Cellulose-based injectable hydrogel composite for pH-responsive and controllable drug delivery.

Cellulose-based biocompatible, tunable and injectable hydrogels embedded with pH-responsive diblock copolymer micelles were constructed to achieve localized drug delivery with prolonged, stimuli-driven and slow-release function. First, we prepared two types of modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) including hydrazide-modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-NH) and oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-CHO) with varying degrees of oxidation. Then, pH-responsive poly (ethylene oxide)-block-poly (2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PEO-b-PDPA) copolymers as micelle cores to carry hydrophobic substances were also synthesized through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).

Lignin-Based Polyurethanes: Opportunities for Bio-Based Foams, Elastomers, Coatings and Adhesives.

Polyurethane chemistry can yield diverse sets of polymeric materials exhibiting a wide range of properties for various applications and market segments. Utilizing lignin as a polyol presents an opportunity to incorporate a currently underutilized renewable aromatic polymer into these products. In this work, we will review the current state of technology for utilizing lignin as a polyol replacement in different polyurethane products.

Engineering of chitosan-derived nanoparticles to enhance antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Chitosan is an abundant and natural polymer derived from chitin, which presents a wide variety of properties, including antimicrobial activity. The raising of antibiotic resistant bacteria has increased the interest in finding alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Many studies have assessed the antimicrobial activity of chitosan itself, but a few have performed comparisons among different chitosan nanoparticle synthesis, which will be of particular interest for further applications.

Biocomposites with tunable properties from poly(lactic acid)-based copolymers and carboxymethyl cellulose via ionic assembly.

Biocomposites with tunable properties were successfully prepared through ionic assembly between anionic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and cationic copolymers (quaternized poly(l-lactide)-block-poly N,N-dimethylamino-2-ethyl methacrylate) (PLA-b-PDMAEMA). The quaternized PDMAEMA segment not only works as a compatibilizer between hydrophilic CMC and hydrophobic PLA, but also acts as a lubricant between these two rigid biopolymers. The (1)H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectra demonstrated successful synthesis of PLA-b-PDMAEMA with controlled molecular weight of PDMAEMA segment.