Search results for "BIOPOLYMERS"

Influence of chain stiffness on knottedness in single polymers.

2013

In the present article, we investigate and review the influence of chain stiffness on self-entanglements and knots in a single polymer chain with Monte Carlo simulations spanning good solvent, theta and globular phases. The last-named are of particular importance as a model system for DNA in viral capsids. Intriguingly, the dependence of knot occurrence and complexity with increasing stiffness is non-trivial, but can be understood with a few simple concepts outlined in the present article.

Green Composites Based on Mater-Bi® and Solanum lycopersicum Plant Waste for 3D Printing Applications

2023

3D printability of green composites is currently experiencing a boost in importance and interest, envisaging a way to valorise agricultural waste, in order to obtain affordable fillers for the preparation of biodegradable polymer-based composites with reduced cost and environmental impact, without undermining processability and mechanical performance. In this work, an innovative green composite was prepared by combining a starch-based biodegradable polymer (Mater-Bi®, MB) and a filler obtained from the lignocellulosic waste coming from Solanum lycopersicum (i.e., tomato plant) harvesting. Different processing parameters and different filler amounts were investigated, and the obtained sample…

Modeling of the N-terminal Section and the Lumenal Loop of Trimeric Light Harvesting Complex II (LHCII) by Using EPR

2015

The major light harvesting complex II (LHCII) of green plants plays a key role in the absorption of sunlight, the regulation of photosynthesis, and in preventing photodamage by excess light. The latter two functions are thought to involve the lumenal loop and the N-terminal domain. Their structure and mobility in an aqueous environment are only partially known. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has been used to measure the structure of these hydrophilic protein domains in detergent-solubilized LHCII. A new technique is introduced to prepare LHCII trimers in which only one monomer is spin-labeled. These heterogeneous trimers allow to measure intra-molecular distances within one LHCII mon…

Tissue Engineering Biopolymers

2011

Tissue engineering has always been a multidisciplinary research area focused on tissue regeneration and restoration of organs function, through implantation of cells or tissues growing outside the body. According to increase in knowledge of the interactions between living organisms and biomaterials, development and diversification of biocompatible devices has brought the world of medicine to what has been the greatest therapeutic revolution of our times. The main challenge of biomaterials is not only related to "tolerance-biocompatibility" by the body but also in its functionality. A biomaterial must be able to positively interact with tissues and exercise those functions for which it was d…

ETICHETTE INTELLIGENTI PER LA RILEVAZIONE VISIVA DEL DETERIORAMENTO DEI PRODOTTI ALIMENTARI

2015

Biopolymer Recovery from Aerobic Granular Sludge and Conventional Flocculent Sludge in Treating Industrial Wastewater: Preliminary Analysis of Differ…

2022

The recovery of biopolymers from sewage sludge could be a crucial step in implementing circular economy principles in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this frame, the present study was aimed at evaluating the simultaneous production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) obtainable from the treatment of agro-industrial wastewater. Two biological enrichment systems, aerobic granular sludge (AGS) and a conventional activated sludge operating as a sequencing batch reactor (SBR), were monitored for 204 and 186 days, respectively. The maximum biopolymers accumulation capacity was close to 0.60 mgPHA-EPS gVSS−1 in the AGS when operating at 3 kgCODm…