Characterization of Porous Structures of Cellulose Nanofibrils Loaded with Salicylic Acid

Bleached and unbleached pulp fibers were treated with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpyperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) mediated oxidation to obtain cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The resulting bleached and unbleached CNFs were mixed with salicylic acid (0, 5, 10, 20 wt%) before casting and freeze-drying or 3D-printing. A series of methods were tested and implemented to characterize the CNF materials and the porous structures loaded with salicylic acid. The CNFs were characterized with atomic force microscopy and laser profilometry, and release of salicylic acid was quantified with UV-visible absorbance spectroscopy, conductivity measurements, and inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) complemented the analyses. Herein, we show that aerogels of bleached CNFs yield a greater release of salicylic acid, compared to CNF obtained from unbleached pulp. The results suggest that biodegradable constructs of CNFs can be loaded with a plant hormone that is released slowly over time, which may find uses in small scale agricultural applications and for the private home market.publishedVersio

Lignin: A Biopolymer from Forestry Biomass for Biocomposites and 3D Printing

Biopolymers from forestry biomass are promising for the sustainable development of new biobased materials. As such, lignin and fiber-based biocomposites are plausible renewable alternatives to petrochemical-based products. In this study, we have obtained lignin from Spruce biomass through a soda pulping process. The lignin was used for manufacturing biocomposite filaments containing 20% and 40% lignin and using polylactic acid (PLA) as matrix material. Dogbones for mechanical testing were 3D printed by fused deposition modelling. The lignin and the corresponding biocomposites were characterized in detail, including thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), antioxidant capacity, mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although lignin led to a reduction of the tensile strength and modulus, the reduction could be counteracted to some extent by adjusting the 3D printing temperature. The results showed that lignin acted as a nucleating agent and thus led to further crystallization of PLA. The radical scavenging activity of the biocomposites increased to roughly 50% antioxidant potential/cm2, for the biocomposite containing 40 wt % lignin. The results demonstrate the potential of lignin as a component in biocomposite materials, which we show are adequate for 3D printing operations

Nanocellulose-Based Inks—Effect of Alginate Content on the Water Absorption of 3D Printed Constructs

2,2,6,6-tetramethylpyperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were used as ink for three-dimensional (3D) printing of porous structures with potential as wound dressings. Alginate (10, 20, 30 and 40 wt%) was incorporated into the formulation to facilitate the ionic cross-linking with calcium chloride (CaCl2). The effect of two different concentrations of CaCl2 (50 and 100 mM) was studied. The 3D printed hydrogels were freeze-dried to produce aerogels which were tested for water absorption. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) pictures demonstrated that the higher the concentration of the cross-linker the higher the definition of the printed tracks. CNF-based aerogels showed a remarkable water absorption capability. Although the incorporation of alginate and the cross-linking with CaCl2 led to shrinkage of the 3D printed constructs, the approach yielded suitable porous structures for water and moisture absorption. It is concluded that the 3D printed biocomposite structures developed in this study have characteristics that are promising for wound dressings devices

Pengaruh Varietas dan Pupuk Petroganik Terhadap Pertumbuhan, Produksi dan Viabilitas Benih Jagung (Zea mays L.)

The Effect of Varieties and Petroganik Fertilizer to Growth, Production, and SeedViability of Corn (Zea mays L) ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of varieties and Petroganik fertilizer on the growth , production, and seed viability of corn as well as the interaction that occurbetween the two treatments . This study was conducted in the Experimental Laboratory of theFaculty of Agriculture and Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, Syiah Kuala University from March to August 2013. The design used both in the field and the laboratory wasRandomized Block Design (RBD ) factorial with 2 treatment. The first treatment was doses ofPetroganik fertilizer with 4 levels , namely 0 kg / ha ( P0 ) , 500 kg / ha ( P1 ) , 750 kg / ha ( P2 )and 1000 kg / ha ( P3 ) and the second was varieties with 3 different varieties namely Srikandi(V1) , Lamuru ( V2 ) and Bisma ( V3 ), and repeated three times. The parameters observed in the field include plant height ( cm ) , stem diameter ( mm ) , number of leaves ( strands ) , leaf length( cm ), width of leaf ( cm ) , number of cobs per plant , cob weight with cornhusk (g) , cob weight without cornhusk ( g ) , cob length without cornhusk ( cm ) , cob without cornhusk diameter ( mm ) , dried shelled weight ( g ) and the potential yield / ha ( kg ) . For observations in the laboratory include growth potential, germination, growth speed , growth simultaneity and dry weight of normal seedling ( g ). The results showed that the use of Petroganik fertilizers witha dose of 1000 kg / ha showed the best results in almost every parameter of observation , whereas for varieties , use of Srikandi varieties showed the best results in almost all parameters of the observations in terms of growth , yield and seed viability in laboratory level. Keyword : Varities, Petroganik Fertilizer, Corn PENGARUH VARIETAS DAN PUPUK PETROGANIK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN,PRODUKSI DAN VIABILITAS BENIH JAGUNG (Zea mays L.). ABSTRAK Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh varietas dan pemberian pupuk Petroganik terhadap pertumbuhan, produksi, dan viabilitas benih jagung serta interaksi yang terjadi diantara perlakuan pupuk Petroganik dan perlakuan varietas. Penelitian inidilaksanakan di Kebun Percobaan Fakultas Pertanian dan Laboratorium Ilmu dan TeknologiBenih Universitas Syiah Kuala. Penelitian dilaksanakan dari bulan Maret sampai dengan Agustus2013, Rancangan yang digunakan baik di lapangan maupun di laboratorium adalah RancanganAcak Kelompok (RAK) pola faktorial dengan 2 perlakuan yaitu dosis pupuk Petroganik dengan4 taraf, yaitu 0 kg/ha (P0), 500 kg/ha (P1), 750 kg/ha (P2) dan 1000 kg/ha (P)dan perlakuankedua yaitu varietas dengan 3 varietas yang berbeda yaitu Srikandi (V1),Lamuru (V2) dan Bisma(V3) dengan tiga ulangan. Parameter yang diamati di lapangan meliputi tinggi tanaman (cm),diameter pangkal batang (mm), jumlah daun (helai), panjang daun (cm) lebar daun (cm), jumlah tongkol per tanaman, bobot tongkol berkelobot (g), bobot tongkol tanpa kelobot (g), panjang tongkol tanpa kelobot (cm), diameter tongkol tanpa kelobot (mm), berat pipilan kering (g) danpotensi hasil/ha (kg). Untuk pengamatan di laboratorium antara lain potensi tumbuh, daya berkecambah, kecepatan tumbuh, keserempakan tumbuh dan berat kering kecambah normal (g). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan pupuk Petroganik dengan dosis 1000 kg/hamenunjukkan hasil terbaik hampir pada setiap parameter pengamatan, sedangkan untuk varietas, penggunaan varietas Srikandi menunjukkan hasil terbaik hampir di seluruh parameter pengamatan baik dari segi pertumbuhan, hasil dan tingkat viabilitas benih di laboratorium.Banda Ace

On the structure and oxygen transmission rate of biodegradable cellulose nanobarriers

Cellulose nanofibrils have been proposed for novel barrier concepts, based on their capability to form smooth, strong and transparent films, with high oxygen barrier properties. A series of cellulose-based films were manufactured and tested with respect to their oxygen transmission rate (OTR) capabilities. The obtained OTR levels were considerably better than the levels recommended for packaging applications. Part of the nanofibrillated material applied in this study was produced with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO) mediated oxidation as pretreatment. Films made of TEMPO-pretreated samples yielded lower OTR values. The minimum obtained OTR value was 3.0 mL m-2 day-1 atm-1 with a corresponding oxygen permeability of 0.04 mL mm m-2 day-1 atm-1, tested at 50% relative humidity. The good barrier properties are due to the compact and dense structure of the films, as revealed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. A relationship between OTR and the structure of the corresponding nanofibril-based films was confirmed

An investigation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth on novel nanocellulose fibre dressings

Nanocellulose from wood is a novel biomaterial, which is highly fibrillated at the nanoscale. This affords the material a number of advantages, including self-assembly, biodegradability and the ability to absorb and retain moisture, which highlights its potential usefulness in clinical wound-dressing applications. In these in vitro studies, the wound pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was used to assess the ability of two nanocellulose materials to impair bacterial growth (<48 h). The two nanocelluloses had a relatively small fraction of residual fibres (<4%) and thus a large fraction of nanofibrils (widths < 20 nm). Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging demonstrated impaired biofilm growth on the nanocellulose films and increased cell death when compared to a commercial control wound dressing, Aquacel®. Nanocellulose suspensions inhibited bacterial growth, whilst UV-vis spectrophotometry and laser profilometry also revealed the ability of nanocellulose to form smooth, translucent films. Atomic force microscopy studies of the surface properties of nanocellulose demonstrated that PAO1 exhibited markedly contrasting morphology when grown on the nanocellulose film surfaces compared to an Aquacel® control dressing (p < 0.05). This study highlights the potential utility of these biodegradable materials, from a renewable source, for wound dressing applications in the prevention and treatment of biofilm development

Biocomposites of bio-polyethylene reinforced with a hydrothermal-alkaline sugarcane bagasse pulp and coupled with a bio-based compatibilizer

Bio-polyethylene (BioPE, derived from sugarcane), sugarcane bagasse pulp, and two compatibilizers (fossil and bio-based), were used to manufacture biocomposite filaments for 3D printing. Biocomposite filaments were manufactured and characterized in detail, including measurement of water absorption, mechanical properties, thermal stability and decomposition temperature (thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA)). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to measure the glass transition temperature (Tg). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to assess the fracture area of the filaments after mechanical testing. Increases of up to 10% in water absorption were measured for the samples with 40 wt% fibers and the fossil compatibilizer. The mechanical properties were improved by increasing the fraction of bagasse fibers from 0% to 20% and 40%. The suitability of the biocomposite filaments was tested for 3D printing, and some shapes were printed as demonstrators. Importantly, in a cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis of the biocomposites, we demonstrated that replacing fossil compatibilizer with a bio-based compatibilizer contributes to a reduction in CO2-eq emissions, and an increase in CO2 capture, achieving a CO2-eq storage of 2.12 kg CO2 eq/kg for the biocomposite containing 40% bagasse fibers and 6% bio-based compatibilizer.Keywords: bio-based filament; 3D printing; sugarcane bagasse pulpFil: Ehman, Nanci Vanesa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Ita Nagy, Diana. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Perú; PerúFil: Felissia, Fernando Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Vallejos, María Evangelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Quispe, Isabel. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Perú; PerúFil: Area, Maria Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Chinga Carrasco, Gary. Rise. Paper And Fibre Research Institute As; Norueg

On the morphology of cellulose nanofibrils obtained byTEMPO-mediated oxidation and mechanical treatment

The morphological properties of cellulose nanofibrils obtained from eucalyptus pulp fibres wereassessed. Two samples were produced with the same chemical treatment (NaClO/NaBr/TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) oxidation), but distinct mechanical treatment intensities duringhomogenization. It was shown that the nanofibrils production yield increases with the mechanicalenergy. The effect of mechanical treatment on the yield was confirmed by laser profilometry of air-driednanocellulose films. However, no significant differences were detected regarding the nanofibrils widthas measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) of air-dried films. On the other hand, differences in sizewere found either by laser diffraction spectroscopy or by dynamic light scattering (DLS) of the cellulosenanofibrils suspensions as a consequence of the differences in the length distribution of both samples.The nanofibrils length of the more nanofibrillated sample was calculated based on the width measured byAFM and the hydrodynamic diameter obtained by DLS. A length value of ca. 600 nm was estimated. TheDLS hydrodynamic diameter, as an equivalent spherical diameter, was used to estimate the nanofibrilslength assuming a cylinder with the same volume and with the diameter (width) assessed by AFM. Asimple method is thus proposed to evaluate the cellulose nanofibrils length combining microscopy andlight scattering methods

Pulping and pretreatment affect the characteristics of bagasse inks for 3D printing

Bagasse is an underutilized agro-industrial residue with great potential as raw material for the production of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) for a range of applications. In this study, we have assessed the suitability of bagasse for production of CNF for three-dimensional (3D) printing. First, pulp fibers were obtained from the bagasse raw material using two fractionation methods, i.e. soda and hydrothermal treatment combined with soda. Second, the pulp fibers were pretreated by TEMPO-mediated oxidation using two levels of oxidation for comparison purposes. Finally, the CNF were characterized in detail and assessed as inks for 3D printing. The results show that CNF produced from fibers obtained by hydrothermal and soda pulping were less nanofibrillated than the corresponding material produced by soda pulping. However, the CNF sample obtained from soda pulp was cytotoxic, apparently due to a larger content of silica particles. All the CNF materials were 3D printable. We conclude that the noncytotoxic CNF produced from hydrothermally and soda treated pulp can potentially be used as inks for 3D printing of biomedical devices.Fil: Chinga Carrasco, Gary. RISE PFI; NoruegaFil: Ehman, Nanci Vanesa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Pettersson, Jennifer. RISE Bioscience and Materials; SueciaFil: Vallejos, María Evangelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Felissia, Fernando Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; ArgentinaFil: Hakansson, Joakim. RISE Bioscience and Materials; SueciaFil: Area, Maria Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales. Instituto de Materiales de Misiones; Argentin