In this study, a method of recycling spent coffee grounds (SCG) is introduced. The SCG was dried and crushed into micron-sized coffee particles. The coffee particles could be used to prepared polyurethane (PU) films with different contents (0wt.%, 5wt.%, 10wt.%, 15wt.%, 20wt.%, 25wt.% and 30wt.%). The anti-ultraviolet property, thermal comfort performance and mechanical property of different PU films were measured. The results showed that after the blending of coffee particles, the films exhibited excellent anti-ultraviolet property and thermal comfort performance, and the mechanical properties were also retained. This study also provided an effective approach to reuse SCG, which is consistent with the environmental-friendly society principle.
Degenerated cartilage tissues remain a burgeoning issue to be tackled, while bioactive engineering products available for optimal cartilage regeneration are scarce. In the present study, two-dimensional (2DS) poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)/silk fibroin (PLCL/SF)-based scaffolds were fabricated by conjugate electrospinning method, and then cross-linked with chondroitin sulfate (CS) to further enhance their mechanical and biological performance. Afterwards, three-dimensional PLCL/SF scaffolds (3DS) and CS-crosslinked three-dimensional scaffolds (3DCSS) with tailored size were successfully fabricated by in situ gas foaming in a confined mold and subsequently freeze-dried. Gas-foamed scaffolds exhibited high porosity, rapid water absorption, and stable mechanical properties. While all of the scaffolds exhibited excellent cytocompatibility in vitro; 3DCSS showed better cell seeding efficiency and chondro-protective effect as compared to the other scaffolds. Histological analysis of chondrocytes-seeded constructs after cultivation for up to 6 weeks in vitro also confirmed that 3DCSS scaffolds supported the formation of cartilage-like tissues along with the more secretion of cartilage-specific extracellular matrix than that of the other groups. The reparative potential of 3DCSS was further evaluated in an articular cartilage defect model in rabbits, which exhibited a well-integrated boundary and attenuated inflammation demonstrating less expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Taken together, the engineered biomimetic 3DCSS may provide a well-suited therapeutic option for cartilage tissue regeneration applications.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber is a kind of widely used textile fiber due to its some desirable properties. However, it limited its application in clothing because of poor hydrophilic property and high static electric. In order to improve hydrophilic and antistatic properties of PET fabrics, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was finished onto them with citric acid (CA) as crosslinking agent. SEM showed that β-CD was finished successfully onto PET fibers. Moisture liberation curve indicated that the finished PET fabrics possessed favorable hydrophilic property. However, water vapor transport property of the finished PET fabrics slightly decreased. Antistatic property of PET fabrics finished by β-CD acquired improvement. In addition, tensile properties of PET fabric also were enhanced after finishing.
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