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Zhang H, Fan Z, Peng D, Huang C, Wu X, Sun F. Tunning the hydrophobic performance and thermal stability of pectin film by acetic anhydride esterification. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133746. [PMID: 39004252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Pectin, a polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, is characterized by a high abundance of hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups, which results in a strong affinity for water and limits its suitability as a film material. This study aimed to modulate the esterification degree of PEC films by adjusting the concentration of acetic anhydride, and assess the impact of acetic anhydride esterification modification on the properties of the resultant PEC films. The results demonstrated successful grafting of acetic anhydride onto the galacturonic acid ring in the PEC molecule through the esterification process. The hydrophobicity, thermal stability, barrier properties, and mechanical properties of the esterified PEC films were investigated. Among the various concentrations tested, the E-PEC-0.25 film exhibited the highest contact angle of 103.46° and tensile strength of 33.44 MPa, showcasing optimal performance. The E-PEC-0.1 film achieved the highest esterification degree of 0.94 and elongation at a break of 21.11 %. It also exhibited the transparency of 11.66 and the lowest water vapor transmission rate of 0.56 g·mm/(m2·h·kpa). Additionally, TGA and DSC tests revealed enhanced thermal stability of the esterification-prepared films. These findings highlight the potential of acetic anhydride tuning as a promising strategy for optimizing pectin film production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Engineering & Technology Research Center of Wood-Based Resources Comprehensive Utilization, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Zhiwei Fan
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Engineering & Technology Research Center of Wood-Based Resources Comprehensive Utilization, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Dandan Peng
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Engineering & Technology Research Center of Wood-Based Resources Comprehensive Utilization, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Biomass Energy and Materials, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Xinxing Wu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Engineering & Technology Research Center of Wood-Based Resources Comprehensive Utilization, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Microbes and Insects Control Institute of Bio-based Materials, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Fangli Sun
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, National Engineering & Technology Research Center of Wood-Based Resources Comprehensive Utilization, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Microbes and Insects Control Institute of Bio-based Materials, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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2
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Kanagalakshmi M, Devi SG, Subasini S, Amalan AJ, Pius A. Experimental assessment of biostimulants on mung bean growth on a soilless culture system using superabsorbent pectin based hydrogel. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:133058. [PMID: 38866278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture initiatives are needed to ensure the food security of the people all over the world. Soilless cultivation methods using hydrogels may give a revolutionary response as well as a more ecological and productive alternative to conventional farming. This study attempted extraction of pectin from the rind of albedo yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa Degener)and hydrogels from pectin and activated carbon was compared with pure pectin hydrogel; Pectin- Activated Carbon hydrogels (PAC) showed a microporous structure with excellent hydrophilicity and showed superior water holding capacity. Then the prepared hydrogels were examined with various instrumental techniques like FTIR, SEM, XRD, Raman, BET and rheological properties. In the BET analysis, PAC3 shows the highest surface area of 28.771 m2/g when compared to PAC0 at 15.063 m2/g. The germination experiments were performed using mung beans. This study provides an opportunity for the application of pectin hydrogels in agriculture field specifically for home garden or rooftop cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kanagalakshmi
- Department of Chemistry, The Gandhigram Rural Institute - Deemed to be University, Gandhigram, Dindigul 624 302, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Gopika Devi
- Department of Chemistry, The Gandhigram Rural Institute - Deemed to be University, Gandhigram, Dindigul 624 302, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Subasini
- Department of Chemistry, The Gandhigram Rural Institute - Deemed to be University, Gandhigram, Dindigul 624 302, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Joel Amalan
- Department of Chemistry, The Gandhigram Rural Institute - Deemed to be University, Gandhigram, Dindigul 624 302, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anitha Pius
- Department of Chemistry, The Gandhigram Rural Institute - Deemed to be University, Gandhigram, Dindigul 624 302, Tamil Nadu, India.
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3
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Amado-Fierro Á, Centeno TA, Diez MA. Exploring Hydrochars from Lignocellulosic Wastes as Secondary Carbon Fuels for Sustainable Steel Production. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:6563. [PMID: 37834701 PMCID: PMC10574071 DOI: 10.3390/ma16196563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the suitability of different lignocellulosic sources, namely eucalyptus, apple bagasse, and out-of-use wood, for injection into blast furnaces (BFs). While wastes possess carbon potential, their high moisture renders them unsuitable for direct energy utilization. Additionally, the P and K impurities, particularly in apple bagasse, can pose operational and product quality challenges in BF. Thus, different thermochemical processes were performed to convert raw biomass into a more suitable carbon fuel. Low-temperature carbonization was selected for eucalyptus, yielding a biochar with properties closer to the low-rank coal. Hydrothermal carbonization was chosen for apple bagasse and out-of-use wood, resulting in hydrochars with enhanced fuel characteristics and fewer adverse inorganic species but still limiting the amount in binary PCI blends. Thermogravimetry evaluated the cause-effect relationships between coal and coal- and bio-based chars during co-pyrolysis, co-combustion and CO2-gasification. No synergistic effects for char formation were observed, while biochars benefited ignition and reactivity during combustion at the programmed temperature. From heat-flow data in combustion, the high calorific values of the chars were well predicted. The CO2-gasification profiles of in situ chars revealed that lignin-rich hydrochars exhibited higher reactivity and conversion than those with a higher carbohydrate content, making them more suitable for gasification applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María A. Diez
- Institute of Science and Technology of Carbon (INCAR), CSIC, Francisco Pintado Fe 26, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Á.A.-F.)
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4
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Mudarisova RK, Kukovinets OS, Kolesov SV. Manganese(II) Complex Compounds with Apple Pectin Modified with Amino Acids (L-Phenylalanine, L-Histidine, and L-Tryptophan). RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070363222110147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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5
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Niu H, Hou K, Chen H, Fu X. A review of sugar beet pectin-stabilized emulsion: extraction, structure, interfacial self-assembly and emulsion stability. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:852-872. [PMID: 35950527 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2109586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, sugar beet pectin as a natural emulsifier has shown great potential in food and pharmaceutical fields. However, the emulsification performance depends on the molecular structure of sugar beet pectin, and the molecular structure is closely related to the extraction method. This review summarizes the extraction methods of pectin, structure characterization methods and the current research status of sugar beet pectin-stabilized emulsions. The structural characteristics of sugar beet pectin (such as degree of methylation, degree of acetylation, degree of blockiness, molecular weight, ferulic acid content, protein content, neutral sugar side chains, etc.) are of great significance to the emulsifying activity and stability of sugar beet pectin. Compared with traditional hot acid extraction method, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, subcritical water-assisted extraction, induced electric field-assisted extraction and enzyme-assisted extraction can improve the yield of sugar beet pectin. At the same time, compared with harsh extraction conditions (too high temperature, too strong acidity, too long extraction time, etc.), mild extraction conditions can better preserve these emulsifying groups in sugar beet pectin molecules, which are beneficial to improve the emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin. In addition, the interfacial self-assembly behavior of sugar beet pectin induced by the molecular structure is crucial to the long-term stability of the emulsion. This review provides a direction for extracting or modifying sugar beet pectin with specific structure and function, which is instructive for finding alternatives to gum arabic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Niu
- Hainan University-HSF/LWL Collaborative Innovation Laboratory, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
- SCUT-Zhuhai Institute of Modern Industrial Innovation, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Keke Hou
- Hainan University-HSF/LWL Collaborative Innovation Laboratory, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
| | - Haiming Chen
- Hainan University-HSF/LWL Collaborative Innovation Laboratory, School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
- Maritime Academy, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Haikou, PR China
| | - Xiong Fu
- SCUT-Zhuhai Institute of Modern Industrial Innovation, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, PR China
- Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Center), Guangzhou, PR China
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Yang D, Jin C, Kang H. Vertical Alignment of Liquid Crystal on Sustainable 2,4-Di- tert-butylphenoxymethyl-Substituted Polystyrene Films. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:1302. [PMID: 35406176 PMCID: PMC9002882 DOI: 10.3390/polym14071302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We synthesized sustainable 2,4-di-tert-butylphenoxymethyl-substituted polystyrenes (PDtBP#, # = 88, 68, 35, and 19, where # is molar percent contents of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenoxymethyl moiety), using post-polymerization modification reactions in order to study their liquid crystal (LC) alignment behaviors. In general, LC cells fabricated using polymer film with higher molar content of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenoxymethyl side groups showed vertical LC alignment behavior. LC alignment behavior in LC cell was related to the surface energy of the polymer alignment layer. For example, when the total surface energy value of the polymer layer was smaller than about 29.4 mJ/m2, vertical alignment behaviors were observed, generated by the nonpolar 2,4-di-tert-butylphenoxymethyl moiety with long and bulky carbon groups. Orientation stability was observed at 200 °C in the LC cells fabricated using PDtBP88 as the LC alignment layer. Therefore, as a natural compound modified polymer, PDtBP# can be used as a candidate LC alignment layer for environmentally friendly applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hyo Kang
- BK-21 Four Graduate Program, Department of Chemical Engineering, Dong-A University, 37 Nakdong-Daero 550 Beon-gil, Saha-gu, Busan 49315, Korea; (D.Y.); (C.J.)
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Preparation and Chemical and Physical Characteristics of an Edible Film Based on Native Potato Starch and Nopal Mucilage. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13213719. [PMID: 34771277 PMCID: PMC8588235 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible films prepared from biological materials are being massively used. This study aimed to prepare edible films from native potato starch of the Allcca sipas variety (Solanum tuberosum subsp. Andigena), nopal mucilage (Opuntia ficus indica), and glycerol. Twelve edible films were prepared with starch, mucilage, and glycerin in different proportions by thermosynthesis. It was observed that mucilage and glycerol have a significant direct effect on film solubility and an inverse effect on aw, while the effect of starch is the opposite. The aw ranged from 0.562 to 0.639. The FTIR analysis showed the interaction of the components in the films being considerably influenced by the addition of mucilage. The TGA/DTA analysis reported low thermal stability in the films, retaining water around 100 °C, and showing a tendency to lose weight when the content of starch is high, while the opposite occurred with the addition of mucilage; it was also observed that around 310 °C, the maximum weight loss was observed between 53.6 and 86.1%. SEM images showed uniform films without cracks. The results are promising and show the possibility of preparing edible films from native potato starch and mucilage.
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8
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Hua X, Liu J, Guan S, Tan J, Wang M, Yang R. Surface activity of ultrahigh methoxylated pectin of different size. Food Hydrocoll 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.106495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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9
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Cashew apple pectin as a carrier matrix for mangiferin: Physicochemical characterization, in vitro release and biological evaluation in human neutrophils. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 171:275-287. [PMID: 33422511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this work, cashew apple pectin (CP) of the species Anacardium occidentale L. was used as an encapsulation matrix for hydrophobic drugs. The model drug chosen was mangiferin (Mf), a glycosylated C-xanthone which has antioxidant properties but low solubility in aqueous medium. CP (1-100 μg mL-1) was not toxic to human neutrophils and also did not significantly interfere with the pro-inflammatory mechanism of these cells in the concentration range of 12.5 and 100 μg mL-1. The results are promising because they show that pectin encapsulated mangiferin after spray drying presented an efficiency of 82.02%. The results obtained in the dissolution test, simulating the release of mangiferin in the gastrointestinal tract (pH 1.2, 4.6 and 6.8) and using Franz diffusion cells (pH 7.4), showed that cashew pectin may be a promising vehicle in prolonged drug delivery systems for both oral and dermal applications.
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10
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Catori DM, Fragal EH, Messias I, Garcia FP, Nakamura CV, Rubira AF. Development of composite hydrogel based on hydroxyapatite mineralization over pectin reinforced with cellulose nanocrystal. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 167:726-735. [PMID: 33285200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels based on pectin and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were used in our study to nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite (HAp) by the biomimetic method. In this study, we evaluated the direct impact of the different percentages of CNC on pectin hydrogel and the influence of HAp obtained through two methods. CNC were obtained from HCl hydrolysis following chemical functionalization through vinyl groups. The percentage of CNC positively induces thermal stability, mechanical properties and HAp mineralization from biomimetic using simulated body fluid (1.5 SBF). Hydrogels with 5% of CNC showed a higher amount of HAp immersed for 14 days, about 28% of HAp. The obtained hydrogels were compared with hydrogels containing 20% of HAp nanoparticles obtained by chemical precipitation. Biocompatibility of the hydrogels was evaluated by cell viability using fibroblasts (L929). In general, the hydrogels obtained through the biomimetic method show slightly larger biocompatibility compared to the hybrid hydrogels obtained from chemical precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele M Catori
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Elizângela H Fragal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Igor Messias
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Francielle P Garcia
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Celso V Nakamura
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Adley F Rubira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, CEP 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
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11
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New alkylated xanthan gum as amphiphilic derivatives: Synthesis, physicochemical and rheological studies. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.127768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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12
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Water-Dependent Blending of Pectin Films: The Mechanics of Conjoined Biopolymers. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25092108. [PMID: 32365966 PMCID: PMC7248993 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradable pectin polymers have been recommended for a variety of biomedical applications, ranging from the delivery of oral drugs to the repair of injured visceral organs. A promising approach to regulate pectin biostability is the blending of pectin films. To investigate the development of conjoined films, we examined the physical properties of high-methoxyl pectin polymer-polymer (homopolymer) interactions at the adhesive interface. Pectin polymers were tested in glass phase (10–13% w/w water content) and gel phase (38–41% w/w water content). The tensile strength of polymer-polymer adhesion was measured after variable development time and compressive force. Regardless of pretest parameters, the adhesive strength of two glass phase films was negligible. In contrast, adhesion testing of two gel phase films resulted in significant tensile adhesion strength (p < 0.01). Adhesion was also observed between glass phase and gel phase films—likely reflecting the diffusion of water from the gel phase to the glass phase films. In studies of the interaction between two gel phase films, the polymer-polymer adhesive strength increased linearly with increasing compressive force (range 10–80 N) (R2 = 0.956). In contrast, adhesive strength increased logarithmically with time (range 10–10,000 s) (R2 = 0.913); most of the adhesive strength was observed within minutes of contact. Fracture mechanics demonstrated that the adhesion of two gel phase films resulted in a conjoined film with distinctive physical properties including increased extensibility, decreased stiffness and a 30% increase in the work of cohesion relative to native polymers (p < 0.01). Scanning electron microscopy of the conjoined films demonstrated cross-grain adhesion at the interface between the adhesive homopolymers. These structural and functional data suggest that blended pectin films have emergent physical properties resulting from the cross-grain intermingling of interfacial pectin chains.
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Effect of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles on The Physicochemical Properties of Pectin Packaging Material for Strawberry Wrapping. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 10:nano10010052. [PMID: 31878286 DOI: 10.3390/nano10010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Citrus peel pectin was used to prepare films (cast with or without glycerol) containing mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Nanoparticles reduced significantly the particle size, and had no effect on the Zeta potential of pectin solutions. Mechanical characterization demonstrates that pectin+nanoparticles containing films slightly increased tensile strength and significantly decreased the Young's modulus in comparison to films made only of pectin. However, elongation at the break increased in the pectin+nanoparticles films cast in the presence of glycerol, while both Young's modulus and tensile strength were reduced. Moreover, nanoparticles were able to reduce the barrier properties of pectin films prepared with or without glycerol, whereas positively affected the thermal stability of pectin films and the seal strength. The 0.6% pectin films reinforced or not with 3% nanoparticles in the presence of 30% glycerol were used to wrap strawberries in order to extend the fruit's shelf-life, over a period of eighty days, by improving their physicochemical properties.
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Mamusa M, Tempesti P, Bartolini A, Carretti E, Ghobadi AF, Smets J, Aouad YG, Baglioni P. Associative properties of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(vinyl acetate) comb-like graft copolymers in water. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:6635-6643. [PMID: 30895975 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr10453k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of amphiphilic graft copolymers is generally reported for polymer melts or polymers deposited onto surfaces, while a small number of cases deal with binary mixtures with water. We report on the associative properties of poly(ethylene glycol)-graft-poly(vinyl acetate) (PEG-g-PVAc) comb-like copolymers in water, demonstrating the existence of a percolative behaviour when increasing the PEG-g-PVAc content. Rheology, light- and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments, together with dissipative particle dynamics simulations, reveal a progressive transition from spherical polymer single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) towards hierarchically complex structures as the weight fraction of the polymer in water increases. The ability of PEG-g-PVAc to attain different nano- and microstructures is of great importance in numerous applications such as in the fields of cosmetics, detergency and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Mamusa
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy.
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