Preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose‐g‐poly (acrylamide)/montmorillonite superabsorbent composite as a slow‐release urea fertilizer

A superabsorbent composite was synthesized through free‐radical graft copolymerization of carboxymethyl cellulose, acrylamide, and montmorillonite by means of a crosslinker such as N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide and potassium persulfate as an initiator. The preparation mechanism was proposed, and the composite structures were confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The factors influencing the swelling capacity of the composite were determined to accomplish the highly swelling capacity. The composition (15 wt% carboxymethyl cellulose, 5.4 wt% montmorillonite, 82 wt% acrylamide, 0.07 wt% N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide, and 1.1 wt% potassium persulfate) exhibited high swelling capacity; it was selected to be loaded with urea fertilizer, and the release was investigated by measuring the conductivity. The results showed that the new controlled release system has good slow release properties.     

Antibacterial cellulose acetate films incorporated with N‐halamine‐modified nano‐crystalline cellulose particles

Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes have been widely used as food packaging materials as well as reverse osmosis systems. This study presents the manufacturing of composite CA film with antibacterial properties which is essential for CA film applications in the industry. N‐Halamine precursor of polymethacrylamide‐modified nano‐crystalline cellulose particles (NCC‐PMAMs) were prepared and incorporated into CA film. The composite films with intercalated structure were formed via a solvent‐casting technique. After chlorination, the composite film CA/NCC‐PMAM‐Cl‐1.0 with 1.82 × 10¹⁶ atoms/cm² covalently bonded chlorine showed excellent antibacterial properties by inactivating 6.04 logs of Staphylococcus aureus and 6.27 logs of Escherichia coli within 10 and 5 min, respectively. According to X‐ray diffraction spectra, NCC‐PMAMs behaved as a facilitator for film crystallization. The mechanical strength of the composite film also increased compared with that of pure CA film. However, the composite film became brittle and the maximum decomposition temperature decreased slightly. Preliminary data of in vitro cytocompatibility evaluation indicate that the film is not toxic and has potential use in food packaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel controlled release nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer hybrid nanocomposite based on banana peel cellulose and layered double hydroxides nanosheets

In the present study, a novel environment-friendly hybrid nanocomposite of Banana Peel Cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid)/PVA (BPC-g-PAA/PVA) hydrogel and Layered double hydroxides (LDH) nanosheets was developed using in situ graft polymerization for slow release of NP (nitrogen, phosphorous) fertilizers and water retention. The hybrid nanocomposite hydrogel containing NP fertilizers was characterized using FTIR, and SEM. The effects of pH changes and different saline solutions on the swelling behavior, fertilizer release and water retention properties of the nanocomposite were investigated.The nanocomposite hydrogel showed a pH dependent swelling, as in the pH range of 7–10, the hydrogel had higher water absorbency. However, pH had opposite effects on the release of fertilizers. Phosphorus release had an increasing trend from pH 2 to 7 and it reached its maximum value at normal pH while nitrogen had a higher release rate at acidic pH and by increasing pH from 2 to 7, the release of nitrogen decreased gradually. Water absorption and fertilizer release of hydrogel was influenced by different cations in the order of Ca²⁺ < K⁺ < Na⁺. Water retention study in loamy sand soil showed that the nanocomposite hydrogel significantly improved the water retention of the soil for a longer period of time, compared to neat BPC-gPAA. This result indicated that incorporation of LDH nanosheets in hydrogel matrix improved its water retention property. The obtained results revealed that the nanocomposite of BPC-g-PAA/PVA hydrogel and LDH nanosheets can be a promising controlled release fertilizer formulation with enhanced water retention properties for agricultural applications.     

利用有机改性的类水滑石缓释阿维菌素

采用蒸发溶剂促进插层(evaporating solvent enhanced intercalation)的方法把农药阿维菌素(Avermectin, AVM)插层到十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS)改性的类水滑石(Hydrotalcite-like compound, HTlc)层间，合成了AVM-SDS-HTlc纳米杂化物。研究发现其能够很好的控制阿维菌素的释放，表明AVM-SDS-HTlc纳米杂化物是一种很有潜力的农药控释剂型。AVM-SDS-HTlc纳米杂化物的释放受pH、温度和电解质的影响，酸性介质、较高温度以及有电解质存在会提高其缓释速率。释放过程符合准一级释放动力学，释放的活化能为279 kJ/mol。     

Preparation of antibacterial cellulose with a monochloro‐s‐triazine‐based N‐halamine biocide

A novel monochloro‐s‐triazine‐based N‐halamine precursor, 4‐(4‐(5,5‐dimethylhydantoin‐3‐ethylamino)‐6‐chloro‐1,3,5‐triazinylamino)‐benzenesulfonate (HB), was synthesized and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The reactive dyes dyeing method was applied to bond HB onto cotton fabrics, and the treated fabrics were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope. The chlorinated HB‐treated fabrics showed excellent antibacterial efficacies against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 and inactivated all inoculated bacteria within 1 min of contact. Interestingly, it was found that the finishing process and following chlorination caused smaller tensile strength loss of cotton fabrics than the traditional pad‐dry‐cure method. Furthermore, the antimicrobial cotton fabrics exhibited good stability and regenerability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)/chitosan electrospun membrane containing amoxicillin‐loaded halloysite nanoclay

The main attitude of new wound dressings with biocompatible natural or synthetic polymers is improving and accelerating the healing process. In this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with a model antibiotic drug, amoxicillin (AMX), were incorporated within poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) solution that were electrospun with hydrophilic chitosan nanofibers simultaneously in two different syringes to make composite nanofibrous mat. The morphology, homogeneity, and fiber diameter of electrospun (PLGA/HNTs/AMX/chitosan) composite nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and image J software. To evaluate the chemical structure, mechanical property, contact angle, and water absorption of samples, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile testing, water contact angle, and immersion in phosphate buffer saline were utilized, respectively. Results indicated that incorporation of HNTs does not significantly alter nanofibers' morphology but rather increases their diameter, while the mechanical properties are improved because of its high modulus. Also, addition of natural hydrophilic polymer nanofibers (chitosan) enhanced the hydrophilicity property of samples. According to high‐performance liquid chromatography drug release analysis, HNTs as a good nanocarrier decreased initial burst release and showed controlled release behavior. MTT assay determined biocompatibility of PLGA/HNTs/AMX/chitosan. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterization of macroporous poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels for the controlled release of proteins

Macroporous, temperature‐sensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels were synthesized with poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs; molecular weight = 2000–6000) as the pore‐forming agents. The influence of the molecular weight and PEG content on the responsive kinetics of these macroporous hydrogels was investigated. The PEG‐modified PNIPAAm hydrogels were characterized by the swelling ratio, deswelling–reswelling kinetics, Fourier transform infrared, and differential scanning calorimetry. The morphology of these hydrogels was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. The prepared macroporous hydrogels exhibited some unique properties in comparison with the gels with low molecular weight PEGs (molecular weight < 2000) as the pore‐forming agents. In addition, a preliminary study on the controlled release of bovine serum albumin from these macroporous hydrogels was carried out. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 152–159, 2003     

Synthesis and characterization of water‐soluble barbiturate‐ and thiobarbiturate‐functionalized polystyrene

The synthesis and characterization of barbiturate‐ and thiobarbiturate‐functionalized polystyrene from polystyrene homopolymer by polymer‐modification reactions is discussed. Polystyrene homopolymer quantitatively functionalized at the para postion with diethyl oxomalonate functionality was subjected to a condensation reaction with urea and thiourea in the presence of sodium methoxide in methanol. This reaction proceeded essentially to quantitative conversion to the barbiturate‐ (BAPS) and thiobarbiturate‐functionalized polystyrenes (TBAPS) as estimated by ¹H NMR, UV, and IR spectroscopies. Thus, several copolymers of styrene with barbiturate‐ and thiobarbiturate‐functionalized styrene were synthesized. The detailed characterizations of quantitatively functionalized polystyrene using gel permeation chromatographic, IR, UV, and ¹H NMR spectroscopic techniques as well as thermogravimetric analysis are discussed. An application of the newly synthesized polymer in removing Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution is demonstrated. This is the first report on the synthesis of BAPS and TBAPS by the polymer‐modification route or otherwise. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 731–737, 2002; DOI 10.1002/pola.10154     

Morphology evolution and crystalline structure of controlled‐rheology polypropylene in micro‐injection molding

In this paper, the microstructural evolution of controlled‐rheology polypropylene (CRPP) with different melt viscoelasticities was investigated by polarized optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. It is found that a typical “skin‐core” structure formed in CRPP microparts and the thickness of oriented layer of CRPP microparts decreases notably with the addition of peroxide. The thickness of oriented layer and the distribution of different layers strongly depend on the melt flow properties and the corresponding relaxation time (λ). Furthermore, the mechanisms of the suppressed formation of oriented layers during the micro‐injection molding process are discussed mainly from the viewpoint of rheology and thermodynamics. It is revealed that the shear‐induced orientation is one of the key factors for the formation of oriented molecular structure (row nuclei). The final thickness of the oriented layer is the result of the competition between the orientation behavior and the disorientation behavior. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lewis acid‐base properties of cellulose acetate butyrate by inverse gas chromatography

The dispersive component of the surface‐free energy, , of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) has been determined using the net retention volume, V_N, of n‐alkanes (C₅? C₈) probes in the temperature range 323.15–393.15 K. The values decrease nonlinearly with increase in temperature, and the temperature coefficients of are ? 0.32 (mJ/m²K) and ? 0.10 (mJ/m²K) in the range 323.15–353.15 K and 353.15–393.15 K, respectively. This variation in has been attributed to the structural changes that take place on the surface of CAB at ～353.15 K. The specific components of the enthalpy of adsorption, , and entropy of adsorption, , calculated using V_N of polar solutes are negative. The values are used to evaluate Lewis acidity constant, K_a, and Lewis basicity constant, K_b, for the CAB surface. The K_a and K_b values are found to be 0.126 and 1.109, respectively, which suggest that the surface is predominantly basic. The K_a and K_b results indicate for the necessary surface modifications of CAB which act as biodegradable adsorbent material. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Two‐stage phase separation of cellulose acetate membranes modified with plasma‐treated natural zeolite: Response surface modeling

Cellulose acetate (CA) microfiltration membranes were prepared by two‐stage vapor‐induced phase separation (VIPS) and immersion precipitation. To improve the hydrophilicity and permeability of the membranes at low operating pressures, plasma‐treated natural zeolite was incorporated into the membranes. A response surface methodology based on the three‐level central composite design (CCD) was used to model and optimize the casting solution composition of the membranes with the aim of maximizing membranes permeability. Three independent variables for CCD optimization were concentration of CA, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) pore former, and plasma‐treated zeolite additive. The results showed that a second‐order polynomial model could properly predict the response (pure water flux) at any input variable values with a satisfying determination coefficient (R²) of 0.954. Also, analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the adequacy of the obtained model. The permeability of the prepared membranes increased by increasing zeolite loading from 0.10 to 0.50 wt%, which was related to the membranes morphology and porosity and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Pure water flux of the membranes decreased by increasing CA concentration while an optimum PVP amount was required to reach the maximum flux. The result of the bubble point analysis well matched with surface SEM images of the membranes and permeability trend predicted by CCD model. Also, the prepared CA membranes with different compositions showed no toxicity for mouse L929 fibroblast, which indicated their nontoxic and biocompatible nature.     

Preparation, characterization, and controlled release of novel nanoparticles based on MMA/beta-CD copolymers

A series of random copolymers with different beta-cyclodextrin contents were synthesized by radical copolymerization of MMA with a monovinyl beta-CD monomer. The copolymers were characterized with IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, DSC, and TGA. Based on these copolymers, their nanoparticles were prepared by using DMF, water, and acetone as solvents. Aqueous dispersions of the nanoparticles were further obtained by dialysis against water. Zetasizer Nano-ZS dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the nanoparticles. Using camptothecin as a model drug molecule, the encapsulation efficiency and release behavior of the nanoparticles were investigated.     

Antimicrobial polymers containing melamine derivatives. I. Preparation and characterization of chloromelamine‐based cellulose

A reactive melamine derivative, 2‐amino‐4‐chloro‐6‐hydroxy‐s‐triazine (ACHT), was synthesized through the controlled hydrolysis of 2‐amino‐4,6‐dichloro‐s‐triazine. The reaction was characterized with Fourier transform infrared study and elemental analysis. ACHT could react with cotton cellulose at room temperature with a cold‐pad‐batch treatment process. Upon chlorination reactions, the amino group of covalently bound ACHT could be transformed into an N‐halamine structure, providing potent, durable, and rechargeable antimicrobial activities against both gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria. The chlorination mechanism and the structure–property relationship of the treated samples were further examined. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3818–3827, 2004     

Dual crosslinked pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive hydrogel beads for intestine‐targeted controlled release

Novel drug‐loaded hydrogel beads for intestine‐targeted controlled release were developed by using pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive carboxymethyl chitosan‐graft‐poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (CMCTS‐g‐PDEA) hydrogel as carriers and vitamin B₂ (VB₂) as a model drug. The hydrogel beads were prepared based on Ca²⁺ ionic crosslinking in acidic solution and formed dual crosslinked network structure. The structure of hydrogel and morphology of drug‐loaded beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study about swelling characteristics of hydrogel beads indicated that the beads had obvious pH‐ and temperature‐sensitivity. In vitro release studies of drug‐loaded beads were carried out in pH 1.2 HCl buffer solution and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution at 37°C, respectively. The results indicated that the dual crosslinked method could effectively control the drug release rate under gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions, which was superior to traditional single crosslinked beads. In addition, the effects of grafting percentage, pH value, and temperature on the release behavior of the VB₂ were investigated. The drug release mechanism of CMCTS‐g‐PDEA drug‐loaded beads was analyzed by Peppa's potential equation. According to this study, the dual crosslinked hydrogel beads based on CMCTS‐g‐PDEA could serve as suitable candidate for drug site‐specific carrier in intestine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Depo‐Medrol–chitosan hydrogel as new drug slow‐release appliance and investigation of release kinetics by high‐performance liquid chromatography

The present study deals with preparation and optimization of a novel chitosan hydrogel‐based matrix by suspension cross‐linking method for controlled release of Depo‐Medrol. The controlled release of Depo‐Medrol for effective Rheumatoid arthritis disease has become an imperative field in the drug delivery system. In this context, it was intended to optimize loading circumstances by experimental design and also study the release kinetics of Depo‐Medrol entrapped in the chitosan matrix in order to obtain maximal efficiency for drug loading. The optimum concentrations of chitosan (2.5 g), glutaraldehyde (3.05 μL) and Depo‐Medrol (0.1 mg) were set up to achieve the highest value of drug loaded and the most sustained release from the chitosan matrix. In vitro monitoring of drug release kinetic using high‐performance liquid chromatography showed that 73% of the Depo‐Medrol was released within 120 min, whereas remained drug was released during the next 67 h. High correlation between first‐order and Higuchi's kinetic models indicates a controlled diffusion of Depo‐Medrol through the surrounding media. Moreover, recovery capacity >82% and entrapment efficiency of 58–88% were achieved under optimal conditions. Therefore, the new synthesized Depo Medrol–chitosan is an applicable appliance for arthritis therapy by slow release mechanism. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photografted methacrylate‐based monolithic columns coated with cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) for chiral separation in CEC

A chiral capillary monolithic column for enantiomer separation in capillary electrochromatography was prepared by coating cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) on porous glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate monolith in capillary format grafted with chains of [2(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride. The surface modification of the monolith by the photografting of [2(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride monomer as well as the coating conditions of cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) onto the grafted monolithic scaffold were optimized to obtain a stable and reproducible chiral stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography. The effect of organic modifier (acetonitrile) in aqueous mobile phase for the enantiomer separation by capillary electrochromatography was also investigated. Several pairs of enantiomers including acidic, neutral, and basic analytes were tested and most of them were partially or completely resolved under aqueous mobile phases. The prepared monolithic chiral stationary phases exhibited a good stability, repeatability, and column‐to‐column reproducibility, with relative standard deviations below 11% in the studied electrochromatographic parameters.     

Effect of catalyst systems and reaction conditions on the synthesis of cellulose‐g‐PDMAam copolymers by controlled radical polymerization

Various copper‐based catalyst systems and reaction conditions were studied in the graft copolymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAam) with a cellulose‐based macroinitiator by controlled radical polymerization. The cellulose macroinitiator with degree of substitution DS = 0.44 was synthesized from dissolving softwood pulp in a LiCl/DMAc solution. The graft copolymerizations of DMAam, using the cellulose macroinitiator and various copper‐based catalyst systems, were then carried out in DMSO solutions. The copolymerization kinetics was followed by ¹H NMR. Water‐soluble cellulose‐g‐PDMAam copolymers were comprehensively characterized by ATR‐FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies and SEC analyses. DLS and steady‐shear viscosity measurements revealed that when the DP_graft of the cellulose‐g‐PDMAam copolymer is high enough, the copolymer forms a more compact structure in water. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Magnetic‐targeted pH‐responsive drug delivery system via layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly of polyelectrolytes onto drug‐containing emulsion droplets and its controlled release

Novel magnetic‐targeted pH‐responsive drug delivery system have been designed by the layer‐by‐layer self‐ assembly of the polyelectrolytes (oligochitosan as the polycation and sodium alginate as the polyanion) via the electrostatic interaction with the oil‐in‐water type hybrid emulsion droplets containing the superparamagnetic ferroferric oxide nanoparticles and drug molecules [dipyridamole (DIP)] as cores. Here the drug molecules were directly encapsulated into the interior of droplets without etching the templates and refilling with the desired guest molecules. The drug‐delivery system showed high encapsulation efficiency of drugs and drug‐loading capacity. The cumulative release ratio of dipyridamole from the oligochitosan/sodium alginate multilayer‐encapsulated magnetic hybrid emulsion droplets (DIP/Fe₃O₄‐OA/OA)@(OCS/SAL)₄ was up to almost 100% after 31 h at pH 1.8. However, the cumulative release ratio was only 3.3% at pH 7.4 even after 48 h. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Facile Synthesis of Cellulose Acetate Ultrafiltration Membrane with Stimuli‐Responsiveness to pH and Temperature Using the Additive of F127‐b‐PDMAEMA

We fabricate a novel cellulose acetate (CA) ultrafiltration membrane modified by block copolymer F127‐b‐ PDMAEMA, which is synthesized using F127 and DMAEMA via the ARGET ATRP method. Compared to conventional ultrafiltration membranes, the incorporation of both F127 and PDMAEMA can not only readily increase the hydrophilicity of the membrane, but also exhibit stimuli‐responsiveness to temperature and pH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are employed to analyze the structure of the F127‐b‐PDMAEMA. The membrane properties are evaluated via scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, porosity test, automatic target recognition Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), water contact angle test and permeation test. The results indicate that the F127‐b‐PDMAEMA is an excellent pore agent, which contributes to an enhancement of the membrane in sensitivity to temperature and pH. The modified membrane also exhibits lower water contact angle (64.5°), which is attributed to the good anti‐fouling performance and high water permeation.