The interactions between polystyrene latex particles and ethyl cellulose (EC) with different functionalization pattern have been investigated. 3-Mono-O-EC and EC with statistical functionalization pattern in the anhydroglucose units were studied in aqueous solutions and dispersions. EC belongs to a group of polymers that phase separate upon heating. The two types of EC showed large differences ...

A novel approach to the recycling of polystyrene is reported here; polystyrene is converted to a biodegradable plastic, namely polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). This unique combinatorial approach involves the pyrolysis of polystyrene to styrene oil, followed by the bacterial conversion of the styrene oil to PHA by Pseudomonas putida CA-3 (NCIMB 41162). The pyrolysis (520 degrees C) of polystyrene in ...

Polystyrene and polystyrene copolymers have many unique properties that make them desirable for use in flexible packaging. Polystyrene monofilms however are not practical for use on high-speed packaging lines due to their poor heat sealability and flex cracking. Coextruded films of polystyrene with polyethylene combine the desirable properties of polystyrene with polyethylene. Still, PS coextru...

In a polymeric material near its glass transition temperature, segmental dynamics of a given spatial region may differ considerably from that of neighboring regions without apparent structural origin, analogous to the supercooled liquid state of low molecular weight glass formers. Given that the supercooled liquid state is a (metastable) equilibrium state, spatial variations in dynamics are exp...

BACKGROUND A number of engineered nanoparticles induce autophagy, the main catabolic pathway that regulates bulk degradation of cytoplasmic material by the lysosomes. Depending on the specific physico-chemical properties of the nanomaterial, however, nanoparticle-induced autophagy may have different effects on cell physiology, ranging from enhanced autophagic degradation to blockage of autophag...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Salmonella typhimurium DT104 strain has emerged as a global human and veterinary public health concern because of its antibiotic resistance and extensive host range. Although it is thought to be more virulent, to date, factors relevant to its virulence have not been fully elucidated. Thus, understanding how this strain forms biofilms on hydrophobic surfaces will add to cu...

In vitro generation of dendritic-like cells through differentiation of peripheral blood monocytes is typically done using two-dimensional polystyrene culture plates. In the process of optimising cell culture techniques, engineers have developed fluidic micro-devises usually manufactured in materials other than polystyrene and applying three-dimensional structures more similar to the in vivo env...

Problem statement: Polystyrene failed to provide any reactive functionality of surface hydrophilicity that is capable of binding proteins. It is known that polystyrene must be chemically modified to make its surface amenable to covalent crosslinking with protein. Approach: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of UV/ozone treatment on gelatin coating. The surfaces of microsize po...