Maria-Beatrice Coltelli has 15 years of experience on materials characterization and study of the correlations between molecular structure, morphology and properties of polymers, biopolymers, blends and composites, especially related to their relation with environment. She is author and co-author of 50 publications in international journals and two patents. She followed the scientific activity of European projects on materials science and nano-technology. Currently she supports the didactical activity of courses for Chemical Engineers and Materials and Nanotechnology Engineers

Treatments on the cardboard that can make it anti-mildew or anti-bacterial, at least at the level of the exposed surface towards the packaged product, in order to prolong its shelf life and ensure its good preservation, are in many cases based on the use of metals or oxides. Nevertheless, the use of natural substances is better for obvious reasons related to the better compatibility with human organism and for the lower impact onto environment. In nature, chitin is in the form of crystalline structures with a high structural order called \"nanofibrils”. These crystallites have an average size equal to about 240x7x5 nm, while the term fibril indicates a thin and needle-like structure.rnThe solubility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties of chitin, as for chitosan, depend on the extraction source of the polysaccharide and on the degree of acetylation of the glucosamine units, as well as on their arrangement along the polymeric chain.rnIn the present paper, presenting the results about a project funded by Bank Foundation Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca and developed in collaboration with Lucense research center about cellulosic products, slightly acidic aqueous solutions containing chitin and chitosan were prepared to obtain films by means of solvent casting to simulate the thin layer to be deposited on the cardboard. Mechanical properties of the films have been studied. The best formulations were then used to treat virgin and recycled paper with different devices. Several series of samples have been characterized by evaluating the anti-microbial properties with the use of different types of tests.

Ebhohimen, Israel Ehizuelen is a postgraduate student of the University of Benin, Nigeria and an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry), Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria. He is a Member of the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria and serves as a reviewer in the Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research.

This study evaluated the ability of ethanol extract of Aframomum angustifolium seeds to ameliorate the nephrotoxic effect of potassium bromate (KBrO3) in rats. Biochemical alterations following co-administration of extract with 30 mg/kgbw KBrO3 were monitored in four animal groups (3 rats/group). Oral administration lasted for 28 days. Biomarkers were monitored using standard spectrophotometric methods. Kidney SOD and CAT activities, as well as serum HCO3- and creatinine levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the treated groups than in the positive control group. Photomicrographs of kidney tissue support the biochemical observations. These findings suggest that the extract mitigated bromate-induced kidney lesions in the treated rats.