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Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 29178

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Denis Mihaela Panaitescu

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Guest Editor

National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, Polymer Department, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: biodegradable polymers; polymer nanocomposites with cellulose nanocrystals; cellulose nanofibers or bacterial nanocellulose; polymer composites with lignocellulosic fibers; thermal, mechanical and morphological characterization of polymer composites and nanocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Adriana Nicoleta Frone

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Co-Guest Editor

National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry, Polymer Department, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: isolation of nanocellulose from various sources; characterization of nanocellulose; cellulose nanomaterials; biodegradable polymers; polymer composites and nanocomposites; materials processing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bio-based materials may be a valuable solution to the current environmental issues and climate change effects. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, and it can be extracted from a multitude of sources. The application of nanotechnology to cellulose-based materials can tremendously improve their properties and extend their applications. In the form of micro(nano)fibrillated cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals, nanocellulose may be used in the packaging and coatings, electronics, construction, and automotive industries, as well as in biomedicine. In polymer composites, nanocellulose improves mechanical strength and stiffness, barrier properties, durability, and eco-friendliness, also preserving a low density. In hybrid composites, nanocellulose may improve electrical or magnetic properties. Despite the thousands of studies and unquestionable progress, the full valorization of cellulose nanomaterials is far from being reached. A more detailed understanding of the properties and behavior of cellulose-based nanomaterials is needed for a significant leap from lab to industry.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this fascinating field of cellulose nanomaterials.

Dr. Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
Dr. Adriana Nicoleta Frone
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Nanocellulose
Cellulose nanocomposites
Bacterial cellulose
Biomaterials
Surface functionalization
Nanostructure
Cellulose scaffolds
Applications

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Biocomposites with Differently Treated Cellulose Fibers

by Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Marius Ghiurea, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Stefania Badila and Denis Mihaela Panaitescu

Molecules 2022, 27(8), 2390; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27082390 - 07 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

The growing concern about environmental pollution has generated an increased demand for biobased and biodegradable materials intended particularly for the packaging sector. Thus, this study focuses on the effect of two different cellulosic reinforcements and plasticized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) on the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The cellulose fibers containing lignin (CFw) were isolated from wood waste by mechanical treatment, while the ones without lignin (CF) were obtained from pure cellulose by acid hydrolysis. The biocomposites were prepared by means of a melt compounding-masterbatch technique for the better dispersion of additives. The effect of the presence or absence of lignin and of the size of the cellulosic fibers on the properties of PLA and PLA/PHB was emphasized by using in situ X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and mechanical and thermal analyses. An improvement of the mechanical properties of PLA and PLA/PHB was achieved in the presence of CF fibers due to their smaller size, while CFw fibers promoted an increased thermal stability of PLA/PHB, owing to the presence of lignin. The overall thermal and mechanical results show the great potential of using cheap cellulose fibers from wood waste to obtain PLA/PHB-based materials for packaging applications as an alternative to using fossil based materials. In addition, in situ X-ray diffraction analysis over a large temperature range has proven to be a useful technique to better understand changes in the crystal structure of complex biomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications)

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21 pages, 4694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Antibacterial and Anticancer Properties of bioAgNPs Synthesized Using Streptomyces sp. PBD-311B and the Application of bioAgNP-CNC/Alg as an Antibacterial Hydrogel Film against P. aeruginosa USM-AR2 and MRSA

by Hemalatha Murugaiah, Chow Lun Teh, Kai Chew Loh, Ahmad Ramli Mohamad Yahya, Nur Asshifa Md Noh, Noor Hana Hanif Abu Bakar, Daruliza Kernain, Rokiah Hashim and Yazmin Bustami

Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6414; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26216414 - 24 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2383

Abstract

Here, we report the extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and determination of their antibacterial and anticancer properties. We also explore the efficacy of bioAgNPs incorporated in cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and alginate (Alg) for the formation of an antibacterial hydrogel film. Streptomyces sp. PBD-311B was used for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized bioAgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. Then, the bioAgNPs’ antibacterial and anticancer properties were determined using TEMA and cytotoxicity analysis. To form the antibacterial hydrogel film, bioAgNPs were mixed with a CNC and Alg solution and further characterized using FTIR analysis and a disc diffusion test. The average size of the synthesized bioAgNPs is around 69 ± 2 nm with a spherical shape. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of silver nanocrystals. FTIR analysis showed the presence of protein capping at the bioAgNP surface and could be attributed to the extracellular protein binding to bioAgNPs. The MIC value of bioAgNPs against P. aeruginosa USM-AR2 and MRSA was 6.25 mg/mL and 3.13 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the bioAgNPs displayed cytotoxicity effects against cancer cells (DBTRG-0.5MG and MCF-7) and showed minimal effects against normal cells (SVG-p12 and MCF-10A), conferring selective toxicity. Interestingly, the bioAgNPs still exhibited inhibition activity when incorporated into CNC/Alg, which implies that the hydrogel film has antibacterial properties. It was also found that bioAgNP-CNC/Alg displayed a minimal or slow release of bioAgNPs owing to the intermolecular interaction and the hydrogel’s properties. Overall, bioAgNP-CNC/Alg is a promising antibacterial hydrogel film that showed inhibition against the pathogenic bacteria P. aeruginosa and MRSA and its application can be further evaluated for the inhibition of cancer cells. It showed benefits for surgical resection of a tumor to avoid post-operative wound infection and tumor recurrence at the surgical site. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications)

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15 pages, 4206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Based Electrothermal Aerogel Constructed with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene

by Bing Zhuo, Shuoang Cao, Xinpu Li, Jiahao Liang, Zhihong Bei, Yutong Yang and Quanping Yuan

Molecules 2020, 25(17), 3836; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25173836 - 24 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) as an environmentally friendly substrate material has superiority for flexible electrothermal composite, while there is currently no research on porous NFC based electrothermal aerogel. Therefore, this work used NFC as a skeleton, combined with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene (GP), to prepare NFC/MWCNTs/GP aerogel (CCGA) via a simple and economic freeze-drying method. The electrothermal CCGA was finally assembled after connecting CCGA with electrodes. The results show that when the concentration of the NFC/MWCNTs/GP suspension was 5 mg mL⁻¹ and NFC amount was 80 wt.%, the maximum steady-state temperature rise of electrothermal CCGA at 3000 W m⁻² and 2000 W m⁻² was of about 62.0 °C and 40.4 °C, respectively. The resistance change rate of the CCGA was nearly 15% at the concentration of 7 mg mL⁻¹ under the power density of 2000 W m⁻². The formed three-dimensional porous structure is conducive to the heat exchange. Consequently, the electrothermal CCGA can be used as a potential lightweight substrate for efficient electrothermal devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications)

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13 pages, 8966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structure and Properties of Polylactic Acid Biocomposite Films Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofibrils

by Qianqian Wang, Chencheng Ji, Jianzhong Sun, Qianqian Zhu and Jun Liu

Molecules 2020, 25(14), 3306; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25143306 - 21 Jul 2020

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 3884

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most promising biodegradable and recyclable thermoplastic biopolymer derived from renewable feedstock. Nanocellulose reinforced PLA biocomposites have received increasing attention in academic and industrial communities. In the present study, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) was liberated by combined enzymatic pretreatment and high-pressure homogenization, and then subsequently incorporated into the PLA matrix to synthesize PLA/CNF biocomposite films via solution casting and melt compression. The prepared PLA/CNF biocomposite films were characterized in terms of transparency (UV-Vis spectroscopy), chemical structure (attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared, ATR-FTIR; X-ray powder diffraction, XRD), thermal (thermogravimetric analyzer, TGA; differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), and tensile properties. With 1.0–5.0 wt % additions of CNF to the PLA matrix, noticeable improvements in thermal and physical properties were observed for the resulting PLA/CNF biocomposites. The 2.5 wt % addition of CNF increased the tensile strength by 8.8%. The T_onset (initial degradation temperature) and T_max (maximum degradation temperature) after adding 5.0 wt % CNF was increased by 20 °C, and 10 °C, respectively in the nitrogen atmosphere. These improvements were attributed to the good dispersibility and improved interfacial interaction of CNF in the PLA matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications)

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Review

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27 pages, 9653 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanocellulose: A Fundamental Material for Science and Technology Applications

by Aiswarya Poulose, Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai, Jinu Jacob George, Jineesh Ayippadath Gopi, Senthilkumar Krishnasamy, Midhun Dominic C. D., Nishar Hameed, Nisa V. Salim, Sabarish Radoor and Natalia Sienkiewicz

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 8032; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27228032 - 19 Nov 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5463

Abstract

Recently, considerable interest has been focused on developing greener and biodegradable materials due to growing environmental concerns. Owing to their low cost, biodegradability, and good mechanical properties, plant fibers have substituted synthetic fibers in the preparation of composites. However, the poor interfacial adhesion due to the hydrophilic nature and high-water absorption limits the use of plant fibers as a reinforcing agent in polymer matrices. The hydrophilic nature of the plant fibers can be overcome by chemical treatments. Cellulose the most abundant natural polymer obtained from sources such as plants, wood, and bacteria has gained wider attention these days. Different methods, such as mechanical, chemical, and chemical treatments in combination with mechanical treatments, have been adopted by researchers for the extraction of cellulose from plants, bacteria, algae, etc. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) have been extracted and used for different applications such as food packaging, water purification, drug delivery, and in composites. In this review, updated information on the methods of isolation of nanocellulose, classification, characterization, and application of nanocellulose has been highlighted. The characteristics and the current status of cellulose-based fiber-reinforced polymer composites in the industry have also been discussed in detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications)

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16 pages, 1769 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bacterial Nanocellulose in Dentistry: Perspectives and Challenges

by Hélida Gomes de Oliveira Barud, Robson Rosa da Silva, Marco Antonio Costa Borges, Guillermo Raul Castro, Sidney José Lima Ribeiro and Hernane da Silva Barud

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 49; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26010049 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6236

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer that has fascinating attributes, such as biocompatibility, low cost, and ease of processing, being considered a very interesting biomaterial due to its options for moldability and combination. Thus, BC-based compounds (for example, BC/collagen, BC/gelatin, BC/fibroin, BC/chitosan, etc.) have improved properties and/or functionality, allowing for various biomedical applications, such as artificial blood vessels and microvessels, artificial skin, and wounds dressing among others. Despite the wide applicability in biomedicine and tissue engineering, there is a lack of updated scientific reports on applications related to dentistry, since BC has great potential for this. It has been used mainly in the regeneration of periodontal tissue, surgical dressings, intraoral wounds, and also in the regeneration of pulp tissue. This review describes the properties and advantages of some BC studies focused on dental and oral applications, including the design of implants, scaffolds, and wound-dressing materials, as well as carriers for drug delivery in dentistry. Aligned to the current trends and biotechnology evolutions, BC-based nanocomposites offer a great field to be explored and other novel features can be expected in relation to oral and bone tissue repair in the near future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications)

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24 pages, 4353 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanocellulose Hybrids with Metal Oxides Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

by Madalina Oprea and Denis Mihaela Panaitescu

Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4045; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25184045 - 04 Sep 2020

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 5355

Abstract

Cellulose is one of the most affordable, sustainable and renewable resources, and has attracted much attention especially in the form of nanocellulose. Bacterial cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals or nanofibers may serve as a polymer support to enhance the effectiveness of metal nanoparticles. The resultant hybrids are valuable materials for biomedical applications due to the novel optical, electronic, magnetic and antibacterial properties. In the present review, the preparation methods, properties and application of nanocellulose hybrids with different metal oxides nanoparticles such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, copper oxide, magnesium oxide or magnetite are thoroughly discussed. Nanocellulose-metal oxides antibacterial formulations are preferred to antibiotics due to the lack of microbial resistance, which is the main cause for the antibiotics failure to cure infections. Metal oxide nanoparticles may be separately synthesized and added to nanocellulose (ex situ processes) or they can be synthesized using nanocellulose as a template (in situ processes). In the latter case, the precursor is trapped inside the nanocellulose network and then reduced to the metal oxide. The influence of the synthesis methods and conditions on the thermal and mechanical properties, along with the bactericidal and cytotoxicity responses of nanocellulose-metal oxides hybrids were mainly analyzed in this review. The current status of research in the field and future perspectives were also signaled. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials: Production and Applications)

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