Silver Nanoparticles and Chitosan Oligomers Composites as Poplar Wood Protective Treatments against Wood-Decay Fungi and Termites

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The problem of combating harmful microorganisms has always been relevant, so this research is of practical importance. However, the manuscript requires revision.

Notes:

Introduction

1. It is necessary to justify why silver nanoparticles were chosen for wood processing. What is their advantage compared to copper nanoparticles ((https://doi.org/10.5558/tfc2018-017), chemical agents, antiseptics obtained from industrial waste, oil refining waste, etc.?

It may be worth pointing out the very high activity of silver against a wide range of microorganisms (https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8060329).

It is also not clear why chitosan was additionally used? Silver nanoparticles have their own antimicrobial activity. Perhaps chitosan has other positive qualities when processing wood? It is known that solutions of chitosan and modified chitosan saturate wood well and form high-quality coatings. Please provide a more reasoned use of chitosan in your research.

 

Materials and methods

2. Give the temperature and relative humidity at which the wood samples were kept.

 

Results

3. It is necessary to provide not only decay test data, but also in vitro assay data, as in the work https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101724.

The discussion of the results

4. The mechanism of the fungicidal action of silver nanoparticles against the fungi Trametes versicolor and Coniophora puteana should be described in detail.

5. It seems to me that the comparison is correct using the same tree species.

6. It is necessary to increase the concentration of nanoparticles and see if the percentage of mass loss decreases.

7. Provide an explanation for the significant difference in calcium percentage (Figure 6).

 

Conclusions

8. It is necessary to indicate what studies are planned in the future. Do the authors plan to use other types of wood and mushrooms, nanoparticles of a different size, shape, concentration?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The research paper, "Silver Nanoparticles and Chitosan Oligomers Composites as Poplar Wood Protective Treatments Against Wood‐Decay Fungi and Termites," offers a commendable contribution to the field of wood protection. It investigates the efficacy of a binary composite solution comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and chitosan oligomers (COS) in preserving Populus ×euramericana ‘I‐214’ wood from the degradation caused by xylophagous fungi and termites, employing vacuum-pressure impregnation as the delivery method. The study culminates in a noteworthy conclusion that the binary solution, particularly at the highest concentration of AgNPs (4 ppm) and COS (20 g∙L−1), demonstrates superior effectiveness in wood protection, thus extending the potential applications for treated wood.

The research paper would benefit from some refinements in line with the suggestions and comments provided:

Abstract:

The abstract provides a reasonably comprehensive overview of the research; however, it could benefit from being more succinct and emphasizing key results and their practical implications. The practical implications of the study are crucial in a field like wood preservation. To enhance the abstract, consider highlighting specific results or potential applications of the findings.

Introduction:

The introduction provides a solid background and rationale for the study.

Methods:

The methods section is well-detailed and logically structured, providing a clear picture of the research approach. However, one area where more detail could be beneficial is in explaining the rationale for the specific parameters chosen for impregnation, such as the pressure and duration. Providing this context would offer valuable insights for the readers and help them understand the experimental design.

Results and Discussion:

While the results are well presented, the discussion could be further enhanced by interpreting the findings in the context of existing research. The authors might  the "Discussion" could delve deeper into the practical applications of the research, such as its potential for commercial wood preservation or ecological benefits. More emphasis on the environmental advantages of using AgNPs and COS for wood preservation might also strengthen the paper.

Conclusion:

The conclusion is well-structured and effectively summarizes the study's findings. It is crucial to emphasize how their findings contribute to the field of wood preservation and how they might address current challenges.

 

The paper with the incorporation of the suggested revisions, the research paper stands as a valuable contribution to the field of wood protection, offering practical solutions and insights into preserving wood against decay.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have significantly improved the manuscript. I recommend it for publication.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required