Development and characterization of pectin and chitosan films incorporated with a new cross-linking agent.

BACKGROUND: In this study, a new crosslinking agent (CA) containing whey protein, papin, glycerin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), was prepared. The effects of CA content (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, v/v) on food packaging properties, crystallinity, microstructure, and antioxidant properties of pectin-CA and chitosan-CA composite films were analyzed. The results of this research offer a theoretical basis for engineering improved films for food packing. RESULTS: Pectin-CA (30%) and chitosan-CA (40%) composite films showed the best light transmission, water retention, breathability, plasticity, and antioxidant activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that these composite films exhibited a uniform and homogeneous structure without obvious pores. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the amino acids and EGCG in CA were bonded to the film substrate (pectin/chitosan) via electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and covalent bonding, which led to an improvement in the film's properties. CONCLUSION: The CA has broad application prospects in food packaging as a cross-linking agent and antioxidant. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Clinical research of the implantation of phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens for high myopia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the implantation of phakic anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) for high myopia. METHODS: A consecutive group of 73 eyes in 41 patients with -7.00 to -30.00 diopters (D) of myopia were implanted. RESULTS: All of 73 eyes were implanted successfully and have been followed-up for 3 m (months). The uncorrected visual acuity was from FC/33 cm to 0.2 pre-operatively and 0.1 to 1.0 3 m post-operatively. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was from 0.05 to 1.0 pre-operatively and 0.1 to 1.0 3 m post-operatively. The post-operative BCVA of every eye was not worse than the pre-operative one. The refractive diopters were from -7.00 to -30.00 D pre-operatively and -6.00 to +2.50 D 3 m post-operatively. There were no significant differences between pre- and 3 m post-operative mean corneal astigmatism (t = 1.751, P = 0.082) and mean intraocular pressure (IOP) (t = 1.181, P = 0.240), respectively. The mean counts of endothelial cells was (2 680 +/- 538)/mm(2) pre-operatively and (2 514 +/- 420)/mm(2) 3 m post-operatively. There was no significant difference (t = 1.182, P = 0.242) though it decreased 6.19%. No severe complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of phakic anterior chamber IOL for high myopia is predictable, reversible and controllable with simple manipulation. No severe complication occurred in 3 m post-operatively, and long-time follow-up is still required.