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Nozzle shape greatly affects the activity of cells and growth factors inside bio-ink, which is easy to be ignored. In this research, the finite element simulation software based on fluid dynamics theory was used to simulate the extrusion flow behavior of the bio-ink inside the printing needle. By establishing the flow models of two commonly used needles (cylindrical and conical needles), taking sodium alginate solution as bio-ink, the extrusion flow behavior of bio-ink inside the printing needle was simulated. Following, taking steady pressure, flow rate, and fluid shear stress as the research objectives, the response effects of nozzle geometry parameters, including shape, size, and feeding pressure, on the flow behavior of bio-ink were analyzed. Finally, a method based on the idea of integration for evaluating the cumulative damage to the active substances inside bio-ink has been proposed. Results show that the wall shear stress is the main stress suffered by bio-ink in the bio-printing process. Smaller inlet pressure and larger nozzle outlet diameter are beneficial for reducing wall shear stress. Compared with the cylindrical nozzle, although the maximum wall shear stress of the conical nozzle is higher than that of the cylindrical nozzle under the same inlet pressure and outlet nozzle diameter, the time of bio-ink subjected to the wall shear stress is shorter. The cumulative damage of the cylindrical nozzle is 29.65 Pa·s, and that of the conical nozzle is 18.25 Pa·s, which indicates that the conical nozzle has better biofriendliness and less damage to the active substance inside the bio-ink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon/carbon (Si/C) nanocomposites are considered as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high capacity and suitable lithiation potential. However, the complex and time-consuming preparation processes of silicon-based nanocomposites and the unexpected silicon carbide generated during high treatment make it difficult to achieve high-performance Si/C nanocomposites for practical applications. Herein, a silicon/carbon nanocomposite is successfully prepared through a facile and eco-friendly molten salt assisted precarbonization–reduction method using palygorskite (PAL) and sodium alginate as raw materials. Based on physical characterizations, it is demonstrated that the sodium alginate plays a key role in the successful preparation of Si/C nanocomposite, which not only boosts uniform embedding of PAL nanoparticles in the carbon matrix but also releases molten sodium salt to suppress the formation of unexpected SiC. When used as an alternative anode material for lithium-ion battery applications, the as-obtained Si/C composite delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 1362.7 mA h g−1 with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 70.3% at a current density of 200 mA g−1 and excellent long-term cycling stability. The findings here provide a facile and eco-friendly molten salt assisted precarbonization–reduction method for high-performance silicon/carbon anode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information processing and memorizing in the brain take place in a neural network consisting of neurons connected with each other by synapses. Meanwhile, the neural network is immersed in a common electrochemical environment with global parameters regulating the overall functions, which is barely discussed in neuromorphic devices. In this study, organic/inorganic hybrid transistors with sodium alginate as the gate dielectric layer and indium tin oxide as the channel were successfully prepared. We have not only simulated the basic properties of synapses in a single device, but, on top of that, also simulated the global regulation of information processing in the brain due to the incorporation of global grids, achieving excitatory and inhibitory synaptic weight. Moreover, the construction of a 3 × 3 synaptic array enables image learning and memorizing functions. These results demonstrate the significant advantages of electrolyte-gated transistors in enabling complex neural network connectivity and offer a promising opportunity for future artificial synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion of global petrochemical resources, coupled with the environmental challenges arising from the extensive use of traditional plastics, has led to greater interest in the research of environmentally friendly biodegradable materials that can be used in various applications. The weak water barrier properties of collagen hydrolysate (CH) obtained from leather industry trimming waste seriously limit its practical application areas. In this study, CH/sodium alginate (CH/SA)-based films were produced using the solution casting method because they are non-toxic and biocompatible. The CH/SA composition with the best water barrier property was selected and cross-linked with transglutaminase (TG), genipin (GP), and tannic acid (TA). Cross-linking significantly increases the mechanical strength, thermal ability, and hydrophobicity of the films, thereby reducing their WVP and WS. The film sample CH40/SA60/GP0.4%, out of all the examined specimens, demonstrated superior overall performance, characterized by a TS of 21.209 MPa and a WS of 19.896%. The results indicate that biodegradable films serve as a promising foundation for the development of packaging materials. Consequently, this study offers an effective approach to creating high-performance, environmentally friendly, and degradable CH/SA-based films and products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic superabsorbents have been successfully synthesized through aqueous solution polymerization, employing sodium alginate as the backbone material, acrylic acid and acrylamide as the polymeric monomers, Fe3O4 nano-particles as the magnetic component, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent, and ammonium persulfate serving as the initiator. The micro-morphology and thermal stability of these superabsorbents were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. A comprehensive investigation was undertaken to examine the swelling capacity, water retention properties, magnetic responsiveness, and reusability of the magnetic superabsorbents. The findings reveal that these superabsorbents possess an impressive maximum water absorption capacity of 302.7 g/g in distilled water. Notably, their swelling ratios maintain high levels within a pH range of 5–10. Featuring a porous structure, the magnetic superabsorbents demonstrate rapid swelling kinetics, attaining swelling equilibrium within 30 min in a 1 wt% NaCl solution. Furthermore, the superabsorbents exhibit excellent magnetic responsiveness, characterized by a maximum saturation magnetization of 7.91 emu/g, allowing for swift separation under an external magnetic field. Lastly, the magnetic superabsorbents display outstanding reusability, with their water absorption capacity in distilled water still exceeding 90% of the initial swelling ratio after seven reuse cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption techniques are frequently used to eliminate particular forms of pesticides. This work aimed to describe the process of adsorbing abamectin (ABM) from aqueous systems onto adsorbents and some factors affecting the process effectiveness. Eichhornia crassipes, also known as water hyacinth (WH), was chemically processed utilizing calcium alginate-immobilized WH and sodium alginate as adsorbent. The response surface method (RSM) was implemented to enhance the operational aspects of the adsorption procedure on the removal of ABM residues from aqueous solution. The results show that 95.65% of the abamectin was removed under the optimum conditions of pH = 3, 1000 mg/L of immobilized WH, particle size = 5 µm, shaking speed = 200 rpm, and 30 mg/L of ABM concentration throughout 180 min contact time. The model’s predicted response results also show a decent agreement with the experimental data (R² = 86.64%), proving the effectiveness of this approach for developing precise predictions. The responses were assessed using a second-order polynomial multiple regression model, which confirmed a successful adjustment with the obtained data using analysis of variance (R² = 92.0%, R² adj = 88.92%, and R² pred = 82.92%). In conclusion, the results demonstrated the potential application and beneficial adsorption effectiveness of WH in removal of the pesticides from an aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grouting Fire Prevention technology is the most commonly used technology in coal mines. In order to improve the water holding capacity of the slurry and prevent the cracking and re-leakage of air caused by the loss of water, this paper used sodium alginate, sodium polyacrylate and gasification slag to prepare thick paste mixture, and then used calcium chloride to induce the gelation of the mixed paste surface to form an elastic solid film. A kind of environmental protection slurry of coated gasification slag (hereinafter referred to as coated slurry) with good environmental protection, high strength and elastic solid film with flame retardant and water retention on the outer surface was developed. In the 30°C-300°C range, when the coated slurry was heated, it would have a significant heat absorption and cooling effect. The results show that the hydrophilic -COO-, -OH in sodium alginate forms a synergistic effect with -COO-, -COOH in sodium polyacrylate, and enhances the water absorption of sodium polyacrylate; The interaction of calcium ions with sodium alginate on the surface of the mixed slurry causes gelation and forms a calcium alginate film on the surface of the coated slurry, which prevents water evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic superabsorbents have been successfully synthesized through aqueous solution polymerization, employing sodium alginate as the backbone material, acrylic acid and acrylamide as the polymeric monomers, Fe3O4 nano-particles as the magnetic component, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent, and ammonium persulfate serving as the initiator. The micro-morphology and thermal stability of these superabsorbents were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. A comprehensive investigation was undertaken to examine the swelling capacity, water retention properties, magnetic responsiveness, and reusability of the magnetic superabsorbents. The findings reveal that these superabsorbents possess an impressive maximum water absorption capacity of 302.7 g/g in distilled water. Notably, their swelling ratios maintain high levels within a pH range of 5–10. Featuring a porous structure, the magnetic superabsorbents demonstrate rapid swelling kinetics, attaining swelling equilibrium within 30 min in a 1 wt% NaCl solution. Furthermore, the superabsorbents exhibit excellent magnetic responsiveness, characterized by a maximum saturation magnetization of 7.91 emu/g, allowing for swift separation under an external magnetic field. Lastly, the magnetic superabsorbents display outstanding reusability, with their water absorption capacity in distilled water still exceeding 90% of the initial swelling ratio after seven reuse cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development an advanced drug delivery biocomposite beads using polyvinylpyrrolidone, Sodium Alginate, and bioglass as a carrier for 20% amoxicillin drug. The two beads' samples were formed by the sol–gel process combined with the dropwise method, through exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF). The obtained beads were assessed by XRD, SEM, and FT-IR confirming the in vitro test. The spectroscopic results confirm their successful development of the apatite layer. The SEM shows that the bio-beads are microsphere structures with a diameter from 405 nm to 4.700 μm. UV/visible diffuse reflectance analysis assessed the impact of loading amoxicillin on optical properties and determined the energy gap (Eg) for the composites, yielding values of 1.25 and 2.59 eV for the direct and indirect transitions. The antimicrobial efficiency is evaluated by employing the agar diffusion method with a range of pathogenic microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis are used as senates for the + ve bacteria, whereas Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli as -ve bacteria. The SBF tests confirm apatite covering on the bead surfaces, representative of effective bioactivity. Antimicrobial results establish enhanced performance, signifying the two bio-bead samples as promising applicants for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the impact of different component ratios and mechanical stiffness of the gelatin-sodium alginate composite hydrogel scaffold, fabricated through 3D bioprinting, on the viability and functionality of chondrocytes. Methods: Three different concentrations of hydrogel, designated as low, medium, and high, were prepared. The rheological properties of the hydrogel were characterized to optimize printing parameters. Subsequently, the printability and shape fidelity of the cell-loaded hydrogel scaffolds were statistically evaluated, and the chondrocyte viability was observed. Dynamic mechanical analysis was conducted to measure the modulus, thereby assessing the scaffold's stiffness. Following a 21-day culture period, RT-PCR, histological staining, and immunostaining were employed to assess chondrocyte activity, chondrosphere aggregates formation, and cartilage matrix production. Results: Based on rheological analysis, optimal printing temperatures for each group were determined as 27.8°C, 28.5°C, and 30°C. The optimized printing parameters could ensure the molding effect of the scaffolds on the day of printing, with the actual grid area of the scaffolds was close to the theoretical grid area. And the scaffolds exhibited good cell viability (93.24% ± 0.99%, 92.04% ± 1.49%, and 88.46% ± 1.53%). After 7 days of culture, the medium and high concentration groups showed no significant change in grid area compared to the day of printing (p > 0.05), indicating good morphological fidelity. As the hydrogel's bicomponent ratio increased, both the storage modulus and loss modulus increased, while the loss factor remained relatively constant. The highest number of chondrocytes-formed chondrosphere aggregates in the medium concentration group was observed by light microscopy. RT-PCR results indicated significantly higher expression levels of chondrogenic genes SOX9, Agg, and Col-II in the low and medium concentration groups compared to the high concentration group (p < 0.05). Histological staining results showed that the middle concentration group formed the highest number of typical cartilage lacunae. Conclusion: The aforementioned results indicate that in 3D bioprinted cell-loaded GA-SA composite hydrogel scaffolds, the scaffolds with the composition ratio (10:3) and mechanical stiffness (∼155 kPa) exhibit sustained morphological fidelity, effectively preserve the hyaline phenotype of chondrocytes, and are more conducive to cartilage regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the freshness of aquatic products during food processing, transportation, and preservation is critical for ensuring food safety and quality. In this study, we developed intelligent indicator films sensitive to nitrogen compounds using sodium alginate, glycerol, and natural pigments. These films exhibited excellent indicating performance in monitoring the freshness of salmon, including total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and pH levels. Additionally, the intelligent indicator films exhibit both thermal stability and good biocompatibility. This finding paves the way for developing safe and effective food freshness indicators with potential uses in transportation, packaging, and related industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, hydrogels have been employed to fabricate flexible capacitors (FCs) and wearable sensors. However, achieving a balance between the electrochemical and mechanical properties of hydrogels remains a challenge. Herein, polyacrylamide/sodium alginate (PAM/SA) dual-network hydrogels with good mechanical properties and high electrochemical properties were obtained by nitric acid (HNO3) mediation. The –COO– groups on the SA network inside the hydrogel are partially acidified to –COOH under the action of HNO3, which increases the hydrogen bond density of the hydrogel. The PAM/SA hydrogel exhibited a maximum mechanical strength of 83.4 KPa and a maximum elongation at break of 471.3%. Furthermore, the conductivity (σ) of PAM/SA dual-network hydrogels increased from 36.48 mS cm−1 to 96.4 mS cm−1, and the specific capacitance of the flexible capacitor (FC) composed of the hydrogels increased by about 142.1%. Finally, the hydrogel was prepared as a wearable motion sensor, which is capable of accurately detecting the different motion states of a person. Consequently, the hydrogel has a multitude of applications in the field of FCs and wearable sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volume expansion and poor conductivity greatly limit the application of silicon as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. Although nanocrystallization of silicon and its surface carbon coating can be improved to some extent, the serious problems of particle aggregation and structural instability have not been effectively solved. In this paper, gelatin and sodium alginate (GE + SA) derived carbon/silicon composites are successfully prepared by a liquid-phase method, the freeze-drying technique, and heat treatment. Si nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly encapsulated in a three-dimensional network of N-doped carbon that is enriched with a rich pore structure. The reversible capacity of the particular Si@C composite electrode was maintained at 580 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1, showing good cycling stability. Meanwhile, the anode also has excellent rate performance with reversible capacities of 2230, 1458, 1101, and 686.6 mA h g−1 at current densities of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 A g−1, respectively. The GE + SA derived carbon/silicon composites effectively solve the problems of particle aggregation and an unstable carbon/silicon interface structure and can become candidates for anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a pH‐responsive, biocompatible polymeric carrier for controlled delivery of bioactive agents holds significant practical value for pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we used the gelation method to make pH‐responsive polymeric microbeads using sodium alginate (SA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVPVA), and nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) nanoparticles for controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX). The generated microbeads are characterized using various techniques, including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Swelling studies reveal enhanced permeability at pH 6.4, and in vitro release studies demonstrate a higher release rate at pH 6.4 compared to pH 2.0. Cytotoxicity tests on MCF‐7 cells (a type of breast cancer cell line) showed that NZF‐loaded microbeads, especially SP‐NZFNPs‐DOX, were more effective than other carriers, indicating their potential usefulness in cancer treatment. Furthermore, biocompatibility tests demonstrate that the SA/PVPVA microbeads and nanoparticles are biocompatible with 3T3 fibroblasts. This study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of nanotechnology in cancer treatment, emphasizing the synergistic role of NZF nanoparticles, SA, and PVPVA in optimizing drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible humidity sensors (FHSs) with fast response times and durability to high-humidity environments are highly desirable for practical applications. Herein, an FHS based on crosslinked sodium alginate (SA) and MXene was fabricated, which exhibited high sensitivity (impedance varied from 107 to 105 Ω between 10% and 90% RH), good selectivity, prompt response times (response/recover time of 4 s/11 s), high sensing linearity (R2 = 0.992) on a semi-logarithmic scale, relatively small hysteresis (~5% RH), good repeatability, and good resistance to highly humid environments (negligible changes in sensing properties after being placed in 98% RH over 24 h). It is proposed that the formation of the crosslinking structure of SA and the introduction of MXene with good conductivity and a high specific surface area contributed to the high performance of the composite FHS. Moreover, the FHS could promptly differentiate the respiration status, recognize speech, and measure fingertip movement, indicating potential in breath monitoring and non-contact human–machine interactions. This work provides guidance for developing advanced flexible sensors with a wide application scope in wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coprinus comatus is an edible mushroom and its fermented product possesses antioxidant activity. In this study, to further enhance the antioxidant activity and improve the reusability of the strain, calcium alginate hydrogel was used as the carrier for embedding and immobilizing Coprinus comatus. The effects of CaCl2 concentration, sodium alginate concentration, microsphere diameter, and the amount of magnetic particle on the antioxidant activity of fermented products were investigated. The results showed that the magnetic immobilized microsphere prepared by 2.50% CaCl2, 2.00% sodium alginate and 0.50% Fe3O4 had the best fermentation antioxidant activity (EC50 was 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/mL) when the diameter was 5 mm, which increased by 24.56% compared to the initial activity. Besides, the microsphere showed strong reusability, the antioxidant activity was still better than the free strain after being used five times. This study not only enhanced the antioxidant activity of Coprinus comatus fermented product through immobilization, but also provided an effective method for microbial fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the physical, biochemical, and microbiological properties of Pangasius mince incorporated with 2% (w/w) sodium alginate and salt were evaluated for 120 days under frozen conditions (−20 °C). The TBARS (0.03–0.62 mg MDA/kg) and free fatty acid (FFA) (<1 mg oleic acid/100 g) were found to be significantly lower in the alginate-treated sample (T2) than in the control mince (C) and salt-added mince sample (T1). Better visual appearance, higher water retention, less moisture reduction (only 1.5%) along with lower total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) (10–17 mg N/100 g) and TVC (<4 log cfu/g) were evident in T2 throughout the storage period than in T1 and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, MOF-74 nanocarriers were coated with sodium alginate (SALG) to enhance physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses showed MOF-74 particle size below 100 nm. Zinc-based MOF-74 nanocarriers (Zn-MOF-74) were developed for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery, achieving high drug loading efficiency (DLE) and drug loading capacity (DLC) as measured by UV–visible spectrometry. Nanocarriers synthesized using zinc acetate (RA-MOF-74) achieved a DLE of 96.5% and a DLC of 19.6%, outperforming those prepared with zinc nitrate (RN-MOF-74) with a DLE of 88.8% and a DLC of 18.3%. Uncoated samples released cargo rapidly at pH 1.5 and significantly at pH 8. In contrast, SALG-coated samples showed reduced release at pH 1.5 and reached 54.2% release at pH 8 due to alginate's physicochemical properties. Drug release from DOX@RA-MOF-74/ALG was significantly slower and more sustained than from uncoated samples. This study demonstrates the potential of SALG-coated RA-MOF-74 as a controlled drug release system for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide luminescent materials have rapidly emerged as potential candidates in the fields of drug delivery and bioimaging. In this study a spherical composite material theory with uniform particle size, good biocompatibility, fluorescence emission performance and an efficient targeted drug delivery system was proposed. To achieve this, a facile ultrasonic atomization approach to synthesize sodium alginate-lanthanum (SA-La) cross-linked microspheres at room temperature was developed, and then they were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), yielding DOX@SA-La for targeted liver cancer cell treatment. Fluorescence studies indicated that the SA-La microspheres exhibited excellent fluorescence properties with intense blue fluorescence emitted. Moreover, the ability of drug release in-vitro of the SA-La and Calcium alginate (SA-Ca) microspheres were proved by UV-visible spectrophotometry, and the drug release values of these two drug carriers were considerable. In addition, cytotoxicity tests via the CCK-8 assay revealed that the DOX@SA-La delivery system considerably inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma cells growth. Conclusively, the SA-La fluorescent microsphere drug carriers enables real-time anti-cancer efficacy observations and analyses, having promise as a potent therapeutic and diagnostic tool for liver cancer treatments and drug tracing in the tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the performance of the sodium alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose/activated carbon (SA/CMC/AC) ternary composite microbeads containing different weight ratios of AC for the adsorptive removal of hazardous methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. Firstly, the composite beads were prepared by adding AC with weight ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30% concerning the polymer amount. Then the composite beads were prepared by crosslinking in 2 wt. % CaCl2 solution. Initially, adsorption studies were carried out to determine the optimum properties, and the highest performance was obtained at pH = 7 and 298 K by using the composite containing 30% AC. Adsorption data were applied to several isotherms, and the Langmuir isotherm was found to be the best isotherm model for adsorption. The highest adsorption capacity was calculated as 308.6 mg/g at 298 K using this isotherm. Studies on adsorption kinetics revealed that the process followed a quasi-second-order kinetic model. FTIR-ATR analyses showed the interactions between dye molecules and the adsorbent and also indicated that the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups functioned as active adsorption sites. Furthermore, SEM analyses proved the presence of the dye particles on the surface of the adsorbent. This study demonstrated that the produced composite microbeads may be employed as a promising adsorbent for removing cationic contaminants from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unrestricted access to clean drinking water is essential for the well‐being of the global population, yet this necessary resource is not universally guaranteed, particularly amidst the escalating climate crisis that accentuates disparities across regions. Harnessing solar energy in conjunction with advanced synthetic solar absorbent hydrogels (SAHs) is increasingly recognized as a promising solution and a significant challenge in addressing the purification of brackish water sustainably. This work outlines the development of a SAH using the thermosensitive polymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) in combination with alginate (Alg), enriched with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanoparticles (NPs). Through solar evaporation tests using different conducting polymer (CP) concentrations, a discernible relationship between the ratio of free water to intermediate water (FW/IW) within the hydrogel structure and its performance is observed. The hydrogel's remarkable evaporation rate for synthetic seawater (2.82 kg m−2 h−1) aligns with the lowest FW/IW, which is directly related to a reduction in water vaporization enthalpy. Characterization of intermediate water enables easy adjustment of the optimal conductive polymer content within the hydrogel. This technology, based on thermosensitive materials, not only introduces innovative methodologies for designing and customizing functional composite materials but also aligns with global objectives by addressing challenges in sustainable drinking water supply without additional energy inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogels with ultrahigh porosity and large specific surface area have demonstrated great potential for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Especially, aerogel fiber aggregates with macropores formed by overlapping aerogel fibers and mesopores in the aerogel fibers might realize fast sorption kinetics and high sorption capacity simultaneously. However, how to develop fast fabrication and large‐scale production of aerogel fibers remains a challenge. Herein, a generic sol‐gel centrifugal spinning (SCS) strategy with a spinning rate capable of reaching 700 m min−1 is developed for producing aerogel fibers. The representative SCS aerogel fiber made from aramid nanofiber (ANF) dispersion exhibits a large specific surface area (313 m2 g−1) and high tensile strength (12.48 MPa). The SCS strategy is further applied to fabricate various kinds of aerogel fibers, including sodium alginate, cellulose, and chitosan. The ANF aerogel fiber aggregates exhibit superior VOC adsorption capacity of 438.0 mg g−1 under an ultrafast gas flux of 3.8 × 104 L m−2 h−1, which also has satisfactory cyclic stability. This work not only develops a powerful and generic strategy for fabricating aerogel fibers in large scale, but also provides inspiration for applying these SCS aerogel fibers in dynamic removal of VOCs and other environmental protection fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin methacrylate (GM) and sodium alginate (SA) are two biomaterials that have been widely employed in tissue engineering, particularly in 3D bioprinting. However, they have some drawbacks including undesirable physico‐mechanical properties and printability, hindering their application. This work developed an interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) of GM and SA reinforced with silica nanoparticles (SNPs) to deal with hydrogels’ drawbacks. Besides, for cross‐linking, visible light is used as an alternative to UV light to prevent disruptions in cellular metabolism and immune system reactions. Four GM/SA/SNP hydrogels different in SNPs concentration (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 w/w%) are studied. The performance of the hydrogels is evaluated in terms of physico‐mechanical properties (viscoelasticity, compressive modulus, degradation, and swelling), rheological properties, and biological properties (fibroblast cell growth and adhesion, and MTT assay). The results demonstrated that the GM/SA/SNP hydrogel with 1% SNPs provided desirable physical (645% swelling and 59.3% degradation), mechanical strength (270 kPa), rheological (tan δ of almost 0.14), and biological performances (≈98% viability after 3 days) while maintaining appropriate printability. The findings suggest that the GM/SA/SNP hydrogel holds great potential for applications in soft tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible multimodal sensors have gained increasing popularity for applications in healthcare and extreme environment operations owing to their all‐around environmental perception and data acquisition capabilities. However, fabricating a magnetism‐mechanics‐humidity multimodal sensor that possesses high sensitivity without signal overlapping while in a facile methodology remains a great challenge. Herein, a highly sensitive, conductive, and flexible hydrogel sponge sensor with discriminable magnetism, mechanics, and humidity sensing capability is proposed, which shows stable pore size (19.30 µm) and satisfactory mechanical properties based on the synergistic hydrogen bonding among sodium alginate, poly(vinyl alcohol) and glycerol. The proposed sensors can not only display favorable humidity sensing ability with rapid response/recovery time (2.5/4 s) but also possess enhanced sensitivities (a gauge factor of 0.46 T−1 for magnetic field, −1.16 kPa−1 for pressure), superior stability and durability (over 8000 cycles). Benefiting from the separated capacitive and resistive response signals, the sensors can precisely distinguish the magnetic, mechanical, and humidity stimuli without cross‐talk. Further, the sensor arrays assisted by the deep learning algorithm are developed to realize gesture language recognition with a high accuracy of 99.17%. It can be believed that this high‐performance sensor will have good prospects in future soft electronics and human‐machine interaction systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate (AlgNa) is often used to prepare oral drug capsules, offering the advantages of facile carrier formation and pH sensitivity. However, these capsules suffer from high porosity, large pore size, and mechanical and physiological instabilities. Although the performance of AlgNa in oral drug carriers can be enhanced through hybridization with other substances, this results in increased complexity and additional preparation steps. To address this problem, organic–inorganic hybrid capsules are herein prepared via the one‐step incorporation of aminosilanes (3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane) into AlgNa and evaluated as delivery vehicles for the sustained release of a model drug, diclofenac sodium. The hybrid capsules show elevated drug encapsulation efficiencies (up to 92.7%) and pH responsiveness and outperform pure alginate capsules, exhibiting contraction and low release rates (<10%) in a simulated stomach environment (pH 1.2) and swelling and sustained release (10 h) in a simulated intestinal environment (pH 7.4). The formation of siloxane bonds between the aminosilane molecules results in stronger and more compact capsule membranes contributing to sustained drug release. Thus, our results demonstrate the potential of the proposed capsules, fabricated using a simple ecofriendly method, as carriers for sustained drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic photosensitizers have higher photodynamic antibacterial activity compared with anionic photosensitizers, and with low toxicity and no drug resistance. However, their poor photostability and low utilization rate limit their practical applications. Herein, a new strategy for the construction of a GSH‐responsive antibacterial nanogel system is developed via the electrostatic interaction between methylene blue (MB) and sulfonated sodium alginate (HSSA) to self‐assemble into nanoparticles followed by sulfhydryl cross‐linking in an aqueous solution. The photobleaching of MB can be inhibited due to the self‐aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect, but the photodynamic activity can be restored by breaking the disulfide‐crosslinking bonds in the nanogel in response to 10 mM GSH. In vitro antibacterial tests prove that the system has antibacterial activity beyond anionic photosensitizers. Antibacterial studies on plants show that the system has targeted antibacterial activity on infected plants and good wettability, retention, and adhesion to plant leaves. Safety evaluation shows that the system has no obvious toxic effect on plants. Therefore, this study provides a new approach to the discovery of novel photodynamic bactericides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn wounds are associated with infections, drug resistance, allergic reactions, odour, bleeding, excess exudates, and scars, requiring prolonged hospital stay. It is crucial to develop wound dressings that can effectively combat allergic reactions and drug resistance, inhibit infections, and absorb excess exudates to accelerate wound healing. To overcome the above-mentioned problems associated with burn wounds, SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers incorporated with Capparis sepiaria plant extract were prepared using an electrospinning technique. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of the extract into the nanofibers without any interaction between the extract and the polymers. The nanofibers displayed porous morphology and a rough surface suitable for cellular adhesion and proliferation. SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against wound infection-associated bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobaterium smegmatis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, and Staphylococcus aureus. Cytocompatibility studies using HaCaT cells revealed the non-toxicity of the nanofibers. SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers exhibited hemostatic properties, resulting from the synergistic effect of the plant extract and polymers. The in vitro scratch wound healing assay showed that the SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofiber wound-healing capability is more than the plant extract and a commercially available wound dressing. The wound-healing potential of SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofiber is attributed to the synergistic effect of the phytochemicals present in the extract, their porosity, and the ECM-mimicking structure of the nanofibers. The findings suggest that the electrospun nanofibers loaded with Capparis sepiaria extract are promising wound dressings that should be explored for burn wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infection of wound surfaces has posed a significant threat to human health and represents a formidable challenge in the clinical treatment. In this study, a novel antimicrobial hydrogel utilizing POM is synthesized as the primary component, with gelatin and sodium alginate as the structural framework. The resultant hydrogel demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties and viscoelasticity attributed to the hydrogen‐bonded cross‐linking between POM and gelatin, as well as the ionic cross‐linking between sodium alginate and Ca2+. In addition, the integration of CuS nanoparticles conferred photothermal properties to the hydrogel system. To address the concerns regarding the potential thermal damage to the surrounding normal cells, this study employs a LT‐PTT combined with CDT approach to achieve the enhanced antimicrobial efficacy while minimizing the inadvertent harm to the healthy cells. The findings suggested that POM‐based hydrogels, serving as an inorganic–organic hybrid material, will represent a promising antimicrobial solution and offer valuable insights for the development of the non‐antibiotic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate beads were explored as an adsorbent for exclusion of CV dye in batch mode by optimizing various parameters such as solution pH, effect of dye concentration, adsorbent's dose, contact time, and temperature. Experimental results revealed that maximum sorption, i.e., 97% was obtained at pH 12 in 20 minutes of contact time, 0.4 g of beads for 10 mL of dye solution at 30 °C. Characterization of sodium alginate beads confirmed that hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine, and sulfate functional groups are involved in dye adsorption on heterogeneous and porous surface of adsorbent. Isotherm study shows that Freundlich model fits best to experimental data having highest possible adsorption capacity of 4.797 mg g − 1 . Further, kinetic study revealed that pseudo-second order model plays a significant role in adsorption mechanism with R 2 = 0.9996. Suitability of each model is also checked by five error analysis models namely Hybrid, MPSD, EABS, ERRSQ, and ARE. Thermodynamic studies implied that CV dye adsorption on sodium alginate beads was spontaneous and endothermic in nature as confirmed from Δ G = −7.8 to −5.8 kJ mol−1 and Δ H = 10.201 kJ mol−1, respectively. Results also show that 92% of dye adsorption take place with tap water. Based on experimental outcomes, it has been concluded that sodium alginate beads are an excellent adsorbent to remove the CV dye from the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a syringe, the precast gel solution—which included acrylamide, sodium alginate, and modified titanium dioxide nanofibers—was extruded into the CaCl 2 solution to create the sodium alginate first network. The second network of polyacrylamide(PAM) was subsequently created by photocatalysis. Ultimately, the alginate/PAM/TiO 2 NF@PAM composite hydrogel improved by the inorganic phase was produced. It has mechanical properties with a tensile ratio of 166% and a tensile strength of 1.13 Mpa. [Display omitted] • Alginate/polyacrylamide/modified TiO 2 nanofiber (Alginate/PAM/TiO 2 NF@PAM) composite hydrogel was successfully designed and synthesized. • The three toughening strategies of dual network, construction of oriented structure, and nanophase doping were successfully combined. • Alginate/PAM/TiO 2 NF@PAM showed a tensile ratio of (165.51 ± 4.93)% and a maximum tensile strength of (1130.97 ± 67.39) kpa. The design and construction of high strength hydrogels is a widely discussed topic in hydrogel research. In this study, we combined three toughening strategies, including dual network, oriented structure construction and nanophase doping, to develop an alginate/polyacrylamide (PAM)/modified titanium dioxide fiber (TiO 2 NF@PAM) dual network composite hydrogel prepared via syringe. The effects of different preparation methods, AM/Alginate ratios, inorganic doping phases and TiO 2 NF@PAM/AM ratios on the mechanical properties of composite hydrogels were investigated. The study found that the alginate hydrogel prepared by syringe exhibited superior axial orientation and achieved a tensile strength of (1091 ± 46) kPa. And the composite hydrogel doped with 0.2 wt% TiO 2 NF@PAM had a tensile strength of (1006 ± 64) kPa, which was higher than that of the composite hydrogel doped with 0.2 wt% TiO 2 nanoparticles (976 ± 66) kPa. The highest tensile strength (1120 ± 67) kPa and elongation at break (182 ± 8) % were achieved when the ratio of TiO 2 NF@PAM/AM was 0.6 wt%. The force applied to the gel solution in the syringe affects the orientation of the polymer chains and TiO 2 NF@PAM within the gel, which subsequently impacts the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Therefore, we further investigated the mechanical properties of composite hydrogels under varying propulsion speeds, syringe diameters, and syringe lengths. It was observed that the gel solution's shear strength increased as the syringe diameter decreased. The resulting composite hydrogels were better oriented and had improved mechanical properties. The composite hydrogels' tensile strength peaked at (1117 ± 47) kPa when the syringe advance rate was between 1–7 mL/min. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were optimal when the syringe length was 30 mm, with a maximum tensile strength of (1131 ± 67) kPa and a tensile ratio of (166 ± 5) %. This study demonstrates the viability of integrating three distinct strengthening methodologies to generate hydrogels of considerable strength. Furthermore, the Alginate/PAM/TiO 2 NF@PAM composite hydrogels possess remarkable potential as adaptable, wearable sensors due to their exemplary mechanical properties, knittability, and conductivity. [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 Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science 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.)

Fertilizers that release nutrients slowly can provide crops with consistent nutrients, while soils with good water-holding capacity can alleviate the impact of droughts on crops. Sodium alginate/carboxymethyl starch sodium/polydopamine/urea (SCPU) is a new kind of slow-release fertilizer with water absorption property. In this study, the Box–Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) was used to reveal the effects of concentrations of sodium alginate, carboxymethyl starch sodium, urea, calcium chloride and dopamine on the encapsulation efficiency and water absorption of SCPU. The results show that the optimum preparation conditions to obtain the highest level of encapsulation efficiency (89.27%) and water absorption (167.05%) are 2.2% sodium alginate, 5% carboxymethyl starch sodium, 30% urea, 1.9% calcium chloride and 0.52% dopamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels can form physically or chemically interactions with tissues and are widely used in the design of bioadhesive material. Polydopamine (PDA)/polyacrylamide (PAM)‐based adhesion hydrogels have emerged as one of the hydrogel adhesive materials with great potential for development. However, this type of hydrogel has low mechanical and adhesion properties, which has certain limitations in practical applications. Herein, inspired by the mussel adhesion mechanism, we introduced PDA into PAM/3‐aminophenylboronic acid grafted sodium alginate (SA‐PBA) double network system prepared a series of adhesive hydrogels, PDA was crosslinked by dynamic boronic ester bonds with SA‐PBA. The experimental results established that the hydrogels have favorable adhesive, anti‐fatigue, stretchable, and self‐healing properties. Cytocompatibility assay and in vitro hemolysis assay also indicated that the multifunctional hydrogel has excellent cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office 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.)

Recently, the 3D printing of cell-laden hydrogel structures, known as bioprinting, has received increasing attention owing to advances in tissue engineering and drug screening. However, a micromixing technology that efficiently mixes viscous bioinks under mild conditions is needed. Therefore, this study presents a novel method for achieving homogeneous mixing of multiple inks in 3D bioprinting through acoustic stimulation. This technique involves generating an acoustic microstream through bubble oscillations inside a 3D bioprinting nozzle. We determined the optimal hole design for trapping a bubble, hole arrangement, and voltage for efficient mixing, resulting in a four-fold increase in mixing efficiency compared to a single bubble arrangement. Subsequently, we propose a nozzle design for efficient mixing during bioprinting. The proposed nozzle design enabled the successful printing of line structures with a uniform mixture of different viscous bioinks, achieving a mixing efficiency of over 80% for mixing 0.5–1.0 wt% sodium alginate aqueous solutions. Additionally, acoustic stimulation had no adverse effects on cell viability, maintaining a high cell viability of 88% after extrusion. This study presents the first use of a bubble micromixer in 3D bioprinting, demonstrating gentle yet effective multi-ink mixing. We believe this approach will broaden 3D printing applications, particularly for constructing functional structures in 3D bioprinting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we reported a defect‐rich porous carbon (SAC) derived from sodium alginate (SA) via combined processes of high‐temperature carbonization at N2 atmosphere, NaCl hard template, and HCl etching for high‐performance absorbents. Besides the meso/macro‐porous structure characterization performed with usual morphological and structural analysis methods, sub‐nanolevel atomic microdefects of the derived SAC were investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) for the first time. All the samples displayed hierarchical pore structure, including numerous 3D‐interconnected macroporous (0.5‐2 µm), abundant mesopores (3‐5 nm), and rich intrinsic microdefects (mean size of 0.304 nm). The specific surface area and pore volume of the optimized SAC sample were 1191.3 m2·g−1 and 0.69 cm3·g−1, respectively. It was confirmed that the adsorption process of the derived SAC to the dye molecules mainly occurred through a chemical and monolayer adsorption mechanism. The SAC sample showed high efficiency in dye removal, with superior removal capacitance of 230.5 mg·g−1 for anionic dye of methyl orange (MO) and 1655.1 mg·g−1 for cationic dye of Rhodamine B (RhB) at pH = 7, respectively, which were about two times of that of commercial AC for the presence of more active sites of the derived SAC. This study also exhibited that the derived defect‐rich porous carbons from natural‐polymers of SA can be considered as an effective adsorbent to remove MO and RhB dyes from industrially polluted water at neutral pH conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic‐resistant bacteria have rapidly emerged in recent years as a result of irrational use of antibiotics. The development of drug carriers that can enhance antibacterial activity of antibiotics can potentially overcome antibiotic resistance and hence has practical significance. This study addresses this need by integrating amine‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs) into hydrogel microbeads composed of sodium alginate (SA) and xanthan gum (XG) for delivery of levofloxacin (LVX). Characterization of the microbeads confirmed successful AMNP–polymer interactions and demonstrated a porous structure inside the microbeads. The microbeads demonstrated pH‐sensitive drug release behavior, enabling prolonged drug release. The drug encapsulation efficiency in the hydrogel microbeads was higher after AMNP incorporation, indicating the potential roles played by the porous network and by AMNP‐LVX interactions during drug loading. The microbeads adhered to first‐order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer‐Peppas kinetic models, suggesting that a combination of diffusion and polymer relaxation mechanisms is involved in drug release. Along with the fact that the AMNP‐incorporated microbeads exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, our microbeads warrant further development and optimization as drug carriers for antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential benefits of biodegradable and functional food packaging materials have garnered increasing attention in recent years. Sodium alginate (SA), a commonly utilized polysaccharide, is particularly noteworthy for producing biodegradable films for food packaging. This study aimed to investigate SA-based edible films enriched with various proportions of cactus pear peel extract (CPPE). We assessed the films and extracts for total phenolic content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, as well as mechanical properties. Cactus pear peels powder (CPPP) exhibited higher contents of total polyphenols (1243.82 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (18.92 mg QE/100 g), and betalains (2.28 mg/100 g). The main constituents detected were catechol, pyrogallol, catechin, and alpha-coumaric acid, with concentrations of 1013.82, 223.45, 148.21, and 101.02 ppm, respectively, contributing about 45.71%, 9.85%, 6.54%, and 4.46% of the total phenolic compounds. The thickness of the SA films increased from 0.220 mm to 0.265 mm. The tensile strength values ranged from 1.98 to 3.12, while the elongation at break values for SA-CPPE films decreased relative to the plain SA film. Moreover, the inclusion of CPPE improved the barrier characteristics (with water vapor permeability values for SA films with 1%, 2%, and 3% CPPE ranging from 0.72 × 10−5 g•h−1 •m−1 •Pa−1 to 1.68 × 10−5 g•h−1 •m−1 •Pa−1) and induced variations in flexibility and resistance. The plain SA film did not exhibit any inhibitory activity against bacteria and fungi. However, the inclusion of CPPE in alginate films showed favorable antibacterial properties, which improved progressively with increasing CPPE concentration. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating active alginate-based films in food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocellulose (CNF) was obtained from carrots using a combination of chemical treatment, mechanical milling, and ultrasonic treatment. Ultrafast preparation of maleic anhydride esterified nanocellulose was achieved by a hydrated hydrogen ion-driven dissociation, chemical cross-linking strategy based on a "one-pot" reaction method. Esterification modification with maleic anhydride reduced the crystallinity of nanocellulose and enhanced its thermal stability. High-strength drug-carrying hydrogels (MACNF/SA) with different drug loading capacities were prepared using cefixime (CFX) as a drug model and maleic anhydride esterified nanocellulose (MACNF) and sodium alginate (SA) as the main raw materials. The compressive strength of MACNF/SA hydrogels made from MACNF reached a maximum of 80.3 kPa when the mass ratio of CNF to MA was 2.5:12. Rheological property tests showed that the MACNF/SA hydrogels were pseudoplastic fluids with shear thinning. The drug release from the drug-carrying hydrogels followed non-Fickian diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallization is a common phenomenon that contributes to various kidney disorders and stone formation, as well as the formation of scale in industrial processes. The inhibition of CaOx is an area of intense scientific interest in the field of materials science due to its relevance to biomineralization. The present study investigated the effects of pectin (PE) and sodium alginate (SA), two natural polymers, on the growth of CaOx crystals using a batch crystallization method in aqueous solutions at 37 °C with different concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 ppm). The results of the study showed that both PE and SA were effective inhibitors of CaOx crystal growth, with the highest inhibition observed at a concentration of 10 ppm, reaching 80 %. PE did not significantly affect the size of the crystals, while SA reduced their size as the concentration increased. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential of natural polymers as non‐toxic inhibitors of CaOx crystal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, cellulose microfibers (CMFs) isolated from fallen autumn leaves of cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera pissardii nigra), white mulberry (Morus alba) and plane (Platanus orientalis) trees were characterized and used as reinforcement agents in sodium alginate‐based biodegradable films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) characterization showed that the CMFs were successfully isolated from the leaves with high purity. The extracted CMFs had a particle size ranging from 321.20 nm to 632.26 nm and negative zeta potential values (−27.33 to −21.40). The extraction yield of CMFs ranged from 19.53% to 26.00%. Incorporation of the leaf‐derived CMFs into sodium alginate based films (1%, w:w) increased their tensile strength (from 153.73 to 187.78 MPa) and elongation at break values (from 105.97% to 89.90%) and significantly decreased oxygen (from 121.46 to 75.56 meq kg‐1) and water vapor permeabilities (from 2.36 to 1.60 g mm h−1 m−2 kPa−1)(p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of CMFs into the biopolymer matrix had no significant effect on the color (L*: 85.35–85.67; a*: −0.75‐0.71; b*: 4.23–4.94) and moisture content (44.64–48.42%) of the film samples, although the thickness increased (40.33–94.66 μm). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that CMFs were homogeneously dispersed in the film matrix. Overall, this study confirms that fallen cherry plum, white mulberry, and plane leaves are valuable sources of CMFs which could be used in the manufacturing of biodegradable nanocomposite films as reinforcement agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of probiotics in providing health benefits may be related to their ability to survive at a sufficient concentration of 106 CFU/g during storage in food and colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Microencapsulation is a viable method to improve the survivability of probiotics under harsh environmental conditions. In this research, microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MLR) was produced by a two‐layer extrusion technique with sodium alginate and wild sage (Salvia macrosiphon) mucilage (SMM) in varying concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 0.8% as the first and second wall materials, respectively. The microencapsulation efficiency and second layer diameter of beads increased significantly with the increase in SMM concentrations. Microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) maintained its minimal concentration (6 log CFU/g) during 9 min at 72°C. The MLR‐date yogurt (DY) sample had the lowest pH, highest acidity, and highest survival rate among the others at the end of storage. In simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGC), the survival rates of free LR (FLR) and MLR were 45% and 47% on the 14th day of storage, respectively. In sensory properties, MLR had the highest score in odor and texture parameters but not in others. The MLR viscosity (666.3 mPa·s−1) and SEM images show a relatively denser structure for MLR. In conclusion, this study emphasized the potential of using double‐layered beads to protect probiotics, providing valuable inspiration for developing new functional foods with higher survival ability in harsh conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective wound dressing is the key solution to combating the increased death rate and prolonged hospital stay common to patients with wounds. Methods: Sodium alginate-based single- and double-layer membranes incorporated with Capparis sepiaria root extract were designed using the solvent-casting method from a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Pluronic F127 (PF127), and gum acacia. Results: The successful preparation of the membranes and loading of the extract were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared membranes were biodegradable and non-toxic to human skin cells (HaCaT), with high biocompatibility of 92 to 112% cell viability and good hemocompatibility with absorbance ranging from 0.17 to 0.30. The membrane's highest water vapor transmission rate was 1654.7333 ± 0.736 g/m2/day and the highest % porosity was 76%. The membranes supported cellular adhesion and migration, with the highest closure being 68% after 4 days compared with the commercial wound dressings. This membrane exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against the pathogens responsible for wound infections. Conclusions: The distinct features of the membranes make them promising wound dressings for treating infected wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides from cyanobacteria are extensively reported for their complex structures, good biocompatibility, and diverse bioactivities, but only a few cyanobacterial species have been exploited for the biotechnological production of polysaccharides. According to our previous study, the newly isolated marine cyanobacterium Cyanobacterium aponinum SCSIO-45682 was a good candidate for polysaccharide production. This work provided a systematic study of the extraction optimization, isolation, structural characterization, and bioactivity evaluation of polysaccharides from C. aponinum SCSIO-45682. Results showed that the crude polysaccharide yield of C. aponinum reached 17.02% by hot water extraction. The crude polysaccharides showed a porous and fibrous structure, as well as good moisture absorption and retention capacities comparable to that of sodium alginate. A homogeneous polysaccharide (Cyanobacterium aponinum polysaccharide, CAP) was obtained after cellulose DEAE-52 column and Sephadex G-100 column purification. CAP possessed a high molecular weight of 4596.64 kDa. It was mainly composed of fucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid, with a molar ratio of 15.27:11.39:8.64. The uronic acid content and sulfate content of CAP was 12.96% and 18.06%, respectively. Furthermore, CAP showed an in vitro growth inhibition effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The above results indicated the potential of polysaccharides from the marine cyanobacterium C. aponinum SCSIO-45682 as a moisturizer and anticancer addictive applied in cosmetical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the removal efficiency of Cu2+ from wastewater using a composite hydrogel made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), sodium alginate (SA), and polyacrylic acid (PAA) prepared by free radical polymerization. The CNTs@SA/PAA hydrogel's structure and properties were characterized using SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, rheology, DSC, EDS, elemental mapping analysis, and swelling. The adsorption performance for Cu2+ was tested in batch adsorption experiments, considering the pH, dosage, initial concentration, and contact time. The optimal conditions for Cu2+ removal were pH 5.0, an adsorbent dosage of 500 mg/L, and a contact time of 360 min. The adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics. Isotherm analyses (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Sips, Toth, and Khan) revealed that the Freundlich isotherm best described the adsorption, with a maximum capacity of 358.52 mg/g. A thermodynamic analysis indicated that physical adsorption was the main interaction, with the spontaneity of the process also demonstrated. This study highlights the high efficiency and environmental friendliness of CNT@SA/PAA composites for Cu2+ removal from wastewater, offering a promising approach for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakthrough symptoms are thought to occur in roughly half of all gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients despite maximal acid suppression (proton pump inhibitor, PPI) therapy. Topical alginates have recently been shown to enhance mucosal defense against acid-pepsin insult during GERD. We aimed to examine potential alginate protection of transcriptomic changes in a cell culture model of PPI-recalcitrant GERD. Immortalized normal-derived human esophageal epithelial cells underwent pretreatment with commercial alginate-based anti-reflux medications (Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action), a matched-viscosity placebo control, or pH 7.4 buffer (sham) alone for 1 min, followed by exposure to pH 6.0 + pepsin or buffer alone for 3 min. RNA sequencing was conducted, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was performed with a false discovery rate of ≤0.01 and absolute fold-change of ≥1.3. Pepsin-acid exposure disrupted gene expressions associated with epithelial barrier function, chromatin structure, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Alginate formulations demonstrated protection by mitigating these changes and promoting extracellular matrix repair, downregulating proto-oncogenes, and enhancing tumor suppressor expression. These data suggest molecular mechanisms by which alginates provide topical protection against injury during weakly acidic reflux and support a potential role for alginates in the prevention of GERD-related carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sodium alginate (SA) aerogel cross-linked with Ca2+ was selected as the basic skeleton to construct a lightweight, flame retardant, and thermal insulating composite aerogel via modification with melamine and phytic acid. The resulting aerogel, SA-1.0 MP, achieved a thermal conductivity as low as 0.0379 W/(m·K). Compared to pristine SA aerogel, SA-1.0 MP demonstrated improved fire resistance, evidenced by a substantial increase in the limiting oxygen index (LOI) from 21.5% to 48.8% and a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. Furthermore, a synergistic mechanism was proposed to explain its remarkable flame-retardant capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state electrolytes have received widespread attention for solving the problem of the leakage of liquid electrolytes and effectively improving the overall performance of supercapacitors. However, the electrochemical performance and environmental friendliness of solid-state electrolytes still need to be further improved. Here, a binary biomass-based solid electrolyte film (LSE) was successfully synthesized through the incorporation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with sodium alginate (SA). The impact of the mass ratio of SA to LNPs on the microstructure, porosity, electrolyte absorption capacity, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical properties of the LSE was thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that as the proportion of SA increased from 5% to 15% of LNPs, the pore structure of the LSE became increasingly uniform and abundant. Consequently, enhancements were observed in porosity, liquid absorption capacity, ionic conductivity, and overall electrochemical performance. Notably, at an SA amount of 15% of LNPs, the ionic conductivity of the resultant LSE-15 was recorded at 14.10 mS cm−1, with the porosity and liquid absorption capacity reaching 58.4% and 308%, respectively. LSE-15 was employed as a solid electrolyte, while LNP-based carbon aerogel (LCA) served as the two electrodes in the construction of a symmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor (SSC). The SSC device demonstrated exceptional electrochemical storage capacity, achieving a specific capacitance of 197 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, along with a maximum energy and power density of 27.33 W h kg−1 and 4998 W kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, the SSC device exhibited highly stable electrochemical performance under extreme conditions, including compression, bending, and both series and parallel connections. Therefore, the development and application of binary biomass-based solid electrolyte films in supercapacitors represent a promising strategy for harnessing high-value biomass resources in the field of energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of calcium alginate beads for microalgae immobilization in wastewater treatment has been a concern due to the potential exchange of Ca2+ ions from the bead surface with the environment. To overcome this constraint, adding biopolymers might improve the properties of alginate gel. The purpose of the study is to immobilize Chlorella vulgaris in blends of sodium alginate with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or pectin in different concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) to evaluate the microalgae growth and nutrient removal from culture media. The microalgae growth was assessed by cell counting and chlorophyll content using a fluorescent excitation–emission matrix. Nutrient removal was conducted by measuring the phosphate and nitrate concentration using ion chromatography. The characterization of beads, such as size, shrinkage degree, swelling ratio, water content, and dry weight, was also investigated. Compared to alginate-only beads, the results present better performance for cell growth and, similarly, for removing nutrients in the presence of pectin and CMC blends. Microalgae in alginate with 1.0% of pectin grew 26% more than in alginate-only beads on day 8. The blends with CMC showed faster removal of nutrients compared to pectin blends and alginate-only in only 3 days. For phosphate, the highest removal was by immobilized microalgae of 95% for 2.0% of CMC and 86% for 2.0% of pectin. For nitrate, the immobilized microalgae removed 100% in 1.0% and 1.5% of CMC and 98% in 1.0% of pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]