“Wound healing is a complex process; therefore, new dressings are frequently required to facilitate it.

In this study, porous bacterial levan-based sponges containing cannabis oil (Lev@CBDs) were prepared and fully characterized.

The sponges exhibited a suitable swelling ratio, proper water vapor transmission rate, sufficient thermal stability, desired mechanical properties, and good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The obtained Lev@CBD materials were evaluated in terms of their interaction with proteins, human serum albumin and fibrinogen, of which fibrinogen revealed the highest binding effect.

Moreover, the obtained biomaterials exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as being non-hemolytic material as indicated by hemolysis tests. Furthermore, the sponges were non-toxic and compatible with L929 mouse fibroblasts and HDF cells.

Most significantly, the levan sponge with the highest content of cannabis oil, in comparison to others, retained its non-hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties after prolonged storage in a climate chamber at a constant temperature and relative humidity.

The designed sponges have conclusively proven their beneficial physicochemical properties and, at the preliminary stage, biocompatibility as well, and therefore can be considered a promising material for wound dressings in future in vivo applications.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37722631

“The biomaterials consisting of levan sponges enriched with cannabis oil are expected to be suitable wound dressing due to their highly effective characteristics”

“Overall, these results showed that prepared sponges enriched with cannabis oil might have significant potential for applications in wound healing, tissue engineering, and cell culture.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813023038308?via%3Dihub

“Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The investigation into CBD’s potential as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent, meanwhile, is still in its initial stages.

The study goals were to prepare encapsulated cannabidiol isolate (eCBDi), evaluate the effect of eCBDi edible active coatings on the physicochemical properties of strawberries, and determine whether CBD and sodium alginate coatings could be used as a postharvest treatment to promote antioxidation and antimicrobial activity and prolong the strawberry shelf life.

A well-designed edible coating on the strawberry surface was achieved using eCBDi nanoparticles in combination with a sodium alginate polysaccharide-based solution. Strawberries were examined for their visual appearance and quality parameters.

In the results, a significantly delayed deterioration was observed in terms of weight loss, total acidity, pH, microbial activity, and antioxidant activity for coated strawberries compared to the control.

This study demonstrates the capability of eCBDi nanoparticles as an efficient active food coating agent.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37140618

https://pubs.acs.org/aamick/article-abstract/15/19/23834/1226785/Influence-of-a-Transparent-and-Edible-Coating-of?redirectedFrom=fulltext

“To reduce environmental pollution and improve human health, developing green active food packaging materials is very necessary.

In this study, a novel antioxidant and antibacterial composite film was produced by incorporating inclusion complex (CDIC) of cannabidiol (CBD) with 2,6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD) into pectin.

The pectin films loaded with CBD and hemp leaf water extract (HLE) were prepared for comparison. Comprehensive characterizations showed CBD was encapsulated by DM-β-CD and CDIC was evenly dispersed into pectin matrix, forming the compact and intact film. The composite films showed good mechanical properties and biodegradability. CDIC film showed the highest transparency and smoothness (Rrms/Rmax: 2.6/16.8 nm). The addition of bioactives reduced the water-binding capacity and CDIC film had the strongest hydrophobicity. Besides, DM-β-CD encapsulation improved the thermal stability of CBD in CDIC film.

Benefiting from encapsulation and excellent bioactivities of CBD, CDIC film showed excellent antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting colony growth and maintaining the strawberry color in strawberry preservation.

This work could provide a novel eco-friendly candidate for food packaging material and expand the use of CBD in food industry.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38945317

“CDIC film showed excellent antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813024043307?via%3Dihub

“In this study, films based on polysaccharides with Cannabis sativa flower extract were prepared for selected freeze-dried fruits: raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).

The extract used affected the barrier and mechanical properties of the film.

The elongation values of the film ranged from 32.5 ± 8.6 [%] (for sample 0) to 44.8 ± 8.2 [%] (for sample 4.0 F). The addition of the extract resulted in an increase in polyphenol content, proportional to the quantity of extract used. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed particularly strong correlations between colour indices (L*, a*, b*) and parameters describing antioxidant activity.

The use of C. sativa flower extract in the polysaccharide matrix reduced the degradation of bioactive compounds during the storage of packaged fruit.

In all cases of stored raspberries, a decrease in the number of moulds and yeasts was observed after 2 and 8 weeks.

The greatest reduction in moulds and yeasts was recorded for the 4.0 F film (from 0.86 to 0.64 log cfu/g). In the case of blueberries, the total number of bacteria before storage was 2.52 log cfu/g, while after 8 weeks of storage in 4.0 F, this number significantly decreased to 2.28 log cfu/g. As in the case of raspberries, a reduction in mould and yeast was observed, with concentrations falling from an initial value of 0.89 to 0.67 log cfu/g after 8 weeks of storage at 4.0 F.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41683420

“In this study, hydrocolloid-based films enriched with Cannabis sativa flower extract were successfully developed for packaging freeze-dried raspberries and blueberries.

These results demonstrate the potential of polysaccharide-based films containing C. sativa extract as active packaging, capable of extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of freeze-dried fruits.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/3/443

“In the present study, polysaccharide films based on pectin with an extract from pollen of Cannabis sativa L. were developed.

Thompson seedless grapes were packed in the resulting films to assess the stability of anthocyanins in stored fruit. Fruit that were packed in 0.5 F, 1.0 F films were characterised by a gradual increase in anthocyanins after 8,11 and 14 days. For fruit stored in 2.0 F film, the increase in anthocyanins was small (p > 0.05).

After 14 days of storage, the value of anthocyanins in the fruit was 0.51 ± 0.02 [%]. In combination with the obtained slow changes in L*, a*, b* parameters for the packaged fruit, it can be concluded that the film limited access to light and oxygen, which slowed down the degradation and oxidation reactions of anthocyanins, as well as the excessive synthesis of these pigments.

The resulting eco-friendly packaging film with extract from pollen of Cannabis sativa L., in addition to meeting the requirements of a circular economy, can effectively protect against loss of quality and shelf life of the fruit.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40946603

“The addition of Cannabis sativa L. pollen extract had an additional anti-mould effect.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092777652500640X?via%3Dihub

“This study investigates the processability-via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing-and mechanical performance of biocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and their 50/50 wt% blend, each reinforced with hemp shive at 3 and 5 wt%.

Blending PLA with PBS represents a straightforward and encouraging strategy to enhance both the printability and mechanical properties of the individual resins, expanding the range of their potential applications.

The addition of hemp shive-a by-product of hemp processing-not only enhances the biodegradability of the composites but also improves their thermo-mechanical performance, as well as aligning with circular economy principles.

The rheological characterization, performed on all the systems, evidenced that the PLA/PBS blend possesses viscoelastic properties well suited for FDM, enabling smooth extrusion through the nozzle, good shape stability after deposition, and effective interlayer adhesion. Moreover, the constrain effect of hemp shives within the polymer matrix reduced the extrudate swell, a key factor affecting the dimensional accuracy of the printed parts. Optimal processing conditions were identified at a nozzle temperature of 190 °C and a printing speed of 70 mm/s, providing a favorable compromise between print quality, final performances and production efficiency. From a mechanical perspective, the PLA/PBS blend exhibited an 8.6-fold increase in elongation at break compared to neat PLA, and its corresponding composite showed a ductility nearly three times higher than the PLA-based counterpart’s.

In conclusion, the findings of this study provide new insights into the interplay between material formulation, rheological behavior and printing conditions, supporting the development of sustainable, hemp-reinforced biocomposites for additive manufacturing applications.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40942198

“This study explores the use of hemp powder—obtained by grinding hemp shive—as a natural filler in PLA, PBS, and a PLA/PBS blend at 50/50 by weight.”

“Overall, the PLA/PBS blend reinforced with hemp shive presents a promising and sustainable formulation for FDM applications, delivering a well-balanced compromise between processability, print quality, mechanical performance and environmental impact.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/17/2280

“For the first time, the hydrophilicity of hemp shiv was modified without the compromise of its hygroscopic properties.

This research focused on the use of sol-gel method in preparation of coatings on the natural plant material, hemp shiv, that has growing potential in the construction industry as a thermal insulator.

The sol-gel coatings were produced by cohydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using an acidic catalyst. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) was added as the hydrophobic precursor to provide water resistance to the bio-based material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) have been used to determine the morphological changes on the surface as well as within the hemp shiv.

It was found that the sol-gel coatings caused a reduction in water uptake but did not strongly influence the moisture sorption behaviour of hemp shiv. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy shows that the coating layer on hemp shiv acts a shield, thereby lowering peak intensity in the wavelength range 1200-1800 cm^-1.

The sol-gel coating affected pore size distribution and cumulative pore volume of the shiv resulting in tailored porosity. The overall porosity of shiv decreased with a refinement in diameter of the larger pores. Thermal analysis was performed using TGA and stability of coated and uncoated hemp shiv have been evaluated.

Hemp shiv modified with sol-gel coating can potentially develop sustainable heat insulating composites with better hygrothermal properties.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31258251

“Sol–gel coated hemp shiv showed improved thermal stability and good water resistance. It has also potential to be mixed with binders to produce composites with better interfacial adhesion, lower drying times, provide ease of handling during the manufacturing stage and ultimately a more robust bio-based thermal insulation building material.”

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10971-018-4621-2

“This study investigated the utilization of innovative green composites made from hemp shiv, a waste by-product of hemp cultivation, with the aim of promoting sustainability within the construction industry.

The manufacturing method involved the application of pressure in a mold to create the samples.

These materials were produced using an environmentally friendly binder consisting of colophony, arabic gum, and corn starch. Moreover, white glue and bioepoxy were also used to compare with the green resins. Three different binder compositions were used for the specimens. The samples underwent mechanical testing through tensile and bending assessments, and their performance was compared to that of non-green binders to validate the effectiveness of the manufacturing processes.

The study revealed that decreasing the moisture content during the curing process was crucial for improving the mechanical properties. The best results were achieved when using arabic gum as a binder, yielding a tensile strength of 2.16 MPa and a bending strength of 5.25 MPa, with a composition of 62.5% hemp shiv and a manufacturing process involving a pressure of 5 MPa.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39203077

“Gathering all this information, it can be concluded that in some applications in the construction industry, hemp shiv could be use as a more ecological material to substitute the inorganic commercial materials. Coffered ceilings could offer a great starting point into the construction sector for hemp shiv.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/17/16/3900

“The growing demand for sustainable building materials has boosted research on plant-based composite materials, including hemp shives bound with biodegradable binders.

This study investigates the enhancement of potato-starch-based binders with sodium metasilicate and glycerol to produce eco-friendly bio-composites incorporating hemp shives.

Potato starch, while renewable, often results in suboptimal mechanical properties and durability in its unmodified form. The addition of sodium metasilicate is known to improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability of starch-based materials, while glycerol acts as a plasticizer, potentially enhancing flexibility and workability.

Bio-composites were produced with varying concentrations of sodium metasilicate (0-107% by mass of starch) and glycerol (0-133% by mass of starch), and their properties were evaluated through thermal analysis, density measurements, water absorption tests, compressive strength assessments, and thermal conductivity evaluations.

The results demonstrate that sodium metasilicate significantly increases the bulk density, water resistance, and compressive strength of the bio-composites, with enhancements up to 19.3% in density and up to 2.3 times in compressive strength. Glycerol further improves flexibility and workability, though excessive amounts can reduce compressive strength.

The combination of sodium metasilicate and glycerol provides optimal performance, achieving the best results with an 80% sodium metasilicate and 33% glycerol mixture by weight of starch.

These modified bio-composites offer promising alternatives to conventional building materials with improved mechanical properties and environmental benefits, making them suitable for sustainable construction applications.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39410482

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/17/19/4911

“Innovative Hemp Shive-Based Bio-Composites, Part II: The Effect of the Phase Change Material (PCM) Additive on Characteristics of Modified Potato Starch Binders”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40004414

“The construction industry is facing an increased demand to adopt sustainable green building materials to minimize the carbon footprint.

Hemp concrete is a green building material not only because of its low embodied carbon but also because of its ability to regulate heat and relative humidity. Its thermal characteristics are often viewed as favorable for reducing the energy used to heat or cool indoor buildings.

The current research is focused on the properties of hemp concrete from Slovak manufacturers which can be effectively used in construction as a replacement for conventional building materials and can also be effectively applied in building renovations.

The basic thermal properties of hemp concrete, i.e., specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, effusivity, thermal diffusivity, and lag time, were determined. The determination of all properties is dependent on the knowledge of heat fluxes at the surface and the density of samples.

The insulation ability was expressed with a thermal conductivity of 0.099 W·m^-1·K^-1. The accumulation was expressed with a specific heat of 1540 J·kg^-1·K^-1 and density of 322 kg·m^-3 in the air environment temperature of 22 °C and relative humidity of 50%.

To assess moisture properties, the moisture content and the speed of molecules during diffusion and lag time, based on the thickness of the hemp concrete samples, were measured. The speed of water molecules during diffusion in hemp concrete was 8.6 × 10^-7 m·s^-1.

The study shows that hemp concrete has interesting hydrothermal properties for use as an insulation layer in envelope structures. Thus, this material can be used effectively in the construction field in order to meet the requirements of the current standards, which aim to reduce energy and environmental impacts.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40271892

“Hemp concrete is a lightweight bio-based material, which attracts the attention of developers in Slovakia. This lightweight bio-based material is intended to be an excellent thermal insulator and moisture diffusor with enhanced durability. It holds the potential to significantly impact the climate quality inside buildings and their overall sustainability from a life cycle perspective. Hemp concrete consists of the inner woody core of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder (hydraulic lime and non-hydraulic lime) and water.”

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/18/7/1651