- I have always been passionate about food, nutrition and healthy living. I am a Food Scientist skilled in Sensory Evaluation, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, -Biochemistry & -Microbiology. I also hold a Master's Degree in Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.edit
Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is an emerging renewable nanomaterial that holds promise in many different applications, such as in personal care, chemicals, foods, pharmaceuticals etc. The nanoparticles are stabilized in aqueous... more
Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is an emerging renewable nanomaterial that holds promise in many different applications, such as in personal care, chemicals, foods, pharmaceuticals etc. The nanoparticles are stabilized in aqueous suspension by negative charges on the surface, which are produced during the acid hydrolysis process 1. Due to its nanoscale dimension and intrinsic physicochemical properties 1 has been used to improve mechanical and barrier properties of biopolymers, whose performance is usually poor when compared to those of synthetic polymers 2. Introduction Materials & Methods Objectives Τhe investigation of hydrolysis conditions for producing nanocrystals (CNCs) of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) (type of acid-HCl or H2SO4, temperature, time) to create stable dispersions. The investigation of the capacity of stabilizing oil in water emulsions of CNCs. The incorporation of CNCs into biopolymers cellulose membranes (e.g. whey proteins-WPI, pullulan) to enhance the mechanical and nanomechanical properties. The nanotopographic characterization of WPI films reinforced with CNCs with atomic force microscopy-AFM. The structural characterization of WPI films reinforced with CNCs by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Preparation of the cellulose nanocrystals-CNCs References Conclusions Results Overall, the results of this study indicate that CNCs can form stable colloidal suspensions and enhance the mechanical and nanomechanical characteristics of WPI and pullulan films.
