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Interface design and reinforced features of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch/polyester-based membranes: Preparation, antioxidant activity, and cytocompatibility
Abstract
The structural, mechanical, antioxidant, and cytocompatibility properties of membranes prepared from the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch powder (ASP) blend (PHA/ASP) were studied. The acrylic acid-grafted PHA (PHA-g-AA) and the coupling agent treated ASP (TASP) were used to enhance the desired characteristics of these membranes. The PHA-g-AA/TASP membranes had better mechanical properties than the PHA/ASP membrane. This effect was attributed to greater compatibility between the grafted PHA and TASP. The water resistance of the PHA-g-AA/TASP membranes was greater than that of the PHA/ASP membranes, and a cytocompatibility evaluation with human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Moreover, both ASP and TASP enhanced the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of the membranes. PHA-g-AA/TASP and PHA/ASP membranes had better antioxidant activity than the control group.
... Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is commonly used among all other biopolymers because it has desired features such as bio-adaptability, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and excellent mechanical properties [140,141]. Hence, PHA was blended with arrowroot starch powder (ASP) [142]. In some cases, additional treatment was required to improve the desired properties of these membranes such as j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 3 : 1 1 9 1 e1 2 1 9 grafting PHA with Acrylic acid (A.A.), i.e., PHA-G-AA, and treated ASP. ...
... In some cases, additional treatment was required to improve the desired properties of these membranes such as j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 3 : 1 1 9 1 e1 2 1 9 grafting PHA with Acrylic acid (A.A.), i.e., PHA-G-AA, and treated ASP. After a review of several studies, it was proven that treated membranes had higher water resistivity and better mechanical properties [142]. ...
... Using chemical "coupling" or "compatabilising" agents during fabrication may improve the affinity and adhesion of natural fibres and thermoplastic matrices. Hence, various surface modifications are conducted on arrowroot fibres to improve their adhesion with different matrices [26,142,197]. ...
Raising environmental awareness had forced researchers to explore the potential and implementation of environmentally friendly materials as alternatives for conventional materials. Environmentally friendly materials are biodegradable, safer, non-toxic, lightweight, cheap, and readily available. Arrowroot starch has a high content of amylose (∼35.20%) which makes it suitable for better film production. Starch extracted from arrowroot rhizomes can be blended, plasticized with other polymers, or reinforced with fibres to improve their properties. The melt blended glycidyl methacrylate-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-GMA) and treated arrowroot fiber (TAF) treated with coupling agent developed PLA-g-GMA/TAF composite, which showed better properties than the PLA/AF composite. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive review paper was published on arrowroot fibres, starch biopolymer, and its biocomposites before. The present review focuses on recent works related to the properties of arrowroot fibres and starch, and their fabrication as biocomposites. The review also reveals the vast potential of arrowroot fibres and starch for food industries, medicines, textiles, biofuel, pulp, and paper-making industries, bioenergy, packaging, automotive, and many more.
... Arrowroot starch can scavenge free radicals and eliminate the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Arrowroot starch inhibits the free radical generated by oxidative stress and also cells damaged by ROS were protected [26]. The M. arundinacea rhizome ethanolic extract has excellent antioxidant against 1,1 0 -azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), In ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method and reducing power, the antioxidant activity rises with the concentration of the sample [27]. ...
... The chloroform extract of arrowroot starch powder also has good antioxidant activity against DPPH. About 23.6% of free radical scavenging activity was reported for 0.05 mg/ml of pure arrowroot starch powder [26]. ...
... Arrowroot starch has not been used as an encapsulating agent. However, it presents a great potential for application for being multifunctional, non-toxic, biodegradable, blood-compatible, and bioactive besides having a high digestibility (Hoover 2001, Winarti et al. 2015, Wu and Liao 2017. Because of its high digestibility, gelling, and thickener ability, arrowroot starch (Hoover 2001, Villas-Boas andFranco 2016) has been widely used in preparation of bakery products, as in confection of biscuits, cakes, creams, and sweets (Leonel et al. 2002). ...
... However, arrowroot starch cannot be easily thermal processed, which limits its application in industries. Thus, to increase the functionality of arrowroot starch, it is blended with other polymers to make biocomposites, creating a biomaterial with more functional applications (Wu and Liao 2017). The mixture of arrowroot starch with gum arabic has a great potential for use as encapsulating agent since gum arabic presents many desirable characteristics of a good wall material for drying encapsulating techniques, such as increasing glass transition temperature, imparting high solubility, low viscosity, and good emulsifying properties to feed dispersions (Ram ırez et al. 2015). ...
This research work aimed to obtain blackberry pulp powder by spray drying and, by an experimental design, evaluated the effect of inlet air temperature (100–150°C) and blackberry pulp solids:arrowroot starch/gum Arabic solids ratio of 1:0.5–1:2 on the physicochemical properties of the powders. Arrowroot starch and gum Arabic present Tg values above 100°C; hence it was possible to employ them as carriers in blackberry pulp spray drying in order to increase Tg of the system. Powder yield and solubility increased with increasing blackberry pulp solids:arrowroot starch/gum Arabic solids ratio of 1:0.5-1:2, whereas hygroscopicity decreased. Yield, solubility and hygroscopicity of the powders increased and water activity decreased, with increasing inlet air temperature. The powders presented low moisture content and water activity. Temperature of 143°C and blackberry pulp solids:arrowroot starch/gum Arabic solids ratio of 1:1.78 were the optimal conditions to obtain high yield and blackberry powders that are soluble in water and less hygroscopic.
... Destaca-se, ainda, que, o extrato aquoso preservou o potencial microbicida da Araruta visto que, na literatura, predominam os extratos feitos à base álcoois, principalmente o metanol (JAYAKUMAR;SUGANTHI, 2017;LIAO, 2017;SAMAL et al., 2018;SYAHPUTRA et al., 2020). Entretanto, o uso do extrato a base de metanol, além de tornar a água desinfetada imprópria para o consumo humano, é de difícil acesso, preparo e manuseio pela população geral quando comparada com um extrato a base de água, facilmente preparado.O potencial bactericida do extrato da folha e do rizoma da Araruta foi testado.Observou-se redução na contagem das UFC/mL em todas as diluições testadas, quando comparadas ao controle negativo (apenas água). ...
The greatest increase in the worldwide human population will rise concerns about the sustainability of cities and soils, climatic changes and food access or security. Furthermore, in the present day, many urban areas around the world are grappling with challenges related to their food supply infrastructure. Urban agriculture can play a crucial role for impoverished households by enhancing food security and generating income. Nevertheless, traditional agriculture contributes to soil erosion and soil and groundwater pollution. Additionally, climate change disrupts animal life cycles and leads to species extinction, significantly reducing the availability of food for humans and other organisms. For this reason, aquaponics holds promise as a method for integrating urban agriculture for plant cultivation and safe fish production. This project aims to develop and install an optimized aquaponics system at the School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto (ISEP). This vertical garden was created using two tanks with circa 2,000 liters of water for fish and spans three floors, featuring three flower boxes and over 120 positions for growing vegetables. Furthermore, in conjunction with this project, pedagogical activities were developed, involving students from various ISEP courses, including Bioresources, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Informatics Engineering. This project highlights a successful implementation of a soil-less vertical garden in urban buildings, embraced by ISEP, enabling the complete integration of nature into urban environments and promoting greener and more sustainable cities.
... Applications in the fields of drugs, food, cosmetics, and biomedical engineering packaging material. [134] PHA and poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (PBAT) based cellulose nanocrystals ...
The current processes for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are costly, owing to the high cost of cultivation feedstocks, and the need to sterilise the growth medium, which is energy-intensive. PHA has been identified as a promising biomaterial with a wide range of potential applications and its functionalization from waste streams has made significant advances recently, which can help foster the growth of a circular economy and waste reduction. Recent developments and novel approaches in the functionalization of PHAs derived from various waste streams offer opportunities for addressing these issues. This study focuses on the development of sustainable, efficient, and cutting-edge methods, such as advanced bioprocess engineering, novel catalysts, and advances in materials science. Chemical techniques, such as epoxidation, oxidation, and esterification, have been employed for PHA functionalization, while enzymatic and microbial methods have indicated promise. PHB/polylactic acid blends with cellulose fibers showed improved tensile strength by 24.45-32.08 % and decreased water vapor and oxygen transmission rates while PHB/Polycaprolactone blends with a 1:1 ratio demonstrated an elongation at break four to six times higher than pure PHB, without altering tensile strength or elastic modulus. Moreover, PHB films blended with both polyethylene glycol and esterified sodium alginate showed improvements in crystallinity and decreased hydrophobicity.
... A previous study reported that the free radical inhibition of arrowroot flour was 1.62%, fried arrowroot tuber was 0.65%, and arrowroot tuber steam was 1.44% (Yuniastuti et al. 2017). Wu and Liao (2017) also found that arrowroot flour-based biomembrane had an antioxidant activity of about 15-23.6%. ...
Yuningtyas S, Roswiem AP, Azahra D, Alfarabi M. 2023. Antioxidant activity and characterization of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) tuber yogurt. Biodiversitas 24: 2850-2854. The main benefit of yogurt is its ability to improve the digestive health tract by enhancing the condition of the intestinal flora and its environment. Nowadays, adding natural ingredients to yogurt is a widely practiced trend towards further increasing its efficacy as a healthy drink. Arrowroot tuber (Maranta arundinacea L.) is a food source with many health benefits and is not yet widely used in Indonesia. Fermentation can increase the health value of a food product compared to existing products. Therefore, the novelty and objective of this study are to produce and characterize arrowroot tuber yogurt using two species of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. These LAB species are used for yogurt starter and arrowroot tuber as a substrate in the fermentation process. The fermentation process was carried out using a combination of L. plantarum and L. casei (1:1 % (v / v)), L. plantarum 2% (v / v), and L. casei 2% (v / v). The characterization involved determining the pH value, total lactic acid level, total lactic acid bacteria level, and the antioxidant activity of the yogurt, which was assessed using the free radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrilhydrazyl (DPPH). The result showed that all arrowroot tuber yogurts have antioxidant activity, with the ability to inhibit DPPH by 59.30-86.62%. The arrowroot tuber yogurt had a pH level of 4.29-4.81, total lactic acid of 0.87-0.95%, and total lactic acid bacteria of 7.5×107-7.6×109 CFU/mL, all of which complied with the characteristics of the probiotic drink standard set by the Indonesian National Standard 2981:2009. These findings suggest that arrowroot tuber yogurt has the potential to be developed into a healthy drink.
... Arrowroot starch shows antioxidant properties [21] most likely by trapping peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals [172]. This leads to the mitigation of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and cancer control [173]. Its short fibers are easy to digest, making it useful for baby diets and children with autism or down syndrome [174]. ...
Hydrocolloids are naturally occurring polysaccharides or proteins, which are used to gelatinize, modify texture, and thicken food products, and are also utilized in edible films and drug capsule production. Moreover, several hydrocolloids are known to have a positive impact on human health, including prebiotics rich in bioactive compounds. In this paper, plant-derived hydrocolloids from arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), kuzu (Pueraria montana var lobata), Sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum) leaves, sugarcane, acorn, and animal-derived gelatin have been reviewed. Hydrocolloid processing, utilization, physicochemical activities, composition, and health benefits have been described. The food industry generates waste such as plant parts, fibers, residue, scales, bones, fins, feathers, or skin, which are often discarded back into the environment, polluting it or into landfills, where they provide no use and generate transport and storage costs. Food industry waste frequently contains useful compounds, which can yield additional income if acquired, thus decreasing the environmental pollution. Despite conventional manufacturing, the aforementioned hydrocolloids can be recycled as byproducts, which not only minimizes waste, lowers transportation and storage expenses, and boosts revenue, but also enables the production of novel, functional, and healthy food additives for the food industry worldwide.
... Also, it can be commercialized in a dry state without requiring preservatives [145]. For example, the structural, mechanical, antioxidant, and cytocompatibility properties of membranes prepared from the polyhydroxyalkanoate and arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch powder blend demonstrate the enhanced functionality of arrowroot starch/polyester-based membranes for applications in the fields of drugs, food, cosmetics, and biomedical engineering packaging material [142,146]. ...
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable polymer obtained from microorganisms and plants, have been widely used in biomedical applications and devices, such as sutures, cardiac valves, bone scaffold, and drug delivery of compounds with pharmaceutical interests, as well as in food packaging. This review focuses on the use of polyhydroxyalkanoates beyond the most common uses, aiming to inform about the potential uses of the biopolymer as a biosensor, cosmetics, drug delivery, flame retardancy, and electrospinning, among other interesting uses. The novel applications are based on the production and composition of the polymer, which can be modified by genetic engineering, a semi-synthetic approach, by changing feeding carbon sources and/or supplement addition, among others. The future of PHA is promising, and despite its production costs being higher than petroleum-based plastics, tools given by synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and machine learning, among others, have allowed for great production yields, monomer and polymer functionalization, stability, and versatility, a key feature to increase the uses of this interesting family of polymers.
... The crystal properties of pristine PHA, PHA/HAp (6 wt%), and MPHA/THAp (6 wt%) nanofiber composites were examined using XRD (Fig. 3) (Fig. 3(a)) [53]. Seven additional peaks were observed at 25.8°, 32.2°, 34.1°, 39.8°, 46.7°, 50.4° and 53.3° in the PHA/HAp nanofibers ( Fig. 3(b)), in agreement with previous research [54]. ...
Novel polymer composites were fabricated from bio-based polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), fishbone-derived hydroxyapatite (HAp), and eggshell-derived Ca(OH)2 (TDES) by electrospinning technology. Hydroxyapatite and Ca(OH)2 were processed from fishbone and duck eggshell food residues. The HAp and TDES powders (5–30 nm) were combined with PHA or MPHA in an electrospinning machine using a biaxial feed method and manufactured into 50–150-nm-diameters nanofibers. To improve the dispersibility and interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix, HAp, and TDES powders, PHA was grafted with maleic anhydride to form modified PHA (MPHA). Analysis of the resulting tensile properties and morphological characteristics demonstrated enhanced adhesion of HAp, TDES, and MPHA in MPHA/THAp (the MPHA, HAp, and TDES hybrid composite) nanofibers. The MPHA/THAp nanofibers showed better tensile strength and hydrophilicity, and a lower decomposition rate, compared with the PHA/HAp composite. Evaluating cell growth and cell-cycles of NIH/3T3 embryonic fibroblasts established that the PHA/HAp and MPHA/THAp nanofibers displayed good cytocompatibility, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation. These composite nanofibers showed antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus due to the eggshell-derived Ca(OH)2 component. Based on the extensive data analysis, PHA/HAp and MPHA/THAp nanofibers have potential application to bone tissue engineering.
Graphic Abstract
... Compared with the PBAT/SAP nanofiber, the MPBAT/TSAP nanofiber had extra peaks at 18.2° (peak 5), 29.5° (peak 6), and 34.6° (peak 7) (Fig. 2c). The peak that appeared at 18.2° (peak 5) was attributed to ester bond formation [46]. Three additional peaks were present at 29.5° and 34.6° in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of seashell (OS) calcined at 1000 °C (Fig. 2c), similar to the results of an earlier study [47]. ...
Heat regulation and water resistance patterns are of great interest to the membrane industry. Herein, blends of environmentally friendly composites of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) modified with acrylic acid (MPBAT) and a mixed complex of silica aerogel powder (SAP) and seashell (oyster shell) [hereafter referred to as TSAP] nanocomposites were fabricated using an electrospinning process to create 100–500-nm antimicrobial fibers. The structure and functionality of the nanofiber mats were characterized. The PBAT mats showed high water absorption (lower water contact angle), poor thermal conductivity, and no antimicrobial activity. Compared with PBAT and PBAT/SAP mats, MPBAT/TSAP mats showed lower water absorption (higher water contact angle), better thermal conductivity, and good antimicrobial activity. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate fabrics coated with PBAT/SAP and MPBAT/TSAP mats were prepared; the fabrics exhibited good heat regulation. MPBAT/TSAP nanofiber mats showed good tensile strength and heat insulation capability, as well as water resistance and antimicrobial properties. The developed MPBAT/TSAP nanofibers can be mass-produced and are suitable for membrane products requiring variable degrees of heat regulation and antimicrobial protection.
... Natural fillers have recently gained popularity as a means of reinforcing biopolymer materials, according to growing literature. For instance, thermoplastic arrowroot starch reinforced arrowroot fiber (TPAS/AF) biocomposite films [11], Polyhydroxyalkanoate /arrowroot starch powder (PHA/ASP) [12], Arrowroot starch/blackberry pulp [13] etc. Table 1 illustrates the descriptions of arrowroot based composite films with different fillers. • This might be attributed to the fact that every PVA monomer has the -OH group resulting to form hydrogen bonds; therefore, it is possible to increase the tensile strength. ...
The widespread acceptance of natural fibers and biopolymers as green materials is being driven by the rapid exhaustion of petroleum resources, as well as growing awareness of global environmental problems associated with the usage of conventional plastics. The concerns over current environmental issues have forced scientists and engineers to find solutions to ensure a sustainable green environment. However, the film's applicability will be limited due to starch's poor properties, such as considerable brittleness. Fillers and plasticizers can be used to solve this problem. Natural fibers and biopolymers have stimulated the interest of scientists and industry because of their environmentally favourable and long-lasting properties. Arrowroot fibers are mainly composed of cellulose (45.97%) which leads to their outstanding mechanical properties. To improve their qualities, arrowroot tuber starch can be plasticized, blended with other polymers, or reinforced with fibers. The present review focuses on recent works related to the mechanical properties of arrowroot fibres, starch and fabrication as biocomposites.
... The arrowroot starch and membranes made of Glycerol/Arrowroot starch are also characterized by (Sandoval Gordillo et al. 2014). The structural, mechanical, antioxidant, and cytocompatibility properties of membranes prepared from a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and arrowroot starch powder (ASP) were investigated by (Wu and Liao 2017). In another study, (Wu 2018) evaluated the structural, thermal, and biodegradable properties of composites made from poly (Lactic acid) (PLA) and arrowroot fiber. ...
This study set out with the aim of assessing the morphology and properties of lignocellulosic fiber extracted from the tubers mainly found in tropical forests called arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea). Arrowroot bagasse (ABF) and husk fibers (AHF) were extracted and the physical, chemical, thermal, morphological properties, as well as crystallinity, were characterized. The chemical composition analysis revealed that ABF has higher cellulose (45.97%) than AHF (37.35%), cassava bagasse (10.04%), and corn hull (15.30%). In addition, ABF are significantly low in lignin (2.78%) and density (1.11 g/cm³) than AHF, corn hull, and cassava. In this research, the physical, chemical, thermal, structural, and morphological properties of arrowroot bagasse and husk fibers were investigated by particle size analysis, chemical composition analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. With respect to the above characterization of fibers, it was found that the lignocellulosic biomasses from arrowroot are alternative promising sustainable material, which can be used in food packaging as a renewable filler.
... The arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Marantaceae family. It is grown in the West Indies,Australia,Southeast Asia,and East and South Africa (Charles et al., 2016) as well as in Latin America, including Central Brazil (Nogueira, Fakhouri, & de Oliveira, 2018;Wu & Liao, 2017). It is commonly used as an ingredient in the production of bread and biscuits. ...
The present study aims to produce arrowroot flour fermented by kefir grains, in addition to assessing the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological characteristics. Fermented arrowroot flour was produced at room temperature (approximately 25 to 28 °C). Fermentation was conducted in batch (6 kg of the substrate and 10% of kefir grains were added with homogenization every 3 hr). Samples were evaluated every 12 hr for both fermentation processes (fermentation process 1: 24 hr and fermentation process 2: 48 hr). The flours were evaluated for physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological qualities, using a completely randomized design, considering only the variation in the duration of both fermentation processes (from 24 to 48 hr). The fermentation process positively modified the physicochemical, nutritional, and microbial characteristics of the flours. An increase in antioxidant activity (IC50: control flour [CF] = 18.9 ± 0.13; arrowroot kefir flour [24 hr of fermentation; AKF1] = 15.36 ± 0.14; and arrowroot kefir flour [48 hr of fermentation; AKF2] = 13.84 ± 0.15), protein percentage (CF = 3.08 ± 0.12; AKF1 = 4.87 ± 0.33; and AKF2 = 6.00 ± 0.07), and organic acid (lactic, acetic, and propionic acids) production was observed, as well as modification in color (browning), the conformation of starch structures, and carbohydrate reduction. These results suggested that the “arrowroot kefir flours” open a new perspective for introduction in the market as a new product that can be used as food in nature or food ingredient for making bread, biscuits, pasta, and others, showing microbiological safety and functions properties.
Practical Application
The fermented flours present improved nutritional characteristics due to the fermentation process, such as higher antioxidant activity and protein levels. Regarding the population growth and societal demand for healthier food, one possibility is to provide a fermented flour with added nutritional value and raise knowledge about the arrowroot. Thus, these flours can be used in various food items or as an ingredient in food preparations for consumers that desire a healthy diet.
... The peaks at 29.2° and 34.1° are characteristic OSP peaks. Wu [38] reported that the peak at 18.1° is associated with ester bond formation, reflecting the structural difference between PHA/PLF and MPHA/OSP/PLF. ...
This paper reports the fabrication process for a new composite of modified polyhydroxyalkanoate (MPHA), treated renewable pineapple leaf fiber (PLF), and waste oyster shell powder (OSP), with antibacterial, cytocompatibility, and biodegradability properties. PLF and OSP were thermally processed in a solar energy tube as a filler for MPHA-based green composites. The compositions and structures of composites were characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Tensile and morphological analyses revealed enhanced adhesion and improved compatibility between OSP/PLF and MPHA in composites, compared with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/OSP/PLF composites. MTT assay and cell adhesion tests revealed that the relative growth rate of human foreskin fibroblasts cells increased with OSP/PLF content, indicating that the composites were not cytotoxic. OSP enhanced the antimicrobial properties of MPHA/OSP/PLF composites. PHA/OSP/PLF composites absorbed more water than MPHA/OSP/PLF composites. The weight loss of composites after being buried in soil compost indicated that both were biodegradable, especially at high levels of OSP/PLF substitution.
... The water-resistance of the PHA-g-AA/ASP membranes was greater than that of the PHA/ASP membranes, and a cytocompatibility evaluation with human foreskin fibroblasts indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Moreover, ASP enhanced the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties when they were encapsulated [197]. ...
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the type with the second highest morbidity. Recently, a great number of bioactive compounds and encapsulation techniques have been developed. Thus, this paper aims to review the drug delivery strategies for chemotherapy adjuvant treatments for CRC, including an initial scientific-technological analysis of the papers and patents related to cancer, CRC, and adjuvant treatments. For 2018, a total of 167,366 cancer-related papers and 306,240 patents were found. Adjuvant treatments represented 39.3% of the total CRC patents, indicating the importance of adjuvants in the prognosis of patients. Chemotherapy adjuvants can be divided into two groups, natural and synthetic (5-fluorouracil and derivatives). Both groups can be encapsulated using polymers. Polymer-based drug delivery systems can be classified according to polymer nature. From those, anionic polymers have garnered the most attention, because they are pH responsive. The use of polymers tailors the desorption profile, improving drug bioavailability and enhancing the local treatment of CRC via oral administration. Finally, it can be concluded that antioxidants are emerging compounds that can complement today's chemotherapy treatments. In the long term, encapsulated antioxidants will replace synthetic drugs and will play an important role in curing CRC.
Popularly known as the king of leafy vegetables and cousin of cabbage, kale is
one of the hardiest vegetables that can be grown in cold temperatures, ranging
as low as -10 to -15 °C which favor a better quality and enhanced flavour. It is
a minor leafy vegetable and is rarely grown on commercial scale in India, although
it is consumed in higher Himalayan regions for autumn and winter harvest. It has
a punch of different flavours varying between sweet and slight sour. It is a
delicacy in the region and is known as “Karam Saag” in Kashmir. The largest
concentration of beta-carotene of any vegetable is found in kale, which is also
exceptionally rich in other bioactive substances like vitamins, flavonoids, and other
minerals.
Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum) is a herbaceous perennial plant, which belongs to
the family Polygonaceae (the buckwheat family). A fibrous root system and fleshy
and woody rhizomes make up the root’s underground section. The petioles, or stalks, of the leaves are used for culinary purposes. Rhubarb, which has sturdy roots, hollow, erect stems, and clusters of little white-green or purple-red blossoms on its branches, is one of the most significant herbs. Its stems and branches can be either hollow or solid. There are sixty different species of plants that belong to the genus Rheum L. that are classified under the Polygonaceae family.
Importance and Cultivation of underutilized vegetable crop "Brussels sprouts".
Importance and Cultivation of Underutilized Vegetable Crop- Globe Artichoke
Available at:
http://164.52.193.80/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=37201&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20Underutilized%20vegetable%20crops
https://www.nphindia.com/book/9789356512085/underutilized-vegetables-crops-importance-and-cultivation
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The book “Underutilized Vegetable Crops: Importance and Cultivation” will be an important source of information in context to the cultivation of various underutilized species of vegetable crops. These vegetables are important source of food, fodder, fiber and oil including many medicinal properties. But these species have under- exploited potential for food, nutrition and environmental services. Underutilized vegetables have enormous nutritional potential and often considered as superior to the other staple food crops on the basis of their nutritional and medicinal values. These vegetables are also rich source of vitamins, minerals and also micronutrients, thus providing solutions to defend the body against “hidden hunger”. “Hidden hunger” results from inappropriate uptake of vitamins and minerals, because these nutrients plays an important role in reducing chronic diseases, otherwise deficiency of these nutrient elements may even cause mortality. However, loss of traditional knowledge results in ignorance of local uses of these crops which is one of the major drawback of underexploited vegetable crops. The neglected or underutilized crops have unrealized potential and mainly local farmers cultivate these vegetable crops in their origin place by utilizing their traditional knowledge without or very limited research inputs and agricultural extension services.
This book provides comprehensive information of underutilized vegetables crops providing end to end information about cultivation. It includes nutritional and health benefits of different underutilized vegetable crops. This book’s goal is to compile in one place the vast quantity of knowledge regarding vegetable production and health properties that the general public is not aware of. Vegetables have more than just nutritional value as they contain therapeutic compounds which are beneficial for humans. Hence, there is need to formulate production strategies as they gave a great potential to contribute directly to income and employment of both rural and urban population.
Maranta arundinacea L. (MA) is a food that contains phytochemicals such as phenols, saponins, and flavanones that are beneficial to the body. Several studies have also reported that MA contains soluble fibre. These indicate its potential use to prevent and treat diseases. The present review explored the literature on the potential benefits of MA. Published MA-related studies were searched for up to October 2018 using the PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO, and Scopus databases, as well as Google Scholar up to October 2020. The keywords used were ‘Maranta arundinacea’ OR ‘arrowroot’ OR ‘maranta’ OR ‘West Indian arrowroot’ OR ‘obedience plant’ OR ‘Bermuda arrowroot’ OR ‘araru’ OR ‘ararao’ OR ‘hulankeeriya’ OR ‘Marantaceae’ OR ‘garut’ OR ‘ararut’ OR ‘irut’. The present review included ten in vitro studies, nine of which involved experimental animals, and eight studies in humans. In vitro and in vivo studies in animals show that MA has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, anti-ulcerative, anti-diarrhoeal, hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolaemic, and antihypertensive properties. However, studies involving humans were quasi experimental, without control and non-randomised, with a small number of subjects. The results of human studies have not shown a significant change in health effects. In the future, MA may increase food diversity by serving as a functional foodstuff. However, additional human research must be conducted.
La microencapsulación mediante secado por aspersión es una técnica ampliamente empleada en la protección de compuestos bioactivos, en especial sobre los polifenoles en diferentes matrices; además, es una de las técnicas más sencillas y económicas de secado, lo cual ha favorecido su transferencia tecnológica a escala industrial. Por esta razón, este artículo tiene como propósito analizar, a partir de estudios previamente reportados, los parámetros de operación empleados en la implementación de los métodos para la microencapsulación de compuestos bioactivos presentes en diversas matrices, con el fin de identificar las condiciones efectivas para futuras aplicaciones. La revisión de los estudios publicados se realizó en un período comprendido entre 2010 y 2021 en bases de datos indexadas, donde los parámetros evaluados se centraron en: las condiciones de operación, materiales encapsulantes, morfología de las microcápsulas y la eficiencia de la microencapsulación. Los resultados permitieron identificar los parámetros más críticos, entre los que sobresalen la temperatura de entrada y salida del aire, así como los materiales encapsulantes, los cuales influyen directamente en la protección de los polifenoles, que son en su mayoría termolábiles, de esta manera, se pudo constatar en los estudios revisados el alcance de una mayor eficiencia y vida útil con respecto a las propiedades funcionales, al optimizar las condiciones de operación mencionada, y se constata que los resultados reportados conllevan a la obtención de microcápsulas de matrices que pueden ser empleadas como materia prima y producto final de mayor calidad, o para estudios in vitro de liberación controlada para la industria alimentaria, farmacéutica o cosmética.
Although biocomposites typically display poor performance, this deficiency can be mitigated by incorporating suitable bio-fillers with the base biopolymer. The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of distillers grains and Paphia undulata shell mixture when used as fillers to improve the functional performance of polylactic acid (PLA). The MPLA/TTDGP (modified polylactic acid, MPLA; coupling agent-treated distillers grains powder, TDGP; and P. undulata shell powder heat-treated at 900 °C, TPUSP) and PLA/DGP (polylactic acid/distillers grains powder) composites were prepared via a melting and mixing process, and then their structural, thermal, mechanical and anti-oxidant properties, as well as their biocompatibility and biodegradability, were characterised. Compared with MPLA and PLA, the tensile properties were obviously enhanced in the MPLA/TTDGP and PLA/DGP composites. The tensile strength at failure (δ) and Young's modulus (E) of MPLA/TTDGP were approximately 5–37 and 50–1,200 MPa higher, respectively, than those of PLA/DGP, due to better interfacial adhesion. The water resistance values of the MPLA/TTDGP and PLA/DGP composites were also increased compared with MPLA and PLA. The water resistance was greater in the MPLA/TTDGP composite than the PLA/DGP composite. Both PLA/DGP and MPLA/TTDGP composites displayed good biocompatibility. DGP increased the polyphenol content, and enhanced the antioxidant properties and biodegradability, of the PLA/DGP and MPLA/TTDGP composites, while TPUSP enhanced the antibacterial properties of the MPLA/TTDGP composite.Graphical abstract
Functionalized hemodialysis membranes have been employed to suppress oxidative stress for hemodialysis therapy. However, the inhibition effects of the hemodialysis on the harmful metabolites of oxidative stress, including lipid peroxides and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), have not been fully explored yet. Herein, we report on utilizing the tannic acid (TA) coating as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger onto the hemodialysis membrane surface to solve this problem. Combining high biocompatibility of looped poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) brushes and anticoagulant property of heparin (Hep), the TA/PEtOx/Hep functionalized poly (ether sulfone) (PES) hemodialysis membrane has constructed by the nucleobase-recognized strategy. The functionalized membrane directly increased the serum total antioxidant capacity, and suppressed lipid peroxidation and protein glycosylation. The TA/PEtOx/Hep functionalized hemodialysis membrane effectively protected cardiomyocytes (H9C2) and vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) from oxidative damage. The introduction of looped PEtOx brushes indicated in considerable improvement of blood compatibility and reduction of complement activation, and the immobilization of Hep prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time. The typical toxins were removed in the simulation dialysis experiment, confirming the TA/PEtOx/Hep functionality feasibility. The present work provides a promising candidate for developing and applying the hemodialysis membrane, which might alleviate patients' complications to improve prognostic efficacy.
Oxidative stress is a compelling risk factor during hemodialysis in patients with renal failure to elevated mortality risk. Intervening the effect of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of dialysis-associated complications requires developing a more direct hemodialysis membrane route to prevent and relieve oxidative stress in the dialysis process. In this work, combining the anti-oxidative property of tannic acid (TA) and high biocompatibility of poly (N-acryloyl morpholine) (PACMO), the TA-PACMO functionalized poly (ether sulfone) (PES) hemodialysis membranes have been fabricated using the hydrogen-bonded layer-by-layer (HB-LbL) assembly technology. The functionalized membranes directly quenched excess reactive oxygen species, improved the serum total antioxidant capacity, and suppressed lipid peroxidation and protein glycosylation. More interestingly, the TA-PACMO functionalized hemodialysis membranes effectively protected cardiomyocytes (H9C2), and vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) from oxidative damage the improvement of antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. The introduction of PACMO indicated in considerable improvement of blood compatibility and reduction of complement activation compared to a single TA modified hemodialysis membrane. The typical toxins, including urea and lysozyme, were efficiently removed from the dialysis simulant experiment, confirming the feasibility of the TA-PACMO HB-LbL functionalized strategy. The results revealed that, with the TA-PACMO content increasing, the functionalized membranes with superior comprehensive performances had stronger anti-oxidative stress, better biocompatibility, and more efficient dialysis performance. The present work provided a promising candidate in the development and application of hemodialysis membrane against oxidative stress, which alleviated patients' complications to address the long-term hemodialysis.
Sponges, which are parasitic on plants widely found in lakes and oceans, represent a vast resource that has yet to be effectively utilised. Sponge spicules (SS), which contain high amounts of silica dioxide, form after long-term biomineralisation. In this study, SS attached to plant bodies were subjected to acid and heat treatments, followed by grinding, to obtain 10-40-nm siliceous sponge spicules (SSS). SSS and polylactic acid (PLA) were then combined to create 50-450-nm PLA/SSS composite nanofibers. The morphology and bioactivity of the electrospun PLA/SSS nanofibers were examined; the tensile, thermal, and water-resistant properties of the fibers were also evaluated. Our results showed a dramatic enhancement in the thermal and tensile properties of PLA with increasing SSS content; specifically, a 3 wt% increase in SSS content resulted in a 47 °C increase in the initial decomposition temperature and a 73.3-MPa increase in Young's modulus. The water resistance of PLA/SSS increased with SSS content, as indicated by the increase in the water contact angle compared with PLA nanofibers. PLA/SSS nanofibers also exhibited slightly enhanced human foreskin fibroblast cell proliferation, good cytocompatibility, and an antibacterial effect. The enhanced antibacterial and biodegradable properties of PLA/SSS are expected to be useful in biomedical material applications.
The preparation and selection of biobased materials compatible with skin is essential for producing innovative and highly eco-friendly beauty masks. The use of a commercial elastomeric poly(hydroxyalkanoate) and starch was fundamental to select materials for bioplastic films with the necessary resistance in wet conditions, skin compatibility and capacity for a fast release of polysaccharides and similar active and functional molecules. Micrometric calcium carbonate was also used to control the stickiness of film during moulding. Starch release in water was investigated by gravimetric and infrared analyses. The compatibility with skin was investigated via two different in vitro tests based on human keratinocytes and human mesenchymal stromal cells. The materials were highly cytocompatible with skin, enabled immune modulation by keratinocytes and starch release in water up to 49% by weight in 30 min. These outcomes are a good starting point for boosting the production of biobased and biodegradable beauty masks, thus decreasing the impact onto environment of cosmetic products that are currently still mainly produced using petrol-based substrates.
We report on the antibacterial and cytocompatibility properties of a biobased electrospun polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) nanofiber modified with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) pupa shell. A 5–50-μm chitosan powder (CSP) was made by grinding BSF pupa shell in water, acid, and an alkali treatment. CSP was combined with PHA in an electrospinning machine using a biaxial feed method and manufactured into a 50–500-nm antibacterial nanofiber. We studied the morphology, mechanical properties, water absorption, and antibacterial properties of the electrospun PHA/CSP nanofiber. To improve the fiber’s compatibility and functionality, acrylic acid (AA) was grafted onto PHA. The resulting tensile properties and morphological characterizations indicated enhanced adhesion between CSP and the PHA-g-AA nanofiber, as well as an improvement in its water resistance and tensile strength, compared with the PHA/CSP nanofiber. To study the cytocompatibility of the material, human foreskin fibroblasts were seeded onto the nanofiber specimens with 3.0 and 6.0 wt% CSP. Increasing the CSP content in PHA/CSP and PHA-g-AA/CSP nanofibers enhanced cell proliferation; additionally, the nanofibers with CSP showed strong inhibition of bacteria. The enhanced antibacterial and biodegradable properties of PHA-g-AA/CSP and PHA/CSP nanofibers demonstrates their potential for biomedical material applications.
A solar energy tube was used for the processing of banana fiber (BF), which is employed as filler in polycaprolactone-based green composites. The composite was made by melt-blending acrylic acid-grafted polycaprolactone (PCL-g-AA) with a coupling agent-treated banana fiber (TBF). To improve the interface adhesion of the PCL/BF composites, acrylic acid was used as a stabilizer for the blending of PCL and TBF. The water resistance of PCL-g-AA/TBF was greater than that of PCL/BF and a cytocompatibility evaluation with human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) indicated that both materials were nontoxic. The results from the FB proliferation assays indicated a higher cytocompatibility of the PCL/BF composites than of the PCL-g-AA/TBF composites. The cell-cycle test of FBs on PCL/BF and PCL-g-AA/TBF composites were not affected by the DNA content related to damage. Moreover, both BF and TBF enhanced the polysaccharide content and antioxidant properties of the composites, demonstrating the potential of PCL/BF and PCL-g-AA/TBF composites for biomedical material applications.
The structure, cytocompatibility, and biological activity of composites prepared from polycaprolactone (PCL) and lemon fiber (LF) blends (PCL/LF) were evaluated. Acrylic acid-grafted PCL (PCL-g-AA) was used to enhance the desirable characteristics of these composites, which had better tensile properties than the corresponding PCL/LF composites. A cytocompatibility evaluation with normal human foreskin fibroblasts of the water released from the PCL/LF and PCL-g-AA/LF composites indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Moreover, LF enhanced the flavonoid and polyphenol contents and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the PCL-g-AA/LF and PCL/LF composites. We analyzed the effects of these composites in mushroom tyrosinase activity and B16-F10 melanoma cells; the PCL/LF and PCL-g-AA/LF membranes demonstrated reduced tyrosinase activity. Composites of PCL-g-AA or PCL containing LF had better antibacterial activity.
The structural, antioxidant and cytocompatibility properties of membranes prepared from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and spent coffee ground (SCG) blends (PHA/SCG) were studied. Acrylic acid-grafted PHA (PHA-g-AA) was used to enhance the desirable characteristics of these membranes, which had better tensile properties than the corresponding PHA/SCG membranes. The water resistance of the PHA-g-AA/SCG membranes was greater than that of the PHA/SCG membranes, and a cytocompatibility evaluation with mouse normal tail fibroblasts (FBs) indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Cell cycle assays of FBs on PHA/SCG and PHA-g-AA/SCG membrane samples were not affected by the DNA content related to damage. Moreover, SCG enhanced the saccharide and polyphenol contents, and antioxidant properties, of the PHA-g-AA/SCG and PHA/SCG membranes. Therefore, we analysed the effects of these compounds' membranes on melanogenesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells. The results demonstrated that PHA/SCG and PHA-g-AA/SCG membranes reduced cellular tyrosinase activities in vitro.
The biodegradability, mechanical properties and fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) printing filaments of composite materials made from maleic anhydride-grafted polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA-g-MA) and coupling agent-treated palm fibre (TPF) were evaluated. Composites of PHA-g-MA and TPF (PHA-g-MA/TPF) exhibited noticeably superior tensile strength and interfacial adhesion compared with those of PHA/PF because of a greater compatibility of PHA-g-MA with TPF. The dispersion of TPF in the PHA-g-MA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of condensation reactions. The water resistance of the PHA-g-MA/TPF membranes was greater than that of the PHA/PF membranes, and a cell viability evaluation with human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Additionally, the weight loss of composites buried in soil compost indicated that the biodegradation rate can be enhanced with the increase of the PF or TPF content.
Background
Glioma is the most common brain tumor and it has very high mortality rate due to its infiltration and heterogeneity. Precise classification of glioma subtype is essential for proper therapeutic treatment and better clinical prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism of glioma is far from clear and the classical classification methods based on traditional morphologic and histopathologic knowledge are subjective and inconsistent. Recently, classification methods based on molecular characteristics are developed with rapid progress of high throughput technology. Methods
In the present study, we designed a novel integrated gene coexpression analysis approach, which involves differential coexpression and differential regulation analysis (DCEA and DRA), to investigate glioma prognostic biomarkers and molecular subtypes based on six glioma transcriptome data sets. ResultsWe revealed a novel three-transcription-factor signature including AHR, NFIL3 and ZNF423 for glioma molecular subtypes. This three-TF signature clusters glioma patients into three major subtypes (ZG, NG and IG subtypes) which are significantly different in patient survival as well as transcriptomic patterns. Notably, ZG subtype is featured with higher expression of ZNF423 and has better prognosis with younger age at diagnosis. NG subtype is associated with higher expression of NFIL3 and AHR, and has worse prognosis with elder age at diagnosis. According to our inferred differential networking information and previously reported signalling knowledge, we suggested testable hypotheses on the roles of AHR and NFIL3 in glioma carcinogenesis. Conclusions
With so far the least biomarkers, our approach not only provides a novel glioma prognostic molecular classification scheme, but also helps to explore its dysregulation mechanisms. Our work is extendable to prognosis-related classification and signature identification in other cancer researches.
In the last 2–3 decades, the oil and gas industry has expanded away from the historical centres of production in the Middle East and North African deserts, North America and the North Sea to less accessible ‘remote’ regions of the world such as the eastern flank of the Andes and the Amazon Basin, the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan), Central Asia, Far East Russia and the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. As a result there has been a demand for increased onshore pipeline capacity to bring these supplies to market. In many instances, these new long-distance, large-diameter (typically 20–56 inches; 508–1422 mm; Fig. 1) pipelines have had to be routed through rugged mountains, leading to numerous terrain-related challenges not typically faced by conventional cross-country pipelines (e.g. Sweeney 2005). For example, the Camisea project has involved the development of gas fields located near Malvinas in the Amazon jungle region of Peru. Gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) are transported 730 km across the Andes (maximum elevation 5200 m) to the coast, supplying the domestic market in Lima (Fig. 2).
Free radicals contribute to more than one hundred disorders in humans. The ethanolic extract of M.arundinacea.L (Marantacea) was screened for antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) quenching assay, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) cation decolorization test, Reducing power, scavenging capacity towards hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical, nitric oxide (NO) radical inhibition activity using established assay procedures and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay. The extract exhibited high antiradical activity against DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide radicals with IC50 value of 293.4, 297.4, 336.1, and 258.7 μg/ml respectively. The Reducing power and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) increased with increasing concentration of the sample. The antioxidant activity of the sample was comparable with that of the standard butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT).
In this study effects of different starch types on the properties of biodegradable polymer based on thermoplastic
starch (TPS) were investigated. Different types of starch containing different contents of amylose and amylopectin were
used, i.e. cassava starch, mungbean starch, and arrowroot starch. The TPS polymers were compounded and shaped using an
internal mixer and an injection molding machine, respectively. It was found that the amount of amylose and amylopectin
contents on native starch influence the properties of the TPS polymer. A high amylose starch of TPMS led to higher strength,
hardness, degree of crystallization than the high amylopectin starch of TPCS. In addition, function group analysis by Fourier
transforms infrared spectrophotometer, water absorption, and biodegradation by soil burial test were also examined.
Arrowroot starch is one of Indonesia’s local native starches derived from the Maranta arundinaceae tubers. This starch has high amylose content, increasing its potential to produce nano-sized V-amylose starch by butanol-complexed precipitation. One of starch pretreatments is lintnerization to produce crystalline and low DP starch. The aim of this research was to find out the characteristics of arrowroot starch nanoparticles produced by butanol-complex precipitation of lintnerized starch and its application as an encapsulation matrix for herb extract. Treatments involved lintnerized starch concentration of 5 and 10%, resulted from 2 and 24 hours of lintnerization process, and then each starch was precipitated by n-butanol. Preparation of starch nanoparticles by butanol precipitation following lintnerization of arrowroot starch produced nanosize particles ranged from 78.6 nm to more than 538.7 nm (average 261.4 nm), showing non-granular morphologies, and consisting of high porosities, as well as changing its crystalline pattern and thermal properties. The amylose content and solubility increased but enzymatic digestibility decreased to below than 60%. The lower particle size and enzymatic digestibility with high porosity made aroowroot starch nanoparticles suitable as controlled release matrix for bioactive compound. Application of starch nanoparticles as an encapsulation matrix for andrographolide extract showed smooth and sphere morphology with the average size about 200 nm. The FTIR spectra showed carbonyl strecthing band at 1727cm-1 from and rographolide.
The present study is part of the evaluation of extracts of Glycine max L. Merr and Hibiscus L. Sabdariffa as antioxidants. A comparative study was performed with extracts of yellow Tea and commercial Red Wine, two foods known for their antioxidant activity. The method applied is free radical scavenging using the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH°). The antioxidant properties were identified and measured by the determining the anti-radical activity reducing index, expressed in percentage % RSA (Radical Scavenger Activity), and by the determination of the Colouring Intensity (IC50). All results are compared to those of ascorbic acid as reference antioxidant. The results indicate the following order for the antioxidant power of the extracts tested. % RSA (Tea) > % RSA (Glycine max) % > RSA (Red Wine) % > RSA (Sabdariffa Hibiscus), and Colouring intensities (IC50) ranging from 4.62 μM (ascorbic acid) to 1.10 μM (Hibiscus sabdariffa) correlated with their chemical structure and the content of phenolic compounds.
In the current work, physicochemical properties of arrowroot starch and thermal properties of glycerol/arrowroot starch membranes were investigated. Arrowroot starch exhibited high purity (starch content >99%) with amylose content >40% and granule size dispersion between 29 and 126 μm. Arrowroot starch has a gelatinization temperature of 63.94°C and a B-type crystalline structure. Arrowroot starch, in combination with three levels of glycerol, was used to manufacture membranes by casting method. Increasing the plasticizer effect due to glycerol content increased the water weight loss of the membranes at temperatures higher than 110°C. Additionally, the onset temperature of the endothermic peak observed by differential scanning calorimetry and associated to water removal from the membranes changed with glycerol content. Physicochemical and thermal properties of arrowroot starch and glycerol/arrowroot starch membranes were similar to those reported previously for other starch sources. From the data obtained in this study, it is clear that arrowroot starch could have promising industrial applications.
A reactive blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and a surface modified starch by silane coupling agent to achieve compatibility is proposed. A detailed structural analysis by using 1H–1H TOCSY NMR spectrum clarifies, for the first time, that chloropropyl trimethoxysilane (CPMS) forms covalent bonds with starch during starch modification and consequently forms covalent bonds with PLA in the step of blending to produce a reactive blend of PLA and CP-starch. The CP-starch covalently bound with PLA provides the compatibility between PLA and starch and also plays the role as nucleating agent as identified from a significant increase of degree of crystallinity (as high as 10–15 times), as well as induces chain mobility, as identified from a slight decrease in glass transition temperature (∼5–10 °C). The PLA/CP-starch film performed as well as neat PLA with slight increases in tensile strength and elongation at break, as compared to other PLA/silane modified starch films.
In this paper, the processability and the performance of a biodegradable polymer, Mater-Bi, and of its blends with either a sample of poly (hydroxy alkanoates) (PHA) or with bacterial biomass containing PHAs were compared. Adding PHA or directly the biomass containing it allows improving the processability of the matrix. Moreover, the mechanical behaviour of the systems was compared considering two different preparation methods, namely compression and injection moulding. The injection moulded samples show poorer mechanical performances than those of the compression moulded systems. The impact strength significantly improves when PHA is added while it reduces when bacterial biomass is used instead. In this latter case this was likely due to the easier propagation of micro-cracks during the impact tests.
A palm oil-based medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) was allowed to react with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). There was no noticeable reaction at ambient temperature for short reaction times. However, after 30 min at 170 degrees C, the mcl-PHA underwent thermal degradation to generate carboxylic terminal groups that attacked the epoxy groups of the ENR. Evidence of the ring-opening reaction was provided by both FTIR and (1)H-NMR. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 2039-2043, 2010
The mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) printing strips of composite materials containing polylactide (PLA) and chitosan (CS) were evaluated. Maleic anhydride-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-MA) and CS were used to enhance the desired characteristics of these composites. The PLA-g-MA/CS materials exhibited better mechanical properties than the PLA/CS composites; this effect was attributed to a greater compatibility between the grafted polyester and CS. The water resistance of the PLA-g-MA/CS composites was greater than that of the PLA/CS composites; cytocompatibility evaluation with human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Moreover, CS enhanced the antibacterial activity properties of PLA-g-MA and PLA/CS composites.
The fabrication, surface functionality, and biocompatibility of membranes prepared from blends of polycaprolactone (PCL) and curcumin powder (CURP) (PCL/CURP) were studied. Acrylic acid (AA)-grafted polycaprolactone (PCL-g-AA) was evaluated as an alternative to PCL. Mouse tail-skin fibroblasts (FBs) were seeded on two series of these films to assess cytocompatibility. Collagen and cell proliferation analyses indicated that PCL, PCL-g-AA, and their composite membranes were biocompatible with respect to FB proliferation. However, FB proliferation, collagen production and the percentage of normal cells growing on PCL/CURP membranes were greater than those for PCL-g-AA/CURP membranes. Rapid apoptosis was not observed with assays of FBs on the PCL-series membranes, demonstrating the potential of PCL/CURP or PCL-g-AA/CURP membranes for biomedical applications. Moreover, CURP enhanced the Escherichia coli (BCRC 10239) antibacterial activity and antioxidant properties of the membranes. Membranes of PCL-g-AA or PCL containing CURP had better antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
Traditional mineral oil based plastics are important commodity to enhance the comfort and quality of life but the accumulation of these plastics in the environment has become a major universal problem due to their low biodegradation. Solution to the plastic waste management includes incineration, recycling and landfill disposal methods. These processes are very time consuming and expensive. Biopolymers are important alternatives to the petroleum-based plastics due to environment friendly manufacturing processes, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Therefore use of novel biopolymers, such as polylactide, polysaccharides, aliphatic polyesters and polyhydroxyalkanoates is of interest. PHAs are biodegradable polyesters of hydroxyalkanoates (HA) produced from renewable resources by using microorganisms as intracellular carbon and energy storage compounds. Even though PHAs are promising candidate for biodegradable polymers, however, the production cost limit their application on industrial scale. This article provides an overview of various substrates, microorganisms for the economical production of PHAs and its copolymers. Recent advances in PHAs to reduce the cost and to improve the performance of PHAs have also been discussed.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Mexican oregano infusions have been traditionally used in México for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, such as respiratory and digestive disorders, headaches and rheumatism, among others. Nevertheless, there is limited information regarding the phenolic compounds, terpenes and composition as well as biological activity of Mexican oregano.
Aim of the study
To determine the phenolic and terpene composition and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of three species of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens (LG), Lippia palmeri (LP) and Hedeoma patens (HP)) in order to provide a scientific basis for their use.
Materials and Methods
We obtained methanol and chloroform extracts from dried oregano leaves of each species. We used LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and GC–MS to determine the phenolic and terpene profiles of the leaves, respectively. We evaluated anti-inflammatory potential by measuring the effect of Mexican oregano extracts on some pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) using lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and evaluating cyclooxygenase activity (COX-1, COX-2).
Results
Nine phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and 19 terpenes (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) were detected in LG, LP and HP. We studied extracts from LG, LP and HP, and fractions from LG and LP in order to know their effect on some pro-inflammatory mediators. The phenolic and terpene extracts from LG, LP and HP exhibited significant inhibitory effect on ROS and NO production and mitochondrial activity in LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Nitric oxide production was also diminished by the terpene LG fraction LGF2 and the LP fractions LPF1, LPF2 and LPF3, confirming that both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are active compounds of oregano. Furthermore, the total extracts of LG, LP and HP exhibited non-selective inhibitions against the activity of the cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that Lippia graveolens, Lippia palmeri and Hedeoma patens extracts have the potential to treat inflammatory diseases; their activity is mediated by polyphenols and terpenes. These findings support the claim for their traditional use in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases
The main scope of the present study was to analyze the membrane interaction of members of different classes of polyphenols, i.e. resveratrol, naringenin, epigallocatechin gallate and enterodiol, in model systems of different compositions and phase states. In addition, the possible association between membrane affinity and membrane protection against both lipid oxidation and bilayer-disruptive compounds was studied.
Gibbs monolayer experiments indicated that even though polyphenols showed poor surface activity, it readily interacted with lipid films. Actually, a preferential interaction with expanded monolayers was observed, while condensed and cholesterol-containing monolayers decreased the affinity of these phenolic compounds. On the other hand, fluorescence anisotropy studies showed that polyphenols were able to modulate membrane order degree, but again this effect was dependent on the cholesterol concentration and membrane phase state. In fact, cholesterol induced a surface rather than deep into the hydrophobic core localization of phenolic compounds in the membranes.
In general, the polyphenolic molecules tested had a better antioxidant activity when they were allowed to get inserted into the bilayers, i.e. in cholesterol-free membranes. On the other hand, a membrane-protective effect against bilayer permeabilizing activity of lysozyme, particularly in the presence of cholesterol, could be assessed. It can be hypothesized that phenolic compounds may protect membrane integrity by loosely covering the surface of lipid vesicles, once cholesterol push them off from the membrane hydrophobic core. However, this cholesterol-driven distribution may lead to a reduced antioxidant activity of linoleic acid double bonds.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of interleukin-35 (IL-35) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, Flt-1 and Flk-1, in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
We established a CIA mouse model and injected IL-35 intraperitoneally. The articular index (AI) was measured based on the amount of erythema, swelling, or joint rigidity and synovial histology was measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE staining). The levels of VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1, and von Willebrand factor (vWF) expression in CIA synovial tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1, TNF-α, and INF-γ were detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and western blots, respectively.
Results:
The IL-35 treatment decreased the AI and the synovial histological scores of CIA mice. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that the IL-35 treatment downregulated VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1, and vWF expression in the CIA mice. RT-PCR results showed that the IL-35-treated mice had lower levels of VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1, and TNF-α mRNA expression than those of the PBS-treated mice. While there was no significant difference in the level of INF-γ mRNA expression between IL-35-treated and PBS-treated mice. Western blot results showed that the IL-35 treatment downregulated the levels of VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1, and TNF-α in CIA mice, but the level of INF-γ was not significantly affected.
Conclusion:
These findings show that IL-35 may represent a novel therapeutic agent for RA, and the probable mechanisms may rely on inhibiting VEGF and its receptors Flt-1 and Flk-1.
Retrograded and debranched starch, known as resistant starch type 3 (RS3), is resistant to digestive enzymes and exhibits a behavior similar to that of dietary fibers. In this study, the effect of β- and α-amylase on the digestibility and structural characteristics of potato and arrowroot starches was evaluated and compared. Starch samples were gelatinized, hydrolyzed by β- or fungal α-amylase, debranched, cooled (4 °C/16 h), precipitated with ethanol, and dried. Debranched and gelatinized starch samples were used as control. The degrees of hydrolysis for the two starches were similar (~25%), regardless of enzyme used. In both starches, β-amylase resulted in a significant decreases in average degree of polymerization (DPn) of short chains (from 16.5 to 12) and in proportion of these chains, while fungal α-amylase caused a significant decrease in DPn of long chains (from 38.9 to 26.8 and from 35.1 to 28.2 for potato and arrowroot starches, respectively) plus a significant increase in proportion of short chains. Gelatinization enthalpy and relative crystallinity of modified starches increased with amylolysis, particularly when α-amylase was used. RS3 content was 20.2% in the debranched potato starch and increased to 36.5% with amylolysis, regardless of the enzyme used before debranching. However, slowly digestible starch content increased from 8.5% to 27.8% when α-amylase was used in this starch. Meanwhile, arrowroot starch had 47.5% and 53.4% RS3 contents when β- and α-amylase were used, respectively. Structural characteristics, particularly the amylopectin branch chain length distribution, are important factors responsible for RS3 formation when amylolysis precedes debranching.
Sustainable biocomposite materials based on the combination of polyhydroxyalkanoates with a keratin additive derived from poultry feathers were successfully developed via melt compounding. Suitable dispersions for low loadings of the additive in the biopolymeric matrix were achieved by the melt-mixing technique. A good physical interaction between the polymeric matrix and the additive was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Reductions in water, limonene, and oxygen permeability of the pure polymer to less than a half of its initial value for the composite containing 1 wt % of keratin additive were achieved. This composition was also found to exhibit optimum mechanical performance. As a result, these materials offer significant potential in fully renewable packaging applications based on polyhydroxyalkanoates with enhanced barrier performance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39947.
In the present study, the biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical properties of composite materials consisting of acrylic acid-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-AA) and natural products residues (corn starch, CS) were evaluated. Composites containing acrylic acid-grafted PLA (PLA-g-AA/CS) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties due to their greater compatibility with CS compared with PLA/CS. The feasibility of using PLA-g-AA/CS as a film bag material to facilitate the controlled release of an encapsulated phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (PSB) Burkholderia cepacia as a fertilizer use promoter was then evaluated. For purposes of comparison and accurate characterization, a PLA film bag was also assessed. The results showed that the bacterium completely degraded both the PLA and the PLA-g-AA/CS composite film bags, resulting in cell release. The PLA-g-AA/CS (20wt%) film bags were more biodegradable than those made of PLA, and displayed a higher loss of molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, indicating a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability.
The effects of dietary supplementation with cheonggukjang containing arrowroot isoflavones (AIC) on bone mineral density and bone metabolism were investigated in 6-week old ovariectomized
Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 4 groups: sham (sham-operation and basal diet), OVX (ovariectomy and basal diet), OVX+C (ovariectomy
and basal diet with 5% cheonggukjang), and OVX+AIC (ovariectomy and basal diet with 5% AIC). Eight weeks following ovariectomy, body weight gain, and serum alkaline
phosphatase activities were significantly reduced in OVX+C and OVX+AIC. Serum osteocalcin levels were significantly lower
in OVX+AIC. Although urinary calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine levels increased after ovariectomy, they decreased in OVX+AIC.
Bone mineral densities decreased in OVX but significantly enhanced after C and AIC supplementation. Bone mineral content did
not significantly differ between OVX+AIC and sham. Thus, these results suggest that AIC may prevent bone loss in OVX rats.
Water bamboo husk is one of the major agricultural wastes in Taiwan. The carbon, oxygen and hydrogen contents of fibers obtained from the outer layer of water bamboo are 40.35, 46.20 and 6.60%, respectively. In this study, the fibers obtained from water bamboo husks were chemically modified by coupling agents. Moreover, the powders obtained from water bamboo husks were also used, but without chemical modification. Furthermore, the modified fibers and untreated powders were, respectively, added to epoxy resin to form novel reinforced composites. Morphologies, mechanical properties and heat resistance of these water bamboo husk reinforced composites were investigated. The results indicate that the fiber is cellulose I type. The morphology analysis reveals that the fibers modified by coupling agents exhibited better compatibility with the polymer matrices than the untreated fibers did. Moreover, the thermal resistance was improved as the plant fibers and powders were individually incorporated to those polymers. The increments of char yields of epoxy were about 13.5–52.8% with the addition of 10% fiber or powder. It is also found that the glass transition temperature of epoxy was increased to be about 8–18°C higher than that of the pristine sample. In addition, the mechanical properties were also enhanced due to the addition of coupling agent treated fibers and untreated powders. The increments of storage moduli of epoxy were about 16.4 and 36.1% with the addition of 10% coupling agent treated fibers and untreated powders, respectively.
In the present work, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 NPs) have been synthesized by combustion
method. The surface of the CoFe2O4 NPs was modified with biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). To
investigate effect and nature of coating on the surface of CoFe2O4 NPs, the NPs were characterized X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results demonstrate
the monodispersed characteristics of CoFe2O4 NPs after surface modification with PVA. The decrease
in contact angle from 162◦ to 50◦ with PVA coating on NPs indicates the transition from hydrophobic
nature to hydrophilic. The Magnetic properties measurement system (MPMS) results show that the NPs
have ferromagnetic behavior with high magnetization of 75.04 and 71.02 emu/g of uncoated and coated
CoFe2O4 NPs respectively. These PVA coated NPs exhibit less toxicity over uncoated CoFe2O4 NPs up to
1.8 mg mL−1 when tested with mouse fibroblast L929 cell line.
In this study, new biodegradable nanocomposites were prepared from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or acrylic acid grafted poly(lactic acid) (PLA-g-AA), titanium tetraisopropylate, and starch by means of an in situ sol–gel process and the melt-blending method. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and an Instron mechanical tester. According to the results, a PLA-g-AA/TiO2 hybrid could improve the properties of a PLA/TiO2 hybrid because the carboxylic acid groups of acrylic acid should act as coordination sites for the titania phase to form the TiOC chemical bond. It was also found that both the tensile strength and glass-transition temperature increased to a maximum value and then decreased with increasing TiO2 because excess particles (e.g., greater than 10 wt % TiO2) could cause separation or segregation between the organic and inorganic phases. A PLA-g-AA/TiO2/starch hybrid could obviously enhance the mechanical properties of a PLA-g-AA/starch hybrid because the former could provide a smaller starch phase size and nanoscale dispersion of TiO2 in the polymer matrix. The biodegradable nanocomposites produced in our laboratory could provide a plateau tensile strength at break when the starch content was up to 50 wt %. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
The structure, biodegradability, and morphological properties of composite materials composed of poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA) and bamboo fiber (BF) were evaluated. Composites containing acrylic acid-grafted PBSA (PBSA-g-AA/BF) exhibited noticeably enhanced compatibility between the two components. The dispersion of BF in the PBSA-g-AA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of ester formation and the consequent creation of branched and crosslinked macromolecules between the carboxyl groups of PBSA-g-AA and hydroxyl groups in BF. In addition, the PBSA-g-AA/BF composite was more easily processed due to a lower melt viscosity. Each composite was subjected to biodegradation tests in an Acinetobacterbaumannii compost. Morphological observations indicated severe disruption of film structure after 10–20 days of incubation, and both the PBSA and the PBSA-g-AA/BF composite films were eventually completely degraded. The PBSA-g-AA/BF films were more biodegradable than those made of PBSA and exhibited a lower molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, implying a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is an edible starch, commercially available as powder, prepared from the roots of the plant family Marantaceae. Arrowroot is well known for its medicinal effects and use as chief ingredient in infant cookies. Arrowroot in film form is prepared and its microwave absorption characteristics, permittivity, loss factor, conductivity, skin depth, and heating coefficient are analyzed. The results are quite promising and can be concluded that arrowroot in film form is a potential candidate for several applications in medical field, when compared with well studied chitosan film. © 2009 Wiley Pe riodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 1267–1270, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24304
Edible canna (Canna edulis Ker) as an alternative starch source was evaluated on the basis of genetic characteristics, agronomic traits and starch properties. Four canna varieties indigenous to Thailand were examined including Thai-green, Japanese-green, Thai-purple and Chinese-purple and compared with cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Using the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique employing ten 10-base primers, four primers implied that at least three types of canna including Thai-green, Japanese-green and Thai/Chinese-purple existed and corresponded to plant characteristics as identified by flower, stem, leaf and rhizome colors. Despite genetic diversification, starch properties were not variable. All four varieties produced 30.4–38.4 tonne/ha of rhizomes with starch content about 13% (wet basis). Starch yields of canna (4.1–4.9 tonnes/ha) were comparatively lower than cassava (6.5 tonnes/ha). The starches were characterized by giant granules (10–80 μm), and compared with cassava starch pastes had a higher peak viscosity (930–1060 BU for canna starches and 815 BU for cassava starch), occurring at a higher temperature. Pastes of canna starch were more stable and when cooled, viscosity increased to 1800 BU. Gelatinized pastes of canna starches also rapidly formed good gels on cooling. It is evident that edible canna provides starches with very attractive properties and totally different from cassava and is the greatest promise for the new base starch to be employed complementarily with cassava starch.
Acrylic acid was grafted to ozone-treated poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) membranes. The resulting membranes were further grafted with chitosan (CS) or chitooligosaccharide (COS) via esterification. These CS- or COS-grafted membranes showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and S. aureus. The antibacterial activity to E. coli was the highest, whereas the antibacterial activity to MRSA was the lowest among these four bacteria tested. Acrylic acid grafting can increase the biodegradability with Alcaligens faecalis, whereas CS and COS grafting can reduce the biodegradability. In addition, CS-grafted PHBV membrane showed higher antibacterial activity and lower biodegradability than COS-grafted PHBV membrane. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 12: 2797–2803, 2003
Biodegradability patterns of two PHAs: a polymer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-PHB) and a copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyric and 3-hydroxyvaleric acids (3-PHB/3-PHV) containing 11 mol% of hydroxyvalerate, were studied in the tropical marine environment, in the South China Sea (Nha Trang, Vietnam). No significant differences have been observed between degradation rates of 3-PHB and 3-PHB/3-PHV specimens; it has been found that under study conditions, biodegradation is rather influenced by the shape of the polymer item and the preparation technique than by the chemical composition of the polymer. Biodegradation rates of polymer films in seawater have been found to be higher than those of compacted pellets. As 3-PHB and 3-PHB/3-PHV are degraded and the specimens lose their mass, molecular weight of both polymers is decreased, i.e. polymer chains get destroyed. The polydispersity index of the PHAs grows significantly. However, the degree of crystallinity of both PHAs remains unchanged, i.e. the amorphous phase and the crystalline one are equally disintegrated. PHA-degrading microorganisms were isolated using the clear-zone technique, by inoculating the isolates onto mineral agar that contained PHA as sole carbon source. Based on the 16S rRNA analysis, the PHA-degrading strains were identified as Enterobacter sp. (four strains), Bacillus sp. and Gracilibacillus sp.
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea. L) is an underutilized local crop potentially to be developed as carbohydrate source and functional food in Indonesia. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the immunostimulatory effects of arrowroot extracts in vitro by using animal cell culture techniques, and in vivo by using BALB/c mice. The arrowroot tuber extracts were prepared by heat-treatment at 121 °C for 20 min in distilled water. The IgM production stimulatory activity of arrowroot tuber extracts against human hybridoma HB4C5 cells and mouse splenocytes was assessed. The result indicated that the arrowroot tuber extract stimulated IgM production by HB4C5 cells and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA and IgM) production by splenocytes in vitro. In addition, the arrowroot tuber extracts strongly enhanced interferon γ production by splenocytes. In vivo study indicated that the diet containing arrowroot extracts increased the serum IgG, IgA and IgM levels in mice. These results revealed that the arrowroot tuber extracts have immunostimulatory effects in vivo as well as in vitro.
Bioabsorbable polymers are considered a suitable alternative to the improvement and development of numerous applications in medicine. Poly-lactic acid (PLA,) is one of the most promising biopolymers due to the fact that the monomers may produced from non toxic renewable feedstock as well as is naturally occurring organic acid. Lactic acid can be made by fermentation of sugars obtained from renewable resources as such sugarcane. Therefore, PLA is an eco-friendly product with better features for use in the human body (nontoxicity). Lactic acid polymers can be synthesized by different processes so as to obtain products with an ample variety of chemical and mechanical properties. Due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties, PLA and their copolymers are becoming widely used in tissue engineering for function restoration of impaired tissues. In order to maximize the benefits of its use, it is necessary to understand the relationship between PLA material properties, the manufacturing process and the final product with desired characteristics. In this paper, the lactic acid production by fermentation and the polymer synthesis such biomaterial are reviewed. The paper intends to contribute to the critical knowledge and development of suitable use of PLA for biomedical applications.
To evaluate the effect of crude water-soluble arrowroot tea extracts on microbial growth of food-borne pathogens in liquid medium and to confirm the damage to bacterial cells using Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM).
Inhibition of growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus was investigated using Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth containing 0 (control), 0.63, 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0% (w/v) arrowroot tea. Bacterial cell counts were performed on specific selective agar on days 0, 1, 3 and 5. BHI containing 5.0% arrowroot tea extract showed a 6-7 log suppression of growth for all test strains on days 3 and 5, compared with the control. Even 0.63% arrowroot tea effectively inhibited microbial growth of all test strains on day 5. TEM images of the samples treated with 5.0% arrowroot tea revealed the rupture of cell walls and nonhomogeneous disposition of cytoplasmic materials within treated bacteria.
Crude water-soluble arrowroot tea extract strongly inhibited microbial growth of all test pathogens in liquid medium.
Water-soluble arrowroot tea extract has the potential to be used directly on foods or as a spray on the surfaces of food handling and processing facilities in order to prevent microbial growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Polyhydoxyalkanoates (PHA) are polyesters produced by microorganisms under unbalanced growth conditions. They are generally biodegradable and thermoprocessable, making them attractive as biomaterials for applications in both conventional medical devices and tissue engineering. Over the past years, PHA, particularly poly 3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV), poly 4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx) and poly 3-hydroxyoctanoate (PHO) and its composites have been used to develop devices including sutures, repair devices, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins, adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, bone marrow scaffolds, and wound dressings. The changing PHA compositions also allow favorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation times within desirable time frames under specific physiological conditions. This paper reviews what have been achieved in the PHA tissue engineering area and concluded that the PHA prospective will look very bright in the near future.