Starch-based Foam Composite Materials: processing and bioproducts

Science.gov (United States)

Starch is an abundant, biodegradable, renewable and low-cost commodity that has been explored as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics. By itself, starch is a poor replacement for plastics because of its moisture sensitivity and brittle properties. Efforts to improve starch properties and funct...

Biodegradable films made from raw and acetylated cassava starch

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fábio D. S. Larotonda

2004-07-01

Full Text Available Studies were carried out to produce biodegradable films from cassava starch. Two alternatives were investigated. In the first, films were obtained by starch gelatinization followed by thermopressing and glycerol was used at different concentrations as a plasticizer. In the second, starch acetate films were obtained by solubilization of cassava starch acetate in organic solvents, followed by casting on a glass plate and drying at room temperature. The films obtained by gelatinization were transparent and resistant to traction. The starch acetate films were also transparent but breakable. The use of these starch acetate films in paper impregnation improved the mechanical properties of the paper.A reciclagem de produtos constituídos por polímeros sintéticos e sua substituição por materiais biodegradáveis estão sendo estudadas como alternativas para reduzir a poluição ambiental causada por estes materiais. Neste contexto, o amido está recebendo considerável atenção entre os recursos renováveis que podem ser usados para a fabricação de materiais para embalagem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir filmes biodegradáveis a partir do amido da mandioca. Duas alternativas foram investigadas. Na primeira, os filmes foram obtidos pela gelatinização do amido seguida de termoprensagem, utilizando o glicerol em concentrações diferentes como o plastificante. A outra alternativa estudada foi a acetilação do amido de mandioca. Os filmes de acetato de amido foram obtidos pela solubilização do acetato em solventes orgânicos, seguido do espalhamento da solução em uma placa de vidro e secagem em temperatura ambiente. Os filmes obtidos pela gelatinização do amido mostraram-se transparentes e resistentes à tração. Os filmes de acetato de amido mostraram-se transparentes e quebradiços. No entanto, seu uso para a impregnação de papel melhorou as propriedades mecânicas deste último.

Biodegradable starch-based films containing saturated fatty acids: thermal, infrared and raman spectroscopic characterization

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Marcelo M. Nobrega

Full Text Available Biodegradable films of thermoplastic starch and poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT containing fatty acids were characterized thermally and with infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The symmetrical character of the benzene ring in PBAT provided a means to illustrate the difference between these spectroscopic techniques, because a band appeared in the Raman spectrum but not in the infrared. The thermal analysis showed three degradation stages related to fatty acids, starch and PBAT. The incorporation of saturated fatty acids with different molecular mass (caproic, lauric and stearic did not change the nature of the chemical bonds among the components in the blends of starch, PBAT and glycerol, according to the thermal analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopies.

Reduced loss of NH 3 by coating urea with biodegradable polymers ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

In agricultural lands, the loss of NH3 from surface-applied urea and micronutrient deficiencies are the two most common problems, which can be solved by using coated urea with micronutrients and biodegradable natural materials. These coatings can improve the nutrient status in the soil and simultaneously reduce ...

Biodegradable Mulches Based on Poly(vinyl Alcohol, Kenaf Fiber, and Urea

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Boon Khoon Tan

2015-07-01

Full Text Available This paper describes the preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol/kenaf fiber (PVOH/KF composites with entrapped urea. The major FTIR peaks of these composites could be identified. These composites are intended for agricultural applications as biodegradable mulches and could be potential carrier materials for fertilizer. The water solubility, release behavior, chemical properties, and thermal stability of the composites were evaluated. The composites lost 25% of their weight after 7 days in water. In a wet environment, urea was released from the composites through its dissolution in water, and around 57% of the urea was released from the composites in 24 h; Thermagravimetric analysis showed that these composites were stable up 150 C. These composites would be able to withstand rain and protect seedlings from the sun when applied in the field as mulches. For around three to four weeks, these biobased mulches could slowly disintegrate as the PVOH binder was gradually dissolved by moisture, releasing the kenaf fibers to serve as soil fertilizer without leaving any undegradable waste for disposal. Hence, they would not pose any risks to the land or biological systems.

Full-scale performance of selected starch-based biodegradable polymers in sludge dewatering and recommendation for applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Kuangxin; Stüber, Johan; Schubert, Rabea-Luisa; Kabbe, Christian; Barjenbruch, Matthias

2018-01-01

Agricultural reuse of dewatered sludge is a valid route for sludge valorization for small and mid-size wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) due to the direct utilization of nutrients. A more stringent of German fertilizer ordinance requires the degradation of 20% of the synthetic additives like polymeric substance within two years, which came into force on 1 January 2017. This study assessed the use of starch-based polymers for full-scale dewatering of municipal sewage sludge. The laboratory-scale and pilot-scale trials paved the way for full-scale trials at three WWTPs in Germany. The general feasibility of applying starch-based 'green' polymers in full-scale centrifugation was demonstrated. Depending on the sludge type and the process used, the substitution potential was up to 70%. Substitution of 20-30% of the polyacrylamide (PAM)-based polymer was shown to achieve similar total solids (TS) of the dewatered sludge. Optimization of operational parameters as well as machinery set up in WWTPs is recommended in order to improve the shear stability force of sludge flocs and to achieve higher substitution potential. This study suggests that starch-based biodegradable polymers have great potential as alternatives to synthetic polymers in sludge dewatering.

Starch/polyester films: simultaneous optimisation of the properties for the production of biodegradable plastic bags

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J. B. Olivato

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Blends of starch/polyester have been of great interest in the development of biodegradable packaging. A method based on multiple responses optimisation (Desirability was used to evaluate the properties of tensile strength, perforation force, elongation and seal strength of cassava starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT blown films produced via a one-step reactive extrusion using tartaric acid (TA as a compatibiliser. Maximum results for all the properties were set as more desirable, with an optimal formulation being obtained which contained (55:45 starch/PBAT (88.2 wt. (%, glycerol (11.0 wt. (% and TA (0.8 wt. (%. Biodegradable plastic bags were produced using the film with this formulation, and analysed according to the standard method of the Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT. The bags exhibited a 45% failure rate in free-falling dart impact tests, a 10% of failure rate in dynamic load tests and no failure in static load tests. These results meet the specifications set by the standard. Thus, the biodegradable plastic bags fabricated with an optimised formulation could be useful as an alternative to those made from non-biodegradable materials if the nominal capacity declared for this material is considered.

Preparation and Effect of Gamma Radiation on The Properties and Biodegradability of Poly(Styrene/Starch) Blends

Science.gov (United States)

Ali, H. E.; Abdel Ghaffar, A. M.

2017-01-01

Biodegradable blends based on Poly(styrene/starch) Poly(Sty/Starch) were prepared by the casting method using different contents of starch in the range of 0-20 wt% aiming at preparing disposable packaging materials. The prepared bio-blends were Characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), swelling behavior, mechanical properties, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the swelling behavior slightly increased with increasing starch content and not exceeding 7.5%. The results showed that by increasing irradiation dose up to 5 kGy, the mechanical properties of the prepared PSty/10 wt% Starch blend film modified than other blend films, and hence it is selected. Also the water resistant increased, by irradiation of the selected PSty/10 wt% Starch blend film. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction between Starch and PSty of the PSty/10 wt% Starch blend film promote a more homogenous blend film as shown in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared Poly(Sty/Starch) blends with different compositions and the selected irradiated PSty/10 wt% Starch blend were subjected to biodegradation in soil burial tests for 6 months using two different types of soils; agricultural and desert soils, then analyzed gravimetrically and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results suggested that there is a possibility of using irradiated PSty/10 wt% Starch at a dose of 5 kGy as a potential candidate for packaging material.

Computational modeling of biodegradable starch based polymer composites

Science.gov (United States)

Joshi, Sachin Sudhakar

2007-12-01

Purpose. The goal of this study is to improve the favorable molecular interactions between starch and PPC by addition of grafting monomers MA and ROM as compatibilizers, which would advance the mechanical properties of starch/PPC composites. Methodology. DFT and semi-empirical methods based calculations were performed on three systems: (a) starch/PPC, (b) starch/PPC-MA, and (c) starch-ROM/PPC. Theoretical computations involved the determination of optimal geometries, binding-energies and vibrational frequencies of the blended polymers. Findings. Calculations performed on five starch/PPC composites revealed hydrogen bond formation as the driving force behind stable composite formation, also confirmed by the negative relative energies of the composites indicating the existence of binding forces between the constituent co-polymers. The interaction between starch and PPC is also confirmed by the computed decrease in stretching CO and OH group frequencies participating in hydrogen bond formation, which agree qualitatively with the experimental values. A three-step mechanism of grafting MA on PPC was proposed to improve the compatibility of PPC with starch. Nine types of 'blends' produced by covalent bond formation between starch and MA-grafted PPC were found to be energetically stable, with blends involving MA grafted at the 'B' and 'C' positions of PPC indicating a binding-energy increase of 6.8 and 6.2 kcal/mol, respectively, as compared to the non-grafted starch/PPC composites. A similar increase in binding-energies was also observed for three types of 'composites' formed by hydrogen bond formation between starch and MA-grafted PPC. Next, grafting of ROM on starch and subsequent blend formation with PPC was studied. All four types of blends formed by the reaction of ROM-grafted starch with PPC were found to be more energetically stable as compared to the starch/PPC composite and starch/PPC-MA composites and blends. A blend of PPC and ROM grafted at the ' �

Study of the properties and biodegradability of polyester/starch blends submitted to microbial attack

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vinhas, Gloria M.; Almeida, Yeda M.B. de; Lima, Maria Alice Gomes de Andrade; Santos, Livia Almeida

2007-01-01

This work deals with the biodegradation of blends of poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate)/starch and poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate)/ starch. The blends were obtained by evaporation of the solvent in the mixture of the polymers in chloroform. Tests were carried out in presence of micro-organisms which acted as biodegradation agents. The blends were consumed as carbon substrate and the production of CO 2 was evaluated in the process. In addition, the polyesters' mechanical properties were reduced by the incorporation of starch in its structure. ( 1 H) NMR and infrared spectroscopy detected some characteristic polyester degradation groups in the polyesters' chemical structure, thus confirming the alteration suffered by it. (author)

Biodegradable foams based on starch, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan and sugarcane fibers obtained by extrusion

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Flávia Debiagi

2011-10-01

Full Text Available Biodegradable foams made from cassava starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, sugarcane bagasse fibers and chitosan were obtained by extrusion. The composites were prepared with formulations determined by a constrained ternary mixtures experimental design, using as variables: (X1 starch / PVA (100 - 70%, (X2 chitosan (0 - 2% and (X3 fibers from sugar cane (0 - 28%. The effects of varying proportions of these three components on foam properties were studied, as well the relationship between their properties and foam microstructure. The addition of starch/PVA in high proportions increased the expansion index and mechanical resistance of studied foams. Fibers addition improved the expansion and mechanical properties of the foams. There was a trend of red and yellow colors when the composites were produced with the highest proportions of fibers and chitosan, respectively. All the formulations were resistant to moisture content increase until 75% relative humidity of storage.

Starch/polyester films: simultaneous optimisation of the properties for the production of biodegradable plastic bags

OpenAIRE

Olivato, J. B.; Grossmann, M. V. E.; Bilck, A. P.; Yamashita, F.; Oliveira, L. M.

2013-01-01

Blends of starch/polyester have been of great interest in the development of biodegradable packaging. A method based on multiple responses optimisation (Desirability) was used to evaluate the properties of tensile strength, perforation force, elongation and seal strength of cassava starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blown films produced via a one-step reactive extrusion using tartaric acid (TA) as a compatibiliser. Maximum results for all the properties were set as more des...

Fragrant starch-based films with limonene

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Adrian K. Antosik

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Novel fragrant starch-based films with limonene were successfully prepared. Biodegradable materials of natural origin were used and the process was relatively simple and inexpensive. The effect of limonene on physicochemical properties of starch-based films (moisture absorption, solubility in water, wettability, mechanical properties were compared to glycerol plasticized system. Taking into consideration that the obtained materials could also exhibit bactericidal and fungicidal properties, the studies with Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were performed. Such a material could potentially find application in food packaging (e.g. masking unpleasant odors, hydrophilic starch film would prevent food drying, or in agriculture (e.g. for seed encapsulated tapes.

Preparation of new biodegradable materials by grafting of polycarprolactone onto starch and their biodegradability studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Najemi, L.; Zerroukhi, A.; Jeanmaire, T.; Raihane, M.; Chamkh, F.; Qatibi, A.; Bennisse, R.

2009-01-01

The starch is a natural polymer which has the advantage of being biodegradable, renewable in quantity unlimited at very accessible prices. However its poor mechanical properties, depending on its hydrophobic character, and also its absorption of water restrict is applicability considerable especially for packing. (Author)

Biodegradable starch-based polymeric materials

Science.gov (United States)

Suvorova, Anna I.; Tyukova, Irina S.; Trufanova, Elena I.

2000-05-01

The effects of low-molecular-weight additives, temperature and mechanical action on the structure and properties of starch are discussed. Special attention is given to mixtures of starch with synthetic polymers, e.g., co-polymers of ethylene with vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, acrylic acid, cellulose derivatives and other natural polymers. These mixtures can be used in the development of novel environmentally safe materials (films, coatings, packaging materials) and various articles for short-term use. The bibliography includes 105 references.

Biodegradable Poly (Ester Urethane) Urea Biomaterials For Applications in Combat Casualty Care

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Guelcher, S. A; Sriniwasan, A; Hollinger, J. O

2006-01-01

A family of biocompatible, biodegradable poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUUR) biomaterials has been developed that degrade to non-toxic by-products and support the attachment and proliferation of cells...

Preparation and Properties of Cassava Starch-based Wood Adhesives

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Qing Xu

2016-06-01

Full Text Available A biodegradable, environmentally friendly starch-based wood adhesive with cassava starch as a raw material and butyl acrylate (BA as a co-monomer was synthesized. Results revealed that this cassava starch-based wood adhesive (SWA was more stable than corn starch-based wood adhesive, and its bonding performance was close to that of commercial PVAc emulsion, even after 90 days of storage. Further analysis found that the improved stability of the adhesive could be attributed to its low minimum film forming temperature (MFFT and glass transition temperature (Tg of cassava starch. Moreover, the amount of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs emitted by the cassava starch-based wood adhesive were much lower than the Chinese national standard control criteria. Therefore, cassava SWA might be a potential alternative to traditional petrochemical-based wood adhesives.

Application of wheat B-starch in biodegradable plastic materials

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Šárka, E.; Kruliš, Zdeněk; Kotek, Jiří; Růžek, L.; Korbářová, A.; Bubník, Z.; Růžková, M.

2011-01-01

Roč. 29, č. 3 (2011), s. 232-242 ISSN 1212-1800 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA525/09/0607 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40500505 Keywords : biodegradable plastic * polycaprolactone * B-starch Subject RIV: JI - Composite Materials Impact factor: 0.522, year: 2011 http://www.agriculturejournals.cz/publicFiles/39918.pdf

Selected properties of biodegradable material produced from thermoplastic starch with by-products of food industry addition

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Zdybel Ewa

2017-06-01

Full Text Available In this work extrusion process were used to create thermoplastic starch and to mix obtained starch with linen, quince and apple pomace at the same time. Obtained starch beads were formed in shapes. In experimental material was determined thermal conductivity, water absorption and the solubility in water. It is possible to get the biodegradable material produced from thermoplastic starch with an addition of fruit pomace. Adding pomace and glycerine to the biodegradable material made from starch change of susceptibility on water action. In the case of materials containing pomace, glycerine addition decreases the susceptibility on water action compared to the material manufactured with pomace addition but without glycerine. In the material containing pomace, glycerine addition caused the increase of the thermal insulation time compared to the material with pomace but no glycerine in it.

Effect of Plasticizer Type and Concentration on Tensile, Thermal and Barrier Properties of Biodegradable Films Based on Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata Starch

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Muhammed L. Sanyang

2015-06-01

Full Text Available The use of starch based films as a potential alternative choice to petroleum derived plastics is imperative for environmental waste management. This study presents a new biopolymer (sugar palm starch for the preparation of biodegradable packaging films using a solution casting technique. The effect of different plasticizer types (glycerol (G, sorbitol (S and glycerol-sorbitol (GS combination with varying concentrations (0, 15, 30 and 45, w/w% on the tensile, thermal and barrier properties of sugar palm starch (SPS films was evaluated. Regardless of plasticizer types, the tensile strength of plasticized SPS films decreased, whereas their elongation at break (E% increased as the plasticizer concentrations were raised. However, the E% for G and GS-plasticized films significantly decreased at a higher plasticizer concentration (45% w/w due to the anti-plasticization effect of plasticizers. Change in plasticizer concentration showed an insignificant effect on the thermal properties of S-plasticized films. The glass transition temperature of SPS films slightly decreased as the plasticizer concentration increased from 15% to 45%. The plasticized films exhibited increased water vapor permeability values from 4.855 × 10−10 to 8.70 × 10−10 g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1, irrespective of plasticizer types. Overall, the current study manifested that plasticized sugar palm starch can be regarded as a promising biopolymer for biodegradable films.

Development of highly-transparent protein/starch-based bioplastics.

Science.gov (United States)

Gonzalez-Gutierrez, J; Partal, P; Garcia-Morales, M; Gallegos, C

2010-03-01

Striving to achieve cost-competitive biomass-derived materials for the plastics industry, the incorporation of starch (corn and potato) to a base formulation of albumen and glycerol was considered. To study the effects of formulation and processing, albumen/starch-based bioplastics containing 0-30 wt.% starch were prepared by thermo-plastic and thermo-mechanical processing. Transmittance measurements, DSC, DMTA and tensile tests were performed on the resulting bioplastics. Optical and tensile properties were strongly affected by starch concentration. However, DMTA at low deformation proved to be insensitive to starch addition. Thermo-mechanical processing led to transparent albumen/starch materials with values of strength at low deformation comparable to commodity plastics. Consequently, albumen biopolymers may become a biodegradable alternative to oil-derived plastics for manufacturing transparent packaging and other plastic stuffs. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PELÍCULAS BIODEGRADABLES BASADAS EN ALMIDÓN COMPOSIÇÃO E TRANSFORMAÇÃO DE FILMES BIODEGRADÁVEIS À BASE DE AMIDO COMPOSITION AND PROCESSING OF STARCH-BASED BIODEGRADABLE FILMS

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MARIO ENRÍQUEZ C

2012-06-01

componentes mais comuns utilizados na elaboração de filmes biodegradáveis baseados em amido e os principais métodos de processamento para obtê-los.Starch is a promissory polymer to biodegradable films development for replacement traditional package materials due to it´s cheap, highly available and comes from natural resources. However, films made with starch only has limitations like poor mechanical properties, high vapor water permeability, retrogradation tendency, high rigidity, brittle, and others when compared to traditional synthetic films. To avoid these limitations is necessary to mix and blend starch with other substances with the aim of create filmogenic formulations and films like the synthetic ones. Below is a review made from patents and scientific articles complemented in which are listed more common components used for biodegradable starch-based films manufacturing and main processing methods.

The Effects of ZnOnanorodson the Characteristics of Sago Starch Biodegradable Films

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R. Alebooyeh

2013-01-01

Full Text Available : Nowadays tend to use biodegradable packaging; including edible coatings and films for free from synthetic chemicals and do not cause environmental pollution, the industry is growing day by day. The aim of this research was to preparation and characterization of biodegradable films supported with ZnOnanorods. In this study, sago starch based films were prepared and   plasticized with sorbitol/ glycerol by casting method. ZnOnanorod with 0, 1, 3and 5%(w/wwas added to the films before casting the films. Films were dried at controlled conditions. Physicochemical properties such as water absorption capacity (WAC, permeability to water vapor (WVP and water solubility of the films were measured.  Also, the effects of addition of nano particles were measured on the antimicrobial properties of the films by agar diffusion method. Results showed that by increasing concentration of ZnOnanorod, solubility in water, WAC, and WVP of the films significantly (p <0.05 decreased. Furthermore, the addition of zinc oxide nanorods showed antimicrobial properties against E. Coli. In summary sago starch films supported with ZnOnanorodscan were used as active packaging for agricultural products as well as food industry. 

Impact of acid and oxidative modifications, single or dual, of sorghum starch on biodegradable films.

Science.gov (United States)

Biduski, Bárbara; Silva, Francine Tavares da; Silva, Wyller Max da; Halal, Shanise Lisie de Mello El; Pinto, Vania Zanella; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acid and oxidation modifications on sorghum starch, as well as the effect of dual modification of starch on the physical, morphological, mechanical, and barrier properties of biodegradable films. The acid modification was performed with 3% lactic acid and the oxidation was performed with 1.5% active chlorine. For dual modification, the acid modification was performed first, followed by oxidation under the same conditions as above. Both films of the oxidized starches, single and dual, had increased stiffness, providing a higher tensile strength and lower elongation when compared to films based on native and single acid modified starches. However, the dual modification increased the water vapor permeability of the films without changing their solubility. The increase in sorghum starch concentration in the filmogenic solution increased the thickness, water vapor permeability, and elongation of the films. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Obtaining and characterization of a biodegradable polymer starting from the tapioca starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ruiz Aviles, Gladys

2006-01-01

This study focuses on the preparation of tapioca starch biodegradable polymer, processed by blends of starch modified with glycerin and water as plasticizers, by using roll mill and a single-screw extruder in the process. During extrusion, there is a series of variables to control namely: the barrel temperature profile, screw torque and screw rotation speed. Tensile test, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and morphology were used in the process

Effect of electron beam irradiation on the biodegradability of aromatic aliphatic copolyester film and their blend with corn starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Leonardo G. Andrade e; Poveda, Patricia N.S.; Rezende, Maira L.; Rosa, Derval S.

2009-01-01

Biodegradable and green plastics have been studied in the last years. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of electron beam irradiation on the biodegradability of aromatic aliphatic copolyester film and their blend with corn starch. The samples were irradiated at different doses 10 and 40 kGy in a linear accelerator. The biodegradability of the materials was evaluated by two methods: soil simulated and enzymatic. In the method enzymatic when it was used α-amylase, the irradiated samples presented faster biodegradation than the references non irradiated. The blend of aromatic aliphatic copolyester with corn starch (Ecobras R ) irradiated presented a bigger biodegradability than the aromatic aliphatic copolyester (Ecoflex R ) film in both methods studied. (author)

Biodegradable Starch/Copolyesters Film Reinforced with Silica Nanoparticles: Preparation and Characterization

Science.gov (United States)

Lima, Roberta A.; Oliveira, Rene R.; Wataya, Célio H.; Moura, Esperidiana A. B.

Biodegradable starch/copolyesters/silica nanocomposite films were prepared by melt extrusion, using a twin screw extruder machine and blown extrusion process. The influence of the silica nanoparticle addition on mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposite films was investigated by tensile tests; X-rays diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and the correlation between properties was discussed. The results showed that incorporation of 2 % (wt %) of SiO2 nanoparticle in the blend matrix of PBAT/Starch, resulted in a gain of mechanical properties of blend.

Effect of cross linking of PVA/starch and reinforcement of modified barley husk on the properties of composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Mittal, Aanchal; Garg, Sangeeta; Kohli, Deepak; Maiti, Mithu; Jana, Asim Kumar; Bajpai, Shailendra

2016-10-20

Barley husk (BH) was graft copolymerized by palmitic acid. The crystalline behavior of BH decreased after grafting. Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch (St) blend film, urea formaldehyde cross linked PVA/St films and composite films containing natural BH, grafted BH were prepared separately. The effect of urea/starch ratio, content of BH and grafted BH on the mechanical properties, water uptake (%), and biodegradability of the composite films was observed. With increase in urea: starch ratio from 0 to 0.5 in the blend, tensile strength of cross linked film increased by 40.23% compared to the PVA/St film. However, in grafted BH composite film, the tensile strength increased by 72.4% than PVA/St film. The degradation rate of natural BH composite film was faster than PVA/St film. Various films were characterized by SEM, FT-IR and thermal analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of electron beam irradiation on the biodegradability of aromatic aliphatic copolyester film and their blend with corn starch

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Leonardo G. Andrade e; Poveda, Patricia N.S., E-mail: lgasilva@ipen.b [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil); Rezende, Maira L.; Rosa, Derval S. [Universidade Sao Francisco, Itatiba, SP (Brazil)

2009-07-01

Biodegradable and green plastics have been studied in the last years. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of electron beam irradiation on the biodegradability of aromatic aliphatic copolyester film and their blend with corn starch. The samples were irradiated at different doses 10 and 40 kGy in a linear accelerator. The biodegradability of the materials was evaluated by two methods: soil simulated and enzymatic. In the method enzymatic when it was used alpha-amylase, the irradiated samples presented faster biodegradation than the references non irradiated. The blend of aromatic aliphatic copolyester with corn starch (Ecobras{sup R}) irradiated presented a bigger biodegradability than the aromatic aliphatic copolyester (Ecoflex{sup R}) film in both methods studied. (author)

BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS FROM A MIXTURE OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE AND CASSAVA STARCH WITH THE ADDITION OF ACRYLIC ACID

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Susilawati Susilawati

2013-05-01

Full Text Available A research of preparation biodegradable plastics, from LDPE and cassava starch mixture with the addition of acrylic acid, had been conducted. This research purpose to  studied compatibility properties of the material and percent weight loss during the biodegradation test. Optimum weight loss (59,26% was showed after 60 days witches LDPE and starch composition ratio 6 : 4 (w/w  while tensile strength  equal to 0,38 Kgf/mm2.  SEM characterization showed that biodegradation has occurred by  formation of hole in the biodegradable plastic surface. DTA test gave Tg = 130 °C, Tm = 230 °C and Td = 370-450 °C while FT-IR analysis showed that the biodegradable plastics have a chemistry interaction.

Strategies to improve the mechanical properties of starch-based materials: plasticization and natural fibers reinforcement

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Lopez-Gil

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Biodegradable polymers are starting to be introduced as raw materials in the food-packaging market. Nevertheless, their price is very high. Starch, a fully biodegradable and bioderived polymer is a very interesting alternative due to its very low price. However, the use of starch as the polymer matrix for the production of rigid food packaging, such as trays, is limited due to its poor mechanical properties, high hidrophilicity and high density. This work presents two strategies to overcome the poor mechanical properties of starch. First, the plasticization of starch with several amounts of glycerol to produce thermoplastic starch (TPS and second, the production of biocomposites by reinforcing TPS with promising fibers, such as barley straw and grape waste. The mechanical properties obtained are compared with the values predicted by models used in the field of composites; law of mixtures, Kerner-Nielsen and Halpin-Tsai. To evaluate if the materials developed are suitable for the production of food-packaging trays, the TPS-based materials with better mechanical properties were compared with commercial grades of oil-based polymers, polypropylene (PP and polyethylene-terphthalate (PET, and a biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid (PLA.

Functional properties of extruded nano composites based on cassava starch, polyvinyl alcohol and montmorillonite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Debiagi, Flavia; Matsuda, Daniel K.M.; Marengo, Vitor A.; Vercelheze, Ana Elisa S.; Mali, Suzana

2011-01-01

The objectives of this work were to produce biodegradable trays based on cassava starch (native or modified by acid), sugarcane fibers and nano clay (sodium montmorillonite) and also to characterize the produced trays according to their density, tensile strength, X-ray diffraction and biodegradability. The trays were obtained by thermoforming into a hydraulic press coupled to a Teflon mold (18 x 23 cm) at 130 degree C/ 20 min and 100 bars of pressure. The peak related to the nano clay (2 = 7.1 o ) were not observed in XRD patterns of the trays, suggesting the formation of an exfoliated structure in the nano composite. The addition of modified starch increased tensile strength and density of the samples, and the addition of fibers and nano clays decreased the tensile strength of native and modified starch trays. The weight loss of trays was not affected by the starch type, however the addition of fibers increased the biodegradation and the addition of nano clays decreased. (author)

Plasticizer effect on the properties of biodegradable blend film from rice starch-chitosan

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Thawien Bourtoom

2008-04-01

Full Text Available The properties of biodegradable blend film from rice starch-chitosan with different plasticizers were determined. Three plasticizers comprising sorbitol (SOR, glycerol (GLY and polyethylene glycol (PEG were studied over a range of concentration from 20 to 60%. Increasing concentration of these plasticizers resulted in decreased tensile strength (TS concomitant with an increase in elongation at break (E, water vapor permeability (WVP and film solubility (FS. SOR plasticized films were the most brittle, with the highest tensile strength (TS, 26.06 MPa. However, its effect on WVP was low (5.45 g.mm/m2.day.kPa. In contrast, GLY and PEG plasticized films had a flexible structure contradictory to a low TS (14.31MPa and 16.14MPa, respectively providing a high WVP (14.52 g.mm/m2.day.kPa and 14.69 g.mm/m2.day.kPa, respectively. SOR plasticized films, demonstrated little higher FS compared to PEG and GLY plasticized films but not significant different (p<0.05. The color of biodegradable blend film from rice starch-chitosan was more affected by the concentration of the plasticizer used than by its type. Nine moisture sorption models were applied to experimental data. Moisture content of the film increased at elevated water activity. The time to reach equilibrium moisture content (EMC was about 20-24 days at lower humidity and 13-16 days at higher humidities. The EMC of glycerol and sorbitol rice starchchitosan biodegradable blend films showed a logarithmic increase at above 0.59 aw and reached the highest moisture content of 51.46% and 42.97 % at 0.95 aw, whereas PEG rice starch-chitosan biodegradable blend films did not show much increase in moisture content.

Biodegradation of thermoplastic starch/eggshell powder composites.

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Bootklad, Munlika; Kaewtatip, Kaewta

2013-09-12

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) was prepared using compression molding and chicken eggshell was used as a filler. The effect of the eggshell powder (EP) on the properties of TPS was compared with the effect of commercial calcium carbonate (CC). The organic compound on the surface of the eggshell powder acted as a coupling agent that resulted in a strong adhesion between the eggshell powder and the TPS matrix, as confirmed by SEM micrographs. The biodegradation was determined by the soil burial test. The TPS/EP composites were more rapidly degraded than the TPS/CC composites. In addition, the eggshell powder improved the water resistance and thermal stability of the TPS. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of glycerol and zinc oxide addition on antibacterial activity of biodegradable bioplastics from chitosan-kepok banana peel starch

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Agustin, Y. E.; Padmawijaya, K. S.

2017-07-01

Bioplastic is a biopolymer plastic that can be degraded easily by microorganisms so it can be used as alternative replaced commercial plastic. This research aims to study the effects of additive (glycerol and zinc oxide) addition in the characteristic of antimicrobial activity and biodegradability bioplastic from chitosan and Kepok banana peel starch. In this research, bioplastics were synthesized by chitosan as the backbone and antimicrobial, Kepok banana peel starch as filler, glycerol as plasticizer, also ZnO as an amplifier. Bioplastics were characterized their antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion method (zone inhibition assay) and biodegradability test using microbe (EM4). The result showed the optimum composition of bioplastic is kitosan 4 - 30% starch - 5 mL glycerol - 5% ZnO gives the good antimicrobial activity towards gram positive and gram negative bacteria, and this bioplastic will be degraded within an hour and 12 min. Thus, this bioplastics may have potential to be use for food packaging by having biodegradable properties and also inhibit bacterial growth.

The test of Tensile Properties and Water Resistance of a Novel Cross-linked Starch Prepared by Adding Oil-Flax

Science.gov (United States)

Shi, Dawei; Wang, Rui

2017-12-01

In this study, to solve the poor water resistance and the low mechanical properties of starch, a mixed-starch composite matrix which including glycerol, sorbitol, and urea, were prepared via single-crew extrusion, then adding oil-flax to improve its physical mechanical and used to a source of biodegradable plastics material. The composite matrix was systematically characterized using various analytic tools including XRD, SEM and TG. The composite showed a maximum tensile strength of 18.11Mpa and moisture absorption 17.67%, while the original starch matrix was only 12.51 Mpa and 24.98%, respectively.

Biodegradation of Ethyl Carbamate and Urea with Lysinibacillus sphaericus MT33 in Chinese Liquor Fermentation.

Science.gov (United States)

Cui, Kaixiang; Wu, Qun; Xu, Yan

2018-02-14

It is important to reduce the concentration of ethyl carbamate (EC) in fermented foods. However, controlling the formation of EC and its precursor urea is difficult in spontaneous food fermentation because urea is a natural product of nitrogen metabolism. Biodegradation is a better solution to reduce the concentration of EC. This study aimed to reduce the concentration of EC in Chinese liquor via an indigenous strain Lysinibacillus sphaericus MT33. This strain produced urethanase (940 U/L) and urease (1580 U/L) and degraded 76.52% of EC and 56.48% of urea. After inoculation in liquor fermentation, the maximal relative abundance of Lysinibacillus increased from 0.02% to 8.46%, the final EC and urea contents decreased by 41.77% and 28.15%. Moreover, the concentration of EC decreased by 63.32% in liquor. The negative correlation between abundance of Lysinibacillus and contents of EC and urea indicated the effect of L. sphaericus on EC and urea degradation.

Redução da hidrofilicidade de filmes biodegradáveis à base de amido por meio de polimerização por plasma Reduction of hydrophilicity of biodegradable starch-based films by plasma polymerization

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Rossana M. S. M. Thiré

2004-03-01

Full Text Available Devido ao baixo custo de produção e excelente biodegradabilidade, o amido constitui-se em matéria-prima promissora para a produção de plásticos biodegradáveis. No entanto, a grande hidrofilicidade dos filmes à base de amido representa uma séria limitação tecnológica à sua comercialização, uma vez que as propriedades dos filmes são afetadas pela variação da umidade relativa do ar durante a sua estocagem ou o seu uso. Neste trabalho, filmes de amido termoplástico foram recobertos com uma fina camada protetora polimérica gerada por intermédio da tecnologia de plasma frio. 1-Buteno e 1,3-butadieno foram utilizados como monômeros para a polimerização por plasma. Os filmes recobertos apresentaram uma redução de até 80% na absorção de água e aumento do ângulo de contato em relação à água. Estes resultados indicaram uma redução significativa na natureza hidrofílica do material à base de amido após o recobrimento.Due to low cost and excellent biodegradability, the use of starch as a raw material for bioplastic production is growing in interest. However, the properties of starch-based materials are affected by relative humidity during their use and storage due to their hydrophilic character. In this work, thermoplastic cornstarch films were coated by cold plasma technology with a protective thin layer in order to reduce water sensitivity. 1-Butene and 1,3-butadiene were used as monomers for plasma polymerization. Coated films presented a reduction of water absorption up to 80% an increase in contact angle related to water. These results indicated that the coating process reduced significantly the hydrophilic nature of the starch-based materials.

Radiation processing of indigenous natural polymers. Properties of radiation modified blends from sago-starch for biodegradable composite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ghazali, Z.; Dahlan, K.Z.; Wongsuban, B.; Idris, S.; Muhammad, K.

2001-01-01

Research and development on biodegradable polymer blends and composites have gained wider interest to offer alternative eco-friendly products. Natural polysaccharide such as sago-starch offers the most promising raw material for the production of biodegradable composites. The potential of sago, which is so abundant in Malaysia, to produce blends for subsequent applications in composite material, was evaluated and explored. Blends with various formulations of sago starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymers were prepared and subjected to radiation modification using electron beam irradiation. The effect of irradiation on the sago and its blends was evaluated and their properties were characterized. The potential of producing composite from sago blends was explored. Foams from these blends were produced using microwave oven while films were produced through casting method. The properties such as mechanical, water absorption, expansion ratio, and biodegradability were characterized and reported in this paper. (author)

Radiation processing of indigenous natural polymers. Properties of radiation modified blends from sago-starch for biodegradable composite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ghazali, Z.; Dahlan, K.Z. [Malaysian Institute for Nuclear and Technology Research (MINT), Bangi, Kajang (Malaysia); Wongsuban, B.; Idris, S.; Muhammad, K. [Universiti Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Food Science, Serdang (Malaysia)

2001-03-01

Research and development on biodegradable polymer blends and composites have gained wider interest to offer alternative eco-friendly products. Natural polysaccharide such as sago-starch offers the most promising raw material for the production of biodegradable composites. The potential of sago, which is so abundant in Malaysia, to produce blends for subsequent applications in composite material, was evaluated and explored. Blends with various formulations of sago starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymers were prepared and subjected to radiation modification using electron beam irradiation. The effect of irradiation on the sago and its blends was evaluated and their properties were characterized. The potential of producing composite from sago blends was explored. Foams from these blends were produced using microwave oven while films were produced through casting method. The properties such as mechanical, water absorption, expansion ratio, and biodegradability were characterized and reported in this paper. (author)

Biodegradable blends of starch/polyvinyl alcohol/glycerol: multivariate analysis of the mechanical properties

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Juliano Zanela

Full Text Available Abstract The aim of the work was to study the mechanical properties of extruded starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/glycerol biodegradable blends using multivariate analysis. The blends were produced as cylindrical strands by extrusion using PVAs with different hydrolysis degrees and viscosities, at two extrusion temperature profiles (90/170/170/170/170 °C and 90/170/200/200/200 °C and three conditioning relative humidities of the samples (33, 53, and 75%. The mechanical properties showed a great variability according to PVA type, as well as the extrusion temperature profile and the conditioning relative humidity; the tensile strength ranged from 0.42 to 5.40 MPa, elongation at break ranged from 10 to 404% and Young’s modulus ranged from 0.93 to 13.81 MPa. The multivariate analysis was a useful methodology to study the mechanical properties behavior of starch/PVA/glycerol blends, and it can be used as an exploratory technique to select of the more suitable PVA type and extrusion temperature to produce biodegradable materials.

Gamma irradiation effect on mechanical and barrier properties of foamed articles based on cassava starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naime, Natalia; Ponce, Patricia; Lugao, Ademar B.

2009-01-01

With the increasing environmental concern, replacing the traditional non-biodegradable synthetic materials for biodegradable products is the challenge for many researchers and companies. Starch is considered one of the most promising natural polymers for packaging application because of its renewability, biodegradability and low cost. However, there are some limitations in developing starch-based products due to its poor mechanical properties and high moisture sensitivity. These properties can change when subjected to any process of sterilization, especially by gamma radiation. This work aims to study the mechanical and barrier properties of cassava starch in front of gamma radiation, for cobalt-60 ( 60 C0), when subjected to doses of 3 kGy, 6 kGy, 12 kGy and 25 kGy for the development of packaging, and then it compares the results to those of conventional packaging, as the expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) and paper cards. The starch foams (packaging) were obtained by thermopressing process. After baking, the foams were conditioned for one month at 23 deg C and 60% relative humidity (RH) before mechanical and barrier testing. Polyethyleneglycol (PEG 300) was selected as plasticizer. The packaging in which the cassava starch was subjected to irradiation had higher resistance to compression and higher flexibility compared to that in which the starch had not been irradiated. The expanded polystyrene and paper card packages are less resistant to compression than the cassava starch packages. The styrofoam is more flexible than the paper cards, which in turn is more flexible than packages of starch. After irradiation, the barrier properties of the foams were improved. (author)

Urea-N recycling in lactating dairy cows fed diets with 2 different levels of dietary crude protein and starch with or without monensin.

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Recktenwald, E B; Ross, D A; Fessenden, S W; Wall, C J; Van Amburgh, M E

2014-03-01

Rumensin (monensin; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) has been shown to reduce ammonia production and microbial populations in vitro; thus, it would be assumed to reduce ruminal ammonia production and subsequent urea production and consequently affect urea recycling. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of 2 levels of dietary crude protein (CP) and 2 levels of starch, with and without Rumensin on urea-N recycling in lactating dairy cattle. Twelve lactating Holstein dairy cows (107 ± 21 d in milk, 647 kg ± 37 kg of body weight) were fed diets characterized as having high (16.7%) or low (15.3%) CP with or without Rumensin, while dietary starch levels (23 vs. 29%) were varied between 2 feeding periods with at least 7d of adaptation between measurements. Cows assigned to high or low protein and to Rumensin or no Rumensin remained on those treatments to avoid carryover effects. The diets consisted of approximately 40% corn silage, 20% alfalfa hay, and 40% concentrate mix specific to the treatment diets, with 0.5 kg of wheat straw added to the high starch diets to enhance effective fiber intake. The diets were formulated using Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (version 6.1), and the low-protein diets were formulated to be deficient for rumen ammonia to create conditions that should enhance the demand for urea recycling. The high-protein diets were formulated to be positive for both rumen ammonia and metabolizable protein. Rumen fluid, urine, feces, and milk samples were collected before and after a 72-h continuous jugular infusion of (15)N(15)N-urea. Total urine and feces were collected during the urea infusions for N balance measurements. Milk yield and dry matter intake were improved in cows fed the higher level of dietary CP and by Rumensin. Ruminal ammonia and milk and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations corresponded to dietary CP concentration. As has been shown in vitro, Rumensin reduced rumen ammonia concentration by

Pengaruh Penambahan Kitosan dalam Pembuatan Biodegradable Foam Berbahan Baku Pati

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Nanik Hendrawati

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Biodegradable foam is an alternative packaging to replace the expanded polystyrene foam packaging currently in use.   Starch has been used to produce foam because of  its low cost, low density, low toxicity, and  biodegradability. Chitosan has been added to improve mechanical properties of product . The   effect of  variation on chitosan amount  and  starch types  was investigated in this study.  The amount of  chitosan  was varied as 0; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25; and  30 % w/w and starch types were used in this research were cassava, Corn and sago starch. Biodegradable  foam was produced by using baking process method, all of material (Starch, Chitosan solution,  Magnesium Stearate, Carrageenan, Glyserol, Protein Isolates  dan polyvinil alcohol (PVOH  were mixed with kitchen aid mixer. The mixture was poured  into mold and heated in an oven at 125 oC for 1 hour. Then, foam was tested for its mechanical properties, water absorption  and biodegradability and  morphology (SEM.  The results show that  foam made from sago starch had lower water absortion than those made from cassava and corn starch.   While, foam made from cassava starch  was more biodegradable than the other foam.  Biodegradable foam based sago starch and 30 % w/w of Chitosan adition  gave the  best performence in tensile stress that  is 20 Mpa

Analysis of Biodegradation of Bioplastics Made of Cassava Starch

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Nanang Eko Wahyuningtiyas

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Environmental pollution due to plastic waste taking too long to decompose has become a global problem. There have been numerous solutions proposed, one of which is the use of bioplastics. The use of cassava starch as the main ingredient in the manufacture of bioplastics shows great potential, since Indonesia has a diverse range of starch-producing plants. The aim of the present study is to analyse the effect of glycerol on microbial degradation. This experimental research investigated the use of cassava flour mixed with glycerol plasticizer at various concentrations (0, 2, 2.5, 3% in the synthesis of bioplastics. The aspects studied were biodegradability, moisture absorption (using ASTM D570, shelf life, and morphological properties (using a camera equipped with a macro lens and SEM. This study revealed that complete degradation could be achieved on the 9th day. The addition of a large concentration of glycerol would accelerate the microbial degradation process, increase moisture, and extend the shelf life of bioplastics in a dry place.

Potential of Starch Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Science.gov (United States)

Zakaria, N. H.; Muhammad, N.; Abdullah, M. M. A. B.

2017-06-01

In recent years, the development of biodegradable materials from renewable sources based on polymeric biomaterials have grown rapidly due to increase environmental concerns and the shortage of petroleum sources. In this regard, naturally renewable polymers such as starch has shown great potential as environmental friendly materials. Besides, the unique properties of starch such as biodegradable and non-toxic, biocompatible and solubility make them useful for a various biomedical applications. Regardless of their unique properties, starch materials are known to have limitations in term of poor processability, low mechanical properties, poor long term stability and high water sensitivity. In order to overcome these limitations, the incorporation of nano size fillers into starch materials (nanocomposites) has been introduced. This review aims to give an overview about structure and characteristics of starch, modification of starch by nanocomposites and their potential for biomedical applications.

Effect of modified starch and nanoclay particles on biodegradability and mechanical properties of cross-linked poly lactic acid.

Science.gov (United States)

Shayan, M; Azizi, H; Ghasemi, I; Karrabi, M

2015-06-25

Mechanical properties and biodegradation of cross-linked poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/maleated thermoplastic starch (MTPS)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite were studied. Crosslinking was carried out by adding di-cumyl peroxide (DCP) in the presence of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) as coagent. At first, MTPS was prepared by grafting maleic anhydride (MA) to thermoplastic starch in internal mixer. Experimental design was performed by using Box-Behnken method at three variables: MTPS, nanoclay and TAIC at three levels. Results showed that increasing TAIC amount substantially increased the gel fraction, enhanced tensile strength, and caused a decrease in elongation at break. Biodegradation was prevented by increasing TAIC amount in nanocomposite. Increasing MTPS amount caused a slight increase in gel fraction and decreased the tensile strength of nanocomposite. Also, MTPS could increase the elongation at break of nanocomposite and improve the biodegradation. Nanoclay had no effect on the gel fraction, but it improved tensile strength. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environmental impact assessment of six starch plastics focusing on wastewater-derived starch and additives

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Broeren, Martijn L.M.; Kuling, Lody; Worrell, Ernst; Shen, Li

2017-01-01

Starch plastics are developed for their biobased origin and potential biodegradability. To assist the development of sustainable starch plastics, this paper quantifies the environmental impacts of starch plastics produced from either virgin starch or starch reclaimed from wastewater. A

Properties enhancement of cassava starch based bioplastics with addition of graphene oxide

Science.gov (United States)

Amri, A.; Ekawati, L.; Herman, S.; Yenti, S. R.; Zultiniar; Aziz, Y.; Utami, S. P.; Bahruddin

2018-04-01

The properties of cassava starch based bioplastic have been successfully enhanced by additioning of graphene oxide (GO) filler. The composite was synthesized via starch intercalation method using glycerol plasticizer with variation of 5 – 15 % v/v GO filler and mixing time of 30 and 60 minutes. The effects of GO content and the mixing time to the mechanical, water uptake and biodegradation were studied. The synthesis of GO and its integration in the bioplastic composite were also elucidated. The increasing of the GO content and mixing time improved the mechanical properties of composite mainly due to of good homogeneity among the constituents in the composite as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transfom Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The bioplastic produced using 15% of GO and 60 minutes mixing time had the highest mechanical properties with tensile strenght of 3,92 Mpa, elongation of 13,22% and modulus young of 29,66 MPa. The water uptake and biodegradation increased as the increase of GO content and decreased as the increase of the mixing time. Graphene oxide is the promissing filler for further development of cassava starch based bioplastics.

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of biodegradable starch/PVA composite films reinforced with cellulosic fibre.

Science.gov (United States)

Priya, Bhanu; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Pathania, Deepak; Singha, Amar Singh

2014-08-30

Cellulosic fibres reinforced composite blend films of starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by using citric acid as plasticizer and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linker. The mechanical properties of cellulosic fibres reinforced composite blend were compared with starch/PVA crossed linked blend films. The increase in the tensile strength, elongation percentage, degree of swelling and biodegradability of blend films was evaluated as compared to starch/PVA crosslinked blend films. The value of different evaluated parameters such as citric acid, glutaraldehyde and reinforced fibre to starch/PVA (5:5) was found to be 25 wt.%, 0.100 wt.% and 20 wt.%, respectively. The blend films were characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA/DTG). Scanning electron microscopy illustrated a good adhesion between starch/PVA blend and fibres. The blend films were also explored for antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results confirmed that the blended films may be used as exceptional material for food packaging. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The second green revolution? Production of plant-based biodegradable plastics.

Science.gov (United States)

Mooney, Brian P

2009-03-01

Biodegradable plastics are those that can be completely degraded in landfills, composters or sewage treatment plants by the action of naturally occurring micro-organisms. Truly biodegradable plastics leave no toxic, visible or distinguishable residues following degradation. Their biodegradability contrasts sharply with most petroleum-based plastics, which are essentially indestructible in a biological context. Because of the ubiquitous use of petroleum-based plastics, their persistence in the environment and their fossil-fuel derivation, alternatives to these traditional plastics are being explored. Issues surrounding waste management of traditional and biodegradable polymers are discussed in the context of reducing environmental pressures and carbon footprints. The main thrust of the present review addresses the development of plant-based biodegradable polymers. Plants naturally produce numerous polymers, including rubber, starch, cellulose and storage proteins, all of which have been exploited for biodegradable plastic production. Bacterial bioreactors fed with renewable resources from plants--so-called 'white biotechnology'--have also been successful in producing biodegradable polymers. In addition to these methods of exploiting plant materials for biodegradable polymer production, the present review also addresses the advances in synthesizing novel polymers within transgenic plants, especially those in the polyhydroxyalkanoate class. Although there is a stigma associated with transgenic plants, especially food crops, plant-based biodegradable polymers, produced as value-added co-products, or, from marginal land (non-food), crops such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), have the potential to become viable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics and an environmentally benign and carbon-neutral source of polymers.

Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose concentration on physical properties of biodegradable cassava starch-based films

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Sriburi Pensiri

2011-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Cassava starch, the economically important agricultural commodity in Thailand, can readily be cast into films. However, the cassava starch film is brittle and weak, leading to inadequate mechanical properties. The properties of starch film can be improved by adding plasticizers and blending with the other biopolymers. Results Cassava starch (5%w/v based films plasticized with glycerol (30 g/100 g starch were characterized with respect to the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%w/w total solid and relative humidity (34 and 54%RH on the mechanical properties of the films. Additionally, intermolecular interactions were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, melting temperature by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC, and morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM. Water solubility of the films was also determined. Increasing concentration of CMC increased tensile strength, reduced elongation at break, and decreased water solubility of the blended films. FT-IR spectra indicated intermolecular interactions between cassava starch and CMC in blended films by shifting of carboxyl (C = O and OH groups. DSC thermograms and SEM micrographs confirmed homogeneity of cassava starch-CMC films. Conclusion The addition of CMC to the cassava starch films increased tensile strength and reduced elongation at break of the blended films. This was ascribed to the good interaction between cassava starch and CMC. Cassava starch-CMC composite films have the potential to replace conventional packaging, and the films developed in this work are suggested to be suitable for low moisture food and pharmaceutical products.

Reinforced cassava starch based edible film incorporated with essential oil and sodium bentonite nanoclay as food packaging material.

Science.gov (United States)

Iamareerat, Butsadee; Singh, Manisha; Sadiq, Muhammad Bilal; Anal, Anil Kumar

2018-05-01

Biodegradable packaging in food materials is a green technology based novel approach to replace the synthetic and conventional packaging systems. This study is aimed to formulate the biodegradable cassava starch based films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil and sodium bentonite clay nanoparticles. The films were characterized for their application as a packaging material for meatballs. The cassava starch films incorporated with sodium bentonite and cinnamon oil showed significant antibacterial potential against all test bacteria; Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial effect of films increased significantly when the concentration of cinnamon oil was increased. The cassava starch film incorporated with 0.75% (w/w) sodium bentonite, 2% (w/w) glycerol and 2.5% (w/w) cinnamon oil was selected based on physical, mechanical and antibacterial potential to evaluate shelf life of meatballs. The meatballs stored at ambient temperature in cassava starch film incorporated with cinnamon oil and nanoclay, significantly inhibited the microbial growth till 96 h below the FDA limits (10 6  CFU/g) in foods compared to control films that exceeded above the limit within 48 h. Hence cassava starch based film incorporated with essential oils and clay nanoparticles can be an alternate approach as a packaging material for food industries to prolong the shelf life of products.

Wheat B-starch based polymeric materials

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kotek, Jiří; Kruliš, Zdeněk; Šárka, E.

2011-01-01

Roč. 105, č. 9 (2011), s. 731 ISSN 0009-2770. [International Conference on Polysaccharides-Glycoscience /7./. 02.11.2011-04.11.2011, Prague] R&D Projects: GA ČR GA525/09/0607 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40500505 Keywords : biodegradable plastic * polycaprolactone * B- starch Subject RIV: JI - Composite Materials

Properties and characteristics of dual-modified rice starch based biodegradable films.

Science.gov (United States)

Woggum, Thewika; Sirivongpaisal, Piyarat; Wittaya, Thawien

2014-06-01

In this study, the dual-modified rice starch was hydroxypropylated with 6-12% of propylene oxide followed by crosslinking with 2% sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and a mixture of 2% STMP and 5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). Increasing the propylene oxide concentrations in the DMRS yielded an increase in the molar substitution (MS) and degree of substitution (DS). However, the gelatinization parameters, paste properties, gel strength and paste clarity showed an inverse trend. The biodegradable films from the DMRS showed an increase the tensile strength, elongation at break and film solubility, while the transparency value decreased when the concentration of propylene oxide increased. However the water vapor permeability of the films did not significantly change with an increase in the concentration of propylene oxide. In addition, it was found that DMRS films crosslinked with 2% STMP demonstrated higher tensile strength, transparency value and lower water vapor permeability than the DMRS films crosslinked with a mixture of 2% STMP and 5% STPP. The XRD analysis of the DMRS films showed a decrease in crystallinity when the propylene oxide concentrations increased and the crystallinity of DMRS films with 2% STMP were higher than the DMRS films with a mixture of 2% STMP and 5% STPP. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biodegradation of New Polymer Foundry Binders for the Example of the Composition Polyacrylic Acid/Starch

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Beata Grabowska

2011-04-01

Full Text Available The investigations on the biodegradation process pathway of the new polymer binders for the example of water soluble compositionpolyacrylic acid/starch are presented in the hereby paper. Degradation was carried out in water environment and in a soil. Thedetermination of the total oxidation biodegradation in water environment was performed under laboratory conditions in accordance with the static water test system (Zahn-Wellens method, in which the mixture undergoing biodecomposition contained inorganic nutrient,activated sludge and the polymer composition, as the only carbon and energy source. The biodecomposition progress of the polymercomposition sample in water environment was estimated on the basis of the chemical oxygen demand (COD measurements and thedetermination the biodegradation degree, Rt, during the test. These investigations indicated that the composition polyacrylic acid/starchconstitutes the fully biodegradable material in water environment. The biodegradation degree Rt determined in the last 29th day of the test duration achieved 65%, which means that the investigated polymer composition can be considered to be fully biodegradable.During the 6 months biodegradation process of the cross-linked sample of the polymer composition in a garden soil several analysis ofsurface and structural changes, resulting from the sample decomposition, were performed. Those were: thermal analyses (TG-DSC,structural analyses (Raman spectroscopy and microscopic analyses (optical microscopy, AFM.

In vitro ruminal fermentation kinetic of diets containing forage cactus with urea and different starch sources

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Yann dos Santos Luz

2014-06-01

Full Text Available The study was conducted to evaluate fermentation kinetic of diets based on cactus forage enriched with urea and Tifton 85 hay, containing different starch sources, using semi-automated in vitro gas production technique. Treatments were disposed in a randomized block design, with four replications, where concentrates were formulated as follows: cassava roots (FSMa, semi flint corn grains (FSMiSD, dent corn grains (FSMiD and wheat bran (FTMa. All diets were formulated to obtain 15% of crude protein. Gas pressure were measured 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after inoculation. For fast phase maximum gas volume (Vf1, both treatments containing corn did not differ (P>0.05. FTMa differed (P<0.05 from diets composed with corn, as main starch source. Specific degradation rate of fast fraction (Kd1 was higher (P<0.05 on FSMa and FTMa diets, compared with corn diets. Colonization time (L showed lower values (P<0.05 for FTMa diet. The lowest total gas production was observed on FTMa and the highest for FSMiD, varying from 225.49 to 268.31 mL/g, respectively. Cassava roots as starch source contributes to a faster fermentation, compared to both corns, allowing a better synchronization with faster degradation nitrogen sources.

Effect of ionizing radiation on the properties of prepared plastic/starch blends and their applications as biodegradable materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khalil, S.A.

2010-01-01

Blends based on different ratios of plasticised starch (PLST), low density poly-ethyleen (LDPE) were prepared by mixing in extrouder. The LDPE/PLST/POMA (poly-olefin maleic anhydride) and LDPE/PLST/TMPTA (tri-methylol propane tri-acrylate) were exposed to different doses of electron beam. The effect of mixing and E-Beam irradiation on the thermal, mechanical, water absorption, and structure morphology properties were investigated. The results showed that the addition of compatibilizers and E-Beam irradiation improve all the physical properties, which provides suitable material based on natural polymer for biodegradable plastic.

Starch meets biotechnology : in planta modification of starch composition and functionalities

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Xu, Xuan

2016-01-01

Storage starch is an energy reservoir for plants and the major source of calories in the human diet. Starch is used in a broad range of industrial applications, as a cheap, abundant, renewable and biodegradable biopolymer. However, starch needs to be modified before it can fulfill the required

Compatibility, Morphology, Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability of Poly(styrene-ethylene-propylenestyrene/ Modified Thermoplastic Starch Blends

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Saaid Rahimi Bandarabadi

2016-09-01

Full Text Available The effect of modified starch on the properties of poly(styrene-ethylenepropylene- styrene tri-block copolymer was studied. Chemical treatment of starch with maleic anhydride was accomplished in an internal mixer in the presence of glycerol. The reaction was confirmed using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR and titration. The blend samples containing 10, 20, 30 and 50 wt% were obtained by melt blending and their mechanical, morphological and dynamic-mechanical properties were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM images displayed droplet-matrix morphology and with increases in modified starch up to 50 wt% some partial co-continuous morphology was also observed. With increase of modified starch in the compound, the size of dispersed phase increased. DMTA results revealed that the partial compatibility was obtained because of slight difference between glass transition temperatures of two phases in the presence of modified starch. The peak of modified starch shifted to higher values and the differences between the two peaks decreased, indicating partial compatibility. Mechanical properties including tensile, elongation-at-break and modulus were also determined and the results showed that the mechanical properties of the sample were higher than those of neat TPS because of the higher compatibility. Tensile strength was decreased with increase in modified starch content due to the absence of strong interfacial adhesion. Moduli of the samples were increased with increase in modified starch content due to higher stiffness of starch. Biodegradability of the samples was evaluated by weight loss percentage using compost test. A rapid degradation was observed in the first 45 days and with increase of the modified starch content the degree of degradation was increased.

Durability of Starch Based Biodegradable Plastics Reinforced with Manila Hemp Fibers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shinji Ochi

2011-02-01

Full Text Available The biodegradability of Manila hemp fiber reinforced biodegradable plastics was studied for 240 days in a natural soil and 30 days in a compost soil. After biodegradability tests, weights were measured and both tensile strength tests and microscopic observation were performed to evaluate the biodegradation behavior of the composites. The results indicate that the tensile strength of the composites displays a sharp decrease for up to five days, followed by a gradual decrease. The weight loss and the reduction in tensile strength of biodegradable composite materials in the compost soil are both significantly greater than those buried in natural soil. The biodegradability of these composites is enhanced along the lower portion because this area is more easily attacked by microorganisms.

Durability of Starch Based Biodegradable Plastics Reinforced with Manila Hemp Fibers.

Science.gov (United States)

Ochi, Shinji

2011-02-25

The biodegradability of Manila hemp fiber reinforced biodegradable plastics was studied for 240 days in a natural soil and 30 days in a compost soil. After biodegradability tests, weights were measured and both tensile strength tests and microscopic observation were performed to evaluate the biodegradation behavior of the composites. The results indicate that the tensile strength of the composites displays a sharp decrease for up to five days, followed by a gradual decrease. The weight loss and the reduction in tensile strength of biodegradable composite materials in the compost soil are both significantly greater than those buried in natural soil. The biodegradability of these composites is enhanced along the lower portion because this area is more easily attacked by microorganisms.

Biodegradability and mechanical properties of reinforced starch nanocomposites using cellulose nanofibers.

Science.gov (United States)

Babaee, Mehran; Jonoobi, Mehdi; Hamzeh, Yahya; Ashori, Alireza

2015-11-05

In this study the effects of chemical modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) on the biodegradability and mechanical properties of reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) nanocomposites was evaluated. The CNFs were modified using acetic anhydride and the nanocomposites were fabricated by solution casting from corn starch with glycerol/water as the plasticizer and 10 wt% of either CNFs or acetylated CNFs (ACNFs). The morphology, water absorption (WA), water vapor permeability rate (WVP), tensile, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and fungal degradation properties of the obtained nanocomposites were investigated. The results demonstrated that the addition of CNFs and ACNFs significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites and reduced the WVP and WA of the TPS. The effects were more pronounced for the CNFs than the ACNFs. The DMA showed that the storage modulus was improved, especially for the CNFs/TPS nanocomposite. Compared with the neat TPS, the addition of nanofibers improved the degradation rate of the nanocomposite and particularly ACNFs reduced degradation rate of the nanocomposite toward fungal degradation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Durability of Starch Based Biodegradable Plastics Reinforced with Manila Hemp Fibers

OpenAIRE

Shinji Ochi

2011-01-01

The biodegradability of Manila hemp fiber reinforced biodegradable plastics was studied for 240 days in a natural soil and 30 days in a compost soil. After biodegradability tests, weights were measured and both tensile strength tests and microscopic observation were performed to evaluate the biodegradation behavior of the composites. The results indicate that the tensile strength of the composites displays a sharp decrease for up to five days, followed by a gradual decrease. The weight loss a...

Data of thermal degradation and dynamic mechanical properties of starch-glycerol based films with citric acid as crosslinking agent.

Science.gov (United States)

González Seligra, Paula; Medina Jaramillo, Carolina; Famá, Lucía; Goyanes, Silvia

2016-06-01

Interest in biodegradable edible films as packaging or coating has increased because their beneficial effects on foods. In particular, food products are highly dependents on thermal stability, integrity and transition process temperatures of the packaging. The present work describes a complete data of the thermal degradation and dynamic mechanical properties of starch-glycerol based films with citric acid (CA) as crosslinking agent described in the article titled: "Biodegradable and non-retrogradable eco-films based on starch-glycerol with citric acid as crosslinking agent" González Seligra et al. (2016) [1]. Data describes thermogravimetric and dynamical mechanical experiences and provides the figures of weight loss and loss tangent of the films as a function of the temperature.

Influence of nanoparticles on the properties of bionanocomposites from cassava starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paglicawan, Marissa A.; Emolaga, Carlo S.; Navarro, Ma. Teresa V.; Celorico, Josefina; Basilia, Blessie A.

2015-01-01

Plastics are widely used packaging materials for food and non-food products due to their desirable material properties and low cost. However, the merits of plastic products have been overshadowed by its non-degradable nature, thereby leading to waste disposal problems. Because of the environmental problem, many researchers are facing to minimize non-degradable to biodegradable materials. Starch is one of the most promising natural polymers because of its inherent biodegradability, overwhelming abundance and its renewability. One of the abundant starch is cassava. The Manihot exculenta Crantz, is known as camoteng-kahoy or balinghoy in the Philippines. The production of thermoplastic starch (also known as plasticized starch or TPS) basically involves three essential components, namely: starch, plasticizer and thermomechanical energy. However, this material has high water solubility and may lose their mechanical properties in humid conditions. One of the possible ways to overcome this problem is through nanocomposite in which consist of a polymer matrix reinforced with nano-dimensional particles. This research involves the processing of cassava starch into thermoplastic starch for packaging application that can be biodegraded in soil or compostable after its usage. Thermoplastic starchs from cassava starch and different nanomaterials were processed by melt-blending method in a twin-screw extruder. The four nanofillers - nanoclay (NC), halloysite nanotube (HNT), nanozeolite (NZ), and nanocalcium carbonate (NCC) were incorporated into the starch matrix in a 3 phr concentration. The resulting biocomposites were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, morphology, thermal properties, moisture absorption, and crystallinity. The newly developed technology based on cassava starch/nano-scale particles nanocomposites upgrade the hdydrophylic and mechanical properties of starch based films. Homogeneously dispersing nanometer size materials, with high length

Tunable d-Limonene Permeability in Starch-Based Nanocomposite Films Reinforced by Cellulose Nanocrystals.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Siyuan; Li, Xiaoxi; Chen, Ling; Li, Lin; Li, Bing; Zhu, Jie

2018-01-31

In order to control d-limonene permeability, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were used to regulate starch-based film multiscale structures. The effect of sphere-like cellulose nanocrystal (CS) and rod-like cellulose nanocrystal (CR) on starch molecular interaction, short-range molecular conformation, crystalline structure, and micro-ordered aggregated region structure were systematically discussed. CNC aspect ratio and content were proved to be independent variables to control d-limonene permeability via film-structure regulation. New hydrogen bonding formation and increased hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) relative crystallinity could be the reason for the lower d-limonene permeability compared with tortuous path model approximation. More hydrogen bonding formation, higher HPS relative crystallinity and larger size of micro-ordered aggregated region in CS0.5 and CR2 could explain the lower d-limonene permeability than CS2 and CR0.5, respectively. This study provided new insight for the control of the flavor release from starch-based films, which favored its application in biodegradable food packaging and flavor encapsulation.

Characterization of starch-based bioplastics from jackfruit seed plasticized with glycerol.

Science.gov (United States)

Santana, Renata Ferreira; Bonomo, Renata Cristina Ferreira; Gandolfi, Olga Reinert Ramos; Rodrigues, Luciano Brito; Santos, Leandro Soares; Dos Santos Pires, Ana Clarissa; de Oliveira, Cristiane Patrícia; da Costa Ilhéu Fontan, Rafael; Veloso, Cristiane Martins

2018-01-01

Biodegradable films based on starches from different botanical sources exhibited physicochemical and functional properties which were related with the starch characteristics. However, had inadequate mechanical properties and were hard and brittle. In this research, jackfruit seed starch plasticized with glycerol were developed and characterized. The starch and glycerol concentrations ranged from 2 to 6% w/w and 20 to 60 g/100 g starch, respectively. Bioplastics were obtained by the casting method and characterized in terms of color, mechanical properties, solubility, water vapor permeability ( WVP ), morphology and free energy of the hydrophobic interaction. Electronic micrographics showed the presence of some intact starch granules. The bioplastics were hydrophilic and those of 6% starch and 40% glycerol were the most hydrophilic ([Formula: see text] = 41.35 mJ m -1 ). The solubility of the films presented a direct relationship with the starch concentration ranging from 16.42 to 23.26%. Increased opacity and color difference were observed with increasing starch concentration. The WVP ranged from 1.374 × 10 -3 to 3.07 × 10 -4  g m/day m 2 which was positively related with the concentration of starch and glycerol. Tensile strength, percent elongation and Young's Modulus indicated that the jackfruit starch and glycerol provided a film with good mechanical properties. The results replaced that jackfruit starch can be used to develop films, with low opacity, moderate WVP and relatively high mechanical stability, by using glycerol in the gelatinized starch dispersions.

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable composites based on brazilian cassava starch, corn starch and green coconut fibers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ramirez, Maria Guadalupe Lomeli; Muniz, Graciela I. Bolzon de.; Satyanarayana, Kestur G.; Tanobe, Valcineide; Iwakiri, Setsuo, E-mail: glomeli12@hotmail.com [Universidade Federal do Parana (UFPR), Curitiba, Parana (Brazil). Centro de Ciencias Florestais e da Madeira

2010-07-01

Increasing search for new materials with high premium on eco-friendliness, new trend is emerging in materials development such as composites, which are well established for a wide variety of applications. With growing interest and importance of renewable bioresources has led to more stress on the use of locally available materials. This paper presents preliminary results on the preparation and characterization of composites based on Brazilian coconut fibers and starches of cassava and corn. The raw materials were characterized for their morphology, chemical composition, and thermal properties and X-ray diffraction studies. Coir fibers were also tested for their tensile properties showing increasing strength and Young's modulus with decreasing diameter, while the % elongation remaining constant. Lignin content of coir was found to be 35%. Structure and properties of composites containing 0, 5 10, 15% fibers in both the matrices and prepared by compression molding would be compared. For the 2 types of starch, there was an increase in the tensile strength by the increasing proportion of fiber. The effect of moisture in the composite stress affects the strength and percentage elongation. The water absorption was higher in the composites made from cassava starch. (author)

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable composites based on brazilian cassava starch, corn starch and green coconut fibers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramirez, Maria Guadalupe Lomeli; Muniz, Graciela I. Bolzon de.; Satyanarayana, Kestur G.; Tanobe, Valcineide; Iwakiri, Setsuo

2010-01-01

Increasing search for new materials with high premium on eco-friendliness, new trend is emerging in materials development such as composites, which are well established for a wide variety of applications. With growing interest and importance of renewable bioresources has led to more stress on the use of locally available materials. This paper presents preliminary results on the preparation and characterization of composites based on Brazilian coconut fibers and starches of cassava and corn. The raw materials were characterized for their morphology, chemical composition, and thermal properties and X-ray diffraction studies. Coir fibers were also tested for their tensile properties showing increasing strength and Young's modulus with decreasing diameter, while the % elongation remaining constant. Lignin content of coir was found to be 35%. Structure and properties of composites containing 0, 5 10, 15% fibers in both the matrices and prepared by compression molding would be compared. For the 2 types of starch, there was an increase in the tensile strength by the increasing proportion of fiber. The effect of moisture in the composite stress affects the strength and percentage elongation. The water absorption was higher in the composites made from cassava starch. (author)

Biodegradation of starch–graft–polystyrene and starch–graft–poly(methacrylic acid copolymers in model river water

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nikolić Vladimir

2013-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper the biodegradation study of grafted copolymers of polystyrene (PS and corn starch and poly(methacrylic acid and corn starch in model river water is described. These copolymers were obtained in the presence of different amine activators. The synthesized copolymers and products of degradation were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM. Biodegradation was monitored by mass decrease and number of microorganisms by Koch’s method. Biodegradation of both copolymers advanced with time, poly(methacrylic acid-graft-starch copolymers completely degraded after 21 day, and polystyrene-graft-starch partially degraded (45.78-93.09 % of total mass after 27 days. Differences in the degree of biodegradation are consequences of different structure of the samples, and there is a significant negative correlation between the share of polystyrene in copolymer and degree of biodegradation. The grafting degree of PS necessary to prevent biodegradation was 54 %. Based on experimental evidence, mechanisms of both biodegradation processes are proposed, and influence of degree of starch and synthetic component of copolymers on degradation were established. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172001 i br. 172062

Crystallinity in starch plastics: consequences for material properties

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Soest, van J.J.G.; Vliegenthart, J.F.G.

1997-01-01

The processing of starches with biodegradable additives has made biodegradable plastics suitable for a number of applications. Starch plastics are partially crystalline as a result of residual crystallinity and the recrystallization of amylose and amylopectin. Such crystallinity is a key determinant

Microbial biodegradable potato starch based low density polyethylene

African Journals Online (AJOL)

USER

2010-06-28

Jun 28, 2010 ... Key words: Low density polyethylene, fungi, biodegradable polymer, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ... particle such as CO2 or water by microorganism's activities. ... package and production of bags, composites and agricultural.

Biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester/corn starch blend composite reinforced with coffee parchment husk

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Valquiria A.; Teixeira, Jaciele G.; Gomes, Michelle G.; Ortiz, Angel V.; Oliveira, Rene R.; Scapin, Marcos A.; Moura, Esperidiana A.B.; Colombo, Maria A.

2013-01-01

In recent years, studies have shown that the addition of natural fiber or proper filler is an effective strategy for achieving improved properties in biodegradable polymer materials. Moreover, is especially important if such fibers are residues of agro-industrial processes. In this work, a promising technique to develop biodegradable polymer matrix composite based on aliphatic-aromatic copolyester/corn starch blend (Evela®) and coffee parchment husk, which is residue from coffee processing is described. The biodegradable polymeric blend (Evela®) with 5 % (w/w) of ball-milled coffee parchment husk fiber powder, with size ≤250 μm, without any modification was prepared by melt-mixing processing, using a twin screw extruder machine and then pelletized. In a second step, the pelletized Evela®)/coffee parchment (Composite) was then dried at 70 ± 2 deg C for 24 h in a circulating air oven, fed into injection molding machine and test specimens were obtained. The Composite specimen samples were irradiated using an electron beam accelerator, at radiation dose of 20 and 40 kGy, at room temperature in presence of air. The irradiated and non-irradiated samples were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), tensile tests and sol-gel analysis and the correlation between their properties was discussed. In addition, coffee parchment husk fiber characterization by SEM, EDS, XRD and WDXRF have also been carried out with a view to evaluate its importance in determining the end-use properties of the composite. (author)

Biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester/corn starch blend composite reinforced with coffee parchment husk

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Valquiria A.; Teixeira, Jaciele G.; Gomes, Michelle G.; Ortiz, Angel V.; Oliveira, Rene R.; Scapin, Marcos A.; Moura, Esperidiana A.B. [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil); Colombo, Maria A., E-mail: valquiriaalves36@yahoo.com.br [Faculdade de Tecnologia da Zona Leste (FATEC), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2013-07-01

In recent years, studies have shown that the addition of natural fiber or proper filler is an effective strategy for achieving improved properties in biodegradable polymer materials. Moreover, is especially important if such fibers are residues of agro-industrial processes. In this work, a promising technique to develop biodegradable polymer matrix composite based on aliphatic-aromatic copolyester/corn starch blend (Evela®) and coffee parchment husk, which is residue from coffee processing is described. The biodegradable polymeric blend (Evela®) with 5 % (w/w) of ball-milled coffee parchment husk fiber powder, with size ≤250 μm, without any modification was prepared by melt-mixing processing, using a twin screw extruder machine and then pelletized. In a second step, the pelletized Evela®)/coffee parchment (Composite) was then dried at 70 ± 2 deg C for 24 h in a circulating air oven, fed into injection molding machine and test specimens were obtained. The Composite specimen samples were irradiated using an electron beam accelerator, at radiation dose of 20 and 40 kGy, at room temperature in presence of air. The irradiated and non-irradiated samples were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), tensile tests and sol-gel analysis and the correlation between their properties was discussed. In addition, coffee parchment husk fiber characterization by SEM, EDS, XRD and WDXRF have also been carried out with a view to evaluate its importance in determining the end-use properties of the composite. (author)

Films based on oxidized starch and cellulose from barley.

Science.gov (United States)

El Halal, Shanise Lisie Mello; Colussi, Rosana; Deon, Vinícius Gonçalves; Pinto, Vânia Zanella; Villanova, Franciene Almeida; Carreño, Neftali Lenin Villarreal; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa

2015-11-20

Starch and cellulose fibers were isolated from grains and the husk from barley, respectively. Biodegradable films of native starch or oxidized starches and glycerol with different concentrations of cellulose fibers (0%, 10% and 20%) were prepared. The films were characterized by morphological, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties. Cellulose fibers isolated from the barley husk were obtained with 75% purity and high crystallinity. The morphology of the films of the oxidized starches, regardless of the fiber addition, was more homogeneous as compared to the film of the native starch. The addition of cellulose fibers in the films increased the tensile strength and decreased elongation. The water vapor permeability of the film of oxidized starch with 20% of cellulose fibers was lower than the without fibers. However the films with cellulose fibers had the highest decomposition with the initial temperature and thermal stability. The oxidized starch and cellulose fibers from barley have a good potential for use in packaging. The addition of cellulose fibers in starch films can contribute to the development of films more resistant that can be applied in food systems to maintain its integrity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical properties and fire retardancy of bidirectional reinforced composite based on biodegradable starch resin and basalt fibres

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2008-11-01

Full Text Available Environmental problems caused by extensive use of polymeric materials arise mainly due to lack of landfill space and depletion of finite natural resources of fossil raw materials, such as petroleum or natural gas. The substitution of synthetic petroleum-based resins with natural biodegradable resins appears to be one appropriate measure to remedy the above-mentioned situation. This study presents the development of a composite that uses environmentally degradable starch-based resin as matrix and basalt fibre plain fabric as reinforcement. Prepreg sheets were manufactured by means of a modified doctor blade system and a hot power press. The sheets were used to manufacture bidirectional-reinforced specimens with fibre volume contents ranging from 33 to 61%. Specimens were tested for tensile and flexural strength, and exhibited values of up to 373 and 122 MPa, respectively. Through application of silane coupling agents to the reinforcement fibres, the flexural composite properties were subsequently improved by as much as 38%. Finally, in order to enhance the fire retardancy and hence the applicability of the composite, fire retardants were applied to the resin, and their effectiveness was tested by means of flame rating (according to UL 94 and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, respectively.

Utilization of a Biodegradable Mulch Sheet Produced from Poly(Lactic Acid/Ecoflex®/Modified Starch in Mandarin Orange Groves

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yasukatsu Maeda

2009-08-01

Full Text Available We have developed a mulch sheet made by inflation molding of PLA, Ecoflex® and modified starch, which all have different biodegradabilities. A field test of use as an agricultural mulch sheet for mandarin oranges was carried out over two years. The mechanical properties of the mulch sheet were weakened with time during the field test, but the quality of the mandarin oranges increased, a result of the controlled degradation of the sheet. The most degradable modified starch degraded first, allowing control of the moisture on the soil. Accelerator mass spectroscopy was used for evaluation of the biomass carbon ratio. The biomass carbon ratio decreased by degradation of the biobased materials, PLA and modified starch in the mulch sheet.

Resistance to moist conditions of whey protein isolate and pea starch biodegradable films and low density polyethylene nondegradable films: a comparative study

Science.gov (United States)

Mehyar, G. F.; Bawab, A. Al

2015-10-01

Biodegradable packaging materials are degraded under the natural environmental conditions. Therefore using them could alleviate the problem of plastics accumulation in nature. For effective replacement of plastics, with biodegradable materials, biodegradable packages should keep their properties under the high relative humidity (RH) conditions. Therefore the objectives of the study were to develop biodegradable packaging material based on whey protein isolate (WPI) and pea starch (PS). To study their mechanical, oxygen barrier and solubility properties under different RHs compared with those of low density polyethylene (LDPE), the most used plastic in packaging. Films of WPI and PS were prepared separately and conditioned at different RH (30-90%) then their properties were studied. At low RHs ( 40% RH. Oxygen permeability of WPI and LDPE did not adversely affected by increasing RH to 65%. Furthermore, WPI and LDPE films had lower degree of hydration at 50% and 90% RH and total soluble matter than PS films. These results suggest that WPI could be successfully replacing LDPE in packaging of moist products.

Biodegradable films of starch/PVOH/alginate in packaging systems for minimally processed lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Renata Paula Herrera Brandelero

Full Text Available ABSTRACT Biodegradable packaging may replace non-biodegradable materials when the shelf life of the packaged product is relatively short, as in minimally processed foods. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of biodegradable films comprising starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH/alginate with the addition of 0 or 0.5% of essential oil of copaiba (EOCP or lemongrass (EOLM compared to poly-vinyl chloride (PVC films in the storage of minimally processed lettuce. Lettuce samples cut into 1-cm strips were placed in polypropylene trays wrapped with biodegradable films and stored at 6 ± 2 °C for 8 days. PVC films were used as controls. The biofilms presented 11.43-8.11 MPa resistance and 11.3-13.22% elongation, with water vapor permeability (WVP of 0.5-4.04 x 10-12 g. s-1.Pa-1.m-1; thus, the films' properties were considered suitable for the application. The lettuce stored in PVC presented minor total soluble solids (TSS, less luminosity (L, higher intensity of yellow color (b, and eight times less mass loss than that stored in biodegradable films. Multivariate analysis showed that the lettuce lost quality after 2 days of storage in PVC films, representing a different result from the other treatments. Lettuce stored in biodegradable films for 2 and 4 days showed a greater similarity with newly harvested lettuce (time zero. The films with or without the addition of essential oil showed similar characteristics. Biodegradable films were considered viable for the storage of minimally processed lettuce.

Effects of ruminally degradable starch levels on performance, nitrogen balance, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows fed low corn-based starch diets

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guobin Luo

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Objective This trial was performed to examine the effects of ruminally degradable starch (RDS levels in total mixed ration (TMR with low corn-based starch on the milk production, whole-tract nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy cows. Methods Eight multiparous Holstein cows (body weight [BW]: 717±63 kg; days in milk [DIM]: 169±29 were assigned to a crossover design with two dietary treatments: a diet containing 62.3% ruminally degradable starch (% of total starch, low RDS or 72.1% ruminally degradable starch (% of total starch, high RDS. Changes to the ruminally degradable levels were conducted by using either finely ground corn or steam-flaked corn as the starch component. Results The results showed that dry matter intake, milk yield and composition in dairy cows were not affected by dietary treatments. The concentration of milk urea nitrogen was lower for cows fed high RDS TMR than low RDS TMR. The whole-tract apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and crude protein decreased, and that of starch increased for cows fed high RDS TMR over those fed low RDS TMR, with no dietary effect on the whole-tract apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. The proportion of urinary N excretion in N intake was lower and that of fecal N excretion in N intake was higher for cows fed high RDS TMR than those fed low RDS TMR. The N secretion in milk and the retention of N were not influenced by the dietary treatments. Total purine derivative was similar in cows fed high RDS TMR and low RDS TMR. Consequently, estimated microbial N flow to the duodenum was similar in cows fed high RDS TMR and low RDS TMR. Conclusion Results of this study show that ruminally degradable starch levels can influence whole-tract nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy cows fed low corn-based starch diets, with no influence on performance.

Thermal, Mechanical and Water Resistance Properties of LDPE/Starch Bio-Based Polymer Blends for Food Packing Applications

OpenAIRE

Berber Yamak, Hale

2016-01-01

In this study, low density polyethylene, LDPE was melt blended with starch using twin screw extruder to form biodegradable polymer blends. The LDPE/starch blend films used in food packing were obtained by hot pressing of the granules produced by extrusion process. The starch content was varied from 0 to 40 wt% of LDPE. To provide fine starch dispersion, glycerol and zinc stearate were used as plasticizer and compatibilizer, respectively. The effect of starch content on the properties of LDPE ...

Ultra-small and anionic starch nanospheres: formation and vitro thrombolytic behavior study.

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Yinjuan; Ding, Shenglong; Liu, Mingzhu; Gao, Chunmei; Yang, Jinlong; Zhang, Xinjie; Ding, Bin

2013-07-25

This paper is considered as the first report on the investigation of nattokinase (NK) release from anionic starch nanospheres. The ultra-small and anionic starch nanospheres were prepared by the method of reverse micro-emulsion crosslinking in this work. Starch nanospheres were characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Effects of preparation conditions on particle size were studied. The cytotoxicity, biodegradable and vitro thrombolytic behaviors of nattokinase (NK) loaded anionic starch nanospheres were also studied. The results showed that the anionic starch nanospheres are non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. Moreover, the anionic starch nanospheres can protect NK from fast biodegradation hence prolongs the circulation in vivo and can reduce the risk of acute hemorrhage complication by decreasing the thrombolysis rate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of extrusion-cooking technique for foamed starch-based materials

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Combrzyński Maciej

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Foamed materials are widely used, mainly as a protection objects during transport of various products. Traditionally foams are produced from plastics so they are very difficult for waste management. It is the challenge for many scientific centres to develop a technology for the production of bio-based materials which can be rapidly decomposed. The task for the researcher is to obtain a relatively cheap, easy to use and completely biodegradable materials. The aim of this work was the selection of the main raw materials, functional additives and process parameters to obtain the most effective parameters of extrusion-cooking process for foamed starch-based materials. Properties of the products and processing costs were taken into account. During the study, the extrusion-cooking process was performed under various conditions: temperature, humidity, type of the die, screw rotational speed, various raw materials and additives blends. The best results were obtained for mixtures based on potato starch and with addition the foaming agent Plastron foam PDE and poly(vinyl alcohol PVA.

Radiation modified sago-blends and its potential for biodegradable packaging materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ghazali, Z.; Idris, S.; Dahlan, K.Z. [Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology Research, Bangi, Kajang (Malaysia); Wongsuban, B.; Adzahan, N.M.; Ithnin, L. [Universiti Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, Serdang (Malaysia)

2002-03-01

This paper describes work at MINT on the characterisation and development of sago blends as alternative biodegradable packaging materials. A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of formulation, mixing temperature and irradiation dosage on expansion of sago starch-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sago-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) blends based foam. The foams were produced by microwaving irradiated hydrogels prepared by mixing sago starch with aqueous PVA or PVP. In the development of starch-based plastic, the effect of different composition and different irradiation dosage were studied to evaluate films with good tensile properties, elongation, gas permeability and water vapor transmission rate and also the biodegradability of the film using soil burial test. In another development, irradiation i.e. microwave, electron beam and gamma, has been investigated as a means of degrading the starch granules, which leads to an increase in the amount soluble materials leached. Results showed that irradiation caused an increase in leaching, and a concomitant drastic reduction in swelling volumes of starch granules. It is also showed that the strength of starch gels and viscosity decreased as the levels of irradiation was increased. The degraded starches will be incorporated as an ingredient in the fish cracker and characterized its properties. (author)

Poly(Lactic Acid) Filled with Cassava Starch-g-Soybean Oil Maleate

OpenAIRE

Kiangkitiwan, Nopparut; Srikulkit, Kawee

2013-01-01

Poly(lactic acid), PLA, is a biodegradable polymer, but its applications are limited by its high cost and relatively poorer properties when compared to petroleum-based plastics. The addition of starch powder into PLA is one of the most promising efforts because starch is an abundant and cheap biopolymer. However, the challenge is the major problem associated with poor interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic starch granules and the hydrophobic PLA, leading to poorer mechanical properties....

Mechanical and barrier properties of starch-based films plasticized with two- or three component deep eutectic solvents.

Science.gov (United States)

Zdanowicz, Magdalena; Johansson, Caisa

2016-10-20

The aim of this work was to prepare two- and three-components deep eutectic solvents (DES) and investigate their potential as starch plasticizers. Starch/DES films were prepared via casting method. Mechanical properties, water vapor- and oxygen transmission rates were measured; additionally contact angle and moisture sorption were determined and FTIR analysis was applied on the films. Native potato starch and hydroxypropylated and oxidized starch (HOPS) with common plasticizers (e.g. polyols, urea) and DES were studied. Moreover, influence of three methods of DES introduction and concentration of plasticizer on the films properties were compared. HOPS films were prepared by two methods: as non-cured and cured samples. Some of DESs containing citrate anion exhibited crosslinking ability of polysaccharide matrix. Non-cured HOPS/DES films exhibited more favourable mechanical and barrier properties than cured analogue films. Samples prepared with unmodified potato starch had higher mechanical and barrier properties than films made with HOPS. Starch-based films plasticized with novel DESs with parallel crosslinking activity exhibited satisfactory mechanical and barrier properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strength of biodegradable polypropylene tapes filled with a modified starch

Science.gov (United States)

Vinidiktova, N. S.; Ermolovich, O. A.; Goldade, V. A.; Pinchuk, L. S.

2006-05-01

The possibility of creating composite materials with high deformation and strength characteristics based on polypropylene (PP) and a natural polysaccharide in the form of a modified starch (MS) has been studied. The modified starch is shown to interact chemically with functional groups of PP, thereby positively affecting the physicomechanical properties, structure, and water absorption properties of films and oriented flat fibers based on starch-filled PP. The strength characteristics of both oriented and unoriented composites are 1.5-2.0 times as high as those of the initial PP. The water absorption ability of the materials varies symbatically with content of MS, which points to the dominant contribution of interactions at the PP-MS interface. The introduction of MS into synthetic polymers offers a possibility of producing new ecologically safe materials with high strength characteristics.

Urea hydrolysis and ammonia volatilization from some urea based fertilizers applied to rice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Misra, C.; Jena, D.; Bandyopadhyay, K.K.; Schepers, J.S.

1995-01-01

Field experiments were carried out in replicated microplots (1 m x 1 m) with rice (cv. Pathara) to study urea hydrolysis using several urea based N-fertilizer sources. Results indicated highly significant urea based N-fertilizers, among which urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) (applied in two splits) could be rated as the most efficient sources of N. Based on measured ammonia volatilization loss, NH 2 -N concentration in flood water and soil solution (following fertilizer application); urea hydrolysis was observed to be faster in the case of PU, USG, PU + ECC (encapsulated calcium carbide) and UNP (urea nitro phosphate) (19-19-0) than in the case of GCU (gypsum coated urea) and UNP (27-9-0) treatments. Based on the 15 N tagged prilled urea experiment, it is observed that about 24 per cent of fertilizer nitrogen was utilized by the crop in closed system as compared to 18 per cent in natural free system. (author). 5 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs

Characterization of starch nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Szymońska, J.; Targosz-Korecka, M.; Krok, F.

2009-01-01

Nanomaterials already attract great interest because of their potential applications in technology, food science and medicine. Biomaterials are biodegradable and quite abundant in nature, so they are favoured over synthetic polymer based materials. Starch as a nontoxic, cheap and renewable raw material is particularly suitable for preparation of nanoparticles. In the paper, the structure and some physicochemical properties of potato and cassava starch particles of the size between 50 to 100 nm, obtained by mechanical treatment of native starch, were presented. We demonstrated, with the aim of the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the non-contact Atomic Force Microscopy (nc-AFM), that the shape and dimensions of the obtained nanoparticles both potato and cassava starch fit the blocklets - previously proposed as basic structural features of native starch granules. This observation was supported by aqueous solubility and swelling power of the particles as well as their iodine binding capacity similar to those for amylopectin-type short branched polysaccharide species. Obtained results indicated that glycosidic bonds of the branch linkage points in the granule amorphous lamellae might be broken during the applied mechanical treatment. Thus the released amylopectin clusters could escape out of the granules. The starch nanoparticles, for their properties qualitatively different from those of native starch granules, could be utilized in new applications.

Características físicas de filmes biodegradáveis produzidos a partir de amidos modificados de mandioca Physical characteristics of cassava modified starch films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Celina Maria Henrique

2008-03-01

, foram mais permeáveis que o PVC. Porém, quando se compara o filme biodegradável de amidos modificados com o filme comercial de PVC, ainda há muito que se trabalhar na formulação para melhorar várias propriedades deste tipo de embalagem, que tem amplo uso atualmente.Cassava starches may be used as raw materials for developing biodegradable films. Some starch modification processes can make them miscible in cold water and others can modify their film properties, making them stronger and more flexible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical characteristics of biodegradable films developed from cassava modified starches using the casting process (dehydration of a filmogenic solution on Petri dishes. The modified starches used were cross linked, low and high viscosity carboxymethyl starches and esterified starch. Starch viscosity is an important property to produce the filmogenic solution and it was tested using the Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA. Excepting cross linked starch, all modified starches presented cold solubility. This property enables an easier preparation of the filmogenic solutions. However, all modified starches presented a severe reduction of setback values, property associated with film formation. The cassava modified starch films were compared to commercial PVC films of 0.0208 to 0.0217 mm thickness. The cassava modified starch films presented thickness values from 0.0551 to 0.1279 mm. The minimum thickness values were observed in pre-gelatinized and cross linked films. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the films showed differences among the starches. The resulting films were transparent and homogeneous. There was no significant interference of film thickness in water vapor permeability and the films with 5% dry matter were more permeable than the PVC film. However, when modified starch films are compared to PVC commercial films, there is still much research to be made in the formulation to improve several properties necessary to

Preparation and characterization of jackfruit seed starch/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend film

Science.gov (United States)

Sarifuddin, N.; Shahrim, N. A.; Rani, N. N. S. A.; Zaki, H. H. M.; Azhar, A. Z. A.

2018-01-01

From the environmental point of view, biodegradable materials have been rapidly developed in the past years. PVA is one of the biodegradable synthetic polymers commonly used, but its degradation rate is slow. As an alternative to reduce plastic waste and accelerate the degradation process, PVA frequently blended with other natural polymers to improve its biodegradability. The natural polymer such as starch has high potential in enhancing PVA biodegradability by blending both components. The usage of starch extracted from agriculture wastes such as jackfruit seed is quite promising. In this study, jackfruit seed starch (JFSS)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend films were prepared using the solution casting method. The effect of starch content on the mechanical (tensile strength and elongation to break %) and physical properties of the tested films were investigated. The optimum tensile strength was obtained at 10.45 MPa when 4 wt. % of starch added to the blend. But, decreasing trend of tensile strength was found upon increasing the amount of starch beyond 4 wt. % in starch/PVA blend films. Nevertheless, elongation at break decreases with the increase in starch content. The mechanical properties of the blend films are supported by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), in which the native JFSS granules are wetted by PVA continuous phase with good dispersion and less agglomeration. The incorporation of JFSS in PVA has also resulted in the appearance of hydrogen bond peak, which evidenced by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Additionally, the biodegradation rate of JFSS/PVA was evaluated through soil burial test.

How Glycerol and Water Contents Affect the Structural and Functional Properties of Starch-Based Edible Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ewelina Basiak

2018-04-01

Full Text Available As starch is an inexpensive, filmogenic, easily processable and a widely available material, it is a material that can be utilized in the creation of biodegradable films and containers, presenting as a viable alternative to polymers derived from petrol. Moreover, starch could also be used to create edible coatings for fresh foods in order to extend shelf life. As such, wheat starch films with two glycerol contents were formulated to mimic the effects of compounds currently used to coat fruit. Their structural and functional properties were characterized. This study found that the transfer properties of starch films containing 33% of plasticizer was less effective than film comprised of 50% glycerol. Water diffusivity, oxygen permeability, and water vapor permeability at two different humidity gradients, surface tension, works of surface adhesion and cohesion, and moisture sorption were tested. Glycerol content does not play a significant role on the color or mechanical properties. This work shows that glycerol can strongly affect the functional properties of starch-based coatings and films.

The effect of starch-garlic powder ratio on degradation rate of Gadung starch bioplastic

Science.gov (United States)

Mairiza, L.; Mariana; Ramadhany, M.; Feviyussa, C. A.

2018-03-01

Bioplastic is one of the solutions for environmental problems caused by plastics waste. Utilization of toxic gadung starch in the manufacturing of bioplastic would be as an alternative, due to gadung bulb has high starch content, and it is still not used optimally. This research aimed to learn about the using of gadung starch-mixed with garlic powder of making biodegradable plastic packaging. Also, to observe the duration of degradation, as a level of biodegradability of plastic film produced. The method used making this bioplastic was casting method. The variables used in this study were the ratios of starch and powdered garlic, were 10:0; 8:2; 6:4, and the concentration of garlic powder were 2%; 4%; 6%; and 8 %. The degradation test was done by soil burial test. The results of the soil burial test shown that the film was more rapidly degraded at ratio of 6: 4 compared to the ratio of 8: 2 and 10: 0. The results shown that bioplastic at the starch-garlic powder ratio of 10: 0 was decomposed in 21 days, at the the ratio of 8:2 was 15 days, while at the ratio of 6:4, the plastic film was degraded in the 11 days.

Effect of seaweed on mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation properties of thermoplastic sugar palm starch/agar composites.

Science.gov (United States)

Jumaidin, Ridhwan; Sapuan, Salit M; Jawaid, Mohammad; Ishak, Mohamad R; Sahari, Japar

2017-06-01

The aim of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of thermoplastic sugar palm starch/agar (TPSA) blend containing Eucheuma cottonii seaweed waste as biofiller. The composites were prepared by melt-mixing and hot pressing at 140°C for 10min. The TPSA/seaweed composites were characterized for their mechanical, thermal and biodegradation properties. Incorporation of seaweed from 0 to 40wt.% has significantly improved the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the TPSA/seaweed composites. Scanning electron micrograph of the tensile fracture showed homogeneous surface with formation of cleavage plane. It is also evident from TGA results that thermal stability of the composites were enhanced with addition of seaweed. After soil burial for 2 and 4 weeks, the biodegradation of the composites was enhanced with addition of seaweed. Overall, the incorporation of seaweed into TPSA enhances the properties of TPSA for short-life product application such as tray, plate, etc. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of extrusion-cooking for processing of thermoplastic starch (TPS)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Moscicki, Leszek; Mitrus, Marcin; Wojtowicz, Agnieszka; Oniszczuk, Tomasz; Rejak, Andrzej; Janssen, Leon; Mościcki, Leszek

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) as fully biodegradable biopolymer appeared to be one of the most useful and promising materials for packaging purpose. To obtain TPS thermal and mechanical processing should disrupt semi-crystalline starch granules. As the melting temperature of pure starch is

Measurement of Thermal Properties of Triticale Starch Films Using Photothermal Techniques

Science.gov (United States)

Correa-Pacheco, Z. N.; Cruz-Orea, A.; Jiménez-Pérez, J. L.; Solorzano-Ojeda, S. C.; Tramón-Pregnan, C. L.

2015-06-01

Nowadays, several commercially biodegradable materials have been developed with mechanical properties similar to those of conventional petrochemical-based polymers. These materials are made from renewable sources such as starch, cellulose, corn, and molasses, being very attractive for numerous applications in the plastics, food, and paper industries, among others. Starches from maize, rice, wheat, and potato are used in the food industry. However, other types of starches are not used due to their low protein content, such as triticale. In this study, starch films, processed using a single screw extruder with different compositions, were thermally and structurally characterized. The thermal diffusivity, thermal effusivity, and thermal conductivity of the biodegradable films were determined using photothermal techniques. The thermal diffusivity was measured using the open photoacoustic cell technique, and the thermal effusivity was obtained by the photopyroelectric technique in an inverse configuration. The results showed differences in thermal properties for the films. Also, the films microstructures were observed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and the crystalline structure determined by X-ray diffraction.

Biodegradable, elastomeric coatings with controlled anti-proliferative agent release for magnesium-based cardiovascular stents.

Science.gov (United States)

Gu, Xinzhu; Mao, Zhongwei; Ye, Sang-Ho; Koo, Youngmi; Yun, Yeoheung; Tiasha, Tarannum R; Shanov, Vesselin; Wagner, William R

2016-08-01

Vascular stent design continues to evolve to further improve the efficacy and minimize the risks associated with these devices. Drug-eluting coatings have been widely adopted and, more recently, biodegradable stents have been the focus of extensive evaluation. In this report, biodegradable elastomeric polyurethanes were synthesized and applied as drug-eluting coatings for a relatively new class of degradable vascular stents based on Mg. The dynamic degradation behavior, hemocompatibility and drug release were investigated for poly(carbonate urethane) urea (PCUU) and poly(ester urethane) urea (PEUU) coated magnesium alloy (AZ31) stents. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) coated and bare stents were employed as control groups. The PCUU coating effectively slowed the Mg alloy corrosion in dynamic degradation testing compared to PEUU-coated, PLGA-coated and bare Mg alloy stents. This was confirmed by electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and magnesium ion release experiments. PCUU-coating of AZ31 was also associated with significantly reduced platelet adhesion in acute blood contact testing. Rat vascular smooth muscle cell (rSMC) proliferation was successfully inhibited when paclitaxel was released from pre-loaded PCUU coatings. The corrosion retardation, low thrombogenicity, drug loading capacity, and high elasticity make PCUU an attractive option for drug eluting coating on biodegradable metallic cardiovascular stents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enzymatic degradation behavior and cytocompatibility of silk fibroin-starch-chitosan conjugate membranes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baran, Erkan T., E-mail: erkantur@metu.edu.tr; Tuzlakoglu, Kadriye, E-mail: kadriye@dep.uminho.pt; Mano, Joao F., E-mail: jmano@dep.uminho.pt; Reis, Rui L., E-mail: rgreis@dep.uminho.pt

2012-08-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of silk fibroin and oxidized starch conjugation on the enzymatic degradation behavior and the cytocompatability of chitosan based biomaterials. The tensile stress of conjugate membranes, which was at 50 Megapascal (MPa) for the lowest fibroin and starch composition (10 weight percent (wt.%)), was decreased significantly with the increased content of fibroin and starch. The weight loss of conjugates in {alpha}-amylase was more notable when the starch concentration was the highest at 30 wt.%. The conjugates were resistant to the degradation by protease and lysozyme except for the conjugates with the lowest starch concentration. After 10 days of cell culture, the proliferation of osteoblast-like cells (SaOS-2) was stimulated significantly by higher fibroin compositions and the DNA synthesis on the conjugate with the highest fibroin (30 wt.%) was about two times more compared to the native chitosan. The light microscopy and the image analysis results showed that the cell area and the lengths were decreased significantly with higher fibroin/chitosan ratio. The study proved that the conjugation of fibroin and starch with the chitosan based biomaterials by the use of non-toxic reductive alkylation crosslinking significantly improved the cytocompatibility and modulated the biodegradation, respectively. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Silk fibroin, starch and chitosan conjugates were prepared by reductive alkylation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The enzymatic biodegradation and the cytocompatibility of conjugates were tested. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The conjugate with 30% starch composition was degraded by {alpha}-amylase significantly. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Higher starch composition in conjugates prevented protease and lysozyme degradation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Fibroin incorporation effectively increased the cell proliferation of conjugates.

Development of corn starch based green composites reinforced with Saccharum spontaneum L fiber and graft copolymers--evaluation of thermal, physico-chemical and mechanical properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaith, B S; Jindal, R; Jana, A K; Maiti, M

2010-09-01

In this paper, corn starch based green composites reinforced with graft copolymers of Saccharum spontaneum L. (Ss) fiber and methyl methacrylates (MMA) and its mixture with acrylamide (AAm), acrylonitrile (AN), acrylic acid (AA) were prepared. Resorcinol-formaldehyde (Rf) was used as the cross-linking agent in corn starch matrix and different physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. The matrix and composites were found to be thermally more stable than the natural corn starch backbone. Further the matrix and composites were subjected for biodegradation studies through soil composting method. Different stages of biodegradation were evaluated through FT-IR and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. S. spontaneum L fiber-reinforced composites were found to exhibit better tensile strength. On the other hand Ss-g-poly (MMA) reinforced composites showed maximum compressive strength and wear resistance than other graft copolymers reinforced composite and the basic matrix. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-starch polyblend

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tetty Kemala; M Syaeful Fahmi; Suminar S Achmadi

2010-01-01

Polystyrene foam (PS) is a polymer that is widely used but not biodegradable. Therefore, PS-starch polyblend was developed. In this research the effect of glycerol as plasticizer was evaluated based on mechanical and thermal analyses. PS-starch polyblends were produced by mixing PS and starch solution with composition ratios of 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, and 80:20 percent by weight. Polylactic acid (20 %) was added as compatibilizer. The polyblends were analyzed its tensile strength, thermal properties, and density. The PS-starch polyblends were white opaque in color and fragile. The properties of tensile strength and density of the polyblends were in the range of that of pure PS. The tensile strength and density increases as PS constituents increasing with the best composition ratio of 80 PS to 20 of starch. Peak of glass transition and melting point seen a single on composition ration 80 PS to 20 of starch. Additional amount of glycerol did not affect the thermal property, but has caused a slight decrease in tensile strength and density. (author)

Investigation of photo-biodegradation of starch-filled polyethylene films under the environment conditions of Tehran

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naeimian, F.; Khoylou, F.; Sheikh, N.; Akhavan, A.; Hassanpour, S.; Sohrabpour, M.

2006-01-01

In this work biodegradable polymers have been formulated for packaging purposes and with a view to reduce the environmental accumulation of plastic waste. Degradation of the polymers under the specific weathering conditions of Tehran was studied. In this work low-density polyethylene was formulated with two wheat starch concentrations, maleic anhydride, glycerol as well as a pro-oxidant system of oleic acid, benzoyl peroxide and ferric stearate. The formulated master batches were mixed by using a laboratory two-roll mill at 190 d ig C prepared master batches were mixed with the commercial low-density polyethylene to prepare compounds 1 and 2 containing 1.2 and 6.4 percents wheat starch. The low-density polyethylene control films as well as the formulated compounds were compression moulded in a hot press at 130 d ig C films were subjected to three general conditions of atmospheric exposure, buried in soil and combined conditions of soil burial/ atmospheric exposure. The three environmental conditions impact upon the formulated and control films were investigated through tensile strength, elongation-at-break, carbonyl index, water absorption, weight loss as well as SEM analysis. The microbial investigation was followed by growing the Penicillium Asymmetrica, which had the main population in microbial flora of the soil, on formulated and control films. The studies revealed that the incorporation of this pro-oxidant system with the addition of 6.4% wheat starch enhance the degradation rate of commercial low-density polyethylene films to a significant degree

Evaluation of Starch Biodegradable Plastics Derived from Cassava ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

BSN

bioplastics produced from cassava does not depend on the level of amylose and amylopectin in the starch per se ... cassava starch is a pure, natural biopolymer that is suitable for ... enzymatic action of microorganisms when disposed, is thus ...

Preparation and Characterization of Some Polyethylene Modified- Starch Biodegradable Films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Badrana, A.S.; Ramadanb, A.M.; Ibrahim, N.A.; Kahild, T.; Hussienc, H.A.

2005-01-01

Blends of LDPE with soluble starch, wheat flour and commercial starch were prepared by mixing starch (or flour) with styrene then blending the mixture with LDPE, The starch percents vary between 5 and 50% of the total weight. Their physical and mechanical properties were recorded and compared with pure LDPE. It was observed that the increase in starch or wheat flour contents of the mixture was reversibly proportional to the tensile strength and % elongation. Samples were tested for water absorption. All of the samples were insoluble in cold and boiling water. Moisture uptake increased with immersion time and increasing starch content. The changes in the tensile strength of LDPE/starch (or wheat flour) after the course of thermal oxidation was measured. These results show negligible changes in the tensile strength of the control sample as compared to that of the samples containing the additives. Oxidation processes take advantage of the high temperatures (40-50 degree C) and the time. It was also observed that after 10 weeks of soil burial, the mechanical properties of the films decrease, mainly, due to starch removal from the films. Also, for the weight loss a drastic decrease was observed after 10 weeks of soil burial thereafter it preceded slowly. The LDPE/ starch strips showed weight loss after treating with a-amylase this due to hydrolysis and leaching of the starch. The rate of starch hydrolysis increases with the increase in starch content of the sample. The influence of addition of starch on the overall migration of these films, with different food simulant, was studied, at different temperatures (-4 degree. 25 degree and 40 degree C). All values were significantly lower than the upper limit for overall migration set by the EU (10 mg/dirf) for food grade plastics packaging materials

Preparation and physicochemistry properties of smart edible films based on gelatin-starch nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Tao, Furong; Shi, Chengmei; Cui, Yuezhi

2018-04-24

Among the natural polymers able to form edible films, starch and gelatin (Gel) are potential sources. Corn starch is a polysaccharide widely produced around the world, and gelatin differs from other hydrocolloids as a fully digestible protein, containing nearly all the essential amino acids, except tryptophan. Based on this, with advantages such as abundance, relatively low cost, biodegradability, and edibility, studies considering alternative systems for food protection that utilize biopolymers have increased significantly in the recent years. A novel macromolecular crosslinker Starch-BTCAD-NHS (starch - butanetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride - N-hydroxysuccinimide, SBN) was successfully prepared to modify gelatin film. Compared with the blank gelatin films, the resulting SBN-Gel films exhibited the improved surface hydrophobicity, the higher tense strength and elongation-at-break, the lower Young's modulus values, the greater opacity, the poorer water vapor uptake properties and better anti-degradation capacity. The modified gelatin film material with advanced properties obtained in this work was safe, stable eco-friendly and biorefractory, and was an ideal choice to form a packaging in food industry. Also, the crosslinking SBN-gelatin coating was effective in reducing the corruption and extending the shelf life for the peeled apple substantially. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Preparation and In vitro Digestibility of Corn Starch Phosphodiester ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Purpose: To optimize the process conditions and analyze in vitro digestibility of corn starch phosphodiester prepared by sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). Methods: By using response surface method, the effects of STMP concentration, pH, esterification temperature, and urea addition on digestion resistance of corn starch ...

Polycaprolactone/starch composite: Fabrication, structure, properties, and applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Ali Akbari Ghavimi, Soheila; Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad H; Solati-Hashjin, Mehran; Abu Osman, Noor Azuan

2015-07-01

Interests in the use of biodegradable polymers as biomaterials have grown. Among the different polymeric composites currently available, the blend of starch and polycaprolactone (PCL) has received the most attention since the 1980s. Novamont is the first company that manufactured a PCL/starch (SPCL) composite under the trademark Mater-Bi®. The properties of PCL (a synthetic, hydrophobic, flexible, expensive polymer with a low degradation rate) and starch (a natural, hydrophilic, stiff, abundant polymer with a high degradation rate) blends are interesting because of the composite components have completely different structures and characteristics. PCL can adjust humidity sensitivity of starch as a biomaterial; while starch can enhance the low biodegradation rate of PCL. Thus, by appropriate blending, SPCL can overcome important limitations of both PCL and starch components and promote controllable behavior in terms of mechanical properties and degradation which make it suitable for many biomedical applications. This article reviewed the different fabrication and modification methods of the SPCL composite; different properties such as structural, physical, and chemical as well as degradation behavior; and different applications as biomaterials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of influent COD/SO4(2-) ratios on biodegradation behaviors of starch wastewater in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Xueqin; Zhen, Guangyin; Ni, Jialing; Hojo, Toshimasa; Kubota, Kengo; Li, Yu-You

2016-08-01

A lab-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) has been run for 250days to investigate the influence of influent COD/SO4(2-) ratios on the biodegradation behavior of starch wastewater and process performance. Stepwise decreasing COD/SO4(2-) ratio enhanced sulfidogenesis, complicating starch degradation routes and improving process stability. The reactor exhibited satisfactory performance at a wide COD/SO4(2-) range ⩾2, attaining stable biogas production of 1.15-1.17LL(-1)d(-1) with efficient simultaneous removal of total COD (73.5-80.3%) and sulfate (82.6±6.4%). Adding sulfate favored sulfidogenesis process and diversified microbial community, invoking hydrolysis-acidification of starch and propionate degradation and subsequent acetoclastic methanogenesis; whereas excessively enhanced sulfidogenesis (COD/SO4(2-) ratios UASB technology in water industry from basic science. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical properties of green composites based on thermoplastic starch

Science.gov (United States)

Fornes, F.; Sánchez-Nácher, L.; Fenollar, O.; Boronat, T.; Garcia-Sanoguera, D.

2010-06-01

The present work is focused on study of "green composites" elaborated from thermoplastic starch (TPS) as polymer matrix and a fiber from natural origin (rush) as reinforced fiber. The effect of the fiber content has been studied by means of the mechanical properties. The composite resulting presents a lack of interaction between matrix and fiber that represents a performance decrease. However the biodegradability behavior of the resulting composite raise this composite as useful an industrial level.

Preparation and characterization of starch-based loose-fill packaging foams

Science.gov (United States)

Fang, Qi

Regular and waxy corn starches were blended in various ratios with biodegradable polymers including polylactic acid (PLA), Eastar Bio Copolyester 14766 (EBC) and Mater-Bi ZF03U (MBI) and extruded with a C. W. Brabender laboratory twin screw extruder using a 3-mm die nozzle at 150°C and 150 rev/min. Physical characteristics including radial expansion, unit density and bulk density and water solubility index, water absorption characteristics, mechanical properties including compressibility, Young's modulus, spring index, bulk compressibility and bulk spring index and abrasion resistance were investigated as affected by the ingredient formulations, i.e. type of polymers, type of starches, polymer to starch ratio and starch moisture content. A completely randomized factorial blocking experimental design was used. Fifty-four treatments resulted. Each treatment was replicated three times. SAS statistical software package was used to analyze the data. Foams made of waxy starch had better radial expansion, lower unit density and bulk density than did foams made of regular starch. Regular starch foams had significantly lower water solubility index than did the waxy starch foams. PLA-starch foams had the lowest compressibility and Young's modulus. MBI-starch foams were the most rigid. All foams had excellent spring indices and bulk spring indices which were comparable to the spring index of commercial expanded polystyrene foam. Correlations were established between the foam mechanical properties and the physical characteristics. Foam compressibility and Young's modulus decreased as increases in radial expansion and decreases in unit and bulk densities. Their relationships were modeled with power law equations. No correlation was observed between spring index and bulk spring index and foam physical characteristics. MBI-starch foams had the highest equilibrium moisture content. EBC-starch and PLA-starch foams had similar water absorption characteristics. No significant

Bioplastic from Chitosan and Yellow Pumpkin Starch with Castor Oil as Plasticizer

Science.gov (United States)

Hasan, M.; Rahmayani, R. F. I.; Munandar

2018-03-01

This study has been conducted on bioplastic synthesis of chitosan and yellow pumpkin starch (Cucurbita moschata) with castor oil as plasticizer. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of the effect of chitosan and starch composition of pumpkins against solvent absorption, tensile strength and biodegradable. The first stage of the research is the making of bioplastic by blending yellow pumpkin starch, chitosan and castor oil. Further, it tested the absorption capacity of the solvent, tensile strength test, and biodegradable analysis. The optimum absorption capacity of the solvent is obtained on the composition of Pumpkin/Chitosan was 50/50 in H2O and C2H5OH solvent. Meanwhile the optimum absorbency in HCl and NaOH solvents is obtained by 60/40 composition. The characterization of the optimum tensile strength test was obtained on the 40/60 composition of 6.787 ± 0.274 Mpa and the fastest biodegradation test process within 5-10 days occurred in the 50/50 composition. The more chitosan content the higher the value of tensile strength test obtained, while the fastest biodegradation rate occureds in the composition of yellow pumpkin starch and chitosan balanced 50:50.

DEVELOPMENT OF ADHESIVE TO THE BASIS OF CORN AND CASSAVA STARCH

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rosane Furtado Fabrício

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Corn and native cassava starch were modified by oxidation and acid hydrolysis, aiming to develop paper and paperboard stickers. The oxidation was made with Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl in two distinct concentrations of active chloride which is present on oxidizing agent solution. The synthesis resulting products were used to make stickers and they were compared to corn and cassava starch based stickers without any modification, as well as commercial stickers based on polyvinyl acetate (PVA. Two different methodologies were tested using acid hydrolysis to modify corn and cassava starch, both using phosphoric acid (H3PO4 in order to obtain dextrin and subsequently use it in the production of stickers and also comparing them to petrochemical-based commercial stickers. Considering the different starch modifications methods (oxidation and acid hydrolysis, stickers based on renewable raw material were obtained, which combine biodegradability, low costs and availability.

Structural modification in the formation of starch - silver nanocomposites

Science.gov (United States)

Begum, S. N. Suraiya; Aswal, V. K.; Ramasamy, Radha Perumal

2016-05-01

Polymer based nanocomposites have gained wide applications in field of battery technology. Starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with sustainable properties such as biodegradable, non toxic, excellent film forming capacity and it also act as reducing agent for the metal nanoparticles. In our research various concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO3) was added to the starch solution and films were obtained using solution casting method. Surface electron microscope (SEM) of the films shows modifications depending upon the concentration of AgNO3. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) analysis showed that addition of silver nitrate modifies the starch to disc like structures and with increasing the AgNO3 concentration leads to the formation of fractals. This research could benefit battery technology where solid polymer membranes using starch is used.

Effect of acid hydrolysis on starch structure and functionality: a review.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Shujun; Copeland, Les

2015-01-01

Acid hydrolysis is an important chemical modification that can significantly change the structural and functional properties of starch without disrupting its granular morphology. A deep understanding of the effect of acid hydrolysis on starch structure and functionality is of great importance for starch scientific research and its industrial applications. During acid hydrolysis, amorphous regions are hydrolyzed preferentially, which enhances the crystallinity and double helical content of acid hydrolyzed starch. This review discusses current understanding of the effect of acid hydrolysis on starch structure and functionality. The effects of acid hydrolysis on amylose content, chain length distribution of amylopectin molecules, molecular and crystalline organization (including lamellar structure) and granular morphology are considered. Functional properties discussed include swelling power, gelatinization, retrogradation, pasting, gel texture, and in vitro enzyme digestibility. The paper also highlights some promising applications of acid hydrolyzed starch (starch nanocrystals) in the preparation of biodegradable nanocomposites, bio-hydrogen, and slowly digestible starch-based healthy foods.

Thermoplastic poly(urethane urea)s from novel, bio-based amorphous polyester diols

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Tang, D.; Noordover, B.A.J.; Sablong, R.J.; Koning, C.E.

2012-01-01

In this study, two novel, bio-based, amorphous polyester diols, namely poly(1,2-dimethylethylene adipate) (PDMEA) and poly(1,2-dimethylethylene succinate) (PDMES) are used to prepare thermoplastic poly(urethane urea)s (TPUUs). Interestingly, the TPUUs based on PDMEA show similar thermal and

Production and characterization of novel starch and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-based materials and their applications

Science.gov (United States)

Stagner, Jacqueline Ann

characterized by measuring density, expansion ratio, specific length, compressive strength, resiliency, and moisture sorption. Also, digital light microscopy was used to image the cell structure of the foams. This work demonstrates that blends of starch and PBAT can be produced and formed into thermoformed objects, films, and foams. These objects can replace current objects made from non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastics. By blending the starch and PBAT together, one receives advantages over using either component separately.

Structural modification in the formation of starch – silver nanocomposites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Begum, S. N. Suraiya; Ramasamy, Radha Perumal, E-mail: perumal.ramasamy@gmail.com [Department of Applied Science and Technology, A.C.Tech. Campus, Anna University, Chennai – 600 025 (India); Aswal, V. K. [Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Trombay, Mumbai (India)

2016-05-23

Polymer based nanocomposites have gained wide applications in field of battery technology. Starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with sustainable properties such as biodegradable, non toxic, excellent film forming capacity and it also act as reducing agent for the metal nanoparticles. In our research various concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO{sub 3}) was added to the starch solution and films were obtained using solution casting method. Surface electron microscope (SEM) of the films shows modifications depending upon the concentration of AgNO{sub 3}. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) analysis showed that addition of silver nitrate modifies the starch to disc like structures and with increasing the AgNO{sub 3} concentration leads to the formation of fractals. This research could benefit battery technology where solid polymer membranes using starch is used.

Structural modification in the formation of starch – silver nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Begum, S. N. Suraiya; Ramasamy, Radha Perumal; Aswal, V. K.

2016-01-01

Polymer based nanocomposites have gained wide applications in field of battery technology. Starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with sustainable properties such as biodegradable, non toxic, excellent film forming capacity and it also act as reducing agent for the metal nanoparticles. In our research various concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO_3) was added to the starch solution and films were obtained using solution casting method. Surface electron microscope (SEM) of the films shows modifications depending upon the concentration of AgNO_3. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) analysis showed that addition of silver nitrate modifies the starch to disc like structures and with increasing the AgNO_3 concentration leads to the formation of fractals. This research could benefit battery technology where solid polymer membranes using starch is used.

Morphological, mechanical, barrier and properties of films based on acetylated starch and cellulose from barley.

Science.gov (United States)

El Halal, Shanise Lisie Mello; Colussi, Rosana; Biduski, Bárbara; Evangelho, Jarine Amaral do; Bruni, Graziella Pinheiro; Antunes, Mariana Dias; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa

2017-01-01

Biodegradable films of native or acetylated starches with different concentrations of cellulose fibers (0%, 10% and 20%) were prepared. The films were characterized by morphological, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties. The tensile strength of the acetylated starch film was lower than those of the native starch film, without fibers. The addition of fibers increased the tensile strength and decreased the elongation and the moisture of native and acetylated starches films. The acetylated starch film showed higher water solubility when compared to native starch film. The addition of cellulose fibers reduced the water solubility of the acetylated starch film. The films reinforced with cellulose fiber exhibited a higher initial decomposition temperature and thermal stability. The mechanical, barrier, solubility, and thermal properties are factors which direct the type of the film application in packaging for food products. The films elaborated with acetylated starches of low degree of substitution were not effective in a reduction of the water vapor permeability. The addition of the cellulose fiber in acetylated and native starches films can contribute to the development of more resistant films to be applied in food systems that need to maintain their integrity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation and characterization of composites based on PBAT/Starch blend, micro and nanofillers of bio-CaCO_3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Valquiria A.; Neto, Jose C. de M.; Moura, Esperidiana A.B.; Tiimob, Boniface; Rangari, Vijaya K.; Silva, Raimundo N.A. da

2015-01-01

Biodegradable polymeric materials have been used as an alternative to synthetic polymeric materials due to their reduced environmental impact. Among the biodegradable polymers is investigated poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). This polymer has the flexibility, high strain at break and easy processing, but a high cost and low toughness that limits their applications. The development of PBAT blends with thermoplastic starch or other biodegradable polymers may lead to a balance of properties, expand its range of applications and also make it more economically viable. The mechanical properties of biodegradable PBAT blends may be further improved by incorporating micro or nanofillers from renewable sources. This study aimed to the processing and characterization of a PBAT/Starch blend reinforced with 2% (wt.) of bioCaCO_3 nanoparticles (nano-bioCaCO_3) and 5% (wt.) of bioCaCO_3-micro (particles ≤ 125 μm). For the preparations were used a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. For the characterization of the prepared materials were used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile test. The XRD results showed the greatest intensity peak of CaCO_3 in the matrix for composites containing bio-CaCO_3 nanofillers suggesting a better interaction between matrix and nanofillers. The results of the tensile test confirmed the better interaction between matrix and nanofillers. These results showed that the addition of only 2 % (wt.) of bio-CaCO_3 nanoparticles in PBAT/Starch blend led to obtaining a tougher material with improved tensile strength and elastic modulus properties regarding the polymer blend. (author)

Effect of urea supplemented and urea treated straw based diet on milk urea concentration in crossbred Karan-Fries cows

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sunil Kumar Sirohi

2010-01-01

Full Text Available The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of urea supplemented and urea treated straw based diet on milk ureaconcentration. Six multiparous crossbred Karan-Fries (Holstein Friesian ✕ Tharparkar cows were blocked into threegroups of nearly equal body weight, DIM, milk yield and milk fat content and were randomized into a 3 ✕ 3 Latin squaredesign with 3-week period. Three experimental diets were fed to the animals. Composition of these diets were: Diet 1green maize, wheat straw and concentrate mixture; Diet 2 green maize, wheat straw, concentrate mixture (urea supplementedand molasses; Diet 3 green maize (4 % of total DM, 4 % urea treated wheat straw and concentrate mixture.Intake of DM and CP did not vary across the diets. Intake of digestible crude protein (DCP was found significantlyhigher in diet 2, while ME and NEL intakes were found significantly lower in diet 3 but did not differ between diets 1and 2. Average milk and plasma urea concentrations (mg dl-1 were found 29.2 ± 2.6, 45.3 ± 0.9, 34.5 ± 2.3 and 28.9± 2.4, 36.6 ± 1.4, 33.9 ± 2.2, respectively in diet 1, diet 2 and diet 3. Urea concentrations in morning milk sampleswere found significantly lower than noon or evening samples in all the three diets. Concentrations of urea in milk andplasma were found closely correlated (r = 0.94 and the regression equation developed was, plasma urea = 8.90 (.89+ .79 (.02 milk urea. Intake (g of DCP than CP, per unit (MCal of ME was found more closely associated with milk ureaconcentration. The study revealed that urea supplementation and urea treated straw based diet increased urea concentrationsignificantly in milk and plasma. Morning milk urea values that estimated at a time gap of 15 hr since last majorfeeding may be considered as the lowest level and can be used for interpretation to monitor feeding adequacy or reproductiveperformances in dairy cows.

Estudo comparativo da caracterização de filmes biodegradáveis de amido de mandioca contendo polpas de manga e de acerola

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carolina Oliveira de Souza

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Most compounds reinforcements have been used to improve thermals, mechanical and barrier properties of biopolymers films, whose performance is usually poor when compared to those of synthetic polymers. Biodegradables films have been developed by adding mango and acerola pulps in different concentrations (0-17,1% w/w as antioxidants active compounds to cassava starch based biodegradable films. The effect of pulps was studied in terms of tensile properties, water vapor permeability, DSC, among other analysis of the films. The study demonstrated that the properties of cassava starch biodegradable films can be significantly altered through of incorporation mango and acerola pulps.

Convenient synthetic method of starch/lactic acid graft copolymer ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

is a potentially useful and completely biodegradable material for biodegradable plastics because of its nontoxic, low cost and its natural abundance which can be obtained from many crops including corn, wheat, rice, potato and so on (Tester and Karkallas 2002). Therefore, modification of starch, physi- cally and chemically ...

Radiation processing of starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kamaruddin Hashim

2008-01-01

Starch is a polysaccharide material and generally, it is non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. It mainly use as foodstuff, food additives, production of sugar and flavouring. Sago palm with scientific name Genus Metroxylon belonging to family Palmae is an important resource in the production of sago starch in Malaysia. Nearly 90% of sago planting areas is found in Sarawak State of Malaysia. It can easily grow under the harsh swampy environment. The sago starch content 4% polyphenol, which is an active compound with antioxidant property that has potential benefit in health and skin care applications. Renewal resources and environmental friendly of natural polymer reason for the researcher to explore the potential of this material in order to improve our quality of live. (author)

Biocompatible, Biodegradable, and Electroactive Polyurethane-Urea Elastomers with Tunable Hydrophilicity for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jing; Dong, Ruonan; Ge, Juan; Guo, Baolin; Ma, Peter X

2015-12-30

It remains a challenge to develop electroactive and elastic biomaterials to mimic the elasticity of soft tissue and to regulate the cell behavior during tissue regeneration. We designed and synthesized a series of novel electroactive and biodegradable polyurethane-urea (PUU) copolymers with elastomeric property by combining the properties of polyurethanes and conducting polymers. The electroactive PUU copolymers were synthesized from amine capped aniline trimer (ACAT), dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), polylactide, and hexamethylene diisocyanate. The electroactivity of the PUU copolymers were studied by UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Elasticity and Young's modulus were tailored by the polylactide segment length and ACAT content. Hydrophilicity of the copolymer films was tuned by changing DMPA content and doping of the copolymer. Cytotoxicity of the PUU copolymers was evaluated by mouse C2C12 myoblast cells. The myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts on copolymer films was also studied by analyzing the morphology of myotubes and relative gene expression during myogenic differentiation. The chemical structure, thermal properties, surface morphology, and processability of the PUU copolymers were characterized by NMR, FT-IR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and solubility testing, respectively. Those biodegradable electroactive elastic PUU copolymers are promising materials for repair of soft tissues such as skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and nerve.

Development of starch-based materials

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Habeych Narvaez, E.A.

2009-01-01

Starch-based materials show potential as fully degradable plastics. However, the current
applicability of these materials is limited due to their poor moisture tolerance and
mechanical properties. Starch is therefore frequently blended with other polymers to make
the material more

Radiation modified sago-blends and its potential for biodegradable packaging materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zulkafli Ghazali; Sarada Idris; Khairul Zaman Mohd Dahlan

2002-01-01

As a result of rapid population and economic growth, many countries are facing environmental problems created from plastic consumption and those related to garbage disposal. One of the items that is contributing further to this problem would be the foams and plastic wrappers used in packaging. The development of biodegradable packaging material such as foam and film would thus be a step forward in the right direction for the aforementioned industry. This paper highlights work at BTPS on the development of sago blends as alternative biodegradable packaging materials. A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of formulation, mixing temperature and irradiation dosage on expansion of sago starch-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sago-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) blends based foam. In the beginning foams produced from irradiated hydrogels were achieved by steam expansion in a microwave oven. Some follow-up work using extrusion was also carried out. In the development of starch-based plastic film, the effect of different composition and different irradiation dosage were studied to evaluate films with good tensile properties, elongation, gas permeability and water vapor transmission rate and also the biodegradability of the film using soil burial test. (Author)

Development of starch biofilms using different carboxylic acids as plasticizers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cruz, L.C.; Miranda, C.S.; Santos, W.J. dos; Goncalves, A.P.B.; Oliveira, J.C.; Jose, N.M.

2014-01-01

Biodegradable films have become a widely exploited issue among scientists because of their positive environmental impact, besides their potential to promote better food conservation and an increase in shelf life. Starch has been studied in this field due to its availability, low cost and biodegradability. However, starch films tend to be brittle and they need addition of a plasticizer to enable their usage. In this work, starch films were synthesized with different carboxylic acids as plasticizers, aiming to observe the effect of the acids chain size in the final films properties. The acids used were: oxalic, succinic and adipic. The materials were produced by casting and characterized by DSC, TG, DRX e FTIR. It was observed that the acids chain size influenced on the thermal and structural properties of the films. (author)

Swelling properties of cassava starch grafted with poly (potassium acrylate-co-acrylamide) superabsorbent hydrogel prepared by ionizing radiation

Science.gov (United States)

Barleany, Dhena Ria; Ulfiyani, Fida; Istiqomah, Shafina; Heriyanto, Heri; Rahmayetty, Erizal

2015-12-01

Natural and synthetic hydrophylic polymers can be phisically or chemically cross-linked in order to produce hydrogels. Starch based hydrogels grafted with copolymers from acrylic acid or acrylamide have become very popular for water absorbent application. Superabsorbent hydrogels made from Cassava starch grafted with poly (potassium acrylate-co-acrylamide) were prepared by using of ϒ-irradiation method. Various important parameters such as irradiation doses, monomer to Cassava starch ratio and acrylamide content were investigated. The addition of 7,5 % w w-1 acrylamide into the reaction mixture generated a starch graft copolymer with a water absorption in distilled water as high as 460 g g-1 of its dried weight. The effectivity of hydrogel as superabsorbent for aqueous solutions of NaCl and urea was evaluated. The obtained hydrogel showed the maximum absorptions of 317 g g-1 and 523 g g-1 for NaCl and urea solution, respectively (relative to its own dry weight). The structure of the graft copolymer was analyzed by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

ANAEROBIC BIODEGRADATION OF A BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL UNDER ANAEROBIC - THERMOPHILIC DIGESTION

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

RICARDO CAMACHO-MUÑOZ

2014-12-01

Full Text Available This paper dertermined the anaerobic biodegradation of a polymer obtained by extrusion process of native cassava starch, polylactic acid and polycaprolactone. Initially a thermophilic - methanogenic inoculum was prepared from urban solid waste. The gas final methane concentration and medium’s pH reached values of 59,6% and 7,89 respectively. The assay assembly was carried out according ASTM D5511 standard. The biodegradation percent of used materials after 15 day of digestion were: 77,49%, 61,27%, 0,31% for cellulose, sample and polyethylene respectively. Due cellulose showed biodegradation levels higher than 70% it’s deduced that the inoculum conditions were appropriate. A biodegradation level of 61,27%, 59,35% of methane concentration in sample’s evolved gas and a medium’s finale pH of 7,71 in sample’s vessels, reveal the extruded polymer´s capacity to be anaerobically degraded under thermophilic- high solid concentration conditions.

Characterization of Proteins in Filtrate from Biodegradation of Crop Residue

Science.gov (United States)

Horton, Wileatha; Trotman, A. A.

1997-01-01

Biodegradation of plant biomass is a feasible path for transformation of crop residue and recycling of nutrients for crop growth. The need to model the effects of factors associated with recycling of plant biomass resulting from hydroponic sweet potato production has led to investigation of natural soil isolates with the capacity for starch hydrolysis. This study sought to use nondenaturing gel electrophoresis to characterize the proteins present in filtered effluent from bioreactors seeded with starch hydrolyzing bacterial culture used in the biodegradation of senesced sweet potato biomass. The study determined the relative molecular weight of proteins in sampled effluent and the protein banding pattern was characterized. The protein profiles of effluent were similar for samples taken from independent runs under similar conditions of starch hydrolysis. The method can be used as a quality control tool for confirmation of starch hydrolysis of crop biomass. In addition, this method will allow monitoring for presence of contaminants within the system-protein profiles indicative of new enzymes in the bioreactors.

Biodegradation of composites based on maltodextrin and wheat B-starch in compost

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Růžek, L.; Růžková, M.; Koudela, M.; Bečková, L.; Bečka, D.; Kruliš, Zdeněk; Šárka, E.; Voříšek, K.; Ledvina, Š.; Šalounová, B.; Venyercsanová, J.

2015-01-01

Roč. 42, č. 4 (2015), s. 209-214 ISSN 0862-867X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA525/09/0607 Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : biodegradable plastics * acetylated maltodextrin * lettuce Subject RIV: JI - Composite Materials Impact factor: 0.436, year: 2015

Poly(Lactic Acid) Filled with Cassava Starch-g-Soybean Oil Maleate

Science.gov (United States)

Kiangkitiwan, Nopparut; Srikulkit, Kawee

2013-01-01

Poly(lactic acid), PLA, is a biodegradable polymer, but its applications are limited by its high cost and relatively poorer properties when compared to petroleum-based plastics. The addition of starch powder into PLA is one of the most promising efforts because starch is an abundant and cheap biopolymer. However, the challenge is the major problem associated with poor interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic starch granules and the hydrophobic PLA, leading to poorer mechanical properties. In this paper, soybean oil maleate (SOMA) was synthesized by grafting soybean oil with various weight percents of maleic anhydride (MA) using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as an initiator. Then, SOMA was employed for the surface modifying of cassava starch powder, resulting in SOMA-g-STARCH. The obtained SOMA-g-STARCH was mixed with PLA in various weight ratios using twin-screw extruder, resulting in PLA/SOMA-g-STARCH. Finally, the obtained PLA/SOMA-g-STARCH composites were prepared by a compression molding machines. The compatibility, thermal properties, morphology properties, and mechanical properties were characterized and evaluated. The results showed that the compatibility, surface appearance, and mechanical properties at 90 : 10 and 80 : 20 ratios of PLA/SOMA-g-STARCH were the best. PMID:24307883

Development of silver and clay-starch bio-nanocomposites

OpenAIRE

Abreu, Ana S.; Oliveira, M.; Machado, A. V.

2014-01-01

Starch, among biopolymers is that had the lowest production cost, wide availability, fully biodegradability and is a renewable agriculture resource. Starch due to its sensitivity to humidity and poor mechanical properties cannot be used in many applications. For that, the dispersion of clays in this material improves their physical and mechanical properties, at very low filler loadings. On the other hand, the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into biocompatible and biod...

Nano-cellulose based nano-coating biomaterial dataset using corn leaf biomass: An innovative biodegradable plant biomaterial

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A.B.M. Sharif Hossain

2018-04-01

Full Text Available The nanocellulose derived biodegradable plant biomaterial as nano-coating can be used in the medical, biomedical cosmetics, and bioengineering products. Bio-plastic and some synthetic derived materials are edible and naturally biodegradable. The study was conducted to investigate edible nano-biopolymer based nano-coating of capsules and drugs or other definite biomedical materials from corn leaf biomass. Corn leaf biomass was used as an innovative sample to produce edible nano-coating bioplastic for drug and capsule coating and other industrial uses. The data show the negligible water 0.01% absorbed by bio-plastic nanocoating. Odor represented by burning test was under the completely standard based on ASTM. Moreover, data on color coating, tensile strength, pH, cellulose content have been shown under standard value of ASTM (American standard for testing and materials standard. In addition to that data on the chemical element test like K+, CO3−−, Cl-, Na+ exhibited positive data compared to the synthetic plastic in the laboratory using the EN (166 standardization. Therefore, it can be concluded that both organic (cellulose and starch based edible nano-coating bioplastic may be used for drug and capsule coating as biomedical and medical components in the pharmaceutical industries. Keywords: Nanocellulose, Nanobioplastic, Nanocoating, Biodegradable, Corn leaf

Polyvinyl alcohol/starch composite nanofibers by bubble electrospinning

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Liu Zhi

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Bubble electrospinning exhibits profound prospect of industrialization of macro/ nano materials. Starch is the most abundant and inexpensive biopolymer. With the drawbacks of poor strength, water resistibility, thermal stability and processability of pure starch, some biodegradable synthetic polymers such as poly (lactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol were composited to electrospinning. To the best of our knowledge, composite nanofibers of polyvinyl alcohol/starch from bubble electrospinning have never been investigated. In the present study, nanofibers of polyvinyl alcohol/starch were prepared from bubble electrospinning. The processability and the morphology were affected by the weight ratio of polyvinyl alcohol and starchy. The rheological studies were in agreement with the spinnability of the electrospinning solutions.

Isosorbide, a green plasticizer for thermoplastic starch that does not retrogradate.

Science.gov (United States)

Battegazzore, Daniele; Bocchini, Sergio; Nicola, Gabriele; Martini, Eligio; Frache, Alberto

2015-03-30

Isosorbide is a non-toxic biodegradable diol derived from bio-based feedstock. It can be used for preparing thermoplastic starch through a semi-industrial process of extrusion. Isosorbide allows some technological advantages with respect to classical plasticizers: namely, direct mixing with starch, energy savings for the low processing temperature required and lower water uptake. Indeed, maize starch was directly mixed with the solid plasticizer and direct fed in the main hopper of a co-rotating twin screw extruder. Starch plasticization was assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMTA). Oxygen permeability, water uptake and mechanical properties were measured at different relative humidity (R.H.) values. These three properties turned out to be highly depending on the R.H. No retrogradation and changing of the material properties were occurred from XRD and DMTA after 9 months. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DEVELOPMENT OF ACTIVE AND BIODEGRADABLES CONTAINERS FOR AGRICULTURAL CROPS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Franco Poggio

2016-06-01

Full Text Available In this paper, the development of biodegradable containers for crops that could be transplanted directly and act as fertilizers is proposed. Bovine gelatin was chosen as the base material, which was processed in a mini-injector mixer with a concentrated urea solution acted as a plasticizer. Rheological and tensile tests were performed in order to evaluate the injection of gelatin based formulations and mechanical properties related to the proposed application. Taking into account that biodegradable materials have a low water resistance, the increment of container stability was proposed using a surface coating. In addition, the influence of moisture content, the soluble matter and swelling were studied and analyzed. It was observed that coated samples were significantly more stable than the control ones, which guarantees the feasibility of the selected system and its potential development of biodegradable containers.

Swelling properties of cassava starch grafted with poly (potassium acrylate-co-acrylamide) superabsorbent hydrogel prepared by ionizing radiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barleany, Dhena Ria, E-mail: dbarleany@yahoo.com; Ulfiyani, Fida; Istiqomah, Shafina; Rahmayetty [Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Cilegon, Banten (Indonesia); Heriyanto, Heri; Erizal [Centre for Application of Isotopes and Radiation, Jakarta (Indonesia)

2015-12-29

Natural and synthetic hydrophylic polymers can be phisically or chemically cross-linked in order to produce hydrogels. Starch based hydrogels grafted with copolymers from acrylic acid or acrylamide have become very popular for water absorbent application. Superabsorbent hydrogels made from Cassava starch grafted with poly (potassium acrylate-co-acrylamide) were prepared by using of ϒ-irradiation method. Various important parameters such as irradiation doses, monomer to Cassava starch ratio and acrylamide content were investigated. The addition of 7,5 % w w{sup −1} acrylamide into the reaction mixture generated a starch graft copolymer with a water absorption in distilled water as high as 460 g g{sup −1} of its dried weight. The effectivity of hydrogel as superabsorbent for aqueous solutions of NaCl and urea was evaluated. The obtained hydrogel showed the maximum absorptions of 317 g g{sup −1} and 523 g g{sup −1} for NaCl and urea solution, respectively (relative to its own dry weight). The structure of the graft copolymer was analyzed by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Synthesis and Characterization of Starch-based Aqueous Polymer Isocyanate Wood Adhesive

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shu-min Wang

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Modified starch was prepared in this work by acid-thinning and oxidizing corn starch with ammonium persulfate. Also, starch-based aqueous polymer isocyanate (API wood adhesive was prepared. The effect of the added amount of modified starch, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR, polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (P-MDI, and the mass concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH on the bonding strength of starch-based API adhesives were determined by orthogonal testing. The starch-based API adhesive performance was found to be the best when the addition of modified starch (mass concentration 35% was 45 g, the amount of SBR was 3%, the PVOH mass concentration was 10%, and the amount of P-MDI was 18%. The compression shearing of glulam produced by starch-based API adhesive reached bonding performance indicators of I type adhesive. A scanning electron microscope (SEM was used to analyze the changes in micro-morphology of the starch surface during each stage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR was used to study the changes in absorption peaks and functional groups from starch to starch-based API adhesives. The results showed that during starch-based API adhesive synthesis, corn starch surface was differently changed and it gradually reacted with other materials.

A new approach in compatibilization of the poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch (PLA/TPS) blends.

Science.gov (United States)

Akrami, Marzieh; Ghasemi, Ismaeil; Azizi, Hamed; Karrabi, Mohammad; Seyedabadi, Mohammad

2016-06-25

In this study, a new compatibilizer was synthesized to improve the compatibility of the poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch blends. The compatibilizer was based on maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene glycol grafted starch (mPEG-g-St), and was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and back titration techniques. The results indicated successful accomplishment of the designed reactions and formation of a starch cored structure with many connections to m-PEG chains. To assess the performance of synthesized compatibilizer, several PLA/TPS blends were prepared using an internal mixer. Consequently, their morphology, dynamic-mechanical behavior, crystallization and mechanical properties were studied. The compatibilizer enhanced interfacial adhesion, possibly due to interaction between free end carboxylic acid groups of compatibilizer and active groups of TPS and PLA phases. In addition, biodegradability of the samples was evaluated by various methods consisting of weight loss, FTIR-ATR analysis and morphology. The results revealed no considerable effect of compatibilizer on biodegradability of samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Irradiated gelatin-potato starch blends: evaluation of physicochemical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Inamura, Patricia Y.; Regis, Wellington; Mastro, Nelida L.

2015-01-01

Macromolecular polysaccharides of large chains as starch can interlace with gelatin modifying their mechanical resistance. In this work, biodegradable bovine gelatin-potato starch blends films were developed using glycerol as plasticizer. Three formulations of gelatin/starch proportions (w/w) were used (1:0; 3:1; 1:1) and casting was the chosen method. The dried samples were then submitted to ionizing radiation coming from an electron beam (EB) accelerator with doses of 20 and 40 kGy, at room temperature, in the presence of air. Mechanical properties such as puncture strength and elongation at break were measured. Color measurements, water absorption, moisture, and film solubility were assessed. The results showed that starch addition to films based on gelatin as well as irradiation affected physical and structural properties of the films. Although the increase of starch content in the mixture led to decrease of the puncture force even in samples irradiated with the higher dose, there was a decrease of water absorption of films with the increase of the dose, and also by the higher starch content. Samples irradiated at 20 kGy presented higher moisture and film solubility. The methodology developed in this paper can be applied to other composite systems to establish the best protein:starch ratio, and the contribution of the radiation crosslinking in each specific case. (author)

Irradiated gelatin-potato starch blends: evaluation of physicochemical properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Inamura, Patricia Y.; Regis, Wellington; Mastro, Nelida L., E-mail: nlmastro@ipen.br [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2015-07-01

Macromolecular polysaccharides of large chains as starch can interlace with gelatin modifying their mechanical resistance. In this work, biodegradable bovine gelatin-potato starch blends films were developed using glycerol as plasticizer. Three formulations of gelatin/starch proportions (w/w) were used (1:0; 3:1; 1:1) and casting was the chosen method. The dried samples were then submitted to ionizing radiation coming from an electron beam (EB) accelerator with doses of 20 and 40 kGy, at room temperature, in the presence of air. Mechanical properties such as puncture strength and elongation at break were measured. Color measurements, water absorption, moisture, and film solubility were assessed. The results showed that starch addition to films based on gelatin as well as irradiation affected physical and structural properties of the films. Although the increase of starch content in the mixture led to decrease of the puncture force even in samples irradiated with the higher dose, there was a decrease of water absorption of films with the increase of the dose, and also by the higher starch content. Samples irradiated at 20 kGy presented higher moisture and film solubility. The methodology developed in this paper can be applied to other composite systems to establish the best protein:starch ratio, and the contribution of the radiation crosslinking in each specific case. (author)

Biodegradation of different petroleum hydrocarbons by free and immobilized microbial consortia.

Science.gov (United States)

Shen, Tiantian; Pi, Yongrui; Bao, Mutai; Xu, Nana; Li, Yiming; Lu, Jinren

2015-12-01

The efficiencies of free and immobilized microbial consortia in the degradation of different types of petroleum hydrocarbons were investigated. In this study, the biodegradation rates of naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene and crude oil reached about 80%, 30%, 56% and 48% under the optimum environmental conditions of free microbial consortia after 7 d. We evaluated five unique co-metabolic substances with petroleum hydrocarbons, α-lactose was the best co-metabolic substance among glucose, α-lactose, soluble starch, yeast powder and urea. The orthogonal biodegradation analysis results showed that semi-coke was the best immobilized carrier followed by walnut shell and activated carbon. Meanwhile, the significance of various factors that contribute to the biodegradation of semi-coke immobilized microbial consortia followed the order of: α-lactose > semi-coke > sodium alginate > CaCl2. Moreover, the degradation rate of the immobilized microbial consortium (47%) was higher than that of a free microbial consortium (26%) under environmental conditions such as the crude oil concentration of 3 g L(-1), NaCl concentration of 20 g L(-1), pH at 7.2-7.4 and temperature of 25 °C after 5 d. SEM and FTIR analyses revealed that the structure of semi-coke became more porous and easily adhered to the microbial consortium; the functional groups (e.g., hydroxy and phosphate) were identified in the microbial consortium and were changed by immobilization. This study demonstrated that the ability of microbial adaptation to the environment can be improved by immobilization which expands the application fields of microbial remediation.

Shape Memory Properties and Enzymatic Degradability of Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Based Polyurethane Urea Containing Phenylalanine-Derived Chain Extender.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Rong; Zhang, Fanjun; Lin, Weiwei; Liu, Wenkai; Li, Jiehua; Luo, Feng; Wang, Yaning; Tan, Hong

2018-04-24

Biodegradable shape memory polymers are promising biomaterials for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Herein, a series of linear biodegradable shape memory poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based polyurethane ureas (PUUs) containing a novel phenylalanine-derived chain extender is synthesized. The phenylalanine-derived chain extender, phenylalanine-hexamethylenediamine-phenylalanine (PHP), contains two chymotrypsin cleaving sites to enhance the enzymatic degradation of PUUs. The degradation rate, the crystallinity, and mechanical properties of PUUs are tailored by the content of PHP. Meanwhile, semicrystalline PCL is not only hydrolytically degradable but also vital for shape memory. Good shape memory ability under body temperature is achieved for PUUs due to the strong interactions in hard segments for permanent crosslinking and the crystallization-melt transition of PCL to switch temporary shape. The PUUs would have a great potential in application as implanting stent. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Physical and biological treatments of polyethylene-rice starch plastic films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

El-Naggar, Manal M.A., E-mail: mmelnaggar@yahoo.com [Microbiology Lab., National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria (Egypt); Farag, Magdy Gh. [Development Plastic Center, Victoria, Alexandria (Egypt)

2010-04-15

This study aimed to produce an industrial applicable thermo-stable {alpha}-amylase from marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens which isolated and selected according to its significant enzyme production. The effect of different pH values and temperatures on the bacterial growth and the enzyme production was estimated using an experimental statistical design; maximum amylase production and bacterial growth was obtained at pH 7.0 and 50 deg. C. Some biodegradable polyethylene rice starch plastic films (PERS-P) were manufactured using 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% starch concentrations. The biodegradability (reduction in the plastic elongation%) was tested using the exposure to UV radiation at {lambda}{sub 300-400nm} (intensity of about 1000 W/m{sup 2}) and the produced B. amyloliquefaciens thermo-stable {alpha}-amylase. A significant reduction in the elongation% of these biodegradable plastics was observed in both cases especially on testing the 10% PERS-P; they showed a reduction of 26% and 20%, respectively, compared to the untreated plastic films (180 {+-} 5).

Physical and biological treatments of polyethylene-rice starch plastic films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Naggar, Manal M.A.; Farag, Magdy Gh.

2010-01-01

This study aimed to produce an industrial applicable thermo-stable α-amylase from marine Bacillus amyloliquefaciens which isolated and selected according to its significant enzyme production. The effect of different pH values and temperatures on the bacterial growth and the enzyme production was estimated using an experimental statistical design; maximum amylase production and bacterial growth was obtained at pH 7.0 and 50 deg. C. Some biodegradable polyethylene rice starch plastic films (PERS-P) were manufactured using 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% starch concentrations. The biodegradability (reduction in the plastic elongation%) was tested using the exposure to UV radiation at λ 300-400nm (intensity of about 1000 W/m 2 ) and the produced B. amyloliquefaciens thermo-stable α-amylase. A significant reduction in the elongation% of these biodegradable plastics was observed in both cases especially on testing the 10% PERS-P; they showed a reduction of 26% and 20%, respectively, compared to the untreated plastic films (180 ± 5).

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRDABLE PLASTIC FROM CASAVA STARCH AND ALOE VERA EXTRACT WITH GLYCEROL PLASTICIZER

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Mery Apriyani

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Synthesis and characterizations of Biodegradable Plastic made of Cassava Waste Starch, glycerol, acetic acid and Aloe vera extract has done. The aims of this research are to study the influence of addition of aloe vera extract in plastics mechanics properties, water vapor transmission rate and biodegradation. There are five main steps in this research, extraction of aloe vera, cassava starch preparation from cassava waste, preparations, characterization and biodegradability study of biodegradable plastic. The addition variations of aloe vera extract that used in this research are 0.01; 0.03; 0.05; 0.07 and 0.14 grams. Results showed that the addition of aloe Vera tends to increased biodegrable plastic thickness to 0.01 mm and elongation to 32.07%. However, biodegradable plastic tensile strength tends to decreased to 23.95 Mpa. Optimum tensile strength is 3.90 Mpa and elongation is 34.43%. Optimum water vapor transmission rate is 2.40 g/m2hours. Biodegradation study of biodegradable plastic showed that addition of aloe vera extract doesn’t significantly influence in plastic degradations.

Morphological and mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and its blend with poly(lactic acid)(PLA) using cassava bagasse and starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Teixeira, Eliangela de M.; Correa, Ana C.; Campos, Adriana de; Marconcini, Jose M.; Mattoso, Luiz H.C.; Curvelo, Antonio A.S.

2011-01-01

This study aims the use of an agro waste coming from the industrialization of cassava starch, known as cassava bagasse (BG). This material contains residual starch and cellulose fibers which can be used to obtain thermoplastic starch (TPS) and /or blends reinforced with fibers. In this context, it was prepared a thermoplastic starch with BG (TPSBG) and evaluated the incorporation of 20wt% of it into the biodegradable polymer poly (lactic acid) (PLA), resulting in a blend PLA/TPSBG20. The materials were investigated through morphology (scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun (FEG), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and mechanical behavior (tensile test). Their properties were compared to the blend PLA/TPSI20 in which TPSI is obtained from commercial cassava starch. The results showed that the use of bagasse generates homogenous materials with higher mechanical strength if compared to TPS obtained from commercial cassava starch. The fiber in this residue acted as reinforcement for TPS and PLA/TPS systems. (author)

STARCH SULFURIC ACID: AN ALTERNATIVE, ECO-FRIENDLY CATALYST FOR BIGINELLI REACTION

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Ramin Rezaei

2013-12-01

Full Text Available The one-pot multicomponent synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidinone derivatives using starch sulfuric acid as an environmentally friendly biopolymer-based solid acid catalyst from aldehydes, β-keto esters and urea/ thiourea without solvent is described. Compared with classical Biginelli reaction conditions, this new method has the advantage of minimizing the cost operational hazards and environmental pollution, good yields, shorter reaction times and simple work-up.

Effect of starch type on the physico-chemical properties of edible films.

Science.gov (United States)

Basiak, Ewelina; Lenart, Andrzej; Debeaufort, Frédéric

2017-05-01

Food preservation is mostly related to packaging in oil-based plastics, inducing environmental problems, but this drawback could be limited by using edible/biodegradable films and coatings. Physical and chemical properties were assessed and reflect the role of the starch type (wheat, corn or potato) and thus that of the amylose/amylopectin ratio, which influences thickness, colour, moisture, wettability, thermal, surface and mechanical properties. Higher amylose content in films induces higher moisture sensitivity, and thus affects the mechanical and barrier properties. Films made from potato starch constitute a greater barrier for oxygen and water vapour though they have weaker mechanical properties than wheat and corn starch films. Starch species with higher amylose content have lower wettability properties, and better mechanical resistance, which strongly depends on the water content due to the hydrophilic nature of starch films, so they could be used for products with higher water activity, such as cheese, fruits and vegetables. It especially concerns wheat starch systems, and the contact angle indicates less hydrophilic surfaces (above 90°) than those of corn and potato starch films (below 90°). The starch origin influences optical properties and thickness: with more amylose, films are opalescent and thicker; with less, they are transparent and thinner. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanocomposites Based on Biodegradable Polymers

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Ilaria Armentano

2018-05-01

Full Text Available In the present review paper, our main results on nanocomposites based on biodegradable polymers (on a time scale from 2010 to 2018 are reported. We mainly focused our attention on commercial biodegradable polymers, which we mixed with different nanofillers and/or additives with the final aim of developing new materials with tunable specific properties. A wide list of nanofillers have been considered according to their shape, properties, and functionalization routes, and the results have been discussed looking at their roles on the basis of different adopted processing routes (solvent-based or melt-mixing processes. Two main application fields of nanocomposite based on biodegradable polymers have been considered: the specific interaction with stem cells in the regenerative medicine applications or as antimicrobial materials and the active role of selected nanofillers in food packaging applications have been critically revised, with the main aim of providing an overview of the authors’ contribution to the state of the art in the field of biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites.

Urea plus nitrate pretreatment of rice and wheat straws enhances degradation and reduces methane production in in vitro ruminal culture.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xiumin; Wang, Min; Wang, Rong; Ma, Zhiyuan; Long, Donglei; Mao, Hongxiang; Wen, Jiangnan; Bernard, Lukuyu A; Beauchemin, Karen A; Tan, Zhiliang

2018-04-10

Urea pretreatment of straw damages fiber structure, while nitrate supplementation of ruminal diets inhibits enteric methane production. The study examined the combined effects of these treatments on ruminal substrate biodegradation and methane production using an in vitro incubation system. Rice and wheat straws were pretreated with urea (40 g kg -1 straw dry matter, DM) and urea + ammonium nitrate (34 + 6 g kg -1 dry matter (DM), respectively), and each straw (control, urea, urea+nitrate) was used in batch culture incubations in three replications (runs). Urea pretreatment increased (P content (+17%) and in vitro DM degradation of rice straw, in comparison with control. Urea+nitrate pretreatment of rice and wheat straws had higher (P content, in vitro DM degradation and propionate molar proportion, and lower (P ruminal biodegradation, facilitate propionate production and reduce methane production from lignified straws. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biogas Production Using Anaerobic Biodigester from Cassava Starch Effluent

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S. Sunarso

2010-12-01

Full Text Available IKMs’ factory activity in Margoyoso produces liquid and solid wastes. The possible alternative was to use the liquid effluent as biogas raw material. This study focuses on the used of urea, ruminant, yeast, microalgae, the treatment of gelled and ungelled feed for biogas production, pH control during biogas production using buffer Na2CO3, and feeding management in the semi-continuous process of biogas production that perform at ambient temperature for 30 days. Ruminant bacteria, yeast, urea, and microalgae was added 10% (v/v, 0.08% (w/v, 0.04% (w/v, 50% (v/v of mixing solution volume, respectively. The pH of slurry was adjusted with range 6.8-7.2 and was measured daily and corrected when necessary with Na2CO3. The total biogas production was measured daily by the water displacement technique. Biogas production from the ungelling and gelling mixture of cassava starch effluent, yeast, ruminant bacteria, and urea were 726.43 ml/g total solid and 198 ml/g total solid. Biogas production from ungelling mixture without yeast was 58.6 ml/g total solid. Biogas production from ungelling mixture added by microalgae without yeast was 58.72 ml/g total solid and that with yeast was 189 ml/g total solid. Biogas production from ungelling mixture of cassava starch effluent, yeast, ruminant bacteria, and urea in semi-continuous process was 581.15 ml/g total solid. Adding of microalgae as nitrogen source did not give significant effect to biogas production. But adding of yeast as substrate activator was very helpful to accelerate biogas production. The biogas production increased after cassava starch effluent and yeast was added. Requirement of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3 to increase alkalinity or buffering capacity of fermenting solution depends on pH-value

A review of plastic waste biodegradation.

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Ying; Yanful, Ernest K; Bassi, Amarjeet S

2005-01-01

With more and more plastics being employed in human lives and increasing pressure being placed on capacities available for plastic waste disposal, the need for biodegradable plastics and biodegradation of plastic wastes has assumed increasing importance in the last few years. This review looks at the technological advancement made in the development of more easily biodegradable plastics and the biodegradation of conventional plastics by microorganisms. Additives, such as pro-oxidants and starch, are applied in synthetic materials to modify and make plastics biodegradable. Recent research has shown that thermoplastics derived from polyolefins, traditionally considered resistant to biodegradation in ambient environment, are biodegraded following photo-degradation and chemical degradation. Thermoset plastics, such as aliphatic polyester and polyester polyurethane, are easily attacked by microorganisms directly because of the potential hydrolytic cleavage of ester or urethane bonds in their structures. Some microorganisms have been isolated to utilize polyurethane as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen source. Aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters have active commercial applications because of their good mechanical properties and biodegradability. Reviewing published and ongoing studies on plastic biodegradation, this paper attempts to make conclusions on potentially viable methods to reduce impacts of plastic waste on the environment.

Effect of nitrogen supplementation on urea kinetics and microbial use of recycled urea in steers consuming corn-based diets.

Science.gov (United States)

Brake, D W; Titgemeyer, E C; Jones, M L; Anderson, D E

2010-08-01

We studied the effects of supplementing N as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or urea to steers consuming corn-based diets. Six ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers (244 kg) were used in 2 concurrent 3 x 3 Latin squares and fed 1 of 3 corn-based diets: control (10.2% CP), urea (13.3% CP), or DDGS (14.9% CP). Periods were 14 d, with 9 d for adaptation and 5 d for collection of urine and feces. Urinary (15)N(15)N-urea enrichments, resulting from venous infusions of (15)N(15)N-urea, were used to measure urea kinetics. Dry matter intake (6.0 kg/d) was not affected by treatment, but N intake differed (99, 151, and 123 g/d for the control, DDGS, and urea treatments, respectively). Urea-N synthesis tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for DDGS (118 g/d) than for the control treatment (52 g/d), with the urea treatment (86 g/d) being intermediate. Urea-N excreted in the urine was greater (P urea treatments (29 g/d) than for the control treatment (13 g/d). Gastrointestinal entry of urea-N was not statistically different among treatments (P = 0.25), but was numerically greatest for DDGS (83 g/d), intermediate for urea (57 g/d), and least for the control (39 g/d). The amount of urea-N returned to the ornithine cycle tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for the DDGS treatment (47 g/d) than for the urea (27 g/d) or control treatment (16 g/d). The fraction of recycled urea-N that was apparently used for anabolism tended (P = 0.14) to be greater for the control treatment (0.56) than for the DDGS treatment (0.31), with the urea treatment (0.45) being intermediate, but no differences were observed among treatments in the amount of urea-N used for anabolism (P = 0.66). Urea kinetics in cattle fed grain-based diets were largely related to the amount of N consumed. The percentage of urea production that was captured by ruminal bacteria was greater (P urea treatment (22%), but the percentage of duodenal microbial N flow that was derived from recycled urea-N tended (P = 0.10) to

Investigating the phase transformations in starch during gelatinisation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tan, I.; Sopade, P.A.; Halley, P.J.

2003-01-01

Full text: Starch, a natural polymer of amylose and amylopectin, continues to be a prime material for biodegradable plastic applications as well as many food and non-food uses. Raw starch exists as semicrystalline granules with complex internal supramolecular packing and can be hierarchically organised on four length scales: molecular scale (∼ Angstroms), lamellar structure (∼90 Angstroms); growth rings (∼ 0.1 μm) and the whole granule morphology (∼μm). Starch can be converted into thermoplastic material (TPS) through destructurisation in the presence of plasticisers under specific extrusion conditions. During the transformation of granular starch into TPS, the complex granular supramolecular structure gives rise to the characteristic endothermic first order transition known as gelatinization. Despite advances in research on starch gelatinisation, the precise structural change and transitions involved are still a matter of debate. Moreover, structural variables such as botanical origins, amylose/amylopectin ratio, macromolecular sizes, etc, have been known to influence the physicochemical properties of starch and the transitions it undergoes.While understanding the linkage between structural characteristics and gelatinisation behaviour will provide fundamental knowledge that is critical for the development of next-generation starch biodegradable plastics, this has proved difficult mainly due to poor knowledge of the exact mechanism involved in gelatinisation. This is further complicated by the sketchy idea on the role of structure and organisation of the starch granule. Studies in our laboratory on four types of maize starches with different amylose/amylopectin ratio revealed that although there is a general trend on the variation of gelatinisation parameters with plasticisers concentration, the extent of the variation are different for different types of starch. It was also found that these differences are not a directly related to the variation in

The effects of a hind-gut fermentation on urea kinetics in sheep

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oncuer, A.

1988-01-01

Four female sheep were fitted with rumen cannulas and abomasal and ileal infusion catheters; one of the sheep was also fitted with a cannula at the caecum. All animals were nourished wholly by intragastric infusion of nutrients to the rumen and abomasum and received in addition three levels of nutrient infusion into the terminal ileum in order to achieve different levels of hind-gut fermentation. The ileal infusion treatments were (1) water infusion; (2) 25 g/d starch and 50 g/d cellulose infusion; (3) 50 g/d starch and 50 g/d cellulose infusion. In each 2 week period, the first 7 days served as the preliminary period infusion. Days 8-12 inclusive were used for quantitative collection of faeces and urine for digestibility and nitrogen balance measurement and on day 14 an injection of ( 14 C)-urea was given into a jugular vein for measurement of urea kinetics. Hind-gut fermentation did not significantly affect any parameters of urea metabolism. Although degradation of urea did not differ significantly between treatments an increase of over 2 g/d was observed in progressing from the lowest to the highest level of hind-gut infusion. Faecal nitrogen excretion increased significantly from 21.8 to 74.7 mg N/kg 0.75 /d (P 0.01) and urinary urea-N decreased significantly from 278.9 to 252.3 mg/kg 0.75 /d (P 0.05) in the presence of a hind-gut fermentation. Close relationships were observed between various parameters of urea metabolism

Evaluation of Starch Biodegradable Plastics Derived from Cassava ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

BSN

2 Molecular Bio/Sciences Limited, 124 MCC Road, Calabar, Nigeria. Abstract ... cassava starch is a pure, natural biopolymer that is suitable for .... matter of fact, Ohtaki and Nakasaki (2000) reported that ... Chemistry and. Industry 31: 7 - 9.

Electrical transport study of potato starch-based electrolyte system-II

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tiwari, Tuhina; Kumar, Manindra; Srivastava, Neelam; Srivastava, P.C.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Cheap and bio-degradable polymer electrolyte. • High conductivity ∼ 9.59 × 10 −3 Scm −1 . • Detailed ion dynamics stud. -- Abstract: Glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked potato starch, after mixing with sodium iodide (NaI), resulted in electrolyte film having conductivity (σ) ∼ 10 −3 S/cm and ionic transference number (t ion ) ≥ 0.99. Out of two preparation mediums, namely methanol and acetone, methanol based electrolyte system seems to be better. Super-linear power law (SLPL) phenomenon is observed in MHz frequency range and both lattice site potential and coulomb cage potential due to neighboring mobile charge carriers seems to be responsible for existence of SLPL, and variation of power law exponent ‘n’ with salt concentration. These ion dynamics results are supported by dielectric data also. Estimated number of charge carriers ‘N’ and mobility ‘μ’ are discussed with reference to different variants (medium of preparation, plasticizer, and salt content). Material's conductivity strongly depends on humidity

Spectroscopic investigation of the constituent components effect on the biodegradable package characteristics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coţa, C.; Cioica, N., E-mail: cioica@inma.ro; Nagy, E. M. [National Institute of Research-Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry – INMA Bucureşti – Cluj-Napoca Branch, 59, Al. Vaida-Voievod Str., RO-400458 Cluj-Napoca (Romania); Filip, C. [National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath Str., 400293 Cluj-Napoca (Romania); Fechete, R. [Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Dept. of Physics, 25 G. Baritiu Str., RO-400020 Cluj-Napoca (Romania); Todica, M. [Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Physics, 1 Kogalniceanu Str., RO-400084, Cluj-Napoca (Romania); Cozar, O. [National Institute of Research-Development for Machines and Installations Designed to Agriculture and Food Industry – INMA Bucureşti – Cluj-Napoca Branch, 59, Al. Vaida-Voievod Str., RO-400458 Cluj-Napoca (Romania); Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Splaiul Independentei, RO-050094, Bucharest (Romania)

2015-12-23

The effect of the nature and the content of the plasticizers (water, glycerol) on the corn starch based biodegradable packages properties (crystalline-amorphous) and also on their degradation process after absorption of distilled water were investigated by {sup 1}H NMR relaxation and {sup 13}C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopies. For this goal, a set of 14 samples with various starch/glycerol/water (mass %) ratios were prepared and investigated after extrusion process in order to establish their crystalline or amorphous character. The composition having starch/glycerol/water 68/17/15 mass % ratio was found to have a dominant amorphous character and very similar features with a commercial specimen (USA) used for the package. It was also found that this best package is extremely degraded after just one day under water absorption. The most resistant package was that with a large content of starch (78/19.5/2.5)

Spectroscopic investigation of the constituent components effect on the biodegradable package characteristics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coţa, C.; Cioica, N.; Nagy, E. M.; Filip, C.; Fechete, R.; Todica, M.; Cozar, O.

2015-01-01

The effect of the nature and the content of the plasticizers (water, glycerol) on the corn starch based biodegradable packages properties (crystalline-amorphous) and also on their degradation process after absorption of distilled water were investigated by 1 H NMR relaxation and 13 C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopies. For this goal, a set of 14 samples with various starch/glycerol/water (mass %) ratios were prepared and investigated after extrusion process in order to establish their crystalline or amorphous character. The composition having starch/glycerol/water 68/17/15 mass % ratio was found to have a dominant amorphous character and very similar features with a commercial specimen (USA) used for the package. It was also found that this best package is extremely degraded after just one day under water absorption. The most resistant package was that with a large content of starch (78/19.5/2.5)

Physicochemical properties of cassava starch and starch-keratin prepared biofilm

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Oluwasina Olugbenga Oladayo

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Synthetic plastics pose one of the biggest threats to the environment and a promising solution is biodegradable polymers. This study investigates the properties of biofilms prepared using starch/keratin blend with and without formaldehyde. Some starch properties in percentage are; moisture content 0.27, hydration capacity 189.66, amylopectin content 65.79 and amylose content 34.21. From the water testing results, thickness swelling, water absorption capacity and linear expansion of biofilm without formaldehyde after 10 s of soaking in water were 28.59%, 8.89% and 4.90% respectively and 65.30%, 91.33% and 46.29% respectively after 40 s. But, higher values are recorded for those biofilms made with addition of formaldehyde. Thus using water effect on the properties of the biofilms as the performance index, the research indicates that biofilms without formaldehyde had better performance than those with formaldehyde

Mechanical properties of bioplastics cassava starch film with Zinc Oxide nanofiller as reinforcement

Science.gov (United States)

Harunsyah; Yunus, M.; Fauzan, Reza

2017-06-01

This study focuses on investigating the influence of zinc oxide nanofiller on the mechanical properties of bioplastic cassava starch films. Bioplastic cassava starch film-based zinc oxide reinforced composite biopolymeric films were prepared by casting technique. The content of zinc oxide in the bioplastic films was varied from 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0% (w/w) by weight of starch. Surface morphologies of the composites bioplastic films were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM).The result showed that the Tensile strength (TS) was improved significantly with the additional of zinc oxide but the elongation at break (EB %) of the composites was decreased. The maximum tensile strength obtained was 22.30 kgf / mm on the additional of zinc oxide by 0.6% and plastilizer by 25%. Based on data of FTIR, the produced film plastic did not change the group function and it can be concluded that theinteraction in film plastic produced was only a physical interaction. Biodegradable plastic film based on cassava starch-zinc oxide and plasticizer glycerol showed that interesting mechanical properties being transparent, clear, homogeneous, flexible, and easily handled.

Effect of carrageenan on properties of biodegradable thermoplastic cassava starch/low-density polyethylene composites reinforced by cotton fibers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prachayawarakorn, Jutarat; Pomdage, Wanida

2014-01-01

Highlights: • We prepared the TPCS/LDPE composites modified by carrageenan and/or cotton fibers. • The IR O–H stretching peak of the modified composites shifts to lower wavenumber. • Stress and Young’s modulus of the modified composites increase significantly. • The modified composites degrade faster than the non-modified composite. - Abstract: Applications of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS) have been restricted due to its poor mechanical properties, limited processability and high water uptake. In order to improve properties and processability, thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) was compounded with low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The TPCS/LDPE blend was, then, modified by a natural gelling agent, i.e. carrageenan and natural fibers, i.e. cotton fibers. All composites were compounded and processed using an internal mixer and an injection molding machine, respectively. It was found that stress at maximum load and Young’s modulus of the TPCS/LDPE composites significantly increased by the addition of the carrageenan and/or the cotton fibers. The highest mechanical properties were obtained from the TPCS/LDPE composites modified by both the carrageenan and the cotton fibers. Percentage water absorption of all of the TPCS/LDPE composites was found to be similar. All modified composites were also degraded easier than the non-modified one. Furthermore, all the composites were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Applicability and limits of Sturm modified method for evaluation of polymer biodegradability. Applicabilita' e limiti del metodo di Sturm modificato per valutare biodegradabilita' di polimeri plastici

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Musmeci, L.; Volterra, L.; Gucci, P.M.B.; Semproni, M.; Coccia, A.M. (Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome (Italy))

1993-01-01

The admission of 'biodegradable' plastics on the market has determined the development of analytical methods for measuring and controlling their biodegradation. The Modified Sturm Test was selected as a method. This paper presents the results of two experiments in which different and acclimatized/acclimatization microorganisms were used as inocula. The pre-acclimatization was performed on polyethylene alone or with starch additions, respectively. Starch addition in the acclimatization phase induces the selection of a population able to speed up the starch mineralization but not equally able to further biodegrade plastic polymers.

Effect of Coconut, Sisal and Jute Fibers on the Properties of Starch/Gluten/Glycerol Matrix

Science.gov (United States)

Coconut, sisal and jute fibers were added as reinforcement materials in a biodegradable polymer matrix comprised of starch/gluten/glycerol. The content of fibers used in the composites varied from 5% to 30% by weight of the total polymers (starch and gluten). Materials were processed in a Haake torq...

Effect of Coated Urea Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Sweet Corn (KSC 403 under Deficit Irrigation

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N Farid

2017-11-01

Full Text Available This study was carried out to assess the effect of coated urea fertilizer on yield and yield components of sweet corn (KSC 403 under different irrigation regimes, in Ramin Agriculture and Natural Sciences University, Iran by using strip split plot in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Three levels of deficit irrigation (100%, 80 and 60% of calculated water requirement of sweet corn were assigned as vertical factor and six sources of urea fertilizer (without urea, un-coated urea, sulfur-coated urea fertilizer, starch-coated urea, agar-coated urea and chitin-coated urea were assigned to horizontal factor. Effects of deficit water and source of fertilizer were statistically significant on plant height, 1000 kernel weight, ear diameter, and number of rows per ear, ear yield, biological yield and harvest index. Maximum of plant height (153.23 cm, 1000 kernel weight (104.51 g, grain yield (9853.3 kg/ha and biological yield (12471.6 kg/ha were obtained in chitin coated urea fertilizer. Maximum of ear diameter (4.67 cm and number of row per ear (13.22 were achieved in agar coated urea fertilizer and that of harvest index (45.79% was indicated by starch-coated urea. Maximum of length of ear, number of kernels per row and grain yield were 23.65cm, 25.83 and 7142 kg/ha, respectively, and were obtained with the using of chitin-coated urea fertilizer and 100% water requirement. Minimum values of these traits were 13.54 cm, 5.56 and 871 kg/ha, respectively, and were obtained by using of control (no urea application and 60% water requirement. Results showed that biopolymer coated urea is potent to improve some morphological characteristics and increase grain yield of sweet corn.

Thermoplastic starch/ethylene vinyl alcohol/forsterite nanocomposite as a candidate material for bone tissue engineering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mahdieh, Zahra [Polymeric Materials Research Group (PMRG), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-9466 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Bagheri, Reza, E-mail: rezabagh@sharif.edu [Polymeric Materials Research Group (PMRG), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-9466 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Eslami, Masoud; Amiri, Mohammad [Polymeric Materials Research Group (PMRG), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-9466 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Shokrgozar, Mohammad Ali; Mehrjoo, Morteza [National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2016-12-01

Recently, biodegradable polymers such as starch based blends have been well renowned in the biomedical field. Studies have considered them suitable for bone scaffolds, bone cements, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and hydrogels. The aim of this study was to synthesize nanocomposite biomaterial consisting a blend of thermoplastic starch and ethylene vinyl alcohol as the polymer matrix, and nano-structured forsterite as the ceramic reinforcing phase for bone tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, vitamin E was applied as a thermal stabilizer during melt compounding. Extrusion and injection molding were incorporated for melt blending and shaping of samples, respectively. With blending thermoplastic starch and ethylene vinyl alcohol, some properties of thermoplastic starch such as degradation rate and water absorption were modified. In addition, using nanoforsterite as the ceramic reinforcing phase resulted in the improvement of mechanical and biological traits. The addition of nanoforsterite decreased the weight loss of the thermoplastic starch and ethylene vinyl alcohol blend in simulated body fluid. Moreover, this addition modified the pH in the MTT (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium) assay and stimulated the cell proliferation. Cell adhesion assays indicated a favorable interaction between cells and the biomaterial. The proposed nanocomposite has appropriate biocompatibility, as well as mechanical properties in order to be used in bone tissue engineering. - Highlights: • A biodegradable nanocomposite is proposed for orthopedic applications. • Vitamin E is used as an antioxidant to prevent the thermomechanical degradations. • Nanoforsterite reduced the composite degradation rate in the simulated body fluid. • Nanoforsterite modified pH in MTT assay and stimulated cell proliferation.

Thermoplastic starch/ethylene vinyl alcohol/forsterite nanocomposite as a candidate material for bone tissue engineering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahdieh, Zahra; Bagheri, Reza; Eslami, Masoud; Amiri, Mohammad; Shokrgozar, Mohammad Ali; Mehrjoo, Morteza

2016-01-01

Recently, biodegradable polymers such as starch based blends have been well renowned in the biomedical field. Studies have considered them suitable for bone scaffolds, bone cements, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and hydrogels. The aim of this study was to synthesize nanocomposite biomaterial consisting a blend of thermoplastic starch and ethylene vinyl alcohol as the polymer matrix, and nano-structured forsterite as the ceramic reinforcing phase for bone tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, vitamin E was applied as a thermal stabilizer during melt compounding. Extrusion and injection molding were incorporated for melt blending and shaping of samples, respectively. With blending thermoplastic starch and ethylene vinyl alcohol, some properties of thermoplastic starch such as degradation rate and water absorption were modified. In addition, using nanoforsterite as the ceramic reinforcing phase resulted in the improvement of mechanical and biological traits. The addition of nanoforsterite decreased the weight loss of the thermoplastic starch and ethylene vinyl alcohol blend in simulated body fluid. Moreover, this addition modified the pH in the MTT (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium) assay and stimulated the cell proliferation. Cell adhesion assays indicated a favorable interaction between cells and the biomaterial. The proposed nanocomposite has appropriate biocompatibility, as well as mechanical properties in order to be used in bone tissue engineering. - Highlights: • A biodegradable nanocomposite is proposed for orthopedic applications. • Vitamin E is used as an antioxidant to prevent the thermomechanical degradations. • Nanoforsterite reduced the composite degradation rate in the simulated body fluid. • Nanoforsterite modified pH in MTT assay and stimulated cell proliferation.

Production and characterization of bio plastics from potato starch, poly-hydroxybutyrate and poly-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mendes, Fernanda M.; Curvelo, Antonio A.S.

2009-01-01

This work describes the study of thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends obtained from potato starch (plasticised with glycerol) with biodegradable polymers poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHB V). For this purpose it were developed several formulations with TPS/PHB, TPS/PHB V and TPS/PHB/PHB V prepared by physical mixing and water and glycerol as plasticizers. The amount of glycerol was 30% based on starch (dry basis). The starting materials (starch, PHB and PHB V) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Then, it was determined the optimal processing conditions for the samples, performed by using an intensive mixer. The materials were hot pressed to produce the standardized samples employed in the characterizations: mechanical testing (tensile strength), dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. (author)

Lipase-catalysed acylation of starch and determination of the degree of substitution by methanolysis and GC

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

Background Natural polysaccharides such as starch are becoming increasingly interesting as renewable starting materials for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers using chemical or enzymatic methods. Given the complexity of polysaccharides, the analysis of reaction products is challenging. Results Esterification of starch with fatty acids has traditionally been monitored by saponification and back-titration, but in our experience this method is unreliable. Here we report a novel GC-based method for the fast and reliable quantitative determination of esterification. The method was used to monitor the enzymatic esterification of different starches with decanoic acid, using lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus. The reaction showed a pronounced optimal water content of 1.25 mL per g starch, where a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.018 was obtained. Incomplete gelatinization probably accounts for lower conversion with less water. Conclusions Lipase-catalysed esterification of starch is feasible in aqueous gel systems, but attention to analytical methods is important to obtain correct DS values. PMID:21114817

Lipase-catalysed acylation of starch and determination of the degree of substitution by methanolysis and GC

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hauer Bernhard

2010-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Natural polysaccharides such as starch are becoming increasingly interesting as renewable starting materials for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers using chemical or enzymatic methods. Given the complexity of polysaccharides, the analysis of reaction products is challenging. Results Esterification of starch with fatty acids has traditionally been monitored by saponification and back-titration, but in our experience this method is unreliable. Here we report a novel GC-based method for the fast and reliable quantitative determination of esterification. The method was used to monitor the enzymatic esterification of different starches with decanoic acid, using lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus. The reaction showed a pronounced optimal water content of 1.25 mL per g starch, where a degree of substitution (DS of 0.018 was obtained. Incomplete gelatinization probably accounts for lower conversion with less water. Conclusions Lipase-catalysed esterification of starch is feasible in aqueous gel systems, but attention to analytical methods is important to obtain correct DS values.

Modification of Foamed Articles Based on Cassava Starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ponce, P.

2006-01-01

This work reports the influence of radiation, plasticizers and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) on the barrier properties [water vapour permeability (WVP)) and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation; compression resistance and flexibility) of foamed articles based on cassava starch. The starch foam was obtained by thermopressing process. Poly ethylene glycol (PEG, 300) was selected as plasticizer and water was necessary for the preparation of the foams. The foamed articles based on cassava starch were irradiated at low doses of 2 and 5 kGy, commonly used in food irradiation. The mechanical properties of starch foams are influenced by the plasticizer concentration and by irradiation dose. An increase in PEG content showed a considerable increase in elongation percentage and a decrease in the tensile strength of the foams; also increase the permeability of the foams in water. After irradiation, the barrier properties and mechanical properties of the foams were improved due to chemical reactions among polymer molecules. Irradiated starch cassava foams with poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) have good flexibility and low water permeability. WVP can be reduced by low doses of gamma radiation

Fabrication and mechanical characterization of biodegradable and synthetic polymeric films: Effect of gamma radiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akter, Nousin; Khan, Ruhul A.; Salmieri, Stephane; Sharmin, Nusrat; Dussault, Dominic; Lacroix, Monique

2012-01-01

Chitosan (1 wt%, in 2% aqueous acetic acid solution) and starch (1 wt%, in deionised water) were dissolved and mixed in different proportions (20–80 wt% chitosan) then films were prepared by casting. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the 50% chitosan containing starch-based films were found to be 47 MPa and 16%, respectively. It was revealed that with the increase of chitosan in starch, the values of TS improved significantly. Monomer, 2-butane diol-diacrylate (BDDA) was added into the film forming solutions (50% starch-based), then casted films. The BDDA containing films were irradiated under gamma radiation (5–25 kGy) and it was found that strength of the films improved significantly. On the other hand, synthetic petroleum-based polymeric films (polycaprolactone, polyethylene and polypropylene) were prepared by compression moulding. Mechanical and barrier properties of the films were evaluated. The gamma irradiated (25 kGy) films showed higher strength and better barrier properties. - Highlights: ► Chitosan and starch-based biodegradable films were prepared by casting. ► With the increase of chitosan in starch, the strength of the films improved significantly. ► Monomer, 2-Butane diol-diacrylate was grafted with the films by gamma radiation. ► Mechanical properties of synthetic polymeric films improved by gamma radiation. ► The irradiated polymer films showed better water vapor barrier properties.

Development of melamine modified urea formaldehyde resins based o nstrong acidic pH catalyzed urea formaldehyde polymer

Science.gov (United States)

Chung-Yun Hse

2009-01-01

To upgrade the performance of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin bonded particleboards, melamine modified urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resins based on strong acidic pH catalyzed UF polymers were investigated. The study was conducted in a series of two experiments: 1) formulation of MUF resins based on a UF polymer catalyzed with strong acidic pH and 2) determination of the...

Biogas Production From Cassava Starch Effluent Using Microalgae As Biostabilisator

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B. Budiyono

2011-07-01

Full Text Available The rapid growing of Indonesian population is emerging several critical national issues i.e. energy, food, environmental, water, transportation, as well as law and human right. As an agricultural country, Indonesia has abundant of biomass wastes such as agricultural wastes include the cassava starch wastes. The problem is that the effluent from cassava starch factories is released directly into the river before properly treatment. It has been a great source of pollution and has caused environmental problems to the nearby rural population. The possible alternative to solve the problem is by converting waste to energy biogas in the biodigester. The main problem of the biogas production of cassava starch effluent is acid forming-bacteria quickly produced acid resulting significantly in declining pH below the neutral pH and diminishing growth of methane bacteria. Hence, the only one of the method to cover this problem is by adding microalgae as biostabilisator of pH. Microalgae can also be used as purifier agent to absorb CO2.The general objective of this research project was to develop an integrated process of biogas production and purification from cassava starch effluent by using biostabilisator agent microalgae. This study has been focused on the used of urea, ruminant, yeast, microalgae, the treatment of gelled and ungelled feed for biogas production, pH control during biogas production using buffer Na2CO3, and feeding management in the semi-continuous process of biogas production. The result can be concluded as follows: i The biogas production increased after cassava starch effluent and yeast was added, ii Biogas production with microalgae and cassava starch effluent, yeast, ruminant bacteria, and urea were 726.43 ml/g total solid, iii Biogas production without  microalgae was 189 ml/g total solid.

Physical and Degradable Properties of Mulching Films Prepared from Natural Fibers and Biodegradable Polymers

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Zhijian Tan

2016-05-01

Full Text Available The use of plastic film in agriculture has the serious drawback of producing vast quantities of waste. In this work, films were prepared from natural fibers and biodegradable polymers as potential substitutes for the conventional non-biodegradable plastic film used as mulching material in agricultural production. The physical properties (e.g., mechanical properties, heat preservation, water permeability, and photopermeability and degradation characteristics (evaluated by micro-organic culture testing and soil burial testing of the films were studied in both laboratory and field tests. The experimental results indicated that these fiber/polymer films exhibited favorable physical properties that were sufficient for use in mulching film applications. Moreover, the degradation degree of the three tested films decreased in the following order: fiber/starch (ST film > fiber/poly(vinyl alcohol (PVA film > fiber/polyacrylate (PA film. The fiber/starch and fiber/PVA films were made from completely biodegradable materials and demonstrated the potential to substitute non-biodegradable films.

In vitro fermentation and chemical constituents of urea-molasses feed

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This study was carried out to assess the chemical contents, in vitro break down, volatile fatty acids, NH3¬-N and methane concentration of urea- molasses feed - block (UMFB) using different binders. Four feed - blocks were formulated as: UMFB A (Cement only), UMFB B (cement + clay), UMFB C (cement + cassava starch), ...

EFFECT OF ENDOSPERM HARDNESS ON AN ETHANOL PROCESS USING A GRANULAR STARCH HYDROLYZING ENZYME

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, P; W Liu, D B; Johnston, K D; Rausch, S J; Schmidt, M E; Tumbleson, V Singh

2010-01-01

Granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes (GSHE) can hydrolyze starch at low temperature (32°C). The dry grind process using GSHE (GSH process) has fewer unit operations and no changes in process conditions (pH 4.0 and 32°C) compared to the conventional process because it dispenses with the cooking and liquefaction step. In this study, the effects of endosperm hardness, protease, urea, and GSHE levels on GSH process were evaluated. Ground corn, soft endosperm, and hard endosperm were processed using two GSHE levels (0.1 and 0.4 mL per 100 g ground material) and four treatments of protease and urea addition. Soft and hard endosperm materials were obtained by grinding and sifting flaking grits from a dry milling pilot plant; classifications were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy. During 72 h of simultaneous granular starch hydrolysis and fermentation (GSHF), ethanol and glucose profiles were determined using HPLC. Soft endosperm resulted in higher final ethanol concentrations compared to ground corn or hard endosperm. Addition of urea increased final ethanol concentrations for soft and hard endosperm. Protease addition increased ethanol concentrations and fermentation rates for soft endosperm, hard endosperm, and ground corn. The effect of protease addition on ethanol concentrations and fermentation rates was most predominant for soft endosperm, less for hard endosperm, and least for ground corn. Samples (soft endosperm, hard endosperm, or corn) with protease resulted in higher (1.0% to 10.5% v/v) ethanol concentration compared to samples with urea. The GSH process with protease requires little or no urea addition. For fermentation of soft endosperm, GSHE dose can be reduced. Due to nutrients (lipids, minerals, and soluble proteins) present in corn that enhance yeast growth, ground corn fermented faster at the beginning than hard and soft endosperm.

Physical and mechanical properties of LDPE incorporated with different starch sources

Science.gov (United States)

Kormin, Shaharuddin; Kormin, Faridah; Dalour Hossen Beg, Mohammad; Bijarimi Mat Piah, Mohd

2017-08-01

In this study it was investigated the incorporation of different starches, such as sago starch, corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch and wheat starch, in low-density polyethylene matrix (LDPE) to enhanced mechanical properties and to obtain partially biodegradable product with the aim to reduce the plastics wastes in the environment. For comparison, virgin LDPE, LDPE with different sources of starch blends were prepared and characterized under the same conditions. The starches were mixed to the LDPE using a twin screw extruder to guarantee the homogeneity of the formulations. The compound were shaping processed by injection moulding. The characterization of those compounds was done by physical (density, MFI), mechanical (Universal tensile machine). The addition of starch to LDPE reduced the MFI values, the tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength, whereas the elastic modulus, flexural modulus and flexural strength increased. LDPE/SS show the good mechanical behavior compared to other formulation. The physical and mechanical properties were evident when 5 and 30 wt% were added. Water uptake increased with increased starch content and immersion time. The time taken for the composites to equilibrate was about one month even when they were immersed completely in water.

MANUFACTURING BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSITE MATERIALS BASED ON POLYETHYLENE AND FUNCTIONALIZED BY ALCOHOLYSIS OF ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMER

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Aleksandr A. Shabarin

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Introduction. The continuous growth of production and consumption of plastic packaging creates a serious problem of disposal of package. This problem has ecological character, because the contents of the landfills decompose for decades, emit toxic com¬pounds and pollute the environment. The work is devoted to obtaining and investigation mechanical and rheological properties of biodegradable composite materials based on polyethylene and starch. Materials and Methods. In this work the author used polyethylene grade HDPE 273- 83 (GOST 16338-85, Sevilen brand 12206-007 (TU 6-05-1636-97 and potato starch (GOST 53876-2010 as a filler. Functionalization of sevilen was carried in the 30 % ethanol solution KOH at a temperature 80 °C during 3 hours. Compounding components was carried out at the laboratory of the two rotary mixer HAAKE PolyLab Rheomix 600 OS with rotors Banbury. Formation of plates for elastic strength and rheological studies were carried out on a hydraulic press Gibitre. Elastic and strength tests were carried out on the tensile machine the UAI-7000 M. Rheology tests were carried out on the rheometer Haake MARS III. The humidity filler (starch authors determined by the thermogravimetric method on the analyzer of moisture “Evlas-2M”. Results. It is shown, that the filler should not contain more than 7% moisture. Functionalization of ethylene with vinyl acetate copolymer (sevilen has performed by the method of alkaline alcoholysis. By the method of IC – spectroscopy the authors confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups in the polymer. Using as a compatibilizer functionalized by the method of alcoholises has greatly ( significantly improved physical, mechanical and rheological properties of composite materials. Optimal content of sevilen (F in the compound according to the results of experiments amount 10 %. Discussion and Conclusions. Using of functionalized by the method of alcoholysis ethy-lene-vinyl acetate copolymer as a

Electrical transport study of potato starch-based electrolyte system-II

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tiwari, Tuhina; Kumar, Manindra [Department of Physics (Mahila Mahavidyalay), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India); Srivastava, Neelam, E-mail: neelamsrivastava_bhu@yahoo.co.in [Department of Physics (Mahila Mahavidyalay), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India); Srivastava, P.C. [Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India)

2014-03-15

Highlights: • Cheap and bio-degradable polymer electrolyte. • High conductivity ∼ 9.59 × 10{sup −3} Scm{sup −1}. • Detailed ion dynamics stud. -- Abstract: Glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked potato starch, after mixing with sodium iodide (NaI), resulted in electrolyte film having conductivity (σ) ∼ 10{sup −3} S/cm and ionic transference number (t{sub ion}) ≥ 0.99. Out of two preparation mediums, namely methanol and acetone, methanol based electrolyte system seems to be better. Super-linear power law (SLPL) phenomenon is observed in MHz frequency range and both lattice site potential and coulomb cage potential due to neighboring mobile charge carriers seems to be responsible for existence of SLPL, and variation of power law exponent ‘n’ with salt concentration. These ion dynamics results are supported by dielectric data also. Estimated number of charge carriers ‘N’ and mobility ‘μ’ are discussed with reference to different variants (medium of preparation, plasticizer, and salt content). Material's conductivity strongly depends on humidity.

Effect of incorporation of nutraceutical capsule waste of safflower oil in the mechanical characteristics of corn starch films

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Camila de CAMPO

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract Biodegradable films blends made of safflower oil nutraceutical capsules waste corn starch (20:4, 30:4, 40:4 and 50:4 were prepared. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of addition of different concentrations of safflower oil nutraceutical capsule waste in the mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus and thickness of corn starch films. A decrease in tensile strength and Young’s modulus and an increase in elongation at break were observed with the increase in the content of the nutraceutical capsule waste. The results showed that the blends of safflower oil capsules waste-corn starch films demonstrated promising characteristics to form biodegradable films with different mechanical characteristics.

Granular starch hydrolysis for fuel ethanol production

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Ping

Granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes (GSHE) convert starch into fermentable sugars at low temperatures (≤48°C). Use of GSHE in dry grind process can eliminate high temperature requirements during cooking and liquefaction (≥90°C). In this study, GSHE was compared with two combinations of commercial alpha-amylase and glucoamylase (DG1 and DG2, respectively). All three enzyme treatments resulted in comparable ethanol concentrations (between 14.1 to 14.2% v/v at 72 hr), ethanol conversion efficiencies and ethanol and DDGS yields. Sugar profiles for the GSHE treatment were different from DG1 and DG2 treatments, especially for glucose. During simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), the highest glucose concentration for the GSHE treatment was 7% (w/v); for DG1 and DG2 treatments, maximum glucose concentration was 19% (w/v). GSHE was used in one of the fractionation technologies (enzymatic dry grind) to improve recovery of germ and pericarp fiber prior to fermentation. The enzymatic dry grind process with GSHE was compared with the conventional dry grind process using GSHE with the same process parameters of dry solids content, pH, temperature, time, enzyme and yeast usages. Ethanol concentration (at 72 hr) of the enzymatic process was 15.5% (v/v), which was 9.2% higher than the conventional process (14.2% v/v). Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) generated from the enzymatic process (9.8% db) was 66% less than conventional process (28.3% db). Three additional coproducts, germ 8.0% (db), pericarp fiber 7.7% (db) and endosperm fiber 5.2% (db) were produced. Costs and amounts of GSHE used is an important factor affecting dry grind process economics. Proteases can weaken protein matrix to aid starch release and may reduce GSHE doses. Proteases also can hydrolyze protein into free amino nitrogen (FAN), which can be used as a yeast nutrient during fermentation. Two types of proteases, exoprotease and endoprotease, were studied; protease and urea

The influence of starch oxidization and aluminate coupling agent on interfacial interaction, rheological behavior, mechanical and thermal properties of poly(propylene carbonate)/starch blends

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Guo; Zhang, Shui-Dong; Huang, Han-Xiong; The Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of the Ministry of Education Team

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) is a kind of new biodegradable polymer that is synthesized by copolymerization of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide. In this work, PPC end-capped with maleic anhydride (PPCMA)/thermoplastic starch (TPS), PPCMA/thermoplastic oxidized starch (TPOS) and PPCMA/AL-TPOS (TPOS modified by aluminate coupling agent) blends were prepared by melt blending to improve its thermal and mechanical properties. FTIR results showed that there existed hydrogen-bonding interaction between PPCMA and starch. SEM observation revealed that the compatibility between PPCMA and TPOS was improved by the oxidation of starch. The enhanced interfacial interactions between PPCMA and TPOS led to a better performance of PPC blends such as storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G''), complex viscosity (η*), tensile strength and thermal properties. Furthermore, the modification of TPOS by aluminate coupling agent (AL) facilitated the dispersion of oxidized starch in PPC matrix, and resulted in increasing the tensile strength and thermal stability. National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Science Fund of Guangdong Province.

Bio-Based Polymers with Potential for Biodegradability

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thomas F. Garrison

2016-07-01

Full Text Available A variety of renewable starting materials, such as sugars and polysaccharides, vegetable oils, lignin, pine resin derivatives, and proteins, have so far been investigated for the preparation of bio-based polymers. Among the various sources of bio-based feedstock, vegetable oils are one of the most widely used starting materials in the polymer industry due to their easy availability, low toxicity, and relative low cost. Another bio-based plastic of great interest is poly(lactic acid (PLA, widely used in multiple commercial applications nowadays. There is an intrinsic expectation that bio-based polymers are also biodegradable, but in reality there is no guarantee that polymers prepared from biorenewable feedstock exhibit significant or relevant biodegradability. Biodegradability studies are therefore crucial in order to assess the long-term environmental impact of such materials. This review presents a brief overview of the different classes of bio-based polymers, with a strong focus on vegetable oil-derived resins and PLA. An entire section is dedicated to a discussion of the literature addressing the biodegradability of bio-based polymers.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN MAGNESIUM STEARAT DAN JENIS PROTEIN PADA PEMBUATAN BIODEGRADABLE FOAM DENGAN METODE BAKING PROCESS

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Nanik hendrawati

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Biodegradable foam with cassava starch, protein and chitosan as the basic ingredients can be produced by using baking process method. Variation on magnesium stearate amount and protein types gave different effect on the biodegradable foam quality. The amount of magnesium stearate was varied as 1; 1.6; 2.2; 2.8; 3.4 and 4 % w/w and the sources of protein used in this research were taken from soy bean, peanut and egg white. The foam produced in this research was then tested for its mechanical properties, water resistance and biodegradability. It was found that addition of magnesium stearate as much as 4% w/w reduced water adsorption and biodegradability of foam. Magnesium stearate affected the ability of absorption of water and foam degradation, but did not influence on tensile strength. Different types of protein also gave influence on water absorption, biodegradability and tensile strength. The best improvement of tensile strenght among the compounds tested was shown by soy bean based foam.

Computational modelling of a thermoforming process for thermoplastic starch

Science.gov (United States)

Szegda, D.; Song, J.; Warby, M. K.; Whiteman, J. R.

2007-05-01

Plastic packaging waste currently forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and as such is causing increasing environmental concerns. Such packaging is largely non-biodegradable and is particularly difficult to recycle or to reuse due to its complex composition. Apart from limited recycling of some easily identifiable packaging wastes, such as bottles, most packaging waste ends up in landfill sites. In recent years, in an attempt to address this problem in the case of plastic packaging, the development of packaging materials from renewable plant resources has received increasing attention and a wide range of bioplastic materials based on starch are now available. Environmentally these bioplastic materials also reduce reliance on oil resources and have the advantage that they are biodegradable and can be composted upon disposal to reduce the environmental impact. Many food packaging containers are produced by thermoforming processes in which thin sheets are inflated under pressure into moulds to produce the required thin wall structures. Hitherto these thin sheets have almost exclusively been made of oil-based polymers and it is for these that computational models of thermoforming processes have been developed. Recently, in the context of bioplastics, commercial thermoplastic starch sheet materials have been developed. The behaviour of such materials is influenced both by temperature and, because of the inherent hydrophilic characteristics of the materials, by moisture content. Both of these aspects affect the behaviour of bioplastic sheets during the thermoforming process. This paper describes experimental work and work on the computational modelling of thermoforming processes for thermoplastic starch sheets in an attempt to address the combined effects of temperature and moisture content. After a discussion of the background of packaging and biomaterials, a mathematical model for the deformation of a membrane into a mould is presented, together with its

Slow release coating remedy for nitrogen loss from conventional urea: a review.

Science.gov (United States)

Naz, Muhammad Yasin; Sulaiman, Shaharin Anwar

2016-03-10

Developing countries are consuming major part of the global urea production with an anticipated nitrogen use efficiency of 20 to 35%. The release of excess nitrogen in the soil is not only detrimental to the environment but also lessens the efficiency of the conventional urea. The urea performance can be enhanced by encapsulating it with slow release coating materials and synchronizing the nutrients' release with the plant up-taking. However, the present cost of most of the coated fertilizers is considerably higher than the conventional fertilizers. The high cost factor prevents their widespread use in mainstream agriculture. This paper documents a review of literature related to the global urea market, issues pertaining to the conventional urea use, natural and synthetic materials for slow release urea and fluidized bed spray coating process. The aim of the current review is to develop technical understanding of the conventional and non-conventional coating materials and associated spray coating mechanism for slow release urea production. The study also investigated the potential of starch as the coating material in relation to the coatings tested previously for controlled release fertilizers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Starch films: production, properties and potential of utilization / Filmes de amido: produção, propriedades e potencial de utilização

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fábio Yamashita

2010-04-01

Full Text Available There is an increasing interest in the utilization of renewable resources for the production of food packaging. Among the biopolymers, starches from several sources have been considered as one of the most promising material for this purpose, and the reasons for this are that starches are biodegradable, are inexpensive and available in the worldwide. This work presents a bibliography review about biodegradable starch films characterization and potential of utilization. Discusses the starch films mechanical and barrier properties, the cristallinity and the effects of the use of plasticizers over these properties. The discussed informations indicate that exist great possibilities for these materials in food packaging, which depend on the production of more stable materials and the development of production technology in industrial scale.O interesse no emprego de matérias-primas provenientes de recursos renováveis para a produção de embalagens de alimentos vem crescendo. Dentre os biopolímeros mais promissores para este fim estão os amidos de diversas fontes botânicas, que são biodegradáveis, têm custo baixo e estão disponíveis em todo o mundo. Diante disto, este trabalho apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a caracterização e o potencial de utilização de filmes biodegradáveis a base de amido. Discute as propriedades mecânicas, de barreira e a cristalinidade dos filmes de amido e o efeito do uso de plastificantes sobre estas propriedades. As informações disponibilizadas mostram que existem grandes possibilidades de utilização destes materiais como embalagens de alimentos que, no entanto, dependem da produção de materiais mais estáveis às condições de armazenamento e do desenvolvimento de tecnologia de produção em escala industrial.

[Progress on biodegradation of polylactic acid--a review].

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Li, Fan; Wang, Sha; Liu, Weifeng; Chen, Guanjun

2008-02-01

Polylactic acid is a high molecular-weight polyester made from renewable resources such as corn or starch. It is a promising biodegradable plastic due to its mechanical properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability. To achieve natural recycling of polylactic acid, relative microorganisms and the underlying mechanisms in the biodegradation has become an important issue in biodegradable materials. Up to date, most isolated microbes capable of degrading polylactic acid belong to actinomycetes. Proteases secreted by these microorganisms are responsible for the degradation. However, subtle differences exist between these polylactic acid degrading enzymes and typical proteases with respect to substrate binding and catalysis. Amino acids relative to catalysis are postulated to be highly plastic allowing their catalytic hydrolysis of polylactic acid. In this paper we reviewed current studies on biodegradation of polylactic acid concerning its microbial, enzymatic reactions and the possible mechanisms. We also discussed the probability of biologically recycling PLA by applying highly efficient strains and enzymes.

Base Oils Biodegradability Prediction with Data Mining Techniques

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Malika Trabelsi

2010-02-01

Full Text Available In this paper, we apply various data mining techniques including continuous numeric and discrete classification prediction models of base oils biodegradability, with emphasis on improving prediction accuracy. The results show that highly biodegradable oils can be better predicted through numeric models. In contrast, classification models did not uncover a similar dichotomy. With the exception of Memory Based Reasoning and Decision Trees, tested classification techniques achieved high classification prediction. However, the technique of Decision Trees helped uncover the most significant predictors. A simple classification rule derived based on this predictor resulted in good classification accuracy. The application of this rule enables efficient classification of base oils into either low or high biodegradability classes with high accuracy. For the latter, a higher precision biodegradability prediction can be obtained using continuous modeling techniques.

Structure, morphology and functionality of acetylated and oxidised barley starches.

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El Halal, Shanise Lisie Mello; Colussi, Rosana; Pinto, Vânia Zanella; Bartz, Josiane; Radunz, Marjana; Carreño, Neftali Lenin Villarreal; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa

2015-02-01

Acetylation and oxidation are chemical modifications which alter the properties of starch. The degree of modification of acetylated and oxidized starches is dependent on the catalyst and active chlorine concentrations, respectively. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acetylation and oxidation on the structural, morphological, physical-chemical, thermal and pasting properties of barley starch. Barley starches were acetylated at different catalyst levels (11%, 17%, and 23% of NaOH solution) and oxidized at different sodium hypochlorite concentrations (1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% of active chlorine). Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractograms, thermal, morphological, and pasting properties, swelling power and solubility of starches were evaluated. The degree of substitution (DS) of the acetylated starches increased with the rise in catalyst concentration. The percentage of carbonyl (CO) and carboxyl (COOH) groups in oxidized starches also increased with the rise of active chlorine level. The presence of hydrophobic acetyl groups, carbonyl and carboxyl groups caused a partial disorganization and depolymerization of starch granules. The structural, morphological and functional changes in acetylated and oxidized starches varied according to reaction conditions. Acetylation makes barley starch more hydrophobic by the insertion of acetyl groups. Also the oxidation promotes low retrogradation and viscosity. All these characteristics are important for biodegradable film production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and characterization of size-controlled starch-based nanoparticles as hydrophobic drug carriers.

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Han, Fei; Gao, Chunmei; Liu, Mingzhu

2013-10-01

Acetylated corn starch was successfully synthesized and optimized by the reaction of native corn starch with acetic anhydride and acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The optimal degree of substitution of 2.85 was obtained. Starch-based nanoparticles were fabricated by a simple and novel nanoprecipitation procedure, by the dropwise addition of water to acetone solution of acetylated starch under stirring. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry showed that acetylated starch had some new bands at 1750, 1375 and 1240 cm(-1) while acetylated starch nanoparticles presented the identical peaks as the drug-loaded acetylated starch nanoparticles and the acetylated starch. Wide angle X-ray diffraction indicated that A-type pattern of native starch was completely transformed into the V-type pattern of Acetylated starch and starch-based nanoparticles show the similar type pattern with the acetylated starch. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the different sizes of pores formed on the acetylated starch granules were utterly converted into the uniform-sized spherical nanoparticles after the nanoprecipitation. The encapsulation efficiency and diameter of nanoparticle can be adjusted by the degree of substitution, the volume ratio of nonsolvent to solvent and the weight ratio of acetylated starch to drug. It was also depicted that the release behaviors of drug-loaded nanoparticles depend on the size of nanoparticles and the degree of substitution of the acetylated starch. Release studies prove that the starch-based nanoparticles with uniform size can be used for the encapsulation of hydrophobic drug and attained the sustained and controllable drug release carriers.

Products Based on Bio-Resourced Materials for Agriculture. Radiation Processed Biodegradable Polymers, Plant Growth Promoters and Superabsorbent Polymers. Chapter 9

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Dubey, K. A.; Bhardwaj, Y. K.; Chaudhari, C. V.; Varshney, L. [Radiation Technology Development Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (India)

2014-07-15

Radiation-processed natural polymers and their derivatives, namely starch, alginate, chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were explored for different agricultural applications such as biodegradable mulch films, super adsorbent polymers (SAPs), and plant growth promoters (PGPs). It was observed that gamma radiation-processed starch can lead to a better processability of starch/synthetic polymer alloys, and can offer tuneable biodegradability (as low as one month) with acceptable physico-mechanical properties. Acrylic acid/CMC-based SAP was prepared using {sup 60}Co gamma radiation, for soil conditioning. The equilibrium degree of swelling (EDS) of the acrylic acid/CMC SAP was found to be 460 g/g. The field trial of the SAP was conducted on sorghum. It was found that, with the use of 20 kg/ha of SAP, the crop yield can be increased by almost 18.5% whereas the increase in plant height was 8.5%. A new super adsorbent polymer with a much higher water uptake capacity was also developed by adding a small fraction of carrageenan to neutralized acrylic acid (AA). This SAP had EDS of 800 g/g, with the addition of only 1% carrageenan. Experiments to check the soil conditioning efficacy of AA/carrageenan SAP are in progress. Oligomers of chitosan and alginates were prepared by gamma irradiation and were tried as plant growth promoters in wheat (Triticum aestivum), mung bean (Vigna radiata), linseed (Linum usitatissimum), mentha (Mentha arvensis), and lemon grass. The results suggest that these oligomers have a significant impact on the grain and oil yield. Large scale field trials on Mentha arvensis in collaboration with an industry are in progress, and efforts are going on to formulate a policy framework for the use of oligosaccharides as plant growth promoters. (author)

Sensory evaluation of aromatic foods packed in developed starch based films using fuzzy logic

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Tanima Chowdhury

2015-04-01

Full Text Available The last two decades have seen attempts to replace non biodegradable, synthetic food packaging films with alternatives made from biopolymers. The objective of the present work was to evaluate sensory quality of tea leaf and culinary tastemaker powder when sealed in pouches based on starch films.Films were developed from corn starch and a functional polysaccharide (FP from amylose (AM, methylcellulose (MC, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, using a casting technique. Pouches were stored inside a secondary package (plastic jar under ambient condition for 90 days. Sensory attributes of the stored food samples were evaluated (tea in liquor form and the scores analysed by fuzzy logic. Results were compared with similarly stored foods but using market available poly-pouches as packaging material.For tea and tastemaker in general, the relative importance of the sensory attributes under consideration was assessed as:  aroma (Highly important >taste (Highly important>colour (Highly important > strength (Important for tea, and taste (Highly important>aroma (Highly important>colour (Important>appearance (Important for tastemaker. Among the three films that were developed, the highly important sensory attributes of aroma and taste were maintained as ‘Very good’ when the foods were packed in starch–HPMC/AM film. When the products were packed in market-available poly-pouches they exhibited similar attributes. With the exception of ‘Very good’ maintenance of the colour of tastemaker by the commercial pouch, irrespective of film and food, the colour and strength/appearance were retained in the ‘Good’-‘Satisfactory’ range. The overall sensory score of tea was also maintained as ‘Very good’ in starch-HPMC film.

Super water-absorbing new material from chitosan, EDTA and urea.

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Narayanan, Abathodharanan; Dhamodharan, Raghavachari

2015-12-10

A new, super water-absorbing, material is synthesized by the reaction between chitosan, EDTA and urea and named as CHEDUR. CHEDUR is probably formed through the crosslinking of chitosan molecules (CH) with the EDTA-urea (EDUR) adduct that is formed during the reaction. CHEDUR as well as the other products formed in control reactions are characterized extensively. CHEDUR exhibits a very high water uptake capacity when compared with chitosan, chitosan-EDTA adduct, as well as a commercial diaper material. A systematic study was done to find the optimum composition as well as reaction conditions for maximum water absorbing capacity. CHEDUR can play a vital role in applications that demand the rapid absorption and slow release of water such as agriculture, as a three in one new material for the slow release of urea, water and other metal ions that can be attached through the EDTA component. The other potential advantage of CHEDUR is that it can be expected to degrade in soil based on its chitosan backbone. The new material with rapid and high water uptake could also find potential applications as biodegradable active ingredient of the diaper material. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polylactide-based renewable composites from natural products residues by encapsulated film bag: characterization and biodegradability.

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Wu, Chin-San

2012-09-01

In the present study, the biodegradability, morphology, and mechanical properties of composite materials consisting of acrylic acid-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-AA) and natural products residues (corn starch, CS) were evaluated. Composites containing acrylic acid-grafted PLA (PLA-g-AA/CS) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties due to their greater compatibility with CS compared with PLA/CS. The feasibility of using PLA-g-AA/CS as a film bag material to facilitate the controlled release of an encapsulated phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (PSB) Burkholderia cepacia as a fertilizer use promoter was then evaluated. For purposes of comparison and accurate characterization, a PLA film bag was also assessed. The results showed that the bacterium completely degraded both the PLA and the PLA-g-AA/CS composite film bags, resulting in cell release. The PLA-g-AA/CS (20 wt%) film bags were more biodegradable than those made of PLA, and displayed a higher loss of molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, indicating a strong connection between these characteristics and biodegradability. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Porous starch/cellulose nanofibers composite prepared by salt leaching technique for tissue engineering.

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Nasri-Nasrabadi, Bijan; Mehrasa, Mohammad; Rafienia, Mohammad; Bonakdar, Shahin; Behzad, Tayebeh; Gavanji, Shahin

2014-08-08

Starch/cellulose nanofibers composites with proper porosity pore size, mechanical strength, and biodegradability for cartilage tissue engineering have been reported in this study. The porous thermoplastic starch-based composites were prepared by combining film casting, salt leaching, and freeze drying methods. The diameter of 70% nanofibers was in the range of 40-90 nm. All samples had interconnected porous morphology; however an increase in pore interconnectivity was observed when the sodium chloride ratio was increased in the salt leaching. Scaffolds with the total porogen content of 70 wt% exhibited adequate mechanical properties for cartilage tissue engineering applications. The water uptake ratio of nanocomposites was remarkably enhanced by adding 10% cellulose nanofibers. The scaffolds were partially destroyed due to low in vitro degradation rate after more than 20 weeks. Cultivation of isolated rabbit chondrocytes on the fabricated scaffold proved that the incorporation of nanofibers in starch structure improves cell attachment and proliferation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Starch on Properties of Alumina-based Ceramic Cores

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LI Fengguang

2016-12-01

Full Text Available In order to improve the poor leachability of alumina-based ceramic cores, different amount of starch was added to the specimens as pore former. Alumina-based ceramic cores were prepared by hot injection technology using corundum powder as base material, paraffin wax and beeswax as plasticizer, silica powder and magnesium oxide powder as mineralizing agent, wherein the parameters of the hot injection process were as follows:temperature of the slurry was 90℃, hot injection pressure was 0.5 MPa and holding time was 25 s. The effects of starch content on the properties of alumina-based ceramic cores were studied and discussed. The results indicate that during sintering period, the loss of starch in the specimens makes porosity of the alumina-based ceramic cores increase. When starch content increases, the room-temperature flexural strength of the ceramic cores reduces and the apparent porosity increases; the volatile solvent increases and the bulk density decreases. After being sintered at 1560℃ for 2.5 h, room-temperature flexural strength of the alumina-based ceramic cores with starch content of 8%(mass fraction is 24.8 MPa, apparent porosity is 47.98% when the volatile solvent is 1.92 g/h and bulk density is 1.88 g/cm3, the complex properties are optimal.

Cassava starch as a stabilizer of soy-based beverages.

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Drunkler, Northon Lee; Leite, Rodrigo Santos; Mandarino, José Marcos Gontijo; Ida, Elza Iouko; Demiate, Ivo Mottin

2012-10-01

Soy-based beverages are presented as healthy food alternatives for human nutrition. Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) starch is relatively inexpensive, widely available in Brazil and is broadly used by the food industry due to its desired properties that result from pasting. The objective of this study was to develop soy-based beverages with good sensory quality using native cassava starch as a stabilizer and maintaining the nutritional value that makes this product a functional food. The developed formulations featured a range of cassava starch and soybean extract concentrations, which were tested in a 2² experimental design with three central points. The results of sensory analysis showed that the studied variables (cassava starch and soybean extract concentrations) did not have a significant effect with respect to a 5% probability level. When considering the apparent viscosity, on the other hand, the variables had a significant effect: the increase in soybean extract and cassava starch concentrations caused an increase in the viscosity of the final product. The profile of isoflavones in the tested formulations was similar to the profiles reported in other papers, with a predominance of the conjugated glycosides over the aglycone forms.

Effect of PVA and PDE on selected structural characteristics of extrusion-cooked starch foams

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Maciej Combrzyński

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract The aim of this work was to determine selected physical properties of biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS filling foams manufactured by extrusion-cooking technique from different combinations of potato starch and two additives: poly(vinyl alcohol PVA and Plastronfoam PDE. Foams were processed with seven starch/additives combinations at two different extruder-cooker’s screw rotational speeds. The densities of starch foams depended significantly on the additive type and content. The linear relationship between the Young modulus and the ultimate compression force and apparent density was found. The foams processed with the addition of PVA had low density, porosity and lower values of the Young modulus than the foams prepared with PDE.

Preliminary Investigation to Determine the Suitable Mixture Composition for Corn Starch Matrix

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Huzaimi Zakaria, Nazri; Ngali, Zamani; Zulkefli Selamat, Mohd

2017-01-01

The use of natural fiber as reinforcement in polymeric composites has been seen a dramatically increase over the last decades. The surge in the interest of natural fiber composite or biodegradable composite is mainly due to the attractive cost of production, improved of hardness, better fatigue endurance and good thermal and mechanical resistivity. In this work, corn starch in the form of powder is utilized as the matrix of the composite. However, starch is brittle and has low strength make it inappropriate candidate for matrix binder. The main objective of this study is to modify the mechanical properties of pure corn starch by mixing it with water, glycerol and vinegar. The composition ratio of water is 60~80%, corn starch 10~35%, glycerol is 5~15% and vinegar is 0~5%, ten samples (A-J) have been manufactured and the best mixture composition is selected based on few selection criteria. The selection criteria are visual impaction, hardness and density. From the results, the samples without vinegar are not suitable to be used because of the fungus availability on the surface. Meanwhile the results from the samples with 5 ml vinegar have no fungus on their surface even has been exposed to the ambient air. While the sample C has shown the best sample based on the visual, hardness and density test.

TECHNOLOGY OF THERMOPLASTIC STARCH PRODUCTION

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N. D. Lukin

2015-01-01

Full Text Available In recent years, the manufacturing of bio-recyclable polymer products, which production and consumption has become an efficient way to protect environment from solid wastes in different countries of the world. The issue of environmental protection becomes global and the rapid growth of synthetic plastics application in many industries is a serious concern. There is a important task to improve the quality, safety and durability of products as well as their utilization after the expiration period. One of the most acceptable ways to solve these issues is to produce biodegradable materials based on natural materials, which are not harmful for environment and human health. A very common and effective method to give biological degradability to synthetic polymers is to insert starch into polymer composition in combination with other ingredients.

Influence of chitosan concentration on mechanical and barrier properties of corn starch/chitosan films.

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Ren, Lili; Yan, Xiaoxia; Zhou, Jiang; Tong, Jin; Su, Xingguang

2017-12-01

The active packaging films based on corn starch and chitosan were prepared through mixing the starch solution and the chitosan solution (1:1) by casting. The aim of this work was to characterize and analyze the effects of the chitosan concentrations (0, 21, 41, 61 and 81wt% of starch) on physicochemical, mechanical and water vapor barrier properties as well as morphological characteristics of the corn starch/chitosan (CS/CH) films. Starch molecules and chitosan could interact through hydrogen bonding as confirmed from the shift of the main peaks to higher wavenumbers in FTIR and the reduction of crystallinity in XRD. Results showed that the incorporation of chitosan resulted in an increase in film solubility, total color differences, tensile strength and elongation at break and a decrease in Young's modulus and water vapor permeability (WVP). Elongation at break of the CS/CH films increased with increasing of chitosan concentration, and reached a maximum at 41 wt%, then declined at higher chitosan concentration. The WVP of CS/CH films increased with an increase of chitosan concentration and the same tendency observed for the moisture content. The results suggest that this biodegradable CS/CH films could potentially be used as active packaging films for food and pharmaceutical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of Starch and Sugar Degradation and Transformation During Biotreatment Process of Wastewater from Rice Vermicelli Production at Craft Villages in Vietnam

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Nguyen Thi Minh Sang

2013-07-01

Full Text Available All steps in the rice vermicelli production discharged a big volume of wastewater containing significant amount of starch and sugar, except rice soaking. During the microbiological treatment, its known that starch, sugar or other carbon hydrates were disintegrated and transformed into finally simple molecular such as methane, carbon dioxide and water. But how is it happened is a question need to be further investigated. The result of this work partly showed out that, in the aerobic biotreatment process, starch and sugar concentration was continuously decreased in unchanged pH value during the treatment process. This counted that there was the biodegradation overwhelmed. The concentration of starch and sugar in biomass was sharply increased at the beginning hours was determined as a result of adsorption of organic matter on the biomass. However, in the anaerobic process, the variation of starch and sugar concentration was more complicated. The increase of sugar concentration in acidic phase was considered as a result of the chemical hydrolysis beside biodegradation of the starch. In this very work, in the different stages of treatment processes, the disintegration rates of starch and sugar were determined and their distribution in the solution and in the biomass during the treatment processes was discussed.

Development of starch biofilms using different carboxylic acids as plasticizers; Desenvolvimento de biofilmes de amido utilizando como plastificantes diferentes acidos carboxilicos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cruz, L.C.; Miranda, C.S.; Santos, W.J. dos; Goncalves, A.P.B.; Oliveira, J.C.; Jose, N.M., E-mail: uanaconceicaocruz@gmail.com [Universidade Federal da Bahia (GECIM/UFBA), Salvador, BA (Brazil). Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Engenharia Quimica. Grupo de Energia e Ciencias dos Materiais

2014-07-01

Biodegradable films have become a widely exploited issue among scientists because of their positive environmental impact, besides their potential to promote better food conservation and an increase in shelf life. Starch has been studied in this field due to its availability, low cost and biodegradability. However, starch films tend to be brittle and they need addition of a plasticizer to enable their usage. In this work, starch films were synthesized with different carboxylic acids as plasticizers, aiming to observe the effect of the acids chain size in the final films properties. The acids used were: oxalic, succinic and adipic. The materials were produced by casting and characterized by DSC, TG, DRX e FTIR. It was observed that the acids chain size influenced on the thermal and structural properties of the films. (author)

Thermogravimetric and Kinetic Analysis of Cassava Starch Based Bioplastic

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Nanang Eko Wahyuningtyas

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Cassava starch based bioplasticfor packaging application has great potency because of the various starch-producing plants in Indonesia.Bioplasticcan contribute to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels andpetroleumthat can solve the environmentalproblem.Thepurpose of this research is to find out the thermal decomposition and the activation energy of cassava starch based bioplastic. The methods weresynthesis bioplastic with cassava starch as main component and glycerol as plasticizer. The thermogravimetry analysis was conducted to obtain the decomposition process mechanism of bioplastic and the heating valueof bioplasticwas measured  using theadiabatic bomb calorimetric.  Data analysis was conducted using  a fitting model approach with an acikalin method to determine the activation energy. The result of thethermogravimetricanalysis showed thatbioplasticisgraduallydecomposedto the moisture, volatilematter, fixed carbon, andash in four stages mechanism. Totally decomposition of bioplastic was 530°C, then all of bioplastic was become the ash. The activation energy in the early and primary thermal decomposition stages are 1.27 kJ/moland 22.62 kJ/mol, respectively and heating valueof bioplastic is 15.16 MJ/kg.

Combination of Poly(lactic) Acid and Starch for Biodegradable Food Packaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Muller, Justine; González-Martínez, Chelo; Chiralt, Amparo

2017-08-15

The massive use of synthetic plastics, in particular in the food packaging area, has a great environmental impact, and alternative more ecologic materials are being required. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and starch have been extensively studied as potential replacements for non-degradable petrochemical polymers on the basis of their availability, adequate food contact properties and competitive cost. Nevertheless, both polymers exhibit some drawbacks for packaging uses and need to be adapted to the food packaging requirements. Starch, in particular, is very water sensitive and its film properties are heavily dependent on the moisture content, exhibiting relatively low mechanical resistance. PLA films are very brittle and offer low resistance to oxygen permeation. Their combination as blend or multilayer films could provide properties that are more adequate for packaging purposes on the basis of their complementary characteristics. The main characteristics of PLA and starch in terms of not only the barrier and mechanical properties of their films but also of their combinations, by using blending or multilayer strategies, have been analyzed, identifying components or processes that favor the polymer compatibility and the good performance of the combined materials. The properties of some blends/combinations have been discussed in comparison with those of pure polymer films.

Combination of Poly(lactic) Acid and Starch for Biodegradable Food Packaging

Science.gov (United States)

González-Martínez, Chelo; Chiralt, Amparo

2017-01-01

The massive use of synthetic plastics, in particular in the food packaging area, has a great environmental impact, and alternative more ecologic materials are being required. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and starch have been extensively studied as potential replacements for non-degradable petrochemical polymers on the basis of their availability, adequate food contact properties and competitive cost. Nevertheless, both polymers exhibit some drawbacks for packaging uses and need to be adapted to the food packaging requirements. Starch, in particular, is very water sensitive and its film properties are heavily dependent on the moisture content, exhibiting relatively low mechanical resistance. PLA films are very brittle and offer low resistance to oxygen permeation. Their combination as blend or multilayer films could provide properties that are more adequate for packaging purposes on the basis of their complementary characteristics. The main characteristics of PLA and starch in terms of not only the barrier and mechanical properties of their films but also of their combinations, by using blending or multilayer strategies, have been analyzed, identifying components or processes that favor the polymer compatibility and the good performance of the combined materials. The properties of some blends/combinations have been discussed in comparison with those of pure polymer films. PMID:28809808

Multi-objective optimization of process conditions in the manufacturing of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) starch/natural rubber films.

Science.gov (United States)

Ramírez-Hernández, A; Aparicio-Saguilán, A; Reynoso-Meza, G; Carrillo-Ahumada, J

2017-02-10

Multi-objective optimization was used to evaluate the effect of adding banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) starch and natural rubber (cis-1,4-poliisopreno) at different ratios (1-13w/w) to the manufacturing process of biodegradable films, specifically the effect on the biodegradability, crystallinity and moisture of the films. A structural characterization of the films was performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and SEM, moisture and biodegradability properties were studied. The models obtained showed that degradability vs. moisture tend to be inversely proportional and crystallinity vs. degradability tend to be directly proportional. With respect to crystallinity vs. moisture behavior, it is observed that crystallinity remains constant when moisture values remain between 27 and 41%. Beyond this value there is an exponential increase in crystallinity. These results allow for predictions on the mechanical behavior that can occur in starch/rubber films. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Some physicochemical and rheological properties of starch isolated from avocado seeds.

Science.gov (United States)

Chel-Guerrero, Luis; Barbosa-Martín, Enrique; Martínez-Antonio, Agustino; González-Mondragón, Edith; Betancur-Ancona, David

2016-05-01

Seeds from avocado (Persea americana Miller) fruit are a waste byproduct of fruit processing. Starch from avocado seed is a potential alternative starch source. Two different extraction solvents were used to isolate starch from avocado seeds, functional and rheological characteristics measured for these starches, and comparisons made to maize starch. Avocado seed powder was suspended in a solution containing 2 mM Tris, 7.5 mM NaCl and 80 mM NaHSO3 (solvent A) or sodium bisulphite solution (1500 ppm SO2, solvent B). Solvent type had no influence (p>0.05) on starch properties. Amylose content was 15-16%. Gelatinization temperature range was 56-74 °C, peak temperature was 65.7 °C, and transition enthalpy was 11.4-11.6J/g. At 90 °C, solubility was 19-20%, swelling power 28-30 g water/g starch, and water absorption capacity was 22-24 g water/g starch. Pasting properties were initial temperature 72 °C; maximum viscosity 380-390 BU; breakdown -2 BU; consistency 200 BU; and setback 198 BU. Avocado seed starch dispersions (5% w/v) were characterized as viscoelastic systems, with G'>G″. Avocado seed starch has potential applications as a thickening and gelling agent in food systems, as a vehicle in pharmaceutical systems and an ingredient in biodegradable polymers for food packaging. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

XRD Investigation of Some Thermal Degraded Starch Based Materials

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Mihai Todica

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The thermal degradation of some starch based materials was investigated using XRD method. The samples were obtained by thermal extrusion of mixtures of different proportions of starch, glycerol, and water. Such materials are suitable for the manufacturing of low pollutant packaging. Thermal degradation is one of the simplest ways to destroy such materials and this process is followed by structural modification of the local ordering of samples, water evaporation, crystallization, oxidation, or destruction of the chemical bonds. These modifications need to be studied in order to reduce to the minimum production of pollutant residues by burning process. XRD measurements show modification of the local ordering of the starch molecules depending on the temperature and initial composition of the samples. The molecular ordering perturbation is more pronounced in samples with low content of starch.

Synthesis, spectral characterization thermal stability, antimicrobial studies and biodegradation of starch–thiourea based biodegradable polymeric ligand and its coordination complexes with [Mn(II, Co(II, Ni(II, Cu(II, and Zn(II] metals

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Nahid Nishat

2016-09-01

Full Text Available A biodegradable polymer was synthesized by the modification reaction of polymeric starch with thiourea which is further modified by transition metals, Mn(II, Co(II, Ni(II, Cu(II and Zn(II. All the polymeric compounds were characterized by (FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, 13C NMR spectroscopy, UV–visible spectra, magnetic moment measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and antibacterial activities. Polymer complexes of Mn(II, Co(II and Ni(II show octahedral geometry, while polymer complexes of Cu(II and Zn(II show square planar and tetrahedral geometry, respectively. The TGA revealed that all the polymer metal complexes are more thermally stable than their parental ligand. In addition, biodegradable studies of all the polymeric compounds were also carried out through ASTM-D-5338-93 standards of biodegradable polymers by CO2 evolution method which says that coordination decreases biodegradability. The antibacterial activity was screened with the agar well diffusion method against some selected microorganisms. Among all the complexes, the antibacterial activity of the Cu(II polymer–metal complex showed the highest zone of inhibition because of its higher stability constant.

Preparation and Characterization of Potentially Antimicrobial Polymer Films Containing Starch Nano- and Microparticles

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Paulius Pavelas DANILOVAS

2014-09-01

Full Text Available The forming conditions of biodegradable polymer films containing iodine-modified starch particles as well as the properties of the obtained films were investigated. Cationic cross-linked starch microparticles and cationic starch nanoparticles were dispersed in cellulose acetate and hydroxyethyl cellulose solution, respectively, and composite films were spin-casted. The obtained films were characterized and their mechanical properties were assessed. The cellulose acetate solution has been found to be an appropriate matrix for the dispersion of dry modified starch microparticles, but not in the case of nanoparticles. Starch nanoparticles were obtained in an aqueous medium, and the mechanical properties of the formed cellulose acetate films are significantly reduced by water present in the casting solution. It has been estimated that a fairly high amount of nanoparticles (18 wt% can be immobilized into films of water-soluble hydroxyethyl cellulose without markedly affecting the mechanical properties of the films. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.20.3.5426

Partial characterization of chayotextle starch-based films added with ascorbic acid encapsulated in resistant starch.

Science.gov (United States)

Martínez-Ortiz, Miguel A; Vargas-Torres, Apolonio; Román-Gutiérrez, Alma D; Chavarría-Hernández, Norberto; Zamudio-Flores, Paul B; Meza-Nieto, Martín; Palma-Rodríguez, Heidi M

2017-05-01

Chayotextle starch was modified by subjecting it to a dual treatment with acid and heating-cooling cycles. This caused a decrease in the content of amylose, which showed values of 30.22%, 4.80%, 3.27% and 3.57% for native chayotextle starch (NCS), starch modified by acid hydrolysis (CMS), and CMS with one (CMS1AC) and three autoclave cycles (CMS3AC), respectively. The percentage of crystallinity showed an increase of 36.9%-62% for NCS and CMS3AC. The highest content of resistant starch (RS) was observed in CMS3AC (37.05%). The microcapsules were made with CMS3AC due to its higher RS content; the total content of ascorbic acid of the microcapsules was 82.3%. The addition of different concentrations of CMS3AC microcapsules (0%, 2.5%, 6.255% and 12.5%) to chayotextle starch-based films (CSF) increased their tensile strength and elastic modulus. The content of ascorbic acid and RS in CSF was ranged from 0% to 59.4% and from 4.84% to 37.05% in the control film and in the film mixed with CMS3AC microcapsules, respectively. Water vapor permeability (WVP) values decreased with increasing concentrations of microcapsules in the films. Microscopy observations showed that higher concentrations of microcapsules caused agglomerations due their poor distribution in the matrix of the films. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN ASAM SITRAT TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK FILM PLASTIK BIODEGRADABLE DARI PATI KULIT PISANG KEPOK (Musa acuminata balbisiana Colla

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Hardjono Hardjono

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Banana peels can be used as raw material for biodegradable plastic film because the banana peels was consists of starch. Starch was derived from banana peels would be rapidly changing color or browning. Browning was prevented by the addition of citric acid during the process of starch extraction from banana peels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of citric acid on mechanical properties and capabilities degradation of starch biodegradable film made from this starch (film plastik pati kulit pisang – FPKP. FPKP was made with banana peel starch (pati kulit pisang – PKP as raw materials, with the addition of glycerol as a plasticizer, and both CaCO3 and CMC as filler, whereas the PKP was obtained by simple extraction methods with or without the addition of citric acid. Glycerol concentration was varied from 20% w/w to 60% w/w, while CaCO3 and CMC were added in a fixed amount. The results was showed that the addition of citric acid affects the color of a PKP produced. The addition of citric acid can enhance the tensile strength of FPKP, up to 4,202 MPa for FPKP with CaCO3 filler and 4.032 MPa for FPKP with CMC filler. For biodegrability of FPKP, the affect of citric acid apply vice versa.

Novel polymer blends with thermoplastic starch

Science.gov (United States)

Taghizadeh, Ata

A new class of polymers known as "bioplastics" has emerged and is expanding rapidly. This class consists of polymers that are either bio-based or biodegradable, or both. Among these, polysaccharides, namely starch, are of great interest for several reasons. By gelatinizing starch via plasticizers, it can be processed in the same way as thermoplastic polymers with conventional processing equipment. Hence, these bio-based and biodegradable plastics, with their low source and refinery costs, as well as relatively easy processability, have made them ideal candidates for incorporation into various current plastic products. Four different plasticizers have been chosen here for gelatinization of thermoplastic starch (TPS): glycerol, sorbitol, diglycerol and polyglycerol, with the latter two being used for the first time in such a process. Two methodological categories are used. The first involves a calorimetric method (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) as well as optical microscopy; these are "static" methods where no shear is applied A wide range of starch/water/plasticizer compositions were prepared to explore the gelatinization regime for each plasticizer. The onset and conclusion gelatinization temperatures for sorbitol and glycerol were found to be in the same vicinity, while diglycerol and polyglycerol showed significantly higher transition temperatures. The higher molecular weight and viscosity of polyglycerol allow this transition to occur at an even higher temperature than with diglycerol. This is due to the increase in molecular weight and viscosity of the two new plasticizers, as well as their significant decrease in water solubility. It is demonstrated that the water/plasticizer ratio has a pronounced effect on gelatinization temperatures. When plasticizer content was held constant and water content was increased, it was found that the gelatinization temperature decreased for all the plasticizers. Meanwhile, when the water content was held constant and the

Encapsulation and delivery of food ingredients using starch based systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Fan

2017-08-15

Functional ingredients can be encapsulated by various wall materials for controlled release in food and digestion systems. Starch, as one of the most abundant natural carbohydrate polymers, is non-allergenic, GRAS, and cheap. There has been increasing interest of using starch in native and modified forms to encapsulate food ingredients such as flavours, lipids, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, enzymes, and probiotics. Starches from various botanical sources in granular or amorphous forms are modified by chemical, physical, and/or enzymatic means to obtain the desired properties for targeted encapsulation. Other wall materials are also employed in combination with starch to facilitate some types of encapsulation. Various methods of crafting the starch-based encapsulation such as electrospinning, spray drying, antisolvent, amylose inclusion complexation, and nano-emulsification are introduced in this mini-review. The physicochemical and structural properties of the particles are described. The encapsulation systems can positively influence the controlled release of food ingredients in food and nutritional applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial nanostructured starch based films for packaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Abreu, Ana S; Oliveira, M; de Sá, Arsénio; Rodrigues, Rui M; Cerqueira, Miguel A; Vicente, António A; Machado, A V

2015-09-20

Montmorillonite modified with a quaternary ammonium salt C30B/starch nanocomposite (C30B/ST-NC), silver nanoparticles/starch nanocomposite (Ag-NPs/ST-NC) and both silver nanoparticles/C30B/starch nanocomposites (Ag-NPs/C30B/ST-NC) films were produced. The nanoclay (C30B) was dispersed in a starch solution using an ultrasonic probe. Different concentrations of Ag-NPs (0.3, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0mM) were synthesized directly in starch and in clay/starch solutions via chemical reduction method. Dispersion of C30B silicate layers and Ag-NPs in ST films characterized by X-ray and scanning electron microscopy showed that the presence of Ag-NPs enhanced clay dispersion. Color and opacity measurements, barrier properties (water vapor and oxygen permeabilities), dynamic mechanical analysis and contact angle were evaluated and related with the incorporation of C30B and Ag-NPs. Films presented antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans without significant differences between Ag-NPs concentrations. The migration of components from the nanostructured starch films, assessed by food contact tests, was minor and under the legal limits. These results indicated that the starch films incorporated with C30B and Ag-NPs have potential to be used as packaging nanostructured material. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermo-mechanical behaviors of thermoplastic starch derived from sugar palm tree (Arenga pinnata).

Science.gov (United States)

Sahari, J; Sapuan, S M; Zainudin, E S; Maleque, M A

2013-02-15

In recent years, increasing environmental concerns focused greater attention on the development of biodegradable materials. A thermoplastic starch derived from bioresources, sugar palm tree was successfully developed in the presence of biodegradable glycerol as a plasticizer. Sugar palm starch (SPS) was added with 15-40 w/w% of glycerol to prepare workable bioplastics and coded as SPS/G15, SPS/G20, SPS/G30 and SPS/G40. The samples were characterized for thermal properties, mechanical properties and moisture absorption on exposure to humidity were evaluated. Morphological studies through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to explain the observed mechanical properties. Generally, the addition of glycerol decrease the transition temperature of plasticized SPS. The mechanical properties of plasticized SPS increase with the increasing of glycerol but up to 30 w/w%. Meanwhile, the water absorption of plasticized SPS decrease with increasing of glycerol. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of cassava starch fermentation wastewater based on structural degradation of starch granules

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Juliane Mascarenhas Pereira

2016-01-01

Full Text Available ABSTRACT: Sour cassava starch is a naturally modified starch produced by fermentation and sun drying, achieving the property of expansion upon baking. Sour cassava starch' bakery products can be prepared without the addition of yeast and it is gluten free. The fermentation process associated with this product has been well studied, but the wastewater, with high acidity and richness in other organic compounds derived from starch degradation, requires further investigation. In this study, the structure of solids present in this residue was studied, seeking to future applications for new materials. The solids of the wastewater were spray dried with maltodextrin (MD with dextrose equivalent (DE of 5 and 15 and the structure of the powder was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. A regular structure with a network arrangement was observed for the dried material with MD of 5 DE, in contrast to the original and fermented starches structure, which suggests a regular organization of this new material, to be studied in future applications.

Synthesis, spectral characterization thermal stability, antimicrobial studies and biodegradation of starch–thiourea based biodegradable polymeric ligand and its coordination complexes with [Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)] metals

OpenAIRE

Nahid Nishat; Ashraf Malik

2016-01-01

A biodegradable polymer was synthesized by the modification reaction of polymeric starch with thiourea which is further modified by transition metals, Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). All the polymeric compounds were characterized by (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, 13C NMR spectroscopy, UV–visible spectra, magnetic moment measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and antibacterial activities. Polymer complexes of Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) show octahedral geometry, wh...

High amylose resistant starch diet ameliorates oxidative stress, inflammation, and progression of chronic kidney disease.

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Nosratola D Vaziri

Full Text Available Inflammation is a major mediator of CKD progression and is partly driven by altered gut microbiome and intestinal barrier disruption, events which are caused by: urea influx in the intestine resulting in dominance of urease-possessing bacteria; disruption of epithelial barrier by urea-derived ammonia leading to endotoxemia and bacterial translocation; and restriction of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables which are common sources of fermentable fiber. Restriction of these foods leads to depletion of bacteria that convert indigestible carbohydrates to short chain fatty acids which are important nutrients for colonocytes and regulatory T lymphocytes. We hypothesized that a high resistant starch diet attenuates CKD progression. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed a chow containing 0.7% adenine for 2 weeks to induce CKD. Rats were then fed diets supplemented with amylopectin (low-fiber control or high fermentable fiber (amylose maize resistant starch, HAM-RS2 for 3 weeks. CKD rats consuming low fiber diet exhibited reduced creatinine clearance, interstitial fibrosis, inflammation, tubular damage, activation of NFkB, upregulation of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and pro-fibrotic molecules; impaired Nrf2 activity, down-regulation of antioxidant enzymes, and disruption of colonic epithelial tight junction. The high resistant starch diet significantly attenuated these abnormalities. Thus high resistant starch diet retards CKD progression and attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. Future studies are needed to explore the impact of HAM-RS2 in CKD patients.

The relationship between absorbency and density of bioplastic film made from hydrolyzed starch

Science.gov (United States)

Singan, Grace; Chiang, Liew Kang

2017-12-01

Water absorption in polymer blends such as starch-based bioplastic films is important to evaluate the stability characteristics of such films in water that will affect their long-term performance in final products. In this study, the absorbency of starch-based bioplastic films made from potato, cassava, and corn starches that have went through the hydrolysis process first to alter its characteristics and properties in terms of granular swelling and hydrophilicity behaviour. The final results showed that hydrolyzed cassava bioplastic film has the ability to absorb more water compared to hydrolyzed potato and corn bioplastic films. The reading of hydrolyzed cassava bioplastic film on the seventh day of immersion for all ratios were between 87.83 % to 131.29 %, while for hydrolyzed potato bioplastic films was 69.48 % to 92.41 % and hydrolyzed corn bioplastic films was 66.28 % to 74.18 %. Meanwhile, the density analysis was evaluated to determine its physical properties towards moisture condition. The results showed that the hydrolyzed cassava bioplastic films have higher density compared to the other two, which indicated that it is a more favourable raw material to produce biodegradable planting pot due to its ability to absorb more water. Hence, still manage to retain its shape with low brittle surface.

Green composites of thermoplastic corn starch and recycled paper cellulose fibers

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Amnuay Wattanakornsiri

2011-08-01

Full Text Available Ecological concerns have resulted in a renewed interest in environmental-friendly composites issues for sustainabledevelopment as a biodegradable renewable resource. In this work we used cellulose fibers from recycled newspaper as reinforcementfor thermoplastic starch in order to improve its mechanical, thermal and water resistance properties. The compositeswere prepared from corn starch plasticized by glycerol (30% wt/wt of glycerol to starch as matrix that was reinforcedwith micro-cellulose fibers, obtained from used newspaper, with fiber content ranging from 0 to 8% (wt/wt of fibers to matrix.Physical properties of composites were determined by mechanical tensile tests, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetricanalysis, water absorption measurement and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that higherfibers content raised the tensile strength and elastic modulus up to 175% and 292%, respectively, when compared to thenon-reinforced thermoplastic starch. The addition of the fibers improved the thermal resistance and decreased the waterabsorption up to 63%. Besides, scanning electron microscopy illustrated a good adhesion between matrix and fibers. Theseresults indicated that thermoplastic starch reinforced with recycled newspaper cellulose fibers could be fruitfully used ascommodity plastics being strong, cheap, abundant and recyclable.

Starch-based carbohydrates display the bifidogenic and butyrogenic properties in pH-controlled faecal fermentation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Plongbunjong, Vijitra; Graidist, Potchanapond; Knudsen, Knud Erik Bach

2017-01-01

Starch-based carbohydrates, native rice starch (NRS), isomaltooligosaccharide produced from native rice starch (rIMO), commercial isomaltooligosaccharide (cIMO), resistant starch type 2 (RS2) and type 3 (RS3) were investigated the bifidogenic and butyrogenic properties. The result confirmed...

Tailoring the structure and properties of amorphous starch blending and EB-radiation processing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khandal, D.; Bliard, C.; Coqueret, X.; Mikus, P.Y.; Dole, P.; Baumberger, S.

2011-01-01

Complete text of publication follows. Starch can be used alone and in combination with other compounds to make biodegradable articles from renewable resources. Lignins and their derivatives are good candidates for limiting the water sensitivity of starch-based materials, but they exhibit poor compatibility in blends with polysaccharides. Electron beam (EB) processing is proposed as an efficient method for inducing covalent linkages between the two constituents. Compared to unirradiated starting materials, the surface and bulk properties of EB-irradiated starch - lignin blends submitted to EB irradiation showed an interesting reduction in hydrophilicity. Radiation induced grafting of lignin models onto starch was shown to impede long-term retrogradation, with limited loss of mechanical properties. The reactivity under radiation of model blends was examined by several analytical methods. Maldi-T of mass spectrometry allowed us to propose reasonable free radical mechanisms that account for the grafting of various benzyl and cinnamyl alcohols onto maltodextrins. The presence of cinnamyl derivatives was found not only to limit degradation, but also modify the properties of the formulations (improved hydrophobicity, mechanical properties). Size exclusion chromatography and gel fraction measurements confirmed unambiguously the attachment of UV-absorbing chromophores onto the maltodextrin main chain. The combination of the obtained results demonstrates the possibility of altering in a favourable way the tensile properties of plasticized starch by applying high energy radiation to properly formulated blends including aromatic compounds like cinnamyl alcohol.

Optimization of phenol biodegradation by efficient bacteria isolated from petrochemical effluents

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M. Shahriari Moghadam

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Phenol is an environmental pollutant present in industrial wastewaters such as refineries, coal processing and petrochemicals products. In this study three phenol degrading bacteria from Arak Petrochemical Complex effluent were isolated which consume phenol. Molecular analysis was used to identify bacteria and isolated bacteria were identified as Rhodococcus pyridinivorans (NS1, Advenella faeciporci (NS2 and Pseudomonas aeroginosa (NS3. Among the isolated strains, NS1 had the highest ability to degrade phenol. In order to observe the best yield in phenol biodegradation using NS1, optimization was performed using one factor at a time of experimental design to investigate the effect of four factors, including pH, temperature, phosphate and urea concentration. The optimal biodegradation condition through or tho pathway was pH = 8, urea = 1 g/L, temperature = 30°C and K2HPO4 = 0.5 g/L. Under the suggested condition, a biodegradation efficiency of 100% was achieved. Moreover, NS1 has shown growth and phenol degradation in concentrations between 250 to 2000 mg/L. In a nutshell, the results revealed thatphenol efficiently consumed by NS1 as the sole carbon source. Obviously, the isolate strain may be seen as an important tool in the bioremediation of wastewater effluent, petrochemical complex.

Floatability of Fe-bearing silicates in the presence of starch: Adsorption and spectroscopic studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Severov, V V; Filippova, I V; Filippov, L O

2013-01-01

Natural polysaccharides such as starch, dextrin, cellulose and their derivatives are promising non-toxic and biodegradable organic flocculants and flotation depressants. This paper presents the investigation of mechanism of adsorption of corn starch on quartz and Fe-bearing amphibole, i.e. pargasite. The direct measurement of starch adsorption on the mineral surfaces shows no difference between quartz and pargasite. However, the starch adsorption on the magnetite is more important. FT-IR spectroscopy studies reports different adsorption mechanism of starch on quartz and pargasite surface. The key changes observed in starch absorption on quartz are the major shifts in C-0 stretching frequencies presumed existence of a hydrogen bond between starch and quartz surface. The similar changes were observed in this region of IR-band for pargasite. The appearance and disappearance of the bands in the region 960-920 cm −1 corresponds probably to formation of a new chemical bond between starch O-H groups and metal atoms on pargasite surface with formation of a surface complex. This result confirms that adsorption of the starch on the pargasite surface is droved by two mechanism. Hence, existence of strong chemical bond between starch and pargasite surface explains decrease of its floatability compared to quartz in process of iron ore flotation and forces to search new conditioning reagent modes.

Floatability of Fe-bearing silicates in the presence of starch: Adsorption and spectroscopic studies

Science.gov (United States)

Severov, V. V.; Filippova, I. V.; Filippov, L. O.

2013-03-01

Natural polysaccharides such as starch, dextrin, cellulose and their derivatives are promising non-toxic and biodegradable organic flocculants and flotation depressants. This paper presents the investigation of mechanism of adsorption of corn starch on quartz and Fe-bearing amphibole, i.e. pargasite. The direct measurement of starch adsorption on the mineral surfaces shows no difference between quartz and pargasite. However, the starch adsorption on the magnetite is more important. FT-IR spectroscopy studies reports different adsorption mechanism of starch on quartz and pargasite surface. The key changes observed in starch absorption on quartz are the major shifts in C-0 stretching frequencies presumed existence of a hydrogen bond between starch and quartz surface. The similar changes were observed in this region of IR-band for pargasite. The appearance and disappearance of the bands in the region 960-920 cm-1 corresponds probably to formation of a new chemical bond between starch O-H groups and metal atoms on pargasite surface with formation of a surface complex. This result confirms that adsorption of the starch on the pargasite surface is droved by two mechanism. Hence, existence of strong chemical bond between starch and pargasite surface explains decrease of its floatability compared to quartz in process of iron ore flotation and forces to search new conditioning reagent modes.

Assessing the toxicity and biodegradability of deep eutectic solvents.

Science.gov (United States)

Wen, Qing; Chen, Jing-Xin; Tang, Yu-Lin; Wang, Juan; Yang, Zhen

2015-08-01

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as a new type of promising ionic solvents with a broad range of potential applications. Although their ecotoxicological profile is still poorly known, DESs are generally regarded as "green" because they are composed of ammonium salts and H-bond donors (HBDs) which are considered to be eco-friendly. In this work, cholinium-based DESs comprised of choline chloride (ChCl) and choline acetate (ChAc) as the salt and urea (U), acetamide (A), glycerol (G) and ethylene glycol (EG) as the HBD were evaluated for their toxic effects on different living organisms such as Escherichia coli (a bacterium), Allium sativum (garlic, a plant) and hydra (an invertebrate), and their biodegradabilities were assessed by means of closed bottle tests. These DESs possessed an anti-bacterial property and exhibited inhibitory effects on the test organisms adopted, depending on the composition and concentration of the DES. The mechanism for the impact of DESs and their components on different living organisms can be associated to their interactions with the cellular membranes. Not all DESs can be considered readily biodegradable. By extending the limited knowledge about the toxicity and biodegradation of this particular solvent family, this investigation on DESs provides insight into our structure-based understanding of their ecotoxicological behavior. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of oxidized starch polymer microgels for encapsulation and controlled release of functional ingredients

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Li, Y.; Vries, R. de; Slaghek, T.; Timmermans, J.; Cohen Stuart, M.A.; Norde, W.

2009-01-01

A novel biocompatible and biodegradable microgel system has been developed for controlled uptake and release of especially proteins. It contains TEMPO-oxidized potato starch polymers, which are chemically cross-linked by sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). Physical chemical properties have been

The enzymatic determination of starch in food, feed and raw materials of the starch industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Brunt, K.; Sanders, P.; Rozema, T.

1998-01-01

An enzymatic starch determination which can be used for the analysis of starch in a very broad range of different samples is evaluated, ranging from starch in plants, feed and food to industrial applications as starch in starch. The method is based on a complete enzymatic conversion of the starch

DESARROLLO DE RECIPIENTES ACTIVOS Y BIODEGRADABLES PARA CULTIVOS AGRÍCOLAS

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Franco Poggio

2016-01-01

Full Text Available En este trabajo, s e prop one el desarrollo de recipient es biodegradables para cultivos que puedan ser trasplantados directamente y actuar como fertilizantes. Se eligió gelatina bovina c omo material base, que se procesó en una mini mezcladora - inyectora junto con una solución concentrada de urea que actuó como plastificante . Se realizaron estudios reológicos y de tracción p ara evalua r la inyección de las mezclas y las prestaciones mecánicas relacionadas con la aplicación propuesta . Considerando que esto s materiales biodegradables tienen baja resistencia al agua, s e prop uso incrementar la estabilidad de los recipientes mediante r ecubrimiento superficial . Asimismo, se estudió y analizó su influencia en el contenido de humedad, materia soluble e hinchamiento en agua destilada. Se observó que las muestras recubiertas fueron significativamente más estables en agua que la s muestras con trol, lo que evidencia la buena calidad y homogeneidad del recubrimie nto , que avala la factibilidad del sistema seleccionado y su potencial desarrollo de contenedores biodegradables.

SÍNTESIS Y CARACTERIZACIÓN DE UN POLÍMERO BIODEGRADABLE A PARTIR DEL ALMIDÓN DE YUCA

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Juliana Meneses

2007-12-01

Full Text Available En la presente investigación se elaboró un polímero biodegradable a partir del almidón de yuca con base en la implementación de la metodología Taguchi como herramienta de diseño de experimentos. El almidón dulce de yuca se mezcló, variando las condiciones, según lo indicado por el diseño de experimentos, con reactivos que cumplen la función de plastificantes, extensores, espesantes, lubricantes, humectantes y desmoldantes. Las diferentes mezclas se sometieron a procesos comunes para los polímeros convencionales en un molino abierto, una inyectora y una prensa de vulcanización. El proceso experimental arrojó como resultado seis muestras poliméricas con características adecuadas, que se sometieron a la medición de sus propiedades físicas, químicas, mecánicas y de biodegradabilidad.In the present research a biodegradable polymer was elaborated from manioc starch, based on the Taguchi methodology as the experiment design tool. The sweet manioc starch was mixed with chemical reagents acting as plastifiers, extensors, thickeners, lubricants, moisturizers, and mold releasing agents, varying the experimental conditions as indicated by the experiment design. The different mixtures underwent several processes common to conventional polymers in an open mill, an injection machine, and a vulcanizing press. The experimental process gave as a result six polymeric samples of adequate characteristics, all of which were subjected to physical, chemical, and mechanical properties and biodegradation measurement.

Renewable urea sensor based on a self-assembled polyelectrolyte layer.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Zhaoyang; Guan, Lirui; Shen, Guoli; Yu, Ruqin

2002-03-01

A renewable urea sensor based on a carboxylic poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-COOH) matrix pH-sensitive membrane has been proposed, in which a positively charged polyelectrolyte layer is first constructed by using a self-assembly technique on the surface of a PVC-COOH membrane, and urease, with negative charges, is then immobilized through electrostatic adsorption onto the PVC-COOH membrane, by controlling the pH of the urease solution below its isoelectric point. The response characteristics of the PVC-COOH pH-sensitive membrane and the effects of experimental conditions have been investigated in detail. Compared with conventional covalent immobilization, the urea sensor made with this self-assembly immobilization shows significant advantage in terms of sensitivity and ease of regeneration. The potential responses of the urea sensor with self-assembly immobilization increase with the urea concentration over the concentration range 10(-5) - 10(-1) mol l(-1), and the detection limit is 0.028 mmol(-1). Moreover, this type of urea sensor can be repeatedly regenerated by using a simple washing treatment with 0.01 mol l(-1) NaOH (containing 0.5 mol l(-1) NaCl) and 0.01 mol l(-1) HCl. The urease layers and the polyelectrolyte layers on the PVC-COOH membrane are removed, the potential response of the sensor to urea solutions of different concentrations returns nearly to zero, and another assembly cycle of urease and polyelectrolyte can then be carried out.

Evaluation of the effect of reprocessing on the structure and properties of low density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch blends.

Science.gov (United States)

Peres, Anderson M; Pires, Ruthe R; Oréfice, Rodrigo L

2016-01-20

The great quantity of synthetic plastic discarded inappropriately in the environment is forcing the search for materials that can be reprocessable and biodegradable. Blends between synthetic polymers and natural and biodegradable polymers can be good candidates of such novel materials because they can combine processability with biodegradation and the use of renewable raw materials. However, traditional polymers usually present high levels of recyclability and use the well-established recycling infrastructure that can eventually be affected by the introduction of systems containing natural polymers. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the effect of reprocessing (simulated here by multiple extrusions) on the structure and properties of a low density polyethylene/thermoplastic starch (LDPE/TPS) blend compared to LDPE. The results indicated that multiple extrusion steps led to a reduction in the average size of the starch-rich phases of LDPE/TPS blends and minor changes in the mechanical and rheological properties of the materials. Such results suggest that the LDPE/TPS blend presents similar reprocessability to the LDPE for the experimental conditions used. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nutritional strategies to combat physiological imbalance of dairy cows during early lactation: The effect of changes in dietary protein to starch-ratios

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Moyes, Kasey; Friggens, Nic; Ingvartsen, Klaus Lønne

2010-01-01

Thirty Danish Holstein cows were used to determine how cows in early lactation adapt to changes in protein to starch supply in order to manipulate metabolism to combat physiological imbalance. During weeks 4 through 6 of lactation, 10 cows were fed either a high protein to starch ratio (high) diet...... for the low, control and high diets, respectively. Besides milk urea nitrogen, no other production or metabolic parameters were affected by treatment. In conclusion, manipulation of dietary protein to starch is not a potential strategy to combat physiological imbalance during early lactation...

Urea utilization in growing lambs. 6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ulbrich, M.; Nikitin, S.; Geissler, C.; Hoffmann, M.

1988-01-01

Lambs aged 2 or 4 months and of an average live weight of 14.7 and 27.4 kg, resp., received rations consisting of 44% cereals, 46% dried sugar beet pulp, 6% wheat starch, 2% urea and 2% mineral-vitamin mixture. The crude protein content was 17.1 and 15.9%, resp., in the dry matter, that of natively crude protein 10.6 and 9.4%, resp. During a 6-day N balance period 8 and 16 g 15 N-urea resp. with a 15 N excess ( 15 N') of 9.26 and 9.40 atom-% were fed orally instead of commercial feeding urea. There were no significant differences between the two age groups with regard to the digestibility of the organic matter and the crude nutrients. The average N balance of 372 ± 85 mg/kg LW 0.75 /day were in the intermediate range of N retention capacity and accounted for 26 ± 5% of the consumed N. N retention in per cent. was slightly lower in younger lambs. Projections of urea utilization in a quasi stationary state resulted in an efficiency of the utilization of 33 ± 4%. The cutting up of the lambs at the end of the main period showed between 0.02 and 0.22 atom-% 15 N' in the total N, TCA precipitable N and amino acid N of the meat. At between 0.24 and 0.38 atom-% 15 N' they were highest in the heart and jaw muscles. The quota of 15 N' amounts found in the total N of the meat were 10.6 ± 3% of the 15 N intake and 20.1 ± 5.1% of the 15 N'amount remaining in the body. The bones contained 7.7 ± 1.7% and the fleece 7.9 ± 3.1% of the 15 N' intake. Total N and urea utilization was slightly lower in younger lambs than in older ones. (author)

Biodegradability of wheat gluten based bioplastics.

Science.gov (United States)

Domenek, Sandra; Feuilloley, Pierre; Gratraud, Jean; Morel, Marie-Hélène; Guilbert, Stéphane

2004-01-01

A large variety of wheat gluten based bioplastics, which were plasticized with glycerol, were subjected to biodegradation. The materials covered the total range available for the biochemical control parameter Fi, which expresses the percentage of aggregated proteins. This quantity can be related to the density of covalent crosslinks in the wheat gluten network, which are induced by technological treatments. The biodegradability tests were performed in liquid medium (modified Sturm test) and in farmland soil. All gluten materials were fully degraded after 36 days in aerobic fermentation and within 50 days in farmland soil. No significant differences were observed between the samples. The mineralization half-life time of 3.8 days in the modified Sturm test situated gluten materials among fast degrading polymers. The tests of microbial inhibition experiments revealed no toxic effects of the modified gluten or of its metabolites. Thus, the protein bulk of wheat gluten materials is non-toxic and fully biodegradable, whatever the technological process applied.

Dispersion Interactions between Urea and Nucleobases Contribute to the Destabilization of RNA by Urea in Aqueous Solution

Science.gov (United States)

Kasavajhala, Koushik; Bikkina, Swetha; Patil, Indrajit; MacKerell, Alexander D.; Priyakumar, U. Deva

2015-01-01

Urea has long been used to investigate protein folding and, more recently, RNA folding. Studies have proposed that urea denatures RNA by participating in stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds with nucleic acid bases. In this study, the ability of urea to form unconventional stacking interactions with RNA bases is investigated using ab initio calculations (RI-MP2 and CCSD(T) methods with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set). A total of 29 stable nucleobase-urea stacked complexes are identified in which the intermolecular interaction energies (up to −14 kcal/mol) are dominated by dispersion effects. Natural bond orbital (NBO) and atoms in molecules (AIM) calculations further confirm strong interactions between urea and nucleobases. Calculations on model systems with multiple urea and water molecules interacting with a guanine base lead to a hypothesis that urea molecules along with water are able to form cage-like structures capable of trapping nucleic acid bases in extrahelical states by forming both hydrogen bonded and dispersion interactions, thereby contributing to the unfolding of RNA in the presence of urea in aqueous solution. PMID:25668757

Effect of nitrogen sources on the biodegradation of diesel fuel in unsaturated soil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brook, T. R.; Stiver, W. H.; Zytner, R. G.

1997-01-01

The various factors involved in controlling the rate and efficiency of the bioremediation process were studied, among them the type and concentration of contaminants, temperature, oxygen content and nutrient status. This study emphasized the effect of the nitrogen source on the degradation rate of diesel fuel in nutrient-limited soil. Various nitrogen sources were studied, including ammonium nitrate, urea, and urea oligomers. Treatment with urea produced the highest rate of hydrocarbon degradation, but ammonium levels were a better indicator of nutrient performance than total inorganic nitrogen. Other nitrogen sources produced little or no effect on the rate of biodegradation; there was no evidence that nitrate at 0.5 mg N/g concentration was inhibitory. 11 refs., 6 figs

Flexible biodegradable citrate-based polymeric step-index optical fiber.

Science.gov (United States)

Shan, Dingying; Zhang, Chenji; Kalaba, Surge; Mehta, Nikhil; Kim, Gloria B; Liu, Zhiwen; Yang, Jian

2017-10-01

Implanting fiber optical waveguides into tissue or organs for light delivery and collection is among the most effective ways to overcome the issue of tissue turbidity, a long-standing obstacle for biomedical optical technologies. Here, we report a citrate-based material platform with engineerable opto-mechano-biological properties and demonstrate a new type of biodegradable, biocompatible, and low-loss step-index optical fiber for organ-scale light delivery and collection. By leveraging the rich designability and processibility of citrate-based biodegradable polymers, two exemplary biodegradable elastomers with a fine refractive index difference and yet matched mechanical properties and biodegradation profiles were developed. Furthermore, we developed a two-step fabrication method to fabricate flexible and low-loss (0.4 db/cm) optical fibers, and performed systematic characterizations to study optical, spectroscopic, mechanical, and biodegradable properties. In addition, we demonstrated the proof of concept of image transmission through the citrate-based polymeric optical fibers and conducted in vivo deep tissue light delivery and fluorescence sensing in a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat, laying the groundwork for realizing future implantable devices for long-term implantation where deep-tissue light delivery, sensing and imaging are desired, such as cell, tissue, and scaffold imaging in regenerative medicine and in vivo optogenetic stimulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Starch films from a novel (Pachyrhizus ahipa) and conventional sources: Development and characterization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

López, Olivia V.; García, María A.

2012-01-01

Biodegradable films from ahipa, cassava and corn native starches were developed by casting method and their physicochemical, mechanical and barrier properties were analyzed taking into account the different starch botanical sources. Filmogenic suspensions were prepared; their rheological behaviors were studied and all of them exhibited film-forming ability. However, mechanical assays demonstrated that unplasticized films were too rigid, limiting their technological applications. Thus, 1.5% w/w of glycerol as plasticizer was added to filmogenic suspensions and film flexibility and extensibility were improved, this effect was more significant for ahipa and cassava starch films. Furthermore, thickness, moisture content and water solubility of the developed films were increased when plasticizer was incorporated. Glycerol addition reduced film water vapor permeability and the lowest reduction corresponded to cassava starch films due to the high viscosity of its filmogenic suspensions. Plasticized starch films resulted to be UV radiation barriers; ahipa starch films had the lowest light absorption capacity and higher transparency than cassava and corn starch films. Dynamic-mechanical analysis indicated that plasticized films were partially miscible systems exhibiting two relaxations, one attributed to the starch-rich phase and the other to the glycerol-rich one. Likewise, it could be demonstrated that glycerol exerted a major plasticizing effect on ahipa starch matrixes. Highlights: ► Ahipa, cassava and corn starch films were developed by casting method. ► Glycerol effect on film mechanical behavior was major for tuberous starch films. ► Ahipa starch films resulted to be more transparent with lower UV absorption capacity. ► Plasticized films were partially miscible systems: with a glycerol-rich and a starch-rich phase. ► Glycerol exerted a major plasticizing effect on ahipa starch films.

Preparation and characterization of composites based on PBAT/Starch blend, micro and nanofillers of bio-CaCO{sub 3}; Preparacao e caracterizacao de compositos baseados na blenda de PBAT/amido, micro e nanocargas de bio-CaCo{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Valquiria A.; Neto, Jose C. de M.; Moura, Esperidiana A.B. [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil); Tiimob, Boniface; Rangari, Vijaya K. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL (United States); Silva, Raimundo N.A. da, E-mail: jmacedo@uea.edu.br [Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, AM (Brazil). Escola Superior de Tecnologia. Coordenacao de Engenharia de Materiais

2015-07-01

Biodegradable polymeric materials have been used as an alternative to synthetic polymeric materials due to their reduced environmental impact. Among the biodegradable polymers is investigated poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). This polymer has the flexibility, high strain at break and easy processing, but a high cost and low toughness that limits their applications. The development of PBAT blends with thermoplastic starch or other biodegradable polymers may lead to a balance of properties, expand its range of applications and also make it more economically viable. The mechanical properties of biodegradable PBAT blends may be further improved by incorporating micro or nanofillers from renewable sources. This study aimed to the processing and characterization of a PBAT/Starch blend reinforced with 2% (wt.) of bioCaCO{sub 3} nanoparticles (nano-bioCaCO{sub 3}) and 5% (wt.) of bioCaCO{sub 3}-micro (particles ≤ 125 μm). For the preparations were used a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. For the characterization of the prepared materials were used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile test. The XRD results showed the greatest intensity peak of CaCO{sub 3} in the matrix for composites containing bio-CaCO{sub 3} nanofillers suggesting a better interaction between matrix and nanofillers. The results of the tensile test confirmed the better interaction between matrix and nanofillers. These results showed that the addition of only 2 % (wt.) of bio-CaCO{sub 3} nanoparticles in PBAT/Starch blend led to obtaining a tougher material with improved tensile strength and elastic modulus properties regarding the polymer blend. (author)

Biodegradable films and spray coatings as eco-friendly alternative to petro-chemical derived mulching films

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G. Vox

2013-09-01

Full Text Available The use of plastic mulching films in horticulture causes the serious drawback of huge amount of wastes to be disposed of at the end of their lifetime. Several pre-competitive research products based on raw materials coming from renewable sources were recently developed to be used as biodegradable materials for soil mulching. Biodegradable materials are designed in order both to retain their mechanical and physical properties during their using time and to degrade at the end of their lifetime. These materials can be integrated directly in the soil in order to biodegrade because the bacterial flora transforms them in carbon dioxide or methane, water and biomass. The innovative materials can be obtained using natural polymers, such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, alginate and glucomannan. Biodegradable extruded mulching films were performed by means of thermo-plasticizing process. Spray mulch coatings were realized directly in field, by spraying water solutions based on natural polysaccharides, thus covering the cultivated soil with a protective thin geo-membrane. In this paper an overview on the formulation development, processing understanding, field performance, mechanical and radiometric properties of these innovative materials for soil mulching is presented. In field the biodegradable mulching films showed suitable mechanical properties if compared to the low density polyethylene films. The radiometric properties and their effect on the temperature condition and on weed control in the mulched soil were evaluated too. At the end of their lifetime the biodegradable materials were shattered and buried into the soil together with plants.

Aroma behaviour during steam cooking within a potato starch-based model matrix.

Science.gov (United States)

Descours, Emilie; Hambleton, Alicia; Kurek, Mia; Debeaufort, Fréderic; Voilley, Andrée; Seuvre, Anne-Marie

2013-06-05

To help understand the organoleptic qualities of steam cooked foods, the kinetics of aroma release during cooking in a potato starch based model matrix was studied. Behaviour of components having a major impact in potato flavour were studied using solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography (SPME-GC). Evolution of microstructure of potato starch model-matrix during steam cooking process was analyzed using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Both aroma compounds that are naturally present in starch matrix and those that were added were analyzed. Both the aroma compounds naturally presented and those added had different behaviour depending on their physico-chemical properties (hydrophobicity, saturation vapour pressure, molecular weight, etc.). The physical state of potato starch influences of the retention of aromatized matrix with Starch gelatinization appearing to be the major phenomenon influencing aroma release. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High molecular weight polyurethanes and a polyurethane urea based on 1,4-butanediisocyanate

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Spaans, CJ; de Groot, JH; Dekens, FG; Pennings, AJ

New biomedical polyurethanes and a polyurethane urea based on epsilon-caprolactone and 1,4-butanediisocyanate have been developed. On degradation, only non-toxic products are produced. The polyurethane urea with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) soft segments and butanediisocyanate/butanediamine hard

Thermal Characterization of Modified Tacca Leontopetaloides Starch and Natural Rubber Based Thermoplastic Elastomer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ainatul Mardhiah Mohd Amin; Nur Shahidah Ab Aziz; Nurul Shuhada Mohd Makhtar; Miradatul Najwa Mohd Rodhi; Suhaila Mohd Sauid

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to identify the potential of Tacca leontopetaloides starch as bio-based thermoplastic elastomers, TPEs. Starch based polymer had been recognized to have highly potential in replace existing source of conventional elastomeric polymer. The modification process of blending starch with natural rubber, plasticizers, additives, and filler contribute to the enhancement and improvement for the properties of starch in order to produce biopolymers by approaching the properties of TPEs. Thermal properties of starch based thermoplastic was studied to evaluate the decomposition and degradation of the samples by using Thermogravimetric Analysis, TGA while the properties of endothermic reactions of the samples were thermally analyzed via Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC. From the analysis, it was found that the thermal properties of samples were revealed by recognizing GM-2 (green materials, GM) has high thermal resistance towards high temperature up to 480.06 degree Celsius with higher amount of residue which is 4.97 mg compared to other samples. This indicates GM-2 comprises of superior combination of ratio between natural rubbers and glycerol (plasticizer) in purpose of approaching the properties of Thermoplastic Elastomers, TPEs. (author)

Carbon Nanotubes-Based Potentiometric Bio-Sensors for Determination of Urea

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ewa Jaworska

2015-07-01

Full Text Available The possibility of using disposable plastic-carbon potentiometric sensors as enzyme biosensors was examined. Urease enzyme was immobilized on poly(vinyl chloride based H+- or NH4+-selective membranes using cellulose acetate. This approach has resulted in a potentiometric response on changing the pH of the solution or NH4+ ion content due to an enzymatic reaction that occurs between urease and urea. Both types of potentiometric biosensors for urea were characterized by good analytical parameters as high sensitivity and fast response time.

Amperometric urea biosensors based on sulfonated graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite

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Das G

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Gautam Das, Hyon Hee Yoon Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor based on sulfonated graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite was developed for urea analysis. Oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of sulfonated graphene oxide was carried out by electrochemical methods in an aqueous environment. The structural properties of the nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The urease enzyme-immobilized sulfonated graphene/polyaniline nanocomposite film showed impressive performance in the electroanalytical detection of urea with a detection limit of 0.050 mM and a sensitivity of 0.85 µA·cm-2·mM-1. The biosensor achieved a broad linear range of detection (0.12–12.3 mM with a notable response time of approximately 5 seconds. Moreover, the fabricated biosensor retained 81% of its initial activity (based on sensitivity after 15 days of storage at 4°C. The ease of fabrication coupled with the low cost and good electrochemical performance of this system holds potential for the development of solid-state biosensors for urea detection. Keywords: electrochemical deposition, sulfonated graphene oxide, urease

Modeling of flux, binding and substitution of urea molecules in the urea transporter dvUT.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Hai-Tian; Wang, Zhe; Yu, Tao; Sang, Jian-Ping; Zou, Xian-Wu; Zou, Xiaoqin

2017-09-01

Urea transporters (UTs) are transmembrane proteins that transport urea molecules across cell membranes and play a crucial role in urea excretion and water balance. Modeling the functional characteristics of UTs helps us understand how their structures accomplish the functions at the atomic level, and facilitates future therapeutic design targeting the UTs. This study was based on the crystal structure of Desulfovibrio vulgaris urea transporter (dvUT). To model the binding behavior of urea molecules in dvUT, we constructed a cooperative binding model. To model the substitution of urea by the urea analogue N,N'-dimethylurea (DMU) in dvUT, we calculated the occupation probability of DMU along the urea pore and the ratio of the occupation probabilities of DMU at the external (S ext ) and internal (S int ) binding sites, and we established the mutual substitution rule for binding and substitution of urea and DMU. Based on these calculations and modelings, together with the use of the Monte Carlo (MC) method, we further modeled the urea flux in dvUT, equilibrium urea binding to dvUT, and the substitution of urea by DMU in the dvUT. Our modeling results are in good agreement with the existing experimental functional data. Furthermore, the modelings have discovered the microscopic process and mechanisms of those functional characteristics. The methods and the results would help our future understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the diseases associated with impaired UT functions and rational drug design for the treatment of these diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biodegradable compounds: Rheological, mechanical and thermal properties

Science.gov (United States)

Nobile, Maria Rossella; Lucia, G.; Santella, M.; Malinconico, M.; Cerruti, P.; Pantani, R.

2015-12-01

Recently great attention from industry has been focused on biodegradable polyesters derived from renewable resources. In particular, PLA has attracted great interest due to its high strength and high modulus and a good biocompatibility, however its brittleness and low heat distortion temperature (HDT) restrict its wide application. On the other hand, Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable polymer with a low tensile modulus but characterized by a high flexibility, excellent impact strength, good thermal and chemical resistance. In this work the two aliphatic biodegradable polyesters PBS and PLA were selected with the aim to obtain a biodegradable material for the industry of plastic cups and plates. PBS was also blended with a thermoplastic starch. Talc was also added to the compounds because of its low cost and its effectiveness in increasing the modulus and the HDT of polymers. The compounds were obtained by melt compounding in a single screw extruder and the rheological, mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. The properties of the two compounds were compared and it was found that the values of the tensile modulus and elongation at break measured for the PBS/PLA/Talc compound make it interesting for the production of disposable plates and cups. In terms of thermal resistance the compounds have HDTs high enough to contain hot food or beverages. The PLA/PBS/Talc compound can be, then, considered as biodegradable substitute for polystyrene for the production of disposable plates and cups for hot food and beverages.

Morphological analysis of thermoplastic starch films and montmorillonite (TPS/MMT) using vegetable oils of Brazilian Cerrado as plasticizers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schlemmer, Daniela; Sales, Maria Jose A.; Angelica, Romulo S.; Gomes, Ana Cristina M.M.

2009-01-01

Biopolymers can be used where petrochemical plastics have applications with short life. The excellent degradation of starch and its low cost make it an alternative for obtaining biodegradable plastics. To obtain thermoplastic starch (TPS) is necessary mechanical shake, high temperature and plasticizers. In this work, TPS were produced using three different vegetable oils from Brazilian's cerrado as plasticizers: buriti, macauba or pequi. Materials are also produced with montmorillonite (MMT). All the materials were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The starch micrographs revealed irregular delaminate with a predominance of starch and 'holes' for the oils. In nanocomposites the clusters of clay are dispersed without a defined standard. It was understood that the plasticizers and processing completely changed the structure of starch causing a decrease in their crystallinity degree. Almost all nanocomposites presented exfoliate structure, only one presented intercalated structure. (author)

Evaluation of the types of starch for preparation of LDPE/starch blends

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Glória Maria Vinhas

2007-05-01

Full Text Available This study evaluated in relation the growth, and the amylolytic activity of mixed and isolated cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Talaromyces wortmanni on different types of starch. The thermal and mechanical properties in polyethylene/starch blends (proportion: 80/20 (w/w before and after inoculation of the mixed cultures were evaluated. The regular starch Amidex 3 and the modified starch Fox5901 stood out in relation to the cellular growth and production of the amylase enzyme. In spite of the short time that the blends were exposed to the fungi, the microorganisms promoted physical and chemical changes in the structure of the blend, modifying its thermal and mechanical properties. The alteration of the degree of crystallinity and mechanical properties of the blends could be indications of the modification caused by the biodegradation process.Nesse trabalho foi realizado um estudo sobre diferentes tipos de amido quanto ao crescimento, e a atividade amilolítica de culturas mistas e isoladas dos fungos Phanerochaete chrysosporium e Talaromyces wortmannii. Avaliaram-se também as propriedades térmicas e mecânicas das blendas de polietileno/amido anfótero (na proporção 80/20 (m/m antes e apos a inoculação das culturas mistas desses fungos.O amido regular Amidex 3 e o amido modificado Fox5901 foram os que se destacaram quanto ao crescimento celular e produção da enzima amilase. Apesar do pouco tempo de exposição dos filmes com os fungos, pode-se concluir que os microrganismos promovem mudanças físicas e químicas na estrutura da blenda, modificando suas propriedades térmicas e mecânicas. A alteração do grau de cristalinidade e das propriedades mecânicas das blendas podem ser indícios da modificação provocada pelo processo de biodegradação.

Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Based Models for Chemical Biodegradability Prediction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aleksandar Sabljic

2004-12-01

Full Text Available This study presents a review of biodegradability modeling efforts including a detailed assessment of two models developed using an artificial intelligence based methodology. Validation results for these models using an independent, quality reviewed database, demonstrate that the models perform well when compared to another commonly used biodegradability model, against the same data. The ability of models induced by an artificial intelligence methodology to accommodate complex interactions in detailed systems, and the demonstrated reliability of the approach evaluated by this study, indicate that the methodology may have application in broadening the scope of biodegradability models. Given adequate data for biodegradability of chemicals under environmental conditions, this may allow for the development of future models that include such things as surface interface impacts on biodegradability for example.

Thermomechanical treatment of starch

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Goot, van der A.J.; Einde, van den R.M.

2006-01-01

Starch is used as a major component in many food and nonfood applications and determines the overall product properties to a large extent. It is therefore important to understand the effect of processing on starch. Many starch-based products are produced using a thermal as well as a mechanical

Soil burial biodegradation studies of palm oil-based UV-curable films

Science.gov (United States)

Tajau, Rida; Salleh, Mek Zah; Salleh, Nik Ghazali Nik; Abdurahman, Mohamad Norahiman; Salih, Ashraf Mohammed; Fathy, Siti Farhana; Azman, Anis Asmi; Hamidi, Nur Amira

2016-01-01

The palm oil-based ultraviolet (uv)-curable films were subjected to an outdoor soil burial test to investigate the biodegradation under natural environment. The films were burial in the soil experiment plot at the Nuclear Malaysia's Dengkil complex. The uv-curable films were synthesized from the epoxidized palm oil acrylated (EPOLA) resin and the polyurethane palm oil (POBUA) resin, respectively. Biodegradation tests are more specific to burial film in soil experiments for 12 months under natural conditions. The biodegradability of palm oil resin based uv-curable films were investigated and compared with the petrochemical resin based film. The films properties were compared with respect to properties of the thermal characteristic, the crystallinity, the morphology and the weight loss which are analyzed using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the scanning electron microscope (SEM), an optical microscope and the weight loss of film calculation. These findings suggested that the palm oil-based uv-curable films show quite satisfactory biodegradation levels.

Soil burial biodegradation studies of palm oil-based UV-curable films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tajau, Rida; Salleh, Mek Zah; Salleh, Nik Ghazali Nik; Abdurahman, Mohamad Norahiman; Salih, Ashraf Mohammed; Fathy, Siti Farhana; Azman, Anis Asmi; Hamidi, Nur Amira

2016-01-01

The palm oil-based ultraviolet (uv)-curable films were subjected to an outdoor soil burial test to investigate the biodegradation under natural environment. The films were burial in the soil experiment plot at the Nuclear Malaysia’s Dengkil complex. The uv-curable films were synthesized from the epoxidized palm oil acrylated (EPOLA) resin and the polyurethane palm oil (POBUA) resin, respectively. Biodegradation tests are more specific to burial film in soil experiments for 12 months under natural conditions. The biodegradability of palm oil resin based uv-curable films were investigated and compared with the petrochemical resin based film. The films properties were compared with respect to properties of the thermal characteristic, the crystallinity, the morphology and the weight loss which are analyzed using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the scanning electron microscope (SEM), an optical microscope and the weight loss of film calculation. These findings suggested that the palm oil-based uv-curable films show quite satisfactory biodegradation levels

Soil burial biodegradation studies of palm oil-based UV-curable films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tajau, Rida, E-mail: rida@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Salleh, Mek Zah, E-mail: mekzah@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Salleh, Nik Ghazali Nik, E-mail: nik-ghazali@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Abdurahman, Mohamad Norahiman, E-mail: iman5031@yahoo.com [Division of Radiation Processing Technology, Malaysia Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor (Malaysia); Salih, Ashraf Mohammed, E-mail: ashraf.msalih@gmail.com [Department of Radiation Processing, Sudan Atomic Energy Commission, Khartoum, 1111 Sudan (Sudan); Fathy, Siti Farhana, E-mail: farhana811@hotmail.com [Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience (IBS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor (Malaysia); Azman, Anis Asmi, E-mail: anisasmi18@gmail.com; Hamidi, Nur Amira, E-mail: amirahamidi93@yahoo.com [School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang (Malaysia)

2016-01-22

The palm oil-based ultraviolet (uv)-curable films were subjected to an outdoor soil burial test to investigate the biodegradation under natural environment. The films were burial in the soil experiment plot at the Nuclear Malaysia’s Dengkil complex. The uv-curable films were synthesized from the epoxidized palm oil acrylated (EPOLA) resin and the polyurethane palm oil (POBUA) resin, respectively. Biodegradation tests are more specific to burial film in soil experiments for 12 months under natural conditions. The biodegradability of palm oil resin based uv-curable films were investigated and compared with the petrochemical resin based film. The films properties were compared with respect to properties of the thermal characteristic, the crystallinity, the morphology and the weight loss which are analyzed using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the scanning electron microscope (SEM), an optical microscope and the weight loss of film calculation. These findings suggested that the palm oil-based uv-curable films show quite satisfactory biodegradation levels.

Graphene Oxide Filled Lignin/Starch Polymer Bionanocomposite: Structural, Physical, and Mechanical Studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Aqlil, Meryem; Moussemba Nzenguet, Annie; Essamlali, Younes; Snik, Asmae; Larzek, Mohamed; Zahouily, Mohamed

2017-12-06

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was investigated as a potential nanoreinforcing agent in starch/lignin (ST/L) biopolymer matrix. Bionanocomposite films based on ST/L blend matrix and GO were prepared by solution-casting technique of the corresponding film-forming solution. The structures, morphologies, and properties of bionanocomposite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), SEM, and tensile tests. The experimental results showed that content of GO have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the produced films. The results revealed that the interfacial interaction formed in the bionanocomposite films improved the compatibility between GO fillers and ST/L matrix. The addition of GO also reduced moisture uptake (Mu) and water vapor permeability of ST/L blend film. In addition, TGA showed that the thermal stability of bionanocomposite films was better than that of neat starch film. These findings confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach to produce biodegradable films with enhanced properties, which may be used in packaging applications.

Comparison of gamma radiation effects on natural corn and potato starches and modified cassava starch

Science.gov (United States)

Teixeira, Bruna S.; Garcia, Rafael H. L.; Takinami, Patricia Y. I.; del Mastro, Nelida L.

2018-01-01

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of irradiation treatment on physicochemical properties of three natural polymers, i.e. native potato and corn starches and a typical Brazilian product, cassava starch modified through fermentation -sour cassava- and also to prepare composite hydrocolloid films based on them. Starches were irradiated in a 60Co irradiation chamber in doses up to 15 kGy, dose rate about 1 kGy/h. Differences were found in granule size distribution upon irradiation, mainly for corn and cassava starch but radiation did not cause significant changes in granule morphology. The viscosity of the potato, corn and cassava starches hydrogels decreased as a function of absorbed dose. Comparing non-irradiated and irradiated starches, changes in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra in the 2000-1500 cm-1 region for potato and corn starches were observed but not for the cassava starch. Maximum rupture force of the starch-based films was affected differently for each starch type; color analysis showed that doses of 15 kGy promoted a slight rise in the parameter b* (yellow color) while the parameter L* (lightness) was not significantly affected; X-ray diffraction patterns remained almost unchanged by irradiation.

Post-harvest conservation of organic strawberries coated with cassava starch and chitosan

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Raquel P Campos

2011-10-01

Full Text Available The strawberry is as non-climacteric fruit, but has a high post-harvest respiration rate, which leads to a rapid deterioration at room temperature. This study aimed to evaluate the application of biodegradable coating on postharvest conservation of organic strawberries, cv. Camarosa, packed in plastic hinged boxes and stored at 10ºC. The treatments consisted of: a control; b 2% cassava starch; c 1% chitosan; and d 2% cassava starch + 1% chitosan. Physical and chemical characteristics of fruits were evaluated at 3, 6 and 9 days of storage, and microbiological and sensory analyses were carried out at the end of the storage period. The treatments influenced positively the post-harvest quality of organic strawberries. The coating cassava starch + chitosan provided the best results, with less than 6% of loss in fruit mass, lower counts of yeast and psychrophilic microorganisms and the best appearance according to the sensory analysis.

PEG and Thickeners: A Critical Interaction Between Polyethylene Glycol Laxative and Starch-Based Thickeners.

Science.gov (United States)

Carlisle, Brian J; Craft, Garrett; Harmon, Julie P; Ilkevitch, Alina; Nicoghosian, Jenik; Sheyner, Inna; Stewart, Jonathan T

2016-09-01

Clinicians commonly encounter dysphagia and constipation in a skilled nursing population. Increasing the viscosity of liquids, usually with a starch- or xanthan gum-based thickener, serves as a key intervention for patients with dysphagia. We report a newly identified and potentially dangerous interaction between polyethylene glycol 3350 laxative (PEG) and starch-thickened liquids. A patient requiring nectar-thickened liquids became constipated, and medical staff prescribed PEG for constipation. His nurse observed that the thickened apple juice immediately thinned to near-water consistency when PEG was added. She obtained the same results with thickened water and coffee. We quantified this phenomenon by isothermal rotational rheology. Results confirmed a precipitous loss of thickening when PEG was added to starch-based thickeners but not with xanthan gum-based thickeners. Clinicians and front-line staff should be aware of this potentially critical interaction between PEG- and starch-based thickeners. Although confirmatory studies are needed, our preliminary data suggest that PEG may be compatible with xanthan gum-- based thickeners. Copyright © 2016 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. All rights reserved.

Study on Biodegradation of Palm Oil-based UV-Curable Films in Soil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rida Tajau; Siti Farhana Fathy; Mohamad Norahiman Abdurahman; Anis Asmi Azman; Nur Amira Hamidi; Mek Zah Salleh; Nik Ghazali Nik Salleh

2014-01-01

The palm oil-based ultraviolet (UV)-curable films were subjected to an outdoor soil burial test to investigate the biodegradation under natural environment. The films were burial in the soil experiment plot at the Nuclear Malaysia's Dengkil complex which is near the BTS building at block 42. Biodegradation tests are more specific to burial film in soil experiments for 12 months under natural conditions. The biodegradability of palm oil resin based UV-curable films were investigated and compared with the petrochemical resin based film. The films properties were compared with respect to properties of the film morphology and the film weight loss which are analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), an optical microscope and the weight loss of film calculation. These findings suggested that the palm oil-based UV-curable films show quite satisfactory biodegradation levels. (author)

A Biosensor for Urea from Succinimide-Modified Acrylic Microspheres Based on Reflectance Transduction

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Musa Ahmad

2011-08-01

Full Text Available New acrylic microspheres were synthesised by photopolymerisation where the succinimide functional group was incorporated during the microsphere preparation. An optical biosensor for urea based on reflectance transduction with a large linear response range to urea was successfully developed using this material. The biosensor utilized succinimide-modified acrylic microspheres immobilized with a Nile blue chromoionophore (ETH 5294 for optical detection and urease enzyme was immobilized on the surface of the microspheres via the succinimide groups. No leaching of the enzyme or chromoionophore was observed. Hydrolysis of the urea by urease changes the pH and leads to a color change of the immobilized chromoionophore. When the color change was monitored by reflectance spectrophotometry, the linear response range of the biosensor to urea was from 0.01 to 1,000 mM (R2 = 0.97 with a limit of detection of 9.97 mM. The biosensor response showed good reproducibility (relative standard deviation = 1.43%, n = 5 with no interference by major cations such as Na+, K+, NH4+ and Mg2+. The use of reflectance as a transduction method led to a large linear response range that is better than that of many urea biosensors based on other optical transduction methods.

Tailor-made starch-based conjugates containing well-defined poly(vinyl acetate and its derivative poly(vinyl alcohol

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2011-06-01

Full Text Available Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT polymerization was adopted to synthesize starch-based conjugates that possessed controllable architecture and properties. Starch-based xanthate agent was prepared and applied as chain transfer agent to conduct the living/controlled polymerization (LCP of vinyl acetate, which generated tailor-made conjugates of starch and well-defined poly(vinyl acetate (SVAc. The relevant derivatives, conjugates of starch and chain length-controlled poly(vinyl alcohol (SVA, were obtained subsequently. Various characterizations such as Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC, X-ray diffraction (XRD, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA were performed to examine the structure of intermediates and the starch-based conjugates. Static contact angle measurements revealed that the hydrophilic character of starch-based conjugates was tunable. Well-defined SVAc was amphiphilic and it was able to self-assemble into size controllable micelles, which was verified by contact angles, transmission electron microscopy (TEM and dynamic light scattering (DLS tests. SVA exhibited much higher capability to form physically cross-linked hydrogel than starch did. Both the characteristic of SVAc and SVA were chain length-dependent.

1H-13C NMR-based profiling of biotechnological starch utilization

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sundekilde, Ulrik K.; Meier, Sebastian

2016-01-01

Starch is used in food-and non-food applications as a renewable and degradable source of carbon and energy. Insight into the chemical detail of starch degradation remains challenging as the starch constituents amylose and amylopectin are homopolymers. We show that considerable molecular detail...... of starch fragmentation can be obtained from multivariate analysis of spectral features in optimized 1H-13C NMR spectroscopy of starch fragments to identify relevant features that distinguish processes in starch utilization. As a case study, we compare the profiles of starch fragments in commercial beer...... samples. Spectroscopic profiles of homooligomeric starch fragments can be excellent indicators of process conditions. In addition, differences in the structure and composition of starch fragments have predictive value for down-stream process output such as ethanol production from starch. Thus, high...

Limiting the testing of urea: Urea along with every plasma creatinine test?

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Gao-Ming; Guo, Xu-Xiao; Zhang, Guo-Ming

2017-09-01

We found that it is not necessary to simultaneously detect both creatinine (CREA) and urea until the concentration of CREA is lower than the certain level. To reduce urea testing, we suggest measuring urea only when CREA or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) exceeds a predetermined limit. CREA and urea data were analyzed consisting of almost all of people age above 65 years old check-up (n=95441) in Shuyang countryside, and inpatients (n=101631), outpatients (n=18474) and Routine Health Check-up (n=20509) in Shuyang People's Hospital. The proportions of elevated urea were derived. The data used in this study was generated from people more than 13 years old in both outpatients and inpatients. When the limits for initiating urea testing were used at 85 μmol/L CREA and 120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 eGFR, the percentage of unnecessary urea test are 94.5% and 64.7% (elderly health check-up), 67.9% and 84.5% (outpatients), 88.5% and 73.2% (inpatients), 92.2% and 81.7% (routine health check-up). The missing rate of urea are 1%, 2.5%, 4.6% and 9.2%, 0.1%, 0.4%, 0.9% and 1.8%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.4%, and 2.5%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 1.1%, and 0.8% of ureas exceeding 9.28 mmol/L and 8.3 mmol/L in above each group, respectively. If the CREA≤85 μmol/L or eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , there is 97.5% urea urea missed is 2.5%. We suggest that the initiating urea testing should be based on the upper limit of Reference Intervals serum CREA of females or a 120 mL/min/1.73 m 2 eGFR limit. Conservatively, the urea testing would be reduced by 65% at least. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Functional properties of edible agar-based and starch-based films for food quality preservation.

Science.gov (United States)

Phan, The D; Debeaufort, F; Luu, D; Voilley, A

2005-02-23

Edible films made of agar (AG), cassava starch (CAS), normal rice starch (NRS), and waxy (glutinous) rice starch (WRS) were elaborated and tested for a potential use as edible packaging or coating. Their water vapor permeabilities (WVP) were comparable with those of most of the polysaccharide-based films and with some protein-based films. Depending on the environmental moisture pressure, the WVP of the films varies and remains constant when the relative humidity (RH) is >84%. Equilibrium sorption isotherms of these films have been measured; the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model was used to describe the sorption isotherm and contributed to a better knowledge of hydration properties. Surface hydrophobicity and wettability of these films were also investigated using the sessile drop contact angle method. The results obtained suggested the migration of the lipid fraction toward evaporation surface during film drying. Among these polysaccharide-based films, AG-based film and CAS-based film displayed more interesting mechanical properties: they are transparent, clear, homogeneous, flexible, and easily handled. NRS- and WRS-based films were relatively brittle and have a low tension resistance. Microstructure of film cross section was observed by environmental scanning electron microscopy to better understand the effect of the structure on the functional properties. The results suggest that AG-based film and CAS-based films, which show better functional properties, are promising systems to be used as food packaging or coating instead of NRS- and WRS-based films.

In vitro digestibility of banana starch cookies.

Science.gov (United States)

Bello-Pérez, Luis A; Sáyago-Ayerdi, Sonia G; Méndez-Montealvo, Guadalupe; Tovar, Juscelino

2004-01-01

Banana starch was isolated and used for preparation of two types of cookies. Chemical composition and digestibility tests were carried out on banana starch and the food products, and these results were compared with corn starch. Ash, protein, and fat levels in banana starch were higher than in corn starch. The high ash amount in banana starch could be due to the potassium content present in this fruit. Proximal analysis was similar between products prepared with banana starch and those based on corn starch. The available starch content of the banana starch preparation was 60% (dmb). The cookies had lower available starch than the starches while banana starch had lower susceptibility to the in vitro alpha-amylolysis reaction. Banana starch and its products had higher resistant starch levels than those made with corn starch.

Progress in the production of bioethanol on starch-based feedstocks

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Dragiša Savić

2009-10-01

Full Text Available Bioethanol produced from renewable biomass, such as sugar, starch, or lignocellulosic materials, is one of the alternative energy resources, which is both renewable and environmentally friendly. Although, the priority in global future ethanol production is put on lignocellulosic processing, which is considered as one of the most promising second-generation biofuel technologies, the utilizetion of lignocellulosic material for fuel ethanol is still under improvement. Sugar- based (molasses, sugar cane, sugar beet and starch-based (corn, wheat, triticale, potato, rice, etc. feedstock are still currently predominant at the industrial level and they are, so far, economically favorable compared to lingocelluloses. Currently, approx. 80 % of total world ethanol production is obtained from the fermentation of simple sugars by yeast. In Serbia, one of the most suitable and available agricultural raw material for the industrial ethanol production are cereals such as corn, wheat and triticale. In addition, surpluses of this feedstock are being produced in our country constantly. In this paper, a brief review of the state of the art in bioethanol production and biomass availability is given, pointing out the progress possibilities on starch-based production. The progress possibilities are discussed in the domain of feedstock choice and pretreatment, optimization of fermentation, process integration and utilization of the process byproducts.

Combination of Poly(lactic) Acid and Starch for Biodegradable Food Packaging

OpenAIRE

Muller, Justine; Gonz?lez-Mart?nez, Chelo; Chiralt, Amparo

2017-01-01

The massive use of synthetic plastics, in particular in the food packaging area, has a great environmental impact, and alternative more ecologic materials are being required. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and starch have been extensively studied as potential replacements for non-degradable petrochemical polymers on the basis of their availability, adequate food contact properties and competitive cost. Nevertheless, both polymers exhibit some drawbacks for packaging uses and need to be adapted to th...

Thermal Behavior of Tacca leontopetaloides Starch-Based Biopolymer

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Nurul Shuhada Mohd Makhtar

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Starch is used whenever there is a need for natural elastic properties combined with low cost of production. However, the hydrophilic properties in structural starch will decrease the thermal performance of formulated starch polymer. Therefore, the effect of glycerol, palm olein, and crude palm oil (CPO, as plasticizers, on the thermal behavior of Tacca leontopetaloides starch incorporated with natural rubber in biopolymer production was investigated in this paper. Four different formulations were performed and represented by TPE1, TPE2, TPE3, and TPE4. The compositions were produced by using two-roll mill compounding. The sheets obtained were cut into small sizes prior to thermal testing. The addition of glycerol shows higher enthalpy of diffusion in which made the material easily can be degraded, leaving to an amount of 6.6% of residue. Blending of CPO with starch (TPE3 had a higher thermal resistance towards high temperature up to 310°C and the thermal behavior of TPE2 only gave a moderate performance compared with other TPEs.

Effects of different durations of acid hydrolysis on the properties of starch-based wood adhesive.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yajie; Xiong, Hanguo; Wang, Zhenjiong; Zia-Ud-Din; Chen, Lei

2017-10-01

In this study, the effect of different durations of acid hydrolysis on the improvement of the properties of starch-based wood adhesive was investigated through a variety of determination methods The improved properties were analyzed using the pasting properties, viscosity, shear performance in dry and wet states, fourier infrared spectrometer, dynamic time sweep, and low filed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Starch hydrolysis improved the viscosity stability, bonding performance, and water resistance of the starch-based wood adhesive. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Classification of cassava starch films by physicochemical properties and water vapor permeability quantification by FTIR and PLS.

Science.gov (United States)

Henrique, C M; Teófilo, R F; Sabino, L; Ferreira, M M C; Cereda, M P

2007-05-01

Cassava starches are widely used in the production of biodegradable films, but their resistance to humidity migration is very low. In this work, commercial cassava starch films were studied and classified according to their physicochemical properties. A nondestructive method for water vapor permeability determination, which combines with infrared spectroscopy and multivariate calibration, is also presented. The following commercial cassava starches were studied: pregelatinized (amidomax 3550), carboxymethylated starch (CMA) of low and high viscosities, and esterified starches. To make the films, 2 different starch concentrations were evaluated, consisting of water suspensions with 3% and 5% starch. The filmogenic solutions were dried and characterized for their thickness, grammage, water vapor permeability, water activity, tensile strength (deformation force), water solubility, and puncture strength (deformation). The minimum thicknesses were 0.5 to 0.6 mm in pregelatinized starch films. The results were treated by means of the following chemometric methods: principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression. PCA analysis on the physicochemical properties of the films showed that the differences in concentration of the dried material (3% and 5% starch) and also in the type of starch modification were mainly related to the following properties: permeability, solubility, and thickness. IR spectra collected in the region of 4000 to 600 cm(-1) were used to build a PLS model with good predictive power for water vapor permeability determination, with mean relative errors of 10.0% for cross-validation and 7.8% for the prediction set.

Antimicrobial, Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Tapioca Starch Films Incorporated with Eucalyptus Extract

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M. Rojhan

2013-11-01

Full Text Available Starch is found in abundance in nature and it is one of the raw materials used for food packagingbecause of the low price, biodegradability, good mechanical and barrier properties. The recycling ability ofcoating materials was significantly increased by using edible films and coating in comparison to traditionalpackaging and it could be an alternative for synthetic films. In this research, the effect of eucalyptus extract(Aqueous Extract was investigated on tapioca starch films. Tapioca starch films were prepared by castingmethod with addition of eucalyptus extract and a mixture of sorbitol/glycerol (weight ratio of 3 to 1 asplasticizers. Eucalyptus extract incorporated to the tapioca starch films were dried at different concentrations(0, 15, 25, and 35 of total solid under controlled conditions. Physicochemical properties such as waterabsorption capacity (WAC, water vapor permeability (WVP and mechanical properties of the films wereevaluated. Results showed that by increasing the concentration of eucalyptus extract, tensile strength wasincreased from 20.60 to 15.68 (MPa, also elongation was increased from 19.31 to 23.57 (% at break andYoung’s modulus was decreased from 800.31 to 500.32 (MPa. Also incorporation of eucalyptus extract in thestructure of biopolymer increased permeability of water vapor of starch films. Tapioca starch filmsincorporated with eucalyptus extract exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against E. Coli. In summary,eucalyptus extract improves functional properties of tapioca starch films and this types of films can be used infood packaging.

Repeated research of biodegradability of plastics materials in real composting conditions

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Dana Adamcová

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this paper was to verify information obtained by repeated research provide in 2011 and 2012 in real composting conditions and check information about biodegradability of plastics bags in real composting conditions. In both cases samples were placed into frames and inserted into one clamp within the compost pile to investigate the biodegradation. The plastics bags were obtained from chain stores in the Czech Republic and Poland. The shopping bags were made of HDPE with the TDPA additive (sample 2, PP with an addition of pro-oxidants (d2w (sample 1, 3 and materials certified as compostable (starch, polycaprolactone (sample 4, 5, 6, 7. Control sample (cellulose filtering paper, sample 8 was to check the potential of biological decomposition in the tested environment. At the end of the 15-week experimental period it was found that the polyethylene samples with the additive (sample 1, 2, 3 had not been decomposed, their colour had not changed and that no degradation neither physical changes had occurred (did not biodegrade. Samples certified as compostable (sample 4, 5, 6, 7 were decomposed. The results at the municipal compost facility demonstrate that the compostable plastics biodegrade and polyethylene samples with the additive did not biodegrade in compost.

Biodegradation and Osteosarcoma Cell Cultivation on Poly(aspartic acid) Based Hydrogels.

Science.gov (United States)

Juriga, Dávid; Nagy, Krisztina; Jedlovszky-Hajdú, Angéla; Perczel-Kovách, Katalin; Chen, Yong Mei; Varga, Gábor; Zrínyi, Miklós

2016-09-14

Development of novel biodegradable and biocompatible scaffold materials with optimal characteristics is important for both preclinical and clinical applications. The aim of the present study was to analyze the biodegradability of poly(aspartic acid)-based hydrogels, and to test their usability as scaffolds for MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Poly(aspartic acid) was fabricated from poly(succinimide) and hydrogels were prepared using natural amines as cross-linkers (diaminobutane and cystamine). Disulfide bridges were cleaved to thiol groups and the polymer backbone was further modified with RGD sequence. Biodegradability of the hydrogels was evaluated by experiments on the base of enzymes and cell culture medium. Poly(aspartic acid) hydrogels possessing only disulfide bridges as cross-links proved to be degradable by collagenase I. The MG-63 cells showed healthy, fibroblast-like morphology on the double cross-linked and RGD modified hydrogels. Thiolated poly(aspartic acid) based hydrogels provide ideal conditions for adhesion, survival, proliferation, and migration of osteoblast-like cells. The highest viability was found on the thiolated PASP gels while the RGD motif had influence on compacted cluster formation of the cells. These biodegradable and biocompatible poly(aspartic acid)-based hydrogels are promising scaffolds for cell cultivation.

Occurrence of urea-based soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from the plants in the order Brassicales.

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Seiya Kitamura

Full Text Available Recently, dibenzylurea-based potent soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH inhibitors were identified in Pentadiplandra brazzeana, a plant in the order Brassicales. In an effort to generalize the concept, we hypothesized that plants that produce benzyl glucosinolates and corresponding isothiocyanates also produce these dibenzylurea derivatives. Our overall aim here was to examine the occurrence of urea derivatives in Brassicales, hoping to find biologically active urea derivatives from plants. First, plants in the order Brassicales were analyzed for the presence of 1, 3-dibenzylurea (compound 1, showing that three additional plants in the order Brassicales produce the urea derivatives. Based on the hypothesis, three dibenzylurea derivatives with sEH inhibitory activity were isolated from maca (Lepidium meyenii roots. Topical application of one of the identified compounds (compound 3, human sEH IC50 = 222 nM effectively reduced pain in rat inflammatory pain model, and this compound was bioavailable after oral administration in mice. The biosynthetic pathway of these urea derivatives was investigated using papaya (Carica papaya seed as a model system. Finally, a small collection of plants from the Brassicales order was grown, collected, extracted and screened for sEH inhibitory activity. Results show that several plants of the Brassicales order could be potential sources of urea-based sEH inhibitors.

On spray drying of oxidized corn starch cross-linked gelatin microcapsules for drug release

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dang, Xugang; Yang, Mao; Shan, Zhihua; Mansouri, Shahnaz; May, Bee K; Chen, Xiaodong; Chen, Hui; Woo, Meng Wai

2017-01-01

Spray-dried gelatin/oxidized corn starch (G/OCS) microcapsules were produced for drug release application. The prepared microcapsules were characterized through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) picture and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling characteristics of the G/OCS microcapsules and release properties of vitamin C were then investigated. The results from structural analysis indicated that the presence of miscibility and compatibility between oxidized corn starch and gelatin, and exhibits high thermal stability up to 326 °C. The swelling of G/OCS microcapsules increased with increasing pH and reduced with decreasing ionic strength, attributed to the cross-linking between gelatin and oxidized corn starch, ionization of functional groups. Vitamin C release characteristic revealed controlled release behavior in the first 3 h of contact with an aqueous medium. This release behavior was independent of the swelling behavior indicating the potential of the encapsulating matrix to produce controlled release across a spectrum of pH environment. - Highlights: • It's first time to prepare microencapsulation with gelatin and oxidized corn starch. • The microencapsulation material can be biodegradable completely. • The production technology of microcapsule is convenient. • This work explores the potential to use oxidized starch cross-linked gelatin. • The microencapsulation material can be used for drug release.

On spray drying of oxidized corn starch cross-linked gelatin microcapsules for drug release

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dang, Xugang; Yang, Mao; Shan, Zhihua [National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065 (China); Mansouri, Shahnaz [Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, VIC 3800 (Australia); May, Bee K [School of Applied Science, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3001 (Australia); Chen, Xiaodong [Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, VIC 3800 (Australia); School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Soochow University (China); Chen, Hui, E-mail: leather2088@sina.com [National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065 (China); Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, VIC 3800 (Australia); Woo, Meng Wai, E-mail: meng.woo@monash.edu [Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, VIC 3800 (Australia)

2017-05-01

Spray-dried gelatin/oxidized corn starch (G/OCS) microcapsules were produced for drug release application. The prepared microcapsules were characterized through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) picture and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling characteristics of the G/OCS microcapsules and release properties of vitamin C were then investigated. The results from structural analysis indicated that the presence of miscibility and compatibility between oxidized corn starch and gelatin, and exhibits high thermal stability up to 326 °C. The swelling of G/OCS microcapsules increased with increasing pH and reduced with decreasing ionic strength, attributed to the cross-linking between gelatin and oxidized corn starch, ionization of functional groups. Vitamin C release characteristic revealed controlled release behavior in the first 3 h of contact with an aqueous medium. This release behavior was independent of the swelling behavior indicating the potential of the encapsulating matrix to produce controlled release across a spectrum of pH environment. - Highlights: • It's first time to prepare microencapsulation with gelatin and oxidized corn starch. • The microencapsulation material can be biodegradable completely. • The production technology of microcapsule is convenient. • This work explores the potential to use oxidized starch cross-linked gelatin. • The microencapsulation material can be used for drug release.

Properties and antioxidant action of actives cassava starch films incorporated with green tea and palm oil extracts.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kátya Karine Nery Carneiro Lins Perazzo

Full Text Available There is an interest in the development of an antioxidant packaging fully biodegradable to increase the shelf life of food products. An active film from cassava starch bio-based, incorporated with aqueous green tea extract and oil palm colorant was developed packaging. The effects of additives on the film properties were determined by measuring mechanical, barrier and thermal properties using a response surface methodology design experiment. The bio-based films were used to pack butter (maintained for 45 days under accelerated oxidation conditions. The antioxidant action of the active films was evaluated by analyzing the peroxide index, total carotenoids, and total polyphenol. The same analysis also evaluated unpacked butter, packed in films without additives and butter packed in LDPE films, as controls. The results suggested that incorporation of the antioxidants extracts tensile strength and water vapor barrier properties (15 times lower compared to control without additives. A lower peroxide index (231.57%, which was significantly different from that of the control (p<0.05, was detected in products packed in film formulations containing average concentration of green tea extracts and high concentration of colorant. However, it was found that the high content of polyphenols in green tea extract can be acted as a pro-oxidant agent, which suggests that the use of high concentration should be avoided as additives for films. These results support the applicability of a green tea extract and oil palm carotenoics colorant in starch films totally biodegradable and the use of these materials in active packaging of the fatty products.

Application of autoclaving-cooling cycling treatment to improve resistant starch content of corn-based rice analogues

Science.gov (United States)

Hidayat, B.; Muslihudin, M.; Akmal, S.

2018-01-01

Resistant starch is one important component determining the characteristics of a functional food. The aim of the research was to determine the cooling time optimum in the autoclaving-cooling treatment to increase the resistance starch content corn-based rice analogues, with 6 level of cooling time (0 hours/control, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours and 60 hours). The results showed that cooling at 4°C for 60 hours would increase the resistant starch content (6.27% to 15.38%), dietary fiber content (14.53% to 20.17%); and decrease the digestible starch content (61.81% to 52.70%). Cooling time level at 4°C for 24 hours, would increase the sensory score of corn-based rice analogues then back down until cooling time level of 60 hours. Microscopic analysis of granular structure using SEM indicated that cooling time had a linear correlation with cracks intensity on the granule surface of the corn-based rice analogues. The high content of resistant starch showed that the application of cooling time level at 4°C for 24 hours would improve the functional properties of corn-based rice analogues with sensory characteristics remain favorable to panelists.

Different strategies to obtain antimicrobial biodegradable films for food applications, using starch and/or chitosan with or without essential oils

OpenAIRE

VALENCIA SULLCA, CRISTINA ENCARNACIÓN

2017-01-01

El desarrollo de materiales de envase biodegradables activos es uno de los retos de la sociedad para resolver los problemas medioambientales asociados a los residuos plásticos y mejorar la conservación de los alimentos, alargando su vida útil. En la presente Tesis Doctoral, se han analizado diferentes estrategias para la obtención y caracterización de películas biodegradables a base de hidrocoloides (almidón de yuca (A) y quitosano (Q)) con características antimicrobianas. Se obtuvieron pelíc...

Effects of corn-based diet starch content and neutral detergent fiber source on lactation performance, digestibility, and bacterial protein flow in dairy cows.

Science.gov (United States)

Fredin, S M; Akins, M S; Ferraretto, L F; Shaver, R D

2015-01-01

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of corn-based dietary starch content and source of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on lactation performance, nutrient digestion, bacterial protein flow, and ruminal parameters in lactating dairy cows. Eight ruminally cannulated multiparous Holstein cows averaging 193±11d in milk were randomly assigned to treatments in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatment diets were high corn grain (HCG; 38% corn silage, 19% dry ground corn, and 4% soy hulls), high soy hulls (HSH; 38% corn silage, 11% dry ground corn, and 13% soy hulls), high corn silage (HCS; 50% corn silage, 6% dry ground corn, and 4% soy hulls), and low corn silage (LCS; 29% corn silage, 15% corn, and 19% soy hulls). The HCG, HSH, HCS, and LCS diets contained 29, 23, 24, and 22% starch; 27, 32, 30, and 32% total NDF; and 21, 21, 25, and 17% forage NDF (dry matter basis), respectively. Mean dry matter intake and milk yield were unaffected by treatment. Cows fed LCS had reduced milk fat content compared with HSH and HCS. The concentration of milk urea nitrogen was greater for cows fed HCS compared with the other treatments. Total-tract digestion of NDF was reduced for cows fed the HCG diet. Total-tract starch digestion was increased for cows fed the HSH and HCS compared with HCG and LCS diets. Bacterial protein flow was unaffected by treatment. Ruminal ammonia concentration was reduced in cows fed the HCG and LCS diets compared with the HCS diet. Ruminal propionate increased and the acetate:propionate ratio decreased in cows fed the LCS diet compared with the HCS diet. Ruminal pH was greater for cows fed the HCS diet compared with cows fed the LCS diet. Diet digestibility and performance of mid- to late-lactation cows fed reduced-starch diets by partially replacing corn grain with soy hulls or corn silage was similar to or improved compared with cows fed a normal-starch diet. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association

Aqueous dispersion of red clay-based ceramic powder with the addition of starch

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Maria Victoria Alcantar Umaran

2013-04-01

Full Text Available The optimum dispersion and rheological properties of red clay-based ceramic suspension loaded with unary and binary starch were investigated in aqueous medium. The aqueous ceramic suspension was prepared consisting of red clay, quartz, feldspar, and distilled water. Using a polyelectrolyte dispersant (Darvan 821A, the ternary ceramic powder was initially optimized to give the smallest average particle size at 0.8 wt. (% dispersant dosage as supported by sedimentation test. This resulted into an optimum high solid loading of 55 wt. (%. The addition of either unary or binary starches to the optimized ceramic slurry increased the viscosity but maintained an acceptable fluidity. The mechanism of such viscosity increase was found to be due to an adsorption of starch granules onto ceramic surfaces causing tolerable agglomeration. Correspondingly, the rheological evaluations showed that the flow behaviors of all starch-loaded ceramic slurries can be described using Herschel-Bulkley model. The parameters from this model indicated that all ceramic slurries loaded with starch are shear thinning that is required for direct casting process.

Urea metabolism in Barbari kids d on urea molasses diets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lal, M.; Singh, U.B.; Verma, D.N.; Ranjhan, S.K.

1974-01-01

The entry rates of urea into the body pool of urea were estimated in Barbari kids using a single injection isotope dilution technique using 14 C-urea. The excretion rates of urea were calculated by estimating total urine output over 24 h and urea content. (M.G.B.)

Biodegradable polymers by reactive blending trans-esterification of thermoplastic starch with poly (vinyl acetate) and poly (vinyl acetate-co-butyl acrylate)

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Vargha, V

2005-04-01

Full Text Available . Partial trans-esterification took place between wheat starch and the polymers. The blends appeared as homogenous, translucent films with one glass transition temperature range, between that of starch and of the polymer. The presence of wheat starch...

Non-invasive paper-based microfluidic device for ultra-low detection of urea through enzyme catalysis

Science.gov (United States)

Suresh, Vignesh; Qunya, Ong; Kanta, Bera Lakshmi; Yuh, Lee Yeong; Chong, Karen S. L.

2018-03-01

This work describes the design, fabrication and characterization of a paper-based microfluidic device for ultra-low detection of urea through enzyme catalysis. The microfluidic system comprises an entry port, a fluidic channel, a reaction zone and two electrodes (contacts). Wax printing was used to create fluidic channels on the surface of a chromatography paper. Pre-conceptualized designs of the fluidic channel are wax-printed on the paper substrate while the electrodes are screen-printed. The paper printed with wax is heated to cause the wax reflow along the thickness of the paper that selectively creates hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones inside the paper. Urease immobilized in the reaction zone catalyses urea into releasing ions and, thereby, generating a current flow between the electrodes. A measure of current with respect to time at a fixed potential enables the detection of urea. The methodology enabled urea concentration down to 1 pM to be detected. The significance of this work lies in the use of simple and inexpensive paper-based substrates to achieve detection of ultra-low concentrations of analytes such as urea. The process is non-invasive and employs a less cumbersome two-electrode assembly.

Effect of waxy rice flour and cassava starch on freeze-thaw stability of rice starch gels.

Science.gov (United States)

Charoenrein, Sanguansri; Preechathammawong, Nutsuda

2012-10-01

Repeatedly frozen and thawed rice starch gel affects quality. This study investigated how incorporating waxy rice flour (WF) and cassava starch (CS) in rice starch gel affects factors used to measure quality. When rice starch gels containing 0-2% WF and CS were subjected to 5 freeze-thaw cycles, both WF and CS reduced the syneresis in first few cycles. However CS was more effective in reducing syneresis than WF. The different composite arrangement of rice starch with WF or CS caused different mechanisms associated with the rice starch gel retardation of retrogradation, reduced the spongy structure and lowered syneresis. Both swollen granules of rice starch and CS caused an increase in the hardness of the unfrozen and freeze-thawed starch gel while highly swollen WF granules caused softer gels. These results suggested that WF and CS were effective in preserving quality in frozen rice starch based products. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physical, mechanical and barrier properties of corn starch films incorporated with plant essential oils.

Science.gov (United States)

Ghasemlou, Mehran; Aliheidari, Nahal; Fahmi, Ronak; Shojaee-Aliabadi, Saeedeh; Keshavarz, Behnam; Cran, Marlene J; Khaksar, Ramin

2013-10-15

Corn starch-based films are inherently brittle and lack the necessary mechanical integrity for conventional packaging. However, the incorporation of additives can potentially improve the mechanical properties and processability of starch films. In this work two essential oils, Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZEO) or Mentha pulegium (MEO) at three levels (1%, 2% and 3% (v/v)), were incorporated into starch films using a solution casting method to improve the mechanical and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties and to impart antimicrobial activity. Increasing the content of ZEO or MEO from 2% to 3% (v/v) increased values for elongation at break from 94.38% to 162.45% and from 53.34% to 107.71% respectively, but did not significantly change tensile strength values of the films. The WVP properties of the films decreased from 7.79 to 3.37 or 3.19 g mm m(-2) d(-1) kPa(-1) after 3% (v/v) ZEO or MEO incorporation respectively. The oxygen barrier properties were unaffected at the 1% and 2% (v/v) oil concentration used but oxygen transmission increased with 3% (v/v) for both formulations. The films' color became slightly yellow as the levels of ZEO or MEO were increased although transparency was maintained. Both films demonstrated antimicrobial activity with films containing ZEO more effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus than those containing MEO. These results suggest that ZEO and MEO have the potential to be directly incorporated into corn starch to prepare antimicrobial biodegradable films for various food packaging applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of corn starch-based edible film incorporated with nutmeg oil nanoemulsion

Science.gov (United States)

Aisyah, Y.; Irwanda, L. P.; Haryani, S.; Safriani, N.

2018-05-01

This study aimed to formulate corn starch-based edible films by varying concentrations of nutmeg oil nanoemulsion and glycerol. Furthermore, the resulted edible film was characterized by its mechanical properties and antibacterial activity. The edible films were made using corn starch, nutmeg oil nanoemulsion, and glycerol. Concentrations of nutmeg oil nanoemulsion were 1%, 2%, and 3%, and glycerol were 10%, 20%, and 30%. Results indicated that the increase of nutmeg oil nanoemulsion concentration could increase the film thickness. However, the nutmeg oil had no effect on the film tensile strength and elongation. Glycerol had no effect on the film tensile strength. The best treatment of the corn starch-based film was obtained by adding 1% of nutmeg oil and 30% of glycerol, yielding a tensile strength of 18.73 Kgf/mm2, elongation of 69.44% and thickness of 0.0840. The addition of 1% nutmeg oil nanoemulsion has been able to inhibit the growth of two types of the bacteria tested (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli).

Durable superhydrophobic paper enabled by surface sizing of starch-based composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Gang; Zhu, Penghui; Kuang, Yudi; Liu, Yu; Lin, Donghan; Peng, Congxing; Wen, Zhicheng; Fang, Zhiqiang

2017-07-01

Superhydrophobic paper with remarkable durability is of considerable interest for its practical applications. In this study, a scalable, inexpensive, and universal surface sizing technique was implemented to prepare superhydrophobic paper with enhanced durability. A thin layer of starch-based composite, acting as a bio-binder, was first coated onto the paper surface by a sophisticated manufacturing technique called surface sizing, immediately followed by a spray coating of hexamethyl disilazane treated silica nanoparticles (HMDS-SiNPs) dispersed in ethanol on the surface of the wet starch-coated sheet, and the dual layers dried at the same time. Consequently, durable superhydrophobic paper with bi-layer structure was obtained after air drying. The as-prepared superhydrophobic paper not only exhibited a self-cleaning behavior, but also presented an enhanced durability against scratching, bending/deformation, as well as moisture. The universal surface sizing of starch-based composites may pave the way for the up-scaled and cost-effective production of durable superhydrophobic paper.

Starch bioengineering

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Blennow, Andreas

2018-01-01

Application of starch in industry frequently requires extensive modification. This is usually achieved by chemical and/or physical modification that is time-consuming and often expensive and polluting. To impart functionality as early as possible in the starch production chain, modification can...... be achieved directly as part of the developing starch storage roots, tubers, and seeds and grains of the crop. Starch has been a strong driver for human development and is now the most important energy provider in the diet forcing the development of novel and valuable starch qualities for specific...... applications. Among the most important structures that can be targeted include starch phosphorylation chain transfer/branching generating chemically substituted and chain length-modified starches such as resistant and health-promoting high-amylose starch. Starch bioengineering has been employed for more than...

Nanobarium Titanate As Supplement To Accelerate Plastic Waste Biodegradation By Indigenous Bacterial Consortia

Science.gov (United States)

Kapri, Anil; Zaidi, M. G. H.; Goel, Reeta

2009-06-01

Plastic waste biodegradation studies have seen several developmental phases from the discovery of potential microbial cultures, inclusion of photo-oxidizable additives into the polymer chain, to the creation of starch-embedded biodegradable plastics. The present study deals with the supplementation of nanobarium titanate (NBT) in the minimal broth in order to alter the growth-profiles of the Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) degrading consortia. The pro-bacterial influence of the nanoparticles could be seen by substantial changes such as shortening of the lag phase and elongation of the exponential as well as stationary growth phases, respectively, which eventually increase the biodegradation efficiency. In-vitro biodegradation studies revealed better dissolution of LDPE in the presence of NBT as compared to control. Significant shifting in λ-max values was observed in the treated samples through UV-Vis spectroscopy, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) further confirmed the breakage and formation of bonds in the polymer backbone. Therefore, this study suggests the implementation of NBT as nutritional additive for plastic waste management through bacterial growth acceleration.

Cross-Linked Amylose Bio-Plastic: A Transgenic-Based Compostable Plastic Alternative

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Domenico Sagnelli

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Bio-plastics and bio-materials are composed of natural or biomass derived polymers, offering solutions to solve immediate environmental issues. Polysaccharide-based bio-plastics represent important alternatives to conventional plastic because of their intrinsic biodegradable nature. Amylose-only (AO, an engineered barley starch with 99% amylose, was tested to produce cross-linked all-natural bioplastic using normal barley starch as a control. Glycerol was used as plasticizer and citrate cross-linking was used to improve the mechanical properties of cross-linked AO starch extrudates. Extrusion converted the control starch from A-type to Vh- and B-type crystals, showing a complete melting of the starch crystals in the raw starch granules. The cross-linked AO and control starch specimens displayed an additional wide-angle diffraction reflection. Phospholipids complexed with Vh-type single helices constituted an integrated part of the AO starch specimens. Gas permeability tests of selected starch-based prototypes demonstrated properties comparable to that of commercial Mater-Bi© plastic. The cross-linked AO prototypes had composting characteristics not different from the control, indicating that the modified starch behaves the same as normal starch. The data shows the feasibility of producing all-natural bioplastic using designer starch as raw material.

Cross-Linked Amylose Bio-Plastic: A Transgenic-Based Compostable Plastic Alternative

Science.gov (United States)

Sagnelli, Domenico; Kemmer, Gerdi Christine; Holse, Mette; Hebelstrup, Kim H.; Bao, Jinsong; Stelte, Wolfgang; Bjerre, Anne-Belinda; Blennow, Andreas

2017-01-01

Bio-plastics and bio-materials are composed of natural or biomass derived polymers, offering solutions to solve immediate environmental issues. Polysaccharide-based bio-plastics represent important alternatives to conventional plastic because of their intrinsic biodegradable nature. Amylose-only (AO), an engineered barley starch with 99% amylose, was tested to produce cross-linked all-natural bioplastic using normal barley starch as a control. Glycerol was used as plasticizer and citrate cross-linking was used to improve the mechanical properties of cross-linked AO starch extrudates. Extrusion converted the control starch from A-type to Vh- and B-type crystals, showing a complete melting of the starch crystals in the raw starch granules. The cross-linked AO and control starch specimens displayed an additional wide-angle diffraction reflection. Phospholipids complexed with Vh-type single helices constituted an integrated part of the AO starch specimens. Gas permeability tests of selected starch-based prototypes demonstrated properties comparable to that of commercial Mater-Bi© plastic. The cross-linked AO prototypes had composting characteristics not different from the control, indicating that the modified starch behaves the same as normal starch. The data shows the feasibility of producing all-natural bioplastic using designer starch as raw material. PMID:28973963

Cross-Linked Amylose Bio-Plastic: A Transgenic-Based Compostable Plastic Alternative.

Science.gov (United States)

Sagnelli, Domenico; Hooshmand, Kourosh; Kemmer, Gerdi Christine; Kirkensgaard, Jacob J K; Mortensen, Kell; Giosafatto, Concetta Valeria L; Holse, Mette; Hebelstrup, Kim H; Bao, Jinsong; Stelte, Wolfgang; Bjerre, Anne-Belinda; Blennow, Andreas

2017-09-30

Bio-plastics and bio-materials are composed of natural or biomass derived polymers, offering solutions to solve immediate environmental issues. Polysaccharide-based bio-plastics represent important alternatives to conventional plastic because of their intrinsic biodegradable nature. Amylose-only (AO), an engineered barley starch with 99% amylose, was tested to produce cross-linked all-natural bioplastic using normal barley starch as a control. Glycerol was used as plasticizer and citrate cross-linking was used to improve the mechanical properties of cross-linked AO starch extrudates. Extrusion converted the control starch from A-type to Vh- and B-type crystals, showing a complete melting of the starch crystals in the raw starch granules. The cross-linked AO and control starch specimens displayed an additional wide-angle diffraction reflection. Phospholipids complexed with Vh-type single helices constituted an integrated part of the AO starch specimens. Gas permeability tests of selected starch-based prototypes demonstrated properties comparable to that of commercial Mater-Bi © plastic. The cross-linked AO prototypes had composting characteristics not different from the control, indicating that the modified starch behaves the same as normal starch. The data shows the feasibility of producing all-natural bioplastic using designer starch as raw material.

Production of granules of urea, urea-ammonium sulphate and urea-potassium chloride enriched with 15N

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bendassolli, J.A.

1991-01-01

Using a pearling tower it was possible to produce granulated urea, and granulated mixtures of ammonium sulphate and urea, potassium chloride and urea, Labelled in 15 N. Granulated urea with 1, 2, 3 and 4 mm of diameter was obtained using a system with a heating controller. A low concentration of biuret was observed in the granules produced ( 15 N-Labelled ( 15 NH 4' 15 NH 2 ) with variable proportion of ammonium sulphate and urea. (author)

Properties and Antioxidant Action of Actives Cassava Starch Films Incorporated with Green Tea and Palm Oil Extracts

Science.gov (United States)

Perazzo, Kátya Karine Nery Carneiro Lins; Conceição, Anderson Carlos de Vasconcelos; dos Santos, Juliana Caribé Pires; Assis, Denilson de Jesus; Souza, Carolina Oliveira; Druzian, Janice Izabel

2014-01-01

There is an interest in the development of an antioxidant packaging fully biodegradable to increase the shelf life of food products. An active film from cassava starch bio-based, incorporated with aqueous green tea extract and oil palm colorant was developed packaging. The effects of additives on the film properties were determined by measuring mechanical, barrier and thermal properties using a response surface methodology design experiment. The bio-based films were used to pack butter (maintained for 45 days) under accelerated oxidation conditions. The antioxidant action of the active films was evaluated by analyzing the peroxide index, total carotenoids, and total polyphenol. The same analysis also evaluated unpacked butter, packed in films without additives and butter packed in LDPE films, as controls. The results suggested that incorporation of the antioxidants extracts tensile strength and water vapor barrier properties (15 times lower) compared to control without additives. A lower peroxide index (231.57%), which was significantly different from that of the control (pstarch films totally biodegradable and the use of these materials in active packaging of the fatty products. PMID:25251437

Characteristics of unique HBr-hydrolyzed cellulose nanocrystals from freshwater green algae (Cladophora rupestris) and its reinforcement in starch-based film.

Science.gov (United States)

Sucaldito, Melvir R; Camacho, Drexel H

2017-08-01

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are promising materials that are readily extracted from plants and other cellulose-containing organisms. In this study, CNCs were isolated from freshwater green algae (Cladophora rupestris) thriving in a volcanic lake, using hydrobromic acid (HBr) hydrolysis. Morphological and structural studies revealed highly crystalline CNCs (94.0% crystallinity index) with preferred orientation to [100] lattice plane as shown by XRD measurements and have an average diameter of 20.0 (±4.4)nm as shown by TEM. Thermal studies showed increased temperature for thermal decomposition of CNCs (381.6°C), which is a result of HBr hydrolysis for CNCs isolation. The isolated CNCs were reinforced into starch based biocomposites via solution casting and evaporation method. Mechanical strength was improved as high as 78% upon addition of 1% cellulose nanocrystals in the films. The produced films are promising materials for their high mechanical strength, biodegradability and availability of raw materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Urea ammoniation compared to urea supplementation as a method ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Urea ammoniation compared to urea supplementation as a method of improving the nutritive value of wheat straw for sheep. S.W.P. Cloete, N.M. Kritzinger. Winter Rainfall Region, Eisenburg. The ammoniation of wheat straw by urea in a stack method was in- vestigated and compared to urea supplemented and untreated ...

Lima Bean Starch-Based Hydrogels | Oladebeye | Nigerian Journal ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Hydrogels were prepared by crosslinking native lima bean starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with glutaraldehyde (GA) at varying proportions in an acidic medium. The native starch (N-LBS) and hydrogels (L-GA (low glutaraldehyde) and H-GA (high glutaraldehyde)) were examined for their water absorption capacity (WAC) ...

DEVELOPMENT OF A UREA BIOSENSOR BASED ON A POLYMERIC MEMBRANE INCLUDING ZEOLITE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. L HAMLAOUI

2008-06-01

+ -sensitive membrane is based on a zeolite-incorporated polymeric membrane biosensor (clinoptilolite. The sensitivity of ammonium  detection is sub-nernstian (32mV/pNH4 + but the ISFET presents a high selectivity, which is interesting for measurements in biological media. The grafting of urease to the NH4 +-sensitive membrane was permorfed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde .The sensitivity of the urea ENFET is 15V/purea and this remains stable over 15 days with a detection limit of 3x10-5 M. Finally, in order to test feasibility of the urea biosensor for environmental applications, the remaining activity of the urease was determined after exposure to enzyme inhibiting heavy metals ions such as Hg(II.Using these urea biosensors, a detection limit of less than 5 x 10-8 M was obtained for Hg(II.

Hydrolysis of wheat B-starch and characterisation of acetylated maltodextrin.

Science.gov (United States)

Smrčková, Petra; Horský, Jiří; Šárka, Evžen; Koláček, Jaroslav; Netopilík, Miloš; Walterová, Zuzana; Kruliš, Zdeněk; Synytsya, Andrey; Hrušková, Kateřina

2013-10-15

Wheat B-starch was hydrolysed by α-amylase "Liquozyme supra" from Bacillus licheniformis at 90 °C and pH 7. After 2 h, the dextrose equivalent was 18; according to size exclusion chromatography, however, the hydrolysate contained not only dominant malto-oligosaccharides with the degree of polymerisation (DP)40. This non-uniformity of acetylated maltodextrin, both with respect to DP and to DS, must be taken into account in the development of acetylated-maltodextrin applications such as use as plasticisers or compatibilisers in biodegradable composites. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Process of converting starch to glucose and glucose to lactic acid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsai, TenLin; Sanville, C.Y.; Coleman, R.D.; Schertz, W.W.

1990-01-01

This document describes a method for converting starch into lactic acid of sufficient purity for use as a substrate for biodegradable plastics. The process is designed to work on industrial food waste streams such as potato wastes or cheese whey permeate. For potato waste, {alpha}-amylase and calcium chloride are added to the starch containing waste and incubated at a pH of 4--7, a temperature of 90--130{degree}C, and a pressure above 15 psi for not less than 15 minutes. At this point, glucoamylase is added and the mixture is incubated at a temperature of 50--70{degree}C and a pH below 6.5 for 4 hours. This results in the conversion of more than 90% of the starch into glucose, which is substantially free of microbial contamination. The hydrolysate is filtered, and introduced with additional nutrients to a fermentor containing a lactose producing microorganism to form a fermentation broth. This results in the fermentation of glucose to lactose, which is filtered and subjected to electrodialysis for purification. Conversion of glucose to lactic acid or lactate occurs with an efficiency of over 95%. 1 fig. (MHB)

Properties of retrograded and acetylated starch produced via starch extrusion or starch hydrolysis with pullulanase.

Science.gov (United States)

Kapelko, M; Zięba, T; Gryszkin, A; Styczyńska, M; Wilczak, A

2013-09-12

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of serial modifications of starch, including firstly starch extrusion or hydrolysis with pullulanase, followed by retrogradation (through freezing and defrosting of pastes) and acetylation (under industrial conditions), on its susceptibility to amylolysis. The method of production had a significant effect on properties of the resultant preparations, whilst the direction and extent of changes depended on the type of modification applied. In the produced starch esters, the degree of substitution, expressed by the per cent of acetylation, ranged from 3.1 to 4.4 g/100 g. The acetylation had a significant impact on contents of elements determined with the atomic emission spectrometry, as it contributed to an increased Na content and decreased contents of Ca and K. The DSC thermal characteristics enabled concluding that the modifications caused an increase in temperatures and a decrease in heat of transition (or its lack). The acetylation of retrograded starch preparations increased their solubility in water and water absorbability. The modifications were found to exert various effects on the rheological properties of pastes determined based on the Brabender's pasting characteristics and flow curves determined with the use of an oscillatory-rotating viscosimeter. All starch acetates produced were characterized by ca. 40% resistance to amylolysis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly sensitive enzymatic determination of urea based on the pH-dependence of the fluorescence of graphene quantum dots

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shao, Taili; Zhang, Ping; Zhuo, Shujuan; Zhu, Changqing; Tang, Lin

2015-01-01

We report on a nanoparticle-based fluorescent sensing scheme for urea. It is based on the finding that graphene quantum dots (GQDs) display pH-sensitive green fluorescence if photoexcited at 460 nm. Fluorescence is gradually quenched due to an increase in the local pH value as a result of the hydrolysis of urea as catalyzed by urease. The effect was used to quantify urea in the 0.1–100 mM concentration range, with a limit of detection of 0.01 mM. The method was successfully applied to the determination of urea in human serum samples. The method is simple, effective, and therefore holds promise as a platform for sensing urea in blood. (author)

Effects of triethyl phosphate and nitrate on electrokinetically enhanced biodegradation of diesel in low permeability soils.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, G T; Ro, H M; Lee, S M

2007-08-01

Bench-scale experiments for electrokinetically enhanced bioremediation of diesel in low permeability soils were conducted. An electrokinetic reactor (ER) was filled with kaolin that was artificially contaminated with diesel at a level of 2500 mg kg(-1). A constant voltage gradient of 1.0 V cm(-1) was applied. In phosphorus transport experiments, KH2PO4 was not distributed homogeneously along the ER, and most of the transported phosphorus was converted to water-insoluble aluminum phosphate after 12 days of electrokinetic (EK) operation. However, the advancing P front of triethyl phosphate (TEP) progressed with time and resulted in uniform P distribution. The treatments employed in the electrokinetically enhanced bioremediation of diesel were control (no addition of nitrogen and phosphorus), NP (KNO3+ KH2PO4), NT (KNO3+ TEP), UP (urea+ KH2PO4), and UT (urea+TEP). Analysis of effluent collected during the first 12 days of EK operation showed that diesel was not removed from the kaolin. After nutrient delivery, using the EK operation, the ER was transferred into an incubator for the biodegradation process. After 60 days of biodegradation, the concentrations of diesel in the kaolin for the NP, NT, UP, UT, and control treatments were 1356, 1002, 1658, 1612, and 2003 mg kg(-1), respectively. The ratio of biodegraded diesel concentration to initial concentration (2465 mg kg(-1)) in NP, NT, UP, UT, and control were 45.0%, 59.4%, 32.7%, 34.6%, and 18.7%, respectively. This result showed that TEP, treated along with NO3-, was most effective for the biodegradation of diesel. TEP was delivered more efficiently to the target zones and with less phosphorus loss than KH2PO4. However, this facilitated phosphorus delivery was effective in biodegrading diesel under anaerobic conditions only when electron acceptors, such as NO3-, were present.

Study of the compatibilizer effect in the properties of starch/polyester blends

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Juliana Bonametti Olivato

2013-01-01

Full Text Available The mechanical, viscoelastic and structural properties of starch/ poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT blown films produced by reactive extrusion were evaluated using citric acid (CA and maleic anhydride (MA as compatibilizers. Scanning electron microscopy images showed more homogeneous structure when CA and MA were included in the formulation. The tensile strength (MPa was improved with the inclusion of the highest proportion of both compatibilizers (1.5 %wt. A larger elastic component with values between 0.42-0.45 for the degree of solidity (1-c1 was observed for the intermediate concentration of compatibilizers. A high level of glycerol (10 %wt results in films with increased % elongation. Three partially miscible phases were observed in the blends. Biodegradable films of starch/PBAT with better properties could be produced by one-step reactive extrusion using CA and/or MA as compatibilizers.

Effects of corn-based diet starch content and corn particle size on lactation performance, digestibility, and bacterial protein flow in dairy cows.

Science.gov (United States)

Fredin, S M; Ferraretto, L F; Akins, M S; Bertics, S J; Shaver, R D

2015-01-01

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary starch content in corn-based diets and corn particle size on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and bacterial protein flow in dairy cows using the omasal and reticular sampling technique. Eight ruminally cannulated lactating multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were fine (FG; mean particle size=552µm) and coarse (CG; 1,270µm) ground dry shelled corn in normal- (NS) and reduced- (RS) starch diets fed as total mixed rations. The NS and RS rations contained 27 and 18% starch (dry matter basis), respectively, and were formulated by partially replacing corn with soy hull pellets. Mean dry matter intake was unaffected by treatment (23.2kg/d). Cows fed NS diets produced 1.9kg/d more milk and 0.06kg/d more milk protein compared with cows fed RS diets. Cows fed NSFG and RSCG diets produced more fat-corrected milk than did cows fed NSCG and RSFG diets. Milk urea concentration was decreased for cows fed NS diets (12.4mg/dL) compared with RS diets (13.5mg/dL). Ruminal digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF; % of NDF intake) determined by the omasal sampling technique was increased in cows fed RS diets compared with NS diets (43.4 vs. 34.9%), and total-tract digestibility of NDF (% of NDF intake) was increased in cows fed RS diets compared with those fed NS diets (50.1 vs. 43.1%). Ruminal digestibility of starch (% of starch intake) determined by the omasal sampling technique was greater in cows fed NS diets compared with those fed RS diets (85.6 vs. 81.6%). Total-tract starch digestion was increased in cows fed RS diets compared with those fed NS diets (96.9 vs. 94.6%) and in cows fed FG diets compared with those fed CG diets (98.0 vs. 93.5%). Bacterial protein flow was unaffected by treatment. The omasal and reticular sampling techniques resulted in similar treatment effects for nutrient flow

Key parameters in testing biodegradation of bio-based materials in soil.

Science.gov (United States)

Briassoulis, D; Mistriotis, A

2018-05-05

Biodegradation of plastics in soil is currently tested by international standard testing methods (e.g. ISO 17556-12 or ASTM D5988-12). Although these testing methods have been developed for plastics, it has been shown in project KBBPPS that they can be extended also to lubricants with small modifications. Reproducibility is a critical issue regarding biodegradation tests in the laboratory. Among the main testing variables are the soil types and nutrients available (mainly nitrogen). For this reason, the effect of the soil type on the biodegradation rates of various bio-based materials (cellulose and lubricants) was tested for five different natural soil types (loam, loamy sand, clay, clay-loam, and silt-loam organic). It was shown that use of samples containing 1 g of C in a substrate of 300 g of soil with the addition of 0.1 g of N as nutrient strongly improves the reproducibility of the test making the results practically independent of the soil type with the exception of the organic soil. The sandy soil was found to need addition of higher amount of nutrients to exhibit similar biodegradation rates as those achieved with the other soil types. Therefore, natural soils can be used for Standard biodegradation tests of bio-based materials yielding reproducible results with the addition of appropriate nutrients. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plant-crafted starches for bioplastics production

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sagnelli, Domenico; Hebelstrup, Kim H.; Leroy, Eric

2016-01-01

Transgenically-produced amylose-only (AO) starch was used to manufacture bioplastic prototypes. Extruded starch samples were tested for crystal residues, elasticity, glass transition temperature, mechanical properties, molecular mass and microstructure. The AO starch granule crystallinity was both...... in the storage modulus (E') for AO samples compared to the control. The data support the use of pure starch-based bioplastics devoid of non-polysaccharide fillers....... of the B- and Vh-type, while the isogenic control starch was mainly A-type. The first of three endothermic transitions was attributed to gelatinization at about 60°C. The second and third peaks were identified as melting of the starch and amylose-lipid complexes, respectively. After extrusion, the AO...

Effect of extrusion process on the functional properties of high amylose corn starch edible films and its application in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Tommy Atkins.

Science.gov (United States)

Calderón-Castro, Abraham; Vega-García, Misael Odín; de Jesús Zazueta-Morales, José; Fitch-Vargas, Perla Rosa; Carrillo-López, Armando; Gutiérrez-Dorado, Roberto; Limón-Valenzuela, Víctor; Aguilar-Palazuelos, Ernesto

2018-03-01

Starch is an attractive raw material as ingredient for edible film manufacture because of its low cost, abundant availability, renewability, and biodegradability. Nevertheless, starch based films exhibit several disadvantages such as brittleness and poor mechanical and barrier properties, which restrict its application for food packaging. The use of the extrusion technology as a pretreatment of the casting technique to change the starch structure in order to obtain edible films, may constitute an alternative to generate coatings with good functional properties and maintain longer the postharvest quality and shelf life of fruits. For this reason, the objective of this study was to optimize the conditions of an extrusion process to obtain a formulation of modified starch to elaborate edible films with good functional properties using the casting technique and assess the effect during the storage when applied on a model fruit. The best conditions of the extrusion process and concentration of plasticizers were obtained using response surface methodology. From optimization study, it was found that appropriate conditions to obtain starch edible films with the best mechanical and barrier properties were an extrusion temperature of 100 °C and a screw speed of 120 rpm, while the glycerol content was 16.73%. Also, once applied in fruit, the loss of quality attributes was diminished.

Urea potentiometric enzymatic biosensor based on charged biopolymers and electrodeposited polyaniline.

Science.gov (United States)

Lakard, Boris; Magnin, Delphine; Deschaume, Olivier; Vanlancker, Guilhem; Glinel, Karine; Demoustier-Champagne, Sophie; Nysten, Bernard; Jonas, Alain M; Bertrand, Patrick; Yunus, Sami

2011-06-15

A potentiometric biosensor based on urease was developed for the quantitative determination of urea concentration in aqueous solutions for biomedical applications. The urease was either physisorbed onto an electrodeposited polyaniline film (PANI), or immobilized on a layer-by-layer film (LbL) assembled over the PANI film, that was obtained by the alternate deposition of charged polysaccharides (carboxymethylpullulan (CMP) and chitosan (CHI)). In the latter case, the urease (Urs) enzyme was either physically adsorbed or covalently grafted to the LbL film using carbodiimide coupling reaction. Potentiometric responses of the enzymatic biosensors were measured as a function of the urea concentration in aqueous solutions (from 10(-6) to 10(-1) mol L(-1) urea). Very high sensitivity and short response time were observed for the present biosensor. Moreover, a stability study showed a higher stability over time for the potentiometric response of the sensor with the enzyme-grafted LbL film, testifying for the protective nature of the polysaccharide coating and the interest of covalent grafting. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enrichment and molecular characterization of a bacterial culture that degrades methoxy-methyl urea herbicides and their aniline derivatives.

Science.gov (United States)

El-Fantroussi, S; Verstraete, W; Top, E M

2000-12-01

Soil treated with linuron for more than 10 years showed high biodegradation activity towards methoxy-methyl urea herbicides. Untreated control soil samples taken from the same location did not express any linuron degradation activity, even after 40 days of incubation. Hence, the occurrence in the field of a microbiota having the capacity to degrade a specific herbicide was related to the long-term treatment of the soil. The enrichment culture isolated from treated soil showed specific degradation activity towards methoxy-methyl urea herbicides, such as linuron and metobromuron, while dimethyl urea herbicides, such as diuron, chlorotoluron, and isoproturon, were not transformed. The putative metabolic intermediates of linuron and metobromuron, the aniline derivatives 3, 4-dichloroaniline and 4-bromoaniline, were also degraded. The temperature of incubation drastically affected degradation of the aniline derivatives. Whereas linuron was transformed at 28 and 37 degrees C, 3,4-dichloroaniline was transformed only at 28 degrees C. Monitoring the enrichment process by reverse transcription-PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) showed that a mixture of bacterial species under adequate physiological conditions was required to completely transform linuron. This research indicates that for biodegradation of linuron, several years of adaptation have led to selection of a bacterial consortium capable of completely transforming linuron. Moreover, several of the putative species appear to be difficult to culture since they were detectable by DGGE but were not culturable on agar plates.

CARACTERIZACIÓN MORFOLÓGICA DE PELÍCULAS BIODEGRADABLES A PARTIR DE ALMIDÓN MODIFICADO DE YUCA, AGENTE ANTIMICROBIANO Y PLASTIFICANTE CARACTERIZAÇÃO MORFOLÓGICA DE FILMES BIODEGRADÁVEIS A PARTIR DE AMIDO MODIFICADO DE MANDIOCA, AGENTE ANTIMICROBIANO E PLASTIFICANTE MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADABLE FILMS MADE FROM MODIFIED CASSAVA STARCH, ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT AND PLASTICIZER

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

REINALDO VELASCO M

2012-12-01

propriedades microestruturais e mecânicas dos amidos termoplásticos, que são essenciais para a continuidade no estudo de filmes biodegradáveisIt was evaluated the morphological surface of thermoplastic starch (TPS obtained from three modified cassava starch varieties, plasticizer and an antimicrobial agent. The films was made by blown extrusion and extended over a slide and then was taken photomicrographs with 4x and 10x objectives. It was used High Resolution Optical Microscopy to image characterization. The technique showed the effect of plasticizer addition over the starch films microstructure, it was found some inhomogeneity; however was identified some smooth regions related to form and size of starch granule, plasticizer concentration and extrusion variables process like velocity screw and temperature profile. This research contributed to characterize microstructural properties and gave some insights about the mechanical behaviour of TPS films, needed to study and make biodegradable films.

Intake and digestibility of untreated and urea treated rice straw base diet fed to sheep

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D Yulistiani

2003-03-01

Full Text Available Rice straw as one of agricultural by-products has low quality due to low content of essensial nutrients like protein, energy, minerals and vitamin as well as poor palatability and digestibility. Therefore, the quality of rice straw needs to be improved in order to increase its utilization by gastrointestinal tract of ruminants. The purpose of this study is to compare untreated and urea treated rice straw as basal diets for sheep. Twelve mature Merino wethers (average body weight 53.62 + 3.44 kg were separated into 4 groups based on their live weight with each groups assigned three diets, that are: diet 1 untreated rice straw with high forage legume content, diet 2 urea ensiled rice straw and diet 3 rice straw sprayed with urea solution at feeding time. Diets were allocated based on a randomized complete block design. Urea ensiled rice straw was prepared by spraying chopped straw with urea solution to yield straw containing 4% urea and 40% moisture, then kept in air tight polythylene bags for 6 weeks. The untreated, ensiled and urea supplemented rice straw were mixed with other feed ingredients to provide isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets. Diets were formulated to meet maintenance requirement according to NRC. Sheep were adapted to experimental diets for 15 days, and after adaptation period, a metabolism trial was conducted. Results reveal that dry matter intake permetabolic body weight (DMI/W0.75, DE (digestible energi intake and apparent digestibility of NDF (neutral detergent fibre were not significantly different between diet 1 and diet 2. Apparent digestibility of DM (dry matter, OM (organic matter, and ADF (acid detergent fibre, as well as N retention were not significantly different between three diets. Positive result in N retention was only observed in diet 2, while others were negative. It may be concluded from this study that untreated rice straw basal diet supplemented with forage legume offer an alternative method other than urea

Biomedical and sensing applications of a multi-mode biodegradable phosphate-based optical fiber

Science.gov (United States)

Podrazky, Ondřej; Peterka, Pavel; Vytykáčová, SoÅa.; Proboštová, Jana; Kuneš, Martin; Lyutakov, Oleksiy; Ceci-Ginistrelli, Edoardo; Pugliese, Diego; Boetti, Nadia G.; Janner, Davide; Milanese, Daniel

2018-02-01

We report on the employment of a biodegradable phosphate-based optical fiber as a pH sensing probe in physiological environment. The phosphate-based optical fiber preform was fabricated by the rod-in-tube technique. The fiber biodegradability was first tested in-vitro and then its biodegradability and toxicity were tested in-vivo. Optical probes for pH sensing were prepared by the immobilization of a fluorescent dye on the fiber tip by a sol-gel method. The fluorescence response of the pH-sensor was measured as a ratio of the emission intensities at the excitation wavelengths of 405 and 450 nm.

Biodegradation Study of Nanocomposites of Phenol Novolac Epoxy/Unsaturated Polyester Resin/Egg Shell Nanoparticles Using Natural Polymers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. M. Mousavi

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Nanocomposite materials refer to those materials whose reinforcing phase has dimensions on a scale from one to one hundred nanometers. In this study, the nanocomposite biodegradation of the phenol Novolac epoxy and the unsaturated polyester resins was investigated using the egg shell nanoparticle as bioceramic as well as starch and glycerin as natural polymers to modify their properties. The phenol Novolac epoxy resin has a good compatibility with the unsaturated polyester resin. The prepared samples with different composition of materials for specified time were buried under soil and their biodegradation was studied using FTIR and SEM. The FTIR results before and after degradation showed that the presence of the hydroxyl group increased the samples degradation. Also adding the egg shell nanoparticle to samples had a positive effect on its degradation. The SEM results with and without the egg shell nanoparticle also showed that use of the egg shell nanoparticle increases the samples degradation. Additionally, increasing the amount of starch, and glycerol and the presence of egg shell nanoparticles can increase water adsorption.

Persistence of oral coatings of CMC and starch-based custard desserts

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wijk, de R.A.; Kapper, C.; Borsboom, P.; Prinz, J.F.

2009-01-01

Food coatings that remain after swallowing starch-based or CMC-based custard desserts were investigated for 19 subjects. Foods were orally processed for 5 s using a pre-defined protocol, after which the food was swallowed. The remaining food coating was assessed sensorially as well as instrumentally

Functional characteristics, wettability properties and cytotoxic effect of starch film incorporated with multi-walled and hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Science.gov (United States)

Shahbazi, Mahdiyar; Rajabzadeh, Ghadir; Sotoodeh, Shahnaz

2017-11-01

Two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT and CNT-OH) at different levels (0.1-0.9wt%) were introduced into starch matrix in order to modify its functional properties. The optimum concentration of each nanotube was selected based on the results of water solubility, water permeability and mechanical experiments. The physico-mechanical data showed that CNT up to 0.7wt% led to a notable increase in water resistance, water barrier property and tensile strength, whilst regarding CNT-OH, these improvements found at 0.9wt%. Therefore, effects of optimized level of each nanotube on the starch film were evaluated by XRD, surface hydrophobicity, wettability and surface energy tests. XRD revealed that the position of starch characteristic peak shifted to higher degree after nanotubes introducing. The hydrophobic character of the film was greatly increased with incorporation of nanoparticles, as evidenced by increased contact angle with greatest value regarding CNT-OH. Moreover, CNT-OH notably decreased the surface free energy of the starch film. Finally, the conformity of both nanocomposites with actual food regulations on biodegradable materials was tested by cytotoxicity assay to evaluate the possibility of application in food packaging sector. Both nanocomposite films had potential of cytotoxic effects, since they could increase cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase release from L-929 fibroblast cells in contact with their surface. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lignin based controlled release coatings

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mulder, W.J.; Gosselink, R.J.A.; Vingerhoeds, M.H.; Harmsen, P.F.H.; Eastham, D.

2011-01-01

Urea is a commonly used fertilizer. Due to its high water-solubility, misuse easily leads to excess nitrogen levels in the soil. The aim of this research was to develop an economically feasible and biodegradable slow-release coating for urea. For this purpose, lignin was selected as coating

High-performance green flexible electronics based on biodegradable cellulose nanofibril paper.

Science.gov (United States)

Jung, Yei Hwan; Chang, Tzu-Hsuan; Zhang, Huilong; Yao, Chunhua; Zheng, Qifeng; Yang, Vina W; Mi, Hongyi; Kim, Munho; Cho, Sang June; Park, Dong-Wook; Jiang, Hao; Lee, Juhwan; Qiu, Yijie; Zhou, Weidong; Cai, Zhiyong; Gong, Shaoqin; Ma, Zhenqiang

2015-05-26

Today's consumer electronics, such as cell phones, tablets and other portable electronic devices, are typically made of non-renewable, non-biodegradable, and sometimes potentially toxic (for example, gallium arsenide) materials. These consumer electronics are frequently upgraded or discarded, leading to serious environmental contamination. Thus, electronic systems consisting of renewable and biodegradable materials and minimal amount of potentially toxic materials are desirable. Here we report high-performance flexible microwave and digital electronics that consume the smallest amount of potentially toxic materials on biobased, biodegradable and flexible cellulose nanofibril papers. Furthermore, we demonstrate gallium arsenide microwave devices, the consumer wireless workhorse, in a transferrable thin-film form. Successful fabrication of key electrical components on the flexible cellulose nanofibril paper with comparable performance to their rigid counterparts and clear demonstration of fungal biodegradation of the cellulose-nanofibril-based electronics suggest that it is feasible to fabricate high-performance flexible electronics using ecofriendly materials.

Effect of cellulose reinforcement on the properties of organic acid modified starch microparticles/plasticized starch bio-composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Teacă, Carmen-Alice; Bodîrlău, Ruxanda; Spiridon, Iuliana

2013-03-01

The present paper describes the preparation and characterization of polysaccharides-based bio-composite films obtained by the incorporation of 10, 20 and 30 wt% birch cellulose (BC) within a glycerol plasticized matrix constituted by the corn starch (S) and chemical modified starch microparticles (MS). The obtained materials (coded as MS/S, respectively MS/S/BC) were further characterized. FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to evidence structural and crystallinity changes in starch based films. Morphological, thermal, mechanical, and water resistance properties were also investigated. Addition of cellulose alongside modified starch microparticles determined a slightly improvement of the starch-based films water resistance. Some reduction of water uptake for any given time was observed mainly for samples containing 30% BC. Some compatibility occurred between MS and BC fillers, as evidenced by mechanical properties. Tensile strength increased from 5.9 to 15.1 MPa when BC content varied from 0 to 30%, while elongation at break decreased significantly. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Supplementation of Mulberry (Morus alba) Foliage and Urea-rice Bran as Fermentable Energy and Protein Sources in Sheep Fed Urea-treated Rice Straw Based Diet.

Science.gov (United States)

Yulistiani, Dwi; Jelan, Z A; Liang, J B; Yaakub, H; Abdullah, N

2015-04-01

A digestibility study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing mulberry foliage and urea rice-bran as a source of fermentable energy and protein to 12 sheep fed diets based on urea-treated rice straw (TRS). The three dietary treatments were: T1, TRS with mulberry; T2, TRS with 50% mulberry replaced with rice bran and urea; and T3, TRS with rice bran and urea. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications for each treatment. The sheep were fed one of the three diets and the supplements were offered at 1.2% of the body weight (BW) and the TRS was provided ad libitum. There were no differences (p>0.05) among the three treatment groups with respect to dry matter (DM) intake (76.8±4.2 g/kg BW(0.75)) and DM, organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) digestibility (55.3±1.22; 69.9±0.85; 46.3±1.65% respectively for DM, OM, and CP). The digestibility of fiber (neutral detergent fiber [NDF] and acid detergent fiber) was significantly lower (penergy and protein for sheep fed TRS based diet. The suggested level of supplementation is 1.2% of BW or 32% of the total diet since it resulted in similar effects on the intake of DM, OM, and NDF, digestibility of DM, OM, and CP, N utilization and microbial supply when compared to rice bran and urea supplementation.

Choline-based biodegradable ionic liquid catalyst for Mannich-type

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Choline-based biodegradable ionic liquid catalyst for Mannich-type reaction ... Abstract. A three-component Mannich-type reaction of aromatic aldehydes, ketones, and amines was catalyzed by a novel ... Journal of Chemical Sciences | News.

Fabrication of starch-based microparticles by an emulsification-crosslinking method

Science.gov (United States)

Starch-based microparticles (MPs) fabricated by a water-in-water (w/w) emulsification-crosslinking method could be used as a controlled-release delivery vehicle for food bioactives. Due to the processing route without the use of toxic organic solvents, it is expected that these microparticles can be...

( Phaseolus lunatus ) starch as a tablet disintegrant

African Journals Online (AJOL)

) was evaluated. The starch from the seeds was extracted and its disintegrant ability was compared with that of maize starch BP in paracetamol based tablets at concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 %w/w. The following properties of the starch ...

Production of a protein-rich extruded snack base using tapioca starch, sorghum flour and casein.

Science.gov (United States)

Patel, Jiral R; Patel, Ashok A; Singh, Ashish K

2016-01-01

A protein-rich puffed snack was produced using a twin screw extruder and the effects of varying levels of tapioca starch (11 to 40 parts), rennet casein (6 to 20 parts) and sorghum flour (25 to 75 parts) on physico-chemical properties and sensory attributes of the product studied. An increasing level of sorghum flour resulted in a decreasing whiteness (Hunter L* value) of the snack. Although the starch also generally tended to make the product increasingly darker, both starch and casein showed redness parameter (a* value) was not significantly influenced by the ingredients levels, the yellow hue (b* value) generally declined with the increasing sorghum level. Tapioca starch significantly increased the expansion ratio and decreased the bulk density and hardness value of the snack, whereas the opposite effects seen in case of sorghum flour. While the water solubility index was enhanced by starch, water absorption index was appreciably improved by sorghum. Incorporation of casein (up to 25 %) improved the sensory color and texture scores, and so also the overall acceptability rating of the product. Sorghum flour had an adverse impact on all the sensory attributes whereas starch only on the color score. The casein or starch level had no perceivable effect on the product's flavor score. The response surface data enabled optimization of the snack-base formulation for the desired protein level or desired sensory characteristics.

The "Food Polymer Science" approach to the practice of industrial R&D, leading to patent estates based on fundamental starch science and technology.

Science.gov (United States)

Slade, Louise; Levine, Harry

2018-04-13

This article reviews the application of the "Food Polymer Science" approach to the practice of industrial R&D, leading to patent estates based on fundamental starch science and technology. The areas of patents and patented technologies reviewed here include: (a) soft-from-the-freezer ice creams and freezer-storage-stable frozen bread dough products, based on "cryostabilization technology" of frozen foods, utilizing commercial starch hydrolysis products (SHPs); (b) glassy-matrix encapsulation technology for flavors and other volatiles, based on structure-function relationships for commercial SHPs; (c) production of stabilized whole-grain wheat flours for biscuit products, based on the application of "solvent retention capacity" technology to develop flours with reduced damaged starch; (d) production of improved-quality, low-moisture cookies and crackers, based on pentosanase enzyme technology; (e) production of "baked-not-fried," chip-like, starch-based snack products, based on the use of commercial modified-starch ingredients with selected functionality; (f) accelerated staling of a starch-based food product from baked bread crumb, based on the kinetics of starch retrogradation, treated as a crystallization process for a partially crystalline glassy polymer system; and (g) a process for producing an enzyme-resistant starch, for use as a reduced-calorie flour replacer in a wide range of grain-based food products, including cookies, extruded expanded snacks, and breakfast cereals.

Effect of starch isolation method on properties of sweet potato starch

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. SURENDRA BABU

2014-08-01

Full Text Available Isolation method of starch with different agents influences starch properties, which provide attention for studying the most appropriate method for isolation of starch. In the present study sweet potato starch was isolated by Sodium metabisulphate (M1, Sodium chloride (M2, and Distilled water (M3 methods and these were assessed for functional, chemical, pasting and structural properties. M3 yielded the greatest recovery of starch (10.20%. Isolation methods significantly changed swelling power and pasting properties but starches exhibited similar chemical properties. Sweet potato starches possessed C-type diffraction pattern. Small size granules of 2.90 μm were noticed in SEM of M3 starch. A high degree positive correlation was found between ash, amylose, and total starch content. The study concluded that isolation methods brought changes in yield, pasting and structural properties of sweet potato starch.

Antimicrobial activity of biodegradable polysaccharide and protein-based films containing active agents.

Science.gov (United States)

Kuorwel, Kuorwel K; Cran, Marlene J; Sonneveld, Kees; Miltz, Joseph; Bigger, Stephen W

2011-04-01

Significant interest has emerged in the introduction of food packaging materials manufactured from biodegradable polymers that have the potential to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional packaging materials. Current technologies in active packaging enable effective antimicrobial (AM) packaging films to be prepared from biodegradable materials that have been modified and/or blended with different compatible materials and/or plasticisers. A wide range of AM films prepared from modified biodegradable materials have the potential to be used for packaging of various food products. This review examines biodegradable polymers derived from polysaccharides and protein-based materials for their potential use in packaging systems designed for the protection of food products from microbial contamination. A comprehensive table that systematically analyses and categorizes much of the current literature in this area is included in the review.

Urea metabolism in plants.

Science.gov (United States)

Witte, Claus-Peter

2011-03-01

Urea is a plant metabolite derived either from root uptake or from catabolism of arginine by arginase. In agriculture, urea is intensively used as a nitrogen fertilizer. Urea nitrogen enters the plant either directly, or in the form of ammonium or nitrate after urea degradation by soil microbes. In recent years various molecular players of plant urea metabolism have been investigated: active and passive urea transporters, the nickel metalloenzyme urease catalyzing the hydrolysis of urea, and three urease accessory proteins involved in the complex activation of urease. The degradation of ureides derived from purine breakdown has long been discussed as a possible additional metabolic source for urea, but an enzymatic route for the complete hydrolysis of ureides without a urea intermediate has recently been described for Arabidopsis thaliana. This review focuses on the proteins involved in plant urea metabolism and the metabolic sources of urea but also addresses open questions regarding plant urea metabolism in a physiological and agricultural context. The contribution of plant urea uptake and metabolism to fertilizer urea usage in crop production is still not investigated although globally more than half of all nitrogen fertilizer is applied to crops in the form of urea. Nitrogen use efficiency in crop production is generally well below 50% resulting in economical losses and creating ecological problems like groundwater pollution and emission of nitric oxides that can damage the ozone layer and function as greenhouse gasses. Biotechnological approaches to improve fertilizer urea usage bear the potential to increase crop nitrogen use efficiency. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of nanocomposites based on potato starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brito, Luciana Macedo; Tavares, Maria Ines Bruno

2013-01-01

Nanocomposites of potato starch were prepared by the solution intercalation method with the addition of organically modified montmorillonite clay (Viscogel B and unmodified sodic clay (NT25) as well as modified and unmodified silica (R972 and A200, respectively), using water as the solvent. The nanocomposites were characterized by conventional techniques of X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. They were also characterized using the non-conventional low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, which is an effective alternative technique for characterizing nanocomposites. This technique allows one to investigate dispersion of nanofillers by the degree of intercalation and/or exfoliation, in addition to determine the distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and modifications of the molecular mobility of these fillers. The nanostructured materials obtained with the clays presented good dispersion and formation of mixed nanomaterials, with different degrees of intercalation and exfoliation. The mobility of the material decreased upon adding silica in the starch matrix, which applied to both types of silica. From the TGA technique, a slight increase in thermal stability of the nanocomposite was noted in relation to the starch matrix. (author)

Biodegradation of sulfosulphuron in agricultural soil by Trichoderma sp.

Science.gov (United States)

Yadav, U; Choudhury, P P

2014-11-01

Sulfosulphuron-degrading fungus was isolated by enrichment technique from the sulfosulphuron-contaminated soil of wheat rhizosphere. To assess the biodegradation potential of isolated Trichoderma sp., minimal potato dextrose agar broth with different levels of sulfosulphuron (up to 2 g l(-1) ) was evaluated in the growth and biotransformation experiments. ESI LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of degradation products 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine (I) and 2-ethylsulfonyl imidazo{1,2-a} pyridine-3-sulfonamide-2-ethylsulfonyl imidazo{1,2-a} pyridine-3-sulfonamide (II) indicating the cleavage of the urea bridge and the presence of the by-product N-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)urea (III) indicating the degradation of sulfonylamide linkage. Two other metabolites, N-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-N'-hydroxyurea (IV) and N, N'-bis(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)urea (V), were also identified. From the previous reports, it was found that the degradation of sulfonyl urea herbicides took place through the chemical degradation of the sulfonylurea bridge followed by microbial degradation. During this investigation, Trichoderma sp. grew well with and degraded sulfosulphuron via both the decarboxylation on the sulphonyl urea bridge and the hydrolytic cleavage of the sulfonylamide linkage as demonstrated by the formation of metabolites. Trichoderma is nonphytopathogenic in nature, and some species of it restrict the growth of soil-dwelling phytopathogens. Therefore, it is a promising candidate for the decontamination of soil from sulfosulphuron residues. The degradation of sulfosulphuron by any individual fungus is being reported for the first time. Trichoderma sp. isolated from wheat-rhizospheric soil could survive in minimal broth rich in sulfosulphuron. Previous reports have described the complete degradation of any sulfonyl urea herbicides by micro-organisms only after the pH-dependent chemical hydrolysis of the sulfonyl urea bridge of the herbicide. This study

Different characteristic effects of ageing on starch-based films plasticised by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and by glycerol.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Binjia; Xie, Fengwei; Zhang, Tianlong; Chen, Ling; Li, Xiaoxi; Truss, Rowan W; Halley, Peter J; Shamshina, Julia L; McNally, Tony; Rogers, Robin D

2016-08-01

The focus of this study was on the effects of plasticisers (the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, or [Emim][OAc]; and glycerol) on the changes of starch structure on multiple length scales, and the variation in properties of plasticised starch-based films, during ageing. The films were prepared by a simple melt compression moulding process, followed by storage at different relative humidity (RH) environments. Compared with glycerol, [Emim][OAc] could result in greater homogeneity in [Emim][OAc]-plasticised starch-based films (no gel-like aggregates and less molecular order (crystallites) on the nano-scale). Besides, much weaker starch-starch interactions but stronger starch-[Emim][OAc] interactions at the molecular level led to reduced strength and stiffness but increased flexibility of the films. More importantly, [Emim][OAc] (especially at high content) was revealed to more effectively maintain the plasticised state during ageing than glycerol: the densification (especially in the amorphous regions) was suppressed; and the structural characteristics especially on the nano-scale were stabilised (especially at a high RH), presumably due to the suppressed starch molecular interactions by [Emim][OAc] as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Such behaviour contributed to stabilised mechanical properties. Nonetheless, the crystallinity and thermal stability of starch-based films with both plasticisers were much less affected by ageing and moisture uptake during storage (42 days), but mostly depended on the plasticiser type and content. As starch is a typical semi-crystalline bio-polymer containing abundant hydroxyl groups and strong hydrogen bonding, the findings here could also be significant in creating materials from other similar biopolymers with tailored sensitivity and properties to the environment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New biodegradable air-entraining admixture based on LAS for cement-based composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mendes, J.C.; Moro, T.K.; Dias, L.S.; Campos, P.A.M.; Silva, G.J.B.; Peixoto, R.A.F.; Cury, A.A.

2016-01-01

The active principle of Air Entraining Admixtures (AEA) are surfactants, analogously to washing up liquids. Washing up (or dishwashing) liquids are widely available products, relatively inexpensive, non-toxic and biodegradable, thus presenting smaller environmental impact. Therefore, the present work proposes the use of a biodegradable surfactant comprised in washing up liquids, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS), as sustainable air entraining agent for cement-based composites. In this sense, a performance evaluation of the proposed AEA is carried out, by comparing the properties of mortars with proposed AEA, commercial AEA and ones without any admixture. Through the physical, mechanical and microstructural analysis, it was possible to determine the efficiency of the proposed AEA, as well as its optimum range of dosage. As a result, we seek to contribute to the technical development of cement-based composites in Brazil and in the world. (author)

Biodegradability of plastics.

Science.gov (United States)

Tokiwa, Yutaka; Calabia, Buenaventurada P; Ugwu, Charles U; Aiba, Seiichi

2009-08-26

Plastic is a broad name given to different polymers with high molecular weight, which can be degraded by various processes. However, considering their abundance in the environment and their specificity in attacking plastics, biodegradation of plastics by microorganisms and enzymes seems to be the most effective process. When plastics are used as substrates for microorganisms, evaluation of their biodegradability should not only be based on their chemical structure, but also on their physical properties (melting point, glass transition temperature, crystallinity, storage modulus etc.). In this review, microbial and enzymatic biodegradation of plastics and some factors that affect their biodegradability are discussed.

ANALYSIS OF BIODEGRABILITY OF DEGRADABLE/BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN CONTROLLED COMPOSTING ENVIRONMENT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dana Adamcová

2016-09-01

Full Text Available We have obtained eight degradable/biodegradable materials based on starch (certified compostable, sample 4–7, HDPE mixed with totally degradable plastic additive (TDPA, sample 2 and polyethylene with the addition of pro-oxidant additive (d2w, sample 1. Composition of sample 3 has not been reported. The materials have been tested as to the rate and character of their degradability/biodegradability in controlled composting conditions. Experiment explored also the effect of degradation/biodegradation of plastic bags on compost quality. The material of the original samples was subjected to assessment using the Nicolet 6700 FT-IR spectrometer, the outcome thereof was obtaining infrared spectra of the samples. For further specification the original samples were tested using the thermogravimetrical analysis. The texture of the foils at different stages of degradation is presented in the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM photographs. Plastic bags certified as compostable have degraded in laboratory conditions and their degradation had no impact on the quality and features of compost. Selected samples (4, 6 showed significant erosion on surface when subjected to the SEM analysis. Samples labeled (by their producers as 100% degradable (samples 1, 2, 3 did not show any visual signs of degradation and the process of degradation had no impact on the quality and features of compost. Only one of the samples (sample 1 showed certain erosion of surface when submitted for the SEM analysis.

[A comparative study of biodegradation kinetics of biopolymer systems based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)].

Science.gov (United States)

Boskhomdzhiev, A P; Banartsev, A P; Makhina, T K; Myshkina, V L; Ivanov, E A; Bagrov, D V; Filatova, E V; Iordanskiĭ, A L; Bonartseva, G A

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare of long-term kinetics curves of biodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), its copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), and PHB/polylactic acid blend. The total weight loss and the change of average viscosity molecular weight were used as an index of biodegradation degree. The rate of biodegradation was analyzed in vitro in presence oflipase and in vivo when the films were implanted in animal tissues. The morphology of PHB films surface was studied by atomic force microscopy technique. It was shown that biodegradation of PHB is occurred by means of as polymer hydrolysis, and as its enzymatic biodegradation. The obtained data can be used for development of medical devices on the base of PHB.

Improvement in the Performance of Potato Starch Used in the Water-Based Drilling Fluid via Its Chemical Modification by Grafting Copolymerization

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Abdollahi

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Increasing the thermal stability and resistance to bacterial attack (bioresistance of the potato starch used in the water-based drilling fluid is the aim of this work. Four types of potato starch grafted with acrylamide and a mixture of each one with acrylic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfuric acid and itaconic acid were synthesized by manganese (IV-induced redox system at the suitable concentrations of initiator and monomer(s. FTIR spectroscopy was used to verify the grafting of monomers onto the starch. The effect of grafted starches on the rheological and fluid loss properties before and after aging of the water-based drilling fluid prepared with fresh water, 4% saline and the South applied method were investigated. The results showed that temperature and aging of fluid enhance the rheological and fluid loss control properties of water-based drilling fluids prepared in the presence of grafted starches. In other words, grafted starches are stable against thermal degradation and can be used in the formulation of water-based drilling fluids for drilling of deep wells.

Bio-activity of aminosulfonyl ureas in the light of nucleic acid bases and DNA base pair interaction.

Science.gov (United States)

Mondal Roy, Sutapa

2018-08-01

The quantum chemical descriptors based on density functional theory (DFT) are applied to predict the biological activity (log IC 50 ) of one class of acyl-CoA: cholesterol O-acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors, viz. aminosulfonyl ureas. ACAT are very effective agents for reduction of triglyceride and cholesterol levels in human body. Successful two parameter quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models are developed with a combination of relevant global and local DFT based descriptors for prediction of biological activity of aminosulfonyl ureas. The global descriptors, electron affinity of the ACAT inhibitors (EA) and/or charge transfer (ΔN) between inhibitors and model biosystems (NA bases and DNA base pairs) along with the local group atomic charge on sulfonyl moiety (∑Q Sul ) of the inhibitors reveals more than 90% efficacy of the selected descriptors for predicting the experimental log (IC 50 ) values. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isotopic studies of urea metabolism in rabbits

Science.gov (United States)

Regoeczi, E.; Irons, L.; Koj, A.; McFarlane, A. S.

1965-01-01

1. The half-life of [15N]urea was found to be significantly longer than that of [14C]urea injected at the same time, the differences being due to endogenous catabolism of urea, which is accompanied by little or no reutilization of 14C but is approx. 20% for 15N. [15N]Urea therefore appears to be valueless as an indicator of nitrogen metabolism unless the extents of endogenous catabolism of urea and of fractional reutilization of 15N can be separately estimated. 2. Though measurements of the radioactivity of expired 14CO2 confirmed the existence of considerable urea catabolism these could not be used for quantitative assessments. 3. Alternative graphical methods based on [14C]urea specific activities in plasma and urine samples were used to calculate the fraction of urea production that is excreted. Values by the two methods were in good agreement and showed that some animals excrete less than half the urea that they produce. 4. Specific activity differences between simultaneous samples of urinary and plasma urea reflect the presence of a pool of urea in the kidney that is not in equilibrium with the body urea pool. Calculations indicate the presence of urea in the kidney that in some cases may represent as much as 15% of the body pool, and in two animals in which post-mortem renal analyses were performed the masses of urea found agreed closely with the calculated values. 5. A model for urea metabolism is proposed that includes this pool in the excretory pathway. The related theory is shown to be adequate to explain the shape of the specific activity curves of urinary urea from the time of injection and the constant delay of the specific activity of urinary urea, relative to that of plasma urea, that is observed after a short preliminary equilibration period. 6. The body urea pool was calculated from the activity retained at 1·5hr. by excluding renal activity and the corrected specific activity of plasma urea at the same time. The urea pool was calculated to be

Self-Assembled Cationic Biodegradable Nanoparticles from pH-Responsive Amino-Acid-Based Poly(Ester Urea Urethane)s and Their Application As a Drug Delivery Vehicle.

Science.gov (United States)

He, Mingyu; Potuck, Alicia; Kohn, Julie C; Fung, Katharina; Reinhart-King, Cynthia A; Chu, Chih-Chang

2016-02-08

The objective of this study is to develop a new family of biodegradable and biologically active copolymers and their subsequent self-assembled cationic nanoparticles as better delivery vehicles for anticancer drugs to achieve the synergism between the cytotoxicity effects of the loaded drugs and the macrophage inflammatory response of the delivery vehicle. This family of cationic nanoparticles was formulated from a new family of amphiphilic cationic Arginine-Leucine (Arg-Leu)-based poly(ester urea urethane) (Arg-Leu PEUU) synthesized from four building blocks (amino acids, diols, glycerol α-monoallyl ether, and 1,6 hexamethylene diisocyanate). The chemical, physical, and biological properties of Arg-Leu PEUU biomaterials can be tuned by controlling the feed ratio of the four building blocks. The Arg-Leu PEUU copolymers have weight-average molecular weights from 13.4 to 16.8 kDa and glass-transition temperatures from -3.4 to -4.6 °C. The self-assembled cationic nanoparticles (Arg-Leu PEUU NPs) were prepared using a facile dialysis method. Arg-Leu PEUU NPs have average diameters ranging from 187 to 272 nm, show good biocompatibility with 3T3 fibroblasts, and they support bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) proliferation and adhesion. Arg-Leu PEUU NPs also enhanced the macrophages' production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO), but produced relatively low levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), and therefore, the antitumor activity of macrophages might be enhanced. Arg-Leu PEUU NPs were taken up by HeLa cells after 4 h of incubation. The in vitro hemolysis assay showed the cationic Arg-Leu PEUU NPs increased their chance of endosomal escape at a more acidic pH. Doxorubicin (DOX) was successfully incorporated into the Arg-Leu PEUU NPs, and the DOX-loaded Arg-Leu PEUU NPs exhibited a pH-dependent drug release profile with accelerated release kinetics in a mild acidic condition. The DOX-loaded 6-Arg-4-Leu-4 A/L-2/1 NPs showed higher HeLa cell

A biodegradabilidade da blenda de poli(β-Hidroxibutirato-co-Valerato/amido anfótero na presença de microrganismos The Biodegradation of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate/amphiprotic starch in the presence of microorganisms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nadjane S. Coelho

2008-09-01

Full Text Available O crescimento do consumo de plásticos vem gerando grandes problemas ambientais, pois um polímero, uma vez descartado no ambiente, necessita de mais de cem anos para se degradar. O plástico ideal deve apresentar propriedades industriais desejáveis e, ao mesmo tempo ser degradável num período considerado satisfatório. Busca-se desenvolver plásticos com boas propriedades para embalagens e que possam ser biodegradados quando descartados ao ambiente. Neste trabalho avaliamos a biodegradação da blenda do copolímero poli(β-hidroxibutirato-co-valerato, PHB-HV, que é um termoplástico natural, biodegradável e biocompatível, e do amido anfótero, na proporção de 75 e 25% m/m, respectivamente. Os resultados foram obtidos através do teste de Sturm, uma metodologia para a avaliação da biodegradação na presença de uma cultura mista dos fungos Phanerochaete chrysosporium e Talaromyces wortmannii. Os resultados evidenciam a biodegradação da blenda em função do tempo, de acordo com os resultados do teste de Sturm, com o aparecimento de grupos carboxílicos terminais. Foi detectado também o aparecimento de nova simetria cristalina na estrutura polimérica.The increasing consumption of plastics has generated environmental problems because it takes more than a hundred years for a discarded polymer to degrade. The ideal plastic should present desirable industrial properties and be degradable within a satisfactory time period. Researches is conducted to plastics with good properties for packaging, but that are biodegradable when discarded to the environment. In this work we evaluated the biodegradation of the blend of the copolymer poly(hydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate, PHB-HV, which is a natural, biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic, and of the starch amphiprotic, in the proportion of 75 and 25% m/m, respectively. The results were obtained through the Sturm test, a methodology for the evaluation of biodegradation in the presence

Hyperphosphorylation of cereal starch

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Carciofi, Massimiliano; Shaik, Shahnoor Sultana; Jensen, Susanne Langgård

2011-01-01

Plant starch is naturally phosphorylated at a fraction of the C6 and the C3 hydroxyl groups during its biosynthesis in plastids. Starch phosphate esters are important in starch metabolism and they also generate specific industrial functionality. Cereal grains starch contains little starch bound...... phosphate compared with potato tuber starch and in order to investigate the effect of increased endosperm starch phosphate, the potato starch phosphorylating enzyme glucan water dikinase (StGWD) was overexpressed specifically in the developing barley endosperm. StGWD overexpressors showed wild......-type phenotype. Transgenic cereal grains synthesized starch with higher starch bound phosphate content (7.5 (±0.67) nmol/mg) compared to control lines (0.8 (±0.05) nmol/mg) with starch granules showing altered morphology and lower melting enthalpy. Our data indicate specific action of GWD during starch...

Plant-crafted starches for bioplastics production.

Science.gov (United States)

Sagnelli, Domenico; Hebelstrup, Kim H; Leroy, Eric; Rolland-Sabaté, Agnès; Guilois, Sophie; Kirkensgaard, Jacob J K; Mortensen, Kell; Lourdin, Denis; Blennow, Andreas

2016-11-05

Transgenically-produced amylose-only (AO) starch was used to manufacture bioplastic prototypes. Extruded starch samples were tested for crystal residues, elasticity, glass transition temperature, mechanical properties, molecular mass and microstructure. The AO starch granule crystallinity was both of the B- and Vh-type, while the isogenic control starch was mainly A-type. The first of three endothermic transitions was attributed to gelatinization at about 60°C. The second and third peaks were identified as melting of the starch and amylose-lipid complexes, respectively. After extrusion, the AO samples displayed Vh- and B-type crystalline structures, the B-type polymorph being the dominant one. The AO prototypes demonstrated a 6-fold higher mechanical stress at break and 2.5-fold higher strain at break compared to control starch. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed a significant increase in the storage modulus (E') for AO samples compared to the control. The data support the use of pure starch-based bioplastics devoid of non-polysaccharide fillers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anaerobic digestion of amine-oxide-based surfactants: biodegradation kinetics and inhibitory effects.

Science.gov (United States)

Ríos, Francisco; Lechuga, Manuela; Fernández-Arteaga, Alejandro; Jurado, Encarnación; Fernández-Serrano, Mercedes

2017-08-01

Recently, anaerobic degradation has become a prevalent alternative for the treatment of wastewater and activated sludge. Consequently, the anaerobic biodegradability of recalcitrant compounds such as some surfactants require a thorough study to avoid their presence in the environment. In this work, the anaerobic biodegradation of amine-oxide-based surfactants, which are toxic to several organisms, was studied by measuring of the biogas production in digested sludge. Three amine-oxide-based surfactants with structural differences in their hydrophobic alkyl chain were tested: Lauramine oxide (AO-R 12 ), Myristamine oxide (AO-R 14 ) and Cocamidopropylamine oxide (AO-cocoamido). Results show that AO-R 12 and AO-R 14 inhibit biogas production, inhibition percentages were around 90%. AO-cocoamido did not cause inhibition and it was biodegraded until reaching a percentage of 60.8%. Otherwise, we fitted the production of biogas to two kinetic models, to a pseudo first-order model and to a logistic model. Production of biogas during the anaerobic biodegradation of AO-cocoamido was pretty good adjusted to the logistics model. Kinetic parameters were also determined. This modelling is useful to predict their behaviour in wastewater treatment plants and under anaerobic conditions in the environment.

Biodegradability of Plastics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yutaka Tokiwa

2009-08-01

Full Text Available Plastic is a broad name given to different polymers with high molecular weight, which can be degraded by various processes. However, considering their abundance in the environment and their specificity in attacking plastics, biodegradation of plastics by microorganisms and enzymes seems to be the most effective process. When plastics are used as substrates for microorganisms, evaluation of their biodegradability should not only be based on their chemical structure, but also on their physical properties (melting point, glass transition temperature, crystallinity, storage modulus etc.. In this review, microbial and enzymatic biodegradation of plastics and some factors that affect their biodegradability are discussed.

Biodegradable xylitol-based elastomers: In vivo behavior and biocompatibility

NARCIS (Netherlands)

J.P. Bruggeman (Joost); C.J. Bettinger (Christopher); R.S. Langer (Robert)

2010-01-01

textabstractBiodegradable elastomers based on polycondensation reactions of xylitol with sebacic acid, referred to as poly(xylitol sebacate) (PXS) elastomers have recently been developed. We describe the in vivo behavior of PXS elastomers. Four PXS elastomers were synthesized, characterized, and

Starch/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate/montmorillonite films produced by blow extrusion

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rodrigo A. L. Santos

2014-07-01

Full Text Available This study aims to prepare biodegradable films from cassava starch, poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT, and montmorillonite (MMT using blow-extrusion process and analyze the effects of different types and concentrations of MMT on the microstructure, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of the resulting films. The films were produced by blending 30% of PBAT with glycerol (17.5%, starch (49.0-52.5%, and four different types of montmorillonite (Cloisite® Na+, 10A, 15A, and 30B at two different concentrations (1.75% and 3.5%. All the films prepared in this study showed an increase in the basal spacing of MMT layers. In particular, the films with 10A and 30B showed the highest increase in intercalation basal spacing, suggesting the formation of intercalated composites. The addition of nanoclays decreased the elongation of films. The addition of Cloisite® 10A resulted in films with the lowest WVP values and the highest stability to water adsorption under different RH conditions.

Physicochemical properties of starches isolated from pumpkin compared with potato and corn starches.

Science.gov (United States)

Przetaczek-Rożnowska, Izabela

2017-08-01

The aim of the study was to characterize the selected physicochemical, thermal and rheological properties of pumpkin starches and compared with the properties of potato and corn starches used as control samples. Pumpkin starches could be used in the food industry as a free gluten starch. Better thermal and rheological properties could contribute to reduce the costs of food production. The syneresis of pumpkin starches was similar to that of potato starch but much lower than that for corn starch. Pasting temperatures of pumpkin starches were lower by 17-21.7°C and their final viscosities were over 1000cP higher than corn paste, but were close to the values obtained for potato starch. The thermodynamic characteristic showed that the transformation temperatures of pumpkin starches were lower than those measured for control starches. A level of retrogradation was much lower in pumpkin starch pastes (32-48%) than was in the case of corn (59%) or potato (77%) starches. The pumpkin starches gels were characterized by a much greater hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness, than potato or corn starches gels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Starch phosphorylation plays an important role in starch biosynthesis

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Xu, Xuan; Dees, Dianka; Dechesne, Annemarie; Huang, Xing Feng; Visser, Richard G.F.; Trindade, Luisa M.

2017-01-01

Starch phosphate esters are crucial in starch metabolism and render valuable functionality to starches for various industrial applications. A potato glucan, water dikinase (GWD1) was introduced in tubers of two different potato genetic backgrounds: an amylose-containing line Kardal and the

Supercritical CO2 Foaming of Thermoplastic Materials Derived from Maize: Proof-of-Concept Use in Mammalian Cell Culture Applications

Science.gov (United States)

Trujillo-de Santiago, Grissel; Portales-Cabrera, Cynthia Guadalupe; Portillo-Lara, Roberto; Araiz-Hernández, Diana; Del Barone, Maria Cristina; García-López, Erika; Rojas-de Gante, Cecilia; de los Angeles De Santiago-Miramontes, María; Segoviano-Ramírez, Juan Carlos; García-Lara, Silverio; Rodríguez-González, Ciro Ángel; Alvarez, Mario Moisés; Di Maio, Ernesto; Iannace, Salvatore

2015-01-01

Background Foams are high porosity and low density materials. In nature, they are a common architecture. Some of their relevant technological applications include heat and sound insulation, lightweight materials, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Foams derived from natural polymers are particularly attractive for tissue culture due to their biodegradability and bio-compatibility. Here, the foaming potential of an extensive list of materials was assayed, including slabs elaborated from whole flour, the starch component only, or the protein fraction only of maize seeds. Methodology/Principal Findings We used supercritical CO2 to produce foams from thermoplasticized maize derived materials. Polyethylene-glycol, sorbitol/glycerol, or urea/formamide were used as plasticizers. We report expansion ratios, porosities, average pore sizes, pore morphologies, and pore size distributions for these materials. High porosity foams were obtained from zein thermoplasticized with polyethylene glycol, and from starch thermoplasticized with urea/formamide. Zein foams had a higher porosity than starch foams (88% and 85%, respectively) and a narrower and more evenly distributed pore size. Starch foams exhibited a wider span of pore sizes and a larger average pore size than zein (208.84 vs. 55.43 μm2, respectively). Proof-of-concept cell culture experiments confirmed that mouse fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and two different prostate cancer cell lines (22RV1, DU145) attached to and proliferated on zein foams. Conclusions/Significance We conducted screening and proof-of-concept experiments on the fabrication of foams from cereal-based bioplastics. We propose that a key indicator of foamability is the strain at break of the materials to be foamed (as calculated from stress vs. strain rate curves). Zein foams exhibit attractive properties (average pore size, pore size distribution, and porosity) for cell culture applications; we were able to establish and sustain mammalian cell cultures on zein

Supercritical CO2 foaming of thermoplastic materials derived from maize: proof-of-concept use in mammalian cell culture applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Trujillo-de Santiago, Grissel; Portales-Cabrera, Cynthia Guadalupe; Portillo-Lara, Roberto; Araiz-Hernández, Diana; Del Barone, Maria Cristina; García-López, Erika; Rojas-de Gante, Cecilia; de Los Angeles De Santiago-Miramontes, María; Segoviano-Ramírez, Juan Carlos; García-Lara, Silverio; Rodríguez-González, Ciro Ángel; Alvarez, Mario Moisés; Di Maio, Ernesto; Iannace, Salvatore

2015-01-01

Foams are high porosity and low density materials. In nature, they are a common architecture. Some of their relevant technological applications include heat and sound insulation, lightweight materials, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Foams derived from natural polymers are particularly attractive for tissue culture due to their biodegradability and bio-compatibility. Here, the foaming potential of an extensive list of materials was assayed, including slabs elaborated from whole flour, the starch component only, or the protein fraction only of maize seeds. We used supercritical CO2 to produce foams from thermoplasticized maize derived materials. Polyethylene-glycol, sorbitol/glycerol, or urea/formamide were used as plasticizers. We report expansion ratios, porosities, average pore sizes, pore morphologies, and pore size distributions for these materials. High porosity foams were obtained from zein thermoplasticized with polyethylene glycol, and from starch thermoplasticized with urea/formamide. Zein foams had a higher porosity than starch foams (88% and 85%, respectively) and a narrower and more evenly distributed pore size. Starch foams exhibited a wider span of pore sizes and a larger average pore size than zein (208.84 vs. 55.43 μm2, respectively). Proof-of-concept cell culture experiments confirmed that mouse fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and two different prostate cancer cell lines (22RV1, DU145) attached to and proliferated on zein foams. We conducted screening and proof-of-concept experiments on the fabrication of foams from cereal-based bioplastics. We propose that a key indicator of foamability is the strain at break of the materials to be foamed (as calculated from stress vs. strain rate curves). Zein foams exhibit attractive properties (average pore size, pore size distribution, and porosity) for cell culture applications; we were able to establish and sustain mammalian cell cultures on zein foams for extended time periods.

Supercritical CO2 foaming of thermoplastic materials derived from maize: proof-of-concept use in mammalian cell culture applications.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Grissel Trujillo-de Santiago

Full Text Available Foams are high porosity and low density materials. In nature, they are a common architecture. Some of their relevant technological applications include heat and sound insulation, lightweight materials, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Foams derived from natural polymers are particularly attractive for tissue culture due to their biodegradability and bio-compatibility. Here, the foaming potential of an extensive list of materials was assayed, including slabs elaborated from whole flour, the starch component only, or the protein fraction only of maize seeds.We used supercritical CO2 to produce foams from thermoplasticized maize derived materials. Polyethylene-glycol, sorbitol/glycerol, or urea/formamide were used as plasticizers. We report expansion ratios, porosities, average pore sizes, pore morphologies, and pore size distributions for these materials. High porosity foams were obtained from zein thermoplasticized with polyethylene glycol, and from starch thermoplasticized with urea/formamide. Zein foams had a higher porosity than starch foams (88% and 85%, respectively and a narrower and more evenly distributed pore size. Starch foams exhibited a wider span of pore sizes and a larger average pore size than zein (208.84 vs. 55.43 μm2, respectively. Proof-of-concept cell culture experiments confirmed that mouse fibroblasts (NIH 3T3 and two different prostate cancer cell lines (22RV1, DU145 attached to and proliferated on zein foams.We conducted screening and proof-of-concept experiments on the fabrication of foams from cereal-based bioplastics. We propose that a key indicator of foamability is the strain at break of the materials to be foamed (as calculated from stress vs. strain rate curves. Zein foams exhibit attractive properties (average pore size, pore size distribution, and porosity for cell culture applications; we were able to establish and sustain mammalian cell cultures on zein foams for extended time periods.

Cocomplexation of urea and UO22+ in a Schiff base macrocycle: a mimic of an enzyme binding site

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

van Staveren, C.J.; Fenton, D.E.; Reinhoudt, D.N.; van Eerden, J.; Harkema, S.

1987-01-01

As part of the authors work on the complexation of neutral molecules by macrocyclic ligands, they are particularly interested in the complexation of urea. They have shown that urea can form complexes with (aza-)18-crown but the association constants of these complexes in water are very small (18-crown-6-urea, log K/sub s/ = 0.1). Protonation of urea effects stronger binding especially when the crown ether is sufficiently large to form an encapsulated complex (e.g., the complex benzo-27-crown-9-urea-HClO 4 ). Protonation of the weakly basic urea (pK/sub a/ = 0.1, water, 25 0 C) requires strongly acidic conditions and to avoid this they have introduced a covalently linked carboxylic group in the cavity of the macrocycle. A strong hydrogen bond of urea with 2-carboxyl-1,3-xylyl-30-crown-9 results in an encapsulated complex. The concept of using an electrophilic center to bind urea in the cavity of a crown ether proved to be a more general concept. A metal cation can serve as the electrophile as was shown by the isolation and single-crystal X-ray analysis of the 2,6-pyrido-27-crown-9-urea-LiClO 4 (1:2:1) complex in which one of the urea molecules is encapsulated. In an effort to bind an electrophilic metal ion in the crown ethers irreversibly they have concentrated their work on macrocycles of type 1, since the strong binding of quadridentate (salen type) Schiff bases with soft metal ions is well-known

Starch Characteristics Linked to Gluten-Free Products

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stefan W. Horstmann

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The increasing prevalence of coeliac disease (CD and gluten-related disorders has led to increasing consumer demand for gluten-free products with quality characteristics similar to wheat bread. The replacement of gluten in cereal-based products remains a challenge for scientists, due to its unique role in network formation, which entraps air bubbles. When gluten is removed from a flour, starch is the main component left. Starch is used as gelling, thickening, adhesion, moisture-retention, stabilizing, film forming, texturizing and anti-staling ingredient. The extent of these properties varies depending on the starch source. The starches can additionally be modified increasing or decreasing certain properties of the starch, depending on the application. Starch plays an important role in the formulation of bakery products and has an even more important role in gluten-free products. In gluten-free products, starch is incorporated into the food formulation to improve baking characteristics such as the specific volume, colour and crumb structure and texture. This review covers a number of topics relating to starch; including; an overview of common and lesser researched starches; chemical composition; morphology; digestibility; functionality and methods of modification. The emphasis of this review is on starch and its properties with respect to the quality of gluten-free products.

Starch Characteristics Linked to Gluten-Free Products.

Science.gov (United States)

Horstmann, Stefan W; Lynch, Kieran M; Arendt, Elke K

2017-04-06

The increasing prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) and gluten-related disorders has led to increasing consumer demand for gluten-free products with quality characteristics similar to wheat bread. The replacement of gluten in cereal-based products remains a challenge for scientists, due to its unique role in network formation, which entraps air bubbles. When gluten is removed from a flour, starch is the main component left. Starch is used as gelling, thickening, adhesion, moisture-retention, stabilizing, film forming, texturizing and anti-staling ingredient. The extent of these properties varies depending on the starch source. The starches can additionally be modified increasing or decreasing certain properties of the starch, depending on the application. Starch plays an important role in the formulation of bakery products and has an even more important role in gluten-free products. In gluten-free products, starch is incorporated into the food formulation to improve baking characteristics such as the specific volume, colour and crumb structure and texture. This review covers a number of topics relating to starch; including; an overview of common and lesser researched starches; chemical composition; morphology; digestibility; functionality and methods of modification. The emphasis of this review is on starch and its properties with respect to the quality of gluten-free products.

Aroma interactions with starch

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jørgensen, Anders Dysted

Starches are used to enhance aroma perception in low-fat foods. Aroma compounds can bind physically to the starch in grooves on the surface or they can form complexes inside amylose helices. This study has been divided into two parts: one part regarding binding of aromas to starches and their aroma......-release, and another part regarding stimulation of a fungal secretome using different carbohydrates. In the first part, nine aromas and one aroma-mixture were mixed with nine different starches, including genetically modified starches. The objective of this sub-project was to bind aromas to the starches to 15 weight......-percent. Aroma binding was tested on both amorphous starches and on native starch granules. A series of aldehydes and alcohols were also tested for binding to the starches. The aromas with the highest volatility were positively retained by starch, whereas for aromas with a lower volatility the starch had...

In vitro starch digestion correlates well with rate and extent of starch digestion in broiler chickens

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Weurding, R.E.; Veldman, R.; Veen, W.A.G.; Aar, van der P.J.; Verstegen, M.W.A.

2001-01-01

Current feed evaluation systems for poultry are based on digested components (fat, protein and nitrogen-free extracts). Digestible starch is the most important energy source in broiler chicken feeds and is part of the nitrogen-free extract fraction. Digestible starch may be predicted using an in

Simultaneous biohydrogen production and starch wastewater treatment in an acidogenic expanded granular sludge bed reactor by mixed culture for long-term operation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guo, Wan-Qian; Ren, Nan-Qi; Liu, Bing-Feng; Ding, Jie [State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environ, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090 (China); Chen, Zhao-Bo [School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); Wang, Xiang-Jing; Xiang, Wen-Sheng [Research Center of Life Science and Biotechnology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030 (China)

2008-12-15

The biofilm-based expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor was developed to treat starch-containing wastewater and simultaneously recovery hydrogen by mixed microbial culture. Granular activated carbon (GAC) was used as the support media. Operating at the temperature of 30 C for over 400 days (data not shown), the EGSB reactor presented high efficiency in hydrogen production and COD removal ability. The maximum hydrogen production rate (HPR) was found to be 1.64 L/L.d under the organic loading rate (OLR) of 1.0 g-starch/L.d, pH of 4.42 and HRT of 4 h. The hydrogen yield (HY) peaked at 0.11 L/g-COD, under the OLR of 0.5 g-starch/L.d, pH of 3.95 and HRT of 8 h. Hydrogen volume content was estimated to be 35-65% of the total biogas. The average COD removal rate was 31.1% under the OLR of 0.125 g-starch/L.d and HRT of 24 h. The main dissolved fermentation products were ethanol, acetate and butyrate. The average attached biofilm concentration was estimated to be 8.26 g/L, which favored hydrogen production and COD removal. It is speculated that the low pH operation in the present system would contribute significantly to lower the cost of alkaline amount required for pH control in the continuous operation, especially in the scale-up biohydrogen producing system. A model, built on the back propagation neural network (BPNN) theory and linear regression techniques, was developed for the simulation of EGSB system performance in the biodegradation of starch synthesis-based wastewater and simultaneous hydrogen production. The model well fitted the laboratory data, and could well simulate the removal of COD and the production of hydrogen in the EGSB reactor. (author)

Urea in Milk

OpenAIRE

Projectsatbangalore

2017-01-01

This paper describes the design of a low-cost, portable instrument using CO2 and NH3 gas sensor technology to quantify and differentiate milk samples containing excess urea. Milk containing urea, in presence of urease enzyme hydrolyses urea to form ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Characterization of edible films of Swartzia burchelli phosphated starches and development of coatings for post-harvest application to cherry tomatoes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Millene Aparecida Gomes

2016-08-01

Full Text Available The market demand for corn starch and cassava continues to increase because of their use in edible applications, their biodegradable nature, and other appealing properties. As a result, there is a need to identify alternative starch sources, for example, the seeds of S. burchelli, with the potential to be modified for use in post-harvest applications. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and characterize edible films based on the starch phosphates of the seeds of S. burchelli, with the specific aim to apply these starches to cherry tomatoes for post-harvest conservation. After extraction, the starch was phosphorylated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP in different concentrations and times according to a 2 x 2 factorial design with additional treatment (native starch. After modification, the starch phosphates were selected for the preparation of edible films using glycerol as a plasticizer, in proportions of 5, 10, 15 and 20% for each selected starch. The films were measured for thickness, permeability to water vapor and solubility in water. According to their permeability values, 4 films were selected for application in the coverage of cherry tomatoes. The conservation of cherry tomatoes with and without coverage was studied over 8 evaluation times (up to 21 days at 10±2 °C and 80±5% relative humidity. The weight loss, soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturation index, and firmness were measured every 3 days during storage. The starch phosphates showed a phosphorus content within that established by standards, such that the resulting films are acceptable for use in food for human consumption. The edible films presented with an acceptable appearance and without the development of cracks. The concentration of glycerol and the type of starch influenced the characteristics of the films, increasing the permeability and reducing the water solubility of the various edible films. The best result obtained regarding the conservation of cherry

Mechanical, barrier and morphological properties of starch nanocrystals-reinforced pea starch films.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiaojing; Qiu, Chao; Ji, Na; Sun, Cuixia; Xiong, Liu; Sun, Qingjie

2015-05-05

To characterize the pea starch films reinforced with waxy maize starch nanocrystals, the mechanical, water vapor barrier and morphological properties of the composite films were investigated. The addition of starch nanocrystals increased the tensile strength of the composite films, and the value of tensile strength of the composite films was highest when starch nanocrystals content was 5% (w/w). The moisture content (%), water vapor permeability, and water-vapor transmission rate of the composite films significantly decreased as starch nanocrystals content increased. When their starch nanocrystals content was 1-5%, the starch nanocrystals dispersed homogeneously in the composite films, resulting in a relatively smooth and compact film surface and better thermal stability. However, when starch nanocrystals content was more than 7%, the starch nanocrystals began to aggregate, which resulted in the surface of the composite films developing a longitudinal fibrous structure. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Barley grain constituents, starch composition, and structure affect starch in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Asare, Eric K; Jaiswal, Sarita; Maley, Jason; Båga, Monica; Sammynaiken, Ramaswami; Rossnagel, Brian G; Chibbar, Ravindra N

2011-05-11

The relationship between starch physical properties and enzymatic hydrolysis was determined using ten different hulless barley genotypes with variable carbohydrate composition. The ten barley genotypes included one normal starch (CDC McGwire), three increased amylose starches (SH99250, SH99073, and SB94893), and six waxy starches (CDC Alamo, CDC Fibar, CDC Candle, Waxy Betzes, CDC Rattan, and SB94912). Total starch concentration positively influenced thousand grain weight (TGW) (r(2) = 0.70, p starch concentration (r(2) = -0.80, p hydrolysis of pure starch (r(2) = -0.67, p starch concentration (r(2) = 0.46, p starch (RS) in meal and pure starch samples. The rate of starch hydrolysis was high in pure starch samples as compared to meal samples. Enzymatic hydrolysis rate both in meal and pure starch samples followed the order waxy > normal > increased amylose. Rapidly digestible starch (RDS) increased with a decrease in amylose concentration. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed a higher polydispersity index of amylose in CDC McGwire and increased amylose genotypes which could contribute to their reduced enzymatic hydrolysis, compared to waxy starch genotypes. Increased β-glucan and dietary fiber concentration also reduced the enzymatic hydrolysis of meal samples. An average linkage cluster analysis dendrogram revealed that variation in amylose concentration significantly (p starch concentration in meal and pure starch samples. RS is also associated with B-type granules (5-15 μm) and the amylopectin F-III (19-36 DP) fraction. In conclusion, the results suggest that barley genotype SH99250 with less decrease in grain weight in comparison to that of other increased amylose genotypes (SH99073 and SH94893) could be a promising genotype to develop cultivars with increased amylose grain starch without compromising grain weight and yield.

Inducing PLA/starch compatibility through butyl-etherification of waxy and high amylose starch.

Science.gov (United States)

Wokadala, Obiro Cuthbert; Emmambux, Naushad Mohammad; Ray, Suprakas Sinha

2014-11-04

In this study, waxy and high amylose starches were modified through butyl-etherification to facilitate compatibility with polylactide (PLA). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and wettability tests showed that hydrophobic butyl-etherified waxy and high amylose starches were obtained with degree of substitution values of 2.0 and 2.1, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated improved PLA/starch compatibility for both waxy and high amylose starch after butyl-etherification. The PLA/butyl-etherified waxy and high amylose starch composite films had higher tensile strength and elongation at break compared to PLA/non-butyl-etherified composite films. The morphological study using SEM showed that PLA/butyl-etherified waxy starch composites had a more homogenous microstructure compared to PLA/butyl-etherified high amylose starch composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that PLA/starch composite thermal stability decreased with starch butyl-etherification for both waxy and high amylose starches. This study mainly demonstrates that PLA/starch compatibility can be improved through starch butyl-etherification. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uptake of 15N-labelled urea and 32P-labelled phosphate from acid-based urea phosphate and granular fertilizers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bole, J.B.

1986-01-01

The availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizer products labelled with both 32 P and 15 N was measured in a growth chamber experiment. The uptake of N and P by soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from a solution of acid urea phosphate fertilizer did not differ significantly from that of a mixture of granular urea and monammonium phosphate fertilizer. The fertilizer-P uptake efficiency of both sources was higher in a neutral soil than in acid or calcareous soils. Banding either fertilizer increased the uptake of fertilizer P compared with sources mixed with the soil, but did not significantly affect fertilizer-N uptake. The increase in fertilizer-P efficiency due to banding was significantly greater for the urea-monammonium phosphate than for the acid urea phosphate solution. Banding fertilizer did not increase the uptake of fertilizer P in the calcareous soil, and decreased the uptake of fertilizer N in that soil compared with mixed treatments. It is suggested that soluble Ca formed from the reaction of acid with naturally occurring lime may have reduced the availability of fertilizer P in the band

Synthesis of biodegradable plastic from tapioca with N-Isopropylacrylamid and chitosan using glycerol as plasticizer

Science.gov (United States)

Syaubari; Safwani, S.; Riza, M.

2018-04-01

One of natural polymers that can be used as raw material in the manufacture of biodegradable plastic is tapioca and chitosan. The addition of other compounds such as glycerol as plasticizer is to improve the characteristics of the plastic that already produced. N- Isopropylacrylamid (NIPAm) is an organic compound that can be synthesized into a polymer or polymer grafting which also biodegradable too. This research aims tostudy the synthesis of biodegradable plastics from tapioca with the addition of chitosan, NIPAm, poly(NIPAm) and analyze the characteristics of biodegradable plastics that already produced. This research was done in three stages, there are (1) polymerization NIPAm, (2) the grafting of chitosan-poly NIPAm and (3) the synthesis of biodegradable plastics from starch mixture with variation of addition chitosan, NIPAm, poly(NIPAm), chitosan-graft-poly(NIPAm) and also variations of glycerol as plasticizer. The results of this research is a thin sheet of plastic which is will get analyzed for the characteristics of functional groups, mechanical, morphological and its biodegradability. FTIR spectra showed the grafting process with the new group formation of CO single-bond at 850 cm-1. Plastic with the addition of NIPAm and 1 ml glycerol has the highest tensile strength value about 31.1 MPa. Plastic with poly(NIPAm) and 4 ml glycerol produces the highest elongation value about 153.72%. Plastic with Chitosan-graft-poly(NIPAm) with 1 ml glycerol has the longest biodegradation because of the small mass-loss for six weeks which is about 6.6%.

Gadolinium-doped ceria nanopowders synthesized by urea-based homogeneous co-precipitation (UBHP)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Accardo, G., E-mail: d16605@kist.re.kr [Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791 (Korea, Republic of); Spiridigliozzi, L. [Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, INSTM Research Unit, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via G. Di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino, FR (Italy); Cioffi, R.; Ferone, C. [Department of Engineering, INSTM Research Unit, University Parthenope of Naples, Centro Direzionale, Is. C4, 80143 Napoli (Italy); Di Bartolomeo, E. [Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Viale della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome (Italy); Yoon, Sung Pil [Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791 (Korea, Republic of); Dell’Agli, G. [Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, INSTM Research Unit, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via G. Di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino, FR (Italy)

2017-02-01

Gadolinium (10%)-doped ceria was successfully synthesized by using an urea-based co-precipitation method (UBHP). A single fluorite phase was obtained after a low temperature (400 °C) calcination treatment. The resulting powders showed grains of nanometric size with some agglomerations and an overall good sinterability. Pellets were sintered at 1300 and 1500 °C for 3 h. The ionic conductivity was measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and a correlation between electrical properties and microstructure was revealed. The promising conductivity values showed that the synthesized powders are suitable for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) applications. - Highlights: • Urea-based homogeneous co-precipitation is applied to synthesize nanocrystalline GDC. • Dense GDC samples at different sintering temperatures were characterized. • SEM and TEM revealed a well define microstructure and controlled composition. • Correlation between electrochemical properties by EIS and microstructure was discussed. • UBHP method can be used to prepare high performance GDC electrolytes.

Substituent distribution within cross-linked and hydroxypropylated sweet potato starch and potato starch

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Zhao, J.; Schols, H.A.; Chen Zenghong,; Jin Zhengyu,; Buwalda, P.L.; Gruppen, H.

2012-01-01

Revealing the substituents distribution within starch can help to understand the changes of starch properties after modification. The distribution of substituents over cross-linked and hydroxypropylated sweet potato starch was investigated and compared with modified potato starch. The starches were

Biodegradation of selected offshore chemicals

OpenAIRE

Wennberg, Aina C.; Petersen, Karina

2017-01-01

A review of biodegradation data for specific oil field chemicals and chemical groups were performed in order to evaluate if the current categorisation of these were appropriate based on the biodegradation properties. Data were compiled from databases like ECHA and MITI and from the literature. For compounds with limited or inconclusive test data, biodegradation was also estimated by the BIOWIN models, and the EAWAG-BBD pathway prediction system was used to predict plausible biodegradation pat...

Biodegradation of Polypropylene Nonwovens

Science.gov (United States)

Keene, Brandi Nechelle

-irradiated polypropylene nonwovens with pro-oxidants were invisible to the naked eye after 30 days of composting suggesting microbial attack was achieved. The final phase of the project encompasses the extrusion of bicomponent fibers. Because microorganisms desire to feed on hydrophilic molecules, commercially available starch-based polymers were spun with polypropylene resins in a sheath/core configuration. Similar to the previously discussed nonwovens studies, the bicomponent filaments were pretreated with heat (Chapter 6) and gamma-rays (Chapter 7) before evaluating the biodegradability under composting studies. The results from these chapters were reviewed to determine if bicomponent nonwovens under the same conditions could be manufactured.

Environmental performance of bio-based and biodegradable plastics: the road ahead.

Science.gov (United States)

Lambert, Scott; Wagner, Martin

2017-11-13

Future plastic materials will be very different from those that are used today. The increasing importance of sustainability promotes the development of bio-based and biodegradable polymers, sometimes misleadingly referred to as 'bioplastics'. Because both terms imply "green" sources and "clean" removal, this paper aims at critically discussing the sometimes-conflicting terminology as well as renewable sources with a special focus on the degradation of these polymers in natural environments. With regard to the former we review innovations in feedstock development (e.g. microalgae and food wastes). In terms of the latter, we highlight the effects that polymer structure, additives, and environmental variables have on plastic biodegradability. We argue that the 'biodegradable' end-product does not necessarily degrade once emitted to the environment because chemical additives used to make them fit for purpose will increase the longevity. In the future, this trend may continue as the plastics industry also is expected to be a major user of nanocomposites. Overall, there is a need to assess the performance of polymer innovations in terms of their biodegradability especially under realistic waste management and environmental conditions, to avoid the unwanted release of plastic degradation products in receiving environments.

Analysis of the degradation of biodegradable mulches in a pepper crop under organic management

Science.gov (United States)

Moreno, Carmen; González, Sara; Villena, Jaime; Meco, Ramón; María Moreno, Marta

2016-04-01

The use of biodegradable mulch materials (biopolymers and papers) as an alternative to polyethylene is increasing nowadays, particularly in organic farming, due to environmental factors. It is necessary to test their functionality under field conditions by identifying, for example, the undesirable early degradation which commonly takes place in some of these biodegradable materials. In this sense, it is quite common and easy to apply the use of visual scales to estimate the level of deterioration of mulches, which can be subjective. Therefore, the objectives of this work are: i) To study the degradation of different mulch materials under field conditions by measuring the soil surface they covered. ii) To compare these soil surface values with the overall assessment of their functionality obtained by visual scales. The trial was performed in an organically grown pepper crop in Ciudad Real (Central Spain) in the 2014 spring-summer season. The mulch materials used were: 1) black polyethylene (15 μm); black biopolymers (15 μm): 2) Mater-Bi® (corn starch based), 3) Sphere 4® (potato starch based), 4) Sphere 6® (potato starch based), 5) Bioflex® (polylactic acid based), 6) Ecovio® (polylactic acid based), 7) Mimgreen® (black paper, 85 g/m2). A randomized complete block design with four replications was adopted. The crop was drip irrigated following the water demand of each treatment. To assess the evolution of the soil surface covered by the mulches, a total of 560 photographs of the superficial (exposed) part and 196 photographs of the buried part of the materials (1415x2831 pixels, 28 pixels/cm) were analyzed by using Adobe Photoshop CS at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90,120, 145 days after transplanting. Additionally, four experts evaluated the functionality of these materials based on the photographs according to a scale from 1 (completely deteriorated material) to 9 (intact material). The results show: i) The superficial part corresponding to the polyethylene and the

Thermoplastic starch materials prepared from rice starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pontes, Barbara R.B.; Curvelo, Antonio A.S.

2009-01-01

Rice starch is a source still little studied for the preparation of thermoplastic materials. However, its characteristics, such as the presence of proteins, fats and fibers may turn into thermoplastics with a better performance. The present study intends the evaluation of the viability of making starch thermoplastic from rice starch and glycerol as plasticizer. The results of X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy demonstrate the thermoplastic acquisition. The increase of plasticizer content brings on more hydrophilic thermoplastics with less resistance to tension and elongation at break. (author)

Effect of ionizing electron beam radiation on properties of edible biopolymers based on isolated soybean protein and cassava starch

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uehara, Vanessa Bernardo

2017-01-01

In recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in the amount of research focusing on the development and characterization of biodegradable materials, particularly edible films. The use of polymers from renewable sources, prepared from plant products, has gained importance in this approach. Soy protein concentrate and cassava starch may be considered an alternative to petrochemical polymers. Processing by ionizing radiation can be used for the modification of polymers and macromolecules, resulting in new materials with great prospects of industrial use. The food industry, one of the traditionally most innovative industries, requires the constant development of new products. The widely known ability of film forming proteins and polysaccharides is a starting point for the development of new materials that meet the varying requirements of this pungent industry. In this work, films based on manioc starch and isolated soy protein were prepared in two different proportions and later irradiated and analyzed for their mechanical properties, color, water absorption, water vapor permeability, TGA and DSC thermal analysis between others. The films became apparently more soluble and less resistant to drilling with the increased radiation dose applied. Regarding the thermal properties, it was observed that the films with greater protein orientation are more resistant. Properties such as water vapor permeability and water absorption, the films were less permeable at the 40 kGy dose. With regard to water absorption, it was reduced as a function of the radiation dose. Films with good resistance to water vapor and with low absorption are considered efficient for food packaging. Radiation has proven to be a convenient tool in the modification of polymeric materials mainly for the production of soluble films where it is a new trend for bioactive packaging. (author)

Biodegradable congress 2012; Bioschmierstoff-Kongress 2012

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2012-11-01

Within the Guelzower expert discussions at 5th and 6th June, 2012 in Oberhausen (Federal Republic of Germany) the following lectures were held: (1) Promotion of biodegradable lubricants by means of research and development as well as public relations (Steffen Daebeler); (2) Biodegradable lubricants - An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the engaged product groups (Hubertus Murrenhoff); (3) Standardization of biodegradable lubricants - CEN/DIN standard committees - state of the art (Rolf Luther); (4) Market research for the utilization of biodegradable lubricants and means of proof of sustainability (Norbert Schmitz); (5) Fields of application for high performance lubricants and requirements upon the products (Gunther Kraft); (6) Investigations of biodegradable lubricants in rolling bearings and gears (Christoph Hentschke); (7) Biodegradable lubricants in central lubrication systems Development of gears and bearings of offshore wind power installations (Reiner Wagner); (8) Investigations towards environmental compatibility of biodegradable lubricants used in offshore wind power installations (Tolf Schneider); (9) Development of glycerine based lubricants for the industrial metalworking (Harald Draeger); (10) Investigations and utilization of biodegradable oils as electroinsulation oils in transformers (Stefan Tenbohlen); (11) Operational behaviour of lubricant oils in vegetable oil operation and Biodiesel operation (Horst Hamdorf); (12) Lubrication effect of lubricating oil of the third generation (Stefan Heitzig); (13) Actual market development from the view of a producer of biodegradable lubricants (Frank Lewen); (14) Utilization of biodegradable lubricants in forestry harvesters (Guenther Weise); (15) New biodegradable lubricants based on high oleic sunflower oil (Otto Botz); (16) Integrated fluid concept - optimized technology and service package for users of biodegradable lubricants (Juergen Baer); (17) Utilization of a bio oil sensor to control

Design starch: stochastic modeling of starch granule biogenesis.

Science.gov (United States)

Raguin, Adélaïde; Ebenhöh, Oliver

2017-08-15

Starch is the most widespread and abundant storage carbohydrate in plants and the main source of carbohydrate in the human diet. Owing to its remarkable properties and commercial applications, starch is still of growing interest. Its unique granular structure made of intercalated layers of amylopectin and amylose has been unraveled thanks to recent progress in microscopic imaging, but the origin of such periodicity is still under debate. Both amylose and amylopectin are made of linear chains of α-1,4-bound glucose residues, with branch points formed by α-1,6 linkages. The net difference in the distribution of chain lengths and the branching pattern of amylose (mainly linear), compared with amylopectin (racemose structure), leads to different physico-chemical properties. Amylose is an amorphous and soluble polysaccharide, whereas amylopectin is insoluble and exhibits a highly organized structure of densely packed double helices formed between neighboring linear chains. Contrarily to starch degradation that has been investigated since the early 20th century, starch production is still poorly understood. Most enzymes involved in starch growth (elongation, branching, debranching, and partial hydrolysis) are now identified. However, their specific action, their interplay (cooperative or competitive), and their kinetic properties are still largely unknown. After reviewing recent results on starch structure and starch growth and degradation enzymatic activity, we discuss recent results and current challenges for growing polysaccharides on granular surface. Finally, we highlight the importance of novel stochastic models to support the analysis of recent and complex experimental results, and to address how macroscopic properties emerge from enzymatic activity and structural rearrangements. © 2017 The Author(s).

Design starch: stochastic modeling of starch granule biogenesis

Science.gov (United States)

Ebenhöh, Oliver

2017-01-01

Starch is the most widespread and abundant storage carbohydrate in plants and the main source of carbohydrate in the human diet. Owing to its remarkable properties and commercial applications, starch is still of growing interest. Its unique granular structure made of intercalated layers of amylopectin and amylose has been unraveled thanks to recent progress in microscopic imaging, but the origin of such periodicity is still under debate. Both amylose and amylopectin are made of linear chains of α-1,4-bound glucose residues, with branch points formed by α-1,6 linkages. The net difference in the distribution of chain lengths and the branching pattern of amylose (mainly linear), compared with amylopectin (racemose structure), leads to different physico-chemical properties. Amylose is an amorphous and soluble polysaccharide, whereas amylopectin is insoluble and exhibits a highly organized structure of densely packed double helices formed between neighboring linear chains. Contrarily to starch degradation that has been investigated since the early 20th century, starch production is still poorly understood. Most enzymes involved in starch growth (elongation, branching, debranching, and partial hydrolysis) are now identified. However, their specific action, their interplay (cooperative or competitive), and their kinetic properties are still largely unknown. After reviewing recent results on starch structure and starch growth and degradation enzymatic activity, we discuss recent results and current challenges for growing polysaccharides on granular surface. Finally, we highlight the importance of novel stochastic models to support the analysis of recent and complex experimental results, and to address how macroscopic properties emerge from enzymatic activity and structural rearrangements. PMID:28673938

Production of amorphous starch powders by solution spray drying

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Niazi, Muhammad B. K.; Broekhuis, Antonius A.

2012-01-01

The spray drying of starch/maltodextrin formulations was evaluated as a potential technology for the manufacturing of amorphous thermoplastic starches. Mixtures of starches with high to low amylose (Am)amylopectin (Ap) ratios were spray-dried from water-based solutions and granular dispersions. The

Comparison of starch granule development and physicochemical properties of starches in wheat pericarp and endosperm.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Xurun; Zhou, Liang; Zhang, Jing; Yu, Heng; Xiong, Fei; Wang, Zhong

2015-01-01

The objectives of this study were: (i) to characterize structural development of starch granule in pericarp and endosperm during wheat caryopsis growth; (ii) to compare physicochemical properties of starches in pericarp and endosperm; (iii) to further discover the relationships between pericarp starches and endosperm starches. Wheat pericarp and endosperm at different development stages were observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Structural properties of starches were determined using X-ray power diffraction and (13) C solid nuclear magnetic resonance. Pericarp starch granules (PSG) accumulated in amyloplasts and chloroplasts, and showed a typical accumulation peak at 5 days after fertilization (DAF), and then gradually decomposed during 5-22 DAF. PSG in the abdominal region showed a higher rate of decomposition compared to the dorsal region of pericarp. Endosperm starch granules (ESG) accumulated in amyloplasts, and occurred in endosperm cells at 5 DAF, then rapidly enriched the endosperm cells until 22 DAF. Compared with ESG, PSG were compound granules of irregular shape and small size distribution. The results also suggested lower amylose content and V-type single-helix content and higher proportions of double helices for PSG compared to ESG. Based on the structural development of PSG and ESG, we speculated that the saccharides resulting from decomposition of PSG, on one hand, enabled the pericarp to survive before maturity of wheat caryopsis and, on the other hand, provided extra nutrition for the growth of ESG. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

The future of starch bioengineering: GM microorganisms or GM plants?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hebelstrup, Kim; Sagnelli, Domenico; Blennow, Andreas

2015-01-01

, tubers and cereal grains to provide a GM crop as an alternative to the use of enzymes from GM microorganisms. We here discuss these techniques in relation to important structural features and modifications of starches such as: starch phosphorylation, starch hydrolysis, chain transfer/branching and novel...... concepts of hybrid starch-based polysaccharides. In planta starch bioengineering is generally challenged by yield penalties and inefficient production of the desired product. However, in some situations, GM crops for starch bioengineering without deleterious effects have been achieved....

Correlation between dietary nitrogen, level of plasma urea and urea excretion in urine of buffalo calves

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Verma, D.N.; Singh, U.B.

1978-01-01

Two experiments were conducted with 6 male buffalo calves of Murrah breed, aged 1.5 years, to determine whether blood urea nitrogen and urea excretion in urine were associated with protein intake. The animals were fed different amounts of crude protein in their diet. The levels of urea-N in the blood, excretion of 14 C from urea and urea-N in the urine were estimated. Close relationships were observed between nitrogen intake, blood urea nitrogen and urea excretion in the urine. The observations indicated that blood urea-N and urea excretion in urine could be quantitated with the protein intake. (author)

Effect of Cross-Linking on the Performances of Starch-Based Biopolymer as Gel Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pavithra Nagaraj

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs have become a validated and economically credible competitor to the traditional solid-state junction photovoltaic devices. DSSCs based on biopolymer gel electrolyte systems offer the perspective of competitive conversion efficiencies with a very low-cost fabrication. In this paper, a new starch-based biopolymer gel electrolyte system is prepared by mixing lithium iodide and iodine with bare and citric acid cross-linked potato starches with glycerol as the plasticizing agent. The effect of the preparation methods on the starch cross-linking degree as well as the photoconversion efficiency of the resulting DSSC cells is carefully analyzed. Fourier transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology and conformational changes of starch in the electrolytes. The conductivity of the biopolymer electrolytes was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. DSSC based on the starch-gel polymer electrolytes were characterized by photovoltaic measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results clearly show that the cross-linking increases the recombination resistance and open circuit voltage (VOC of the DSSC, and thereby the photoconversion efficiency of the cell. In particular, electrolytes containing 1.4 g bare and cross-linked starches showed ionic conductivities of σ = 1.61, 0.59, 0.38, and 0.35 S cm−1, and the corresponding DSSCs showed efficiencies of 1.2, 1.4, 0.93, and 1.11%, respectively.

Biodegradable and compostable alternatives to conventional plastics

Science.gov (United States)

Song, J. H.; Murphy, R. J.; Narayan, R.; Davies, G. B. H.

2009-01-01

Packaging waste forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and has caused increasing environmental concerns, resulting in a strengthening of various regulations aimed at reducing the amounts generated. Among other materials, a wide range of oil-based polymers is currently used in packaging applications. These are virtually all non-biodegradable, and some are difficult to recycle or reuse due to being complex composites having varying levels of contamination. Recently, significant progress has been made in the development of biodegradable plastics, largely from renewable natural resources, to produce biodegradable materials with similar functionality to that of oil-based polymers. The expansion in these bio-based materials has several potential benefits for greenhouse gas balances and other environmental impacts over whole life cycles and in the use of renewable, rather than finite resources. It is intended that use of biodegradable materials will contribute to sustainability and reduction in the environmental impact associated with disposal of oil-based polymers. The diversity of biodegradable materials and their varying properties makes it difficult to make simple, generic assessments such as biodegradable products are all ‘good’ or petrochemical-based products are all ‘bad’. This paper discusses the potential impacts of biodegradable packaging materials and their waste management, particularly via composting. It presents the key issues that inform judgements of the benefits these materials have in relation to conventional, petrochemical-based counterparts. Specific examples are given from new research on biodegradability in simulated ‘home’ composting systems. It is the view of the authors that biodegradable packaging materials are most suitable for single-use disposable applications where the post-consumer waste can be locally composted. PMID:19528060

Biodegradable and compostable alternatives to conventional plastics.

Science.gov (United States)

Song, J H; Murphy, R J; Narayan, R; Davies, G B H

2009-07-27

Packaging waste forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and has caused increasing environmental concerns, resulting in a strengthening of various regulations aimed at reducing the amounts generated. Among other materials, a wide range of oil-based polymers is currently used in packaging applications. These are virtually all non-biodegradable, and some are difficult to recycle or reuse due to being complex composites having varying levels of contamination. Recently, significant progress has been made in the development of biodegradable plastics, largely from renewable natural resources, to produce biodegradable materials with similar functionality to that of oil-based polymers. The expansion in these bio-based materials has several potential benefits for greenhouse gas balances and other environmental impacts over whole life cycles and in the use of renewable, rather than finite resources. It is intended that use of biodegradable materials will contribute to sustainability and reduction in the environmental impact associated with disposal of oil-based polymers. The diversity of biodegradable materials and their varying properties makes it difficult to make simple, generic assessments such as biodegradable products are all 'good' or petrochemical-based products are all 'bad'. This paper discusses the potential impacts of biodegradable packaging materials and their waste management, particularly via composting. It presents the key issues that inform judgements of the benefits these materials have in relation to conventional, petrochemical-based counterparts. Specific examples are given from new research on biodegradability in simulated 'home' composting systems. It is the view of the authors that biodegradable packaging materials are most suitable for single-use disposable applications where the post-consumer waste can be locally composted.

Effects of different levels of urea supplementation on nutrient intake and growth performance in growing camels fed roughage based complete pellet diets

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ntiranyibagira Emmanuel

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The utilization of urea in camels has beneficial and negative effects. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of different levels of urea supplementation on nutrients intake, digestibility, growth performance, feed efficiency and economics in growing camels fed roughage based complete pellet diets. In the present study, eighteen growing camels with an average live body weight of 306.17 ± 2.05 kg were randomly assigned in three treatments: T1 = roughage complete pellet diet without urea, T2 = T1 plus 1% urea, and T3 = T1 plus 2% urea. The results showed that the urea supplementation significantly affected average daily feed and nutrient intake of dry matter (DM, organic matter (OM, crude protein (CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF, and acid detergent fiber (ADF (P  0.05. Similarly, digestion coefficient of DM, CP, ether extract (EE, crude fiber (CF and ADF was influenced by increasing urea level (P  0.05. The intake of digestive nutrients was similar among all treatment groups. Total body live weight gain and average daily gain were significantly higher in urea supplemented groups (P < 0.05 than in the control group. The supplementation of urea at 1% in low quality roughage complete pellet diets significantly improved (P < 0.05 the feed efficiency. In conclusion, these results indicated that the incorporation of urea at 1% in roughage based complete pellet diets could positively improve nutrients intake, digestibility, growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of growing camels.