The 3rd International Symposium on Nanocellulosic Materials (3rd ISNCM)

Green-based nanomaterials have attracted enormous interests due to their unique properties and potentials for a variety of applications. Presented herein are functional-modified cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and exopolysaccharides (EPSs). For CNF, the functional modification was accomplished by surface grafting, nano-coating and surface-initiated living free-radical polymerization etc. The resultant CNFs were comprehensively characterized in an attempt to establish the structure-property relation, and used as reinforcements for nanocomposites, nanofillers for barrier-enhanced packaging materials, Pickering emulsion stabilizer for cellulose-based and multi-functional foam materials. On the other hand, the naturally occurring nano-structured EPSs have become particularly appealing due to their promising applications in the areas of bioremediation, biomedicine, food, and cosmetics. EPS-605 in a diameter about 88 nm was especially prepared in our work, aiming at revealing the characteristics associated the structure, morphology and conformation. Interestingly, the structure of EPS-605 could be transformed into the filamentous and spherical nanostructures by solvent treatment; and as-prepared EPS showed a high biosorption capability towards heavy metal ions and dyes. In addition, EPS acted as a reductant in the synthesis of Au nanoparticles with excellent monodispersity; whereas EPS-605/protein hybrid nanoparticles were also employed to stabilize Pickering emulsions as CNF did. Rendering ESP antimicrobial further broadened the scope of application. 

Functional-modified cellulose nanofibers and exopolysaccharide nanoparticles: characteristics and applications