2024 | Volume 3 | Issue 2

The increasing use of natural and biodegradable polymers, particularly cellulose and its derivatives in food industry to replace petroleum-based plastics is demanded. Cellulose is abundant, cost-effective, and it is sourced from bio-wastes and agricultural wastes that makes it a sustainable alternative. Despite its promising mechanical and barrier properties, cellulose high hydrophilicity limits its use. Chemical modification can enhance its mechanical property, thermal stability, and biodegradability those recommend cellulose for food industry as raw food materials, additive ingredients, packaging materials, delivery system, and for enzyme and cell immobilization. This review covers the significance, function, and attributes of cellulose and its derivatives in food industry.

This study investigates the stability, reactivity, and antiviral potential of novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole and 1,3-thiazolidine-4-one derivatives using a combination of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and molecular docking. DFT analyses, including molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) mapping, reactivity indices (electronegativity, electrophilic index, softness, and hardness), and frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO), were conducted to understand the chemical properties of the main compound. PASS predictions indicated strong activity of these compounds as Mcl-1 antagonists and antivirals. The docking studies, performed using AutoDock Vina v1.1.2 in PyRx 8, evaluated the binding affinities of 21 compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and rhinovirus, comparing them with standard drugs (Lopinavir, Nafamostat, and Remdesivir). The compounds exhibited binding affinities ranging from -6.9 to -8.5 kcal/mol, suggesting notable antiviral activity. Additionally, ADMET analysis (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) was carried out using ADMET-AI and admetSAR 2.0, confirming their drug-like properties and suitability for further medicinal chemistry development.

This research synthesized a three-dimensional functional polymeric network with heterocyclic bridges. Initially, cyanuric triazides and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) were produced. A click reaction between these two components led to the formation of the three-dimensional polymeric networks (TET-PAAN), which were used as adsorbents for heavy metal ions, showing selectivity for Pb²⁺ ions. The polymeric networks were characterized using FT-IR, TGA, and SEM analyses. Additionally, various adsorption parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, temperature, agitation speed, and initial ion concentration were investigated and optimized. The results showed that the maximum efficient removal of the Pb²⁺ ions appeared at pH 7.0 (94%). The optimal adsorbent dose for the Pb²⁺ ions solution (50 mL) was about 5 mg/50 mL (70% to 96%), and the equilibrium time for the synthesized nanocomposite was found to be about 15 min.

Nucleic acid therapy utilizing ribonucleic acid (RNA) biomacromolecules has attracted considerable attention for being applied as preventive and therapeutic strategies in several diseases including cancer, inflammatory conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, some properties like safety profile, synthesized under good manufacturing procedures, and the fact that RNA molecules, unlike deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), does not require crossing the nuclear membrane for expression, made them suitable gene materials for being encapsulated in various nano-delivery carriers and delivered precisely to the site of interest. In this article, we summarize the application of organic nano-delivery systems for delivering the two most applied RNA molecules, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in different human diseases.

In the ever-evolving field of pharmaceutical research, the search for innovative drug delivery systems persists to meet the growing demand for more effective, targeted, and patient-friendly therapeutic interventions. Among the diverse compounds explored for drug delivery, tannic acid (TA)—based materials have emerged as an up-and-coming platform. TA, a polyphenolic compound abundant in various plant sources, has attracted attention due to its unique structural characteristics and versatile properties, rendering it a compelling candidate for drug delivery applications. Its versatility spans various pharmacological functions, including anti-toxicity, anti-cancer properties, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory traits, anti-microbial and anti-viral effects, wound healing capabilities, and more. This article delves into the multifaceted world of TA, covering its structural attributes, properties, and remarkable applications in biomedicine. Beyond its utility as a component in consumables, TA's role in the green synthesis of nanosized metal particles and its potential in drug delivery are discussed. Throughout this exploration, we emphasize the innate capacity of TA-based supramolecular materials to craft intricate structures, offering many innovative medical prospects. This review aims to provide insights into TA's potential to generate pioneering medical solutions to meet the ever-evolving demands of healthcare and biomedicine.

This study presents the development of a novel poly(imide-pyrimidine)-derived magnetic nanocomposite for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solutions. A one-step solvothermal process was employed to fabricate the nanocomposite, combining a heat-resistant polymer backbone with magnetic iron nanoparticles. The expected functional groups were successfully incorporated into the surface of all composites. The incorporation of Fe₃O₄ was confirmed to be to the polymer matrix, which allowed its effective magnetic separation. The integration of Fe₃O₄ into the polymer matrix was confirmed, facilitating effective magnetic separation. Additionally, the performance of the nanocomposite for the removal of Cu(II) was assessed through batch adsorption experiments. Optimal conditions were identified using Response Surface Methodology, yielding a pH of 7, an adsorption time of 60 minutes, and an adsorbent dosage of 0.4 g/L. Under these conditions, the material demonstrated high efficiency in copper removal, particularly at lower concentrations. At 10 mg/L initial concentration, the nanocomposite achieved 99% removal with an adsorption capacity of 24.75 mg/g. This research contributes to the development of advanced materials for environmental remediation, showcasing the potential of engineered nanocomposites in addressing water pollution challenges.