Transport properties of bronchial mucus are investigated by two-stage experimental approach focused on: (a) rheological properties and (b) mass transfer rate through the stagnant layer of solutions of mucus components (mucine, DNA, proteins) and simulated multi-component mucus. Studies were done using thermostated horizontal diffusion cells with sodium cromoglycate and carminic acid as transferred solutes. Rheological properties of tested liquids was studied by a rotational viscometer and a cone-plate rheometer (dynamic method). First part of the studies demonstrated that inter-molecular interactions in these complex liquids influence both rheological and permeability characteristics. Transfer rate is governed not only by mucus composition and concentration but also by hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of transported molecules. Second part was focused on the properties of such a layer in presence of selected nanostructured particles (different nanoclays and graphene oxide) which may be present in lungs after inhalation. It was shown that most of such particles increase visco-elasticity of the mucus and reduce the rate of mass transfer of model drugs. Measured effects may have adverse impact on health, since they will reduce mucociliary clearance in vivo and slow down drug penetration to the bronchial epithelium during inhalation therapy.

Seed coating technology combined with biopolymers offers an alternative method to reduce environmental contamination. However, when biological agents are incorporated, biopolymers would have diverse properties and effects. This underscores the necessity of exploring the optimal dosages and formulations of biopolymers to ensure the survival of beneficial microorganisms, seed quality, and proper storage. This study aimed to explore the effects of different sodium alginate and chitosan coating formulations on Trichoderma harzianum viability and canola seeds quality. The coating process involved mixing T. harzianum powder with sodium alginate, talc and chitosan in different doses, sequences and formulations. Trichoderma harzianum viability was assessed through colony-forming units per ml over time. Canola seed quality was evaluated by measuring radicle emergence, germination percentage, seedling growth, and field emergence. Sodium alginate, both alone and in combination with talc, improved T. harzianum viability immediately after treatment and during storage. These coatings did not impair seed germination and improved canola root growth. Among the different chitosan formulations, a 1 : 100 ratio in talc improved strain survival and root growth without affecting germination, radicle, and field emergence. Coating canola seeds is a practical alternative to the application of T. harzianum, sodium alginate and talc, as it preserves their viability over time and improves seedling performance. Chitosan formulations in acetic acid should be carefully developed to prevent negative effects on seeds or biological agents.

Thin films were prepared based on cellulose polymer doped with different ratios of natural dye derived from Portulaca grandiflora concentrations. The polymer and natural dye were extracted from eco-friendly materials—the cell walls of millet husks and Portulaca grandiflora, respectively. The spray pyrolysis technique was applied to prepare thin film samples to control the film morphology and reduce the roughness of the surface. Optical microscope and Fourier transform infrared were used to analyse structural, morphological, and functional groups for all samples, respectively. The peak absorbance, extinction coefficient, optical bandgap, Urbach energy, and optical conductivity for the thin films were determined using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The results show an enhancement in the optical characteristics when the natural cellulose is doped with a dye. Doping cellulose with 5% P. grandiflora has led to a considerable reduction in the energy bandgap (to 1.95 eV), compared to the sample doped with 1%.

In recent years, a growing problem of water deficit has been observed, which is particularly acute for agriculture. To alleviate the effects of drought, hydrogel soil additives – superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) – can be helpful.
The primary objective of this article was to present a comparison of the advantages resulting from the application of synthetic or natural hydrogels in agriculture. The analysis of the subject was carried out based on 129 articles published between 1992 and 2020. In the article, the advantages of the application of hydrogel products in order to improve soil quality, and crop growth.
Both kinds of soil amendments (synthetic and natural) similarly improve the yield of crops. In the case of natural origin polymers, a lower cost of preparation and a shorter time of biodegradation are indicated as the main advantage in comparison to synthetic polymers, and greater security for the environment.

Potato from the Solanaceae family is one of the most important crops in the world and its cultivation is common in many places. The average yield of this crop is 20 Mg·ha ^–1 and it is compatible with climatic conditions in many parts of the world. The experiment studied the possibility of exogenous regulation of the adaptive potential available for four potato cultivars through the use of growth stimulants with different action mechanisms: 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) and chitosan biopolymer (CHT). The results allowed us to establish significant differences in growth parameters, plant height, leaf index, vegetation index, chlorophyll content, and yield structure. Monitoring growth and predicting yields well before harvest are essential to effectively managing potato productivity. Studies have confirmed the empirical relationship between the normalised difference vegetation index ( NDVI) and N-tester vegetation index data at various stages of potato growth with yield data. Statistical linear regression models were used to develop an empirical relationship between the NDVI and N-tester data and yield at different stages of crop growth. The equations have a maximum determination coefficient (R ²) of 0.63 for the N-tester and 0.74 for the NDVI during the flowering phase (BBCH ¹ 65). NDVI and N-tester vegetation index positively correlated with yield data at all growth stages.