Cross-linking cellulose nanofibrils for potential elastic cryo-structured gels
Abstract
Cellulose nanofibrils were produced from P. radiata kraft pulp fibers. The nanofibrillation was facilitated by applying 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl-mediated oxidation as pretreatment. The oxidized nanofibrils were cross-linked with polyethyleneimine and poly N-isopropylacrylamide-co-allylamine-co-methylenebisacrylamide particles and were frozen to form cryo-structured gels. Samples of the gels were critical-point dried, and the corresponding structures were assessed with scanning electron microscopy. It appears that the aldehyde groups in the oxidized nanofibrils are suitable reaction sites for cross-linking. The cryo-structured materials were spongy, elastic, and thus capable of regaining their shape after a given pressure was released, indicating a successful cross-linking. These novel types of gels are considered potential candidates in biomedical and biotechnological applications.
- Publication:
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Nanoscale Research Letters
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1186/1556-276X-6-626
- Bibcode:
- 2011NRL.....6..626S
- Keywords:
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- cellulose nanofibrils;
- MFC;
- cryogelation;
- cross-linking