[No Title Available]

Abstract

High fidelity calcium carbonate and hydroxyapatite (bio) inorganic replicas of the fibrous network of the dried fruit of Luffa cylindrica are described, utilizing a facile synthetic route. The loofa sponge is a highly complex macroscopic architectural template, an inexpensive and sustainable resource. In the context of the morphosynthesis, the capability of replication of the loofa sponge opens the possibility of the use of biodiversity in obtaining new materials. We would like to emphasize that the template proposed in this paper, makes possible the preparation of inorganic replicas with a very desirable size, on the centimeter scale. This fact is innovative with respect to inorganic replicas described in the literature, which predominate at the micrometric scale, limited to the original size of the template.

In-Depth Analysis of the Structure and Properties of Two Varieties of Natural Luffa Sponge Fibers

“…The advancement in science and technology has led to luffa sponges being widely used in several fields such as pharmaceutical engineering [7,8], environmental engineering [9,10,11], biotechnology [12,13,14], and industrial products [15,16,17]. Since luffa sponges are porous material with a high degree of lignification [18,19,20], they have great potential for applications in composite materials and fabric fibers.…”

Commercialization of Underutilized Plants in Uganda: An analysis of the market chains of Luffa cylindrica L.

“…Luffa is globally recognized as a plant of high economic importance with commercial production reported in China, Korea, India, Nepal, Japan, and Central America (Bal et al 2004, Mazali & Alves 2005, Oboh & Aluyor 2009). In Uganda, this plant has been identified as one of the underutilized plants which once commercialized could generate economic benefits to the people (Barirega et al 2012).…”

“…The plant is believed to be indigenous to America (Mazali & Alves 2005) but has a long history of cultivation in the tropical countries of Asia and Africa (Sangh et al 2012).…”

“…The plant produces fibrous-spongy fruit composed of 60% cellulose, 30% hemicelluloses, and 10% lignin (Mazali & Alves 2005). Luffa fruit have numerous applications including food, medicine, sponges, crafts, and packaging, as well as shock and sound absorption (Oboh & Aluyor 2009).…”

In-depth Analysis of the Structure and Properties of Two-variety Natural Luffa Sponge Fibers

“…The advancement in science and technology has led to luffa sponges being widely used in several fields such as pharmaceutical engineering [7,8], environmental engineering [9][10][11], biotechnology [12][13][14], and industrial products [15][16][17]. Since, luffa sponges are porous material with a high degree of lignification [18][19][20], they have a great potential for application in composite materials and fabric fibers.…”