Electrospun blends comprised of poly(methyl methacrylate) and ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose functionalized with perichromic dyes

Synthesis, characterization, molecular modeling, binding energies of β-cyclodextrin-inclusion complexes of quercetin: Modification of photo physical behavior upon β-CD complexation

We prepared a naturally occurring flavanoid namely quercetin from tea leaves and analyzed by Absorption, Emission, FT-IR, 1H, 13C nmr spectra and ESI-MS analysis. The inclusion behavior of quercetin in cyclodextrins like α-, β-, γ-, per-6-ABCD and mono-6-ABCD cavities were supported such as UV-vis., Emission, FT-IR and ICD spectra and energy minimization studies. From the absorption and emission results, the type of complexes formed were found to depend on stoichiometry of Host:Guest. FT-IR data of CD complexes of quercetin supported inclusion complex formation of the substrate with α-, β- and γ-CDs. The inclusion of host-guest complexation of quercetin with α-, β-, γ-CDs, per-6-ABCD and mono-6-ABCDs provides very valuable information about the CD:quercetin complexes, the study also shows that β-CD complexation improves water solubility, chemical stability and bioavailability of quercetin. Besides, phase solubility studies also supported the formation of 1:1 drug-CD soluble complexes. All these spectral results provide insight into the binding behavior of substrate into CD cavity in the order per-6-ABCD > Mono-6-ABCD > γ-CD > β-CD > α-CD. The proposed model also finds strong support from the fact with excess CD this exciton coupling disappears indicates the formation of only 1:1 complex.

Hybrid films composed of ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose and silica xerogel functionalized with a fluorogenic chemosensor for the detection of mercury in water

Ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose (EHEC) and a silica-based xerogel (SBX) were functionalized with a (18-crown-6)-styrylpyridine precursor (1) to obtain the modified polymers EHEC-1 and SBX-1, respectively. Films were obtained and the resulting materials were used as fluorogenic devices for the detection of Hg²⁺ in water. The films produced from EHEC-1 showed high water retention, making it difficult to apply as a reusable optical chemosensor. Since SBXs are recognized in the literature for their hydrophobicity, a hybrid film composed of EHEC and SBX-1 which did not show water retention was produced and characterized. This system showed rapid response time, outstanding selectivity compared to several other studied metal ions, and sensitivity for the detection of Hg²⁺ in water. The detection limit for this material using fluorescence technique was 2 ppb (∼10^-8 mol L^-1). The reversibility of the complex formed between EHEC-SBX-1 film and Hg²⁺ was demonstrated by the addition of cysteine to the medium. The result obtained also allowed the assembly of INHIBIT and IMPLICATION molecular logic gates, using Hg²⁺ and cysteine as inputs. The results described in this article have important significance in the development of novel reversible fluorogenic chemosensors and adsorbent materials for the effective removal of Hg²⁺ ions.

Electrospun Nanomaterials Based on Cellulose and Its Derivatives for Cell Cultures: Recent Developments and Challenges

The development of electrospun nanofibers based on cellulose and its derivatives is an inalienable task of modern materials science branches related to biomedical engineering. The considerable compatibility with multiple cell lines and capability to form unaligned nanofibrous frameworks help reproduce the properties of natural extracellular matrix and ensure scaffold applications as cell carriers promoting substantial cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation. In this paper, we are focusing on the structural features of cellulose itself and electrospun cellulosic fibers, including fiber diameter, spacing, and alignment responsible for facilitated cell capture. The study emphasizes the role of the most frequently discussed cellulose derivatives (cellulose acetate, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, etc.) and composites in scaffolding and cell culturing. The key issues of the electrospinning technique in scaffold design and insufficient micromechanics assessment are discussed. Based on recent studies aiming at the fabrication of artificial 2D and 3D nanofiber matrices, the current research provides the applicability assessment of the scaffolds toward osteoblasts (hFOB line), fibroblastic (NIH/3T3, HDF, HFF-1, L929 lines), endothelial (HUVEC line), and several other cell types. Furthermore, a critical aspect of cell adhesion through the adsorption of proteins on the surfaces is touched upon.

Advances in electrospun nanofibrous membrane sensors for ion detection

Harmful metal ions and toxic anions produced in industrial processes cause serious damage to the environment and human health.

Chromogenic chemodosimeter based on a silylated azo compound detects cyanide in water and cassava

A novel silylated azo compound was synthesized and fully characterized. This compound was used in a chromogenic chemodosimeter approach for the highly selective detection of cyanide (CN^-) in acetonitrile/water and in an aqueous micellar system. The anion breaks the Si-O bond, delivering a dye and causing a change in the color of the solution (from yellow to blue). The chemodosimeter was employed for the naked-eye and quantitative detection of CN^- in tap water and cassava roots.

Recent progress in cellulose-based electrospun nanofibers as multifunctional materials

Cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer, has good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, which make it and its derivatives promising candidates for the fabrication of multifunctional materials, while maintaining sustainability and environmental friendliness. The combination of electrospinning technology and cellulose (and its derivatives) provides a feasible approach to produce nanostructured porous materials with promising functionalities, flexibility, renewability and biodegradability. At the same time, it enables value-added applications of cellulose and its derivatives that are derived from nature or even biomass waste. This review summarizes and discusses the latest progress in cellulose-based electrospun nanofibers, including their construction methods and conditions, various available raw materials, and applications in multiple areas (water treatment, biomaterials, sensors, electro-conductive materials, active packaging, and so on), which are followed by the conclusion and prospects associated with future opportunities and challenges in this active research area.

Recent studies on cellulose-based fluorescent smart materials and their applications: A comprehensive review

The progress of bio-based fluorescent smart materials and their multifunctional applications have attained increasing interest in the recent decades. Cellulose is among the cheapest and widespread raw material on earth which can be modified into diverse useful materials. This review summarizes the chemical modification of cellulose into smart fluorescent materials. This further highlights on the fabrication of the prepared fluorescent materials into films, fibers, paper strips, carbon dots, hydrogels and solutions which are applied for the sensing of toxic metals and anions, pH, bioimaging, common organic solvents, aliphatic and aromatic amines, nitroaromatics, fluorescent printing, coating, and anti-counterfeiting applications. Finally, the discussion about the upcoming investigations, challenges, and options open for the cellulose-based luminescence sensors are communicated. We believe that this review will appeal more and more attention and curiosity for the chemists, biochemists, and chemical engineers working with the synthesis of cellulose-based fluorescent materials for widespread applications.