Beltwide Cotton Conference: Research Spotlight

Proud of Anagha Sunil for delivering both an oral and a poster presentation at the 2026 Beltwide Cotton Conferences (San Antonio, TX) — and for the incredible engagement that followed.

🔹 Oral Presentation

Nanochitin-Stabilized Emulsions for Sustainable Herbicide Formulation

🔹 Poster Presentation

Renewable Chitin-Based Emulsions for Efficient Herbicide Delivery

Both presentations sparked many questions, follow-up discussions, and new connections, highlighting the strong interest from industry, growers, and researchers in bio-based, nano-enabled approaches to herbicide delivery. It was especially encouraging to see enthusiasm around sustainability, formulation stability, and real-world agricultural impact.

Huge thanks to our collaborator Peter Dotray, and congratulations again to Anagha for representing the work so clearly and confidently on a national stage.

#BeltwideCotton #SustainableAgriculture #Nanochitin #HerbicideFormulation #BiobasedMaterials #GraduateResearch #AgInnovation #CottonResearch

12/19/25

From Crustacean Waste to Value: Market Prospects of Exploring Blue Biorefineries

Akhiri Zannat

Reshma Panackal Shibu

Turna Basak

Brendan Kelly

12/12/25

🎉Congratulations to Reshma Panackal Shibu!

Huge congratulations to Reshma Panackal Shibu for winning a 2026 TechConnect World Best Student Abstract Award for her work: “Toward Industrial-Scale Chitin Nanowhisker Manufacturing via Affordable Ionic Liquid Processing.” This is an international conference that brings together some of the most innovative research across science, engineering, and technology, so this recognition is truly exceptional. Reshma will present her work in Raleigh this March, an amazing opportunity and very well deserved.

10/22/25

🎉 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 — 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.

I’m very proud of Anagha’s accomplishments and her continued contributions to our research group at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI)!.

10/22/25

🎉 🎉 I’m 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 Division’s continued commitment to supporting young researchers and encouraging their participation in ACS meetings.

👏 Congratulations to my students — your hard work and dedication continue to make me proud!

09/25/25

Great conversations at the FBRI Advisory Council meeting — 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. I’m proud to highlight our team’s 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.
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.
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.
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.

06/11/25

It was a fantastic experience to reunite as a research group. Nothing beats the energy of being together in person—sharing ideas, cheering each other on, and celebrating everyone's hard work. Our students came away inspired, connected, and smiling!

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!

Reshma Panackal Shibu

Sophia Sagala

Akhiri Zannat

***

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.

04/25/25

I’m 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 “Low-cost industrial wastewater treatment – chitin supported biochar from turfgrass clippings” 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 Science

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 — a Presidential Event hosted by the Division of Environmental Chemistry (ENVR) — 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.

📅 March 26, 2025 | 📍Hybrid | 🧪 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.

📅 March 27, 2025 | 📍Hybrid | 🧪 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 wasn’t enough! A well-deserved achievement in sustainable science. Looks like her research is really sporing new ideas. 🍄

See: https://lnkd.in/ghmvpRbM

01/08/25

Welcome Anagha Sunil - a new graduate student in our group!

11/03/24

Zoom link https://texastech.zoom.us/j/91734042848?pwd=dth4qjvjW77OpkyR4c6biCb0HeEoS1.1

10/22/24

2 new graduates!

I’m 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 I’m cheering you on every step of the way. Here’s to new adventures and endless possibilities ahead! My first two master's students.

08/20/2024

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.
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.

06/06/2024

Students spotlight!

05/30/2024

Congratulations to our students, Reshma Panackal Shibu (working on her PhD) and Alex Shkuratov (working on his BS)! Their first paper has been accepted!

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!

05/29/2024

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!

05/23/2024

Getting our of space in the lab!

• 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.

• 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.

• Automatic refractometer (ABBEMAT 550 Anton Paar, Houston, USA).

• Freeze-drier (Labconco FreeZone 4.5, Kansas City, MO, USA) for product drying.

• Surface area analyzer (Gemini VII 2390, Micromeritics, Norcross, GA, USA) for surface area determination.

• New Brunswick Innova 42 Incubator Shaker (Eppendorf, Germany) with automatic change of temperature, speed, and optional photosynthetic and UV germicidal lights at timed intervals.

• Arc HPLC System (Water) with photodiode array, UV/Vis, fluorescence, refractive index, evaporative light scattering, conductivity, and mass detection.

• Multivapor™ P-12 Parallel Vortex Evaporator (Buchi, New Castle, DE, USA) that achieves high-efficiency multiple sample evaporation with easy operation.

• SpeedExtractor 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.

• Beckman Coulter Allegra X-15R Refrigerated Centrifuge (Beckman, Brea, CA, USA).

05/25/2024 Published paper!

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," 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," 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!

The left picture is what it looked like in September 2023 and the right one - January 2024.

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. :)

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.

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 “World Ranking of Top 2% Scientists” in 2023 database (Published: 04 October 2023) created by experts at Stanford University, USA.

See: “October 2023 data-update for "Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators"”, 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.

https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA05884K

Teaching PSS 4100-001

Dr. Shamshina,

Thank you so much! I'm flattered you want to use my work as an example. Please do!

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,

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.

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/symposium/2023/directory/abstract.php?id=3a628

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.

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.

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.

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.

05/01/23

https://ttuagriculturist.com/2023/05/01/collaboration-in-cotton/

Cotton looks that could selL

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 – our paper is published!

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/adfm.202214317

Citation: Shen, X.; Zhao, D.; Xie, Y.; Wang, Q.; Shamshina, J. L.; Rogers, R. D.; Sun, Q. Cellulose Gel Mechanoreceptors – Principles, Applications and Prospects. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2023, 2214317. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.2022143171.

02/16/23

Our NSF - I-Corps TeamI

Next Generation of Green and Sustainable Biofillers

(Award # 2243420, Period of support: 11/15/2022 – 10/31/2023)

01/07/22

Personal Account Published:

(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.

Abstract: There will be common challenges to scaling-up any ionic liquids separations technologies which require very large volumes of ionic liquid. Some of these challenges are illustrated in this personal account which chronicles the extraction of chitin from shrimp shell from discovery to current commercialization efforts. The road being taken from discovery in an academic laboratory, through attempts to navigate the scaling-up to commercial scale using the vehicle of a faculty startup company is rewarding, but fraught with roadblocks, detours, and unexpected challenges. The differences in ‘technically feasible’ and ‘commercially viable’ are not always evident from the beginning of the journey, however, one wonders what achievements we miss as a Society because it was assumed to not be commercially viable.

11/10/22

4,000 Citations mark!

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
Effect of Microwave Plasma Pre-treatment on Cotton Cellulose Dissolution A Themed Issue Spectroscopic Analysis and Molecular Modification of Nanomaterials Abstract: The utilization of cellulose to its full potential is constrained by its recalcitrance to dissolution resulting from the rigidity of polymeric chains, high crystallinity, high molecular weight, and extensive intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding network. Therefore, pretreatment of cellulose is usually considered as a step that can help facilitate its dissolution. We investigated the use of microwave oxygen plasma as a pre-treatment strategy to enhance the dissolution of cotton fibers in aqueous NaOH/Urea solution, which is considered to be a greener solvent system compared to others. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Powder X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that plasma pretreatment of cotton cellulose leads to physicochemical changes of cotton fibers. Pretreatment of cotton cellulose with oxygen plasma for 20 and 40 min resulted in the reduction of the molecular weight of cellulose by 36% and 60% and crystallinity by 16% and 25%, respectively. This reduction in molecular weight and crystallinity led to a 34% and 68% increase in the dissolution of 1% (w/v) cotton cellulose in NaOH/Urea solvent system. Thus, treating cotton cellulose with microwave oxygen plasma alters its physicochemical properties and enhanced its dissolution.

10/10/22

New paper!A Themed Issue in Honor of Professor Robin D. Rogers - "A Scientific Journey within Green Chemistry"
Abstract: Innovative technologies can transform what are now considered “waste streams” into feedstocks for a range of products. Indeed, the use of biomass as a source of biopolymers and chemicals currently has a consolidated economic dimension, with well-developed and regulated markets, in which the evaluation of the manufacturing processes relies on specific criteria such as purity and yield, and respects defined regulatory parameters for the process safety. In this context, ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents have been proposed as environmentally friendly solvents for applications related to biomass waste valorization. This mini-review draws attention to some recent advancements in the use of a series of new-solvent technologies, with an emphasis on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as key players in the development of new processes for biomass waste valorization. This work aims to highlight the role and importance of DESs in the following three strategic areas: chitin recovery from biomass and isolation of valuable chemicals and biofuels from biomass waste streams.

08/26/22

Happy to present our new paper!

Shamshina, J. L.; Abidi, N. “Isolation 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.

Synopsis: The first method for in situ formation of chitin nanowhiskers straight from crustacean biomass using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid

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,” 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,” Presented by J. Shamshina before the Gordon Research Conference (August 7 - 12, 2022), Sunday River Resort, Newry, ME, Poster.

07/08/22

Translation of new sustainable technologies from academia to industry and their commercialization is less based on the technology itself and more so on cost and demonstration of both viability and significant improvements over the current practice.
At the same time, scale up reactions from a lab scale to a commercial scale is a demanding process that requires experience and a wide range of components. Today, lets take a closer look at scale up solutions with our Master Student Nur Uddin.
@BastCore

07/07/22

We are counting down to the 30th International Carbohydrate Symposium!I am presenting in Section 24 – Carbohydrate Polymer and Material Sciences. Full program is available at: https://ics2022.ciente.live/ SESSION DATE & TIME: July 11 from 11:30-11:45 (BRAZIL, SÃO 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.
SESSION DATE & TIME: June 9, 2022 from 9:25 AM to 9:55 AM, "Production of Sustainable Chitin-Based Materials".

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.
ABSTRACT ID: 3716841. TITLE: Facile preparation of chitin nanocrystals directly from crustacean biomass.
SESSION: Application of Chemicals, Novel Chemistries, Synthetic Pathways and Processes that Enable a Circular, more Sustainable Economy. SESSION DATE & TIME: June 7, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 4:35 PM.

05/05/22

Great visit to of BastCore to Texas Tech University. I am wearing the #hemp #cotton blended trucker jacket from Cone Denim!

04/26/22

I’m 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!

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, “Is Cryogrinding for Biopolymers a Proper Substitute for Conventional Ball Milling?” Presented by J. L. Shamshina before the 263rd ACS National Meeting (March 20 - 24, 2021), Hybrid, Abstract number 3654975.

2. S. Rumi, S. Liyanage, J. L. Shamshina, and N. Abidi, “Effect of Microwave Plasma Pre-treatment on Cotton Cellulose Dissolution,” 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, “Transformation of Hemp Bast into Usable Fiber for Hemp-based Textiles,” 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!

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.

Abstract

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.

03/04/22

Texas Tech NSF I-Corps Regional competition (Spring 2022)!

Our Team: Left to right — Julia Shamshina, Shaida Rumi and Noureddine Abidi

С новым годом!

12/13/21

Check out our new publication!

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.

Abstract

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 solvent–cellulose 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!

1. 1. Application of Ionic Liquids in Drug Delivery. Goto, M.; Moniruzzaman, M. (Eds.); Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd, 2021:
    1. - a. Berton, P.; Shamshina, J. L. "Chapter 3: Ionic Liquids for Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery," pp. 35 - 50.
      - b. Shamshina, J. L.; Rogers, R. D. “Chapter 5: 3D printing of Cellulose and Chitin from Ionic Liquids for Drug Delivery: a Mini-Review," pp. 71 - 90.

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/viewform

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 Buffington

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/D1GC02507D

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

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 – 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, 1515–1518.

04/30/21

Pyrolyzed chitin nanofiber paper as a three-dimensional porous and defective nanocarbon for photosensing and energy storage, was published in Journal of Materials Chemistry C, DOI: doi.org/10.1039/D0TC05799A.

The researchers have developed 3D porous defective nanocarbon materials through the simple pyrolysis of chitin nanofiber paper.

A project by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggested the use of chitin from shrimp shells to produce electrodes for vanadium flow batteries. See: Charles Tai-Chieh Wan et al. Exploration of Biomass-Derived Activated Carbons for Use in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2020). DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c02427

01/19/21

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/news/posts/2021/01/pss-julia-shamshina-joins-fbri-faculty.php

11/27/20

Biomineral armor in leaf-cutter ants

A new study shows that one Central American leaf-cutter ant species has natural armor that covers its exoskeleton. This shield-like coating is made of calcite with high levels of magnesium, a type found only in one other biological structure: sea urchin teeth, which can grind limestone.

Before this finding, no type of calcite had been found in any adult insect. The discovery is especially surprising because the ants are well known. «There are thousands of papers on leaf-cutter ants», says study co-author Cameron Currie, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

See link here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19566-3

09/30/20

Vegan leather made from mushroom

The leather substitute material made from mushrooms mainly contains completely biodegradable chitin (among other things as a stabilizer of the material) and other polysaccharides such as glucans.

See link here: https://medienportal.univie.ac.at/presse/aktuelle-pressemeldungen/detailansicht/artikel/veganes-leder-aus-pilzen/

09/24/2020

Chitin could be used to build tools and habitats on Mars, study finds

The manufacturing process would require minimal energy and no specialized equipment. Scientists mixed chitin with a mineral that mimics the properties of Martian soil to create a viable new material for building tools and shelters on Mars.

See link here: https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/09/chitin-could-be-used-to-build-tools-and-habitats-on-mars-study-finds/

08/20/2020

And again congratulations to our summer intern (2019) Hannah Wineinger and our "soon to be a professional chemist", the best technician ever Adrian Kelly, with a new paper! Please see:

Wineinger, H.; Kelly, A.; Shamshina, J. L.; Rogers, R. D. “Farmed Jumbo Shrimp Molts: An Ionic Liquid Strategy to Increase Chitin Yield per Animal while Controlling Molecular Weight," Green Chem. 2020, DOI: 10.1039/D0GC02216K

06/11/2020

Join me on June 16th at on Green Chemistry & Engineering (GC&E) Virtual Conference next week. Register here: https://www.gcande.org/

Name of Session: EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Awards: Past and Present, Title: "In Search of Green Chemistry and Sustainability: Biopolymers as Plastic Alternatives." Date of Session: Tuesday, June 16, Live Discussion Session Time (when I will be presenting to attendees): 4:30 pm – 4:50 pm EDT.

05/09/2020

Congratulations to us! Particularly to Mari Signum's summer intern Hannah Wineinger, - this is her first paper. Only because of her hard work this publication was possible. She was by far the most dedicated student I have ever had.

Wineinger, H.; Shamshina, J.; Kelly, A.; King, C.; Rogers, R. D. “A Method for Determining the Uniquely High Molecular Weight of Chitin Extracted from Raw Shrimp Shells Using Ionic Liquids, Green Chem. 2020, DOI: 10.1039/D0GC00753F.

HTCC chitosans (N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-3-trimethylammonium chitosan chlorides) are potent inhibitors of of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2

New Results: Milewska A., et. al. BioRxiv 2020, https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.29.014183 Synthesis: Kaminski, K., et. al. J. Med. Chem. 2010, 53, 4141–4147 4141. DOI: 10.1021/jm1001666Milewska A., et. al. Antiviral Res. 2013, 97, 112–21. pmid:23201315.Milewska A, et. al. PLoS ONE 2016, 11, e0156552.

05/09/2020

New Results: Milewska A., et. al. BioRxiv 2020, DOI: 10.1101/2020.03.29.014183.

04/30/2020:

(Again, not ours, but is very interesting. I need to keep my reputation of "chitin chemist" who knows what's going on)

•Results (see ref 2020) describe the antiviral activity of previously developed HTCC compound, which may be used as potential inhibitor of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2

•These polymeric compounds impede replication of the virus in vitro in the permissive cell line LLC-MK2, as well as in an ex vivo model of fully differentiated human airway epithelium (HAE) primary cultures

REFERENCES:

Synthesis: Kaminski, K., et. al. J. Med. Chem. 2010, 53, 4141–4147 4141. DOI: 10.1021/jm1001666
Milewska A., et. al. Antiviral Res. 2013, 97, 112–21. pmid:23201315.
Milewska A, et. al. PLoS ONE 2016, 11, e0156552.

04/13/2020:

(This is not our research, but is very interesting. HTCC is a chitin derivative, see figure on the left)

HTCC as a highly effective polymeric inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156552

Abstract: The new corona virus SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally, originating from China since the beginning of the year. The pathogen causes the lung disease Covid-19 and has been classified as a pandemic since March 11, 2020. Researchers around the world are working on the development of effective vaccinations and drugs. A current study examined the antiviral effectiveness of HTCC (N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-3-trimethylammonium chitosan chloride) in vitro and ex vivo against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV.

02/08/2020:

Chitin and Ionic Liquids are already on lab coat! Please see other wonderful pieces of art from my friend Noemi Delgado, here:

Noemí Delgado_Arte

This is the lab coat with chitin and ionic liquids: a graduation gift to Dr. Maria Del Mar Villar!

(Here what it says: There are no other words, but there are other eyes to look at... (C) Manolo García)

02/08/2020:

Fun Fact (C): https://ioncell.fi/research/

Technology: SolvRec (2017–2019)

Funding: Business Finland (Tekes) + companies Stora Enso, Metsä Fibre, Andritz and Marimekko

Description: The main requirement for the scale-up of the Ioncell technology is to create a closed-loop process where the Ionic liquid solvent is recovered and reused. So far there are no available technologies for recycling ionic liquids [...] – and this is what the SolvRec project is trying to solve. The consortium consists of Aalto University, the University of Helsinki (UH) and the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT).

02/06/2020:

Fun Fact:

From: Tullo, A. H. “The time is now for ionic liquids,” C&E News 2020, 98. Picture Credit: Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva

On Finland's Independence Day in 2018, first lady Jenni Haukio wore a cellulose fiber dress made using an ionic liquid–based process.

01/31/2020: Congratulations to us for the publication being accepted to Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology: "Use of Ionic Liquids in Chitin Biorefinery: A Systematic Review", second article of 2020!

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 31 January 2020, https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2020.00011

Authors: Julia L. Shamshina,* Paula Berton

01/15/2020: Congratulations to us for the publication being accepted to Environmental Chemistry Letters: "Agricultural Uses of Chitin Polymer", first article of 2020!

Authors: Julia L. Shamshina,* Adrian Kelly, Tetyana Oldham (Konak), Robin D. Rogers

12/15/19: Congratulations to us for publishing a book chapter in Green Electrospinning: 8. Recent advances in the electrospinning of biopolymers.

Citation: Shamshina, J. L.;* Rogers, R. D. “8. Recent advances in the electrospinning of biopolymers," In: Horzum, N.; Demir, M. M.; Muñoz-Espí, R.; Crespy, D. (Eds.), Green Electrospinning, Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Munich/Boston, 2019, pp. 189-216. DOI: 10.1515/9783110581393-0082019.

Last Days @ Mari

Hannah Wineinger (The University of Alabama), Douglas Lyon (Notre Dame), and me making burgers for Hannah's last day of work.

08/31/2020:

Dear all,

I have left Mari Signum July 31st, 2019. It has been a very hard decision for me to leave a company, since I invested too much time, efforts and energy into ‘our’ technology, including design and building laboratory from scratch, acquisition of equipment I hoped to work on myself, development QC/QA methods including those critical for the company, applying and receiving Green Chemistry Challenge Award, and so on. My previous job roles included leadership and making hard decisions, and this is one of the hardest I’ve made to date. I am returning to 525 Solutions, Inc.

This said, I hope to continue working in biomass area, and sustainable technologies, so wish me luck in my new adventures!

Fun times!

Please see our recent paper! Shamshina, J. L. "Chitin in Ionic Liquids: Historical Insights on the Polymer’s Dissolution and Isolation. A Review," Green. Chem. 2019, DOI: 10.1039/C9GC01830A (Invited).

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