The role of exchange interactions in the stability of cellulose.

The problem of the origin of biochirality and the related problem of the initial monomer selection are still under discussion, and the main point here is not the mechanics of enantiomer separation but the problem of the role of chirality in the very early stages of evolution. A recent breakthrough in understanding the influence of a static magnetic field on non-magnetic systems can shed light on this complex problem. The phenomenon of magnetosensitivity of non-magnetic systems was reported for only chiral systems and was closely related to the ability of some chiral substances to self-assemble.

Zhurkov's Stress-Driven Fracture as a Driving Force of the Microcrystalline Cellulose Formation.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a chemically pure product of cellulose mechano-chemical conversion. It is a white powder composed of the short fragments of the plant cells widely used in the modern food industry and pharmaceutics. The acid hydrolysis of the bleached lignin-free cellulose raw is the main and necessary stage of MCC production.

Structure and properties of helical fibers spun from cellulose solutions in [B]Cl.

Man-made fibers were spun from solutions of cotton and wood cellulose in ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride, [B]Cl). Depending on the concentration, cellulose dissolved in [B]Cl down to macromolecules or nanofibrils. The artificial fibers had a diameter of about 100 nm, were uniform, transparent, helical, and optically active.

Twisting of Fibers Balancing the Gel⁻Sol Transition in Cellulose Aqueous Suspensions.

Cellulose hydrogels and films are advantageous materials that are applied in modern industry and medicine. Cellulose hydrogels have a stable scaffold and never form films upon drying, while viscous cellulose hydrosols are liquids that could be used for film production. So, stabilizing either a gel or sol state in cellulose suspensions is a worthwhile challenge, significant for the practical applications.