International Journal of Biological Macromolecules最新文献

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are renowned for their effectiveness in deconstructing lignocellulose and extracting lignin, yet the challenges lie in lignin condensation and the disposal of the DES remnants after pretreatment. To overcome these issues, this work proposed a holistic strategy utilizing deep eutectic solvent (DES)-driven lignocellulose deconstruction to upgrade lignocellulose into nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CDs) and iron-decorated porous carbons, serving as photocatalysts and adsorbents, respectively. These nitrogen-doped CDs via the choline chloride/FeCl₃ DES pretreatment exhibited abundant nitrogen/oxygen functional groups, enhancing photocatalytic activities and facilitating effective charge separation and transfer. The photocatalytic efficiency of the CDs on dyes reached 97 % under acidic conditions primarily, and free radical quenching experiments indicated that singlet oxygen was the dominant oxidant species. Moreover, the adsorption capabilities of Fe-decorated porous carbons for Congo red reached 2432.3 mg·g^-1, surpassing most existing carbon materials. The adsorption mechanism was due to a synergistic effect including physical adsorption, coordination, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and π-π interactions. This study proposed a synergetic conversion of DES and lignocellulose into functional carbon materials for wastewater remediation, which inspired the development of a green and cost-effective biorefinery.

To combat with emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), we report the identification of a set of unique HWK-motif peptide ligands for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein from a phage-displayed peptide library. These HWK-motif peptides exhibited nanomolar affinity for RBD. Among them, the peptide, HWKAVNWLKPWT (SP-HWK), had not only the highest affinities for RBD and trimer S protein, but also broad-spectrum affinities for RBDs from VOCs. Molecular dynamics simulations and competitive ELISA revealed a conserved pocket between the cryptic and the outer faces of RBD for SP-HWK binding, distinct from the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor binding site. By coupling SP-HWK to agarose gel, the as-prepared affinity gel could efficiently capture RBD and trimer S from the ancestral strain and the Omicron variant, and the bound targets could be recovered by mild elution at pH 6.0. More importantly, the affinity gel presented excellent and stable chromatographic performance in the purification of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron vaccines, affording high yields and purities, and strong HCP reduction. The results demonstrated the potential of SP-HWK as a broad-spectrum peptide ligand for developing a universal platform for the vaccine purification of SARS-CoV-2 and VOCs.

Emissions of particulate matter (PM) originating from industrial and agricultural incineration had emerged as a significant public health concern. Furthermore, the considerable annual production of straw remains underutilized, particularly in China. In this study, we proposed a novel approach for holocellulose air filter production from corn stalks via low-temperature anthraquinone pulping, partial dissolving, and high-speed shear-induced regeneration. About 61.40-78.23 % of hemicellulose in corn stalks was retained in holocellulose, furthermore, the delignification rate was up to 81.63-92.51 % after low temperature (<100 °C) alkaline exactment. Subsequently, holocellulose air filters (RHF) was prepared through regeneration with high-speed shear induced (25,000 rpm) and freeze-drying. The final air filters contained approximately 8.56-12.4 % hemicellulose, exhibiting a substantial adsorption capacity for low molecules such as formaldehyde. The results revealed remarkably low PM_2.5 penetration ratio (0.12 %) and pressure drop (14.3 Pa) of the air filter, while exhibiting a remarkable formaldehyde adsorption capacity of 54.5 mg/g. Moreover, the characters of high crystallinity index and robust micro/nano-structure of regenerated cellulose were obtained. This study introduced an innovative and facile strategy for gaseous formaldehyde adsorption and introduced novel solutions for agricultural waste utilization.

This study focuses on the synthesis and practical application of bio-nanocomposite films made from a mixture of starch (ST) and Kraft lignin (KL) with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles. FTIR, XRD, Raman, SEM, and TEM analysis confirmed the synthesis's success of GO. The bio-nanocomposites were used as advanced coatings for triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizers, and their implications for maize (Zea mays L.) plant growth were examined. Incorporating GO into the composite matrix is a significant accomplishment of this study, as demonstrated by the noticeable changes observed in the FTIR spectra, indicating consequent structural changes. Morphological analyses conducted by SEM reveal changes in the surface characteristics of the ST/KL films, providing essential information about the structural details of the bio-nanocomposite. The utilization of precision-coated TSP fertilizers leads to a significant enhancement in mechanical strength, as demonstrated by the improved crush resistance. Furthermore, these formulations guarantee a gradual release of phosphorus, showcasing their potential for efficient nutrient management in agricultural settings. The study examines the practical application of coated TSP fertilizers in agriculture and their positive effects on various growth parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) plants. Using these fertilizers promotes sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, contributing to developing innovative agrochemical solutions.

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) can serve as an efficient surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform for in situ detection of trace targets. In this study, a highly reproducible SERS platform based on TEMPO-oxidized CNFs (T-CNFs) was fabricated by the ion-exchange. Self-assembly of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was accomplished in only 120 s. The abundant carboxylate groups and good hydrophilicity of T-CNFs facilitated uniform and dense loading of AgNPs over the surface area. The obtained SERS substrate greatly enhanced the Raman signal of different pesticides, and the detection limits of thiram and thiabendazole were 5.81 × 10^-8 M and 9.63 × 10^-8 M, respectively. SERS substrate could produce homogeneous Raman-enhanced signals (relative standard deviation (RSD) = 6.59 %). In addition, due to the good flexibility, SERS substrate could collect and detect pesticide residues from the surface of apples. The intensities of Raman characteristic peak at 1384 cm^-1 showed a good linear relationship with the analyte concentrations (0.96 ng/cm²-9600 ng/cm²). The constructed SERS substrate provided a theoretical basis for the preliminary rapid screening of hazardous chemical residues in food, which was of great value for the SERS technique to become a routine on-site analysis method for pesticide residues.

Smart films of starch/pectin and purple carrot peel (PCP) containing anthocyanins were developed, characterized, and used as pH-responsive tags to monitor plant-based chicken analogous. This study innovates by incorporating PCP in the film solution both as an extract and as a powder, and the resulting tags were applied to a plant-based food. PCP powder <100-mesh was directly incorporated into the film-forming suspension. For powder >100-mesh, two extracts were tested: an aqueous solution and a 1 % NADES solution added to the film-forming suspension. Quantification of PCP anthocyanins by HPLC showed a higher extraction under acidic conditions (1664 mg C3G equivalents 100 g^-1). Films with PCP presented greater light protection. Films with 15 % and 25 % PCP and those with added extract showed better tensile strength (3.0-3.6 MPa), elongation at break (16-20 %) and a water contact angle of 52°. All films responded to pH variations (1 to 14) and ammonia vapor and showed ΔE* values >5. After 3 days, films used as smart tags monitoring chicken analogous presented noticeable color differences for PCP_NADES (55 ± 8) and 15%PCP (40 ± 1). PCP showed strong potential as a pigmenting agent in films, especially as an aqueous extract with NADES for use as pH-responsive tags in chicken analogous.

Three purified polysaccharides, CDAP-1, CDAP-2, and CDAP-3, were prepared from the rhizome of Cistanche deserticola and characterized. Structural analysis revealed that CDAP-1 and CDAP-2 are highly branched RG-I-type polysaccharides with side chains, including arabinans, galactans, and/or AGs, whereas CDAP-3 is a typical HG-type polysaccharide. In vivo tests revealed that treatment with the crude polysaccharide fraction (CDCP) significantly prolonged the survival of H22 tumor-bearing mice and exhibited antitumor effects. In vitro experiments demonstrated that all three polysaccharides could polarize M2-like TAMs toward the M1 phenotype. As a major component of CDCP, CDAP-2 could act on M2 macrophages through the TLR4 receptor-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. An in vitro cell model verified that CDAP-2 could inhibit cell proliferation by reversing the polarization of M2-like TAMs to the cytotoxic M1 phenotype. Overall, we found that CDCP showed a clear antitumor effect and that its major component, CDAP-2, could reverse the suppressive TAM phenotype in the microenvironment, providing a scientific basis for the clinical application and development of C. deserticola.

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) significantly impairs the inherent regenerative ability of skeletal muscle and results in chronic functional impairment. Polysaccharides in the muscle extracellular matrix are crucial for regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies indicate that fucoidan has beneficial effects on musculoskeletal conditions. However, the impact of fucoidan on skeletal muscle regeneration remains poorly understood. In this study, methacrylated fucoidan (FuMA) was synthesized through chemical grafting of the methacryloyl group onto fucoidan. In vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment with FuMA significantly up-regulated the expression of myogenic markers and promoted the formation of myotubes in C2C12 myoblast cells. Importantly, FuMA treatment led to a significant enhancement in mitochondrial energy metabolism of myoblasts via activation of the NRF2 antioxidant signaling pathway. To further investigate the regenerative properties in repairing skeletal muscle defects, we fabricated a dual crosslinked cryogel consisting of FuMA and methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) with a porous and interconnected structure. In a rat tibialis anterior muscle VML model, implantation of the FuMA/GelMA cryogel effectively promoted the regeneration of muscle fibers, reduced collagen deposition, and facilitated the formation of new blood vessels. Hence, polysaccharide-based cryogels represent a promising implantable biomimetic scaffold for facilitating skeletal muscle regeneration following severe injuries.