Enhancing the multifunctional properties of cellulose fabrics through in situ hydrothermal deposition of TiO nanoparticles at low temperature for antibacterial self-cleaning under UV-Vis illumination.

This study aimed to improve the multifunctional properties (including photocatalysis, stability reusability, self-cleaning, antibacterial effects, and thermal radiation shielding) of cellulose fabrics through incorporation of TiO nanoparticles. To achieve this, anatase TiO nanoparticles were synthesized in situ and deposited onto cotton fabrics through hydrothermal method. The presence of TiO nanoparticles in cellulose fabrics greatly enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency and adsorption range and did not damage the fabric fibers.

Development of eco-friendly antifungal and antibacterial adhesive derived from modified cassava starch waste/polyvinyl alcohol containing green synthesized nano-silver.

Environmentally friendly biopolymer-based wood adhesives are an inevitable trend of wood product development to replace the use of harmful formaldehyde-based adhesives. In this research, a new eco-friendly modified cassava starch waste-based adhesive via carboxymethylation (CMS), and blending with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), tannic acid (TA) and green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared. The effects of TA content on green synthesis of AgNPs (Ag-TA) and bio-adhesive nanocomposite properties were investigated.

Controllability, antiproliferative activity, Ag release, and flow behavior of silver nanoparticles deposited onto cellulose nanocrystals.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (Ag-cCNC) from Eucalyptus pulp were prepared using a three-step process. The cCNC were synthesized by oxidation of CNC from Eucalyptus pulp with ammonium persulfate, followed by a hydrothermal reaction to form Ag-cCNC. The Ag-cCNC was then characterized with respect to Ag release, flow behavior, and anticancer activity for potential applications in biomedicine and drug delivery.

Tailoring the phosphorus release from biochar-based fertilizers: role of magnesium or calcium addition during co-pyrolysis.

The presence of magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) in biochar-based fertilizers is linked to the slow release of phosphorus (P), but these alkali metals have not been systematically compared under identical conditions. In this study, sugarcane filter cake was treated with HPO and MgO or CaO followed by pyrolysis at 600 °C to produce a Mg/P-rich biochar (MgPA-BC) and a Ca/P-rich biochar (CaPA-BC), respectively. The P-loaded biochars were studied by extraction and kinetic release in water over 240 hours to assess the potential P availability.

Rheology, stability, antioxidant properties, and curcumin release of oil-in-water Pickering emulsions stabilized by rice starch nanoparticles.

Modification of rice starch nanoparticles (SNP) as an emulsifier in Pickering emulsions is reported in this work. The SNP was prepared by HCl hydrolysis with different resident times and subsequently modified via crosslinking by citric acid using various crosslinking times to improve the hydrophobicity of SNP. The modified SNP was used to prepare sunflower oil-in-water Pickering emulsions loaded with curcumin.

Entrapment of nano-ZnO into alginate/polyvinyl alcohol beads with different crosslinking ions for fertilizer applications.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) are attractive as fertilizer materials but high concentrations may negatively affect the environment. To reduce their dispersion in the environment we entrapped nano-ZnO in biodegradable polymer beads consisting of alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The alginate/PVA/ZnO beads were prepared via ionotropic gelation using two different crosslinking ions (Ca and Zn), and the effect of alginate crosslinking ion and PVA content on bead structure, water absorption, water retention and zinc release was investigated.

Synthesis of nanocomposite hydrogel based carboxymethyl starch/polyvinyl alcohol/nanosilver for biomedical materials.

Treatment of infections using wound dressing integrated with multiple functions such as antibacterial activity, non-toxicity, and good mechanical properties has attracted much attention. In this study, carboxymethyl starch/polyvinyl alcohol/citric acid (CMS/PVA/CA) hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared. The CMS, PVA and CA were used as polymer matrix and bio-based reducing agents for green synthesis of AgNPs.

Structure, dissolution, and plant uptake of ferrous/zinc phosphates.

Development of slow release fertilizers by tuning dissolution kinetics can reduce the environmental impact of (micro) nutrients added to crops. Mixed metal compounds may have different dissolution kinetics and plant uptake than single metal compounds. In this study, mixed Fe(II)/Zn(II) phosphates (0-100 at% Zn) were prepared by aqueous precipitation and their structural characteristics and dissolution kinetics in a sand column were measured as model for divalent metal and phosphate release in soil.

Lignin materials for adsorption: Current trend, perspectives and opportunities.

Lignin is a highly aromatic low value biomass residue, which can be utilized for chemicals, fuels and materials production. In recent years significant attention has focused on adsorbent materials from lignin. However, only 5% of available lignin is exploited worldwide, thus significant opportunities still exist for materials development.

Quantifying the origin of released Ag+ ions from nanosilver.

Nanosilver is most attractive for its bactericidal properties in modern textiles, food packaging, and biomedical applications. Concerns, however, about released Ag(+) ions during dispersion of nanosilver in liquids have limited its broad use. Here, nanosilver supported on nanostructured silica is made with closely controlled Ag size both by dry (flame aerosol) and by wet chemistry (impregnation) processes without any surface functionalization that could interfere with its ion release.

Incorporation of Mg and Ca into nanostructured Fe2O3 improves Fe solubility in dilute acid and sensory characteristics in foods.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Food fortification can be an effective and sustainable strategy to reduce Fe deficiency but selection of iron fortificants remains a challenge. Water-soluble compounds, for example, FeSO(4), usually demonstrate high bioavailability but they often cause unacceptable sensory changes in foods.

Iron from nanocompounds containing iron and zinc is highly bioavailable in rats without tissue accumulation.

Effective iron fortification of foods is difficult, because water-soluble compounds that are well absorbed, such as ferrous sulphate (FeSO(4)), often cause unacceptable changes in the colour or taste of foods. Poorly water-soluble compounds, on the other hand, cause fewer sensory changes, but are not well absorbed. Here, we show that poorly water-soluble nanosized Fe and Fe/Zn compounds (specific surface area approximately 190 m(2) g(-1)) made by scalable flame aerosol technology have in vivo iron bioavailability in rats comparable to FeSO(4) and cause less colour change in reactive food matrices than conventional iron fortificants.