Development of Mycelium Materials Incubating Pleurotus Ostreatus Fungi With Different Substrates Composed of Poplar Sawdust and Cottonseed Hull

The mycelium materials incubating Pleurotus ostreatus fungi based on different substrate compositions were developed, the main components of which were poplar sawdust and cottonseed hull in different proportions. The hyphae on the surface of the samples become dense from appearance due to the addition of cottonseed hull. The Fourier Transforms Infrared analysis revealed that the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in substrates of all samples were degraded in different degrees owing to utilization by hyphae growth. The morphology and mechanical properties of the mycelial materials changed as the substrate compositions varied. The difference of properties among all mycelium materials was mainly attributed to the growth of mycelium and different substrate compositions. And the mycelium material (the ratio of poplar sawdust to cottonseed hull was 1) exhibited highest strength and lowest compression set, indicating that its size recovery capability was best. In comparison, the substrate of this material was more favorable to the growth of the mycelium and it showed optimal comprehensive performance among all samples. The mycelium material showed good potentiality for packaging application.

Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Plantar Fascia in Flexible Flatfoot: A Noninvasive In Vivo Study

Plantar fascia plays an important role in human foot biomechanics; however, the morphology and mechanical properties of plantar fascia in patients with flexible flatfoot are unknown. In this study, 15 flexible flatfeet were studied, each plantar fascia was divided into 12 positions, and the morphologies and mechanical properties in the 12 positions were measured in vivo with B-mode ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE). Peak pressures under the first to fifth metatarsal heads (MH) were measured with FreeStep. Statistical analysis included 95% confidence interval, intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC1,1), one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), and least significant difference. The results showed that thickness and Young’s modulus of plantar fascia were the largest at the proximal fascia (PF) and decreased gradually from the proximal end to the distal end. Among the five distal branches (DB) of the fascia, the thickness and Young’s modulus of the second and third DB were larger. The peak pressures were also higher under the second and third MH. This study found a gradient distribution in that the thickness and Young’s modulus gradient decreased from the proximal end to the distal end of plantar fascia in the longitudinal arch of flexible flatfeet. In the transverse arch, the thickness and Young’s modulus under the second and third DB were larger than those under the other three DB in flexible flatfoot, and the peak pressures under the second and third MH were also larger than those under the other three MH in patients with flexible flatfoot. These findings deepen our understanding of the changes of biomechanical properties and may be meaningful for the study of pathological mechanisms and therapy for flexible flatfoot.

Eco-Friendly Rice Straw Paper Coated with Longan (Dimocarpus Longan) Peel Extract as Bio-Based and Antibacterial Packaging

This study aimed to develop active paper from rice straw fibers with its function as antibacterial activity obtained from longan (Dimocarpus longan) peels. The morphology and mechanical properties of fibers of rice straw were examined as quality parameters for paper production. Rice straw paper (RSP) with basis weight ca 106.42 g/m2, 0.34 mm thickness, 34.15% brightness, and 32.26 N·m/g tensile index was successfully prepared from fibers and pulps without chemical bleaching process. Bioactive compounds of longan peels were extracted using maceration technique with a mixture of ethanol-water, and subsequently coated onto RSP at concentration of 10%, 15% and 20% (w/v). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the functional groups of phytochemicals in the peel extract. The results of physical properties showed that the coated RSP had similar thickness and tensile index, but had lower brightness compared to control papers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the significantly different of surface and cross-section structures between coated and uncoated RSP. The coated RSP had relatively greater barrier properties to prevent water absorption. In addition, the RSP coated with longan peel extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against foodborne bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. This study reveals the benefits of natural byproducts as potential materials for active packaging prepared by environmentally friendly processes.