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This review paper highlights the latest advancements in polymer films modified with olive leaf extract (OLE) for various applications, particularly in food packaging. The overview is focused on the preparation, properties, and multifunctionality of OLE-enhanced polymer materials. Olive leaf extract, known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, is also shown to enhance the physicochemical characteristics of polymer films. This review consolidates current knowledge on using OLE as a bioactive additive in polymer-based packaging materials, improving their structural integrity and functionality. In addition to food packaging, the review explores other applications of OLE-modified polymer films in industries such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The paper also addresses future perspectives in polymer food packaging, suggesting that OLE-modified films offer significant potential for industrial and academic research due to their enhanced properties. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of olive leaf extract in improving the performance of polymer films in diverse fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In biomaterials research, using one or two components to prepare materials is common. However, there is a growing interest in developing materials composed of three components, as these can offer enhanced physicochemical properties compared to those consisting of one or two components. The introduction of a third component can significantly improve the mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and functionality of the resulting materials. Cross-linking is often employed to further enhance these properties, with chemical cross-linking agents being the most widely used method. This article provides an overview of the chemical agents utilized in the cross-linking of three-component biomaterials. The literature review focused on cases where the material was composed of three components and a chemical substance was employed as the cross-linking agent. The most commonly used cross-linking agents identified in the literature include glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, dialdehyde starch, dialdehyde chitosan, and the EDC/NHS mixture. Additionally, the review briefly discusses materials cross-linked with the MES/EDC mixture, caffeic acid, tannic acid, and genipin. Through a critical analysis of current research, this work aims to guide the development of more effective and safer biopolymeric materials tailored for biomedical applications, highlighting potential areas for further investigation and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blends of synthetic and natural polymers are extensively investigated as materials for medical applications. Synthetic component usually ensures appropriate mechanical and physical properties while biopolymer improves biocompatibility of the material. In our work, we decided to use poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)—water-soluble, chemically stable, elastic polymer and elastin—a fibrous protein present in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues. The aim of our work was to study the influence of UV light on spectroscopic properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/elastin hydrolysates blends. PVA is a rather photostable polymer while elastin possesses various chromophores in the structure capable of absorption of light λ > 200 nm. As a result of the blending, some interactions between the synthetic and biological components occur and cause the changes of photochemical stability of the new material. Our study demonstrates that the poly(vinyl alcohol)/elastin mixtures are more sensitive to UV irradiation than both components separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work involved comparing the effect graphite and shungite have on the properties of dielectric elastomer-based materials. For this reason, dielectric elastomer–Sylgard (S) was filled with 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of graphite (G) and shungite (Sh). The structure of the obtained materials was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The influence of the introduced additives on the thermal stability of the obtained composites was evaluated using thermogravimetry. Moreover, the mechanical properties and the dielectric constant of the elastomer with an addition of graphite and shungite were determined. Obtained results allowed us to establish that the presence of graphite as well as shungite significantly influences mechanical as well as dielectric properties. Additionally, the optimum mass of additives, allowing to increase the dielectric constant without the significant decrease of strain at break, was indicated. In the case of materials containing graphite, regardless of the filler content (1–15 wt.%), the mechanical as well as the dielectric properties are improved, while in the case of composites with an addition of shungite exceeding the 5 wt.% of filler content, a reduced tensile strength was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]