Carbohydrate Polymers[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
The rheological behavior, particle properties and supramolecular structure of low acyl gellan gum fluid gels: impact of the calcium concentration before fluid gel formation.
D'Oria G, Zhu Y, Limbach HJ … +4 more , Hartmann C, Goderis B, Ahrné L, Gunes DZ
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285681 · Publisher ↗
Fluid gels are jammed microgel suspensions obtained by shearing a gelling hydrocolloid during its sol-gel transition. This study focused on calcium-induced low acyl gellan gum (LAGG) fluid gels and investigated the impac...
Fluid gels are jammed microgel suspensions obtained by shearing a gelling hydrocolloid during its sol-gel transition. This study focused on calcium-induced low acyl gellan gum (LAGG) fluid gels and investigated the impact of calcium concentration before fluid gel formation on the resulting rheological behavior, fluid gel particle properties, and supramolecular structure. The elasticity and yield stress of fluid gels and quiescently cooled gels reached a maximum when the calcium concentration was increased from 0.78 to (approx.) 30 mmol/kg. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of fluid gels revealed a progressive increase in gel network connectivity up to the calcium concentration where the peak in rheological properties was observed followed by a less interconnected network at calcium concentrations above the peak. Furthermore, rheological measurements supplemented with free calcium and zeta-potential measurements, support that the decrease after the peak in rheological response is due to the combination of fluid gel particle softening with a decrease in surface charge. The results of this study enable to establish clearer links between rheological behavior, particle properties and supramolecular structure of calcium-induced LAGG fluid gels. This work enables a more effective design of fluid gel properties for different applications from food to pharma and biomaterials.
Tuning the degree of substitution of octenyl succinic anhydride-modified highly branched cyclodextrin: Impacts on structure, physicochemical properties and emulsifying performance.
Wang L, Liu P, Yuan C
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285680 · Publisher ↗
Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modification is an effective strategy to improve the emulsifying properties of carbohydrates. OSA-highly branched cyclodextrin (HBCD) with different average degrees of substitution (DS) w...
Octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modification is an effective strategy to improve the emulsifying properties of carbohydrates. OSA-highly branched cyclodextrin (HBCD) with different average degrees of substitution (DS) were prepared in the study. The influence of the modification on the structure, physicochemical properties and emulsifying performance was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy confirmed the successful grafting of octenyl succinate groups onto HBCD chains, and the substitution reaction occurred mainly at the C6 position of the glucose unit. The introduction of octenyl succinate groups reduced the thermal stability of HBCD while significantly enhancing its hydrophobicity. OSA-HBCD was able to form stable O/W Pickering emulsions, among which the sample with an average DS of 0.028 exhibited the best emulsifying performance. All the OSA-HBCD stabilized emulsions showed shear thinning and viscosity dominant (G″ > G') behavior, and higher average DS corresponded to greater viscoelasticity of the emulsions. The study lays a theoretical groundwork for employing OSA-HBCD as an emulsifier in functional food applications and related fields.
Tailoring cellulose nanofibril separator networks with lignin for sustainable energy storage.
Bas Y, Singh M, Völtz LR … +2 more , Berglund L, Oksman K
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285679 · Publisher ↗
Thin, high-performance separators are crucial for enhancing the volumetric energy density of electrochemical energy storage devices. Cellulose nanofibril networks are promising candidates due to their intrinsic hydrophil...
Thin, high-performance separators are crucial for enhancing the volumetric energy density of electrochemical energy storage devices. Cellulose nanofibril networks are promising candidates due to their intrinsic hydrophilicity and ability to form thin, mechanically strong networks. In this study, wood particles were directly TEMPO-oxidized and fibrillated into nanofibrils (TOCNF) using a microfluidizer, and their resulting networks were tailored with kraft lignin via a simple mixing and casting approach. The influence of lignin content on separator properties and supercapacitor performance was systematically evaluated. The modified networks were compared with pristine TOCNF networks and commercial polyolefin separators. An optimal lignin content of 10 wt% provides the best balance of properties, combining high electrolyte uptake (∼280 wt%), good wet tensile strength (∼6 MPa), and sufficient thermal stability. Supercapacitors assembled with this separator delivered high specific capacitance (112.1 F g at 0.5 A g), low series resistance (2.4 Ω), and stable, symmetric charge-discharge behavior. Increasing lignin content to 20 and 30 wt% led to reduced mechanical integrity and electrochemical performance. Overall, the bio-based separators outperformed the commercial reference, highlighting lignin-tailored TOCNF networks as sustainable and high-performance alternatives for next-generation energy storage applications.
Dual-functional synergistic modification of cellulose with phosphate and amidoxime for high-efficiency uranium capture in acidic wastewater.
Zhao X, Sun J, Chong C … +1 more , Hu R
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285678 · Publisher ↗
The selective separation of uranium from acidic radioactive wastewater is critical for mitigating environmental hazards and safeguarding public health. Cellulose-based adsorbents have the advantages of abundant resources...
The selective separation of uranium from acidic radioactive wastewater is critical for mitigating environmental hazards and safeguarding public health. Cellulose-based adsorbents have the advantages of abundant resources, low cost and degradability, but there is a problem of low adsorption efficiency for uranium under acidic conditions. Here, we present a cellulose-based adsorbent with engineered phosphate-amidoxime dual functionalities (PAFC) that overcomes the problem through molecular-scale coordination design. Leveraging the complementary binding affinities of phosphate and amidoxime groups, PAFC achieves exceptional uranium adsorption performance across broad pH adaptability (3-9), exhibiting >96% removal efficiency at 100 mg·L uranium within 60 min. The material maintains 76% removal efficiency after ten regeneration cycles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and density functional theory calculations reveal that phosphate groups effectively suppress the protonation of amidoxime groups under acidic conditions, and their synergistic interaction significantly enhances the UO adsorption binding energy compared to systems containing only a single functional group. This study provides a general paradigm for developing cellulose-based adsorbents through rational dual-functional modification with phosphate and amidoxime groups, addressing the critical need for sustainable nuclear wastewater remediation technologies.
Hierarchical construction of a superhydrophobic and superior intrinsically flame-retardant phosphorylated microcrystalline cellulose bio-based composite aerogel.
Lang W, Jia H, Wang Z … +1 more , Wu N
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285677 · Publisher ↗
The practical deployment of cellulose aerogels in the thermal-insulation fields is severely constrained by their inherent hygroscopicity, flammability, and fragility. Integrating superior flame-retardancy with superhydro...
The practical deployment of cellulose aerogels in the thermal-insulation fields is severely constrained by their inherent hygroscopicity, flammability, and fragility. Integrating superior flame-retardancy with superhydrophobicity in cellulose-based aerogel remains a significant challenge. Herein, phosphorous-containing microcrystalline cellulose (PMCC) was utilized as an intrinsically flame-retardant bio-based matrix, and a hierarchical organic-inorganic network was engineered via methyltrimethylsilane crosslinking coupled with in situ self-assembly of modified silica (MSiO) nanoparticles. The resulting MPMCC-MSiO composite aerogels featured a hierarchically multiscale porous architecture in which MSiO and poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (PMSQ) micro/nanoscale particles were uniformly integrated throughout the coarse three-dimensional pore matrix framework. This configuration of the MPMCC-MSiO aerogel enabled superhydrophobicity across different cross-sections with excellent self-cleaning, achieving water contact angles (WCA) up to 151°. Moreover, the organic-inorganic dual crosslinked network significantly reinforced mechanical performance, delivering compressive moduli of MPMCC-MSiO-2 reaching 5.50 MPa, corresponding to enhancements of 491.4% relative to PMCC aerogel. Notably, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the MPMCC2-MSiO-2 aerogel increased from 36.8% for the PMCC aerogel to 60.0%, attributed to the phosphorus/silicon synergistic flame-retardant effect. The integration of ultra-high flame-retardancy, superhydrophobicity, and structural robustness renders this MPMCC-MSiO bio-based composite aerogel promising for advanced, sustainable thermal insulation applications.
Structural characterization, in vitro anticoagulant, and antiplatelet activities of a Distolasterias nipon dermatan sulfate-like polymer with a distinctive sulfation pattern.
Filshtein AP, Belova VS, Taran IV … +1 more , Kokoulin MS
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285676 · Publisher ↗
A novel dermatan sulfate-like polysaccharide (DNP) was isolated from the body walls of the starfish Distolasterias nipon. Its structure was elucidated using chemical methods and 2D NMR spectroscopy, revealing a backbone...
A novel dermatan sulfate-like polysaccharide (DNP) was isolated from the body walls of the starfish Distolasterias nipon. Its structure was elucidated using chemical methods and 2D NMR spectroscopy, revealing a backbone of →4)-α-L-IdopA-(1→3)-β-D-GalpNAc-(1→, with the α-L-iduronic acid residues predominantly 2,3-di-O-sulfated, alongside 2-O- and 3-O-monosulfated variants, and the β-D-GalpNAc residues 4-O-sulfated. Functional assays showed that DNP prolongs thrombin time (TT) comparable to heparin and more potently than enoxaparin (Clexane®), whereas its effect on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is less pronounced. The anticoagulant activity of DNP is characterized by antithrombin-dependent thrombin inhibition and moderate suppression of factor Xa. Furthermore, the polysaccharide does not induce platelet aggregation nor interfere with physiological ADP-mediated pathways, but it inhibits ristocetin-induced aggregation. These findings identify D. nipon as a source of a dermatan sulfate structurally distinct from those found in other starfishes and invertebrates, and characterized by an antithrombin-dependent anti-IIa/anti-Xa profile and additional antiplatelet properties.
Charge-density-dependent selective radical suppression in carboxymethyl cellulose.
Kono H, Nishimaki K, Sasa K … +2 more , Tanaka Y, Ogata M
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285675 · Publisher ↗
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a widely used biocompatible polysaccharide reported to exhibit antioxidant and radical scavenging activities, although its mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we clarified the function of...
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a widely used biocompatible polysaccharide reported to exhibit antioxidant and radical scavenging activities, although its mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we clarified the function of CMC by quantifying its radical scavenging behavior in three radical-generating systems-H₂O₂ photolysis (•OH), 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) photolysis (•OOR/•OR/•OH), and K₂S₂O₈ thermolysis (SO₄•)-using electron spin resonance spin trapping. At a fixed polymer concentration (5 mg mL), •OH scavenging was independent of the degree of substitution (DS), consistent with diffusion-controlled reactivity. In contrast, suppression of AAPH-derived radicals increased monotonically with DS, as reflected by decreasing half-maximal scavenging concentration (IC₅₀; 7.3 → 1.5 mg mL) and increasing apparent rate constant (k = 1/IC₅₀; 0.14 → 0.66 mL mg). SO₄• scavenging was weak and slightly decreased at high DS owing to electrostatic exclusion. These findings establish that CMC acts as a DS-dependent reaction field rather than a nonspecific scavenger. Polyglucuronic acid reproduced behavior of CMC with DS ≈ 1, indicating that chain-averaged charge density, rather than backbone structure or chain length, governs radical suppression. This charge density engineering concept provides a generalizable route to tune the radical selectivity of polysaccharide-based antioxidants.
A combined mechanical grinding-deep eutectic solvent strategy for the deconstruction of carbohydrates-rich fruit by-products.
Perret L, Antoine-Assor C, Beaugrand J … +6 more , Lampoh K, Brionne L, Saulnier L, Lacerda SP, Le Guen MJ, Mayer-Laigle C
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285674 · Publisher ↗
The efficient recovery of carbohydrates from fruit by-products is limited by their restricted accessibility, as they are embedded within the complex cell wall matrix. Overcoming this barrier requires particle-size reduct...
The efficient recovery of carbohydrates from fruit by-products is limited by their restricted accessibility, as they are embedded within the complex cell wall matrix. Overcoming this barrier requires particle-size reduction, matrix disruption and selection of appropriate solvent. Recently, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have emerged as promising sustainable alternative for polysaccharide recovery. However, their high viscosity can hinder mass transfer and consequently extraction yield. This study investigates the combination of NADES with grinding to enhance cell wall carbohydrates accessibility in lemon peel and apple pomace. Vibratory ball grinding was performed in presence of three chloride-based NADES: lactic acid (CCLA), malic acid (CCMlic), and malonic acid (CCMnic). Combining grinding with CCLA and CCMlic significantly increased mass yields, up to four-fold, reaching a maximum of 9.0%. This increase was associated to increased surface area and mechanical energy input by impact, as supported by modelling. In contrast, CCMnic showed limited efficiency with yields up to 4.3%, likely due to weaker solvent-matrix interactions. Compositional analyses revealed the co-extraction of polysaccharides with other components, including lignin (3.0 to 15%). Additionally, the initial disruption degree of the fruit by-product was identified as a critical factor for polysaccharides recovery.
Unlocking complete sugarcane residue valorisation for sequential fractionation of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin through a one-pot, two-step deep eutectic solvent strategy.
Mao Y, Pramasari DA, Tang B … +2 more , Derry MJ, Binner ER
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285673 · Publisher ↗
Sugarcane tops and leaves (STL) represent an abundant yet underutilised lignocellulosic residue with significant biorefinery potential for the valorisation of its three principal components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and...
Sugarcane tops and leaves (STL) represent an abundant yet underutilised lignocellulosic residue with significant biorefinery potential for the valorisation of its three principal components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. However, existing fractionation studies often prioritise lignin removal, while hemicellulose recovery is compromised by acid-catalysed degradation and sugar dehydration. Here, we report a one-pot, two-step deep eutectic solvent (DES) fractionation strategy that decouples hemicellulose extraction from lignin solubilisation using a low-cost oxalic acid:choline chloride (1:1 molar ratio) system. In the first step, a hydrated DES (75 wt%) at 80 °C for 60 min selectively recovered hemicellulose, achieving 95.6% combined conversion to xylose and xylobiose while limiting glucose (5.3%), furfural (3.3%), and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (1.3%) formation. The second step employed neat DES at 120 °C for controlled delignification, achieving 95.4% lignin recovery within 10 min at 87.8% purity, with reduced condensation compared to a single-step lignin extraction approach. The resulting cellulose-rich pulp contained 80.1% cellulose with enhanced crystallinity (CrI = 34.8%). Importantly, DES regeneration via recrystallisation reduced downstream energy demand. This integrated strategy enables sequential and selective recovery of all three biomass fractions within a single solvent system, advancing circular lignocellulosic biorefinery design.
Integrated design of epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticles and tannic acid to reinforce the porous structure of κ-carrageenan/pullulan absorbent pads for extending beef shelf life.
Wang X, Han Y, Lei W … +3 more , Li H, Li S, Gao Z
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285672 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to develop sustainable bioactive absorbent pads as a green alternative for meat packaging. Gelatin (Gel) self-assembled nanocarriers were constructed to encapsulate epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), yield...
This study aimed to develop sustainable bioactive absorbent pads as a green alternative for meat packaging. Gelatin (Gel) self-assembled nanocarriers were constructed to encapsulate epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), yielding Gel@EGCG nanoparticles with an encapsulation efficiency of 76.18% and a loading capacity of 10.65%. Subsequently, these nanocomposites were incorporated together with natural crosslinker tannic acid (TA) into a κ-carrageenan/pullulan (Car/Pul) matrix to fabricate biopolymer absorbent pads (CPTGE). The resulting three-dimensional porous structure (stabilized by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions) endowed CPTGE pads oil-water superabsorbent characteristics, while reinforcing compressive resistance. Moreover, CPTGE2 (Car/Pul containing TA and 0.2%wt Gel@EGCG) effectively scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals, with inhibition rates of 86.72% against Escherichia coli and 92.07% against Staphylococcus aureus, conferring active antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Notably, CPTGE2 significantly delayed quality deterioration by suppressing myoglobin oxidation (reducing metmyoglobin content by 50.47%) and lipid peroxidation (lowering thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] values by 51.10%), ultimately extending beef shelf life. This provides new insights for designing active packaging that integrates efficient liquid absorption with antimicrobial and antioxidant functions.
Correlating polymer solution and membrane fabrication with morphological and permeation properties of cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membranes.
Pires RF, Valente MP, Rodrigues FSC … +2 more , Charas A, Faria M
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285671 · Publisher ↗
Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were prepared by phase inversion using three fixed solvent compositions (30/53, 31/52 and 35/48 wt% of formamide/acetone) while varying the air exposure time prior to immersion (0, 10, an...
Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes were prepared by phase inversion using three fixed solvent compositions (30/53, 31/52 and 35/48 wt% of formamide/acetone) while varying the air exposure time prior to immersion (0, 10, and 30 s). The influence of the percentage of formamide and evaporation time on the membrane structure and performance was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization, pure water permeation, and molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) measurements. Results demonstrated that evaporation time was a key factor in controlling the membrane morphology. Short evaporation times favored fast demixing and the formation of macrovoids, while longer evaporation times (30 s) suppressed these defects and produced smoother selective layers. The CA(35)-30 membrane exhibited the most favorable properties, including a water permeability of 36.0 L/h/m/bar, an MWCO of 35.0 kDa, low surface roughness (RMS = 1.81 nm), and an asymmetric structure free of macrovoids and surface stripes.
Mechanical role of disordered cellulose in macrofibrils of softwood secondary cell walls.
Yu Z, Zheng X, Yang H … +2 more , Tu W, Zhang Y
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285670 · Publisher ↗
Cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) in wood macrofibrils are semi-crystalline including crystalline and disordered regions, yet the mechanical role of disordered cellulose remains elusive. Here, we employed reactive molecular...
Cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) in wood macrofibrils are semi-crystalline including crystalline and disordered regions, yet the mechanical role of disordered cellulose remains elusive. Here, we employed reactive molecular dynamics simulations to systematically investigate the mechanical role of disordered cellulose by developing atomic models of softwood macrofibrils with varying cellulose crystallinity. Simulation results showed that there is a critical balance between the strength and toughness of macrofibrils governed by the cellulose crystallinity. Lowering cellulose crystallinity decreased the longitudinal modulus and tensile strength of macrofibrils but increased the ultimate strain. In contrast, toughness exhibited a non-monotonic dependence on crystallinity and reached a peak at approximately 90%. Hydrogen-bond analysis revealed that disordered cellulose mainly led to fewer hydrogen bonds within CMFs, thereby weakening the strength of macrofibrils. Fracture analysis further revealed that disordered regions acted as crack initiation points and energy dissipation regions, making macrofibrils exhibit more ductile behavior. In addition, a theoretical model based on mixture rule incorporating the effect of interphase was proposed to predict the longitudinal moduli of macrofibrils. These findings provide fundamental molecular insights into the structure-property relationships of macrofibrils in wood secondary cell walls and shed light on the design of wood-based materials with tailored mechanical properties.
Carbohydrate polymer-stabilized Pickering emulsion gel coordinates antimicrobial and pro-regenerative cues for scar-minimized wound healing.
Bello MG, Qiao Z, Chen L
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285669 · Publisher ↗
Advanced wound dressings capable of coordinating antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative functions remain highly desirable for scar-minimized skin repair. Herein, we developed a carbohydrate polymer-stabil...
Advanced wound dressings capable of coordinating antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative functions remain highly desirable for scar-minimized skin repair. Herein, we developed a carbohydrate polymer-stabilized Pickering emulsion gel (Ag@FO-PGEL) by integrating glycyrrhizic acid (GA) fibrillar networks with silver-loaded γ-cyclodextrin frameworks (Ag@CDF) for controlled topical delivery of frankincense oil (FO) and silver ions (Ag). The carbohydrate-driven interfacial architecture enabled stable emulsion gel formation with uniform particle distribution and sustained Ag release over 30 days, characterized by an initial burst release (45% within 12 h) followed by prolonged diffusion-controlled release. The resulting Ag@FO-PGEL exhibited favorable rheological behavior, long-term colloidal stability, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and good cytocompatibility. In vivo, Ag@FO-PGEL accelerated wound closure to 99.6% by day 14 while promoting collagen remodeling, angiogenesis, and reduced inflammatory infiltration. Mechanistically, the formulation modulated macrophage polarization toward a pro-regenerative phenotype and biphasically regulated senescence-associated markers: early p16 suppression to support proliferation followed by p16/p53 activation to limit fibrosis. The synergistic integration of GA fibrillar assembly and porous γ-cyclodextrin framework stabilization provides a multifunctional carbohydrate-based platform for localized and sustained wound therapy. These findings highlight the potential of carbohydrate-engineered Pickering emulsion gels as biofunctional wound dressings for regenerative skin repair.
Ultrasound treatment of maize starches with varying amylose and gelatinisation state.
Zhu M, Xiong W, Kumar G … +4 more , Liu X, Li E, Flanagan B, Dhital S
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285668 · Publisher ↗
To elucidate how ultrasound affects starch architecture, starches with varying amylopectin/amylose ratios and pre-gelatinised states were systematically investigated. Waxy maize starch (WMS, 1% amylose), normal maize sta...
To elucidate how ultrasound affects starch architecture, starches with varying amylopectin/amylose ratios and pre-gelatinised states were systematically investigated. Waxy maize starch (WMS, 1% amylose), normal maize starch (NMS, 26% amylose), and Gelose 80 (G80, 80% amylose) were pre-conditioned to non- (A: 50 °C), semi- (B: 65 °C/85 °C), and fully gelatinised (C: 95 °C/140 °C) states prior to sonication (20 kHz, 1 h, 2250 J/cm). Multi-scale structural characterization, spanning granular to molecular levels, was performed using mastersizer, polarised light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Ultrasound promoted granule disruption and amylopectin dispersion, accompanied by significant reductions in gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH), relative crystallinity (RC), SAXS peak intensity (q ≈ 0.07 Å), and double-helix content. In contrast, crystalline polymorphism, single-helix content, and molecular size distribution remained largely unchanged. These findings reveal selective ultrasound-induced modulation primarily targeting amylopectin double helices, with structural susceptibility dictated by amylopectin architecture and granule integrity.
Multi-stimuli responsive cellulose nanocrystal-based microcapsules with enhanced insecticidal efficacy and environmental safety.
Zhou EM, Ding JW, Kang DB … +4 more , Tan YL, Li YJ, Li DQ, Li J
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285667 · Publisher ↗
Sustainable crop protection relies on the development of pesticide formulations characterized by intelligent release performance and high biological safety. However, due to the reliance on costly functional additives and...
Sustainable crop protection relies on the development of pesticide formulations characterized by intelligent release performance and high biological safety. However, due to the reliance on costly functional additives and complex synthesis processes, achieving all these multiple functions simultaneously still poses a formidable challenge. Here, we report cost-effective methacrylic anhydride-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (MCNCs)-stabilized high internal phase Pickering emulsion (IMI@MCNCs-HIPPE) as a template for constructing a smart insecticide system. Through in situ radical polymerization of N, N-Diethyl-2-propenamide (DEAAM), we synthesized IMI@MCNCs-g-DEAAM microcapsules that exhibit multi-stimuli responsiveness (dual-pH responsive and temperature responsive), efficient pesticide encapsulation (96.5%), and a high loading capacity (58.2%). The resultant microcapsules demonstrate sustained and controlled release along with exceptional spreading, adhesion, rainfastness, and photostability on corn and tomato leaves, outperforming the commercial EC (Bisair®). Bioassays against Rhopalosiphum maidis and Tomato leafminers confirmed superior insecticidal efficacy of the microcapsules, while safety assessments on seed germination, soil microbes, and zebrafish indicated excellent environmental compatibility. This research innovatively establishes a sustainable, cost-effective, and multifunctional nanocellulose-based platform, enabling controlled release, precise targeting, and improvement in biological safety, thereby providing critical technical support for sustainable agriculture.
Preparation of bovine serum albumin-γ-cyclodextrin conjugate and its solubilization and delivery performance for paclitaxel.
He W, Song Q, Liu Q … +3 more , Chen X, Tan S, Zhang H
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285666 · Publisher ↗
In this study, bovine serum albumin-γ-cyclodextrin (BSA-CD) conjugate was prepared to explore its solubilization effect on Paclitaxel (PTX) and the underlying mechanism. The aqueous solubility studies revealed that when...
In this study, bovine serum albumin-γ-cyclodextrin (BSA-CD) conjugate was prepared to explore its solubilization effect on Paclitaxel (PTX) and the underlying mechanism. The aqueous solubility studies revealed that when 0.1 mM BSA-CD conjugate was complexed with 4 mM PTX, the maximum aqueous solubility of PTX reached 34 mM, which was approximately 5-fold higher than that of the clinical formulation Abraxane™, with drug loading capacity increased by about 2.8-fold. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the inclusion complex exhibited a cumulative PTX release of approximately 14% over 72 h at pH 7.4 and approximately 23% at pH 5.5, indicating a pH-responsive release profile. MTT assays confirmed that the BSA-CD carrier was non-cytotoxic, and the inclusion complex at the concentration of 10 μM exhibited superior cytotoxicity against melanoma B16F10 cells compared to free PTX and Abraxane™. This study confirms that the BSA-CD conjugate, through the synergistic "dual encapsulation" effect of the BSA hydrophobic pocket and the γ-CD hydrophobic cavity combined with a moderately aggregated state modulated by specific ionic strength, significantly enhances the aqueous solubility and delivery efficiency of PTX, providing a novel and efficient carrier as well as new insights for the formulation optimization of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.
High-strength PVA-based carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel enabling adaptive plugging of cracks of varying widths.
Li L, Liu H, Wu Y … +3 more , Wang L, Yang X, Feng C
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285665 · Publisher ↗
Drilling fluid loss is a major challenge facing oil and gas drilling operations worldwide and often results in significant economic losses. Although traditional liquid-crystal materials (LCMs) offer key advantages such a...
Drilling fluid loss is a major challenge facing oil and gas drilling operations worldwide and often results in significant economic losses. Although traditional liquid-crystal materials (LCMs) offer key advantages such as self-adaptive crack plugging capabilities and adjustable gelation times. However, due to its limited pressure resistance, its range of applications remains limited. In this study, a simple freeze-thaw strategy was employed to innovatively develop a PVA-based plugging hydrogel. This method leverages physical cross-linking properties to reduce the need for chemical cross-linking agents and improve the material's rheological properties. The 15% PVA hydrogel achieved a tensile strength of 6.99 MPa. Its compressive strength was 4 MPa at 80% strain. Furthermore, it exhibited excellent fatigue resistance, with compressive strength decreasing by only 21% after 50 cycles. Simulated plugging tests demonstrated that the prepared hydrogel exhibits excellent sealing performance under a water pressure of 5 MPa. This study provides an economically viable and environmentally friendly solution for preventing drilling fluid loss, making it a highly promising candidate material for deep-sea drilling applications.
Molecular engineering of cellulose-rich Caragana fiber with phytic acid construct high-energy phosphate sites for efficient rare earth capture.
Wang X, Zhang H, Liu X … +5 more , Zhao Q, Ding J, Yu H, Wang W, Guo F
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285664 · Publisher ↗
Sustainable recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) by adsorption faces an inherent trade-off among capacity, kinetics, and stability. We report a molecular engineering strategy that converts Caragana fiber (CF), a cellul...
Sustainable recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) by adsorption faces an inherent trade-off among capacity, kinetics, and stability. We report a molecular engineering strategy that converts Caragana fiber (CF), a cellulose-rich waste biomass, into a hierarchical adsorbent (PA-CF) using naturally derived phytic acid (PA). PA acts as a green catalyst that restructures the cellulose matrix and a grafting agent that introduces abundant high-energy phosphate binding sites. In this design, phosphate groups distribute throughout a covalently integrated network instead of on external or pore surfaces, mitigating interfacial limitations of conventional heterogeneous adsorbents. Under optimized conditions, PA-CF achieves adsorption capacities of 224.22 mg/g for La(III), 262.47 mg/g for Gd(III), and 327.87 mg/g for Lu(III). Site energy distribution analysis confirms that high-energy sites (∼40 kJ/mol) dominate adsorption and provides a thermodynamic basis for understanding phosphate-REE binding. The adsorbent performs reliably in complex matrices (seawater, tap water) and tolerates competing ions (Na, Mg, Zn, Al, Fe). It retains >70% of initial capacity after five cycles. Mechanistic studies indicate adsorption proceeds mainly through chemical complexation and electrostatic interactions. These results show PA restructures cellulose into a covalently integrated network rather than surface-grafted ones, offering a transferable strategy for designing advanced carbohydrate-based materials for resource recovery.
From crude extracts to purified fractions: Tracking sulfate preservation, antioxidant loss, and nanostructures by X-ray scattering of Hokkaido brown algae fucoidans.
Kumagai Y, Mune MAM, Akita S … +7 more , Sajeevan S, Satoh T, Isono T, Kawagoe C, Tagami T, Yuguchi Y, Lang W
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285663 · Publisher ↗
Fucoidan shows promise for food and therapeutic applications; however, inadequate purification leads to inconsistent composition and over-claimed bioactivity. This study rigorously fractionated eight brown algae species...
Fucoidan shows promise for food and therapeutic applications; however, inadequate purification leads to inconsistent composition and over-claimed bioactivity. This study rigorously fractionated eight brown algae species from Hokkaido, Japan, using anion-exchange chromatography to generate three primary fractions (FN1, FN2, and FN3). While fractionation enriched sulfate content, it resulted in a >90% reduction in measured antioxidant activity. Multivariate analysis identified the interaction between sulfate and saccharide contents as the principal determinant of this residual activity. Makombu-derived FN3 was then enzymatically digested, treated with activated charcoal, and ultrafiltered to yield FN3 UF, which contained 48.9% sulfate and negligible glucuronic acid, as determined by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Overall results suggest that the high activity typically reported is largely extrinsic, driven by co-extracted impurities, whereas the true intrinsic activity is trace (~1 μg/mg). Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that this refinement triggers an expansion of the Bragg distance from 12.6 nm (alginate-rich FN1) to 21.7 nm (sulfated FN3), providing the first direct physical evidence that sulfate-driven electrostatic repulsion governs fucoidan's nanostructural organization in solution. These findings establish a previously undocumented physical baseline, proving that rigorous chemical refinement is a mandatory prerequisite for reliable structure-function evaluations of fucoidan.
Leaf vein-inspired ethyl cellulose mediated dual-network design for enhanced energy storage in PVDF-based all-organic polymer dielectrics.
Yang L, Lu H, Li B … +2 more , Yang S, Su W
Carbohydr Polym · 2026 Sep · PMID 42285662 · Publisher ↗
High dielectric loss and relaxation loss restrict the applications of ferroelectric crystalline polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in modern electronic systems. Inspired by the supporting structure of leaf v...
High dielectric loss and relaxation loss restrict the applications of ferroelectric crystalline polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in modern electronic systems. Inspired by the supporting structure of leaf veins, flexible all-organic dielectric films were fabricated by incorporating hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) and ethyl cellulose (EC) into PVDF via solution casting and in-situ ultraviolet (UV) polymerization. Three-dimensional (3D) molecular interpenetrating network from HFBA polymerization and the hydrogen-bond crosslinking network from EC synergistically optimize the film microstructure. The confinement of PVDF chain motion and the trapping of charge carriers effectively reduce dielectric loss and leakage current density. The dielectric loss decreases from 0.0623 for PVDF to 0.0171, and the leakage current density drops from 4.45 × 10 A/cm to 3.21 × 10 A/cm, over one order of magnitude lower. A maximum energy storage density of 7.74 J/cm is achieved, 2.31 times that of pure PVDF (3.35 J/cm). This work provides a promising strategy for the scalable preparation and application of high-performance flexible dielectrics.
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