Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions and methods for preparing aqueous nano-dispersions of hydrophobic agrochemicals and fungicides comprising cellulose nanomaterials as a carrier or dispersing agent. The compositions described herein provide superior pest and parasite control efficiency. The disclosure also provides pesticide formulations comprising cellulose nanomaterials and a dispersing agent, e.g., a surfactant, that demonstrates enhanced deposition on hydrophobic plant surfaces. The disclosure also describes the design and preparation of mucoadhesive CNC pesticide containing nano-dispersion for the control and remediation of parasitic organisms, such as sea lice in farmed aquatic species such as salmon.

Abstract: The efficacy in the use of probiotics is compromised due to their lack of survivability in gastric conditions (pH 1.5-3), leading to a large reduction in viable probiotic cells. The present disclosure describes cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) modified with ferulic acid (FA) and shellac (SH) to produce two types of new coating materials, which are environment friendly and harmless to humans. These coating materials were developed and utilized to formulate Pickering emulsions (W1/O/W2 and W/O) for probiotic encapsulation. Based on their pKa values, greater than pKa, carboxyl groups from the CNCFA and CNCSH based Pickering emulsions were deprotonated, inducing phase separation and allow yeast releasing. This system could be further investigated for functionalized food-based applications to deliver active substances, such as probiotics, at high pH. Such delivery systems can be applied to human, animal, and aquatic systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a core-shell nanocomposite material comprising an intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP) and surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as well as synthesis for preparing same and its use thereof in various applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for preparing coated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and relates as well to coated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) obtainable by the process described herein. These new CNC hybrid nanomaterials are expected to be useful, for example, for the conjugation and electrostatic complexation with various functional moieties such as free metal ions, carboxylic acids, and epoxy and aldehyde derivatives. The disclosure further relates to a method to fabricate N-doped carbon nanomaterial from the coated CNCs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a core-shell nanocomposite material comprising an intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP) and surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as well as synthesis for preparing same and its use thereof in various applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surface modified nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) prepared by chemical modification of NCC as well as its use thereof, including as carrier of particular chemical compounds. The surface of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was modified with chitosan oligosaccharide (CSOS) by selectively oxidizing the primary alcohol moieties of NCC followed by coupling of the amino groups of CSOS to the oxidized NCC to provide the desired material (NCC-CSOS).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of pristine and surface functionalized cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) incorporated hydrogel beads as adsorbent materials for water treatment applications. Here the hydrogel beads were prepared by ionic crosslinking of biopolymer sodium alginate using calcium chloride.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for preparing coated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and relates as well to coated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) obtainable by the process described herein. These new CNC hybrid nanomaterials are expected to be useful, for example, for the conjugation and electrostatic complexation with various functional moieties such as free metal ions, carboxylic acids, and epoxy and aldehyde derivatives. The disclosure further relates to a method to fabricate N-doped carbon nanomaterial from the coated CNCs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to use of polydopamine (PD) coated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as template for further conjugation of functional oligomers (amines, carboxylic acids etc.) and the immobilization of various types of CNC hybrid nanomaterial nanoparticles to improve their stability in aqueous solution, e.g. the preparation of silver nanoparticle on CNC. Surface functionalization of CNC with polydopamine can be performed by mixing dopamine and CNCs for certain time at designed temperature. The resultant PD-CNCs can be used to stabilize metallic and inorganic nanoparticles, which could be generated in-situ, and further immobilized on the surface of PD coated CNCs. Benefiting from the improved stability, the resultant nanoparticles immobilized PD-CNC system also generally possess higher catalytic activity than the nanoparticles alone.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surface modified nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) prepared by chemical modification of NCC as well as its use thereof, including as carrier of particular chemical compounds. The surface of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was modified with chitosan oligosaccharide (CSOS) by selectively oxidizing the primary alcohol moieties of NCC followed by coupling of the amino groups of CSOS to the oxidized NCC to provide the desired material (NCC-CSOS).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a core-shell nanocomposite material comprising an intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP) and surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as well as synthesis for preparing same and its use thereof in various applications.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for artificial sensors that have prolonged life-span and stability in harsh environments compared to sensors which use natural enzymes which easily denature under varying conditions. These sensors may be composed of novel nanostructures, and may be artificial sensors or artificial non-enzymatic sensors. In some embodiments, an artificial sensor may include a modulating and/or a cleansing electrode 4-electrode system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of pristine and surface functionalized cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) incorporated hydrogel beads as adsorbent materials for water treatment applications. Here the hydrogel beads were prepared by ionic crosslinking of biopolymer sodium alginate using calcium chloride.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a core-shell nanocomposite material comprising an intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP) polymerized on the surface of oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as well as synthesis for preparing same and its use thereof in various applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surface modified nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) prepared by chemical modification of NCC as well as its use thereof, including as carrier of particular chemical compounds. The surface of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was modified with chitosan oligosaccharide (CSOS) by selectively oxidizing the primary alcohol moieties of NCC followed by coupling of the amino groups of CSOS to the oxidized NCC to provide the desired material (NCC-CSOS).

Abstract: An apparatus for microfluidic mixing having a first fluid inlet for a first fluid operatively connected to a first fluid channel. A second fluid inlet is provided for a second fluid operatively connected to a second fluid channel. The second fluid channel operatively intersects the first fluid channel for introduction of the second fluid into the first fluid channel. The first fluid channel has an outlet end remote from that of the first fluid inlet, and at least one contraction intermediate the intersection of the first fluid channel with the second fluid channel and the at least one outlet end, or intermediate the first fluid inlet and the intersection of the first fluid channel with the second fluid channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed.