Antibacterial Chitosan-Gelatin Microcapsules Modified with Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Food Packaging

Silver nanoparticles(Ag NPs)are an effective antibacterial agent,but their application in food packaging is limited due to their easy agglomeration and oxidation.In this study,antibacterial microcapsules were fabricated using Ginkgo biloba essential oil(GBEO)as core material and chitosan and type B gelatin biopolymer as capsule mate-rials.These antibacterial microcapsules were then modified with green-synthesized Ag NPs,blended into the bio-polymer polylactic acid(PLA),and finally formed as films.Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli(E.coli)and Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)were evaluated.Results showed that the prepared antibacterial PLA films exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens.Its TVC exceeded the limit value of 7 log CFU/g at 7 days compared with the 5 days of pure PLA films.Therefore,these films can extend the shelf life of grass carp fillets by 2–3 days under refrigeration.

Photosensitivity and a precise combination of size-dependent lambda-cyhalothrin microcapsules synergistically generate better insecticidal efficacy

In this study, lambda-cyhalothrin(LC) loaded polyurea microcapsules(MCs) with different particle sizes were fabricated.All of the MCs showed varying degrees of physical collapse, which was more obvious among those with smaller particle sizes. MCs with particle sizes of 1.38 μm(MC-S), 5.13 μm(MC-M) and 10.05 μm(MC-L) had shell thicknesses of 39.6,50.3 and 150.1 nm, respectively. MCs with smaller particles tended to have significantly faster release profiles, and the MC-S group had much higher bioactivity against Agrotis ipsilon and better foliar affinity on the peanut leaves(indicated by rainfastness) than MC-M and MC-L. All of the MCs exhibited light-enhanced release profiles and had much slower degradation compared with the emulsifiable concentrate(EC) group, among which MC-L had the slowest degradation.To generate MCs with both favorable quick efficacy and long-lasting efficacy, binary mixtures of MC-S, MC-M and MC-L were produced by mixing them in pairs at ratios of 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2. The mixture of MC-S:MC-L at 1:2 showed the best comprehensive efficacy in the peanut foliar spray scenario among the nine tested combinations, and its effective duration was three times longer than that of EC. Overall, the precise combination of MCs with different particle sizes can regulate the efficacy of pesticide control and serve as a strategy for the better utilization of pesticides.

Research Progress of Aromatic Bed Curtains for Aiding Sleep Based on Lavender Microcapsule Technique

In this paper, the preparation technique of lavender essential oil microcapsules and the construction method of aromatic textiles were expounded, and the research status of bed curtains and lavender microcapsules at home and abroad was analyzed and studied from the perspective of application in textiles. The application of lavender essential oil to bed curtains through the microcapsule technique was put forward to allow lavender essential oil to play its role of helping sleep in bed curtains. This paper expounded the material selection and preparation technique of lavender microcapsule agents, and put forward the preparation method of microcapsules with mixed solutions of pure Chinese medicine extracts and natural essences as core material and high-viscosity epoxy resin as wall materials. The post-processing techniques and the spray ironing method for clothing were studied and developed, and these techniques and methods were applied to bed curtains, and good results were obtained.

Synthesis and Characterization of Microcapsules with Chlorpyrifos Cores and Polyurea Walls

Microcapsules with chlorpyrifos cores and polyurea walls were synthesized with 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate as an oil-soluble monomer and ethylenediamine as a water-soluble monomer via an interracial polycondensation reaction. The products were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, ^13C NMR spectrometry and ^31p NMR spectrometry. The morphology, the particle size and the particle size distribution, and the thermal properties were also evaluated. The prepared microcapsules exhibit clear and smooth surfaces and have a mean diameter of 28. 13 μm. These microcapsules also have a good thermal stability for long-term use, and have potential applications in minimizing the toxicity of chlorpyrifos through controlled release.

Research on microcapsules of phase change materials

Microcapsule technology is a kind of technology wrapping the solid or liquid into minute-sized particles within the field of micrometer or millimeter with film forming materials. This thesis introduces microcapsule technology of phase change materials and its main functions and the structural composition, preparation methods and characterization technology of microcapsule of phase change materials. The microcapsule of phase change materials is small in size and its temperature remains unchanged during the process of heat absorption and heat release. It is of great value in research and application prospect due to these characteristics.

Synthesis of melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules containing oil-based fragrances via intermediate polyacrylate bridging layers

A general and versatile strategy to prepare melamine-formaldehyde(MF)microcapsules encapsulating oil-based fragrances by combining solvent evaporation and in situ polymerization was proposed in this work.The oil-based fragrance was pre-encapsulated by an inner polyacrylate membrane via solvent evaporation,followed by in situ polymerization of MF precondensates as an outer shell.The polyacrylate membrane is used as an intermediate bridging layer to stabilize the oil-based fragrance,and to provide driving forces for in situ polymerization of MF precondensates through electrostatic attractions between carboxyl groups and ammonium ions.It was demonstrated that MF microcapsules containing clove oil were prepared successfully.The amount and the composition of the intermediate polyacrylate bridging layer were critical.Smooth and sphere-shaped MF-clove oil microcapsules were prepared when the weight ratio of polyacrylate to clove oil was over 60 wt%and the concentration of acrylic acid(AA)increased to 10 wt%in polyacrylate.In addition,MF microcapsules containing sunflower oil and hexyl salicylate were prepared by using this method.The work suggests that this new approach can be potentially used to encapsulate various core materials,tuning the shell properties of microcapsules such as thickness,mechanical strength and release properties.

Culture of yeast cells immobilized by alginate-chitosan microcapsules in aqueous-organic solvent biphasic system

Immobilization biocatalysis is a potential technology to improve the activity and stability of biocatalysts in nonaqueous systems for efficient industrial production.Alginate-chitosan(AC)microcapsules were prepared as immobilization carriers by emulsifi cation-internal gelation and complexation reaction,and their contribution on facilitating the growth and metabolism of yeast cells were testifi ed successfully in culture medium-solvent biphasic systems.The cell growth in AC microcapsules is superior to that in alginate beads,and the cells in both immobilization carriers maintain much higher activity than free cells,which demonstrates AC microcapsules can confer yeast cells the ability to resist the adverse effect of solvent.Moreover,the performance of AC microcapsules in biphasic systems could be improved by adjusting the formation of outer polyelectrolyte complex(PEC)membrane to promote the cell growth and metabolic ability under the balance of resisting solvent toxicity and permitting substrate diffusion.Therefore,these findings are quite valuable for applying AC microcapsules as novel immobilization carriers to realize the biotransformation of value-added products in aqueous-solvent biphasic systems.

Preparation and Characterization of Microcapsules for Self-healing Materials

The urea-formaldehyde（UF） capsules filled with a healing agent, a mixture of epoxy resins（epoxy 711 and E-51） as core material, were produced by means of one step in-situ polymerization. The characteristics of these microcapsules were studied via scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, particle size analysis, FTIR and DSC/TGA. The results show that the dispersed and integrated microcapsules of 5 μm in shell thickness were synthesized successfully. The capsules were produced with diameters ranging from 10 to 250 μm via controlling agitation rate. Young＇s modulus of the capsule was a little lower than those of the epoxy resins, but the microcapsules having such a shell thickness were robust enough to survive handling during manufacturing self-healing composites. When damage occurred in the epoxy matrix, the crack could rupture the microcapsule to make the repairing agent release.

Numerical Analysis on Thermal Function of Clothing with PCM Microcapsules

To study the influences of phase change material(PCM)microcapsules in clothing on human thermal responses,a mathematical model is developed.The improved Stolwijk’s model is used to simulate human thermo-regulatory process,and the coupled heat and moisture transfer including the moisture sorption/desorption of fibers and effects of phase transition temperature range on the phase change processes of the PCM is considered in clothing model.Meanwhile,the theoretical predictions are validated by experimental data.Then,the interactions between human body thermal responses and the heat and moisture transfer in clothing are discussed by comparing the prediction results with PCMs and without PCMs.Also the effects of fiber hygroscopicity on clothing and human thermal responses are compared.The conclusion shows that the clothing with PCMs microcapsules can delay the human temperature variations and decrease the sweat accumulation rate on the skin surface and heat loss during changing of ambient conditions,and fiber hygroscopicity reduces the effect of PCM microcapsules on delaying garment temperature variations very significantly.

Facile and High Efficient Fabrication of Hybrid Microcapsules for Urease Encapsulation and Their Use as Biomimetic Reactors

Urease-loaded colloidosome microcapsules with SiO2 nanoparticle shells and gellan gel cores were prepared facilely and highly efficiently by self-assembly of colloidal particles at the liquid-liquid interfaces and subsequently in-situ gelation of gellan gum. The urease-loaded colloidosome microcapsules were used as an enzymatic reactor to produce calcium carbonate precipitates by urease-catalyzed urea hydrolysis in the presence of calcium cations. The CaCO3/SiO2 shells were formed finally around the gellan gel cores. The colloidosome microcapsules used as a biomimetic reactor has been demonstrated for the first time.

Preparation of urea-formaldehyde paraffin microcapsules modified by carboxymethyl cellulose as a potential phase change material

We prepared spherical microcapsules modified by carboxymethyl cellulose（CMC） with urea-formaldehyde（UF） resin as a shell material with a two-step process by in situ polymerization, and characterized the microcosmic features, chemical structure, and thermal performance of the microcapsules by SEM, FTIR, DSC, and TGA. We studied the effects of different experimental parameters of curing p H, the amounts of the emulsifier and emulsion speed. The CMC-UF microcapsules had good heat resistance and stability. The enthalpy of CMC-UF microcapsules reached 50.33 J g-1. Therefore, CMC-UF resin can be used as a potential wall material of phase change materials.

Formulation and evaluation of Albendazole microcapsules for colon delivery using chitosan

Objective:To formulate and evaluate Albendazole microcapsules using chitosan,a natural polymer for colon-specific delivery for better treatment of helminthiasis,filariasis,colorectal cancer,avoiding the side effects.Methods:The Albendazole microcapsules were prepared by the use of different concentrations of sodium alginate,chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC).The polysaccharides chitosan reacted with sodium alginate in the presence of calcium chloride to form microcapsules with a polyelectrolyte complex membrane by electrostatic interactions between the two oppositely charged polymers.The microcapsules were then studied for entrapment efficiency,drug-polymer compatibility and surface morphology. In vitro drug release study in presence and absence of cecal content were also studied.Further, kinetic modellings were employed to find out release mechanisms.Results:Albendazole loaded microspheres showd high entrapment efficiency(72.8%) and the microcapsules were free flowing,non aggregated and spherical,between 600 and 1 000μm in diameter.The surface of microcapsules were found to be porous and wavy.The FT-IR spectrum showed that there is no interaction between the polymer and the drug.The in vitro drug release study found to be affected by change in chitosan,sodium alginate and HPMC concentration.The microcapsules with 2.5% sodium alginate and 0.4% chitosan shown minimum release in gastrointestinal simulated condition but shows maximum drug release at the end of 24th hour in presence of cecal content.The rate of drug release follows Korsmeyer-peppas model that was the drug release is by diffusion and erosion.Conclusions:The study reveals that Albendazole loaded chitosanalginate based microsphere can be used effectively for the colon targeting.

Thermo-sensitive polymer nanospheres as a smart plugging agent for shale gas drilling operations

Emulsifier-free poly（methyl methacrylate-styrene） [P（MMA-St）] nanospheres with an average particle size of 100 nm were synthesized in an isopropyl alcoholwater medium by a solvothermal method. Then, through radical graft copolymerization of thermo-sensitive mono- mer N-isopropylacrylamide （NIPAm） and hydrophilic monomer acrylic acid （AA） onto the surface of P（MMA- St） nanospheres at 80 ℃, a series of thermo-sensitive polymer nanospheres, named SD-SEAL with different lower critical solution temperatures （LCST）, were prepared by adjusting the mole ratio of NIPAm to AA. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, particle size distribution, and specific surface area analysis. The temperature-sensitive behavior was studied by light transmittance tests, while the sealing performance was investigated by pressure transmission tests with Lungmachi Formation shales. The experimental results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles are sensitive to temperature and had apparent LCST values which increased with an increase in hydrophilic monomer AA. When the temperature was higher than its LCST value, SD- SEAL played a dual role of physical plugging and chemical inhibition, slowed down pressure transmission, and reduced shale permeability remarkably. The plugged layer of shale was changed to being hydrophobic, which greatly improved the shale stability

The study on the mechanical properties of PU/MF double shell self-healing microcapsules

The self-healing microcapsules can be buried in the coating to improve the anticorrosive ability.In this paper,self-healing microcapsules of polyurea(PU)/melamine resin(MF)double shell were prepared by in-situ polymerization and interfacial polymerization with isocyanate as the core material.Scanning electron microscope was used to observe the microcapsule morphology.The structures of microcapsules prepared with different chain extenders were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The micromanipulation system was used to loading–holding,loading–unloading and loading to rupture individual microcapsules,so as to explore the mechanical properties of microcapsules.The Young’s modulus corresponding to microcapsules was calculated by mathematical model fitting.The self-healing properties of microcapsule coating were characterized by optical microscope.The experimental results showed that the microcapsule shell prepared under optimized conditions had a complete morphology and good mechanical properties.The microcapsule was in the elastic deformation stage under small deformation,and the plastic deformation stage under large deformation.The Young’s modulus range of microcapsules was 9.29–14.51 MPa,and the corresponding Young’s modulus could be prepared by adjusting the process.The surface crack of the coating containing microcapsule could heal itself after48 h in a humid environment.

Diffusion Characteristics in Microcapsules

An equation of diffusion for microcapsules（hollow sphere）was developed,employing the mathematicalmodel for the diffusion characteristics of solid sphere.In the proposed equation,a combination diffusion coeffi-cient was introduced as a substitute for the diffusion coefficient in the solid sphere mathematical model and ex-pressed as a function of the diffusion coefficient inside solution of hollow sphere,as well as in the polymer mem-brane.With this modified model,the diffusion coefficients of glucose in NaCS（sodium cellulose sulfate）-PDADMAC（Poly-diallyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride）membrane and in Ca-alginate gel membrane were deter-mined.The diffusion coefficient in NaCS-PDADMAC membrane was found to be 2.12×10-11m2·s-1and thatin Ca-alginate membrane 2.62×10-10m2·s-1.

Application Research on Self-healing Technology with Microcapsules for Automobile Brake Pad

In order to improve the performance of non-asbestos composite auto brake pads that are composed of matrix resin, reinforced material and fillers, a novel method with new technology of self-heal microcapsules was proposed. Nano reinforced fillers＇ effects were also considered in the experiment project. Five recipe designs for new composite auto brake pads were carried out and cor-responding samples were prepared as well. The friction coefficient and wearing properties at certain temperature, impact intensity and hardness were comparatively studied. Investigations indicate that properties of such composite auto brake pads meet the requirements of the national standards while microcapsule＇s weight content varies from 5.5wt%-1.09wt% of matrix resin and microcapsule＇s loca-tion varies in the pads. Nano reinforced fillers have the effects of increasing composites＇ impact in-tensity and hardness. Application of self-healing microcapsules in auto brake pads is feasible.

Plant Temperature and Its Simulation Model of Thermo-Sensitive Genic Male Sterile Rice

Plant temperature （Tp） and its relations to the microclimate of rice colony and irrigation water were studied using a thermo-sensitive genic male sterile （TGMS） rice line, Pei＇ai 64S. Significant differences in the daily change of temperature were detected between Tp and air temperature at the height of 150 cm （TA）. From 8：00 to 20：00, Tp was lower than TA, but they were similar during 21：00 to next 7：00. The maximum Tp occurred one hour earlier than the maximum TA, though they both reached the minimum at 6：00. Tp fluctuated less than TA. At the same height, during 6：00-13：00, Tp was higher than air temperature （Ta）, and Tp reached the maximum one hour earlier than Ta. During the rest time on sunny day, Tp was close to or even a little lower than Ta. On overcast day, Tp was higher than Ta in the whole day, and both maximized at the same time. In addition, Tp was regulated by solar radiation, cloudage and wind speed in daytime, and by irrigation water at night. The present study indicated that a TA of 29.6℃ was the critical point, at which Tp was increased or decreased by irrigation water. Tp and the difference between water and air temperatures showed a conic relation. Tp fluctuation was also regulated by the absorption or reflection of solar radiation by leaves during daytime and release of heat energy during nighttime. By analysis on correlation and regression simulation, two models of Tp were established.

Biomass Microcapsules with Stem Cell Encapsulation for Bone Repair

Bone defects caused by trauma,tumor,or osteoarthritis remain challenging due to the lack of effective treatments in clinic.Stem cell transplantation has emerged as an alternative approach for bone repair and attracted widespread attention owing to its excellent biological activities and therapy effect.The attempts to develop this therapeutic approach focus on the generation of effective cell delivery vehicles,since the shortcomings of direct injection of stem cells into target tissues.Here,we developed a novel core-shell microcapsule with a stem cell-laden core and a biomass shell by using all-aqueous phase microfluidic electrospray technology.The designed core-shell microcapsules showed a high cell viability during the culture procedure.In addition,the animal experiments exhibited that stem cell-laden core-shell microcapsules have good biocompatibility and therapeutic effect for bone defects.This study indicated that the core-shell biomass microcapsules generated by microfluidic electrospray have promising potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Preparation and Characterization of Poly(melamine-urea-formaldehyde) Tetradecanol Microcapsules Coated with Silver Particles

A novel type of microencapsulated phase change materials(microPCMs)based on 1-tetradecanol(TD)core and silver-coated poly(melamine-urea-formaldehyde)(MUF)shell was successfully synthesized by in situ polymerization method followed by silver reduction.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry(SEM/EDS),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)were used to characterize the chemical structure,morphology and thermal properties of the as-prepared silver-coated microPCMs.FTIR analysis confirmed the successful encapsulation of TD with MUF wall materials.The SEM and EDS results indicated that the prepared silver-coated MUF microPCMs exhibited uniform spherical shape with a perfect silver outer layer.From XRD analysis,the Ag metal dispersed on the surface of microcapsules presented the form of elementary substance.The deposition weight of silver particles on the microcapsule surface increased with increasing the amount of silver nitrate,as indicated by EDS tests.The DSC results indicated that the melting temperature and the melting latent heat of microPCMs modified with 0.7g of silver nitrate in 150mL aqueous solution were 39.2°C and 126.6J·g^-1,respectively.Supercooling of the microPCMs coated with silver particles was effectively suppressed,compared with that of microPCMs without Ag.Thus,the encapsulation of TD with silver-coated MUF shell developed by this work can be an effective method to prepare the microPCMs with enhanced thermal transfer performance and phase change properties.

Mechanism of Sterility and Breeding Strategies for Photoperiod/Thermo-Sensitive Genic Male Sterile Rice

To understand the male sterility mechanism of photoperiod/thermo-sensitive genic male sterile [P（T）GMS] lines in rice, the research progress on genetics of photoperiod and/or temperature sensitive genic male sterility in rice was reviewed. A new idea was proposed to explain the sterility mechanism of P（T）GMS rice. The fertility transition from sterile to fertile is the result of cooperative regulation of major-effect sterile genes with photoperiod and/or temperature sensitive genes, but not the so-called pgms gene in P（T）GMS rice. The minor-effect genes, which exhibit accumulative effect on sterility, are the important factors for the critical temperature of sterility transition. The more minor-effect genes the sterile line holds, the lower the critical temperature of sterility transition is. The critical temperature of sterility transition will be invariable if all the minor-effect genes are homozygous. The strategies for breeding P（T）GMS rice were also proposed. The selective indices of critical photoperiod and temperature for sterility transition should be set according to varietal type and ecological region. Imposing selection pressure is a key technology for breeding P（T）GMS rice with lower critical temperature for sterility, and improving the comprehensive performance of the whole traits and combining ability is vital for breeding P（T）GMS rice lines.