Strong and ductile cellulose film improved by the in situ incorporation of a genetically engineered protein conjugated synthetic polymer during bacterial cellulose growth.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been extensively applied to fabricate advanced biomaterials, although it remains challenging due to its poor toughness and water stability. Herein a genetically engineered protein-conjugated synthetic polymer is designed to improve BC film's strength and flexibility. Initially, the hybrid polymer is constructed by grafting Family 3 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM3) to amphoteric polyacrylamide polymer (AmPAM), one of the paper industry's most widely used dry-strength agents.

Pectin-mucin interactions: Insights from fluorimetry, thermodynamics and dual (static and dynamic) quenching mechanisms.

Binary systems of citrus peel pectin (a major food carbohydrate) and mucin (a principal oral-gastrointestinal glycoprotein) are studied, as to understand the interactions and thermodynamics between food and biofluids during oral processing and digestion. The fluorimetry emission spectra of mucin were quenched by pectin addition at 293, 301, 310 and 318 K, indicating direct contact between the two macromolecular populations. A red shift, suggesting pectin-induced alterations on mucin conformation, has been observed at 318 K.

Hydrostability, mechanical resilience, and biodegradability of paper straws fabricated through lignin-based polyurethane and chitosan binary emulsion bonding.

This study focuses on enhancing the strength and water stability of paper straws through a novel approach involving a binary emulsion of lignin-based polyurethane and chitosan. Kraft lignin serves as the raw material for synthesizing a blocked waterborne polyurethane, subsequently combined with carboxylated chitosan to form a stable binary emulsion. The resulting emulsion, exhibiting remarkable stability over at least 6 months, is applied to the base paper.

Polysaccharide-based nanoassemblies: From synthesis methodologies and industrial applications to future prospects.

Polysaccharides, due to their remarkable features, have gained significant prominence in the sustainable production of nanoparticles (NPs). High market demand and minimal production cost, compared to the chemically synthesised NPs, demonstrate a drive towards polysaccharide-based nanoparticles (PSNPs) benign to environment. Various approaches are used for the synthesis of PSNPs including cross-linking, polyelectrolyte complexation, and self-assembly.

In-situ CBM3-modified bacterial cellulose film with improved mechanical properties.

Cellulose materials have poor wet strength and are susceptible to acidic or basic environments. Herein, we developed a facile strategy to modify bacterial cellulose (BC) with a genetically engineered Family 3 Carbohydrate-Binding Module (CBM3). To assess the effect of BC films, water adsorption rate (WAR), water holding capacity (WHC), water contact angle (WCA), and mechanical and barrier properties were determined.

Magnetic nanocellulose alginate hydrogel beads as potential drug delivery system.

Magnetic nanocellulose alginate hydrogel beads are produced from the assembly of alginate and magnetic nanocellulose (m-CNCs) as a potential drug delivery system. The m-CNCs were synthesized from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) that were isolated from rice husks (RH) by co-precipitation method and were incorporated into alginate-based hydrogel beads with the aim of enhancing mechanical strength and regulating drug release behavior. Ibuprofen was chosen as a model drug.

Immobilization of β-galactosidase on surface modified cobalt/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite improves enzyme stability and resistance to inhibitor.

The present study aimed to work out a high yield procedure for immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase on polyaniline cobalt multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite (PANI/Co/MWCNTNC) by physical adsorption and covalent attachment via glutaraldehyde. The binding was confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy along with Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The immobilization yields obtained for adsorbed and cross-linked enzymes were 93% and 97%, respectively.

Ion exchangers as adsorbents for removing metals from aquatic media.

A polyaniline-based composite cation-exchange material was synthesized by way of sol-gel method and studied to explore its analytical and environmental applications. It was characterized by using instrumental analyses [Fourier transform infrared (spectrometer), X-ray, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis, standard electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy]. Physicochemical studies, such as ion-exchange capacity, pH titrations, and chemical stability, along with effect of eluent concentration and elution, were also performed to exploit the ion-exchange capabilities.

Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and applications of polyanilineTi(IV)arsenophosphate adsorbent for the analysis of organic and inorganic pollutants.

A novel polyaniline based composite cation exchange material has been synthesized by simple chemical route and characterized on the basis of sophisticated techniques. XRD and SEM analyses reveal the amorphous morphology of the material. The partition coefficient studies of different metal ions on the material were performed in DMW and diverse concentrations of HClO4 solutions.

Male adolescent concubinage in Peshawar, Northwestern Pakistan.

This paper reports on findings from four interviews held with young men who have experienced male adolescent concubinage relationships with adult men in Peshawar, Northwestern Pakistan. These relationships are referred to by the Pashtun people involved as bacha baazi. Similar relationships (called bacabozlik) were described by Ingeborg Baldauf among the Uzbeks and Pashtun of Afghanistan, based on observations made in the late-1970s.

Synthesis and characterization of nano-composite ion-exchanger; its adsorption behavior.

A novel organic-inorganic nanocomposite cation-exchanger has been synthesized via sol-gel method. It was characterized on the basis of FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM and Raman studies. The structural studies reveal semi-crystalline nature of the material with the particle size ranging from 1-5 nm.