Influence of Boswellic acid on physical, structural and morphological properties of poly (vinyl alcohol) films

Effectiveness of gellan gum scaffolds loaded with Boswellia serrata extract for in-situ modulation of pro-inflammatory pathways affecting cartilage healing

In this study, we developed a composite hydrogel based on Gellan gum containing Boswellia serrata extract (BSE). BSE was either incorporated directly or loaded into an MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) clay to create a multifunctional cartilage substitute. This composite was designed to provide anti-inflammatory properties while enhancing chondrogenesis. Additionally, LDH was exploited to facilitate the loading of hydrophobic BSE components and to improve the hydrogel's mechanical properties. A calcination process was also adopted on LDH to increase BSE loading. Physicochemical and mechanical characterizations were performed by spectroscopic (XPS and FTIR), thermogravimetric, rheological, compression test, weight loss and morphological (SEM) investigations. RPLC-ESI-FTMS was employed to investigate the boswellic acids release in simulated synovial fluid. The composites were cytocompatible and capable of supporting the mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) growth in a 3D-conformation. Loading BSE resulted in the modulation of the pro-inflammatory cascade by down-regulating COX2, PGE2 and IL1β. Chondrogenesis studies demonstrated an enhanced differentiation, leading to the up-regulation of COL 2 and ACAN. This effect was attributed to the efficacy of BSE in reducing the inflammation through PGE2 down-regulation and IL10 up-regulation. Proteomics studies confirmed gene expression findings by revealing an anti-inflammatory protein signature during chondrogenesis of the cells cultivated onto loaded specimens. Concluding, BSE-loaded composites hold promise as a tool for the in-situ modulation of the inflammatory cascade while preserving cartilage healing.

Lignin-induced sacrificial conjoined-network enabled strong and tough chitosan membrane for food preservation

As a natural green polymer, chitosan is a promising material for plastic replacement. However, the mutually exclusive strength and toughness severely limit its commercial application, and the improved strength of chitosan-based materials is typically achieved at the expense of elongation or toughness. Herein, inspired by the existed multiple non-covalent interactions in biosynthesized fibers, we successfully fabricated a high-performance lignin/chitosan composite film by constructing sacrificial conjoined-network (hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interaction, etc.), which results in an impressive enhancement in tensile strength (50.2 MPa), elongation (73.6 %), and toughness (2.7 MJ/m³) simultaneously, much superior to the pure chitosan film. In addition, the composite film also demonstrates excellent UV resistance, thermal stability, low oxygen permeability (3.9 cm³/(m²·24h‧0.1 MPa)) and food preservation (with no negligible change for grape, apple, and cherry tomato after 5-10 days). Such developed lignin/chitosan with both components from biomass represents a promising alternative for plastic replacement.

Characterization and antioxidant properties of chitosan/ethyl-vanillin edible films produced via Schiff-base reaction

In this paper, chitosan/ethyl-vanillin (CS-EV) Schiff-base edible films with CS and EV at different concentrations and ratios were successfully prepared. The optical barrier properties, water contact angle, mechanical performance, water vapor transmission, antioxidant properties, thermal properties, and morphological structure of the films were compared. The results suggested that the tensile strength (TS) attained a maximum value of 64.63 MPa at a concentration of 4% EV. Moreover, water diffusion was prevented through the compact structure of the CS-EV edible film. Additionally, the two sides of the CS-EV film show different textures due to their different hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity. In particular, the films of CS possessed superior thermal stability, while those of CS-EV exhibited higher antioxidant activity.

Development of an eco-friendly biodegradable plastic from jack fruit peel cellulose with different plasticizers and Boswellia serrata as filler

Pure nanocellulose was extracted from agricultural waste material namely jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peel through acid hydrolysis. The extraction method utilizes soapnut solution as an eco-friendly bleaching agent in order to avoid environment polluting chlorinated chemicals. Various thin films were prepared by solvent casting nanocellulose and different plasticizers namely glycerol, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, triethyl citrate along with novel filler, Boswellia serrata commonly known as frankincense. Thin films were characterized by FT-IR, XRD and the surface modifications were investigated using FESEM. The physical, mechanical, thermal properties and biodegradability of the film were also reported. The surface morphology was improved by different plasticizers and a self-assembly was obtained due to more stable hydrogen bonding between the nanocellulose, plasticizers and filler during the film formation. Thermal investigations of plasticizers/Boswellia serrata incorporated thin films revealed an increase in glass transition temperature of nanocellulose. Results indicate that these films are biodegradable and compostable in nature and could be used as substitute for petroleum derived plastics.