Preparation and characterization of antibacterial gels of galactomannan/ZnO nanocomposite in carbopol-based matrix using mesquite seeds as the biopolymer source

To meet global food demand, reduce waste, and minimise environmental impact, the agricultural sector must improve its current practices on soil amendment, fertiliser encapsulation, and seed and crop protection. Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are a class of polymeric materials that can absorb and retain large quantities of liquids/aqueous solutions compared to their own mass. Typically, SAPs are cross-linked to form three-dimensional hydrophilic networks, commonly known as hydrogels. Although SAPs can be synthesised from both synthetic and naturally sourced materials, for agricultural applications they are generally composed of synthetic polymers, due to their advantageous properties. These include higher water absorption rate and capacity, low cost, availability, durability, and mechanical performance. However, many of these systems utilise polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) monomers which may have toxic effects on the nervous and respiratory systems of humans and animals. To ensure sustainable agricultural practices and maintain healthy long-term crop output, synthetic SAP usage must be greatly reduced. This review article aims to investigate alternative natural SAPs for agriculture and critically rationalise their adoption into the industry. Specific applications investigated include (i) soil amendment, (ii) fertiliser encapsulation, (iii) seed coating, and (iv) crop protection.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of superabsorbent natural polymers in agriculture

Dingley,

Cass,

Adhikari

et al. 2024

“…2,9,10 A gel is a semisolid that is defined as a substantially dilute crosslinked system that does not exhibit flow when in a steady state. 11…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…12 Galactomannan is described as the primary chain of β –D–mannopyranose units joined by glycosidic bonds (1→4), one-third of which have side groups of single-bonded D-galactopyranose units (1→6). 11,13,14 Galactomannans are classified by their functional properties as stabilizers, thickeners, and emulsifiers. 15 Aqueous TG solutions present dilatant behavior at dilute concentrations and pseudoplastic behavior at semidiluted concentrations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2,9,10 A gel is a semisolid that is defined as a substantially dilute crosslinked system that does not exhibit flow when in a steady state. 11 Commercial Tara gum (TG) is obtained from the seed endosperm of the Tara tree (Caesalpinia spinosa) and is composed of approximately 80% galactomannan polysaccharide. 12 Galactomannan is described as the primary chain of β-D-mannopyranose units joined by glycosidic bonds (1→4), onethird of which have side groups of single-bonded D-galactopyranose units (1→6).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Xanthan gum and Tara gum galactomannans have a synergistic effect on gelation properties

Huamaní-Meléndez

Mauro

Darros‐Barbosa

2023

Rheology is essential for assessing the applicability of bio-based and renewable polymers because it provides crucial information about their mechanical properties, flow behavior, and processing characteristics. So, gels formed by carbohydrate polymer mixtures have specific rheological properties that can be used in the food industry to improve processes, develop new products, or replace ingredients. The aim of the research was to characterize the interactions and synergy of the aqueous mixture of Xanthan gum (XG) and Tara gum (TG). Commercial TG was previously purified, and aqueous mixtures were prepared using varying concentrations of XG and TG. Rheological properties were determined using a rotational rheometer. An equation was proposed to quantify the degree of solid behavior of the formed gel as a function of its mechanical properties. Pure TG or XG in aqueous solution exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. At a 0.4% w/w concentration, the XG solution displayed a “weak gel” behavior. The concentrations of XG and TG in the aqueous mixture of the gums had a significant effect on the gel strength, presenting a region of maximum value, limited between the concentrations of 0.4–0.5% TG and 0.2–0.3% XG. The greatest strength of the gel was obtained at intermediate concentrations of gum; however, the value of the strain limit displayed a linear increase with TG concentration, confirming the synergistic effect on the solid-like behavior and strength of the gel.

“…Hydrogels, which are three-dimensional polymer networks characterized by high hydrophilicity and unique ability to imitate human tissues, 11 are known for their multiple biomedical applications, for instance, tissue engineering, 12–14 controlled drug delivery 15–17 sensors 18,19 and wound dressings. 20,21 Hydrogels based on polymers from natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic origin or blends of the above are also commonly used as matrices in scaffold-based 3D cancer models.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Naturally-derived hydrogels for 3D pancreatic tumor models: A short review

Piłat,

Kurdyn,

Kucińska-Lipka

2023

Statistics suggest a high proportion of mortality rate by pancreatic cancer, which is a solid tumor characterized by high heterogeneity and the presence of a complex extracellular matrix. The very low effectiveness of pancreatic cancer treatment roots in the high metastatic potential and drug resistance of this tumor. Therefore, the quest for efficient cellular models enabling precise mimicking in vivo conditions, and anticancer drug development is emerging as a priority. Routinely used 2D culture models offer an initial evaluation of the therapeutic potential of a compound against tumors, while scaffold-free and next-generation scaffold-based 3D hydrogel-based models are found to be promising for appropriate mimicking of the tumor environment and cell interactions. Over the last few years, attention was paid to the use of naturally-derived hydrogel as 3D models for pancreatic tumor modeling. Herein we first overview scaffold-free and scaffold-based 3D tumor models as advanced approaches, followed by placing the focus on naturally-derived hydrogels applied as scaffolds in pancreatic cancer modeling. This short review emphasizes that sustainable hydrogels can almost precisely imitate the complex in vivo microenvironment of pancreatic tumor, thereby hydrogel-based scaffold tumor models may be a breakthrough in pancreatic cancer studies and, in result, significantly improve the poor pancreatic tumor survivability prognosis. Nevertheless, anticancer drug development might be overshadowed by using this family of biomaterials.