Valorizing Biopolyester Suberin: Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Performance Assessment in 3D-Printed Biobased Acrylates.

Suberin, a common biomass processing waste, is a complex biopolymer and a promising source for the biorefinery of chemicals. Six different approaches for the extraction of birch outer bark suberin fatty acids (SFAs) were explored, and their application in grafting the surface of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was investigated. Successful CNC functionalization was controlled with FTIR and NMR analyses.

Exploring the Processing Potential of Polylactic Acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoate, and Poly(butylene succinate--adipate) Binary and Ternary Blends.

Biodegradable and bio-based polymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(butylene succinate--adipate) (PBSA), stand out as sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics for a wide range of consumer applications. Studying binary and ternary blends is essential to exploring the synergistic combinations and efficiencies of three distinct biopolyesters. A comprehensive evaluation of melt-extruded binary and ternary polymer blends of PHA, PLA, and PBSA was conducted.

Rats Lacking the Dopamine Transporter Display Inflexibility in Innate and Learned Behavior.

Playing a key role in the organization of striatal motor output, the dopamine (DA)-ergic system regulates both innate and complex learned behaviors. Growing evidence clearly indicates the involvement of the DA-ergic system in different forms of repetitive (perseverative) behavior. Some of these behaviors accompany such disorders as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, and addiction.