the waterborne paint films was explored. The results demonstrated that the aloe-emodin microcapsules had antibacterial activity. When the content was 6.0%, the comprehensive performance of the film was better. The antibacterial rate of the film against Escherichia coli was 68.1%, and against Staphylococcus aureus it was 60.7%. The color difference of the film was 59.93, and the glossiness at 60° was 7.8%. In this study, the microcapsules that can improve the antibacterial performance of water-based coatings were prepared, which can expand the application of water-based coatings and provide a reference for the study of the functionalization of water-based coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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12 pages, 2407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

L-Arginine Grafted Chitosan as Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel Protection

by Sani Nazifi Dalhatu, Kolo Alhaji Modu, Auwal Adamu Mahmoud, Zakariyya Uba Zango, Abdullahi Bello Umar, Fahad Usman, John Ojur Dennis, Ahmed Alsadig, Khalid Hassan Ibnaouf and Osamah A. Aldaghri

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020398 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Corrosion prevention has been a global phenomenon, particularly in metallic and construction engineering. Most inhibitors are expensive and toxic. Therefore, developing nontoxic and cheap corrosion inhibitors has been a way forward. In this work, L-arginine was successfully grafted on chitosan by the thermal [...] Read more.

Corrosion prevention has been a global phenomenon, particularly in metallic and construction engineering. Most inhibitors are expensive and toxic. Therefore, developing nontoxic and cheap corrosion inhibitors has been a way forward. In this work, L-arginine was successfully grafted on chitosan by the thermal technique using a reflux condenser. This copolymer was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion inhibition performance of the composite polymer was tested on mild steel in 0.5M HCl by electrochemical methods. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results were consistent. The inhibition efficiency at optimum concentration rose to 91.4%. The quantum chemical calculation parameters show good properties of the material as a corrosion inhibitor. The molecular structure of the inhibitor was subjected to density functional theory (DFT) to understand its theoretical properties, and the results confirmed the inhibition efficiency of the grafted polymer for corrosion prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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Review

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17 pages, 1570 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural Polymers as Carriers for Encapsulation of Volatile Oils: Applications and Perspectives in Food Products

by Ovidiu Tița, Maria Adelina Constantinescu, Lăcrămioara Rusu and Mihaela Adriana Tița

Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081026 - 09 Apr 2024

Viewed by 432

Abstract

The technique of encapsulating different materials into matrices that can both protect and release their contents under specific circumstances is known as encapsulation. It serves the primary function of shielding delicate components from outside influences, including heat, light, and humidity. This can be [...] Read more.

The technique of encapsulating different materials into matrices that can both protect and release their contents under specific circumstances is known as encapsulation. It serves the primary function of shielding delicate components from outside influences, including heat, light, and humidity. This can be accomplished by a variety of procedures that, depending on the method and materials selected, result in the creation of particles with various structures. The materials used for encapsulation in food applications must be of high quality, acceptable for human consumption, and stable during processing and storage. The most suitable natural polymers for food applications are carbohydrates, proteins, or mixtures thereof. Volatile oils are end products of plant metabolism, accumulated and stored in various plant organs, cells, or secretory tissues. These are natural and are characterized by the scent of the aromatic plants they come from. Because of their antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, they are being utilized more and more in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since volatile oils are highly sensitive to environmental changes, they must be stored under specific conditions after being extracted from a variety of plant sources. A promising method for increasing the applicability of volatile oils is their encapsulation into colloidal particles by natural polymers such as carbohydrates and proteins. Encapsulation hides the unfavorable taste of nutrients while shielding delicate dietary ingredients from the effects of heat, moisture, oxygen, and pH. This technique results in improved stability for volatile oils that are often sensitive to environmental factors and offers the possibility of using them in an aqueous system even if they are insoluble in water. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current advances in volatile oil encapsulation technologies and presents a variety of natural polymers used in the food industry for encapsulation. Also, a distinct section is created to highlight the current advances in dairy products enriched with encapsulated volatile oils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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36 pages, 2807 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insights into Recent Advances of Biomaterials Based on Microbial Biomass and Natural Polymers for Sustainable Removal of Pharmaceuticals Residues

by Lăcrămioara Rusu, Elena-Mirela Suceveanu, Alexandra-Cristina Blaga, Florin Marian Nedeff and Daniela Șuteu

Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15132923 - 01 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1447

Abstract

Pharmaceuticals are acknowledged as emerging contaminants in water resources. The concentration of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment has increased due to the rapid development of the pharmaceutical industry, the increasing use of human and veterinary drugs, and the ineffectiveness of conventional technologies to [...] Read more.

Pharmaceuticals are acknowledged as emerging contaminants in water resources. The concentration of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment has increased due to the rapid development of the pharmaceutical industry, the increasing use of human and veterinary drugs, and the ineffectiveness of conventional technologies to remove pharmaceutical compounds from water. The application of biomaterials derived from renewable resources in emerging pollutant removal techniques constitutes a new research direction in the field. In this context, the article reviews the literature on pharmaceutical removal from water sources using microbial biomass and natural polymers in biosorption or biodegradation processes. Microorganisms, in their active or inactive form, natural polymers and biocomposites based on inorganic materials, as well as microbial biomass immobilized or encapsulated in polymer matrix, were analyzed in this work. The review examines the benefits, limitations, and drawbacks of employing these biomaterials, as well as the prospects for future research and industrial implementation. From these points of view, current trends in the field are clearly reviewed. Finally, this study demonstrated how biocomposites made of natural polymers and microbial biomass suggest a viable adsorbent biomaterial for reducing environmental pollution that is also efficient, inexpensive, and sustainable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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19 pages, 2152 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Application Prospects of Chitosan Based Composites for the Metal Contaminated Wastewater Treatment

by Ashoka Gamage, Nepali Jayasinghe, Punniamoorthy Thiviya, M. L. Dilini Wasana, Othmane Merah, Terrence Madhujith and Janardhan Reddy Koduru

Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061453 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3486

Abstract

Heavy metals, known for their toxic nature and ability to accumulate and magnify in the food chain, are a major environmental concern. The use of environmentally friendly adsorbents, such as chitosan (CS)—a biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, has gained attention for removing heavy metals from [...] Read more.

Heavy metals, known for their toxic nature and ability to accumulate and magnify in the food chain, are a major environmental concern. The use of environmentally friendly adsorbents, such as chitosan (CS)—a biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, has gained attention for removing heavy metals from water. This review discusses the physicochemical properties of CS and its composites and nanocomposites and their potential application in wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials Based on Natural Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)

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