This study demonstrates the valorization of sugar beet pulp (SBP)-derived pectin to produce bio-based coatings for shrimp preservation. Pectin extraction was assessed at varying temperatures and extraction times to achieve tailored properties (high methoxyl-pectins, degree of esterification-DE >79.0 %) leading to 11.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe present study concerns the preparation of hybrid nanostructures composed of carbon dots (CDs) synthesized in our lab and a double-hydrophilic poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate--oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (P(DMAEMA--OEGMA)) random polymer through electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged CDs and the positively charged DMAEMA segments of the polymer. The synthesis of P(DMAEMA--OEGMA) polymer was conducted through RAFT polymerization. Furthermore, the polymer was converted into a strong cationic random polyelectrolyte through quaternization of the amine groups of DMAEMA segments with methyl iodide (CHI), and it was subsequently utilized for the complexation with the carbon dots.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this work, the synthesis and the stimuli-responsive self-assembly behavior of novel double-hydrophilic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-(oligo ethylene glycol)methacrylate) random copolymers and their chemically modified derivatives are presented. The synthesis of P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA) copolymers of different DMAEMA mass compositions was successfully conducted through RAFT polymerization, further followed by the hydrophilic/hydrophobic quaternization with methyl iodide (CHI), 1-iodohexane (CHI), and 1-iodododecane (CHI). The tertiary and quaternary amines are randomly arranged within the DMAEMA segment, responding thus to pH, temperature, and salt alterations in aqueous solutions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOver the last three decades, proteins and peptides have attracted great interest as drugs of choice for combating a broad spectrum of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, and infectious and neurological diseases. However, the delivery of therapeutic proteins to target sites should take into account the obstacles and limitations related to their intrinsic sensitivity to different environmental conditions, fragile tertiary structures, and short half-life. Polymeric nanostructures have emerged as competent vehicles for protein delivery, as they are multifunctional and can be tailored according to their peculiarities.
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