Journal of Polymers and the Environment最新文献

{"title":"Effects of Ultrasonic Processing on the Structural Properties and Chain Scission of the Acemannan Biopolymer","authors":"Tonny Araujo Moreira,&nbsp;Carlos M. R. Abreu,&nbsp;Jorge F. J. Coelho,&nbsp;Cleocir José Dalmaschio","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03649-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03649-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Biopolymers and mechanochemical processes are alternatives that have gained importance because of environmental concerns. In this study, the biopolymer acemannan (ACM) was extracted and processed via ultrasonication (US), which altered the ACM properties, including molecular weight and solubility. The short processing time of US promoted the scission of ACM chains, increasing their solubility and decreasing their viscosity. With increasing processing time, chain scission was observed, decreasing the number-average molecular weight (<i>M</i>_n) and polydispersity (<i>Ð</i>=<i>M</i>_w/<i>M</i>_n), as demonstrated by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). The unprocessed ACM had a weight-average molecular weight (<i>M</i>_w) of 1783 kDa, whereas after 16 min of US processing, it reached 92.16 kDa, and the initial <i>Ð</i> changed from 2.84 to 2.24. The Ovenall model assumes a first-order kinetic behavior and is suitable for describing the chain scission mechanism. Viscosity measurements highlight the relationship between polymer‒solvent interactions and molecular weight. This work contributes to future studies on the mechanochemical processing of ACM with applications in health, food and the synthesis of functional biomaterials.</p><h3>Graphic Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4286 - 4297"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Production and Partial Characterization of Collagenase from Rhizopus microsporus UCP 1296: Cytotoxic Potential and Controlled Release Strategy","authors":"Emerson Pequeno de Souza,&nbsp;Tiago da Silva Araújo,&nbsp;Diego Gomes Ramos,&nbsp;Helder Lucas da Silva Santos,&nbsp;Ana Carolina Carvalho de Correia,&nbsp;Raquel Pedrosa Bezerra,&nbsp;Ana Lúcia Figueiredo Porto,&nbsp;Attilio Converti,&nbsp;Daniela de Araújo Viana Marques,&nbsp;Priscilla Barbosa Sales de Albuquerque,&nbsp;Carolina de Albuquerque Lima Duarte","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03646-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03646-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fungal species, especially those from underexplored ecological niches, offer a promising avenue for novel enzyme discovery due to their metabolic versatility and ability to secrete enzymes with favorable industrial properties. However, the biotechnological potential of fungi from extreme or unique biomes, such as the semi-arid Caatinga in Brazil, remains largely untapped. Moreover, although some fungal collagenases have been studied for therapeutic use, there is a lack of comprehensive research integrating the optimization of production steps and the development of efficient delivery systems. This study selected a new strain of <i>Rhizopus microsporus</i> (UCP 1296), isolated from soil in the Caatinga, a Brazilian biome, for collagenase production. A 2⁴-Full Factorial Design and a 2²-Central Composite Design, combined with the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), were used to optimize collagenase production in submerged liquid culture. Subsequently, the physicochemical characterization of the enzyme and its incorporation into galactomannan gel were performed. The combined application of statistical designs and RSM allowed for a 63% increase in collagenase production (872 ± 43 U/mg). The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 8.0 and 40 °C, maintaining stability across a wide range of pH and temperature. It was strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) and was capable of hydrolyzing type I collagen and azocoll. The experiments of collagenase incorporation in galactomannan gel demonstrated that no less than 72% of the enzyme was retained in the matrix, maintaining high activity after 24 h (305.11 U/mL). Furthermore, collagenase was released from the gel following a pseudo-Fickian behavior and did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on L929 fibroblasts, confirming its biocompatibility and suitability as a controlled release system. These results represent an advancement in the sustainable production of fungal collagenase and its incorporation into a galactomannan-based gel system, with potential for large-scale application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4271 - 4285"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Direct Extraction of Hemp Leaf-Derived Cannabidiol (CBD) and Encapsulation into Biopolymer Nanoparticles for Diffusion-Based Drug Release","authors":"Sumontha Ramangkoon,&nbsp;Brian J. Tighe,&nbsp;Matthew J. Derry,&nbsp;Jutamas Jiaranaikulwanitch,&nbsp;Puttinan Meepowpan,&nbsp;Donraporn Daranarong,&nbsp;Chanakarn Srimuang,&nbsp;Paul D. Topham,&nbsp;Winita Punyodom","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03647-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03647-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><i>Cannabis sativa L.</i> (hemp) is a renewable source of cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), known for their antioxidant and therapeutic properties. However, their clinical application is limited by poor water solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. This study explores the use of biodegradable poly(lactic-<i>co</i>-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to improve cannabinoid delivery. Cannabinoids were directly extracted from hemp leaves using ethanol maceration, yielding an extract rich in CBD (ca. 76 mg/g), with high antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ DPPH ca. 100 µg/mL), total phenolic content (ca. 81 mg GAE/g), and flavonoid content (ca. 20 mg QE/g). The extract was encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles using a simple single emulsion evaporation method. Key formulation parameters, polymer concentration, homogenization time, O/W phase ratio, surfactant concentration, and cannabinoid concentration were optimized to achieve nanoparticle sizes below 200 nm, with high encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited a consistent size distribution, with reproducible diameters, high encapsulation efficiency (up to 98%), drug loading (ca. 7%), and storage stability for at least six months. In vitro drug release, assessed via direct dispersion and dialysis methods, revealed an initial burst profile followed by sustained release. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted using human colorectal carcinoma cells to demonstrate the non-cytotoxic nature of our nanoparticulate systems. This work highlights the potential of hemp leaf-derived cannabinoids in PLGA nanoparticle systems for controlled drug delivery. The approach offers a sustainable and scalable strategy to enhance cannabinoid bioavailability and therapeutic application.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4247 - 4270"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving Polyurethane Adhesives by Partially Replacing Hydroxypropyl-Maleate Modified Soda Lignin with Polyethylene Glycol: A Sustainable Approach to Biomass-Based Adhesive Technology","authors":"Mehri Sharifi Bidokhti,&nbsp;Hossein Mahdavi","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03635-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03635-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polyurethane adhesives provide strong adhesion, durability, and versatility across various substrates but rely on non-renewable petrochemical polyols. To improve sustainability, researchers seek to discover renewable biopolymer alternatives rich in hydroxyl groups, making it a promising bio-based polyol for polyurethane formulations. In this study, Soda Lignin (SL), a sulfur-free, renewable, and highly functional biopolymer, was modified with maleic anhydride esterification and subsequent propylene carbonate oxyalkylation to produce hydroxypropyl maleate-modified soda lignin (HOMSL), enhancing its hydroxyl content and reactivity toward isocyanates. To ensure effective crosslinking and minimize porosity, the NCO/OH molar ratio was precisely calculated in the adhesive formulations. Then, Enhanced polyurethane (E-PU) adhesives were synthesized by partially replacing PEG-200 with different weight ratios of HOMSL (20–40 wt%). Structural analysis by FTIR and GPC confirmed successful modification, with HOMSL exhibiting increased molecular weight (Mw = 3708 Da) and polydispersity (PDI = 3.4). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that E-PU adhesives with 30–40 wt% HOMSL exhibited a two-stage degradation process with improved thermal stability due to the aromatic lignin backbone. Mechanical testing revealed a peak tensile strength increase from 2.4 MPa (E-PU1) to 4.8 MPa (E-PU4), while elongation decreased with increased HOMSL, indicating higher crosslink density. The lap shear strength on aluminum substrates improved significantly, from 0.006 MPa (Al/E-PU1) to 0.0496 MPa (Al/E-PU2) when 20 wt% HOMSL was used. However, higher HOMSL content led to interfacial detachment due to limited isocyanate availability. These results demonstrate that HOMSL can effectively enhance the thermal, mechanical, and adhesive performance of PU systems, offering a scalable and eco-friendly strategy for biomass-based adhesive production.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4237 - 4246"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Facile, Fast, and Green Synthesis of CoFe₂O₄@CMC/Cysteine as a Novel Magnetic Nanobiocomposite Adsorbent for Tetracycline Removal from Aqueous Media","authors":"Alireza Nasiri,&nbsp;Majid Amiri Gharaghani,&nbsp;Ghazal Yazdanpanah,&nbsp;Hakimeh Mahdizadeh,&nbsp;Najmeh Amirmahani","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03629-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03629-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A highly efficient, magnetically separable nano-adsorbent, CoFe₂O₄@Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/Cysteine (Cys), was developed using a rapid microwave-assisted coprecipitation method. CMC acted as a cross-linking agent and was modified with functional groups from cysteine to enhance adsorption performance for pharmaceutical removal. The magnetic nano-adsorbent was characterized using various techniques, including Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Line Scan, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy—Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), Mapping, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Powder EDS and XRD confirmed the spinel ferrite phase and its structure, while FESEM and TEM showed spherical particles with minimal agglomeration. VSM analysis indicated the ferromagnetic properties of CoFe₂O₄@CMC/Cys with an Ms value of 41.36 emu.g⁻¹, allowing easy and rapid separation for regeneration. Regarding the effectiveness of CoFe₂O₄@CMC/Cys for Tetracycline (TC) adsorption, the highest efficiency was recorded at an initial TC concentration of 40 mg/L, with a contact time of 20 min, a pH of 5, a nanocomposite dosage of 0.07 g, and at 23 °C. Data obtained from the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm (R² = 0.99) demonstrated that TC removal using the produced magnetic nanocomposite followed the Langmuir adsorption pattern. Moreover, kinetic analysis identified a <i>pseudo</i>-second-order model for TC elimination (R² = 0.99). The entropy change (ΔS = − 106.5 J.mol⁻¹ K⁻¹), negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), and enthalpy change (ΔH = − 36.52 kJ.mol⁻¹) all indicated that the adsorption process was exothermic. The CoFe₂O₄@CMC/Cys nanoadsorbent demonstrated high efficiency in TC removal, with only a slight decline in performance after five cycles. Its rapid recoverability and sustained performance make it an effective and sustainable solution for water and wastewater treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4212 - 4236"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation and Characterization of Single-Step Sodium Nitrate-Calcium Chloride Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol-Alginate Sheets for Quorum Quenching Application in Membrane Bioreactors","authors":"Ermias Mideksa,&nbsp;Johanne Teychene,&nbsp;Sarah Soueid,&nbsp;Raphael Laloo,&nbsp;Isabelle Fourquaux,&nbsp;Mickaël Castelain,&nbsp;Valérie Sartor,&nbsp;Audrey Tourrette,&nbsp;Christelle Guigui","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03645-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03645-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Quorum Quenching (QQ) is a proven anti-biofouling strategy in Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs). This study presents a novel approach for preparing and characterizing Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Alginate (ALG) sheets for biofouling mitigation in MBRs. A significant challenge is posed in achieving QQ sheet preparation without using boric acid (H₃BO₃), a toxic crosslinker, and in a single-step crosslinking process. In this context, novel PVA-ALG sheets were prepared using sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in a single crosslinking step. Another new type of porous sheets was also prepared using a primary crosslinking solution composed of H₃BO₃, NaNO₃, and CaCl₂. The structural, mechanical, and textural properties of newly prepared sheets were compared to those of sheets crosslinked using the conventional primary crosslinking solution containing H₃BO₃ and CaCl₂. Additionally, degradation of the QS signal molecule C8-HSL was investigated using all types of sheets entrapped with the QQ bacteria <i>Rhodococcus</i> sp. BH4. Differences in the composition of the crosslinking solutions among the various sheet types led to variations in their structural properties, characterized by increased crosslinking density and macro-void formation. Mesopores dominate in all PVA-ALG sheets, while their specific surface areas range from 45 m²/g to 77 m²/g, and tensile strength between 0.1 MPa and 0.3 MPa. New sheets crosslinked with NaNO₃ and CaCl₂ display the highest tensile strength and specific surface area. Furthermore, QQ sheets crosslinked with NaNO₃ and CaCl₂ demonstrated a superior C8-HSL degradation capacity compared to those prepared using the conventional crosslinking method involving boric acid.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4193 - 4211"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cell Membrane-Inspired Dual Network Organohydrogel-Based Flexible Wearable Strain Sensors for Human Motion Monitoring and Encrypted Communication","authors":"Yuanhang Li,&nbsp;Peng Liu,&nbsp;Xinyi Ma,&nbsp;Lili Gao,&nbsp;Yaxin Gu,&nbsp;Xintong Shan,&nbsp;Yunxue Liu,&nbsp;Xiangyu Li","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03637-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03637-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In recent years, hydrogel-based strain sensors have shown significant promise for applications in electronic skin, wearable devices, and human–computer interaction. However, numerous challenges in achieving a balance between electrical conductivity and mechanical stability continue to hinder their practical implementation. In this study, we developed a novel PPSL dual-network hydrogel-based flexible wearable strain sensor, inspired by cell membranes, by integrating sodium caseinate (SC) and lithium chloride (LiCl) into a polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The PAM/PVA/SC/LiCl (PPSL) conductive hydrogels exhibited exceptional mechanical properties (1300% strain, 426 kPa stress), self-recovery, and electrical conductivity (0.37 S/m). As a flexible strain sensor, PPSL demonstrated high sensitivity (GF = 5.4), rapid response (227 ms), and durability. Successful applications in human motion monitoring and encrypted Morse code transmission underscore its versatility in wearable electronics and secure communication. This work provides a biomimetic design strategy to expand hydrogel applications in advanced sensing technologies.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4180 - 4192"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physicochemical Properties and Angiogenic Potential of Whey Protein Isolate Hydrogels Modified with Heparin or Tinzaparin","authors":"Zuzanna Pawlak-Likus,&nbsp;Daniel K. Baines,&nbsp;Nikoleta N. Tavernaraki,&nbsp;Varvara Platania,&nbsp;Alan M. Smith,&nbsp;Maria Chatzinikolaidou,&nbsp;Patrycja Domalik-Pyzik,&nbsp;Timothy E. L. Douglas","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03626-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03626-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A key challenge in tissue engineering is developing functional tissues that can effectively mimic the structure and function of natural tissues. This involves creating scaffolds that support cell proliferation, and differentiation. This research aimed to develop hydrogels as scaffolds that could be utilised in tissue engineering, particularly in applications that require angiogenesis. Whey protein isolate (WPI) has been employed as the main hydrogel component, as WPI hydrogels have been investigated for possible applications in bone tissue engineering. Heparin (HP) and tinzaparin (TP) were selected as additives, as they enhance cellular growth and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Nine different compositions were created, each with varying percentages of the additives, a control sample containing pure WPI, and samples with HP or TP at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% concentrations. The mechanical tests showed compressive moduli in the range of 430–620 kPa for the modified hydrogels and indicated that a 5% content of HP or TP is optimal in terms of mechanical characteristics. The highest swelling ratios of approximately 13% and 16%, respectively were noted in both modified groups (TP and HP) at the 7.5% concentration. HP 2.5% demonstrated the highest cytocompatibility among all HP concentrations, including the WPI control, while TP 10% exhibited greater cytocompatibility than other TP concentrations, also surpassing the WPI control. All hydrogels with additives enhanced cell attachment compared to the WPI control, indicating better cytocompatibility. The morphology visualization of DPSCs indicated no significant differences between the four HP or TP concentrations. TP 10% showed the most promising results in angiogenic differentiation potential tests in vitro, suggesting this composition should be studied further.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4130 - 4146"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03626-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High Performance Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and Graphene Oxide (GO)","authors":"Giovanna da Cruz Silva,&nbsp;Patrícia M. S. Souza,&nbsp;Lucas H. Staffa,&nbsp;Janaina S. Crespo,&nbsp;Guilhermino J. M. Fechine","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03642-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03642-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites were produced using the melt compounding technique with the aid of a twin-screw extruder. The main goal of this study was to assess the influence of GO addition on the thermal and mechanical properties of biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites based on PHBV. Nanocomposites were produced with three GO contents (0.1 wt%, 0.3 wt%, and 0.5 wt%). All nanocomposites showed similarities to the neat polymer in their chemical structure and thermal stability. However, a more significant interaction between the filler and matrix was observed through Raman spectroscopy for the nanocomposite with the lower concentration. All nanocomposites showed similar crystallinities but with increased crystallization temperatures and a reduction in the time required for crystallization when compared to neat PHBV, indicating the nucleating effect of GO. The most considerable mechanical improvement was found for the nanocomposites with lower GO content (0.1 wt%). The impact strength for this nanocomposite increased by 25%. Also, it was possible to improve 18%, 72%, and 123% in tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness, respectively. This behavior was associated, through field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), with a rougher appearance on the fracture surface compared to the other compositions. The presence of GO leads to a reduction in Mv because of the intensified degradation process during extrusion; however, this decrease in molecular weight was not enough to adversely affect the biodegradability of PHBV. These are significant results when considering that the technique used to obtain the nanocomposites was mixing in the molten state, one of the most essential techniques for the possibility of an industrial application.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4107 - 4129"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tailoring the Mechanical and Functional Properties of Lupin Protein Films by pH Manipulation, Acetic Acid, and Ultrasonic Treatment","authors":"Maximilian Maidl,&nbsp;Daniel Van Opdenbosch,&nbsp;Cordt Zollfrank","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03638-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03638-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The ability of proteins to self-assemble into ordered structures is a key feature in nature to produce highly functional biomacromolecules. This spontaneous organization of polypeptides can be utilized in technology to develop environment-friendly, protein-based bioplastic films with enhanced properties from various proteins. This study focuses on tailoring the mechanical and functional properties of solvent-cast films by pH value manipulation (10, 7, 2), acetic acid treatment, and ultrasonication of heated (85 °C, 30 min) solutions of lupin protein isolate (LPI). A combination of acetic acid and ultrasonic treatment yielded LPI films that exhibited increased tensile strengths of 6.8 ± 0.4 MPa, Young’s moduli of 270 ± 18 MPa, and works of fracture of 4.4 ± 0.5 MPa, together with high optical transmissions and water stability compared to the other investigated films. Structural investigations indicated the formation of self-assembled protein nanostructures with an increased fraction of β-sheets. Small-angle X-ray scattering investigations were performed to gain insights into the nanostructural evolution of protein aggregates from LPI during the evaporation of water.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"33 9","pages":"4091 - 4106"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03638-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145007929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}