As the food packaging industry advances towards green and low-carbon solutions, developing sustainable, high-performance materials is essential to mitigate white pollution and enhance food safety monitoring. This review...As the food packaging industry advances towards green and low-carbon solutions, developing sustainable, high-performance materials is essential to mitigate white pollution and enhance food safety monitoring. This review systematically summarizes the preparation strategies for transparent cellulose films, covering physical methods, chemical modification, and green dissolution-regeneration systems. It focuses on analyzing the regulatory mechanisms of different preparation routes with respect to transparency, mechanical properties, and functional characteristics. Building on this basis, this paper proposes the research concept of physicochemical structural regulation of cellulose, which emphasizes the precise optimization of cellulose's aggregated-state structure, surface chemistry, and interfacial properties. This approach aims to enhance the comprehensive performance of film materials, constructing a new generation of "efficient, stable, and multi-scenario adaptable" intelligent packaging. Furthermore, functionalization strategies such as in situ growth, composite loading, electrospinning, and layer-by-layer self-assembly are elaborated, and their mechanisms for endowing films with antibacterial, antioxidant, UV-shielding, and intelligent response properties are discussed. Despite their advantages, challenges regarding wet stability, the trade-off between transparency and functionalization, and large-scale production bottlenecks remain. Finally, the review outlines future directions-including green processing, multifunctional integration, and industrial scalability-to accelerate the transition of cellulose-based intelligent packaging from laboratory research to commercial application.
Enzymatic polymerisation of sucrose creates nature-identical polysaccharides, such as poly α-1,3-glucan, offering a scalable approach to introduce biopolymers into industrial applications. In this study, we explored the...Enzymatic polymerisation of sucrose creates nature-identical polysaccharides, such as poly α-1,3-glucan, offering a scalable approach to introduce biopolymers into industrial applications. In this study, we explored the solubility, diffusivity, and permeability of various fluids (CO, O, liquid and vapour water) in films of α-1,3-glucan and its long-chain acid esters, specifically two glucan palmitates (GP) and one glucan laurate acetate (GLA) with varying degrees of substitution (DoS), highlighting the potential of glucan derivatives in packaging and membrane separation applications. Additionally, we evaluated films' wettability through contact angle measurements and examined dimethyl carbonate as an alternative to chloroform for film production. GP2, the ester with the highest degree of substitution studied here, reached water uptake of ~2 g mm/m day at 100% RH, which is 400 times lower compared to the unmodified glucan. CO and O permeability exhibited patterns seen in cellulose esters, with GPs showing CO permeability levels higher than 100 Barrer (3.34 × 10 mol m/(m s Pa)), promising for CO separation in membrane processes. A quantitative correlation between water uptake in glucan- and cellulose-based materials and their structure is provided as a first tool to assess applicability of these materials in processes where water transport is a key factor.
Curdlan (CUR)-based hydrogels have shown promise for wound healing but suffer from poor flexibility, high brittleness, and limited drug-loading capacity. To overcome these limitations, a curdlan-based complementary hydro...Curdlan (CUR)-based hydrogels have shown promise for wound healing but suffer from poor flexibility, high brittleness, and limited drug-loading capacity. To overcome these limitations, a curdlan-based complementary hydrogel (CM Gel) was developed by integrating CUR with mangiferin (MF), a polyphenol capable of self-assembly. Non-covalent interactions between CUR and MF led to a stable and flexible network with improved mechanical properties and gelation under mildly acidic pH conditions (pH ∼6.5), which aligns with skin wound conditions. Furthermore, the hydrogel was loaded with dihydromyricetin (DMY), a natural antibacterial agent, using a solvent-free one-pot pH/heating-driven process to fabricate the enhanced comprehensive hydrogel properties D@CM Gel. Multispectral analysis suggested that MF, CUR, and DMY were transformed from the crystalline state to the amorphous state. In vitro studies confirmed its potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, strong antioxidant capacity, and effective biofilm inhibition capacity. In an S. aureus-infected full-thickness wound model, D@CM Gel significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6), promoted collagen deposition and angiogenesis (VEGF, CD31, α-SMA), and outperformed commercial hydrogel dressings with excellent biocompatibility. These findings suggest that D@CM Gel is a promising and easily fabricated wound dressing with synergistic therapeutic functions for treating infected skin wounds.
This study investigated the synergistic mechanism of partial debranching and microwave treatment on the complexation between highland barley amylopectin and 2-ethyl-6-methyl pyrazine (EMP) in an aqueous system, a key roa...This study investigated the synergistic mechanism of partial debranching and microwave treatment on the complexation between highland barley amylopectin and 2-ethyl-6-methyl pyrazine (EMP) in an aqueous system, a key roasted aroma compound in tsampa. Pullulanase-mediated partial debranching optimized the chain length distribution by reducing steric hindrance, which alone enhanced EMP binding. Subsequent microwave treatment (300, 500, 700 W) further promoted complexation through distinct, power-dependent mechanisms that fundamentally differ from conventional water bath heating. Unlike the random thermal motion of water bath heating, microwave irradiation induced high-frequency dipole rotation and orientational polarization, driving starch chain rearrangement and conformational tightening. Especially, at 700 W, partial chain cleavage generated linear fragments that readily formed V-type inclusion complexes, doubling EMP encapsulation compared to native starch. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that microwave treatment induced tighter chain folding and stronger intermolecular interactions than water bath heating. This work demonstrates that microwave irradiation actively reorganizes starch architecture rather than merely providing thermal energy, offering a novel strategy for starch-based flavor encapsulation.
This study tracks how carbohydrate polymers evolve along the coffee process chain from green coffee beans to roasted coffee and spent coffee grounds (SCG), with a focus on how process history shapes the mannan-rich resid...This study tracks how carbohydrate polymers evolve along the coffee process chain from green coffee beans to roasted coffee and spent coffee grounds (SCG), with a focus on how process history shapes the mannan-rich residue that remains after brewing. Complementary analyses by acid methanolysis, total hydrolysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and solution-state and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to distinguish losses of labile carbohydrates from structural reorganization within the residual polymer matrix. Roasting and brewing progressively depleted sucrose and other accessible low-molecular-weight or weakly ordered carbohydrate fractions, whereas mannan remained the dominant carbohydrate polymer. Total hydrolysis showed that SCG contained approximately 51% mannan and 17% cellulose. At the same time, XRD, TGA, and solid-state C NMR indicated increasing structural order and higher thermal resistance in the spent residue, consistent with selective retention of recalcitrant mannan-rich domains and partial reorganization of cellulose and mannan. These results show that SCGs should not be viewed as a generic cellulose-rich feedstock. Instead, their process-dependent, mannan-dominant polymer structure should guide valorization strategies in food, fiber, and composite applications.
Cellulose beads are produced through dissolution-regeneration processes that are solvent- and water-intensive and disrupt the native microfibrillar organization by converting cellulose I to cellulose II. Here, we establi...Cellulose beads are produced through dissolution-regeneration processes that are solvent- and water-intensive and disrupt the native microfibrillar organization by converting cellulose I to cellulose II. Here, we establish a dissolution-free chemomechanical pathway that converts lignocellulosic biomass into spherical cellulose assemblies via architecture-governed cell-wall remodeling and shear-driven consolidation. Six feedstocks spanning agricultural residues (date palm, rice straw, corn straw, soybean straw) and woody biomasses (pine and peach wood) were subjected to sequential alkaline extraction, oxidative bleaching, and high-shear agitation. Comparative compositional, structural, and morphological analyses reveal that successful spheronization does not depend solely on cellulose content but requires the formation of a deformable continuity-preserving fibrillar intermediate. In this state, partial matrix removal induces wall swelling and delamination while maintaining load-bearing connectors that enable fibrillar bending, entanglement, and densification under hydrodynamic shear. Date palm and rice straw satisfy these criteria and produce stable cellulose I beads with fiber-assembled interiors. In contrast, corn and soybean residues undergo excessive fragmentation into fines that disperse as pulps/flocs, whereas pine and peach wood retain stratified, locked wall domains and yield irregular, rigid fragments. These findings establish an architecture-based mechanistic framework and selection rules for solvent-minimal, dissolution-free manufacturing of cellulose beads directly from low-value lignocellulosic biomass.
Myocardial infarction (MI) induced ischemia and hypoxia trigger a complex pathological microenvironment characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. However, the existing surgical and pharmacological tr...Myocardial infarction (MI) induced ischemia and hypoxia trigger a complex pathological microenvironment characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. However, the existing surgical and pharmacological treatments, as well as some tissue engineering techniques, fail to adequately therapy these symptoms, ultimately leading to cardiac dysfunction and poor prognosis. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel patch composed of chitosan (CS), intrinsically hierarchical silk fibroin (SF) fibers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging tannic acid (TA) for cardiac implantation was developed for treating the intricate post-MI microenvironment. This hydrogel not only provides favorable mechanical compliance but also enables sustained release of TA for over 30 days, ensuring long-term ROS scavenging while promoting cardiomyocyte adhesion and survival. In vitro experiments, the hydrogel demonstrates favorable biocompatibility and achieves an effective ROS clearance rate of approximately 80%. In a rat MI model, implantation of the patch reduces inflammatory factor secretion, decreases the myocardial fibrosis area by approximately 25%, and improves the ejection fraction (EF%) by approximately 20% for over 28 days post-MI. Mechanistically, the hydrogel patch synergistically regulates PI3K/Akt, Wnt5a/β-catenin, and TGF-β/Smad5 signaling pathways. In summary, this hydrogel patch offers a promising target strategy for repairing the complex post-MI microenvironment.
Chondroitin sulfate A (CS-A) is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan with broad biomedical applications, yet its sustainable and controllable production remains challenging due to inefficient sulfation. Here, we developed a modu...Chondroitin sulfate A (CS-A) is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan with broad biomedical applications, yet its sustainable and controllable production remains challenging due to inefficient sulfation. Here, we developed a modularly engineered Escherichia coli platform for the de novo biosynthesis of CS-A from renewable carbon sources. Introduction of an engineered chondroitin-4-O-sulfotransferase into a plasmid-free chondroitin-producing chassis revealed intracellular 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) availability as the primary bottleneck for sulfation. This limitation was addressed by enhancing sulfate assimilation and uptake, implementing an artificial PAPS regeneration pathway, and systematically amplifying and spatially assembling key PAPS biosynthetic enzymes. In parallel, pathway flux imbalance was alleviated through PAP-PAPS recycling and fine-tuning of sulfotransferase expression to coordinate backbone synthesis, cofactor supply, and sulfation capacity. The final engineered strain GZ32 achieved de novo production of 8.56 g/L CS-A with a sulfation degree of 90% in a 5 L fed-batch bioreactor using glycerol as the carbon source. This work establishes a scalable microbial platform for CS-A biosynthesis and provides a generalizable framework for sustainable production of well-characterized sulfated glycosaminoglycans.
The development of polysaccharide-based hydrogels for selective metal recovery is often hindered by insufficient stability and poor spatial organization of functional binding sites, especially in competitive aqueous envi...The development of polysaccharide-based hydrogels for selective metal recovery is often hindered by insufficient stability and poor spatial organization of functional binding sites, especially in competitive aqueous environments. Here, this paper presents an inorganic-anchored site-engineering strategy to address this gap by in situ embedding phytic acid-modified TiO hybrid nanoparticles into a carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(acrylic acid) three-dimensional network. This approach yields a composite hydrogel (CAPT-gel) that integrates renewable polysaccharide scaffolds with robust, accessible, and well-dispersed multidentate phosphate binding sites, stabilized through Ti-phosphate interactions. The resulting material achieves high adsorption capacities of 223.25 mg/g for Cu(II) and 313.52 mg/g for La(III), with a pronounced selectivity toward La(III) in coexisting-ion systems. CAPT-gel also maintains over 80% capacity retention after five adsorption-desorption cycles, demonstrating good reusability. Spectroscopic analyses and DFT calculations reveal that adsorption arises from interfacial interactions, including multidentate phosphate coordination, carboxylate-driven electrostatic effects, and inner-sphere surface complexation. The interconnected transport pathways within the hydrogel facilitate efficient solute access and thereby promote the formation of such complexes. This work provides a green and effective route to engineer phosphate-rich binding environments in cellulose-based hydrogels for selective capture and recovery of heavy-metal/rare-earth ions, expanding the utility of polysaccharide-derived materials in environmental remediation and resource recycling.
Chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), represent a stalled inflammatory state driven by excessive NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and defective innate immune memory. Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), a...Chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), represent a stalled inflammatory state driven by excessive NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and defective innate immune memory. Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), a neutral glucomannan from the orchid Bletilla striata, has emerged as a promising immunomodulatory candidate. This review critically examines the pharmacological potential of BSP, focusing on its structure-activity relationships (SAR)-specifically how extraction-dependent variations in molecular weight, mannose:glucose ratio, and degree of acetylation dictate receptor recognition. Emerging preclinical evidence suggests a "dual-hit" mechanism: BSP directly inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis to salvage tissue, while its degradation fragments induce epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming (trained immunity) in myeloid cells to prevent recurrence. Crucially, we discuss the "double-edged" nature of this immune training, weighing its benefits in antimicrobial defense against the theoretical risks of maladaptive systemic inflammation. We further analyze translational barriers, including the "quality-by-design" approaches needed to overcome batch variability and the regulatory pathway for botanical biologics. This review positions BSP not merely as a dressing, but as a sophisticated modulator of the pyroptosis-trained immunity axis, necessitating rigorous clinical validation to define its therapeutic window.
Cellulose esters represent promising thermoplastic biobased materials. However, their conventional synthesis often relies on the use of ionic liquids or substantial quantities of pyridine and acid anhydrides. This study...Cellulose esters represent promising thermoplastic biobased materials. However, their conventional synthesis often relies on the use of ionic liquids or substantial quantities of pyridine and acid anhydrides. This study presents an alternative approach in which cellulose was first converted to alkali cellulose using sodium hydroxide solution, followed by a mechanochemical reaction with acyl chlorides to obtain thermoplastic cellulose esters with a degree of substitution (DS) above 2.5. Hydrolysis of the acyl chloride was effectively suppressed by using conjugated and hydrophobic benzene-ring structures along with low reaction temperatures, which promoted efficient grafting onto cellulose even in the presence of water. The resulting para-substituted benzoyl cellulose esters exhibit clear thermoplasticity, with a measurable glass-transition temperature (Tg) and a thermal decomposition temperature approximately 30 °C higher than that of native cellulose. By varying the alkyl chain length attached to the rigid benzene ring, both Tg (from 175 °C for methyl to 151 °C for heptyl) and mechanical properties (strength and elongation) could be tuned. Moreover, external plasticization with triethyl citrate further lowered the Tg to 98 °C, significantly improving the melt-processability. This solvent- and catalyst-free mechanochemical method eliminates the need for pyridine or anhydrides, offering a scalable route to high-performance cellulose-based thermoplastics.
Traditional control agents have long struggled with the cell wall-degrading enzymes and oxalic acid secreted by S. sclerotiorum, resulting in poor control efficacy of sclerotinia stem rot (SSR). To overcome these predica...Traditional control agents have long struggled with the cell wall-degrading enzymes and oxalic acid secreted by S. sclerotiorum, resulting in poor control efficacy of sclerotinia stem rot (SSR). To overcome these predicaments, we designed a high-efficiency fungicide capable of site-specifically target-controlled release of active ingredients. Specifically, amino-functionalized zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8-NH) with triazole as the bridging ligand in hexaconazole (Hex)-loaded ZIF-8 was obtained via post-synthetic modification, followed by modifying with polygalacturonic acid (PG) to construct a pH and enzyme-dual-responsive nano-pesticide controlled-release system (ZIF-8-NH@Hex@PG), which possesses superior UV resistance, leaf adhesion properties, and rainwater wash-off resistance, and is stimuli-responsive to the microenvironment with acidity and polygalacturonases (PGs). Bioactivity tests indicate that, compared to 10% Hex formulations and 98% Hex technical grade, ZIF-8-NH@Hex@PG exhibits better antifungal activity (EC = 0.086 μg/mL), as well as protective (89.42%) and curative (76.67%) efficacy at 200 μg/mL against S. sclerotiorum, and also demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against three other pathogenic fungi in vitro. The fungicidal mechanism of ZIF-8-NH@Hex@PG involves the disruption of hyphal and cellular integrity. Moreover, ZIF-8-NH@Hex@PG shows good biocompatibility, reducing zebrafish toxicity and promoting rapeseed plant growth. This dual-responsive nanopesticide system provides a novel strategy for rapeseed stem rot control and intelligent agrochemicals green development.
Nanocellulose-based Pickering emulsions represent renewable and biocompatible alternatives to molecular surfactant systems, yet their limited surface functionality and bioactivity restrict practical applications. In this...Nanocellulose-based Pickering emulsions represent renewable and biocompatible alternatives to molecular surfactant systems, yet their limited surface functionality and bioactivity restrict practical applications. In this study, a green and tunable gas-liquid discharge plasma pretreatment was developed to activate TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs). The approach establishes a structure-activity relationship linking plasma parameters with TOCNF surface chemistry and emulsion performance. Physicochemical analyses indicate that plasma treatment increased the surface polarity and charge of TOCNFs, thereby improving their colloidal dispersibility. This enhanced dispersibility facilitates more efficient interfacial adsorption during emulsification and supports the formation of a robust fibrillar network. Specifically, an intermediate plasma treatment time of 10 minutes yielded the highest zeta potential and smallest particle size for P-TOCNFs. This optimal dispersion state thus contributed to the enhanced emulsion stability and antibacterial performance. The synergistic effects of high energy electrons and reactive oxygen species (ROS) conferred intrinsic bioactivity in a treatment-dependent manner. Importantly, these emulsions acted as reservoirs for plasma-derived reactive species, retaining their antibacterial functionality that was well preserved even after 14 days of storage. This work offers a novel plasma-based platform for advanced formulations in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves epithelial barrier breakdown, dysregulated mucosal immunity, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (GM). Given the biotherapeutic potential of dietary fructans, this study aimed to isolate...Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves epithelial barrier breakdown, dysregulated mucosal immunity, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota (GM). Given the biotherapeutic potential of dietary fructans, this study aimed to isolate a neutral fructan (CWP-W-1) from Curcuma wenyujin and to characterize its chemical structure and anti-colitis effects. CWP-W-1 was purified by DEAE-Sepharose and gel-filtration chromatography. Its structure was established using HPGPC, monosaccharide profiling, FT-IR, GC-MS, and NMR. In a DSS-induced UC mouse model, CWP-W-1 treatment alleviated disease severity and weight loss, decreased the disease activity index and rectal bleeding, prevented colon shortening, and restored histological architecture, with increased goblet cells and mucin staining. Metagenomic sequencing showed that CWP-W-1 mitigated DSS-associated dysbiosis, recovering α-diversity and shifting β-diversity toward healthy controls, with decreases in Proteobacteria and enrichment of beneficial taxa. Metabolite analyses indicated that CWP-W-1 increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and remodeled the tryptophan metabolic pathway, shifting the pro-inflammatory kynurenine bias toward indole-derived aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, consistent with epithelial barrier support and immune homeostasis. Collectively, these results demonstrated that CWP-W-1 was a structurally defined fructan with significant therapeutic potential for UC through coordinated modulation of barrier function, mucosal immunity, and the gut microbiota.
Global industrialization has increased fire risks, demanding sustainable flame-retardant insulation. Cellulose porous materials offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials, but their inherent flammability...Global industrialization has increased fire risks, demanding sustainable flame-retardant insulation. Cellulose porous materials offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials, but their inherent flammability limits widespread use. We present a green strategy using microwave-assisted ternary DES (sulfamic acid/choline chloride/urea) and bidirectional freeze-casting to fabricate nanocellulose porous materials (NCPM) with hierarchical brick-wall architectures. The resulting NCPM exhibits reduced hydrophilicity and good shape stability, with anisotropic compressive stress (2.00 and 1.75 MPa in x- and z-direction, respectively). They have a hierarchical pore structure and good thermal insulation, reducing absolute heat flux by 31% and 10% in two principal directions versus the control. It also presents a low thermal conductivity, low heat release rate (peak value of 90 W·g), smoke-free rapid carbonization flame retardancy, and low density. LCA confirms that the resulting NCPM has a lower carbon footprint, minimal resource use, and reduced environmental burden, compared with others. This work establishes a sustainable paradigm for transforming lignocellulose into high performance materials.
Corn fiber is a major carbohydrate-rich by-product of the corn-processing industry, but its efficient utilization is hindered by the structural recalcitrance of hemicellulose. To analyze its resistance structure to enzym...Corn fiber is a major carbohydrate-rich by-product of the corn-processing industry, but its efficient utilization is hindered by the structural recalcitrance of hemicellulose. To analyze its resistance structure to enzymes, hemicellulose enzymatic oligosaccharides (HEOs) were generated by hydrolyzing corn fiber holocellulose with crude enzyme from Penicillium oxalicum MCAX. Integrated analyses of monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkages, NMR, and MALDI-TOF-MS showed that HEOs retained glucuronic acid and acetyl substituents and contained key recalcitrant features, including T-α-Xyl-(1 → 3)-Ara, T-β-Xyl-(1 → 2)-Ara, T-β-Gal-(1 → 2)-Ara side chains, Ara-Ara linkages, and a previously unreported T-α-Gal-(1 → 3)-Ara motif in corn fiber hemicellulose. Based on these findings, structural models of HEOs were proposed, providing a framework for targeted enzyme selection strategies. Among seven GH31 α-xylosidases screened from diverse sources, only rAnXyl31A from Aspergillus niger showed activity toward HEOs and synergized with MCAX to increase the release of hemicellulose-derived monosaccharides. 2D NMR analysis of hydrolysates supported cleavage of the resistant T-α-Xyl-(1 → 3)-Ara motif by rAnXyl31A and its cooperative debranching effect with MCAX, resulting in a more extensive removal of terminal α-xylosyl and α-galactosyl substitutions. These results provide structural insights into corn fiber hemicellulose recalcitrance and offer practical guidance for the rational design of enzyme systems to achieve more efficient biomass conversion and utilization.