Hybrid "Kill and Release" Antibacterial Cellulose Papers Obtained via Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Advances in the preparation and application of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials: A review

The rise of polymer materials in modern life has drawn attention to renewable, easily biodegradable, environmentally-friendly bio-based polymers. Notably, significant research has been dedicated to creating green antimicrobial functional materials for the biomedical field using natural polymer materials. Cellulose is a rich natural biomass organic polymer material. Given its favorable attributes like film-forming capability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, it is extensively employed to tackle a wide range of challenges confronting humanity today. However, its inherent drawbacks, such as insolubility in water and most organic solvents, hygroscopic nature, difficulty in melting, and limited antimicrobial properties, continue to pose challenges for realizing the high-value applications of cellulose. Achieving multifunctionality and more efficient application of cellulose still poses major challenges. In this regard, the current development status of cellulose materials was reviewed, covering the classification, preparation methods, and application status of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials. The application value of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials in biomedicine, textiles, food packaging, cosmetics and wastewater treatment was summarised. Finally, insights were provided into the developing prospects of cellulose-based antimicrobial materials were provided.

Sustainable conversion of saturated adsorbents (SAs) from wastewater into value-added products: future prospects and challenges with toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Following circular economy principles, the reuse or recycling of saturated adsorbents (SAs or adsorbate-laden adsorbents) into a low-cost engineered product is a valuable alternative to eliminate secondary pollution after adsorption. This review evaluates the application of SAs for the generation of products that can serve as (i) antimicrobial agents or disinfectants, (ii) materials for civil construction, (iii) catalysts, (iv) fertilizers, and (v) secondary adsorbents. The importance of SAs configuration in terms of functional groups, surface area and pore morphology played a crucial role in their reutilization. The SAs-laden silver ions (Ag⁺) strongly inhibit (~ 99%) the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus microbes found in drinking and wastewaters. The intra-solidification of SAs containing toxic metal pollutants (As³⁺ and F^-) with cementitious materials can effectively reduce their leaching below permissible limits of USEPA standards for their utility as additives in construction work. The existence of transition metal ions (Cu²⁺, Cr^3+/6+, Ni²⁺) on the surface of SAs boosted activity and selectivity towards the desired product during catalytic oxidation, degradation, and conversion processes. The thermally recycled SAs can assist in the secondary adsorption of pollutants from another waste solution due to a larger surface area (> 1000 m²g^-1). However, there are chances that the SAs discussed above will contain traces of PFAS. The article summarizes the challenges, performance efficacy, and future prospects at the end of each value-added product. We also highlight critical challenges for managing PFAS-laden SAs and stimulate new perspectives to minimize PFAS in air, water, and soils.

Advances in emerging technologies for the decontamination of the food contact surfaces

Foodborne pathogens could be transferred to food from food contact surfaces contaminated by poor hygiene or biofilm formation. The food processing industry has various conditions favouring microbes' adherence, such as moisture, nutrients, and the microbial inoculums obtained from the raw material. The function of the ideal antimicrobial surface is preventing initial attachment of the microbes, killing the microbes or/and removing the dead bacteria. This review article provides detail about the challenges food industries are facing with respect to food contact materials. It also summarises the merits and demerits of several sanitizing methods developed for industrial use. Furthermore, it reviews the new and emerging techniques that enhance the efficiency of reducing microbial contamination. Techniques such as surface functionalisation, high-intensity ultrasound, cold plasma technologies etc. which have high potential to be used for the decontamination of food contact surfaces are discussed. The emerging designs of antibacterial surfaces provide the opportunity to reduce or eradicate the adhesion of microorganisms. The most important purpose of these surfaces is to prevent the attachment of bacteria and to kill the bacteria that come in contact. These emerging technologies have a high potential for developing safe and inert food contact materials for the food industry.