Development of Lignin-Containing Cellulose Nanofibrils Coated Paper-Based Filters for Effective Oil-Water Separation.

New methods of oil-water separation are needed as industrialization has increased the prevalence of oil-water mixtures on Earth. As an abundant and renewable resource with high oxygen and grease barrier properties, mechanically refined cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) may have promising applications for oil-water separations. The unbleached form of these nanofibrils, lignin-containing CNFs (LCNFs), have also been found to display extraordinary barrier properties and are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than CNFs.

Impact of in vitro digested zinc oxide nanoparticles on intestinal model systems.

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) offer beneficial properties for many applications, especially in the food sector. Consequently, as part of the human food chain, they are taken up orally. The toxicological evaluation of orally ingested ZnO NP is still controversial.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Model Systems of the Intestinal Barrier.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) are often used in the food sector, among others, because of their advantageous properties. As part of the human food chain, they are inevitably taken up orally. The debate on the toxicity of orally ingested ZnO NP continues due to incomplete data.

Cellular Uptake and Toxicological Effects of Differently Sized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Intestinal Cells.

Due to their beneficial properties, the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) is constantly increasing, especially in consumer-related areas, such as food packaging and food additives, which is leading to an increased oral uptake of ZnO NP. Consequently, the aim of our study was to investigate the cellular uptake of two differently sized ZnO NP (<50 nm and <100 nm; 12-1229 µmol/L) using two human intestinal cell lines (Caco-2 and LT97) and to examine the possible resulting toxic effects. ZnO NP (<50 nm and <100 nm) were internalized by both cell lines and led to intracellular changes.

Impact of pH changes on metal oxide nanoparticle behaviour during artificial digestion.

The physicochemical properties of orally ingested metal nanoparticles can be influenced by the conditions prevailing in the digestive tract. In our work, we demonstrate the strong influence of the pH value on particle fate using a simplified digestion approach to analyze magnesium oxide, copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles and show why a separate consideration of the digestion parameters is necessary.

Toxicological assessment of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in HT29 intestinal cells.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in different consumer-related areas, for instance in food packaging or as additives, because of their enormous potential. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an EU-approved food additive (E number 530). It is commonly used as a drying agent for powdered foods, for colour retention or as a food supplement.