Chemistry and Materials Science

Abstract: Collagen-based biomaterials possess many advantages, such as low immunogenicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and ease of processability. Nevertheless, natural collagen has inherent limitations as an in vivo scaffold, including insufficient mechanical strength, low thermal stability, and low resistance to enzymatic degradation. To overcome these drawbacks, various approaches have been studied, such as mixing collagen with other biopolymers or inducing physical and chemical crosslinking. However, using non-biologically derived polymers or crosslinking agents carries the risk of persistence in the body, potentially causing cytotoxicity. Considering this, recent studies have reported that the molecular flexibility of collagen networks can be improved by activating the carboxyl groups of collagen chains using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide and then crosslinking them through amide bonding with the amino groups present in the collagen chains, or by adding free L-lysine to induce a crosslinking reaction. When the carboxyl groups of collagen are activated and form covalent bonds with amino groups, native ionic interactions (e.g., salt bridges) may be reduced, which can potentially influence the stability of its inherent higher-order structure. In this study, we aimed to simultaneously secure mechanical reinforcement and cellular compatibility by maintaining unique ionic interactions and a hierarchical structure through cross-linking that selectively targets amines while preserving collagen carboxyl groups. First, free L-glutamic acid was pre-activated to cross-link collagen chains through amide bonds with the amino groups of L-lysine residues, thereby preventing the collagen carboxyl groups from participating in the cross-linking reaction. By controlling the concentration of L-glutamic acid, the cross-linking rate of the collagen could be controlled within a range of 3.5% to 36.7%. All cross-linked collagen scaffolds exhibited higher tensile strength compared to non-cross-linked scaffolds. Although the scaffolds with a high cross-linking rate (36.7%) displayed excellent mechanical properties, their cellular compatibility was relatively low. Conversely, collagen scaffolds with cross-linking rates of 3.5% and 12.4% demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and very high cellular compatibility, suggesting potential applications in the fields of biomedicine and tissue engineering.

Abstract: Long-term clinical translation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is severely hampered by thromboembolism and device-related infection, both originating from inadequate biocompatibility of the device-blood interface. Current titanium surface modifications fail to simultaneously deliver durable antithrombotic and antibacterial performance, while conventional polydopamine-copper (PDA-Cu) coatings suffer from inherent limitations. Herein, we report a one-step rapid co-polymerization strategy based on mussel-inspired polyphenol chemistry to fabricate a copper-integrated polydopamine/tannic acid nanocoating on titanium (Ti/PDT(Cu)). By incorporating tannic acid rich in catechol/pyrogallol moieties, we achieve synergistic acceleration of dopamine oxidative polymerization with copper ions, dramatically shortening the fabrication time to 8 h (vs. >24 h for traditional PDA coatings). This process simultaneously constructs a robust dual-crosslinked network through covalent/hydrogen bonds and metal-phenolic coordination, exhibiting a uniform nanoscale-roughened structure. Comprehensive physicochemical characterizations confirm homogeneous coating deposition, excellent hydrophilicity, uniform Cu distribution, and superior long-term structural stability (95.68% thickness retention after 7 days of physiological immersion). The optimized coating displays broad-spectrum and durable antibacterial activity, with 92.79% and 89.73% reduction of E. coli and S. aureus at 24 h, respectively, and retains >89% antibacterial efficacy after 7 days of continuous elution. Moreover, the coating enables stable and sustained catalytic nitric oxide generation (43.85 ± 2.36 μM cumulative release over 14 days) that mimics endothelial function, resulting in 69.4% inhibition of platelet adhesion and an ultralow hemolysis ratio of 0.97%. Critically, it maintains excellent cytocompatibility with L929 fibroblasts (>90% cell viability after 72 h co-culture). This work overcomes the key bottlenecks of conventional PDA-based functional coatings, realizes synergistic antithrombotic and antibacterial dual functions tailored for LVAD implantation, and provides a facile and robust surface engineering platform for long-term implantable cardiovascular devices.

Abstract: The development of 3D printing high impact denture bases is challenging, as materials exhibiting both high flexural strength/modulus and fracture toughness are required. Nowadays, most of the commercially available 3D printing denture bases contain signifi-cant amounts of crosslinking monomers and therefore behave as brittle materials. In this contribution, urethane dimethacrylate DMA1/(octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-indenyl)methyl acrylate (OMIMA) 1/1 (wt/wt) formulations containing a poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-polydimethylsiloxane-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL-PDMS-PCL) triblock copolymer (BCP1) and fumed silica SiO₂-NPs were evaluated for DLP 3D printing of frac-ture tough denture bases. The post-curing step was performed at various temperatures (RT, 60°C, 80°C, 100°C and 120°C). This parameter was shown to strongly influence the Tg and mechanical properties of 3D printed materials. A post-curing temperature of 100°C was found to be ideal. Under these conditions, 3D printed materials exhibiting excellent mechanical properties were successfully obtained. Furthermore, the amounts of BCP1 and SiO₂-NPs were varied. The formulation containing 8.0 wt% of BCP1 and 10.0 wt% of SiO₂-NPs was able to fulfill the ISO 20795-1:2013 requirements in terms of flexural strength/modulus and fracture toughness for denture bases with improved impact re-sistance. This material showed better performance than the commercially available for-mulations Printodent® GR-14.2 denture HI and Lucitone Digital PrintTM 3D denture base.

Abstract: There is a rapidly rising demand for cosmeceutical solutions of skin lightening/brightening, due to the growing need for dermatologic applications and consumers' preference to enhance the brightness of skin. Traditionally, the main ingredients for developing dermatological products were the potentially harmful and controversial hydroquinone compounds; however, in recent years, the research field experienced a transition towards safer antioxidant-based agents. The present review analyzes the application and use of antioxidants in modern cosmetics as an innovative approach, and the chemical and biological mechanisms of their functions that could revolutionize the industrial applications. The most effective ones include competitive inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme, pheomelanin switch through the help of glutathione, protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS) in order to inhibit UV-stimulated production of melanin, as well as prevention of the migration of melanosomes using niacinamide. The review identifies and analyzes several components used as ingredients, such as vitamins C, Niacinamide, vitamin E, licorice root, and other natural compounds, such as EGCG or resveratrol, among many more. In spite of their high efficiency, there are numerous problems associated with the instability, dermal irritation, and absorption of pure antioxidants. Therefore, various pharmaceutical methods to improve their properties, e.g., encapsulation and structural modification into tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, are analyzed. Finally, the legal framework developed by the FDA and EU, potential risks like pro-oxidation damage, and future perspectives such as personalized skincare via machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are discussed.

Abstract: The de novo design of symmetric protein nanocages has emerged as a major frontier in programmable biomolecular engineering due to its potential applications in nanomedicine, vaccine development, molecular encapsulation, catalysis, and synthetic cellular systems. Despite substantial progress in computational protein design, the reliable construction of large polyhedral assemblies remains limited by kinetic mis-assembly, off-pathway oligomerization, interface instability, and low experimental success rates. This study presents a computationally integrated framework for the design of programmable icosahedral protein nanocages with improved assembly fidelity. The proposed strategy combines symmetry-guided scaffold selection, Rosetta-based symmetric docking, RFdiffusion-driven interface backbone generation, ProteinMPNN sequence optimization, and AlphaFold2-Multimer computational filtering to produce experimentally tractable cage architectures. The target system consists of a two-component assembly formed from trimeric and dimeric oligomeric building blocks organized into a 60-subunit icosahedral nanocage approximately 25 nm in diameter. The framework emphasizes reduction of non-specific intermolecular interactions through interface-specific design constraints and computational pre-screening of unstable configurations. Predicted outcomes indicate that the integration of diffusion-based backbone generation with sequence-level optimization and AF2-based structural validation substantially improves the likelihood of obtaining stable self-assembling cages while reducing experimental screening burdens. The study further evaluates how this integrated workflow compares with existing approaches in symmetric protein cage engineering. Collectively, the proposed methodology provides a scalable route toward high-fidelity programmable protein nanomaterials and contributes to the broader development of de novo self-assembling biomolecular systems.

Abstract: The performance and long term reliability of nickel–titanium (NiTi) alloys in biomedical applications are strongly governed by surface related degradation processes, in which the adhesion and interfacial stability of protective coatings play a critical role. This review examines ceramic, polymer, and hybrid coatings applied to NiTi substrates, with particular emphasis on adhesion mechanisms, interfacial mechanics, and tribocorrosion behavior under coupled mechanical and electrochemical loading conditions. The analysis demonstrates that coating durability is controlled by the interplay between adhesion characteristics, mechanical compatibility, and functional thickness. Thin coatings provide favorable strain accommodation but limited wear resistance, whereas thicker layers improve barrier performance at the expense of increased susceptibility to interfacial stress accumulation and cracking. Ceramic coatings offer excellent corrosion and tribological performance but are prone to adhesion related failure under large deformation, while polymer coatings enhance interfacial compliance at the cost of reduced long term durability. Multilayer and graded architectures are shown to improve adhesion durability and delay delamination by redistributing interfacial stresses and decoupling protective and deformational functions. Coating degradation in NiTi systems is therefore a multiphysical phenomenon involving the coupled action of mechanical damage, electrochemical reactions, tribological interactions, and martensitic transformation. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain, including limited long term fatigue data, insufficient tribocorrosion studies under fully coupled conditions, and the lack of predictive models linking interfacial design with coating durability. This review highlights the need for integrated, adhesion oriented design strategies for advanced coating systems in NiTi biomedical applications.

Abstract: Titanium-based dental implants have evolved significantly, with the development of binary alloys like Ti-15Zr (Roxolid™) representing a pivotal advancement in mechanical performance. Current research focuses on biomimetic surface engineering to further accelerate osseointegration and optimize bone regeneration, particularly in clinically compromised sites. This review constitutes a narrative synthesis of how these strategies replicate the bone extracellular matrix (ECM) through a holistic framework of architectural, mechanical, and biochemical integration. A structured literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010–2026) identified relevant studies focusing on the synergy between Ti-15Zr substrates and surface modifications. Evidence confirms that the high fatigue strength of Roxolid™ alloys provides an ideal foundation for advanced, hierarchical surface engineering without compromising structural integrity. This strategy utilizes macro-topography for primary stability, nano-topography for protein adsorption, and bio-functionalization (e.g., RGD peptides, osteogenic ions) to direct mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. This synergy accelerates the transition from passive to active osseointegration, effectively bridging the "biological gap" during early healing. Biomimetic engineering transforms implants into instructive biological platforms, improving outcomes for patients with compromised bone quality and facilitating predictable immediate loading protocols.

Abstract: This work presents the study results of the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of aboveground organs of the East Kazakhstan population of Salicornia europaea L. The chemical composition of the plant sample was studied using a complex of modern analyt-ical methods, including HPLC, GC-MS, IR-Fourier spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. It was found that the content of flavonoids was 2.40 ± 0.02 mg QE/g of dry raw materials, and the content of polyphenols was 6.73 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g. The antioxidant activity (ABTS test) reached 7.85±0.04 mg TE/g. The concentration of fat-soluble and water-soluble vita-mins was: C - 1.27 ± 0.12 mg/100 g, A - 1.16 ± 0.11 mg/100 g and E - 3.89 ± 0.38 mg/100 g. The IR characterization of plant raw materials and ash was carried out, the indicators of the elemental composition (TC, TOC, TIC, TN, TS) were determined. The totality of the data obtained indicates the phytochemical potential of Salicornia europaea L., which grows in the territory of Eastern Kazakhstan, and substantiates the prospects of its use in the develop-ment of cosmetic and cosmeceutical products.

Abstract: In this work, we extracted silk fibroin (SF) by a tertiary solvent system (CaCl2:Ethanol:H2O), and then blended with chitosan (CS) solution to construct microparticles using the water−in−oil−emulsion−diffusion method. The mixture of SF/CS solution aqueous phase; W) was prepared at ratios of 4:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 0:4, using ethyl acetate as the oil phase (O). After the microparticles were prepared, their morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the optimal preparation conditions were a 1% (w/v) aqueous phase with a volume of 1 milliliter, 100 milliliters of oil phase, and a stirring speed of 700 rpm. The average microparticle size was 50−100 micrometers.ATR−FTIR spectra showed unique functional groups of SF and CS, as well as interactions between the two polymers. The results of the thermal property study using a TGA instrument showed that SF microparticles had a higher maximum decomposition temperature (Td, max) than chitosan, and the blended microparticles' Td, max increased with the proportion of SF. Most microparticles exhibited a semi-crystalline polymer structure, with SF microparticles being the most hydrophobic, followed by blended microparticles and CS, respectively. Testing for absorption capacity, the SF microparticles were more effective at absorbing used engine oil than vegetable oil and chloroform, while CS microparticles showed the highest capacity for vegetable oil.The experimental results indicated that all SF/CS blended particles played an efficiency of absorption variable by ratios of SF or CS blended. This suggested that the prepared microparticles might be useful for oil/water separation application.

Abstract: Lignin-cellulose mixtures (LCMs) generated as intermediates in wood biorefineries are commonly separated into lignin and cellulose. However, using ultrasound (US) to pro-cess these mixtures could create novel, valuable materials not possible with conven-tional methods. This study looked at how lignin affects the US modification of these mixtures. Crude and partially delignified LCMs were successfully prepared using aqueous solutions of EtOH, THF and dilute NaOH and then subjected to short, high-power US treatment. The resulting materials were characterised using FT-IR spectroscopy, particle size analysis, water retention value analysis, SEM and XRD. Sonication rapidly reduced the mean particle size, generating cellulose nanofibril-like structures in all samples according to SEM. The response depended strongly on lignin content, with samples containing lower amounts of lignin exhibiting substantially higher hydration capacity and stronger US responsiveness. At the molecular level, lig-nin removal exposes cellulose surfaces and enhances hydrophilic interface formation, increasing water uptake and suspension stability. Thus, results show that lignin limits accessible hydrophilic cellulose surface area rather than preventing fragmentation by sonication. US is therefore a chemical-lean strategy to tune the physicochemical prop-erties of partly delignified LCMs and expand the product portfolio of integrated wood biorefineries towards novel advanced lignocellulosic materials.

Abstract: A green and facile hydrothermal method for synthesizing of copper-doped hydroxyapatite (Cu-HA) nanowires was reported. In this research, oleic acid was completely replaced by food-grade peanut oil as both the solvent and template agent for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAW). Results confirm that a uniform one-dimensional nanowire morphology Cu-doped HAW was successfully synthesized. In vitro cytotoxicity tests confirm that the material exhibits good biocompatibility and supports normal cell growth. This study presents a viable route for the green and multifunctional fabrication of HA nanowires.

Abstract: Radiotherapy remains one of the main pillars of cancer treatment and is used in more than half of all oncological patients. Despite continuous technological improvements, ionizing radiation inevitably causes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, leading to acute and chronic complications affecting multiple organs, including the skin, mucosa, heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Radiation-induced injuries significantly impair patients’ quality of life, limit therapeutic doses, and represent a major unmet clinical challenge. Hydrogels have emerged as a highly promising class of biomaterials for the management of radiation-associated tissue damage due to their high water content, tunable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the design of functional hydrogels, including stimuli-responsive, injectable, adhesive, and bioactive systems capable of delivering drugs, growth factors, antioxidants, or living cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of radiation-induced injuries in different organs and summarizes current strategies employing hydrogel-based systems for their treatment. We discuss both therapeutic and preventive applications of hydrogels, highlighting their potential to protect healthy tissues, reduce inflammation and fibrosis, and promote tissue regeneration.

Abstract: An optimized method of triclosan MIPs using a design of experiments (DOE) strategy was developed. The concentrations of methacrylic acid (MAA, monomer), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA, co-monomer), and acetonitrile (ACN, solvent) were chosen as the critical parameters for the preparation process since they affect imprinting efficacy, morphological structure, and release profile of the material. A Box-Behnken design was utilized for the evaluation of how these factors influence the imprinting factor (IF). The optimized formulation revealed proper IF value indicating efficient molecular recognition. FTIR analysis validated the presence of acrylate-based bonds in the network structure. In addition, SEM images indicated a porous and aggregated structure of MIPs, which facilitated the accessibility of imprinted cavities. Release kinetics revealed two-phase profiles characterized by a moderate initial stage followed by sustained release up to 48 h. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model represented a better correlation (R² = 0.9754) compared to other kinetic models, implying complex diffusion-controlled release processes. Finally, MD simulations confirmed the experimental findings since MAA exhibited higher binding frequencies with triclosan than HEMA, proving its dominant role in molecular recognition.

Abstract: One-dimensional fibrous scaffolds with tunable bioactivity offer promise for bone tissue regeneration, yet optimal calcium phosphate phases for enhancing osteogenic perfor-mance remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of monetite, brushite, and cerium-doped phosphates deposition on electrospun nylon nanofibres func-tionalized via matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). Six nylon fibre composi-tions were synthesized, coated with three calcium phosphate phases, calcined at varying temperatures (500–800 °C) before laser deposition. Physicochemical properties were as-sessed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fibre diameter measurements. Biocompatibility assays following MC3T3 pre-osteoblast seeding and incubation evaluated biological performance. EDX confirmed homogeneous phase deposition; SEM showed phase- and temperature-dependent mor-phology, with monetite yielding uniform granular structures and cerium-doped phos-phate at 800 °C forming dense aggregates. Brushite-coated fibres exhibited superior preos-teoblast metabolic activity versus monetite variants, indicating phase-specific stimulation of bone cells growth. These phosphate-functionalized nylon fibres retain structural integ-rity, hierarchical porosity, and enhanced bioactivity, providing a versatile electrospin-ning-MAPLE platform for customizable bone grafts with clinical potential.

Abstract: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer unique opportunities for drug delivery due to their high porosity and the possibility of hosting large drug molecules within well-defined pore systems. In this work, the zirconium-based MOF NU-1000 was investigated as a carrier for the antineoplastic drug mitoxantrone (MTX). NU-1000 particles were synthesized and characterized by PXRD, SEM, and DLS, confirming their crystallinity, morphology, and size distribution. MTX loading was achieved by aqueous incubation and quantified by UV–Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, yielding a high loading capacity of ~40-43 wt%, with most of the uptake occurring within the first three hours. Structural characterization demonstrated that the MOF preserves its crystallinity and morphology after drug incorporation, while DLS results suggest that MTX is mainly accommodated within the internal pore system. To improve stability under physiological conditions, the composite was coated with NH₂-PEG-NH₂, resulting in PEG@MTX@NU-1000 particles with enhanced stability in phosphate-buffered saline. Cytotoxicity assays in HeLa cells showed that the PEGylated carrier is largely biocompatible, while PEG@MTX@NU-1000 exhibits a significantly enhanced antiproliferative effect compared to free MTX at short incubation times. These results demonstrate that NU-1000 is a promising platform for MTX delivery, combining high loading capacity, structural stability after PEGylation, and improved short-term therapeutic performance.

Abstract: Conventional and emerging extraction methods for recovering phenolic compounds (PCs) from Pinus radiata bark were investigated for their potential use in bio-composites and bio-based biomaterial applications. To optimize the recovery process, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Box-Behnken design was used to evaluate the effects of extraction time (20–100min), temperature (20–80°C), and water or ethanol-water solvent concentrations with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) or NaOH (0.5–1.5% w/v CD/db). Polyphenolic profiles of the extracts were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), LC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate the thermal stability and degradation behavior of the powdered extracts. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were assessed by spectrophotometric assays and the agar diffusion method, respectively. Highest extraction yields were obtained using alkaline extraction (14.32%) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (13.86%), followed by ethanol extraction (12.74%). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for P-βCD was 0.04 mg/mL and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.32 mg/mL against S. aureus. These results suggest a strong inhibitory capacity at low concentrations and the potential incorporation of these extracts into bio-based antimicrobial biomaterials.

Abstract: The growing worldwide need for sustainable, high-quality protein sources has intensified interest in single-cell protein (SCP) production, particularly mycoproteins derived from filamentous fungi. This shift is further driven by global sustainability priorities articulated by regulatory bodies, which promote resource efficiency, waste valorization, and sustainable food systems. Despite their high carbohydrate potential, the agricultural sector generates vast quantities of starch-rich by-products. Examples include broken rice, cassava peels, potato waste and cereal processing residues, that remain largely underutilized, thereby contributing substantially to environmental pollution. This literature review examines the potential of starch‑based agricultural by‑products as low‑cost, renewable feedstocks for mycoprotein production in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These by‑products include broken rice, cassava peels, potato waste, and cereal processing residues, which remain largely underutilized despite their high carbohydrate content. Key topics include pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis strategies, fungal fermentation using Neurospora and Fusarium spp., and process optimization to maximize biomass yield and feedstock valorization. Life cycle assessments indicate reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional protein sources, highlighting the potential of starch residues in circular bioeconomy systems. Furthermore, considerations related to process design, environmental benefits and techno-economic feasibility are evaluated in the context of converting starch residues into fungal protein. In summary, the evidence suggests that valorizing starch by-products for mycoprotein fermentation, used as a protein alternative and as an ingredient, represents a promising strategy to reduce waste management costs, lower production costs and support global food sustainability.

Abstract: Background: Photothermal therapy (PTT), a highly efficient and controllable method with minimal drug resistance, transforms near-infrared (NIR) radiation into heat. This process exerts antibacterial effects, aids in tissue repair, and promotes healing. Methods: Our study presented a novel kind of composite wound dressing that incorporated an adhesive conductive hydrogel (PTP) combined with a piezoelectric film (P/M) for NIR- responsive applications. The inherent adhesiveness of the hydrogel ensured robust anchoring of the piezoelectric film to both hydrogel matrix and wound site. Its conductivity enabled synergistic endogenous electrical stimulation with the piezoelectric film, while also serving as therapeutic layer to augment hemostasis, analgesia, and antibacterial activity. Results: The hydrogel’s capacity for moisture retention and exudate absorption sustained optimal wound environment, thereby supporting debridement and recovery. Furthermore, the P/M film possessed excellent photothermal properties and transferred heat to the hydrogel through heat conduction to enhance antibacterial activity and promote wound healing. The in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that the composite dressing exhibited strong promotion effect on wound healing under NIR irradiation. Conclusions: In summary, our research provided a new strategy for developing advanced piezoelectric biomaterials with great clinical potential for wound healing.

Abstract: Folate is an essential vitamin associated with protein and DNA synthesis in the body. Compared with synthetic folic acid, 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium salt crystal form C (MTHF CAC) is safer and has a higher bioavailability. In this study, a nanofiber membrane (MT-GE) was prepared from fish gelatin and MTHF CAC in the aqueous system via electrospinning. The differential scanning calorimetry results show the higher thermal stability of MT-GE than GE. The weight loss curve of MT-GE detected by thermogravimetric analysis was higher than that of GE. X-ray diffraction indicated the slightly higher crystalline strength of MT-GE than GE. Therefore, the inclusion of MTHF CAC improved the physical characteristics of GE nanofibers. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the retention of MTHF CAC in MT-GE reached 85.57%, which suggests that electrospinning caused no effect on the properties of MTHF CAC. The MT-GE membrane supported cell proliferation, and the Cell Counting Kit-8 results indicate that the cell proliferation rate exceeded 100%, with the MT-GE solution demonstrating more than double the proliferation rate of the control group. Therefore, MT-GE has great potential for use as medical biomaterial.

Abstract:

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) flour is a promising raw material for the development of biodegradable packaging due to its protein and polyphenol content. In this study, thermocompressed chickpea flour sheets were reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) to improve their barrier, mechanical, thermal, and structural properties. Preliminary trials identified 22% moisture as the most suitable condition for consistent sheet formation. CNC was incorporated at 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% (w/w), and the resulting sheets were evaluated for phenolic content, antioxidant activity, water vapor permeability (WVP), optical properties, thermal behavior, morphology, and structural characteristics. Thermocompression reduced the measurable phenolic fractions, although antioxidant activity was not significantly affected. CNC markedly reduced WVP, from 5.16x10^-10 (control) to 5.93x10^-12 g∙m^-1∙s^-1∙Pa^-1 at 7.5% CNC. Tensile strength and Young's modulus increased with CNC loading, while elongation at break was highest at intermediate concentrations. SEM, DSC, XRD, and FTIR analyses indicated matrix reorganization and modified thermo-structural behavior. Overall, CNC improved the barrier and mechanical performance of thermocompressed chickpea flour sheets, supporting their potential for biodegradable packaging applications.