Preparation and emulsification properties of dialdehyde starch nanoparticles

Fabrication and characterization of oxidized starch-xanthan gum composite nanoparticles with efficient emulsifying properties

This study involved the preparation of nanoparticles by combining oxidized starch (OS) with xanthan gum (XG), and emulsions were prepared from this nanoparticle. The physical and chemical characteristics, as well as the emulsification properties of oxidized starch-xanthan gum composite nanoparticles (OGNP), were analyzed. The findings revealed that the OGNP retained spherical shape after the addition of XG, although their diameter increased from approximately 50-150 to 200-400 nm. Zeta potential decreased with XG content. Moreover, emulsions prepared from OGNP exhibited outstanding thermal stability, also showing enhanced storage stability. In addition, emulsions had different rheological properties at different pH values. The apparent viscosity and shear stress of emulsions under alkaline conditions were lower than that of neutral conditions. NaCl increased the apparent viscosity of OGNP-stabilized emulsions while reducing their thermal stability. The nanoparticles prepared in this study have efficient emulsification properties and can extend the application of OS.

Preparation and characterization on the eco-friendly corn starch based adhesive of with salient water resistance, mildew resistance

Starch adhesive is a commonly used bonding glue that is sustainable, formaldehyde-free and biodegradable. However, there are obviously some problems related to its high viscosity, poor water and mildew resistance. Hence, exploring a starch-based adhesive with good properties that satisfies the requirements of wood processing presents the context of the current research. Thus, corn starch was used as raw material to form oxidized starch (OCS) via oxidation using sodium periodate, it was reacted with a synthesis polyurea compound that prepared from hexanediamine-urea (HU) obtained by deamination to yield a oxidized starch-hexanediamine-urea adhesive (denoted hereafter as OCSHU). The oxidation process was optimized in terms of oxidant concentration, reaction time and temperature. Furthermore, the impact of HU addition on the mechanical properties of the adhesive was explored. Results indicate adhesive exhibited outstanding shear strength, when 13 % of NaIO4 was used as an oxidant to treat starch at 55 °C for 24 h, and involved in a subsequent reaction with 40 % of HU. The dry shear strength, 24 h cold water strength, 3 h hot water strength and 3 h boiling water strength are 1.84, 1.50, 1.32, and 1.31 MPa. Meantime, OCSHU adhesive solution revealed good storage stability whereas cured resin exhibited mildew resistance. The developed adhesive is a simple and green biomass wood adhesive.

Physicochemical changes and in vitro digestibility of three banana starches at different maturity stages

This study aimed to compare the changes in physicochemical properties of the starch isolated from three banana cultivars (Musa AAA group, Cavendish subgroup; Musa ABB group, Pisang Awak subgroup; Musa AA group, Huangdijiao subgroup) at five different maturity stages. The results revealed both similarities and significant differences in micromorphology and physicochemical characteristics of the three banana varieties during different growth stages. Apparent amylose content and particle size of the three starches increased with the ripeness of banana. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that starch particles of the three starches had different microscopic characteristics, and that banana starch morphology was basically unchanged at various growth stages. Moreover, the pasting and thermal properties of the banana starches were significantly different at various growth stages. The resistant starch content of the three banana cultivars was about 80% at all growth stages. Musa AAA group, Cavendish subgroup had the highest resistant starch content at stage Ⅴ. This study provides insights into the starch changes of three banana cultivars during ripening.

Effect of particle size of sesbania gum on its modification, structure and performances

Sesbania gum (SG), as an environmentally friendly and resourceful natural polymer, has attracted a lot of attention due to its favorable properties. The size distribution of SG powders was broadened owing to the growth. Therefore, it inevitably resulted in the differences in reaction activity, structure and properties of different SG particles. The results showed that small SG particles exhibited higher reaction activity in cross-linking, carboxymethylation and oxidation than its large counterparts. Compared with those of large SG particles, the sedimentation volume of small SG particles could be reduced by 1.1 mL, while their substitution degree of carboxymethyl groups and aldehyde content could be increased by 0.0824 and 18.11 %, respectively. The swelling capacity, freeze-thaw stability, acid and alkali resistance of small SG particles were greater than those of large SG particles, but their retrogradation was weaker than that of large counterparts. The crystalline degree of small SG particles consisting of more long molecular chains could be reduced by 9.8 % compared to large SG particles. The DSC curve of small SG particles was significantly different from that of large SG particles, while the difference in TGA curves between small particles and large particles was relatively small. The enthalpy change of small SG particle was reduced by 48.4 J/g compared to large SG particles. The peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown and setback of tapioca starch were obviously influenced by the addition of small SG particles. And their emulsification stability was also better than large SG particles.

Recent advances on the preparation conditions, structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, functional properties and potential applications of dialdehyde starch: A review

Starch, a natural storage polysaccharide of plant kingdom, has many industrial applications. However, native starch has some inherent shortages, which can be overcome by structural modification. Dialdehyde starch, one kind of oxidized starch produced by periodate oxidation, has good physical properties and bioactivities with wide applications in different fields. Dialdehyde starch is typically achieved by oxidizing native starch slurry through periodate oxidation under controlled reaction conditions. Several factors including the source of starch, the type of oxidant, the molar ratio of oxidant to starch, reaction temperature, reaction time and solution pH value can influence the synthesis of dialdehyde starch. Dialdehyde starch shows different spectroscopic/chromatographic characters and physicochemical properties from native starch. Moreover, dialdehyde starch exhibits good antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity and cross-linking property. Based on these functional properties, dialdehyde starch has shown application potentials in food packaging, thermoplastic production, enzyme immobilization, heavy metal ion adsorption, drug delivery, wood adhesion and leather tanning. In this review, the preparation conditions, structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, functional properties and potential applications of dialdehyde starch are summarized for the first time. The future research and development prospects of dialdehyde starch are also discussed.

Polymorphic nanostarch-mediated assembly of bioactives

Starch as an edible, biosafe, and functional biopolymer, has been tailored at nanoscale to deliver bioactive guests. Nanostarches fabricated in various morphologies including nanosphere, nanorod, nanoworm, nanovesicle, nanopolyhedron, nanoflake, nanonetwork etc., enable them to assemble different kinds of bioactives due to structural particularity and green modification. Previous studies have reviewed nanostarch for its preparation and application in food, however, no such work has been done for the potential of delivery system via polymorphic nanostarches. In this review, we focus on the merits of nanostarch empowered by multi-morphology for delivery system, and also conclude the assembly strategies and corresponding properties of nanostarch-based carrier. Additionally, the advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of polymorphic nanostarch are summarized to better understand the micro/nanostarch architectures and their regulation for the compatibility of bioactive molecules. According to the morphology of carrier, nanostarch effectively captures bioactives on the surface and/or inside core to form tight complexes, which maintains their stability in the human microenvironment. It improves the bioavailability of bioactive guests by different assembly approaches of carrier/guest surface combination, guest@carrier embedment, and nanostarch-mediated encapsulation. Targeted release of delivery systems is stimulated by the microenvironment conditions based on the complex structure of nanostarch loaded with bioactives.

In situ forming of PEG-NH2/dialdehyde starch Schiff-base hydrogels and their application in slow-release urea

In this study, a biodegradable Schiff-base hydrogel urea, possessing substantial water retention and certain slow-release ability was designed and synthesized. Firstly, dialdehyde starch (DAS) and amine-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG-(NH2)2) were synthesized using potato starch and polyethylene glycol. Then, a novel Schiff-base hydrogel (SH) was prepared through the in-situ reaction between the aldehyde group of DAS and the amino group of PEG-(NH2)2. Three SH based slow-release urea, designated as SHU1, SHU2, and SHU3 and distinguished by varying urea content, were obtained using SH as the substrate. Several characterizations and tests were conducted to determine the structure, thermal properties, morphology, swelling properties, sustainable use, water retention, and biodegradation properties of SH. Additionally, the slow-release behavior of SHU was studied. SEM results revealed that SH possessed a porous three-dimensional network structure, with a maximum water absorption capacity of 4440 % ± 6.23 %. Compared to pure urea, SHU exhibited better slow-release performance after 30 days of release in soil, with SHU1 having a residual nitrogen content of specifically 36.01 ± 0.57 % of the initial nitrogen content. A pot experiment with pakchoi substantiated the water retention and plant growth promotion properties of SHU. This study demonstrated a straightforward method for the preparation of starch-based Schiff-base hydrogels as fertilizer carriers.

Tailoring the Swelling-Shrinkable Behavior of Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels with tailor-made swelling-shrinkable properties have aroused considerable interest in numerous biomedical domains. For example, as swelling is a key issue for blood and wound extrudates absorption, the transference of nutrients and metabolites, as well as drug diffusion and release, hydrogels with high swelling capacity have been widely applicated in full-thickness skin wound healing and tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. Nevertheless, in the fields of tissue adhesives and internal soft-tissue wound healing, and bioelectronics, non-swelling hydrogels play very important functions owing to their stable macroscopic dimension and physical performance in physiological environment. Moreover, the negative swelling behavior (i.e., shrinkage) of hydrogels can be exploited to drive noninvasive wound closure, and achieve resolution enhancement of hydrogel scaffolds. In addition, it can help push out the entrapped drugs, thus promote drug release. However, there still has not been a general review of the constructions and biomedical applications of hydrogels from the viewpoint of swelling-shrinkable properties. Therefore, this review summarizes the tactics employed so far in tailoring the swelling-shrinkable properties of hydrogels and their biomedical applications. And a relatively comprehensive understanding of the current progress and future challenge of the hydrogels with different swelling-shrinkable features is provided for potential clinical translations.

Application of Pickering emulsions stabilized by corn, potato and pea starch nanoparticles: Effect of environmental conditions and approach for curcumin release

To apply octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified corn, potato and pea starch nanoparticles (OCSNPs, OPtSNPs and OPSNPs, respectively) as Pickering emulsion stabilizers, effect of environmental conditions such as 30 days of storage period, pH of 1-11, ionic strength of 0.1-0.9 mol/L and heat of 30-90 °C on the stability of the emulsions was evaluated. Compared with emulsions stabilized by starch nanoparticles (SNPs), the emulsions stabilized by OSA-modified SNPs (OSNPs) kept stable against different environmental stresses (pH, ionic strength and heat) as well as for a storage period of 30 days, especially for OPtSNPs. Additionally, oiling-off was not observed in OSNPs emulsions over the storage time. OSNPs emulsions also showed improved protection on curcumin during storage and controlled release during in vitro digestion. These findings enlarged the application of OCSNPs, OPtSNPs and OPSNPs stabilized-Pickering emulsion in food systems and deliver system.

The effects of pulsed electric fields treatment on the structure and physicochemical properties of dialdehyde starch

The structural and physicochemical properties changes of corn starch oxidized by sodium periodate under the assistance of pulsed electric fields (PEF) were studied. It was found that dialdehyde starch (DAS) particles produced by PEF-assisted oxidation exhibited shrinkage and pits, and had a larger particle size when compared to the control without PEF. The solubility of the DAS (12 kV/cm PEF- assisted oxidation) improved by 70.2% when compared to the native starch. Increment in the strength of the PEF, led to a decrease in the viscosity of the DAS. In addition, the aldehyde group content of the DAS produced by PEF-assisted oxidation exhibited shrinkage and pits, and had a larger particle size when compared to the control increased by 11.6% when compared with the traditional oxidation method. PEF is an effective method to promote oxidation reaction of starch.

Preparation and emulsification properties of cationic starch-xanthan gum composite nanoparticles

In this work, nanoparticles were prepared by the composite of cationic starch (CS) and xanthan gum (XG) through gelatinization and alcohol precipitation for the first time. Physicochemical properties, micromorphology, and emulsification properties of CS/XG nanoparticles were measured. SEM showed that after compositing with XG, the diameter size of the CS/XG nanoparticles was increased from about 50 nm to 150-300 nm. FT-IR, XRD and ¹³C CP/MAS NMR confirmed that XG was successfully complexed with CS. Besides, the visual observation indicated emulsions stabilized by CS/XG nanoparticles had excellent storage and thermal properties. Additionally, the rheological and stability results of emulsions show that pH and NaCl had effects on the rheological and stability properties of emulsions, which means that the prepared emulsions had environmental responsiveness. Thus, this work provides an efficient method to prepare CS and GX composite nanoparticles with efficient emulsifying properties.

Rapid preparation of starch nanocrystals by the mixed acid of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid

In this work, waxy maize starch nanocrystals were prepared by mixed acid of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid for the first time. Physicochemical properties, crystalline structure, and particle size of starch nanocrystals prepared by mixed acid (HSNC) were measured. The results showed that there was no difference in particle morphology, group structure, and surface elements of HSNC and starch nanocrystals prepared by sulfuric acid (SNC), which was a conventional preparation method. The yield of HSNC was lower than that of SNC. However, the preparation time of HSNC was greatly shortened to 1 h which is only 0.83 % of the time (5 d) to prepare SNC by the sulfuric acid, and HSNC showed higher relative crystallinity and smaller size than those of SNC. In addition, when the ratio of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid to provide H ion concentration was 1:1 to hydrolyze starch for >1 h, the crystal pattern of HSNC would be changed to V-typed, while the crystal pattern of SNC was still A-typed. Thus, this work provided efficient method for preparing starch nanocrystals is provided, which can replace sulfuric acid hydrolysis to prepare SNC.

Preparation and evaluation of antibacterial wound dressing based on vancomycin-loaded silk/dialdehyde starch nanoparticles

One of the main reasons infected wounds go untreated is that antibiotic-resistant bacteria mainly cause infection. Vancomycin is an antibiotic used against Gram-positive bacteria, such as MRSA, but it has limited intravenous use due to its toxicity. This study describes using a local drug delivery approach at the wound site. The aim is to prepare a silk dressing containing dialdehyde starch nanoparticles loaded with vancomycin that can cure infection through the controlled release of antibiotics. First, the starch was oxidized by sodium periodate solution and converted to dialdehyde starch. Dialdehyde starch was converted into nanoparticles by the microemulsion method. Simultaneously, with nanoparticle formation, the antibiotic vancomycin (VAN), added to the solution, was loaded into the dialdehyde starch nanoparticles (DASNP). The wound dressing (SF/DASNP/VAN) was prepared by adding nanoparticles containing antibiotics to the silk fibroin (SF) solution, and then, the solution containing the nanoparticles was freeze-dried, and the nanoparticles were placed inside the silk matrix. Drug release of dressings was performed by immersion in phosphate-buffered saline, and cytotoxicity by MTT assay and antibacterial properties of dressings were investigated by the inhibition zone method. The morphology of the SF/DASNP/VAN dressing, its biocompatibility, antibacterial efficiency, and antibiotic release kinetics were assessed. The synthesized dressing has the desired biocompatibility with 69% cell viability and shows antibacterial properties against MRSA with a growth inhibition zone diameter of 12 mm. Also, VAN was successfully incorporated into the dressing, resulting in a 144-h continuous release profile. It may be concluded that the fabricated dressing based on silk and dialdehyde starch nanoparticles opens up a new option for topical administration of antibiotics. We believe its properties can be considered a new dressing for infectious wounds by reducing infection associated with controlled drug delivery.

Application of magnetic immobilized enzyme of nano dialdehyde starch in deacidification of rice bran oil

Glutaraldehyde is usually used as a cross-linking agent in the immobilization of enzymes, but this will have a negative effect on the enzyme. Dialdehyde starch can effectively replace glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent, but the large particle size of dialdehyde starch affects the performance of immobilized enzyme. In this study, dialdehyde starch nanoparticles (DSNP) were combined with modified Fe₃O₄ to obtain magnetic carrier (MDSNP), and Candida Antarctica lipase B (CALB) was crosslinked to the carrier to obtain magnetic immobilized enzyme (MDSNPCALB). The characterization results show that the functional groups of each material have obvious characteristic absorption peaks, strong diffraction peaks and typical crystal structures, high magnetism, no coercivity, relatively good dispersion and nano particle size. MDSNPCALB was added to degummed rice bran oil (RBO) and ethanolamine was used as an acyl receptor for acylation and deacidification. After repeated use for 10 times, MDSNPCALB remained highly active, indicating that MDSNPCALB can be effectively used for the deacidification of RBO.

Dialdehyde Starch Nanocrystals as a Novel Cross-Linker for Biomaterials Able to Interact with Human Serum Proteins

In recent years, new cross-linkers from renewable resources have been sought to replace toxic synthetic compounds of this type. One of the most popular synthetic cross-linking agents used for biomedical applications is glutaraldehyde. However, the unreacted cross-linker can be released from the materials and cause cytotoxic effects. In the present work, dialdehyde starch nanocrystals (NDASs) were obtained from this polysaccharide nanocrystal form as an alternative to commonly used cross-linking agents. Then, 5-15% NDASs were used for chemical cross-linking of native chitosan (CS), gelatin (Gel), and a mixture of these two biopolymers (CS-Gel) via Schiff base reaction. The obtained materials, forming thin films, were characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM, and XRD analysis. Thermal and mechanical properties were determined by TGA analysis and tensile testing. Moreover, all cross-linked biopolymers were also characterized by hydrophilic character, swelling ability, and protein absorption. The toxicity of obtained materials was tested using the Microtox test. Dialdehyde starch nanocrystals appear as a beneficial plant-derived cross-linking agent that allows obtaining cross-linked biopolymer materials with properties desirable for biomedical applications.

Preparation of graphene-starch composite film and its application in sensor materials

In this work, a composite film was prepared by combining reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and starch nanocrystals (SNC). The results show that SNC can be well dispersed on graphene after mixed with the graphene oxide solutions. SNC had a greater impact on the morphology and microstructure of the composite film. Moreover, the introduction of SNC and the efficient reduction process of graphene oxide (GO) render these composite films good mechanical properties as well as high electrical conductivity. The tensile strength of the composite film was improved after being combined with graphene. However, as the addition rate of SNC increased, the strain-to-failure of the composite film decreased. Therefore, 10% reduced graphene-starch nanocrystals (10%RGO-SNC) was used as multifunctional sensor materials. And it had strong responses to different external stimuli, such as, temperature, humidity, bending/stretching, and solutions.

Preparation and Drug-Loading Properties of Amphoteric Cassava Starch Nanoparticles

Based on the characteristics of charge reversal around the isoelectric point (pI) of amphoteric starch-containing anionic and cationic groups, amphoteric cassava starch nanoparticles (CA-CANPs) are prepared by a W/O microemulsion crosslinking method using (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride as a cationic reagent and POCl₃ as an anionic reagent, and the effects of preparation conditions on the particle size of the CA-CANPs are studied in detail in the present study. CA-CANPs with a smooth surface and an average diameter of 252 nm are successfully prepared at the following optimised conditions: a crosslinking agent amount of 15 wt%, an aqueous starch concentration of 6.0 wt%, an oil–water ratio of 10:1, a total surfactant amount of 0.20 g·mL⁻¹, and a CHPTAC amount of 4.05 wt%. The pH-responsive value of the CA-CANPs can be regulated by adjusting the nitrogen–phosphorus molar ratio in the CA-CANPs. By using CA-CANPs with a pI of 6.89 as drug carriers and the paclitaxel (PTX) as a model drug, the maximum loading rate of 36.14 mg·g⁻¹ is achieved, and the loading process is consistent with the Langmuir isotherm adsorption, with the calculated thermodynamic parameters of ΔH° = −37.91 kJ·mol⁻¹, ΔS° = −10.96 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ and ΔG° < 0. By testing the release rate in vitro, it is noted that the release rates of PTX in a neutral environment (37.6% after 96 h) and a slightly acidic environment (58.65% after 96 h) are quite different, suggesting that the CA-CANPs have the possibility of being a targeted controlled-release carrier with pH responsiveness for antitumor drugs.

Recent Developments in the Formulation and Use of Polymers and Particles of Plant-based Origin for Emulsion Stabilizations

The main scope of this Review was the recent progress in the use of plant-based polymers and particles for the stabilization of Pickering and non-Pickering emulsion systems. Due to their availability and promising performance, it was discussed how the source, modification, and formulation of cellulose, starch, protein, and lignin-based polymers and particles would impact their emulsion stabilization. Special attention was given toward the material synthesis in two forms of polymeric surfactants and particles and the corresponding formulated emulsions. Also, the effects of particle size, degree of aggregation, wettability, degree of substitution, and electrical charge in stabilizing oil/water systems and micro- and macro-structures of oil droplets were discussed. The wide range of applications using such plant-based stabilizers in different technologies as well as their challenge and future perspectives were described.

Nanostarch: Preparation, Modification, and Application in Pickering Emulsions

Nanostarch, as a food-grade Pickering emulsion stabilizer, has attracted wide attention owing to its biodegradability, nontoxicity, small size, and large specific surface area. In this review, the preparation, modification, and application of Pickering emulsions incorporating nanostarch are described. At present, methods for nanostarch preparation mainly include acid hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis combined with other treatments, nanoprecipitation, ultrasonication, ball milling, and cross-linking. Nanostarch is a promising Pickering emulsion stabilizer, and its emulsifying ability of nanostarch is significantly improved by hydrophobic modification. The hydrophobicity, charge, size, and content of nanostarch affect the emulsion stability. Future developments in this area of research include the efficient and environmentally friendly preparation of nanostarch as well as the control of its hydrophobicity via modification. Future studies should focus on the digestibility and storage stability of Pickering emulsions stabilized by nanostarch under different conditions.

Impact on various properties of native starch after synthesis of starch nanoparticles: A review

In recent years, interdisciplinary research is more focused on particle size, which helps in exploring the relation between micro and macroscopic properties of various materials. Starch nanoparticles are generally synthesized by using acid/enzymatic hydrolysis, gamma irradiation, simple nanoprecipitation, ultra-sonication, and homogenization treatments. The properties like amylose content, pasting, rheological, morphological, size distribution, etc. are affected after the formation of nanoparticles from starch. This study emphasizes how various properties are changed in starch nanoparticles. Starch nanoparticles are mainly used in the formulation of nano-emulsion, nano starch-based composite film, and drug delivery. The impact on various native starch properties after the preparation of starch nanoparticles are less reported. So, all the aspects related to various starch properties and their nanoparticles are extensively reviewed in this study so that the listed findings can be utilized in future processes to increase the various foods and non-food utilization of starch nanoparticles.

Preparation of graphene oxide (GO)/lanthanum coordination polymers for enhancement of bactericidal activity

In this study, graphene oxide/lanthanum coordination polymer (GLCP) nanocomposites are prepared and their bactericidal activities against seven typical Pathogenic bacteria are evaluated. The GLCPs are fabricated through the electrostatic self-assembly of La ions on negatively charged graphene oxide (GO), followed by the stabilization of π-π stacking to ensure the formation of lanthanum coordination polymers on the GO surface. The morphologies and structures of the synthesized GLCPs are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the bactericidal effects of the well-coordinated GLCPs are investigated using the zone of inhibition and flat colony counting methods, as well as by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The five GLCPs synthesized in this study exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against seven typical Pathogenic bacteria. We believe that our study could serve as a starting point to prepare bactericidal materials for further applications.

Preparation of hydroxybutyl starch with a high degree of substitution and its application in temperature-sensitive hydrogels

In this work, hydroxybutyl starch prepared by acid, alkali, and acid-base synergistic pretreatments from waxy corn starch exhibited great potential for preparing temperature-sensitive hydrogels. The degree of substitution, morphology, and group structure of hydroxybutyl starch were determined. The hydroxybutyl starch prepared by acid-base synergistic pretreatment had the highest degree of substitution. Relative to the native starch, the surface of hydroxybutyl starch particles was smoother and rounder. The formation, microstructure, and properties of temperature-sensitive hydrogels were also determined in this work. The results indicated that the temperature-sensitive hydrogels containing hydroxybutyl starch had irregular pore structures and higher water absorption rates. As the starch content increased, the pore size of these hydrogels increased and then decreased, the water absorption rate increased and the deswelling rate decreased. The equilibrium swelling ratio of the hydrogel prepared by hydroxybutyl starch was greater than that of native starch.

Stimuli responsive multicolour fluorescence emission in carbon nanodots and application in metal free hydrogen evolution from water

The present study convincingly demonstrates visible light induced continuous tuning of the fluorescence of carbon nanodots from yellow to cyan within two hours. These carbon dots are well characterized using field emission gun transmission electron microscopy (FEG-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), fluorescence spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Moreover, solid state fluorescence of different wavelengths has also been obtained from these colour tunable carbon dots by circumventing the common problem of aggregation induced quenching of fluorescence in the solid state. These carbon dots have also shown a very low band gap and the yellow emissive C-dots have been successfully utilized as a photocathode in metal free photo-electrochemical hydrogen evolution from water.

Potential applications of hydrophobically modified inulin as an active ingredient in functional foods and drugs - A review

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Inulin is a substance found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

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Inulin was modified by physical and chemical means to improve functionality.

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HMI has been used in the stability of emulsions and suspensions.

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SCFAs inulin esters have transformed the gut microbiota and improved the bioavailability of SCFAs.

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HMI based bioconjugates, hydrogel, and nanomicelles were used as a controlled release of drugs and vaccines.

Over the past few years, hydrophobically modified inulin (HMI) has gained considerable attention due to its multitudinous features. The targeted release of drugs remains a subject of research interest. Moreover, it is important to explore the properties of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) inulin esters because they are less studied. Additionally, HMI has been used to stabilize various dispersion formulations, which have been observed to be safe because inulin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, the results regarding HMI-based dispersion products are dispersed throughout the literature. This comprehensive review is discussed the possible limitations regarding SCFAs inulin esters, real food dispersion formulations, and HMI drugs. The results revealed that SCFAs inulin esters can regulate the human gut microbiota and increase the biological half-life of SCFAs in the human body. This comprehensive review discusses the versatility of HMI as a promising excipient for the production of hydrophobic drugs.

The preparation of modified nano-starch and its application in food industry

Starch, which is a carbohydrate polymer with a semicrystalline granular structure, has been the subject of academic research for decades due to its renewable and biodegradable property as well as various applications in food, pharmaceutical and other industries. Nano-starch (NS) is a novel type of starch material with unique physiochemical properties due to its small size. However, the nano-size nature of NS determines its tendency to agglomeration as a natural process to approach a thermodynamically steady state, and the single hydroxyl functional group is also not favorable to its applications in hydrophobic environments. Thus, modified-NS with improved dispersion property, hydrophobicity, and stability is emerging as a new research direction. However, information about modified-NS is sporadic in literature, and a systematic review from its preparation, application, the problem and challenge as well as related health concerns is carried out to further the understanding of modified-NS. It is expected that the theoretical basis and new insight into the development of modified-NS will be improved.

Sustainable dialdehyde polysaccharides as versatile building blocks for fabricating functional materials: An overview

Dialdehyde polysaccharide (DAP), containing multiple aldehyde groups, can react with materials having amino groups via Schiff base crosslinking. Besides, it can also react with materials having carbonyl/hydroxyl groups via aldol reactions. Based on these intriguing properties, DAPs can be employed as versatile building blocks to fabricate functional materials used in biomedical field, wastewater treatment, leather manufacture, and electrochemistry field. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent advances in fabricating biomaterials, adsorbents, leather tanning agents, and electrochemical materials based on DAPs. The basic fabricating strategy and principle of these materials and their performances are overall summarized, along with a discussion of associated scalability challenges, technological strategies to overcome them, and the prospect for commercial translations of this versatile material. Blending the versatility of DAP with material science and technological advances can provide a powerful tool to develop more DAP-based functional materials in a scalable way.

A gelator–starch blend for dry powder based instant solidification of crude oil at room temperature

A sugar based organogelator and natural polymer blend has been found to be useful for the ultrafast, room temperature solidification of crude oil in a dry powder form.

pH-Responsive Emulsions with β-Cyclodextrin/Vitamin E Assembled Shells for Controlled Delivery of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Lipid-based delivery systems (LBDSs) are widely applied in pharmaceuticals and health care because of the increased bioavailability of lipophilic components when they are coadministered with high-fat meals. However, how to accurately control their in vivo release and stability is still challenging. Here, after introducing the simple esterification and coprecipitation, we created the dual-functional composite ODS-β-CD-VE by the coassembly of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), octadecenyl succinic anhydride (ODSA), and vitamin E (VE). The resulting dual-functional particle presented a uniform sheetlike shape and nanometer size. In addition, its chemical structure was clarified in detail via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Benefiting from the antioxygenation of VE, lipid oxidation in the ODS-β-CD-VE-stabilized Pickering emulsion was effectively inhibited. Meanwhile, pH-induced protonation/deprotonation of carboxyl groups guaranteed that the emulsions kept steady at pH ≤4 but were unsteady under neutral conditions. In this way, the lipids contained in the emulsion were protected from gastric juice and then digested and accurately released as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the simulated intestine environment. This strategy sheds some light on the rational and efficient construction of LBDSs for nutrient supplements and even pharmaceuticals in a living digestive tract.