Preparation and characterizations of all-biodegradable supramolecular hydrogels through formation of inclusion complexes of amylose

In this study, we found that the hydrogel containing cross-linking points of amylose/PCL graft chain inclusion complexes was obtained by vine-twining polymerization using a water-soluble chitosan-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone) (chitosan-g-PCL). When phosphorylase-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization was performed in the presence of chitosan-g-PCL, the reaction mixture turned into a gel form. The IR spectrum of the sample obtained by lyophilization of the hydrogel indicated that amylose included the PCL graft chains in the intermolecular (chitosan-g-PCL)s to produce cross-linking points. The evaluation of the hydrogels obtained under various conditions was conducted by the shear-viscosity measurement. Because amylose, chitosan, and PCL are known to be enzymatically hydrolyzed, we have investigated enzymatic disruption behaviors of the hydrogels by hydrolysis of these components catalyzed by the corresponding enzymes, i.e., β-amylase, chitosanase, and lipase, respectively. In all cases, the hydrogels were transformed into solution or suspension states, indicating the occurrence of enzymatic disruption of hydrogels. Furthermore, the hydrogel was reproduced when the vine-twining polymerization was carried out in the presence of phosphorylase in the resulting solution by the β-amylase treatment.     

Swelling and auramine-<Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis> adsorption of carboxymethyl cellulose grafted poly(methyl methacrylate)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposite hydrogels

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) grafted poly(methyl methacrylate)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared for adsorptive removal of auramine-O (as a cationic dye model) from wastewater. For the synthesis of nanocomposite hydrogel by free radical polymerization method, potassium persulfate (KPS), methyl methacrylate (MMA), N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) and Cloisite 30B were used as initiator, monomer, cross-linker and nano-filler, respectively. The nanocomposite hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM and XRD techniques. The FTIR results showed that the monomer was grafted onto carboxymethyl cellulose chains successfully. Swelling behavior of nanocomposite hydrogel as a function of KPS, MBA, MMA concentration and CMC/Cloisite 30B weight ratio was studied by Taguchi method using Minitab 16 software. According to ANOVA results, the most effective factor of equilibrium swelling of nanocomposite hydrogel was CMC/Cloisite 30B weight ratio. Addition of Cloisite 30B to hydrogel up to a certain amount improved swelling, though its high amount decreased swelling. The effects of pH and ionic strength on swelling of optimum hydrogels were investigated. Maximum swelling of nanocomposite hydrogel occurred at pH 7.0. The kinetic data of adsorption fitted well to pseudo-second-order model. The best isotherm for investigation of adsorption mechanism was Langmuir model suggesting the formation of a monolayer on the adsorbent surface. FTIR results, before and after auramine-O adsorption, showed that complexation is the main mechanism of adsorption. High adsorption capacity of nanocomposite hydrogels made them more efficient in wastewater treatment application.     

A novel pH and temperature-sensitive maleate poly(vinyl alcohol)-<Emphasis Type="Italic">graft</Emphasis>-isopropylacrylamide/natural rubber blend: preparation and properties

A novel pH–temperature-sensitive elastomer was made from maleate poly(vinyl alcohol)-graft-isopropylacrylamide (PVAM-graft-PNIPAM), namely PVNI and deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) in a water-based system. The swelling ratio in water of PVNI/DPNR hydrogel enhanced as a function of PVNI portion in hydrogel due to increasing of hydrophilic group in the hydrogel. Surprisingly, the percentage of swelling in water of PVNI/DPNR hydrogel 7:3 is 24 times based on pristine DPNR. In addition, the highest tensile strength of PVNI/DPNR hydrogel was found at 7:3 PVNI/DPNR. The highest elongation at break of PVNI/DPNR hydrogel was improved after the addition of DPNR. Moreover, the resulting smart hydrogel showed a good pH–temperature sensitivity. In addition, it yielded a good polymer membrane for encapsulating capsaicin (CSC) in different media. After its use, it also easily decomposed in the natural environment.     

Micellization and sol-gel transition of novel thermo- and pH-responsive ABC triblock copolymer synthesized by RAFT

A well-defined thermo- and pH-responsive ABC-type triblock copolymer monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethyl methacrylate-co-N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide)-b-poly(2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate), mPEG-b-P(MEO₂MA-co-HMAM)-b-PDEAEMA, was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The ABC-type triblock copolymer was endowed thermo- and pH-responsive, corresponding to the thermosensitive properties of P(MEO₂MA-co-HMAM) and pH-responsive properties PDEAEMA segments, respectively. The thermo- and pH-responsive properties of copolymer aqueous solutions were studied by UV transmittance measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide (HMAM) content in triblock copolymer affected the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the triblock copolymer aqueous solution. The copolymer self-assembled into core-shell micelles, with the thermoresponsive P(MEO₂MA-co-HMAM) block and the hydrophilic PEG block as the shell, the hydrophobic PDEAEMA block as the core, in alkaline solution at room temperature. While in acidic media, when the temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the triblock copolymer aqueous solution, the copolymer self-assembled into P(MEO₂MA-co-HMAM)-core micelles with mixed hydrophilic PEG and pH-responsive PDEAEMA coronas. Sol-gel transition temperature (T_sol-gel) for the triblock copolymer determined by vial inversion test further indicated that it is dependent on the concentration of the triblock copolymers and solution pH. Copolymer hydrogel loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were used for the sustained release study. The results indicated that the hydrogel was a promising candidate for controlling protein drug delivery.     

Synthesis,characterization and adsorption of cationic dyes by CS/P(AMPS-<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-AM) hydrogel initiated by glow-discharge-electrolysis plasma

In this work, a novel chitosan/P(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid-co-acrylic amide) (CS/P(AMPS-co-AM)) hydrogel was successfully prepared by a simple one-step method using glow-discharge-electrolysis plasma (GDEP) initiated copolymerization, in which N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide was used as a cross-linking agent. A copolymerization mechanism of AMPS and AM onto CS initiated by GDEP was proposed. The structure, thermal stability and morphology of CS/P(AMPS-co-AM) hydrogel were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), TG/DTG, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). This hydrogel was employed as an absorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, contact time and equilibrium concentration on the dye adsorption were investigated batchwise. FTIR and XRD indicated that AM and AMPS were grafted onto the CS backbone successfully, forming copolymer. TG/DTG suggested that grafted AMPS and AM onto CS could change the thermal stability of the CS. SEM showed a unique three-dimensional porous structure for the CS/P(AMPS-co-AM) hydrogel. The optimum pH for the removal of cationic dyes was 5.8, and time of adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 90 min. The CS/P(AMPS-co-AM) hydrogel exhibited a very high adsorption potential, and its adsorption capacities calculated based on the Langmuir isotherm for MB and MG were 1,538.5 and 917.4 mg g^?1, respectively. The dye adsorption data fitted well to the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model at 25 °C with pH 5.8.     

Development of natural and synthetic polymer-based semi-interpenetrating polymer network for controlled drug delivery: optimization and in vitro evaluation studies

This research paper describes the development, optimization and in vitro characterization of chemically cross-linked pectin–polyvinyl alcohol-co-poly(2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel [pectin–PVA-co-poly(AMPS) semi-IPN hydrogel] for controlled delivery of model drug tramadol HCl. Response surface methodology based on 3² factorial design was used for optimization and investigating the effect of independent factors: polymer-blend ratio (pectin:PVA = X ₁) and monomer (AMPS = X ₂) concentration on the dependent variables, swelling ratio (q _18th), percent drug release (R _18th, %), time required for 80 % drug release (t _{80 %}, h), drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, %) and drug loaded contents (DLC, mg/g) in pectin-PVA-co-poly(AMPS) gels prepared by free radical polymerization. The optimized semi-IPN gel (FPP-10) showed controlled in vitro drug release (R _18th) of 56.34 % in 18 h, t _{80 %} of 30 h, and DEE of 23.40 %. These semi-IPN hydrogels were also characterized through SEM, FTIR, sol–gel analysis, swelling studies and drug release characteristics. Therefore, this newly synthesized polymeric network could be a potential polymeric system for controlled drug delivery of tramadol HCl for prolonged drug release.     

New hybrid agarose/Cu-Bioglass® biomaterials for antibacterial coatings

Agarose hydrogels, combined with 45S5 Bioglass®, were elaborated to serve as copper delivery systems. Our aim was to study the antibacterial properties of these hydrogels. The results show that the amount of glass does not influence the stiffness properties, but it improves the hydrophilicity and the swelling profile of agarose hydrogel. Two bacterial strains, Bacillus sp. 4J6 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. PAO1, were chosen. Their retention on the substrates was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The mechanical characteristics and the release of copper have an effect on the bacterial adhesion and the biofilm formation. All the obtained results indicate that these hydrogels could be adapted to a potential application to the antibacterial coatings     

Improving the foaming and mechanical properties of the in situ microfiber-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate/polypropylene composites through compatibilization

The in situ microfiber-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate/isotactic polypropylene (15/85, w/w) composite (PET/iPP MRC) was successfully obtained through the micro-nano-laminating co-extrusion by using polypropylene-grafted-glycidyl methacrylate (PP-g-GMA) as a compatibilizer. The effect of the compatibilizer on the rheological behavior, micromorphology of PET/iPP MRC, foaming capability and the mechanical properties of foamed PET/iPP MRC was investigated. Extensional rheology measurement revealed the strain hardening of PET/iPP MRC is more obviously than iPP and with compatibilizer added. Scanning electron microscope observation indicated that the introduction of PP-g-GMA compatibilizer can improve the compatibility between PET and PP and subsequently lead to the decrease of diameter of PET microfibers. In addition, the incorporating of PP-g-GMA compatibilizer can also decrease the diameter and enhance the cell density of PET/iPP MRC cell. Both the tensile strength and the impact strength of the PET/iPP MRC foam are higher than that of the iPP foam, and improved with the compatibilizer added.     

Facile preparation and good performance of nano-Ag/metallocene polyethylene antibacterial coatings

Metallocene polyethylene/nano-silver coatings were prepared by a facile air-spray method on polymer films. Different from the prevailing strategy to endow polyethylene with antibacterial performance, we used metallocene polyethylene sol and nano-silver as a precursor to deposit coatings on polymers at a relatively low operating temperature. Antibacterial coatings with excellent mechanical properties, water resistance, and low silver release were achieved. The composite coatings were examined in terms of surface characteristics, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity against two representative bacterial strains including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The composite coatings exhibited favorable microstructure, good mechanical properties, and suitable crystallinity. The antimicrobial tests indicated that the fabricated composite coatings showed promising antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Furthermore, Ag ions released by the composite coating after 30 days were under 1.2 ppb. These results indicated a promising prospect of the composite coating for wide antibacterial applications.     

Effect of epoxidized soybean oil grafted poly(12-hydroxy stearate) on mechanical and thermal properties of microcrystalline cellulose fibers/polypropylene composites

A new green compatibilizer named epoxidized soybean oil grafted poly(12-hydroxy stearate) (ESO-g-PHS) was successfully synthesized using 12-hydroxy stearic acid and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO). The chemical structure of ESO-g-PHS was investigated through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography. ESO-g-PHS was used as a compatibilizer to enhance the interfacial compatibility between polypropylene (PP) and microcrystalline cellulose fibers (MCF). The results showed that the impact strength and tensile strength were 33.55 and 27.57 MPa when the content loading of MCF reached 10 wt% and ESO-g-PHS was 4 wt%, which enhanced by 75.4 and 30.04 %, respectively, compared to that of composites without ESO-g-PHS. In addition, the SEM images of the fracture surfaces display that PP was highly bonded to MCF with ESO-g-PHS treated. In addition, the wide angle X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that the addition of ESO-g-PHS did not change the crystal structure of PP. Moreover, there was a slight improvement in thermal properties for PP composites with the addition of ESO-g-PHS.     

A high molecular weight acrylonitrile copolymer prepared by mixed solvents polymerization: II. effect of DMSO/water ratios on polymerization and stabilization

A bifunctional comonomer β-methylhydrogen itaconate was synthesized to prepare high molecular weight poly [acrylonitrile-co-(β-methylhydrogen itaconate)] [P (AN-co-MHI)] by mixed solvents polymerization, which was used as carbon fiber precursor instead of acrylonitrile terpolymers. The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/deionized water ratios on the polymerization, structure and stabilization of P (AN-co-MHI) was studied by elemental analysis, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The highest viscosity-average molecular weight (76.72 × 10⁴ g/mol) of P(AN-co-MHI) was obtained in the mixed solvents of DMSO/deionized water = 10/90 (wt/wt) due to the zero chain transfer constant of deionized water for radical ~ ~ ~AN·, which is 10 times larger than that of P(AN-co-MHI) copolymers prepared in DMSO solution polymerization under the same conditions and is beneficial to improving the tensile strength of resulting carbon fiber. The composition of P(AN-co-MHI) was controlled by the ratio of DMSO/deionized water in the mixed solvents, it is attributed to the changes of AN/MHI ratio taking part in the polymerization reactions, which is caused by the different solubility of AN in the mixed solvents. From elemental analysis and FTIR studies, it can be found out that the content of MHI in P(AN-co-MHI) copolymer becomes larger with the increase of DMSO content in the mixed solvents. The FTIR, XRD and DSC results show that the stabilization of P(AN-co-MHI) copolymer was significantly improved by MHI compared with PAN homopolymer and poly (acrlonitrile-methyl acrylate-acrylic acid) terpolymer, such as larger extent of stabilization, lower initiation temperature and smaller E _a of cyclization, which is beneficial to preparing high performance carbon fiber.     

Sex Attractant Pheromones of Virgin Queens of Sympatric Slave-Making Ant Species in the Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polyergus,</Emphasis> and their Possible Roles in Reproductive Isolation

Species of the ant genus Polyergus are social parasites that steal brood from colonies of their hosts in the closely related genus Formica. Upon emergence as adults in a mixed population, host Formica workers carry out all the normal worker functions within the Polyergus colony, including foraging, feeding, grooming, and rearing brood of the parasitic Polyergus ants. Some unmated Polyergus gynes (queens) run in the raiding columns of their colonies and attract males by releasing a pheromone from their mandibular glands. There are two Polyergus species groups in North America: an eastern P. lucidus group and a western P. breviceps group. One species of each of these groups, P. lucidus Mayr and P. mexicanus Emery, are sympatric in Missouri. In this study, we characterized the sex pheromones of virgin queens of two species of the P. lucidus group (P. lucidus sensu stricto and P. sanwaldi) and one species of the P. breviceps group (P. mexicanus), and compared these with the previously identified sex pheromone of P. topoffi of the P. breviceps group. We then used sex pheromone blends reconstructed from synthesized components of the two groups to test their efficacy at reproductively isolating these species. We found that methyl 6-methylsalicylate is conserved as the major component of the pheromone blends for both Polyergus species groups; however, methyl (R)-3-ethyl-4-methylpentanoate is the species-specific minor component produced by P. lucidus group queens, and (R)-3-ethyl-4-methylpentan-1-ol is the crucial minor component for P. breviceps group queens. The optimal ratio of the major and minor components for P. lucidus group queens was about 100:1 salicylate to ester. In concurrent field trials in Missouri, males of P. lucidus sensu stricto and P. mexicanus (a member of the P. breviceps group) were attracted almost exclusively to their particular blends of sex pheromone components. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a possible sex-pheromone-based reproductive isolating mechanism in ants.     

Calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate mineralization of bioinspired hydrogels based on β-chitin isolated from biomineral of the common cuttlefish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sepia officinalis</Emphasis>, L.)

Chitin, a bioactive, antibacterial and biodegradable polymer is commonly utilized by diverse marine organisms as the main scaffold material during biomineralization. Due to its properties, chitin is also of interest as a component of organo-inorganic composites for diverse biomedical applications. In this study, chitinous fibers isolated from the cuttlebone of the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis, L.) are characterized and evaluated for use as an integral part of mineralized hydrogels for biomedical applications. Since marine organisms use calcium carbonates (CaCO₃), while vertebrates use calcium phosphates (CaP) as the main inorganic hard tissue components, and both minerals are used in hard tissue engineering, they were compared to determine which composite is potentially a better biomaterial. Hydrogel mineralization was conducted by subsequent dipping into cationic and anionic reactant solutions, resulting in the formation of a CaCO₃ or CaP coating that penetrated into the hydrogel. Obtained composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheology, swelling tests and simple compression. The results indicate that β-chitin can be used for the preparation of moldable hydrogels that are easily mineralized. Mineralized hydrogels have higher elasticity than non-mineralized ones while swelling is better if the extent of mineralization is lower. Further optimization of the hydrogels composition could improve their stress response and Young’s modulus, where the current hydrogel with a higher extent of CaP mineralization excels in comparison to all other investigated composites.     

Development of novel hybrid materials from polylactic acid and nano-silver coated carbon black with distinct antimicrobial and electrical properties

This work aims to prepare nanosilver coated carbon black via benzoxazine oxidation as a filler for polylactic acid (PLA) to produce novel hybrid materials with improved electrical and antimicrobial properties. Nanosilver coated carbon black exhibited antimicrobial activity against S.aureus, B.subtilis, M.luteus, E.coli, P.aeruginosa and C.albicans. It was found that the nanosilver coated carbon black (10CB-Ag) was the most effective filler since it showed largest inhibition zones. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the silver content in 10CB-Ag was 5.68% by weight. The hybrid materials of PLA with uncoated carbon black and nanosilver coated carbon black fillers were prepared by injection molding. The optimal composition of the prepared hybrid materials was found to be 15 phr of nanosilver coated carbon black in PLA (15AgCB-PLA). This material showed quite good properties, e.g. tensile strength of 50 MPa, % elongation at break of 1.68 and electrical conductivity of 2.78 × 10^?9 S?m^?1. Moreover, it exhibited the S. aureus inhibition of about 99%. This work revealed the possibility of using this material for anti-electrostatic and antimicrobial applications.     

Sol–gel transition characterization of thermosensitive hydrogels based on water mobility variation provided by low field NMR

Sol–gel transition properties play a key role in various applications of thermosensitive hydrogels, but conventional methods for studying the sol–gel transition have some limitations. For extensive characterization of the water–polymer interaction and microstructure change during sol–gel transition, we propose a rapid and nondestructive method based on monitoring water mobility through low field NMR (LF-NMR), and this was applied to chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/GP) hydrogels. The spin–spin relaxation time (T ₂) that depicted water mobility was measured by LF-NMR within 90 s. The T ₂ component corresponding to water protons trapped in polymer networks (T ₂₁ ) was very sensitive to sol–gel transition. A remarkable decrease of T ₂₁ value indicated obvious variations of water mobility when CS/GP was heated, and a turning point was observed on the T ₂₁–time curve. The gel point associated with this turning point could be easily determined by fitting the T ₂₁–time curves to a bilinear regression model, and the results showed good accuracy and repeatability owing to the nondestructive nature of LF-NMR. Variations in water components and microstructure of CS/GP caused by water migration after solidification were also analyzed by monitoring dynamic changes of T ₂. This rapid, nondestructive method provides a powerful tool for studying the sol–gel transition of hydrogels.     

Synthesis and characterization of controlled benzotriazole light stabilizer by RAFT polymerization and its application

A polymerizable benzotriazole light stabilizer 2-(2’-Propionyloxy-5′-methylphenyl) benzotriazole (AMB) was synthesized, which was copolymerized with styrene to prepare poly(St-co-AMB) by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that AMB monomer and poly(St-co-AMB) were successfully prepared. The results showed that AMB had been effectively added to the polymer chain and poly(St-co-AMB) with different molecular weight and narrow distribution can be obtained under suitable conditions. The thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) results showed that poly(St-co-AMB) had good heat resistance. Moreover, the tensile strength and notched impact strength of PP/poly(St-co-AMB) was significantly improved, respectively after 600 h UV irradiation, which were both much higher than that of pure polypropylene (PP). In addition, poly(St-co-AMB) was much better than general commercial light stabilizer UV-P in the resistance to extraction.     

The Antibacterial Activity of Ta-doped ZnO Nanoparticles

A novel photocatalyst of Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles was prepared by a modified Pechini-type method. The antimicrobial study of Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles on several bacteria of Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were performed using a standard microbial method. The Ta-doping concentration effect on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various bacteria under dark ambient has been evaluated. The photocatalytical inactivation of Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles under visible light irradiation was examined. The MIC results indicate that the incorporation of Ta⁵⁺ ions into ZnO significantly improve the bacteriostasis effect of ZnO nanoparticles on E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis in the absence of light. Compared to MIC results without light irradiation, Ta-doped ZnO and pure ZnO nanoparticles show much stronger bactericidal efficacy on P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus under visible light illumination. The possible antimicrobial mechanisms in Ta-doped ZnO systems under visible light and dark conditions were also proposed. Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibit more effective bactericidal efficacy than pure ZnO in dark ambient, which can be attributed to the synergistic effect of enhanced surface bioactivity and increased electrostatic force due to the incorporation of Ta⁵⁺ ions into ZnO. Based on the antibacterial tests, 5 % Ta-doped ZnO is a more effective antimicrobial agent than pure ZnO.     

Host Plant Suitability in a Specialist Herbivore, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euphydryas anicia</Emphasis> (Nymphalidae): Preference,Performance and Sequestration

The checkerspot butterfly, Euphydryas anicia (Nymphalidae), specializes on plants containing iridoid glycosides and has the ability to sequester these compounds from its host plants. This study investigated larval preference, performance, and sequestration of iridoid glycosides in a population of E. anicia at Crescent Meadows, Colorado, USA. Although previous studies showed that other populations in Colorado use the host plant, Castilleja integra (Orobanchaceae), we found no evidence for E. anicia ovipositing or feeding on C. integra at Crescent Meadows. Though C. integra and another host plant, Penstemon glaber (Plantaginaceae), occur at Crescent Meadows, the primary host plant used was P. glaber. To determine why C. integra was not being used at the Crescent Meadows site, we first examined the host plant preference of naïve larvae between P. glaber and C. integra. Then we assessed the growth and survivorship of larvae reared on each plant species. Finally, we quantified the iridoid glycoside concentrations of the two plant species and diapausing caterpillars reared on each host plant. Our results showed that E. anicia larvae prefer P. glaber. Also, larvae survive and grow better when reared on P. glaber than on C. integra. Castilleja integra was found to contain two primary iridoid glycosides, macfadienoside and catalpol, and larvae reared on this plant sequestered both compounds; whereas P. glaber contained only catalpol and larvae reared on this species sequestered catalpol. Thus, although larvae are able to use C. integra in the laboratory, the drivers behind the lack of use at the Crescent Meadows site remain unclear.     

Role of Plant Volatiles in Host Plant Recognition by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listronotus maculicollis</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), Listronotus maculicollis Kirby, is an economically important pest of short cut turfgrass. Annual bluegrass, Poa annua L., is the most preferred and suitable host for ABW oviposition, larval survival and development. We investigated the involvement of grass volatiles in ABW host plant preference under laboratory and field conditions. First, ovipositional and feeding preferences of ABW adults were studied in a sensory deprivation experiment. Clear evidence of involvement of olfaction in host recognition by ABW was demonstrated. Poa annua was preferred for oviposition over three bentgrasses, Agrostis spp., but weevils with blocked antennae did not exhibit significant preferences. ABW behavioral responses to volatiles emitted by Agrostis spp. and P. annua were examined in Y-tube olfactometer assays. Poa annua was attractive to ABW females and preferred to Agrostis spp. cultivars in Y-tube assays. Headspace volatiles emitted by P. annua and four cultivars of Agrostis stolonifera L. and two each of A. capillaris L. and A. canina L. were extracted, identified and compared. No P. annua specific volatiles were found, but Agrostis spp. tended to have larger quantities of terpenoids than P. annua. (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, phenyl ethyl alcohol and their combination were the most attractive compounds to ABW females in laboratory Y-tube assays. The combination of these compounds as a trap bait in field experiments attracted adults during the spring migration, but was ineffective once the adults were on the short-mown turfgrass. Hence, their usefulness for monitoring weevil populations needs further investigation.     

Synthesis and swelling behavior of metal-chelating superabsorbent hydrogels based on sodium alginate-<Emphasis Type="Italic">g</Emphasis>-poly(AMPS-<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-AA-<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-AM) obtained under microwave irradiation

A metal-chelating superabsorbent hydrogel based on poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid-co-acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) grafted onto sodium alginate backbone, NaAlg-g-poly(AMPS-co-AA-co-AM) is prepared under microwave irradiation. The Taguchi method is used for the optimization of synthetic parameters of the hydrogel based on water absorbency. The Taguchi L₉ (3⁴) orthogonal array is chosen for experimental design. Mass concentrations of crosslinker MBA \(C_{\text{MBA}}\) initiator KPS \(C_{\text{KPS}}\), sodium alginate \(C_{\text{NaAlg}}\) and mass ratio of monomers \(C_{\text{AM/AA/AMPS}}\) are chosen as four factors. The analysis of variance of the test results indicates the following optimal conditions: 0.8 g L^?1 of MBA, 0.9 g L^?1 of KPS, 8 g L^?1 of NaAlg and \(R_{\text{AM/AA/AMPS}}\) equals to 1:1.1:1.1. The maximum water absorbency of the optimized final hydrogel is found to be 822 g g^?1. The relative thermal stability of the optimized hydrogel in comparison with sodium alginate is demonstrated via thermogravimetric analysis. The prepared hydrogel is characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the environmental parameters on water absorbency such as the pH and the ionic force is also investigated. The optimized hydrogel is used as adsorbent for hazardous heavy metal ions Pb(II), Cd(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) and their competitive adsorption is also discussed. Isotherm of adsorption and effect of pH, adsorption dosage and recyclability are investigated. The results show that the maximum adsorption capacities of lead and cadmium ions on the hydrogel are 628.93 and 456.62 mg g^?1, respectively. The adsorption is well described by Langmuir isotherm model. The hydrogel is also utilized for the loading of potassium nitrate as an active agrochemical agent and the release of this active agent has also been investigated.