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Microcarriers offer a convenient way to support cell adhesion and proliferation for biomedical applications. However, commercial microcarriers often have high production costs and limited biodegradability. This research explores the use of cellulose-rich oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) as a cheap, sustainable, and biodegradable alternative for developing microcarriers. In this research, a series of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) microcarriers were prepared from OPEFB using iron (III) chloride ionic crosslinker at various polymer and crosslinker concentrations. Gel content, swelling behaviour, mechanical stability, and in vitro degradation test of microcarriers were characterised. Cell culture investigation was also performed to determine cell attachment efficiency on the microcarriers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the synthesis of CMC with a degree of substitution of 1.28. The CMC microcarriers, averaging 1105.52–1322.25 µm in size, displayed porous surface morphology and successful ionic crosslinking, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The gel content increased from 16.95 to 42.65%, while swelling behaviours decreased from 385 to 32% with increasing polymer and crosslinker concentrations. Higher concentration samples (CMC-3, CMC-6, and CMC-9) demonstrated enhanced mechanical stability and reduced sensitivity to the environment. All microcarriers displayed biodegradability ranging from 40 to 90%. Notably, CMC-6 recorded the highest cellular attachment efficiency for human fibroblast cells. These findings suggest that OPEFB is a viable source of sustainable and biodegradable microcarriers, contributing to advancements in tissue engineering and cellular applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, lobster (Homarus americanus) shell waste was used to prepare the valuable biopolymer material chitin through chemical method (acid–base treatment). The precursors were prepared with β-diketone and acidhydrazide through condensation process and incorporated successfully in the biopolymer extracted from Homarus americanus. The obstacle of water insolubility of the polymer was eliminated successfully by structural modification on chitosan. Water contact angle study was carried out to determine the hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature of the biopolymeric material. The surface morphology of the prepared compounds was characterised with scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) study was carried out for biopolymer Schiff base ligands to examine the crystalline nature of the biopolymer. The presence of various element constituents in the biopolymer material was examined through energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectral analysis. The differential thermal (DT) curve of the biomaterial decreased due to the incorporation of isatin based precursor onto the polymer. The sorption capacity of metal ion inserted biomaterial/O-CMCS Schiff base was decreased as copper (II) ≫ cobalt (II) > zinc (II) > nickel (II). After blending the biopolymer Schiff base, the sorption reaction rate of the metal ions shows drastic change; the order of sorption rate of the metal ions was observed as nickel (II) > cobalt (II) > zinc (II) ≫ copper (II). This graphical abstract represents the metal ion up-taking ability, water contact angle, and sorption studies including useful biomass chitin extracted from lobster shell waste to prepare the biopolymer Schiff base ligands, which was utilised for the removal of heavy metal ion through adsorption studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the work was to compare the water retention and moisture sorption of viscose (CV) and cotton (Co) fibers carboxymethylated from aqueous media, in presence of NaOH, with sodium monochloroacetate. It was shown previously that under the same treatment conditions, the degree of carboxymethylation was higher in CV and so was the depth within fiber structures to which the carboxymethylation reactions occurred. It was also shown previously, that in terms of their capacity for sorption of a cationic dye (methylene blue), the Co performed better than CV. In this work, the same fibers were tested for their water retention and moisture sorption propensities. The two were sensitive both to the degree of carboxymethylation and the inherent properties of fibers (accessibility, degree of swelling, hornification). But the moisture sorption levels were less sensitive to the degree of carboxymethylation and more to inherent fiber properties whereas the reverse was observed for water retention. In contrast to the prior observations with dye sorption, CV performed better than Co in both moisture sorption and water retention. The poor performance of CV in dye sorption was attributed to the greater depth of carboxymethylation within the fibers that hindered dye permeation, but the same feature was observed to result in better performance (water retention) or not to hinder performance (moisture sorption). These observations highlight the contrasting effects that may arise, of a given set of treatment parameters (fiber type, alkali level in treatment), on efficacy of the product performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suitably modified sesbania gum as a biodegradable functional biomaterials was very attractive in many applications. Therefore, a combination of cross‐linking, carboxymethylation, and oxidation was chosen to modify sesbania gum (SG) to expand its use. The experimental results indicated that cross‐linking could be completed not only on SG particles, but also between different SG particles. The cross‐linking decreased the number of surface hydroxyl groups on SG. The sedimentation volume decreased with the increase of phosphorus content of cross‐linked sesbania gum (CLSG). The structure of SG particles was severely disrupted by carboxymethylation and oxidation, while the structure was less affected by cross‐linking. The viscosities of SG and modified SG paste in acidic medium were less than those in neutral medium, while their viscosities in alkaline medium were more than those in neutral medium. Cross‐linking, carboxymethylation, and oxidation could ameliorate the retrogradation of SG, but decrease its swelling power, freeze–thaw stability, acid, and alkaline resistance. The aldehyde groups had good antibacterial activity against Trichoderma harzianum, whereas the carboxymethyl groups and phosphate ester groups showed poor antimicrobial activity against T. harzianum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, a novel strategy is proposed to prepare eco-friendly flame-retardant cotton fabrics, where chloroacetic acid (MCA) and L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) are used as raw materials to enhance the chelation ability between carboxyl groups (-COO-) and calcium ions (Ca2+). The morphological and structural characterizations of the prepared cotton fabrics indicate that the three free hydroxy groups (2, 3, 6) in the cellulose macromolecule are chemically modified to graft a large number of carboxyl groups, and Ca2+ ions are successfully chelated on the surface of cotton fabric. The thermal stability of cotton fabrics is greatly improved in both air and nitrogen atmosphere. The residual mass of flame-retardant cotton fabric (COT-Glu–Ca) is much higher than that of original cotton fabric, increasing from 0.03% to 5.6% in air and from 8.1% to 28.2% in N2, respectively. At the same time, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of COT-Glu–Ca fabric is as high as 33.6%. The prepared flame-retardant cotton fabric can undergo vertical combustion tests with a char length of only 53 mm, and afterflame and afterglow are not observed, which proves that the grafted cotton fabric had a good flame retardancy due to a series of modifications and adsorption of Ca2+ ions. The properties of the cotton fabric, including tensile strength, whiteness, and moisture absorption, are all retained at a satisfactory level. Overall, this study provides a promising strategy for manufacturing eco-friendly, phosphorus-free, halogen-free, and fire-resistant cotton fabrics with enhanced metal ion chelation ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from chemically modified gum Arabic, designed for controlled folic acid release. The synthesis involves a two‐step process: carboxymethylation followed by grafting with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate via gamma irradiation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and controlled diffusivity, essential for nutrient delivery systems. Key factors such as copolymer composition and irradiation dose are investigated, affecting the synthesis process. Systematic studies of swelling behaviors reveal that the hydrogel achieves a maximum swelling of 888.1% at 40 °C. The hydrogels are loaded with folic acid, and in vitro, sustained release profiles are examined under various pH conditions. The maximum release of 83.3% is observed after 24 h at pH 7.0, following a Korsmeyer–Peppas release mechanism. Different characterization techniques, confirm the successful synthesis and unique properties of the superabsorbent hydrogels. Rheological behavior analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and biocompatibility assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogel structures. Gamma irradiation ensures a homogeneous network structure, crucial for optimal swelling behavior and mechanical properties. This research highlights the potential of eco‐friendly biopolymer hydrogels in precise drug delivery applications, leveraging the safety and process control benefits of gamma irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose-based actuators hold great promise for diverse applications, including soft robotics, biomedicine, and electronics. Achieving reversible motion is crucial to design high performance bio-based actuators. In this study, we explore the impact of carboxymethylation and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) oxidation on the reversible performance of cellulose-based pH-responsive actuators. Both methods introduce negatively charged groups onto the surface of cellulose fibers, enabling increased water uptake at high pH. However, comparative analyses revealed structural differences, guiding the design of reversible actuators. Carboxymethylated CNFs (CMCNFs) displayed enhanced water uptake and pH sensitivity, attributed to their less cohesive structure. Actuation and reversibility tests on bilayer films validated these findings. This research advances the understanding of cellulose functionalization for tailored actuation, contributing to the development of programmable materials for multiple applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of biopolymers incorporated with antimicrobial agents is extremely interesting in the development of environmentally friendly functional materials for food packaging and other applications. In this study, the effect of calcium oxide (CaO) on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, and hydrophilic properties as well as the antimicrobial activity of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) bio-composite films was investigated. The CMCH was synthesized from shrimp chitosan through carboxymethylation, whereas the CaO was synthesized via a co-precipitation method with polyethylene glycol as a stabilizer. The CMCH-CaO bio-composite films were prepared by the addition of synthesized CaO into the synthesized CMCH using a facile solution casting method. As confirmed by XRD and SEM, the synthesized CaO has a cubic shape, with an average crystalline size of 25.84 nm. The synthesized CaO exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (>99.9% R). The addition of CaO into CMCH improved the mechanical and hydrophobic properties of the CMCH-CaO films. However, it resulted in a slight decrease in thermal stability. Notably, the CMCH-CaO10% films exhibited exceptional antimicrobial activity against E. coli (98.8% R) and S. aureus (91.8% R). As a result, such bio-composite films can be applied as an active packaging material for fruit, vegetable, or meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of millet bran dietary fiber (MBDF) in the food industry are limited by its poor hydration properties. Herein, MBDF was modified by heating, xylanase and cellulase treatment separately combined with carboxymethylation, acetylation, and phosphate crosslinking, and the effects of the modified MBDFs on heat-induced egg white protein gel (H-EWG) were studied. The results showed that three composite modifications, especially heating and dual enzymolysis combined with carboxymethylation, increased the surface area, soluble fiber content, and hydration properties of MBDF (p < 0.05). MBDF and the modified MBDFs all made the microstructure of H-EWG denser and decreased its α-helix content. Three composite modifications, especially heating and dual enzymolysis combined with carboxymethylation, enhanced the improving effect of MBDF on the WRA (from 24.89 to 35.53 g/g), pH, hardness (from 139.93 to 323.20 g), chewiness, and gumminess of H-EWPG, and enhanced the gastric stability at 3–5 g/100 g. MBDFs modified with heating and dual enzymolysis combined with acetylation or crosslinking were more effective in increasing the antioxidant activity of the gastrointestinal hydrolysates of H-EWG than MBDF (p < 0.05). Overall, heating, xylanase and cellulase treatment separately combined with carboxymethylation, acetylation and crosslinking can enhance the hydration properties and the improving effect of millet bran fibers on H-EWG properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the work was to compare the levels of carboxymethylation on cotton with what was obtained previously on viscose fibers under the same treatment conditions. In addition to carboxymethylation levels, their performance was also compared in terms of their propensity for sorption of methylene blue, a cationic dye that is a putative wastewater contaminant. Under comparable conditions of treatment, the degree of carboxymethylation in cotton was 30–90% of that in viscose but the molar ratio of dye sorption to carboxyl groups was 100–230% of that in viscose. In other words, as compared to cotton, viscose fibers showed higher degrees of carboxymethylation but lower accessibility of the carboxyl groups to dye molecules. The divergence between the fiber types is attributed to differences in the spatial distribution of substituted carboxymethyl groups within their structures, as well as the inherently greater swelling propensity of the viscose as compared to cotton. Further work is under way to determine if the order of performance as measured through dye sorption (cotton better than viscose) will also hold true if the performance metric is changed to water and moisture sorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to optimize the reaction conditions based on the solubility percentage of carboxymethyl NMG by monochloroacetic acid (MCA) in the presence of sodium hydroxide (alkaline environment). The effect of various reaction parameters (pH, MCA concentration, and temperature) on the solubility of NFG was evaluated. The highest solubility (85.49% by weight) was obtained at the NaOH concentration of 0.048 mol and MCA (as an etherifying agent) concentration of 0.016 mol at 75 °C. The novel nanofibers (NFs) were developed using modified frankincense gum (MFG)/Zein-containing peppermint essential oil (PEO) by applying electrospinning at different MFG/Zein ratios. The results of the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis demonstrated compatibility between essential oil and MFG/Zein. Furthermore, the prepared scaffold (i.e., Zein/MFG/PEO) showed antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. According to the current research, the obtained NFs can be conveniently used as a substrate for encapsulating PEO as a hydrophobic component. Also, modified gum was identified as an excellent source of natural gum with high functional and physical properties. Therefore, it can be used in the formulation of food products, packaging of activity foods, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evaluation of toxicity is of paramount importance in the screening of a new compound. Basella alba mucilage possesses a versatile excipient property that can be innovated with its chemical modification to get the functionalized mucilage. A few pharmacological activities of Basella alba mucilage have also been reported earlier, but its toxicity study in rats has yet to be discussed. Aim: The study aims to assess the in vivo toxicity of carboxymethylated Basella alba mucilage in Wistar albino rats for 28 days. Material and Methods: In the current investigation, Carboxymethylated Basella alba mucilage is taken, and its subchronic toxicity study is carried out in forty-eight healthy rats (twenty-four male rats and 24 female rats), divided into four groups containing six rats of each sex. All the biochemical and hematological parameters and histopathological investigation were estimated for all the animal groups. Result: The subchronic toxicity study reveals that the modified mucilage is safe for all doses (20mg/kg body weight, 40mg/kg body weight, 80 mg/kg body weight). The study showed no significant difference in the dose group's behavioral toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity compared to the control. All the hematological and biochemical parameters lay in the normal range. The histopathological examination of treatment groups showed no abnormality or lesion in the tissue samples of internal organs. Conclusion: The study confirms the safety of Carboxymethylated Basella alba mucilage for use in pharmaceutical formulations.

A set of graphitic carbon nitride samples was prepared using a straightforward experimental procedure without templates and any subsequent treatments. The materials were studied in‐depth using a range of physical and chemical methods such as X‐ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis (CHN), nitrogen physisorption, SEM, XPS, TPD CO2. The resulting g‐C3N4 was shown to be highly efficient in carboxymethylation of cinnamyl alcohol with dimethyl carbonate yielding up to ca. 82 % of the desired cinnamyl methyl carbonate. In the studied conditions, an increase in the surface N atomic content leads to an increase in selectivity towards the desired carbonate, while a higher surface O content was beneficial for side products. Metal‐free graphitic carbon nitride was shown to be one of the most productive (ca. 2 mol/h kgcat) in the investigated reaction among studied heterogeneous catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jute fibers (JFs) are considered an excellent reinforcement due to their abundant resources, environmental friendliness, low cost, lightweight, high specific strength and high specific modulus. However, they still suffer from surface defects that result in poor interfacial compatibility with polymeric matrices. This paper proposes a novel strategy that combines carboxymethylation pretreatment of JFs with in situ growth of ZnO nanorods (NRs) to enhance the mechanical properties of JFs and interfacial properties of JFs/polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The results indicate that carboxymethylation is a more effective method for removing pectin from the surface of JFs compared to conventional acid/alkali treatment. Subsequently, ZnO NRs are deposited in situ on the surface of carboxymethylation-treated JFs (c-JFs) through a seed-growth process, resulting in ZnO NRs@c-JFs. The impact of diverse process parameters, namely reaction time (t), reaction temperature (T) and concentration of zinc source (C), on the morphology and size of ZnO NRs was thoroughly investigated. Optimal process conditions were determined to be t = 6 h, T = 95°C, and C = 37.5 mmol·L−1, resulting in well-aligned ZnO NRs that completely filled up the grooves on JFs' surface. Compared to untreated JFs, the tensile strength and tensile modulus of ZnO NRs@c-JFs increased by 30.4% and 81.6%, respectively, while exhibiting lower hygroscopicity and higher thermal stability. Furthermore, JFs-reinforced PLA composites were fabricated via hot pressing and their interfacial strength was evaluated using a microdroplet debonding test. Compared to untreated JFs/PLA, the combination of carboxymethylation and ZnO growth in ZnO NRs@c-JFs/PLA resulted in a significant 334% increase in interfacial shear strength (IFSS), indicating highly improved interface bonding between JFs and PLA resin, which was primarily attributed to the formation of a 'zipper-like' mechanical interlocking structure between ZnO NRs and PLA. This study provides valuable guidance for enhancing the interface of natural fiber/polymer composites and highlights their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study involved the creation of highly porous PLA scaffolds through the porogen/leaching method, utilizing polyethylene glycol as a porogen with a 75% mass ratio. The outcome achieved a highly interconnected porous structure with a thickness of 25 μm. To activate the scaffold's surface and improve its hydrophilicity, radiofrequency (RF) air plasma treatment was employed. Subsequently, furcellaran subjected to sulfation or carboxymethylation was deposited onto the RF plasma treated surfaces with the intention of improving bioactivity. Surface roughness and water wettability experienced enhancement following the surface modification. The incorporation of sulfate/carboxymethyl group (DS = 0.8; 0.3, respectively) is confirmed by elemental analysis and FT-IR. Successful functionalization of PLA scaffolds was validated by SEM and XPS analysis, showing changes in topography and increases in characteristic elements (N, S, Na) for sulfated (SF) and carboxymethylated (CMF). Cytocompatibility was evaluated by using mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH/3T3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice hulls have a high-value potential, and the lignocellulose components are underutilized compared to other biomass resources. Pretreatments such as carboxymethylation of the degree of substitutions (DS) are used to prepare lignocellulose nanofibril (LCNF) from desilicated rice hull (DSRH). High-pressure homogenization (HPH) and grinding are used to process nano fibrillation. The composition of LCNF DS of desilicated rice hull was identified using 1H NMR for polysaccharide composition and DS determination, acetone and hot water extraction to evaluate extractives, and Klason lignin for lignin content. LCNF was prepared using various DS from 0.2 until DS 0.4. The results showed that LCNF DS has a more than −30 mV zeta potential, suitable for stable nanoemulsion formulations. The particle size of LCNF DS decreases with an increasing carboxyl content in the hydrogel and an increasing number of passes through grinding and high-pressure homogenization, of which LCNF DS 0.4 had the smallest width and length. Mechanical processes further reduced the size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is a natural bioactive agent found in turmeric (Curcuma longa) with many health benefits, but with susceptibility to alkaline conditions, light, oxidation and heat. The present research aimed microencapsulate curcumin by complex coacervation using lactoferrin (LF) and carboxymethyl tara gum (CMTG) for application in edible films. The study of wall material formation was carried out by phase diagram, zeta potential and isothermal titration calorimetry. Curcumin was encapsulated by complex coacervation using different core-to-wall ratios and total biopolymer concentration. Finally, the microcapsules were used for the fabrication of edible gelatin-based films. The results showed that LF and CMTG could form complexes at pH 4.5 by electrostatic attraction with high affinity and optimum encapsulation efficiency of curcumin (74.78 %). The microcapsules protected curcumin during the oral and gastric phases with an average release in the intestinal phase of 81.81 %. After in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the bioaccessibility of encapsulated curcumin was approximately 67 %. Curcumin microcapsules were added to edible gelatin films, which resulted in reduced light transmission and presence of antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH·+). The films containing microcapsules had their mechanical properties preserved. Therefore, curcumin-containing microcapsules formed by complex coacervation of LF/CMTG can be used in the production of edible films with high functional properties.

Lycium barbarum seed dregs (LBSDs) were used for carboxymethyl modification, resulting in three degree of substitution samples (DS). Based on the substitution degree, samples were designated as low degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (L-IDF), medium degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (M-IDF) and high degree of substitution insoluble dietary fiber (H-IDF). Physicochemical and functional properties of IDFs were examined in relation to carboxymethylation degree. Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the carboxymethyl group. According to the results, IDF, L-IDF, M-IDF, and H-IDF acquired higher enthalpy changes, and their thermal stability improved significantly. A higher DS resulted in an increase in hydration properties such as water retention capacity and water swelling capacity, as well as functional properties such as glucose adsorption capacity, nitrite ion adsorption capacity, and cholesterol adsorption capacity. As a result, carboxymethylation could effectively enhance the biological properties of L. barbarum seed dreg insoluble dietary fiber (LBSDIDF).

In this study, the effects of dandelion polysaccharide (DP) and its carboxymethylated derivative (CMDP) on the emulsifying characteristics and antioxidant capacities of emulsions stabilized by whey protein isolate (WPI) were determined. The addition of both DP and CMDP reduced the particle size and zeta potential of the emulsions. Using 1.0 % WPI and 1.0 % CMDP as emulsifier, the emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsifying stability index (ESI) were 32.61 ± 0.11 m2/g and 42.58 ± 0.13 min, respectively, which were higher than the corresponding values of 27.19 ± 0.18 m2/g and 36.17 ± 0.15 min with 1.0 % WPI and 1.0 % DP. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), far-ultraviolet circular dichroism (Far-UV CD), and fluorescence (FS) spectra analyses confirmed that the α-helix and β-sheet structures in WPI-polysaccharide complexes were reduced compared with those in pure WPI, whereas the random-coil content was enhanced by the addition of polysaccharides. Moreover, DP and CMDP effectively improved the antioxidant capacity and inhibited oxidation of the emulsions during storage. Therefore, DP and its carboxymethylated derivative exhibit great potential to be applied in the emulsion-based delivery system.

Glucomannan carboxymethylation is conducted to increase its hydrophobic properties and expand its interaction with hydrophobic compounds. However, glucomannan has high molecular weight and long polysaccharide chain which prevented the modification of its amphiphilic properties. This study aimed to examine the effect of molecular weight, deacetylation, and carboxymethylation on glucomannan properties. Performance of the modified glucomannan to stabilize oil in water (o/w) emulsion was also studied. Ultrasonication was applied to glucomannan at 40 kHz for 15-45 min to obtain various molecular weights. Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium monochloroacetate were used as deacetylation and carboxymethylation agents, respectively. The results show that decrease molecular weight supported the deacetylation and the carboxymethylation process on attaching the hydrophobic groups to the glucomannan chain, hence, lowering the hydrophilic properties and swelling degree of glucomannan. Structural and morphological changes of glucomannan after modifications were confirmed from the IR spectra and SEM images. Excellent performance of the amphiphilic glucomannan on stabilizing o/w emulsion was observed as only ~5% phase separation occurred after 300 h of storage in ambient conditions. Hence, ultrasonication is proposed as a suitable preliminary treatment for amphiphilic glucomannan production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the methodology for synthesizing and characterizing two carboxymethyl EOR-grade Scleroglucans (CMS-A and CMS-B). An O-Alkylation reaction was used to insert a hydrophilic group (monochloroacetic acid—MCAA) into the biopolymer's anhydroglucose subunits (AGUs). The effect of the degree of the carboxymethyl substitution on the rheology and thermal stability of the Scleroglucan (SG) was also evaluated. Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA/TGA-DSC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) were employed to characterize both CMS products. FTIR analysis revealed characteristic peaks corresponding to the carboxymethyl functional groups, confirming the modification. Also, SEM analysis provided insights into the structural changes in the polysaccharide after the O-Alkylation reaction. TGA results showed that the carboxymethylation of SG lowered its dehydroxylation temperature but increased its thermal stability above 300 °C. The CMS products and SG exhibited a pseudoplastic behavior; however, lower shear viscosities and relaxation times were observed for the CMS products due to the breakage of the SG triple helix for the chemical modification. Despite the viscosity results, the modified Scleroglucans are promising candidates for developing new engineering materials for EOR processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of carboxymethylated with different degrees of substitution on the properties of Siraitia grosvenorii polysaccharide (SGP), carboxymethylated Siraitia grosvenorii polysaccharide (CSGP) was prepared by solvent method by using the raw material of SGP. The effects of chloroacetic acid concentration, reaction time, and sodium hydroxide concentration on the degree of substitution were analyzed, and the CSGP with the degree of substitution ranging from 0.28 to 1.09 was prepared. The physicochemical properties of CSGP with different substitution degrees were characterized, and the effects of substitution degrees on hypoglycemic activity and antioxidant activity were investigated by in vitro physiological activity experiments. The high-performance gel permeation chromatography revealed that the molecular mass of CSGP was smaller than that of SGP. The results of FTIR manifested a new absorption peak at 1317 cm−1, indicating that carboxymethyl was successfully introduced into the polysaccharide. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that with the increase of substitution degree, the surface morphology of CSGP became more fragmented and appeared to curl. Congo red experiment revealed that the triple helix structure of CSGP with high substitution degree disappeared. In vitro physiological activity experiment showed that 6 mg/mL of the CSGP-M had the highest α-amylase inhibition, DPPH, and hydroxyl radical scavenging rates of 44.36%±1.30%, 63.17%±2.07%, and 70.21%±1.89%, respectively. Compared with SGP, CSGP-L and CSGP-H, CSGP-M with medium degree of substitution has the best hypoglycemic activity and antioxidant activity in vitro. When the degree of substitution was increased to 1.09, the inhibition rate of α-amylase, DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of CSGP-H decreased to 11.65%±0.26%, 47.45%±0.79%, and 34.85%±0.78%, respectively. The results indicated that CSGP with medium degree of substitution could exert the best physiological activity.

Coconut endosperm residue is a rich dietary fiber resource; however, its hydration properties are poor. To enhance the functionality and applications of coconut endosperm residue dietary fiber (CERDF) in the food industry, ultrasound, cellulase, and hemicellulase hydrolysis combined with carboxymethylation or phosphate crosslinking have been used. The impact of the modified CERDFs on egg white protein gel (EWPG) was also studied. Compared to unmodified CERDF, CERDF modified by ultrasound and dual enzymatic hydrolysis combined with carboxymethylation (CERDF-UDEC) or phosphate-crosslinking (CERDF-UDEPC) exhibited a larger surface area and improved water retention and expansion abilities (p

The development of hydrophilic carriers with dual stimuli‐ responsiveness for the drug encapsulation and controlled release is one of the biggest challenges for the modern medicinal chemist. In this context, the current study explores the application of locust bean gum (LB), to develop a pH and temperature responsive matrix for controlled delivery of an anti‐diabetic drug, Metformin HCl (MFH) for the first time. LB gum was first structurally modified to carboxymethylated locust bean gum (CMLB). It was copolymerized with sodium acrylate (SA) and cross‐linked by using N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) to form hydrogel (CMLB‐co‐poly(SA)‐cl‐poly(MBA)). The model hydrogel was examined using FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD, and 13C‐NMR to determine structural changes, thermal behaviour and surface morphology. Network parameters confirm the porous nature of the hydrogel and support their swelling behaviour. The drug loaded CMLB‐co‐poly(SA)‐cl‐poly(MBA) hydrogel follows the non‐Fickian diffusion of the anti‐diabetic drug, Metformin HCl (MFH), which is having short and biological half life time. The MFH release profile was analysed by fitting data in the Korsmeyer‐Peppas kinetic model with high rate of release in pH 7.4 compared to Distilled Water (DW) and pH 2.2. Thus we can explore the bio‐compatible synthesized hydrogel as a carrier for sustained drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural polysaccharide chitosan is the second most widely used polymeric material after cellulose. Due to its biocompatibility characteristics and ease of modification, chitosan and its derivatives, especially carboxymethyl chitosan, have recently attracted much attention for their use in biosensing applications. The applications are determined by the chemical functionalization methods used during the synthesis process, such as carboxymethylation. Additionally, the biosensing applications may be accomplished by including functional groups, such as proteins, nanoparticles, and antibodies, to impart particular sensing abilities used in clinical diagnosis and biomedicine. The sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of carboxymethyl chitosan have been analyzed, and the findings have been demonstrated with great precision and constancy. Applying specific, selective, and affordable sensing platforms for various purposes would surely benefit from further developments in carboxymethyl chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan (CS) has long been regarded as a substance with numerous exceptional qualities, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and ecological sustainability. However, its widespread use is hampered by its weak solubility in water and in typical organic solvents. This limits its applications in biomedical and other areas. Chemical modification of chitosan improves its solubility in aqueous solutions. The use of carboxymethyl moieties to chemically modify the hydroxyl and amino groups already present on the CS chains would increase the solubility of chitosan and also endow it with a variety of special chemical, physical, and biological properties. The water solubility, antibacterial, absorption/retention, and emulsion stabilizing properties of the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) compounds have all been improved. They can engage with cells to promote cell proliferation, regeneration, and wound healing. So, this review will focus on different derivatives of CMC with special emphasis on their preparative methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is a biopolymer produced by chitin deacetylation. Since the amino groups in chitosan are primarily protonated when pH <6.5, the polymer can only be dissolved in weak acidic solutions. However, many of its potential applications are limited by the poor solubility of chitosan when pH > 6.5. In order to overcome the poor solubility in aqueous conditions, chemical modifications are required. Chemical modification of chitosan into carboxymethylated chitosan (CMC) derivatives significantly promotes chitosan's solubility in a broad pH range. Diverse CMC derivatives can be synthesized by controlling the reaction conditions. In comparison to chitosan, CMC derivatives exhibit better water solubility, moisture retention ability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial property, antioxidant activity, and increased metal ion sorption capacity. This chapter delivers an overview of the status and current challenges of different CMC derivatives in antimicrobial, wound healing, hemostasis, anticancer, drug delivery, and tissue engineering areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, famous for its crystal‐clear lakes, majestic Tien Shan Mountains that bisect the territory of Turkistan, and magnificent natural beauty. This study aims to evaluate the fruit (acorns) of the oak trees (Quercus robur L.) grown in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. For this purpose, carboxymethyl acorn starch (CMAS), which is not synthesized in literature, is first synthesized by isolating acorn starch (AS) from the acorns. The structures of CMASs are characterized by 1H(13C)‐NMR, FT‐IR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The viscosities of the samples with different degrees of substitution (DS), such as 0.62, 0.95, and 1.01, determined by the titrimetric method, are measured as 247, 600, and 388 mPa s, respectively. In addition, considering the film‐forming properties of CMASs, tomatoes are coated, and their shelf lives are investigated. Weight loss (WL) is 38.36% in control and 25.52% in coated tomato after 4 weeks. The needle penetration depth is measured as 388 mm in the control and 249 mm in the coated tomato. Total soluble solids (TSS) content showed approximate results in both samples. Control tomatoes containing 78.8 mg 100 g−1 ascorbic acid lost significantly during storage, reducing to 13.90 mg 100 g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a new method for preparing enhanced cation exchange membrane (CEM) for water treatment using cellulose biopolymer. The preparation methodology of CEM membranes was performed in two steps; functionalization followed by fabrication. Firstly, cellulose powder was functionalized with trichloroacetic acid at different reaction times to prepare carboxymethyl tricellulose (CMTC). In the second step, the exchange memberane was fabricated via phase inversion technique using the functionalized cellulosic material and polyethylene glycol as a pore former. The prepared CEM was fully characterized using FTIR, SEM, mechanical properties, and degree of substitution (DS) determination. The morphological microstructure of the CEM membrane was investigated and discussed. The microstructural analysis by FTIR confirmed the functionalization process. The tensile values obtained at different reaction times showed the effectiveness of using trichloroacetic acid in the carboxymethylation and consequently, the stability of the obtained functionalized cellulose. The obtained DS values are higher than that of the commercial CMC and also the published values. It has been observed that the prepared CEM have an average DS value of 1.5 and therefore much higher than the DS value of commercial CMC whose DS ranges between 0.7 and 1.2. The prepared CEM membranes were morphologically investigated by SEM. The SEM photos showed homogeneously distributed small pores on the entire surface of the membrane, and its cross-section is a multilayer with large pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]