Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer with numerous potential applications, although it is associated with considerable production costs of conventional culture media. In this study, BC biosynthesis was investigated using native microorganisms from a mixture of non-centrifugal sugars (NCS) and apple juice as a low-cost alternative substrate. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified Acetobacter persici and Bacillus sp. among principal species associated with cellulose biosynthesis. Both species were capable of BC production; however, their coexistence enabled sustained BC production in an NCS-based medium, replacing the conventional Hestrin–Schramm medium. Structural characterization confirmed the production of BC like that reported from other bacterial sources: an interconnected network of nanometric fibrils with a high degree of crystallinity characteristic of native cellulose I. The alkaline treatment eliminated the remaining biomass while keeping the fibrillar structure intact. The results demonstrate that NCS-based systems combined with native microbial populations can support efficient BC formation.
Injectable hydrogels (InHGs) are soft polymeric materials with considerable potential for treating soft-tissue injuries by reducing infection risk, accelerating recovery, and lowering healthcare costs. Despite these advantages, achieving room-temperature gelation with desirable mechanical and biological properties remains challenging. In this study, we report a simple and scalable strategy for synthesizing InHGs by combining N,N-dimethylacrylamide (NDMA) with modified biopolymers—oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose and methacrylated chitosan (CSMA). The incorporation of hydrophilic MXene nanosheets further enhanced skin repair and imparted potent antimicrobial activity. Morphological analysis revealed that MXene induced microscale phase separation while preserving a homogeneous porous network. Spectroscopic characterization confirmed the formation of dynamic imine bonds (–CH=N–) between the biopolymers, alongside covalent crosslinks generated via UV-induced polymerization of carbon–carbon double bonds in NDMA and CSMA. Both in vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility and strong antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In murine models of full-thickness excisional and burn wound infections, the hydrogels significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced inflammation, and promoted tissue regeneration. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of the developed InHGs as advanced wound dressings that support tissue remodeling, expedite healing, and offer a promising solution for clinical wound management.
Biomass recalcitrance, mainly due to hemicellulose rigidity and lignin barriers, limits cellulose saccharification. To efficiently remove both hemicellulose and lignin, a sequential pretreatment combining steam explosion (SE) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) (SE-DES), was developed. Poplar firstly treated by SE at 2.0 MPa to remove hemicellulose and part of the lignin, and destroyed the fiber structure. Then, the SE pretreated poplar was treated by choline chloride-lactic acid (ChCl-LA, an acidic DES) at 120 °C for 3 h. The results showed that hemicellulose removal rate and delignification were 92.2
Natural fibres from forest plants offer renewable alternatives to synthetic materials, yet a comprehensive understanding of how extraction methods influence fibre quality remains fragmented. This study combined a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework with a multilevel meta‑analysis of 14 fibre properties. Forty‑two studies published between 2015 and 2024 were reviewed to map global trends in extraction and characterization techniques, and 762 observations from 26 independent studies were meta‑analyzed. The review revealed a strong geographic concentration in India and Algeria, with stem and leaf fibres predominating, and a post‑2020 shift toward enzymatic and microbial retting. Scanning electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, and Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy were the most used characterization tools. Multilevel models controlling for plant type, plant part, treatment, gauge length (for mechanical properties), and study‑level clustering showed that extraction method had no statistically significant effect on any of the evaluated chemical, physical, mechanical, or thermal properties. Between‑study heterogeneity was high intra-class correlation coefficients (0.41–0.99), indicating that variability among studies far exceeded the influence of extraction technique. Sensitivity analyses, including leave one out assessments, confirmed the robustness of these null findings. Reporting of analytical methods and processing details was often inconsistent. These results suggest that extraction method is not the primary determinant of fibre quality, supporting the adoption of environmentally sustainable and cost‑effective extraction approaches. Improved reporting standards are urgently needed to enhance reproducibility and comparability in future natural fibre research.
This study investigates the effects of three amino-functional silane coupling agents, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (AAPTMS), and 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyltrimethoxysilane (AAAPTMS), on the interfacial behavior, mechanical performance, and environmental durability of epoxy composites reinforced with cellulose, sawdust, and bulk maple wood. For cellulose and sawdust, silane treatment was carried out through hydrolysis and condensation in an ethanol–water medium, whereas for bulk maple wood the silane was introduced directly into the epoxy adhesive rather than by separate solvent-based pretreatment. Cellulose surface modification was supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and SEM–EDS, all of which indicated the introduction of silane-derived species and changes in interfacial chemistry. SEM observations further suggested improved filler–matrix interfacial continuity in the silane-treated composites. Mechanical testing showed that APTES gave the greatest tensile-strength improvement, increasing strength by 23.9
