Research Topic: natural polymers

Applications of Natural Polymers in the Grapevine Industry: Plant Protection and Value-Added Utilization of Waste

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Grapevines face significant challenges from drought, extreme temperatures, and fungal diseases. Natural polymers like chitosan, alginate, and cellulose can create protective coatings on grapes that help them retain water, resist pests, and stay healthy. Additionally, waste from grape processing can be recycled into valuable compounds and encapsulated in these polymers for use as plant strengtheners or in food and pharmaceuticals, creating a more sustainable wine industry.

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Hybrid nanoencapsulation systems: integrating natural polymers with synthetic nanomaterials for enhanced delivery of bioactive compounds in functional foods

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Hybrid nanoencapsulation systems combine natural polymers with synthetic nanomaterials to better protect and deliver beneficial compounds in functional foods. These systems improve the stability and absorption of nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics that would otherwise break down during processing or digestion. Various manufacturing methods such as electrospinning and self-assembly enable precise control of particle size and release, making functional foods more effective for health benefits.

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Extraction of Active Compounds from Dioscorea quinqueloba and Their Encapsulation Using Mucin and Chitosan for Application in Cosmetic Formulations

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Researchers created tiny capsules containing beneficial compounds from yam plants using natural materials like chitosan and mucin, designed for use in cosmetic products. These microcapsules were shown to be safe, effective at protecting skin from oxidative damage, and capable of reducing signs of aging similar to green tea extract. The study demonstrates that yam-based microcapsules have strong potential as natural ingredients in skincare formulations.

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Crab vs. Mushroom: A Review of Crustacean and Fungal Chitin in Wound Treatment

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Chitin, a natural material found in crab shells and mushrooms, can be used to make wound dressings that speed up healing and fight infection. The review compares these two sources, finding that crab-derived chitin has been studied more extensively and has several commercial products available, while mushroom-derived chitin offers advantages like lower cost and easier processing. Both types work by promoting cell growth, stopping bleeding, and killing bacteria, making them promising alternatives to traditional wound dressings for treating difficult-to-heal wounds.

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Caseinate–Carboxymethyl Chitosan Composite Edible Coating with Soybean Oil for Extending the Shelf Life of Blueberry Fruit

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This study developed a special edible coating made from natural proteins and carbohydrate polymers with soybean oil to keep blueberries fresh longer. When blueberries were dipped in this coating and refrigerated, they lost less water, stayed firmer, and developed less mold compared to uncoated berries. The coating worked like an invisible protective layer that helped blueberries maintain their quality for up to 28 days, potentially reducing food waste and spoilage.

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