Novel high throughput mixed matrix membranes embracing poly ionic liquid-grafted biopolymer: Fabrication, characterization, permeation and antifouling performance

Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous effluents using O-carboxymethyl chitosan Schiff base-sugarcane bagasse microbeads

In this study, a novel and cost-effective approach was employed to prepare an effective Pb(II) adsorbent. We synthesized highly porous CMCSB-SCB microbeads with multiple active binding sites by combining carboxymethylated chitosan Schiff base (CMCSB) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB). These microbeads were structurally and morphologically characterized using various physical, analytical, and microscopic techniques. The SEM image and N2-adsorption analysis of CMCSB-SCB revealed a highly porous structure with irregularly shaped voids and interconnected pores. The CMCSB-SCB microbeads demonstrated an impressive aqueous Pb(II) adsorption capacity, reaching a maximum of 318.21 mg/g, under identified optimal conditions: pH 4.5, 15 mg microbeads dosage, 30 min contact time, and Pb(II) initial concentration (350 mg/L). The successful adsorption of Pb(II) onto CMCSB-SCB beads was validated using FTIR, EDX, and XPS techniques. Furthermore, the experimental data fitting indicated a good agreement with the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.99633), whereas the adsorption kinetics aligned well with the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.99978). The study also identified the Pb(II) adsorption mechanism by CMCSB-SCB microbeads as monolayer chemisorption.

Recent advances in the development of chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based hybrid materials for skin protection, regeneration, and healing: A review

Biomaterials play vital roles in regenerative medicine, specifically in tissue engineering applications. They promote angiogenesis and facilitate tissue creation and repair. The most difficult aspect of this field is acquiring smart biomaterials that possess qualities and functions that either surpass or are on par with those of synthetic products. The biocompatibility, biodegradability, film-forming capacity, and hydrophilic nature of the non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS)) have attracted significant attention. In addition, CS and HA possess remarkable inherent biological capabilities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress made in designing and fabricating CS/HA-based hybrid materials for dermatology applications. Various formulations utilizing CS/HA have been developed, including hydrogels, microspheres, films, foams, membranes, and nanoparticles, based on the fabrication protocol (physical or chemical). Each formulation aims to enhance the materials' remarkable biological properties while also addressing their limited stability in water and mechanical strength. Additionally, this review gave a thorough outline of future suggestions for enhancing the mechanical strength of CS/HA wound dressings, along with methods to include biomolecules to make them more useful in skin biomedicine applications.

Examining the quaternary ammonium chitosan Schiff base-ZnO nanocomposite's potential as protective therapy for rats' cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Despite cisplatin's long history as a cornerstone in cancer therapy, both acquired chemoresistance and significant impacts on healthy tissues limit its use. Hepatotoxicity is one of its side effects. Adjunct therapies have shown promise in not only attenuating liver damage caused by cisplatin but also in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy. In this context, a new quaternary ammonium chitosan Schiff base (QACSB) was synthesized and applied as an encapsulating agent for the in-situ synthesis of QACSB-ZnO nanocomposite.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty male albino rats were classified into Group 1 (control) distilled water, Group 2 (Cisplatin-treated) (12 mg/kg, i.p), and Group 3 (QACSB-ZnO NCs/cisplatin-treated) (150 mg/kg/day QACSB-ZnO NCs, i.p) for 14 days + a single dose of cisplatin. Liver functions, tissue TNF-α, MDA, and GSH were measured as well as histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were performed.

RESULTS

The QACSB-ZnO NCs significantly restore liver functions, tissue TNF-α, MDA, and GSH levels (p < 0.001). Histopathological examination showed patchy necrosis in the cisplatin-treated group versus other groups. The QACSB-ZnO NCs showed a weak TGF-β1 (score = 4) and a moderate Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry expression (score = 6) versus the CP group.

CONCLUSIONS

QACSB-ZnO NCs have been shown to protect the liver from cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Carboxymethyl-imidazolium O-vanillin Schiff base grafted into NH2-tagged MIL-101 (Cr) for effective removal of cupric ions from aqueous effluents

A novel adsorbent (MIL-CMIVSB) was fabricated by modification of H2N-MIL-101(Cr) with carboxymethyl-imidazolium O-vanillin Schiff base. The MIL-CMIVSB's physicochemical characteristics were examined using the pertinent characterization methods. NH2-MIL-101(Cr) has a BET surface area of 1492.4 m2g-1, while MIL-CMIVSB adsorbent had 1278.7 m2g-1. Batch adsorption experiments examined the MIL-CMIVSB's cupric ion adsorption capacity from aqueous solutions at different adsorbent doses (0.1-3 mg), pH (2.0-10.0), contact times (0-240 min), metal ion initial concentrations (10-300 mg/L), and temperatures (298-308 K). The optimum conditions were 1 mg/mL of MIL-CMIVSB adsorbent, 46 min adsorption time, pH 7, 100 ppm initial cupric ion concentration, and 303 K temperature. MIL-CMIVSB effectively and selectively removes cupric ions with an adsorption capability of 359.05 ± 12.06 mg/g. The nonlinear Liu isotherm governed Cu(II) sorption performance on MIL-CMIVSB (KL = 0.257 ± 0.01 mg/g, R2 = 0.99892) and pseudo-2nd-order kinetically (k2 = 0.00116 × 10-4 g/mg min, R2 = 0.99721).

Synthesis of new quaternized chitosan Schiff bases and their N-alkyl derivatives as antimicrobial and anti-biofilm retardants in membrane technology

New quaternized salicylidene chitosan Schiff bases (QSCSBs) and their N-octyl derivatives (OQCs) have been synthesized and characterized, aiming to develop innovative antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents. This research holds immense potential, as these compounds could be utilized as anti-biofouling additives in membrane technology in the future. The synthesis involved the modification of low molecular-weight-chitosan (LMC) through simultaneous Schiff base formation and quaternization processes to create QSCSBs. Subsequently, QSCSBs were catalytically reduced to form quaternized N-benzyl chitosan (QBCs) intermediates, which then underwent nucleophilic substitution reactions affording N-octyl quaternized chitosans (OQCs). Characterization techniques such as elemental, spectral, and microscopic analyses were used to confirm the successful synthesis of these materials. As membrane technology relies on surface charge, QSCSBs and OQCs with large zeta potentials could be used as positively charged additives. Moreover, SEM image revealed the regular distribution of pores and voids across the additives' surfaces raises intriguing questions about their implications for membrane performance. Meanwhile, the superior antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of these materials, particularly QSCSB2 and OQC2, indicate that the utilization of these compounds as anti-biofouling additives in membrane technology could significantly improve the performance and longevity of membranes used in various applications such as water treatment and desalination.

Polymerized and Colloidal Ionic Liquids─Syntheses and Applications

The breadth and importance of polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) are steadily expanding, and this review updates advances and trends in syntheses, properties, and applications over the past five to six years. We begin with an historical overview of the genesis and growth of the PIL field as a subset of materials science. The genesis of ionic liquids (ILs) over nano to meso length-scales exhibiting 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D topologies defines colloidal ionic liquids, CILs, which compose a subclass of PILs and provide a synthetic bridge between IL monomers (ILMs) and micro to macro-scale PIL materials. The second focus of this review addresses design and syntheses of ILMs and their polymerization reactions to yield PILs and PIL-based materials. A burgeoning diversity of ILMs reflects increasing use of nonimidazolium nuclei and an expanding use of step-growth chemistries in synthesizing PIL materials. Radical chain polymerization remains a primary method of making PILs and reflects an increasing use of controlled polymerization methods. Step-growth chemistries used in creating some CILs utilize extensive cross-linking. This cross-linking is enabled by incorporating reactive functionalities in CILs and PILs, and some of these CILs and PILs may be viewed as exotic cross-linking agents. The third part of this update focuses upon some advances in key properties, including molecular weight, thermal properties, rheology, ion transport, self-healing, and stimuli-responsiveness. Glass transitions, critical solution temperatures, and liquidity are key thermal properties that tie to PIL rheology and viscoelasticity. These properties in turn modulate mechanical properties and ion transport, which are foundational in increasing applications of PILs. Cross-linking in gelation and ionogels and reversible step-growth chemistries are essential for self-healing PILs. Stimuli-responsiveness distinguishes PILs from many other classes of polymers, and it emphasizes the importance of segmentally controlling and tuning solvation in CILs and PILs. The fourth part of this review addresses development of applications, and the diverse scope of such applications supports the increasing importance of PILs in materials science. Adhesion applications are supported by ionogel properties, especially cross-linking and solvation tunable interactions with adjacent phases. Antimicrobial and antifouling applications are consequences of the cationic nature of PILs. Similarly, emulsion and dispersion applications rely on tunable solvation of functional groups and on how such groups interact with continuous phases and substrates. Catalysis is another significant application, and this is an historical tie between ILs and PILs. This component also provides a connection to diverse and porous carbon phases templated by PILs that are catalysts or serve as supports for catalysts. Devices, including sensors and actuators, also rely on solvation tuning and stimuli-responsiveness that include photo and electrochemical stimuli. We conclude our view of applications with 3D printing. The largest components of these applications are energy related and include developments for supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells. We conclude with our vision of how PIL development will evolve over the next decade.

Exploring the chondroitin sulfate nanogel's potential in combating nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin and doxorubicin-An in-vivo study on rats

In this study, we aim to unveil the potential of itaconyl chondroitin sulfate nanogel (ICSNG) in tackling chronic kidney diseases triggered by the administration of CDDP and doxorubicin (Adriamycin, ADR). To that end, the new drug delivery system (ICSNG) was initially prepared, characterized, and loaded with the target drugs. Thereafter, the in-vivo studies were performed using five equally divided groups of 100 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Biochemical evaluation and immunohistochemistry studies have revealed the renal toxicity and the ameliorative effects of ICSNG on renal function. When ICSNG-based treatments were contrasted with the CDDP and ADR infected groups, they significantly increased paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and albumin activity and significantly decreased nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), creatinine, urea, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity (p < 0.001). The findings of the current study imply that ICSNG may be able to lessen renal inflammation and damage in chronic kidney disorders brought on by the administration of CDDP and ADR. Interestingly, according to the estimated selectivity indices, the ICSNG-encapsulated drugs have demonstrated superior selectivity for cancer MCF-7 cells, over healthy HSF cells, in comparison to the bare drugs.

Fabrication of uniform Pd nanoparticles immobilized on crosslinked ionic chitosan support as a super-active catalyst toward regioselective synthesis of pyrazole-fused heterocycles

Selection of biodegradable chitosan as a raw material is a smart technique due to its easy modifiability and high renewability. Herein, taking advantage of these functional characteristics, an ionic biopolymer support is produced from copolymerization of allylated chitosan (with 48 % degree of substitution) and polymerizable ionic liquid ([MEVIm]Br). Next, palladium nanoparticles are successfully stabilized in this designed support through a facile manner based on interconnected porous network, ionic nature and rich functional groups. Then, the Pd@CS-PIL structure was utilized as a heterogeneous catalyst for regioselective synthesis of pyrazole-fused heterocycles. The as-synthesized Pd@CS-PIL was characterized by various techniques such as XRD, EDX, FESEM, elemental mapping, TEM, BET, ICP, TGA, and FT-IR to better determine the structure, morphology, purity and physical properties. The obtained results revealed that the proposed nanostructure provides favorable porosity with significant specific surface area (139.2 m2.g-1), Pd nanoparticles with high dispersion (mean diameter ∼ 22.8 nm) and crosslinked nature with good thermal stability (50 % weight loss about 600 °C). Therefore, Pd@CS-PIL nanostructure showed the key features of a super-active catalyst, and pharmaceutical pyrazole-fused scaffolds were produced in favorable yields (86-96 %) under ultrasound conditions.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles-capped chondroitin sulfate nanogel targeting microbial infections and biofilms for biomedical applications

Medical devices are essential for patient care, but they can also serve as havens for dangerous microbes and the development of biofilm, which can lead to serious infections and higher death rates. To meet these issues, it is crucial to develop novel and effective antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. In this context, we have developed a new biofunctionalized nanosilver (ICS-Ag), employing itaconyl-chondroitin sulfate nanogel (ICSNG) as a synergistic reducing and stabilizing agent, to effectively eradicate microbial infections and biofilm formation. The antibacterial investigations showed that ICS-Ag nanocomposite is an intriguing antibiotic with excellent antibacterial indices (MIC/MBC (μg/mL): 2.29/4.58, 1.25/2.50, and 1.36/1.36 against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, respectively), as well as antifungal capacity. Furthermore, ICS-Ag demonstrated efficacy superior to that of the antibiotic (ciprofloxacin, Cipro) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial biofilms. TEM images of untreated and treated bacterial strains demonstrate synergistic actions that harm the bacterial cytomembrane, leading to the release of intracellular contents and bacterial death. Interestingly, ICS-Ag shows excellent biocompatibility, with an IC50 value (71.25 μg/mL) higher than MICs against tested microbes. Overall, the ICS-Ag film may provide multifunctional antimicrobial coatings for medical equipment to reduce microbial contamination and biofilm development.

Alginate-chitosan-microencapsulated tyrosols/oleuropein-rich olive mill waste extract for lipopolysaccharide-induced skin fibroblast inflammation treatment

The Ca2+ ion-driven emulsification-ionotropic gelation method produced chitosan-alginate microspheres (CAMSs) with a narrow particle size distribution (PSD). Particle size distribution and zeta potential studies, as well as spectral electron microscopy, were used to assess the microspheres' physicochemical properties and morphology. The tyrosols (hydroxytyrosol (HT), tyrosol (TY), and oleuropein (OE) were loaded into these microspheres using a polyphenol extract (PPE) from Koroneki olive mill waste (KOMW). The microencapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of microspheres for PPE were 98.8% and 3.9%, respectively. Three simulated fluids, including gastric (pH = 1.2), intestinal (pH = 6.8), and colonic (pH = 7.4), were used to examine how the pH of the releasing medium affected the ability of CAMSs to release bioactive phenols. At a severely acidic pH (1.2, SGF), PPE release is nearly halted, while at pH 6.8 (SCF), release is at its maximum. Additionally, the PPE-CAMPs have ameliorated the endogenous antioxidant content SOD, GST, GPx with significant values from 0.05 to 0.01 in the treated LPS/human skin fibroblast cells. The anti-inflammatory response was appeared through their attenuations activity for the released cytokines TNF-α, IL6, IL1β, and IL 12 with levels significantly from 0.01 to 0.001. Microencapsulation of PPE by CAMPs significantly improved its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Immobilization of ZnO-TiO2 Nanocomposite into Polyimidazolium Amphiphilic Chitosan Film, Targeting Improving Its Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Applications

This study presents a green protocol for the fabrication of a multifunctional smart nanobiocomposite (NBC) (ZnO-PIACSB-TiO₂) for secure antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications. First, shrimp shells were upgraded to a polyimidazolium amphiphilic chitosan Schiff base (PIACSB) through a series of physicochemical processes. After that, the PIACSB was used as an encapsulating and coating agent to manufacture a hybrid NBC in situ by co-encapsulating ZnONPs and TiO₂NPs. The physicochemical and visual characteristics of the new NBC were investigated by spectral, microscopic, electrical, and thermal methods. The antimicrobial indices revealed that the newly synthesized, PIACSB-coated TiO₂-ZnO nanocomposite is an exciting antibiotic due to its amazing antimicrobial activity (MIC/MBC→0.34/0.68 μg/mL, 0.20/0.40 μg/mL, and 0.15/0.30 μg/mL working against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, respectively) and antifungal capabilities. Additionally, ZnO-PIACSB-TiO2 is a potential fighter of bacterial biofilms, with the results being superior to those of the positive control (Cipro), which worked against S. aureus (only 8.7% ± 1.9 biofilm growth), E. coli (only 1.4% ± 1.1 biofilm growth), and P. aeruginosa (only 0.85% ± 1.3 biofilm growth). Meanwhile, the NBC exhibits excellent biocompatibility, as evidenced by its IC₅₀ values against both L929 and HSF (135 and 143 µg/mL), which are significantly higher than those of the MIC doses (0.24-24.85 µg/mL) that work against all tested microbes, as well as the uncoated nanocomposite (IC₅₀ = 19.36 ± 2.04 and 23.48 ± 1.56 µg/mL). These findings imply that the new PIACSB-coated nanocomposite film may offer promising multifunctional food packaging additives to address the customer demand for safe, eco-friendly food products with outstanding antimicrobial and antibiofilm capabilities.

Comparison of the ameliorative roles of crab chitosan nanoparticles and mesenchymal stem cells against cisplatin-triggered nephrotoxicity

AIM

In the present investigation, we compared the effects of mesenchymal stem cells extracted from bone marrow (BMSCs) and crab chitosan nanoparticles (CCNPs) on renal fibrosis in cisplatin (CDDP)-induced kidney injury rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

90 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into two equal groups and alienated. Group I was set into three subgroups: the control subgroup, the CDDP-infected subgroup (acute kidney injury), and the CCNPs-treated subgroup. Group II was also divided into three subgroups: the control subgroup, the CDDP-infected subgroup (chronic kidney disease), and the BMSCs-treated subgroup. Through biochemical analysis and immunohistochemical research, the protective effects of CCNPs and BMSCs on renal function have been identified.

RESULTS

CCNPs and BMSC treatment resulted in a substantial rise in GSH and albumin and a decrease in KIM-1, MDA, creatinine, urea, and caspase-3 when compared to the infected groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the current research, chitosan nanoparticles and BMSCs may be able to reduce renal fibrosis in acute and chronic kidney diseases caused by CDDP administration, with more improvement of kidney damage resembling normal cells after CCNPs administration.

Therapeutic potential and protection enhancement of mesenchymal stem cell against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity using hyaluronic acid-chitosan nanoparticles as an adjuvant

A newly synthesized nanoplatform of hyaluronic acid and chitosan nanoparticles (HA/CNPs) was applied to improve the therapeutic efficacy and protection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) against cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. CDDP administration causes significant increases in levels of serum creatinine (SCr), urea, and KIM-1 coupled with significant albumin level falls, as indicative of acute renal dysfunction. Moreover, the level of the antioxidant enzyme (GSH) was significantly decreased, while the levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and inflammatory (IL-6) and apoptotic (caspase-3) markers were significantly increased, indicating a decline in the kidney's antioxidant defense and increased inflammation. In contrast, when rats were pre-treated with either MSCs or MSCs-HA/CNPs before receiving CDDP, the levels of SCr, urea, KIM-1, MDA, IL-6, and caspase-3 were significantly decreased with simultaneous significant rises in GSH and albumin, impelling a great improvement in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses of the kidney as well as its functions. Intriguingly, MSCs-HA/CNPs were more effective against caspase-3 than MSCs alone, revealing the high anti-apoptotic capability of HA/CNPs. This finding suggests that HA/CNPs could effectively protect MSCs from oxidative stress and apoptosis and thus increase their stability and longevity.

Cross-linked quaternized polyethersulfone-amino crystalline nanocellulose composite membrane for enhanced phosphate removal from wastewater

Cross-linked quaternized polyethersulfone (QPES) hybrid mixed polymer membranes (MPMs) loading amino crystalline nanocellulose (ACNC) were successfully fabricated and applied for phosphate removal. The successful production of novel materials was validated by microscopic, spectral, and microanalytical methods. When compared to the native QPES membrane, the primary qualities of QPES hybrid membranes (hydrophilicity, porosity, permeability, antifouling) have been greatly improved overall. In addition, the surface zeta potential (SZP) and ion exchange capacity (IEC) measurements demonstrated the high positive surface charge densities of MPMs, which is beneficial for phosphate uptake. Phosphate adsorption by these membranes was studied at different temperatures, contact times, and initial phosphate concentrations using batch experiments, to investigate the optimal conditions for phosphate uptake. The MPMs showed excellent adsorption capacities with maximal removal capacities in the range of 68.8-87.95 %. Phosphate adsorption on MPMs was regulated primarily by the Sips isotherm model with multilayer adsorption capabilities and exhibited pseudo-second order kinetics (R² = 0.9951-0.9976). The positive ΔH° and ΔS° values are indicative of the endothermic nature of phosphate adsorption and randomness increase. The negative ΔG° value indicates the spontaneousity of phosphate adsorption. Phosphate removal effectiveness of the membranes was maintained following recovery and regeneration with NaOH.

Dual ionic liquid-based crosslinked chitosan for fine-tuning of antifouling, water throughput, and denitrification performance of polysulfone membrane

This study aimed to design a facile and efficient protocol for upgrading the performance indices of polysulfone (PS) membrane (porosity, hydrophilicity, pure water flux (PWF), surface charge, and fouling-resistance) by blending with newly synthesized poly(ionic) crosslinked chitosan Schiff bases (PICCSBs). The PS-PICCSBs mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) have successfully fabricated and characterized based on spectral and microscopic analyses, porosity, zeta potential, water contact angle, and water uptake (wettability) measurements. The PWF, fouling-resistance against bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well as ion exchange capacity (IEC) against nitrate anion were studied. The wettability, hydrophilicity and overall porosity of new MMMs have greatly increased, in comparison to a pristine PS membrane (M₀). In addition, blending of PS with PICCSBs resulted in switching its surface from negatively- to positively-charged. The PWF of MMMs has increased to reach a maximum value of 238.6 L/m² h for MMM₁ (9.3-fold higher than M₀). Meanwhile, BSA rejection has declined from 96.62% for M₀ to 41.9% for MMM₁. The fouling parameters results of MMMs indicated their low fouling propensity. The IEC of nitrate anions revealed that the nitrate uptake by MMM₁ is higher than that for M₀ and MMM₂ by 34% and 14%, respectively.