Izabela Ratajczak

• University of Life Sciences in Poznań

Tested formulations containing blood protein and copper(II) sulfate compounds were subjected to the accelerated leaching test. The tests were performed according to EN 84 as well as by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Wood samples obtained from pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris L.) were treated with selected formulations. The treate...

Plastic pollution and environmental degradation necessitate the development of natural, biodegradable food preservation materials. This study examined chitosan-based film-forming solutions using kombucha derived from black tea, lemon balm, and chamomile as natural solvents rich in bioactive compounds. Lemon balm kombucha solutions were used to crea...

Forest biomass is a renewable source of environmentally friendly material—wood. However, wood processing generates large amounts of by-products, including branches. These byproducts are often used as firewood; however, they can be used much more effectively. In this study, the pyrolysis of two woods, namely birch and pine, was proposed. The liquid...

There is growing interest in developing natural wood preservatives, particularly in response to the escalating challenges posed by environmental degradation. Caffeine is a bio-based preservative that improves decay resistance of treated wood, however it is also sensitive to leaching from wood when exposed to water. Combining chitosan-caffeine formu...

Natural fruit vinegars, derived from various fruits, enhance culinary experience and offer potential health benefits due to their bioactive compounds. In this study, fruit vinegars (apple, blackcurrant, and cherry) were used as natural solvents for producing chitosan films, introducing an environmentally friendly approach. Fruit vinegars and chitos...

This work focuses on the changes in the chemical composition of wood caused by impregnation with fire retardants such as guanidine carbonate (GC), urea (U), diammonium phosphate (DAP) and their mixtures. The treated wood was tested using the oxygen index (LOI), Py–GC/MS analysis and FTIR Spectroscopy. The wood was vacuum treated at a pressure of 0....

The solvolysis reaction with ionic liquids is one of the most frequently used methods for producing nanometer-sized cellulose. In this study, the nanocellulose was obtained by reacting microcrystalline cellulose with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc). The aim of this research was to determine the influence of various antisolvents used i...

Chitosan-based films show great potential in terms of application in food preservation and are also promising carriers of biologically active ingredients. This paper presents the potential use of chitosan-based films with the addition of essential oil components, e.g., carvacrol, eugenol, and isoeugenol, intended for food packaging. The characteris...

This study investigates the suitability of using caffeine-treated and untreated black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) wood as a polylactide filler. Composites containing 10%, 20%, and 30% filler were investigated in terms of increasing the nucleating ability of polylactide, as well as enhancing its resistance to microorganisms. Differential scanning...

This study addresses challenges faced by the packaging industry in finding suitable natural and biodegradable materials that can replace plastics while preserving the superior quality and freshness of the items contained within. Chitosan, a biodegradable natural polymer, shows great potential as a matrix for ecofriendly and biodegradable composite...

Abstract Polymer composites, based on the wood flour originating from an invasive black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) treated with caffeine to achieve increased bio-resistance, were obtained in this study. The caffeine-treated wood had a significant effect on the supermolecular structure of polymer matrix, resulting in a high content of polymorphi...

Chitosan is a natural and biodegradable polymer with promising potential for biomedical applications. This study concerns the production of chitosan-based materials for future use in the medical industry. Bioactive substances—caffeine and ethanolic propolis extract (EEP)—were incorporated into a chitosan matrix to increase the bioactivity of the ob...

Recently, the development of materials based on natural polymers have been observed. This is the result of increasing environmental degradation, as well as increased awareness and consumer expectations. Many industries, especially the packaging industry, face challenges resulting from legal regulations. Chitin is the most common biopolymer right af...

Accelerated lakes eutrophication is one of the greatest challenges nowadays. To counteract its negative effects, large-scale restoration treatments are carried out worldwide. However, research in this field is mainly focused on the process effectiveness and there is a scarcity of studies concerning the impact of restoration treatments on water orga...

Propolis is one of the bee products, with multiple biological properties used in numerous applications. The research objective was to determine the chemical composition and biological properties (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activity) of propolis extracts collected from various regions of Poland. The results...

SUMMARY Introduction. Walnut products are widely used. Green fruits, shells, leaves and bark have a high phenolic content and are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Seeds rich in unsaturated fatty acids are used in the food industry. Walnut wood is also valuable. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the microbiological, ant...

Nowadays, taking into account environmental degradation, climate changes, as well as, environmentally friendly regulations and increasing ecological awareness of consumers, methods of wood protection without negative impact on the environment are being intensively developed. In this study, a mixture of chitosan and caffeine was proposed as ecologic...

In the present study silicon containing formulations were investigated for their applicability in solid wood modification. Black pine sapwood was thermally modified at 180oC and 200oC (3, 5 and 7 hours) and afterwards,an additional chemical treatment with silicon containing systems (N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) followed, in an atte...

In view of the concept of circular economy and the zero waste approach agricultural residues can be viewed as sustainable and viable biomass resources for nanocellulose production. Therefore, this paper presents a method of obtaining cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from non-invasive and fast-growing grass genera, Miscanthus (M. sacchariflorus and M. s...

Nitrogen (N) is an important element for plant growth and development. Although several studies have examined plants’ response to N deficiency, studies on plants’ response to excess N, which is common in fertilizer-based agrosystems, are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the response of barley to excess N conditions, specific...

The aim of this study was to determine the dependencies between mechanical properties of modified wood and its color. Within its scope, quantitative changes in color and chemical composition (mass loss, total carbon content, content of extractives and main components of wood), as well as mechanical properties (compressive strength along the grain,...

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the duration of heat treatment on changes in the color, as well as the chemical and mechanical properties of Scots pine sapwood. An important element of the research was to obtain the assumed temperature in the entire volume of samples. Quantitative changes in color and its components were recorded,...

Edible nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, and their frequent consumption has beneficial impact on human health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, various factors, including cultivar, climate, soil characteristic, storage and treatment have influence on the chemical composition of...

Tilia cordata Mill. is a favourite tree used in urban spaces. For this reason, it is important to know its sensitivity to environmental stress, which is particularly burdensome for vegetation in urban spaces. The aim of the study was to investigate the properties necessary to control the growth of these trees and their subsequent use, i.e., chemica...

Introduction. Peanuts also known as arachidic nuts, are a valuable raw material commonly used in the food industry, including in confectionery, for the production of oil or peanut butter. Peanuts are a valuable source of protein and are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Peanuts also owe their health-promoting properties to the presence of phenolic c...

Polymer composites with renewable lignocellulosic fillers, despite their many advantages, are susceptible to biodegradation, which is a major limitation in terms of external applications. The work uses an innovative hybrid propolis-silane modifier in order to simultaneously increase the resistance to fungal attack, as well as to ensure good interfa...

The aim of this study was to compare parameters of nanocellulose obtained by two different procedures: hydrolysis with ionic liquids (1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate) and hydrolysis with ionic liquids in combination with hydrolysis using a cellulolytic enzyme from Trichoderma reesei. Avicel cellulose was...

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of chitosan type and propolis extract concentration on biological and physicochemical properties of chitosan-propolis films in terms of their applicability in food packaging. The films were prepared using three types of chitosan: from crab shells, medium and high molecular weight and propolis c...

The effect of the time process of enzymatic hydrolysis on nanocellulose properties - the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis time on the properties of obtained nanocellulose. Two cellulose materials were tested as a raw material for nanocellulose production in the experiment: Avicel and Whatman. The cellulolytic enzy...

Nanocellulose has gained increasing attention during the past decade, which is related to its unique properties and wide application. In this paper, nanocellulose samples were produced via hydrolysis with ionic liquids (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole acetate (EmimOAc) and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl)) from microcrystalline celluloses (A...

In this work, the influence of the supermolecular structure of cellulosic fillers in chitosan matrix on the process of adsorption of calcium, magnesium and iron metal ion was analyzed, while using techniques such as: X-ray diffraction, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, FTIR spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and wettability angle. It has bee...

In the last decade, an increasingly common method of maize stover management is to use it for energy generation, including anaerobic digestion for biogas production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a chemical and structural characterization of maize stover fractions and, based on these parameters, to evaluate the potential applicati...

The modification of wood and its treatment with various preservatives may affect its mechanical properties, hence the knowledge of the character changes in wood caused by impregnation is of great importance. Therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the effect of impregnation, with the propolis-silane preparation (EEP-MPTMOS/TEOS) consist...

Earlier studies have revealed that wood treated with caffeine was effectively protected against decay fungi and molds. However, there is a need to establish how the caffeine molecule behaves after wood impregnation and how it can protect wood. The objective of the research was to characterize the interaction between caffeine and Scots pine (Pinus s...

The article presents characteristics of wood/polypropylene composites, where the wood was treated with propolis extract (EEP) and innovative propolis-silane formulations. Special interest in propolis for wood impregnation is due to its antimicrobial properties. One propolis-silane formulation (EEP-TEOS/VTMOS) consisted of EEP, tetraethyl orthosilic...

SUMMARY Introduction. Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a resinous material collected by honeybees with numerous biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer effects. Due to its health-promoting properties, propolis is a component of many products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics and healthy foo...

Propolis is a natural bee product with various beneficial biological effects. The health-promoting properties of propolis depend on its chemical composition, particularly the presence of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between extraction solvent (acetone 100%, ethanol 70% and 96%) and the antifungal, antio...

Introduction. Honey, propolis and pollen belong to bee products that have beneficial biological properties. These products exhibit e.g. antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Due to biological activity and natural origin, bee products are used, e.g. in the food industry, cosmetology and pharmacy. Aim. The aim of the study was to comp...

The development of new bio-friendly alternatives for wood conservation is of great interest and necessary for environmental protection. In this paper, the preparations based on the propolis extract and silicon compounds were used as green wood preservatives. The wood was treated with 15% propolis extract (EEP) and two propolis-silane preparations,...

The external and internal factors in the tree development process affect wooden structures and properties. They depend on, for example, a plant species, its age, part and growth conditions. The present study investigated the chemical structure and physical properties of the common urban tree species: small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.). The pro...

Organosilanes in wood protection – chemical analysis of wood and cellulose treated with MTMOS. The paper presents the results of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) reactivity with Scots pine wood and cellulose. The lignocellulosic material after treatment with ethanolic solution of MTMOS was analysed using instrumental methods – atomic absorption spect...

Introduction. Herbal bee products, including honey, propolis and pollen, are wide applied in various branches of industry due to their natural origin and biological activities. Bee products exhibit e.g. antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity. In addition, honey, propolis and pollen characterize diverse and complex chemical composition....

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in extending the service life of wood and wood products by applying natural substances that are harmless to humans and the environment. In this paper, propolis was used as an eco-friendly wood preservative. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance of Scots pine wood treated with the propolis extrac...

Eutrophication of water bodies markedly reduces their recreational and economic use, which in turn compels those interested to pursuing prompt and effective restoration. This also applies to waters with a moderate pool of biogenic resources which, following temporarily increased nutrient alimentation from the catchment area may become eutrophic. Th...

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of iron (Fe) on the physiological and behavioural reaction of Chara tomentosa L. Fe was introduced into the environment in the form of iron chloride, the most common coagulants used in the restoration of water bodies. The investigations concerned the oxidative stress comprising phenolic compounds content, anti...

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of propolis extract and propolis-silane formulations on the color of wood. Additionally, the aim was to assess the influence of accelerated aging (water leaching and UV+IR radiation) on the color change of the treated wood. Scots pine wood was treated with the ethanolic extract of propolis and two pr...

A reaction of [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane with wood and cellulose – chemical analyses. The paper presents tests results for [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane (AATMOS) reactivity with cellulose and Scots pine wood. The tested material was treated with ethanolic solution of aminosilane and analyzed using instrumental met...

Reactivity of (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane with cellulose. The paper presents the results of tests for the reactivity of (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMOS) with cellulose. The cellulose was treated with aqueous ethanolic solution of silane in two concentration: 5% and 20%. The reactivity of APTMOS with cellulose was analysed using instrume...

Cellulose nanocrystals were prepared using ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [EMIM][Cl] and 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [PMIM][Cl], from microcrystalline cellulose. The resultant samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), sc...

Maize stover is a morphologically diverse biomass, consisting of cobs, leaves, husks and stalks. Technological solutions allow separation of maize stover fractions depending on harvest term, tissular and chemical composition. Different chemical compositions of lignocellulose biomasses affect energy efficiency of specific fractions in methane fermen...

The objective of the paper was to determine the effect of an alkyd resin in a grafting process of [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane (AAPTMS) to the wood matrix. In order to define the character of bonds between wood and the silane-resin formulation, nuclear magnetic resonance was applied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis...

A comparison of methods for obtaining nanocellulose using acid and ionic liquid hydrolysis reactions. In this study, two methods were compared, i.e. acid hydrolysis using sulphuric acid (VI) and ionic liquid hydrolysis using 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride to obtain nanocellulose from Sigmacell Cellulose Type 20. The efficiency of both process...

Propolis is a natural material collected by honeybees, containing bioactive compounds that exhibit biological activity. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition of Polish propolis extracted with two different concentrations of ethanol, namely 70% and 96%, and to evaluate their antioxidant activity depending on extraction conditi...

Propolis extracts possess beneficial biological effects, such as antioxidant activity. However, the composition of propolis and biological properties of its extracts depend on many factor, including time of harvesting. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the seasonal effect on the phenolic profile of Polish propolis extracts and their an...

Introduction. Propolis (bee glue) is a natural product collected by honeybees from buds of various trees, shrubs and other plant species. Extracts of propolis possess numerous biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer. For this reason, propolis is currently used in many applications, such as preparations...

Effects of chemical modification of wood with innovative ionic liquid on the supermolecular and morphology of wood/polypropylene composites were investigated using X-ray diffraction, hot stage optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. For the first time the chemical treatment of wood was conducted solely with newly synthesized ioni...

Introduction. Propolis is a natural material whose extracts indicate numerous biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer. Phenolic compounds (flavonoids as well as phenolic acids and their esters) are one of the most frequently mentioned group of propolis components responsible for the biological activity...

Introduction. Propolis is one of bee products, which is increasingly widespread in medicine. An important aspect regarding propolis is research on the analysis of its chemical composition. Propolis extracts have been found to include phenolic compounds (flavonoids as well as phenolic acids and their esters), terpenes, amino acids, vitamins and elem...

The aim of the study was to present chemical characteristics of a potential wood protection system composed of three chemical components. The paper presents preliminary results of chemical and biological analysis of wood treated with a mixture of 30% ethanol extract of propolis, caffeine and organosilanes: methyltrimetoxysilane (MTMOS) and octyltri...

The study presents results of hydrophobic properties examination of Scots pine wood treated with a propolis extract and two propolis-silane formulations determined by contact angle analysis and water uptake test. From contact angles data the surface free energy and its shares as well as the work of adhesion were calculated and described in this pap...

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of aluminium on the perennial macroalgae Chara hispida L. and its bioaccumulation capacities. Aluminium (Al) was introduced into the environment in the form of polyaluminium chloride, an agent utilized in the restoration of waterbodies. Research was conducted in an experimental setting using mes...

Stoneworts play a significant role in environmental forming and stabilization of good quality of water quality e.g. through immobilization of nutrients, physical stabilization of bottom sediments, refuge for plankton and fish. Therefore presence of such habitats is a highly desirable component of ecosystem because contributes to the preservation of...

Experiments were conducted using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and alkyd resin in order to improve the reactivity of wood protective preparations with wood. The results presented concern a structural analysis (FTIR, AAS) of modified cellulose and wood, both after chemical reactions with silanes and after water extraction. The FTIR spectru...

The aim of the study was to examine activity of propolis extracts against moulds. There were six strains of moulds examined in the study: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium pinophilum, Trichoderma virens, Aspergillus versicolor, Paecilomyces variotii and Chaetomium globosum. The antifungal test was performed by methods of serial dilutions on fluid medi...

In a consequence eutrophication of lakes the decline of abundance and diversity of charophytes was noted. One of most popular methods the lake restoration is use of chemical coagulants of phosphates on the base of iron. Iron is a useful chemical element to combat internal phosphorus loading. However, the influence of iron and especially sulphuric a...

The reactivity of cellulose with solvent-born alkyd-based wood coatings supplemented with organosilanes was analyzed. Structural analysis of cellulose subjected to the reaction with organosilanes and following extraction with water was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The analyzed IR spectra comprise bands 1250 cm -1...

The investigations consisted in the estimation of the effectiveness of protein borates and protein propionates in wood preservation against Coniophora puteana. The estimation was made on the basis of mass losses caused by the test fungus action against treated wood which was subjected to leaching with water. The investigations were performed for Sc...

Application of natural organic compounds and simple physico-chemical treatments in wood conservation has, as its objective, not only its protection against biological agents but, equally importantly, protection of natural environment by gradual abandonment of toxic constituents still applied commonly on a wide scale. The introduction into wood of n...

The aim of this study was to determine susceptibility of aminoethyl aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (AEAPTMOS)-treated wood to absorption of liquid water. Absorbability was analysed by measuring absolute moisture content of wood and by MRI. These analyses were based on the results of previous studies on resistance against decay fungi in case of wood t...

The study analyzed the reactivity of wood with water-based systems containing methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) and an acrylic binder. A structural analysis of wood treated with organosilanes and then extracted with water, was performed using (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In the FTIR spectra, the analyzed bands included 1250 cm-1whi...

The reactivity of wood component with formulation containing organosilanes and plant oil was analyzed. Structural analysis of cellulose after the reaction with MTMOS/NOTES blend and after extraction with water was performed using FTIR spectroscopy. Analyzed FTIR spectra included 800.Cm -1 bands responsible for vibrations of SiC and/or SiO groups. T...

In this study the reactivity of cellulose with new solvent born preparations containing organosilanes, alkyd resin and natural oil was analysed. Structural analysis of cellulose after reaction with organosilanes and after extraction was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In IR spectra the analyzed bands included 1250 cm...

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were recorded for copper(II) ions in cellulose, lignin and pine sapwood impregnated with a water based formulation containing CuSO4•5 H2O, tannic acid and animal protein SOLUTEIN. EPR parameters were derived from computer-simulated spectra. The parameters were interpreted in terms of molecular orbital t...

A new waterborne CuSO4•5 H2O-based formulation containing proteins from animal plasma SOLUTEIN (0.1%) as additive was investigated. Scots pine sapwood powder, cellulose and lignin were impregnated with solutions containing 0.1% and 2.5% copper (w/v). After impregnation, the samples were additionally treated by air-drying at 100°C or by tannic acid...

This paper is an attempt to determine the actual boron adsorption and retention in wood and its isolated components: cellulose and lignin. The rate of boron retention in cellulose, lignin and wood powder of Scots pine Pinus silvestris L. was investigated using denaturing properties of protein contained in reaction solutions. Both animal and plant o...

The aim of the research project was to determine the capability of the protein-borate preservative to penetrate into the wood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and aspen poplar (Populus tremula L.). This capability was assessed by the preservative retention and the measurement of the penetration depth of the treatment solution. The scope of the p...

Experiments were carried out with the aim to investigate the impact of animal protein on the fungicidal properties of a treatment formulations. Due to the increased nitrogen concentration, proteins introduced individually into wood, should support fungal development. However, these investigations were undertaken with the aim to find out whether thi...

The experiments were carried out on the wood preservative with a strong fungicidal activity based on Cu(II) carbonate, 2-aminoethanol (monoethanolamine) and quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). The object of the performed investigations was sapwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) treated with Cu-EA-QAC formulation. Mycological investigations wer...

Optical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were recorded for a series of Cu(II) complexes with monoethanolamine (EA) and the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride in aqueous solution with H3BO3 which are tested as modern impregnating solutions for wood preservation. It is proved that in aqueous solut...

The concept of animal protein utilization aiming to reduce leaching of treatment salts from wood was tested and verified. Animal proteins in the form of spraydried animal blood plasma were used as an addition to the water solution of fungicidal salt or included in the solution for soaking pretreated wood. The wood was subjected to thermal treatment...

Polyurethane coatings were prepared by the "prepolymer mixing" method in two steps, i.e. synthesis of prepolymer and further the reaction of the obtained prepolymer with branched polyester. The synthesis of the urethane prepolymer in the reaction of aliphatic diisocyanates [2.4.4-trimethyl-1.6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (TMDI) and 3-isocyanato-3.5....

The synthesis of derivative of poly (4-hydrazo-diphenylenedisulfide) by reaction of 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene with sodium sulfide and disulfide in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone leads to oligomeric products with average molecular weight of the homogeneous chains 1182 g/mol and 690 g/mol, respectively. The mechanisms of the reactive intermediates polycondensa...

Electron spin–lattice relaxation and phase relaxation were measured by the electron spin echo (ESE) method in the temperature range 4.2–300 K for radicals appearing during the polycondensation reaction of poly(4-hydrazo-diphenylene disulfide) oligomers with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone chain ends. The spin–lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 is governed by cros...