10/22/25Â
đCongratulations to Turna Basak on Her Marriage!
The Shamshina Research Group extends heartfelt congratulations to our graduate student, Turna Basak, on her recent marriage. We wish Turna and her partner a lifetime of happiness, love, and success as they begin this wonderful new chapter together. đÂ
10/22/25Â
đ Congratulations to my student, Anagha Sunil!
 Anagha has been awarded a Graduate Student Research Support Award for the 2025 academic year. This highly competitive award recognizes excellence in research and academic achievement â a well-deserved honor given her outstanding work and dedication.
The award includes $1,500 in scholarship support for Fall 2025, which will contribute to advancing her ongoing research on chitin-based nanomaterials for encapsulation of cotton herbicides at Texas Tech University.
Iâm very proud of Anaghaâs accomplishments and her continued contributions to our research group at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI)!.
10/22/25Â
đ đ Iâm very happy to share that two of my wonderful students have received the ACS CELL Division Graduate Student Travel Award this year! Congratulations Reshma Panackal Shibu and Md Mobinul Haque Adon!
I truly appreciate the Divisionâs continued commitment to supporting young researchers and encouraging their participation in ACS meetings.
đ Congratulations to my students â your hard work and dedication continue to make me proud!
09/25/25Â
Great conversations at the FBRI Advisory Council meeting â thank you for the collaboration and shared vision driving innovation in fibers and biopolymers! It was especially exciting to host visitors in my lab to see our work on mushrooms, chitin, and cotton up close.
06/11/25
08/19/25 Fantastic ACS Appearance! Our group had an incredible showing at the 2025 Fall ACS National Meeting in Washington, DC (Hybrid), contributing across multiple symposia focused on renewable materials, circular economy, and biopolymer entrepreneurship. Iâm proud to highlight our teamâs presentations:
Sagala, S.; Huda, Md M.;* Kelly, B.; Angeles-Shim, R.; Shamshina, J. L. "Chemistry and chemical expertise in advancing agriculture research," Presented by Sophia Sagala before the 2025 Fall ACS National Meeting, Global Symposium on Advances in Renewable Materials for a Circular Economy [CELL: Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials] [PMSE: Division of Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering] (August 17-22, 2025), Washington, DC, Hybrid, Abstract number 4316497.Â
Panackal Shibu, R.;* Sagala, S. L.; Nichols, K.;* Sunil, A.;* Shamshina, J. L. "Fabrication of polyamide 6 Composites: Exploring the effect of chitin nanowhiskers on performance and strength enhancement," Presented by Reshma Panackal Shibu before the 2025 Fall ACS National Meeting, Global Symposium on Advances in Renewable Materials for a Circular Economy [CELL: Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials] [PMSE: Division of Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering] (August 17-22, 2025), Washington, DC, Hybrid, Abstract number 4315531.Â
Sunil, A.;* Sagala, S. L.; Panackal Shibu, R.;* Shamshina, J. L. "Valorization of spent mushroom substrate (SMS)," Presented by Anagha Sunil before the 2025 Fall ACS National Meeting, Global Symposium on Advances in Renewable Materials for a Circular Economy [CELL: Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials] [PMSE: Division of Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering] (August 17-22, 2025), Washington, DC, Hybrid, Abstract number 4315627.Â
Shamshina, J. L.; Kelly, B. " Translating biopolymer innovation: Lessons in commercializing sustainable technologies from academia," Presented by Julia Shamshina and Brendan Kelly before the 2025 Fall ACS National Meeting, Global Symposium on Biopolymer Entrepreneurship: From Academia to the Commercial Sector [CELL: Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials] [SCHB: Division of Small Chemical Businesses] (August 17-22, 2025), Washington, DC, Oral, Abstract number 4321138.Â
06/11/25
It was a fantastic experience to reunite as a research group. Nothing beats the energy of being together in personâsharing ideas, cheering each other on, and celebrating everyone's hard work. Our students came away inspired, connected, and smiling!Â
06/11/25
TechConnect, thank you for hosting us and providing a fantastic platform to share our work and connect with innovators from around the world!
***
Panackal Shibu, R.;* Shamshina, J. L. "Fabrication of Enhanced Polyamide 6 Composites with Chitin Nanowhiskers: A Sustainable Approach to Filler Driven Crosslinking," Presented by R. Panackal Shibu before TechConnect World 2025 (June 9 - 11, 2025), Austin, TX, USA, Abstract number 383.
Panackal Shibu, R.;* Sagala, S. L.; Shamshina, J. L. "From Nature to Nylon: The Chitin Effect," Presented by R. Panackal Shibu before TechConnect World 2025 (June 9 - 11, 2025), Austin, TX, USA, Poster.
Shamshina, J. L.; Panackal Shibu, R.;* Zannat, A. "From Chitin to Sustainable Solutions: Biopolymers for a Circular Future," Presented by J. L. Shamshina before TechConnect World 2025 (June 9 - 11, 2025), Austin, TX, USA, Abstract number 395.Â
04/25/25
 Iâm proud to share that both my graduate and undergraduate students Reshma Panackal Shibu and Koby Nichols received awards for their outstanding research presentations! Congratulations to them on this well-deserved recognition!
03/31/25
 Koby Nichols (PSS) Junior | Forsan, Texas âLow-cost industrial wastewater treatment â chitin supported biochar from turfgrass clippingsâ Graduate Student Mentor: Reshma Panackal Shibu. Faculty Mentors: Julia Shamshina, Assistant Professor, Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute, Department of Plant & Soil Science and Joseph Young, Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, Department of Plant & Soil ScienceÂ
03/26/25
 Big ACS 2025 Spring Highlights!
We're proud to have made a strong showing at the 2025 ACS Spring National Meeting in San Diego, CA, presenting cutting-edge research at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. The studies of A. Zannat, R. Panackal Shibu, and T. Basak were presented at the prestigious Global Symposium on Sustainable Solvents â a Presidential Event hosted by the Division of Environmental Chemistry (ENVR) â with the talk: "Chitin meets ionic liquids: exploring innovative pathways in biopolymer research. This work highlights transformative advances in chitin processing, leveraging the power of ionic liquids to redefine sustainable materials science.
đ March 26, 2025 | đHybrid | đ§Ș Abstract #4211640
R. Panackal Shibu also presented at the Symposium on Advances in Renewable Materials for a Circular Economy, hosted by the Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials (CELL): "Enhancing polyamide-6 composites with chitin nanowhiskers: A sustainable approach to strength and performance improvement". Rehma was talking about pioneering greener, high-performance materials for a circular economy through bio-based innovation.Â
đ March 27, 2025 | đHybrid | đ§Ș Abstract #4190918
From sustainable solvents to high-strength biocomposites, our team is pushing the boundaries of green chemistry. Thanks to ACS for the platform and our collaborators driving this impactful work forward!
#ACS2025 #GreenChemistry #SustainableMaterials #IonicLiquids #Biopolymers #ChitinInnovation #CircularEconomy
02/25/25
Huge congratulations to Akhiri Zannat! Her second paper just got published in Green Chemistry - because one great paper simply wasnât enough! A well-deserved achievement in sustainable science. Looks like her research is really sporing new ideas. đÂ
See: https://lnkd.in/ghmvpRbMÂ
01/08/25
Welcome Anagha Sunil - a new graduate student in our group!
10/22/24
2 new graduates!
Iâm incredibly proud to celebrate this amazing achievement with Turna Basak and Akhiri Zannat! Congratulations on your Master's! As you step into this exciting new chapter, know that Iâm cheering you on every step of the way. Hereâs to new adventures and endless possibilities ahead! My first two master's students.
08/20/2024Â
ACS Fall 2024 Conference
That's fantastic! It is such a rewarding experience to see my students presenting at the ACS (American Chemical Society) Fall 2024 meeting! Their hard work and dedication are truly commendable, and their preparation has undoubtedly played a significant role in their success!
T. Basak, J. L. Shamshina. "Investigating the impact of microstructural design on chitin cell culture scaffolds for 3D tissue engineering applications," Presented by T. Basak before the 269th ACS National Meeting (August 18-22, 2024), Denver, CO, Hybrid, Abstract number 4088826.
R. Panackal Shibu, J. L. Shamshina. "Economically feasible methods of production of chitin nanomaterials and application in the reinforcement of plastics," Presented by TR. Panackal Shibu before the 269th ACS National Meeting (August 18-22, 2024), Denver, CO, Hybrid, Abstract number 4092176.Â
A. Zannat, J. L. Shamshina. "Isolation and utilization of fungal chitin," Presented by A. Zannat before the 269th ACS National Meeting (August 18-22, 2024), Denver, CO, Hybrid, Abstract number 4092158.Â
06/06/2024Â
Students spotlight!
05/30/2024Â
Congratulations to our students, Reshma Panackal Shibu (working on her PhD) and Alex Shkuratov (working on his BS)! Their first paper has been accepted!Â
If you spend time on a project and it never gets published, that is essentially wasted time. But when you see your publication, It feels like hard work is paid off. It is the culmination of months of Reshma's and Alex's hard work to conduct, interpret, and report their research. Congratulations, Reshma and Alex!
05/29/2024Â
Congratulations to MS student Turna Basak! Her first paper has been accepted!
It is always a great feeling to get that acceptance email in your inbox! It feels great because it is actually a project that Turna is working on for her thesis. I am really proud of her and believe she should really feel a sense of accomplishment publishing a paper she wrote from start to finish!Â
05/23/2024Â
Getting our of space in the lab!
âą Rheometer (MCR 302e Rheometer) with a 40 mm circular plate geometry and a Peltier temperature control system for evaluation of the rheological properties of the materials and/or solutions.
âą Light-scattering instrument (Litesizer 500, Anton Paar, Houston, USA) with temperature control for characterizing particles in liquid dispersions. Measures particle size, zeta potential, electrophoretic mobility, molecular mass, and transmittance.
âą Automatic refractometer (ABBEMAT 550 Anton Paar, Houston, USA).
âą Freeze-drier (Labconco FreeZone 4.5, Kansas City, MO, USA) for product drying.Â
âą Surface area analyzer (Gemini VII 2390, Micromeritics, Norcross, GA, USA) for surface area determination.Â
âą New Brunswick Innova 42 Incubator Shaker (Eppendorf, Germany) with automatic change of temperature, speed, and optional photosynthetic and UV germicidal lights at timed intervals.
âą Arc HPLC System (Water) with photodiode array, UV/Vis, fluorescence, refractive index, evaporative light scattering, conductivity, and mass detection.
âą Multivaporâą P-12 Parallel Vortex Evaporator (Buchi, New Castle, DE, USA) that achieves high-efficiency multiple sample evaporation with easy operation.
âą SpeedÂExtractor E-914 / E-916 (Buchi, New Castle, DE, USA) for Pressurized Solvent Extraction (PSE), to extract compounds from natural products for drug discovery, phytomedical, and metabolics-based investigations.
âą Beckman Coulter Allegra X-15R Refrigerated Centrifuge (Beckman, Brea, CA, USA).
05/25/2024 Published paper!Â
Wysocki, M.; Stachowiak, W.; Smolibowski, M.; Olejniczak, A.; Niemczak, M.; Shamshina, J. L. Rethinking the Esterquats: Synthesis, Stability, Ecotoxicity and Applications of Esterquats Incorporating Analogs of Betaine or Choline as the Cation in Their Structure. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5761. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115761.
04/25/2024
Anton Paar is well-known for their high-quality instruments. But what makes the company truly great is their customer-oriented approach and meeting every need of a client! Thank you Miguel Toj, this was a great training!
04/24/2024
The TTU Strategic Showcase commenced on April 23rd and kick started with an enthralling poster session dedicated to illuminating the Strategic Research Initiatives. FBRI students and postdoctoral researchers were allowed to share their research endeavors.
A. Zannat, J. L. Shamshina. "Isolation and Utilization of Fungal Chitin," Â Presented by A. Zannat before Texas Tech Research Showcase (April 23 - 24, 2024), Lubbock, TX, USA.
T. Basak, J. L. Shamshina. "Exploring the Impact of Microarchitectural Design on Chitin-Based Cell Culture Scaffolds for 3D Tissue Engineering Endeavors," Â Presented by T. Basak before Texas Tech Research Showcase (April 23 - 24, 2024), Lubbock, TX, USA.
R. Panackal Shibu, A. Shkuratov, J. L. Shamshina. "Cost-effective methods for the synthesis of chitin nanomaterials and evaluating their reinforcement potential in plastics," Presented by R. Panackal Shibu before Texas Tech Research Showcase (April 23 - 24, 2024), Lubbock, TX, USA.
04/13/2024
A. Zannat, R. Panackal Shibu, T. Basak, A. Ketema, R. Ortiz, B. Shumate, B. Kelly, J. L. Shamshina. "Agriculture: The Missing Piece in One Health," Presented by A. Zannat before Promoting Cross-Disciplinary Faculty Collaboration: OneHealth Research Conference (April 13th, 2024), Lubbock, TX.
03/20/2024
Congratulate my MS student Turna Basak with her first international presentation! This was a success!
T. Basak, J. L. Shamshina. "Investigations of the morphology of chitin-based cell culture matrices and their influence on 3D tissue engineering," Presented by T. Basak before the 267th  ACS National Meeting (March 17 - 20, 2023), New Orleans, LA, Hybrid, Abstract number 4000347.
01/18/2024
Exciting times! The new lab is ready!Â
The left picture is what it looked like in September 2023 and the right one - January 2024.Â
01/11/2024
Want to share my excitement about reaching a 5,000 citations mark on Google Scholar, https://lnkd.in/gJisF-BT. Never thought it was going to happen. :)Â
01/01/2024
A HAPPY NEW YEAR to y'all (yes, I am from Alabama!).
Excited to share the first paper from our group for 2024 (indeed published December 31, 2023 :): Self-Micropatterned Wood Hydrophone for Underwater Detection, see: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202304104.Â
This is the third paper from joint work with Xiaoping Shen and Qingfeng Sun. For 2024 I am looking forward to studying advanced materials, designing new polymers, overcoming scientific challenges, and continuing great collaborations with colleagues from TTU and outside.
12-22-23
It is a great pleasure to share that my name has been listed in the âWorld Ranking of Top 2% Scientistsâ in 2023 database (Published: 04 October 2023) created by experts at Stanford University, USA.Â
See: âOctober 2023 data-update for "Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators"â, Elsevier Data Repository, V6, doi: 10.17632/btchxktzyw.6 and previous versions)
11-20-23
A cilia-inspired micropatterned sensor with a high-permittivity dielectric hydrogel for ultrasensitive mechanoreception both in air and underwater
Yuanyuan Wang,a Jiaqi Liao,a Chencong Liu,a Qingfeng Sun,*a Julia L. Shamshina,*b Xiaoping Shen*a
Hydrogel mechanosensors have garnered increasing attention for their diverse applications in human-machine interfaces, healthcare monitoring, and underwater technologies. However, hydrogel mechanosensors still encounter notable limitations, including relatively low sensitivity, vulnerability to water evaporation in air, and water absorption underwater. Herein, we present an innovative cilia-inspired hybrid mechanosensor capable of intelligent mechanoreception in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. The sensor comprises a cilia-micropatterned hybrid electrode and an amphibiously high-permittivity dielectric hydrogel (30.7-41.1 in the wet state and 17.7-21.0 in the dry state). The hybrid electrode mimics the natural cilia structure, offering exceptional sensitivity (182 kPa-1) and limit of detection (0.18 Pa) even under microstress stimuli. Experimental results demonstrate the sensor's outstanding performance in capturing real-time acoustic waves (1-20 kHz), water waves and respiratory rate underwater as well as stable pressure detection in air, showcasing its applicability in high-performance versatile mechanosensing and ushering in new opportunities for a wide range of applications.
Teaching PSS 4100-001
Dr. Shamshina,
Thank you so much! I'm flattered you want to use my work as an example. Please do!Â
I learned a lot in your course, and look forward to applying them to my future career.
Regards,
XXX
************
Hi Dr. Julia,
It was an enjoyable course, and definitely very valuable for life after school (I'm not sure the young folks truly understand how important this is).
Thank you for the guidance and insight throughout and have a lovely holiday season!
XXX
*************
Dear Dr. Julia,
Hello and good morning,Â
Thank you very much! I want to thank you for such a great semester! I sure did learn a lot from this class and I even have a new resume to use for future jobs! Thank you for making this class such a great one!
Thank you for your time,
XXX
***************
Hello Dr. Shamshina,
Thank you so very much for the well wishes!! I enjoyed our time together this semester and greatly appreciate all your support and help this year!!
XXX
Alex's presentation will take place in SUB Ballroom, Session #3, Fri. Oct. 20, 2023, 1:45 PM.Â
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/symposium/2023/directory/abstract.php?id=3a628Â Â Â Â
10/11/23
It is the time to add my students' pictures - they participated in the Texas Tech Davis College Graduate Student Poster Competition (September 28, 2023), Lubbock, TX.
T. Basak, J. L. Shamshina. "Studying the Effects of Microarchitecture on Chitin Cell Culture Matrices for 3D Tissue Engineering," Presented by T. Basak before Texas Tech Davis College Graduate Student Poster Competition (September 28, 2023), Lubbock, TX. Â
A. Shkuratov, J. L. Shamshina. "Economically feasible methods of production of chitin nanomaterials," Presented by A. Shkuratov before Texas Tech Davis College Graduate Student Poster Competition (September 28, 2023), Lubbock, TX.  Â
10/05/23
This is my first review in Chem. Rev. IF 72! So proud!
Shamshina, J. L.; Rogers, R. D. Ionic Liquids: New Forms of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients with Unique, Tunable Properties. Chem. Rev. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00384. Â
 09/05/23
My book finally got published!
Abidi, N.; Shamshina, J. L. (Eds.), "Properties and Applications of Ionic Liquids," Series: Materials Science and Technologies; Chemistry Research and Applications, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., New York, 2023. ISBN: 979-8-88697-873-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52305/HFEO4188.
 07/25/23
My students:
From left to right: Md. Nur Uddin (MS, graduated from Dept. Pant and Soil Science), Amaya Salter (high school student), Turna Basak (current MS student, Dept. Pant and Soil Science), Alex Shkuratov (undergraduate student, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
 06/19/23
TechConnect World Innovation Conference!
2023 Nanotech Conference and the Spring SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit. Supports research, development, and transition, fostering cutting-edge technologies for science, industry, national security, and society, and offers unique opportunities to explore a rich technical and business program in 6 different sectors.Â
 05/01/23
https://ttuagriculturist.com/2023/05/01/collaboration-in-cotton/
 04/24/23
Wonderful time in France! COIL-9.
Thank you Margarida Costa-Gomes and Agilio Padua to be the most welcoming hosts you can wish for!
 04/11/23
I do work in the lab (sometimes...)!
With a high school senior student Amaya Salter doing her graduation project "Biopolymeric packaging films". We had fun! Credit: Riley Hoyle, TTU
03/28/23
J. L. Shamshina, "Chitin nanowhiskers derived from crustacean waste using ionic liquids," Presented by J. L. Shamshina before the 265th  ACS National Meeting (March 26 - 30, 2023), Indianopolis, IN, Hybrid, Abstract number 3819607.
02/20/23
Congratulations â our paper is published!Â
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/adfm.202214317Â Â
Citation: Shen, X.; Zhao, D.; Xie, Y.; Wang, Q.; Shamshina, J. L.; Rogers, R. D.; Sun, Q. Cellulose Gel Mechanoreceptors â Principles, Applications and Prospects. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2023, 2214317. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.2022143171.Â
02/16/23
Our NSF - I-Corps TeamI
Next Generation of Green and Sustainable Biofillers
(Award # 2243420, Period of support: 11/15/2022 â 10/31/2023)
01/07/22
Personal Account Published:Â
(Invited) Shamshina, J. L.; Rogers, R. D. Commercialization of Ionic Liquids in Pursuit of Green Chemistry: Must we Each Become an Entrepreneur? The Chemical Record 2023, https://doi.org/10.1002/tcr.202200256.
11/10/22
11/01/22
I am glad to announce that I have accepted Assistant Professor position at the Department of Plant and Soil Science Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute at Texas Tech.10/14/22
Journal: Molecules // Section: Molecular Structure // Special Issue: Spectroscopic Analysis and Molecular Modification of Nanomaterials
10/10/22
New paper!A Themed Issue in Honor of Professor Robin D. Rogers - "A Scientific Journey within Green Chemistry"
08/26/22
Happy to present our new paper!Shamshina, J. L.; Abidi, N. âIsolation of Chitin Nano-whiskers Directly from Crustacean Biomass Waste in a Single Step with Acidic Ionic Liquid," ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2022, DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c02461.
08/10/22
Happy to present on  GRC Ionic Liquids which is the best-worldwide conference focusing on Ionic Liquids!J. L. Shamshina, "Chitin Processing in Ionic Liquid Media,â Presented by J. Shamshina before the Gordon Research Conference (August 10, 2022), Sunday River Resort, Newry, ME, Oral.
J. L. Shamshina, N. A. Abidi, "Chitin Nanocrystals from Crustacean Biomass in Ionic Liquid Media,â Presented by J. Shamshina before the Gordon Research Conference (August 7 - 12, 2022), Sunday River Resort, Newry, ME, Poster.
07/08/22
07/07/22
We are counting down to the 30th International Carbohydrate Symposium!I am presenting in Section 24 â Carbohydrate Polymer and Material Sciences. Full program is available at: https://ics2022.ciente.live/Â Â SESSION DATE & TIME: July 11 from 11:30-11:45 (BRAZIL, SĂO PAULO TIMEZONE), "IS CRYOGRINDING FOR BIOPOLYMERS A PROPER SUBSTITUTE FOR CONVENTIONAL BALL MILLING?"
06/09/22
Happy to present on  Plastic Waste Free World Conference & Expo which cemented itself worldwide as the most talked-about and best-attended event focusing on eliminating plastic waste, after it attracted some of the biggest brands and most respected sustainability professionals globally during its first outing. This senior executive-level conference and exhibition honed in on the exploration of how international businesses from a wide variety of industries can reduce their use of fossil-fuel-based plastics, eliminate single-use plastics, design and create more sustainable bio-sourced products and packaging solutions, as well as introduce more circular business models.Â
06/07/22
Happy to present on 26th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference held in Reston, VA, June 6-8, 2022, althouth I am presenting vurtually. Â
05/05/22
Great visit to of BastCore to Texas Tech University. I am wearing the #hemp #cotton blended trucker jacket from Cone Denim!Â
04/26/22
Iâm proud to be speaking at The Plastic Waste Free World Conference this June, and it would be great to see you there! Come and listen to my speaker session Bio-based and Renewable Materials For Packaging Applications on 8-9 June in Atlanta, Georgia, for a catch up and make sure you register here (https://www.plasticfree-worldna.com/welcome) to make the most of your time at the show. Looking forward to seeing you there! #pwfwna2022 #tgmsns2022.
03/29/22
Check out our new publication!Â
Berton, P.; Abidi, N.; Shamshina, J. L. "Ionic liquids: Implementing Objectives of Sustainability for the Next Generation Chemical Processes and Industrial Applications," Curr. Opin. Green Sustain. Chem. 2022, 100625, DOI: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2022.100625.
03/23/22
Come to see us @ ACS 2022 Symposium "Advances in Renewable Materials"
1. J. L. Shamshina, R. S. Stein, S. Acharya, and N. Abidi, âIs Cryogrinding for Biopolymers a Proper Substitute for Conventional Ball Milling?â Presented by J. L. Shamshina before the 263rd  ACS National Meeting (March 20 - 24, 2021), Hybrid, Abstract number 3654975.Â
2. S. Rumi, S. Liyanage, J. L. Shamshina, and N. Abidi, âEffect of Microwave Plasma Pre-treatment on Cotton Cellulose Dissolution,â Presented by S. Rumi before the 263rd  ACS National Meeting (March 20 - 24, 2021), Hybrid, Abstract number 3663076.
3. M. N. Uddin, J. L. Shamshina and N. Abidi, âTransformation of Hemp Bast into Usable Fiber for Hemp-based Textiles,â Presented by M. N. Uddin before the 263rd  ACS National Meeting (March 20 - 24, 2021), Hybrid, Abstract number 3663076.
03/22/22
Check out our new publication!Â
Shamshina, J. L.; Acharya, S.; Rumi, S. S.; Liyanage, S.; Parajuli, P.; Abidi, N. Cryogenic Grinding of Cotton Fiber Cellulose: the Effect on Physicochemical Properties. Carbohydrate Polym. 2022, 119408, DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119408.
The study evaluated the effect of cryogrinding, a relatively new, cost-effective, sustainable mechanical treatment method, on physicochemical properties of two different micronaire (3.6- and 5.3-) cotton fiber cellulose. Native (type I), mercerized (type II), and acidulated cellulose were subjected to cryogrinding for 48 and 96 min, and their physicochemical properties investigated. The results demonstrated that cryogrinding resulted in partial amorphization of native and mercerized celluloses, particle size decrease and slight reduction of decomposition temperature. Importantly, degree of polymerization (DP) of native cellulose reduced significantly: more than two-fold after 12 cycles and more than three-fold after 24 cycles of cryogrinding. No difference in properties was found between 3.6- and 5.3- micronaire cellulose. Advantageous impacts of cryogrinding found in this work will help signify potential of this technique in cellulose processing and enable the identification of areas for future development. Â
03/04/22
Texas Tech NSF I-Corps Regional competition (Spring 2022)!
Our Team: Left to right â Julia Shamshina, Shaida Rumi and Noureddine Abidi
12/13/21
Check out our new publication!Â
Acharya, S.; Liyanage, S.; Parajuli, P.; Rumi, S. S. Shamshina, J. L.; Abidi, N. Utilization of Cellulose to its Full Potential: A Review on Cellulose Dissolution, Regeneration, and Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2021, 13(24), 4344.
As the most abundant natural polymer, cellulose is a prime candidate for the preparation of both sustainable and economically viable polymeric products hitherto predominantly produced from oil-based synthetic polymers. However, the utilization of cellulose to its full potential is constrained by its recalcitrance to chemical processing. Both fundamental and applied aspects of cellulose dissolution remain active areas of research and include mechanistic studies on solventâcellulose interactions, the development of novel solvents and/or solvent systems, the optimization of dissolution conditions, and the preparation of various cellulose-based materials. In this review, we build on existing knowledge on cellulose dissolution, including the structural characteristics of the polymer that are important for dissolution (molecular weight, crystallinity, and effect of hydrophobic interactions), and evaluate widely used non-derivatizing solvents (sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-based systems, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc)/lithium chloride (LiCl), N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), and ionic liquids). We also cover the subsequent regeneration of cellulose solutions from these solvents into various architectures (fibers, films, membranes, beads, aerogels, and hydrogels) and review uses of these materials in specific applications, such as biomedical, sorption, and energy uses.
12/10/21
Our wonderful FBRI Team here!
GRADUATION! CONGRATULATIONS, Prakash!
11/20/21
Offtopic. hometown!
09/08/21
Just received this book! So fast! Two book chapters in a single book!
  Application of Ionic Liquids in Drug Delivery. Goto, M.; Moniruzzaman, M. (Eds.); Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd, 2021:
a. Berton, P.; Shamshina, J. L. "Chapter 3: Ionic Liquids for Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery," pp. 35 - 50.Â
b. Shamshina, J. L.; Rogers, R. D. âChapter 5: 3D printing of Cellulose and Chitin from Ionic Liquids for Drug Delivery: a Mini-Review," Â pp. 71 - 90.Â
08/22/21
THGA Hemp ROW CROP Field Day
This is a FREE EVENT IF YOU ARE A FARMER, AGRIBUSINESS OR AG EDUCATOR.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHoTiZUh21hHEtKDYPoA8jzkp6wa1YVnMaczn6kE6xU3ZVrg/viewformÂ
DETAILS:
August 26th 3pm-8pm
645 HWY 303
MEADOW, TEXAS
Agenda:
3:30 Welcome for THGA Board VP Russell Williams
3:35 Charles Perry (3:30 only and subject to Special Session)
4:00 Plant Based Plastics and Hemp Fiber - TTU Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, Dr. Julia Shamshina
4:30 Hemp in the US since 2014 How We Got Here - Brian Furnish
5:00 Federal Update, Crop Insurance - Barry Carpenter, National Industrial Hemp Council
5:30 Are There End Markets for Hemp Based Products? - Delta Ag
6:00 TDA State Policy - Dan Hunter and Randy Rivera
7:00 Hemp For Animal Feed - The Hemp Feed Coalition, Hunter BuffingtonÂ
08/09/21
Our article "Cellulose Nanocrystals from Ionic Liquids: A Critical Review" has been published in Green Chemistry. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D1GC02507D
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2021/GC/D1GC02507DÂ Â Â
06/04/21
The Journal of Ionic Liquids is a high-quality international journal that reports academic and industrial research in the field of ionic liquids with a focus on fundamental measurements, molecular simulations, processes, and products.
It is the only journal primarily dedicated to articles based on ionic liquids research. Papers may be based on work that is experimental or theoretical, analytical or descriptive, chemical or physical. In addition to fundamental research (e.g., areas such as thermophysical properties, catalysis and chemical reactions, separations, interfacial phenomena, materials, toxicity, etc.), papers that focus on process design and development (e.g., synthesis and design methods, systems analysis, modeling, and scale-up, etc.) and product research and development (e.g. catalysts, polymers, coatings, membranes, lubricants, etc.) will also be considered.
In addition, papers dealing with new and commercial applications that fit the broad scope and objectives of the journal are encouraged.
We are pleased to inform you that this journal will waive the APC (Article Publishing Charge) until 31st May 2022. This will be applicable for any submissions received before this date, which are accepted for publication after peer review.
https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-ionic-liquids/editorial-board Â
05/30/21
Predicted growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution
This is a slide from recent Science paper. It shows plastic accumulated in rivers, lakes, and the oceans in million metric tons (Mt). The starting point is 2016, and the scale here from 2016 to 2030. Yellow area represents business as usual (BAU), in which plastic production and waste generation follow current trajectories; green/blue is an ambitious scenario draws upon existing global commitments to reduce plastic emissions; and violet is a target scenario <8 Mt (purple) scenarios. Orange horizontal line represents the target of <8 Mt, which is a frequently cited statistic in global policy discussions as an unacceptable amount of plastic emissions to the marine ecosystem alone. And what we can see here is that even in the best-case scenario, huge quantities of plastic will still accumulate in the environment. Realizing this, scientists turned their attention to bio-renewables â functional yet renewable alternatives to synthetic plastics.
Borrelle, S. B.; Ringma, J.; Law, K. L.; Monnahan, C. C.; Lebreton, L.; McGivern, A.; Murphy, E.; Jambeck, J.; Leonard, G. H.; Hilleary, M. A.; Eriksen, M.; Possingham, H. P.; De Frond, H.; Gerber, L. R.; Polidoro, B.; Tahir, A.; Bernard, M.; Mallos, N.; Barnes, M.; Rochman, C. M. Predicted growth in plastic waste exceeds efforts to mitigate plastic pollution. Science 2020, 369, 1515â1518.
See link here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19566-3Â
See link here: https://medienportal.univie.ac.at/presse/aktuelle-pressemeldungen/detailansicht/artikel/veganes-leder-aus-pilzen/
See link here: https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/09/chitin-could-be-used-to-build-tools-and-habitats-on-mars-study-finds/Â
REFERENCES:
Synthesis: Kaminski, K., et. al. J. Med. Chem. 2010, 53, 4141â4147 4141. DOI: 10.1021/jm1001666
Milewska A., et. al. Antiviral Res. 2013, 97, 112â21. pmid:23201315.
Milewska A, et. al. PLoS ONE 2016, 11, e0156552.Â
Authors: Julia L. Shamshina,* Paula Berton
Authors: Julia L. Shamshina,* Adrian Kelly, Tetyana Oldham (Konak), Robin D. Rogers
Citation: Shamshina, J. L.;* Rogers, R. D. â8. Recent advances in the electrospinning of biopolymers," In: Horzum, N.; Demir, M. M.; Muñoz-EspĂ, R.; Crespy, D. (Eds.), Green Electrospinning, Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Munich/Boston, 2019, pp. 189-216. DOI: 10.1515/9783110581393-0082019.
Hannah Wineinger (The University of Alabama), Douglas Lyon (Notre Dame), and me making burgers for Hannah's last day of work.Â
