Enhancing Sustainability in PLA Membrane Preparation through the Use of Biobased Solvents.

For the first time, ultrafiltration (UF) green membranes were prepared through a sustainable route by using PLA as a biopolymer and dihydrolevoclucosenone, whose trade name is Cyrene™ (Cyr), dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), and ethyl lactate (EL) as biobased solvents. The influence of physical-chemical properties of the solvent on the final membrane morphology and performance was evaluated. The variation of polymer concentration in the casting solution, as well as the presence of Pluronic (Plu) as a pore former agent, were assessed as well.

Tailoring PLA/ABS Blends Compatibilized with SEBS-g-MA through Annealing Heat Treatment.

In this work, blends based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) compatibilized with maleic anhydride-grafted (SEBS-g-MA) were prepared in a co-rotational twin-screw extruder by varying the concentrations of the compatibilizing agent. The influence of the compatibilizing agent on the morphology, mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and rheological properties of the prepared materials was analyzed. The effect of annealing on the properties of the blends was also investigated using injection-molded samples.

Active packaging of corn starch with pectin extract and essential oil of Turmeric Longa Linn: Preparation, characterization and application in sliced bread.

The use of active packaging to reduce food waste has been a very effective alternative. An eminent concern is the use of plastic materials of petroleum origin and toxic additives in the processing of these packages. Thus, the focus on the use of biodegradable and natural raw materials that minimize waste generation and promote greater consumer safety has been preferable.

Influence of phenolic compounds on color formation at different stages of the VHP sugar manufacturing process.

Phenolic compounds are natural dyes contained in sugarcane juice and represent an important parameter in industrial processing, as they significantly affect the color formation of raw sugar. This study investigated the relationship between color formation and phenolic compounds during a Very High Polarization (VHP) sugar manufacturing process, in which the RB92579 genotype represents about 50% of the processed sugarcane. The products evaluated during the industrial processing of sugarcane were: raw juice, mixed juice, lime-treated juice, clarified juice, syrup, massecuite, and VHP sugar.

Development of Biodegradable PLA/PBAT-Based Filaments for Fertilizer Release for Agricultural Applications.

The aim of this work was to produce filaments of PLA/PBAT and NPK fertilizer adsorbed on organophilized bentonite intended for application in the prototyping of biodegradable agricultural artifacts in 3D printing, using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique. This is the first time that we have reported this composite for a 3D printing approach. Systems containing PLA/PBAT, organobentonite and NPK were initially processed in an internal mixer and later extruded as filaments in a single-screw extruder.

Thermal and Rheological Characterization of Recycled PET/Virgin HDPE Blend Compatibilized with PE-g-MA and an Epoxy Chain Extender.

In this work, recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETR) was blended with virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in an internal mixer in an attempt to obtain a material with improved properties. A compatibilizer (PE-g-MA) and a chain extender (Joncryl) were added to the PETR/HDPE blend and the rheological and thermal properties of the modified and unmodified blends as well as those of virgin PET with virgin HDPE (PETV/HDPE). All the blends were characterized by torque rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Monitoring structural features, biocompatibility and biological efficacy of gamma-irradiated methotrexate-loaded spray-dried microparticles.

In this study, biodegradable and biocompatible gamma irradiated poly-(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) spray-dried microparticles were prepared aiming to improve the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX). The experimental design included three formulations of microparticles containing distinct drug amount (9%, 18%, and 27% w/w) and three distinct gamma irradiation dose (15kGy, 25kGy, and 30kGy). The physicochemical and drug release properties of the microparticles supported their biocompatibility and biological efficacy studies in different cell lines.