The fibrillation of pulp fiber was attempted by two methods, a high-pressure homogenizer treatment and a grinder treatment. The grinder treatment resulted in the successful fibrillation of wood pulp fibers into nanofibers. The nanofibers demonstrate promising characteristics as reinforcement material for optically transparent composites. Due to the size effect, the nanofiber-reinforced composite retains the transparency of the matrix resin even at high fiber content such as 70 wt %. Since the nanofiber is an aggregate of semi-crystalline extended cellulose chains, its addition also contributes to a significant improvement in the thermal expansion properties of plastics while maintaining its ease of bending. Cellulose nanofibers have tremendous potential as a future resource since they are produced in a sustainable manner by plants, one of the most abundant organic resources on earth.

Optically transparent composites reinforced with plant fiber-based nanofibers(ABSTRACTS (MASTER THESIS FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE))

Effects of extraction methods on the physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus).

Antioxidant, antiradical, and antimicrobial activities of polysaccharides obtained by microwave-assisted extraction method: A review

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) that retain the characteristics of the SLN, improve drug stability and loading capacity, and prevent drug leakage Polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) are an important component of drug delivery These nanoparticles can effectively direct drug delivery to specific targets and improve drug stability and controlled drug release Lipid–polymer nanoparticles (PLNs), a new type of carrier that combines liposomes and polymers, have been employed in recent years These nanoparticles possess the complementary advantages of PNPs and liposomes A PLN is composed of a core–shell structure; the polymer core provides a stable structure, and the phospholipid shell offers good biocompatibility As such, the two components increase the drug encapsulation efficiency rate, facilitate surface modification, and prevent leakage of water-soluble drugs Hence, we have reviewed the current state of development for the NLCs’, PNPs’, and PLNs’ structures, preparation, and applications over the past five years, to provide the basis for further study on a controlled release drug delivery system

A Review of the Structure, Preparation, and Application of NLCs, PNPs, and PLNs.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of Sargassum thunbergii polysaccharides and its antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities.

Background Bioactive compounds (BCs) have attracted recently substantial interests because of their remarkable healthy and functional properties. However, the vast application in processed foods of these BCs was restricted by their intrinsically deficient solubility, stability, and bioaccessibility. Accompanying the increasing awareness of outstanding functionalities of natural proteins and polysaccharides for developing safer, healthier, and more biocompatible food formulations, application of these abundant and low-cost biopolymers in fabrication of BCs-loaded nanostructures becomes an innovative trend for the processing of designed foods. Scope and approach The approaches commonly used for fabricating BCs-loaded protein-polysaccharide complexes or conjugates-based nanostructures (PPCCNs) and the corresponding characterization methods are described in this review. The application in food system and safety concern of these BCs-loaded PPCCNs are also discussed. Key findings and conclusions The non-covalent complexation and covalent interactions promote the formation of protein-polysaccharide complexes and conjugates, respectively. Bottom-up approaches (such as liquid antisolvent precipitation, pH-driving encapsulation, heating or ionic gelation, and self-assembly) and top-down approaches (such as emulsion-based homogenization) are broadly applied to fabricate these BCs-loaded PPCCNs. Each approach exhibits its outstanding advantages to fabricate the nano-encapsulated BCs with modified stability, controlled release, and functional properties. Characterization of BCs-loaded PPCCNs is mainly completed via investigating the aspects of formation mechanisms, micromorphological properties, and encapsulation profiles. Targeted application and safety issue should be considered during the processing of fortified foods with these BCs-loaded PPCCNs. Overall, the effective encapsulation, protection, and delivery of BCs in PPCCNs are conducive to developing designed foods with accurately controlled fine texture and bioaccessibility of functional components.

Hongmin Dong

Papers

Nanostructures of protein-polysaccharide complexes or conjugates for encapsulation of bioactive compounds

Effect of extraction methods on the properties and antioxidant activities of Chuanminshen violaceum polysaccharides.

Antioxidant activity and chemical compositions of essential oil and ethanol extract of Chuanminshen violaceum

Effect of phosphorylation techniques on structural, thermal, and pasting properties of pulse starches in comparison with corn starch

Extraction, characterization and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides of Chuanminshen violaceum.