Gum Arabic Research Articles

Microencapsulation Efficiency of Carboxymethylcellulose, Gelatin, Maltodextrin, and Acacia for Aroma Preservation in Jasmine Instant Tea.

Enhancing the sensory appeal of jasmine instant tea, particularly its aroma, poses a significant challenge due to the loss of volatile organic compounds during conventional processing. This study introduces a novel approach to address this issue through the application of microencapsulation techniques, aimed at preserving these key aromatic elements. Our investigation focused on the encapsulating agents gelatin, acacia gum, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and maltodextrin, chosen for their compatibility with the volatile organic compounds of tea. A statistical analysis was conducted on the analytical results through comprehensive analytical techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), and Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) analysis for microcapsule characterization. The statistical analysis revealed gelatin to be a particularly effective encapsulating medium, preserving an aroma profile more akin to fresh tea. The statistical analysis confirmed the reliability of these findings, highlighting the potential of microencapsulation in refining the quality of jasmine instant tea products. The results of this research suggest that microencapsulation could be instrumental in improving the sensory quality and shelf life of instant tea products, offering new opportunities for product enhancement in the beverage industry.

Curcumin-loaded zein nanoparticles: A quality by design approach for enhanced drug delivery and cytotoxicity against cancer cells

Zein, a maize protein, has been explored for constructing potential biomaterial due to its hydrophobic nature, self-assembly capability, and biocompatibility. In its nanoparticulate form, zein is a promising material for drug delivery applications, particularly in cancer treatment. Despite the importance of colloidal stability for effective drug delivery, systematic studies investigating the effect of various surface modifying agents (MAs) on the zein nanoparticles (ZNPs)-based formulations are limited. This study employs quality-by-design (QbD) approach to optimize curcumin-loaded ZNPs, enhancing colloidal stability, size, and drug-encapsulation efficiency using different MAs for potential cancer therapy. Gum arabic (GA) emerged as the optimal stabilizer, with GA-stabilized curcumin-loaded ZNPs (GA-Cur-ZNPs) achieving a particle size of 184.8 ± 2.85 nm, zeta potential of −23.4 ± 0.56 mV and 87.1 ±1.55 % drug encapsulation efficiency, along with excellent colloidal stability over two months. The optimal formulation also demonstrated sustained release of Cur over 72 h. GA-Cur-ZNPs demonstrated lower IC50 values and higher anti-proliferative effects on three different cancer cell lines compared to the free drug, while also exhibiting superior intracellular uptake. With negligible toxicity to human dermal fibroblast cells, the optimized Cur-GA-ZNPs show promise for safe and effective killing of cancer cells.

Fabrication, characterization and simulated gastrointestinal digestion of sea buckthorn pulp oil microcapsule: effect of wall material and interfacial bilayer stabilization.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) pulp oil is rich in functional components; however, low water solubility and stability limit its applications. This study fabricated sea buckthorn pulp oil microcapsules using whey protein isolate (WPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), sodium caseinate (NaCN), gum arabic (GA), starch sodium octenylsuccinate (OSAS) and SPI mixed with chitosan (CHI). The influences of these wall materials on physicochemical properties, release behavior and digestibility were explored. Protein-based wall materials (WPI, NaCN, SPI) demonstrated lower bulk densities due to their porous structures and larger particle sizes, while GA and OSAS produced denser microcapsules. Encapsulation efficiency was the highest for protein-based microcapsules (79.41-89.12%) and the lowest for GA and OSAS. The surface oil percentage of protein-based microcapsules (1.41-4.40%) was lower than that of the other microcapsules. Protein-based microcapsules showed concave and cracked surfaces, while GA and OSAS microcapsules were spherical and smooth. CHI improved reconstitution performance, leading to faster dissolution. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, protein-based microcapsules released more free fatty acids (FFAs) in the intestinal phase, while CHI-modified SPI microcapsules showed a delayed release pattern due to thicker walls. Protein-based wall materials were more effective for sea buckthorn pulp oil microencapsulation, providing higher encapsulation efficiency, better flow properties and releasing more FFAs. The addition of CHI led to the layer-by-layer self-assembly of the microcapsule wall and resulted in sustained release during in vitro intestinal digestion. These findings suggested the potential of protein-based microcapsules for targeted delivery and improved applications of bioactive oils in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Capparis sepiaria-Loaded Sodium Alginate Single- and Double-Layer Membrane Composites for Wound Healing.

Background: Effective wound dressing is the key solution to combating the increased death rate and prolonged hospital stay common to patients with wounds. Methods: Sodium alginate-based single- and double-layer membranes incorporated with Capparis sepiaria root extract were designed using the solvent-casting method from a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Pluronic F127 (PF127), and gum acacia. Results: The successful preparation of the membranes and loading of the extract were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared membranes were biodegradable and non-toxic to human skin cells (HaCaT), with high biocompatibility of 92 to 112% cell viability and good hemocompatibility with absorbance ranging from 0.17 to 0.30. The membrane's highest water vapor transmission rate was 1654.7333 ± 0.736 g/m2/day and the highest % porosity was 76%. The membranes supported cellular adhesion and migration, with the highest closure being 68% after 4 days compared with the commercial wound dressings. This membrane exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against the pathogens responsible for wound infections. Conclusions: The distinct features of the membranes make them promising wound dressings for treating infected wounds.

Gum Arabic as a potential candidate in quorum quenching and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions influenced by bacterial biofilm formation and host immune responses, affecting millions worldwide. Traditional treatments like mechanical debridement and systemic antibiotics often face limitations, including biofilm resilience and antibiotic resistance. Gum Arabic (GA), a natural exudate from Acacia trees, presents a promising alternative with its anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory properties. This review highlights the role of GA in periodontal therapy, particularly its ability to interfere with quorum sensing (QS) pathways, specifically the AI-2 signaling system used by key periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. By disrupting QS, GA inhibits biofilm formation, reduces bacterial virulence, and promotes a balanced oral microbiome. GA's prebiotic properties also encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, enhancing the host's immune response while preserving the systemic microbiome. Clinical studies demonstrate GA's effectiveness as an adjunct in periodontal therapy, with significant reductions in plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and bleeding. This highlights GA's potential as a natural therapeutic agent, offering an effective, antibiotic-sparing option in managing periodontal disease. However, further research is warranted to fully establish GA's role in comprehensive periodontal care and its long-term benefits.

Effect of adjuvants on growth and spore attributes of <i>Metarhizium anisopliae</i> (Metsch.) Sorokin

The pathogenicity of the fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, commonly referred to as the green muscardine fungus, has been demonstrated against numerous insect species inhabiting various habitats. Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the impact of naturally derived adjuvants on the growth and spore characteristics of M. anisopliae. The natural polysaccharide (guar gum, gum acacia and carboxymethyl cellulose), vegetable oil (groundnut and cottonseed oil) and a synthetic adjuvant were used in the study at three distinct concentrations: 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% v/v or w/v. Among the various adjuvants tested, both gum acacia and guar gum at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% were observed to have a positive impact on the growth of the fungus, resulting in enhanced radial mycelial growth, conidiospore production, surface area coverage, and conidiospore germination. Conversely, this fundamental study highlights the detrimental effects of synthetic adjuvants on the growth and spore characteristics of M. anisopliae.

Synthesis and Characterization of Acacia-Stabilized Doxorubicin-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy.

The targeted delivery of drugs is vital in breast cancer treatment due to its ability to produce long-lasting therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This study reports the successful development of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)-loaded colloidal gold nanoparticles stabilized with acacia gum (AG). Optimization studies varied AG concentrations (0.25% to 3% w/v) to determine optimal conditions for nanoparticle synthesis. The resulting acacia stabilized gold nanoparticles (AGNPs) were characterized using various techniques including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a higher release rate of DOX in sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) compared to phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4), suggesting an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in acidic tumor environments. Cytotoxicity of DOX-AGNPs and free DOX was assessed in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The DOX-AGNPs exhibited significantly greater cytotoxicity, indicating enhanced efficacy in targeting cancer cells. This enhancement suggests that adsorbing DOX on the surface of gold nanoparticles can improve drug delivery and effectiveness, potentially reducing side effects compared to pure DOX and traditional delivery methods. Stability tests conducted over six months at 25±1°C showed significant changes in particle size and PDI, suggesting limited stability under these conditions. Overall, the acacia-stabilized gold nanoparticles synthesized in this study exhibit promising characteristics for drug delivery applications, particularly in cancer therapy, with effective drug loading, controlled release, and favorable physicochemical properties.

Enhancing nutritional and potential antimicrobial properties of poultry feed through encapsulation of metagenome-derived multi-enzymes

BackgroundThe encapsulation of metagenome-derived multi-enzymes presents a novel approach to improving poultry feed by enhancing nutrient availability and reducing anti-nutritional factors. By integrating and encapsulated enzymes such as carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, protease, lipase, and laccase into feed formulations, this method not only improves feed digestibility but also potentially contributes to animal health and productivity through antimicrobial properties.ResultsThis study investigates the encapsulation of metagenome-derived enzymes, including carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, protease, lipase, and laccase, using Arabic and Guar gums as encapsulating agents. The encapsulated multi-enzymes exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, achieving a 92.54% inhibition rate against Escherichia coli at a concentration of 6 U/mL. Fluorescence tracking with FITC-labeled enzymes confirmed efficient encapsulation and distribution, while physical characterization, including moisture content and solubility assessments, along with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging, validated successful encapsulation. The encapsulated enzymes also effectively hydrolyzed poultry feed, leading to an increase in phenolic content and antioxidant activity, as confirmed by 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays.ConclusionsThe encapsulated multi-enzymes improved the overall feed quality by increasing reducing sugars and enhancing physical properties such as solubility and water-holding capacity. The encapsulated multi-enzymes improved the overall feed quality by increasing reducing sugars, antioxidant activity and enhancing physical properties such as solubility and water-holding capacity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the enzymatic breakdown of the feed structure. These results suggest that supplementing poultry feed with encapsulated multi-enzymes can enhance its physical, nutritional, and functional properties, leading to improved digestibility and overall feed quality.

Efficacy of Acacia Gum Biopolymer in Strength Improvement of Silty and Clay Soils under Varying Curing Conditions

Acacia gum (AG), a polysaccharide biopolymer, has been adopted to improve the strength of three cohesive soils by subjecting them to diverse environmental aging conditions. Being a polysaccharide and a potentially sustainable construction material, the AG yielded flexible film-like threads after 48 h upon hydration, and its pH value of 4.9 varied marginally with the aging of the stabilized soils. The soil samples for the geotechnical evaluation were subjected to wet mixing and were tested under their Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), as determined by the light compaction method. The addition of AG modified the consistency indices of the soils due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in AG, which also led to a rise in OMC and reduction in Maximum Dry Unit weight (MDU). The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were determined under thermal curing at 333 K as well as on the same day of sample preparation. The least performing condition of the soil’s CBR was evaluated under submerged conditions after allowing the AG-stabilized specimens to air-cure for a period of 1 week. The UCS specimens tested after 7 days were subjected to the initial 7 days of thermal curing at 333 K. A dosage of 1.5% of AG yielded the UCS of 2530 kN/m2 and CBR of 98.3%, respectively, for the low compressible clay (LCC) after subjecting the sample to 333 K temperature for 1 week. The viscosity of the AG was found to be 214.7 cP at 2% dosage. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and average particle size determination revealed the filling of pores by AG gel solution, adsorption, and hydrogen bonding, which led to improvements in macroproperties.

The complex coacervation of gum Arabic and krill protein isolate and their application for Antarctic krill oil encapsulation

Antarctic krill oil (AKO) possesses potent bioactivities but has limited applications in the food industry due to its poor stability, strong off-flavor, and low bioavailability of contained astaxanthin. In this study, Antarctic krill protein isolate (AKPI) was separated from processing by-product of krill and utilized as a novel wall material via complexing it with gum Arabic (GA) to improve the limitations of AKO. The strong complex coacervation reaction between AKPI and GA was occurred at the pH of 3.8 and the ratioAKPI-to-GA of 3:1, while electrostatic interaction and hydrogen-bond interaction were determined to be the main driving forces of such reaction. The ratiowall-to-core was confirmed as 1:0.75 after comprehensively assessing the effect of AKO content on the various properties of AKPI-GA coacervated microcapsules, while the wall material concentration and pH were optimized at 1 % and 3.8, respectively. The obtained solid AKO microcapsules exhibited the encapsulation efficiency of 80.22 %. AKPI-GA coacervated microcapsules extremely masked the odor of AKO and achieved the controlled-release of AKO in the gastrointestinal tract. Meanwhile, the encapsulated AKO displayed higher astaxanthin retention and oxidative stability compared with non-encapsulated AKO during storage.

Modification of gel properties of Meretrix meretrix (clam) with polysaccharides: physical characterization and interaction mechanism.

This study investigated the contribution of 11 polysaccharides (2%, w/w), including pectin (PC), κ-carrageenan (KC), ι-carrageenan (IC), gellan gum (GG), guar gum (GM), sodium alginate (SA), konjac gum (KG), gum arabic (GA), fucoidan (FC), locust bean gum (LBG), and curdlan (CD), to the gel and microstructural properties of Meretrix meretrix clam gel (MMG). The hardness, springiness and chewiness of MMG with KC, IC, GG, SA and FC addition increased by ~10%-250%, while PC, GM, KG and LBG groups decreased by ~0.6% to 69%. KC, IC, SA, GG and FC decreased the cooking loss rate (CLR) by 69.4% to 88.7% and correspondingly enhanced the water holding capacity (WHC) by 10.2% to 21.4%, which was accompanied by an increased bound water and immobilized water area and high hydrogen proton density. The addition of KC transformed the MMG microstructure from a loose network with large pores to a compact, dense network, reducing lacunarity by 57.9%. The primary intermolecular forces in MMG with the incorporation of KC, IC, GG, SA and FC were hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds, which increased by 32.8%-105.3% and 45.6%-114.5% than MMG alone, respectively. Collectively, KC, IC, GG, SA and FC could improve the gel properties of MMG and the strongest synergistic combination was found in the MMG/KC system. This study suggests that the incorporation of polysaccharides is a strategy with potential for modifying the gel properties of shellfish surimi products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization and properties of solid-state nanocomposite Acacia gum electrolytes with emphasis on diverse applications

A novel, natural, eco-friendly, solid-state Acacia gum nanocomposite electrolyte has been prepared with different weight ratios of nanoparticle ZrO2 introduced to the standard composition of 70% Acacia gum and 30% ZnSO4·7H2O. Sequential examinations, encompassing XRD, and FTIR, were conducted to evaluate the amorphous characteristics, complexation nature, and interaction of dopant nanoparticles within the acacia-salt electrolyte matrix network. The optimum ionic conductivity of nanocomposite electrolytes was found using electrochemical impedance analysis. The remarkable ionic conductivity was achieved for the electrolyte sample consisting of 10% nanoparticle ZrO2 introduced to the standard composition of 70% of Acacia gum and 30% of ZnSO4·7H2O(AZR4) at 100 °C, 6.1×10−3S/cm, at room temperature (RT) the electrolyte sample exhibited conductivity value of 1.13×10−3 S/cm. Additionally, an examination of the dielectric characteristics dependent on frequency demonstrated the existence of space charge polarization in the electrolyte and a notable tail in the low-frequency area. Through the parameters of the dielectric modulus, the research also investigated the hopping mechanism and relaxation time. Furthermore, nano-composite electrolytes were employed in the construction of solar cell devices. The outstanding results were obtained for electrolyte upon (10 wt%) nanoparticle-introduced, overall power conversion efficiency (ƞ) reached 5.38%, short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) 10.92 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (Voc) at 735 mV, and fill factor (FF) at 0.63.

A-049 Effect of Supplementation With Prebiotics on Levels of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and on Biomarkers of Bone Remodelling-Results From the OSTEOME Clinical Trial

Abstract Background It is proven that intestinal microbes regulate bone metabolism and can affect the quality of the bone. Prebiotics contain no microorganisms, only substances stimulating their growth. Moreover, flavonoids and catechines are transformed by the microbes into bioactive compounds and polyphenols can modify the microflora composition. OSTEOME is a randomized double-blinded clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplements enriched with prebiotics, in advancing the role of gut microbiota in bone remodelling. We present the effect of supplementation with prebiotics on the serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and on levels bone markers Osteocalcin (OCN), and C-Terminal Telopeptide of Type-I Collagen (CTX). Methods We enrolled 120 postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Participants were randomized into three groups of 40-participants. Group-A received a supplement containing 600mg calcium citrate and 2400IUof vitamin D3 only, group-B received a supplement additionally containing flavonoids (120mg Naringin and 120mg Hesperidine) and group-C received additionally prebiotic oligosaccharides (2000mg fructooligosaccharides and acacia gum). Blood collections were performed at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months for the measurement of bone remodelling biomarkers. Levels of serum Calcium (sCa), 25OHD, as well as levels bone markers OCN, and CTX were measured at all timepoints of follow-up. Results The mean age of group-A, group-B and group-C participants was 60.72(+8.08), 62.37(+7.70) and 62.09(+7.09) (p=NS), and the mean BMIs were 25.35(+3.96), 25.89(+3.80) and 26.25(+4.56) (p=NS). All women were osteopenic as mean total hip T-score was -1.282(+0.617), -1.193(+0.659) and -1.273(+0.573) at baseline for all three groups respectively. The results of OCN, CTX and 25OHD are shown in the table. Conclusions Only patients in group-C showed significant changes in CTX and 25OHD at 9-months, and OCN at 6- and 9-months. Addition of prebiotics to supplements might improve the vitamin D absorption from the gut and give positive balance to biomarkers of bone metabolism.

Synthesis of cytocompatible gum Arabic–encapsulated silver nitroprusside nanocomposites for inhibition of bacterial pathogens and food safety applications

Silver nitroprusside (AgN) exhibits significant antibacterial activity; however, its inherent toxicity poses a major concern. This study synthesized AgN with enhanced antibacterial properties while minimizing toxicity. Gum Arabic (GA), a natural polysaccharide widely utilized in food and biomedical applications owing to its exceptional cytocompatibility, was selected for encapsulating AgN to mitigate toxicity while preserving or enhancing its biological activity. The resulting composite material, GA–AgN nanocomposites (NCs), was systematically characterized using various analytical techniques. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that GA–AgN NCs exhibited a rectangular morphology, with an average size of 230.13 ± 62.8 nm. The zeta potential of GA–AgN NCs was measured at −29.3 ± 0.70 mV. Furthermore, GA–AgN NCs demonstrated stability over diverse storage durations, incubation periods, and pH conditions by maintaining its size and surface charge. X-ray diffraction results indicated a reduction in the crystallinity of AgN when incorporated into the amorphous GA matrix, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the functional properties of both AgN and GA were preserved in the NCs. The release of Ag and Fe ions from the NCs was observed to be time- and pH-dependent. Importantly, the incorporation of GA did not compromise the antibacterial or antibiofilm efficacy of AgN against bacterial pathogens. Additionally, GA significantly mitigated the cytotoxic effects of AgN on NIH3T3 cells and red blood cells. Furthermore, GA–AgN NCs effectively extended the shelf-life of Salmonella enterica–infected green grapes. Thus, this study illustrates that GA-fabricated AgN NCs exhibit potential as an antibacterial agent in food preservation applications.

Effect on heat treatment on the physical stability, interfacial tension and in vitro digestion of whey protein-stabilized ω-6/ω-3 fatty acid balanced pumpkin seed oil complex condensate

Despite the fact that whey proteins (WP) have shown diverse functional and nutritional properties, they exhibit poor stability when exposed to temperatures above the thermal denaturation point. Therefore, in this study, a complex coacervation layer of formed by WP treated at different heating temperatures (55, 65, 75 and 85 °C) and gum arabic (GA) was used as a wall material to microencapsulate ω-6/ω-3 fatty acid balanced pumpkin seed oil (MPO) with a view to exploring the effect of heat treatment temperatures on the nature of microencapsulation stabilized by WP-GA complexes. At pH 3.6, WP and GA formed a strong electrostatic complex. When the heat treatment temperature reached 65 °C, the WP-GA complexes exhibited more excellent particle size, absolute potential, emulsification properties and structural changes, which made them more suitable as hydrophilic emulsifiers to stabilize oil/water (O/W) systems. Further research into the physical properties and interfacial characteristics of O/W emulsions formed by the WP-GA complex was conducted. When subjected to a heat treatment temperature of 65 °C, the O/W emulsions achieved a higher interfacial protein content (3.17 ± 0.08 mg/m2), along with a lower interfacial tension (15.52 mN/m). Additionally, the encapsulated MPO demonstrates superior oxidative stability compared to its unencapsulated counterpart. In-vitro simulated digestion experiments revealed that only small fraction (17.70 ± 1.13%) of the encapsulated oil was released in simulated gastric fluid, while the majority (76.70 ± 1.47%) was released in simulated intestinal fluid, which suggested that the WP-GA composite coacervates was a promising encapsulation shell material, capable of maintaining integrity in the gastric phase and effectively delivering the encapsulant to the intestinal phase.

INVESTIGATION OF WETTABILITY, ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY, THERMAL INSULATION, AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ELASTOMER BLEND ADHESIVES WITH HIGH-DENSITY FIBERBOARD WOOD AND ALUMINUM

Attention has recently been given to finding alternative and sustainable raw material sources for wood and metal adhesives, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), corn starch (CS), arabic gum (AG), and dextrins (D). Modifying polymer dispersion using unique substances, such as modifying reactive elastomer liquid (EL) using PVA, CS, AG, or D results in sufficiently moisture-resistant adhesive joins. In the present study, the physical characteristics of EL/blended with the natural polymers PVA, CS, AG, and D, based on high-density fiberboard (HDF) wood and aluminum (Al) adhesives and coatings, were investigated and compared to those of pure EL. The EL was blended with PVA, CS, AG, or D at a ratio of 60/40 (w/w) to form EL/blends. The chemical structures, surface and interface morphology, adhesion strengths (including shear strength and pull-off strength), surface roughness, wettings, color intensity, and thermal insulation of the prepared EL and EL/blends were investigated. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation confirmed filler dispersion and adhesion between the blends, and coated HDF wood, or Al. The developed EL/AG blend had a pull-off strength of 144±5 and 102±3 MPa and a shear strength of 771±11, and 52±3 N with HDF wood and Al substrate, respectively. The EL/PVA blend had a maximum surface roughness value 4.57 µm, and its average water contact angle (WCA) was 85.6°. A plasma jet was used to treat the surface roughness and hence the wettability of the pure EL and the EL/blends, for example, plasma treatment decreased the roughness of the EL/AG blend from 4.36 to 3.28 μm. WCA, and hence wettability, was also significantly influenced by plasma treatment, for example, plasma treatment decreased the WCA of the pure EL from 71.7±0.4° to 30.7±0.7°. The lightness value of the EL/blends was less than that of the pure EL, indicating that (the color adhesives have darkened). Similarly, the yellowness-blueness and redness-greenness values of the EL/blends were greater than those of the pure EL,( rendering the blended adhesives more reddish and bluish). The EL/AG blend was found to have a minimum thermal conductivity (of 0.27 W/m.K), indicating maximum insulation.

Microencapsulation and characterization of pomegranate seed oil using gum Arabic and maltodextrin blends for functional food applications

AbstractPomegranate seed oil (PSO) is highly valued in the functional food industry due to its rich fatty acid content and associated health benefits. However, its high degree of unsaturation makes it susceptible to rapid degradation when exposed to oxygen and light. This study investigates the encapsulation of PSO at 15% w/w using different blends of gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 3:1, and 1:3) to determine optimal formulations for enhanced stability and functional quality. Characterization of the encapsulated PSO powders showed distinct particle morphologies, including flake‐like shapes and textures ranging from smooth to wrinkled and porous. The Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra indicated shifts in functional groups from 2973.70 to 408.84 cm−1, revealing the presence of aliphatic, amine, aromatic, carboxylic acid, and hydroxyl groups. Although no single formulation achieved all desired outcomes, the GA:MD ratios of 1:0 and 1:1 were superior in enhancing color properties (yellowness and chroma), techno‐functional attributes (bulk density and solubility), and in preserving essential fatty acids, including stearic, cis‐oleic, α‐linolenic, arachidic, γ‐linolenic, linoleic, and punicic acids. Additionally, GA:MD (3:1) powders exhibited superior ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities (RSA). In conclusion, formulations using solely GA or GA:MD ratios of 1:1 and 3:1 effectively preserve bioactive content in PSO, enhancing its antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest promising applications for these encapsulated powders in developing functional foods that meet industry demands.

Encapsulation of lemongrass essential oil by bilayer liposomes based on pectin, gum Arabic, and carrageenan: Characterization and application in chicken meat preservation

The volatile characteristics of lemongrass essential oil (LO) have seriously hindered its further application, and encapsulation it with multilayer modified liposomes may be an effective strategy to improve this dilemma. This study selected chitosan (CH) and three anionic polymers, pectin (P) / gum arabic (GA) / carrageenan (C), as the first and second coating polymers to modify nano liposomes (NL) by layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition, obtaining three bilayer liposomes, P-CH-NL, GA-CH-NL, and C-CH-NL as high-quality stabilized carriers of LO. The bilayer liposomes showed a dense membrane structure ranging from 110 to 150 nm uniformly, with good antioxidant properties. All bilayer liposomes had good stability during 28-day storage at 4 °C, while C-CH-NL performed relatively better inferred by smaller changes of size, PDI and Zeta potential. The total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) values of fresh chicken meat and a total number of bacterial colonies (TBC) experiments showed that GA-CH-NL and C-CH-NL could better retard the increase of volatile salt base nitrogen. All bilayer liposomes could delay the time for the total bacterial count to exceed 6 log CFU/g (from 7 days to 10 / 12 days). Therefore, the bilayer liposomes P-CH-NL, GA-CH-NL, and C-CH-NL may be promising natural preservatives for food products.

Coated and Uncoated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Toxicity Assessment and Properties of Non Accumulation in Biological Tissues

Background: There are an increasing number of studies on magnetic nanofeeders with multiple applications in agriculture and food processing. Among the magnetic separation oxides, iron oxide has emerged as an indispensable tool in nanoscale differentiation, especially bio-nanoscale. This is attributed to the characteristics of such as size, shape, magnetism and coexistence. Aim of the study: The aim of this study feeding experiment is to prove the non-toxicity of magnetic nano-iron oxides, whether coated when dosed with distilled water or uncoated in milk or distilled water. Subject, materials and methods: Materials: magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles was obtained from SkySpring Nanomaterials (U.S.A.) at a size of 30 nm. Acacia gum (Gum Arabic) is prepared from Thomas Baker (Indian), Sodium hydroxide from Riedel-de Haën (Germany), Potassium phosphate dibasic from CDH (Indian), Potassium phosphate mono basic from HIMEDIA (Indian),Potassium bromide from AVONCHEM(UK), MNPs are characterized by various tools to examine their physicochemical properties. The size of NPs plays a major role in exhibiting different physicochemical properties, and even a small difference in their nanoscale dimensions can alter their properties. Some of the instruments used for their characterization are Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction (EDXD), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer. Results: After the completion of the experimental period for this study (28 days), the laboratory animals were sacrificed using ether anesthesia. The animals were then dissected using dissection tools to remove these organs. The organs were weighed using a sensitive balance after being washed with 0.9% normal saline solution and dried with filter paper [1][2]. The liver, kidneysamples were collected in pre-labeled plastic containers and preserved in 10% formalin until histological sectioning could be performed. Tissue sections were performed for all organs - liver, kidney and they were placed under a microscope. The results showed no damage to these organs. Conclusion: The findings suggest that both arabic gum-coated and milk-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, at the tested doses and treatment durations, did not induce observable tissue damage or pathological alterations in the kidneys or liver of the treated rats.

Microcapsule Preparation and Properties of Flavonoid Extract from Immature Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis' Peel.

Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis' is a citrus cultivar in the Rutaceae family, and its peel is commonly utilized as a raw material for Guangchenpi. This study used flavonoid extract from the peel of immature Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis' (CCE) as the raw material to investigate the encapsulation ability of different wall materials (plant-based proteins, including soybean protein isolation (SPI), pea protein (PP), and zein; carbohydrates, including maltodextrin (MD), Momordica charantia polysaccharide (MCP), and gum acacia (GA); and composite wall materials of both types) on CCE. The wall material with the highest encapsulation rate was selected for the preparation of CCE microcapsules. Furthermore, the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, and storage stability of the CCE microcapsules were explored. The results indicated that among all wall materials, the composite wall material PPMD had the highest encapsulation rate, which was 84.44 ± 0.34%. After encapsulation, the microcapsules tended to have a yellow color and exhibited characteristics such as system stability, low moisture content, and low hygroscopicity. In vitro antioxidant assays revealed that the encapsulation of CCE significantly increased the scavenging rates of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion experiments indicated that the release rate of PPMD-CCE in intestinal fluid was significantly greater than that of free CCE, ultimately reaching 85.89 ± 1.53%. Storage experiments demonstrated that after 45 days under various temperature and light conditions, the retention rate of CCE in the microcapsules was significantly greater than that of free CCE. The above findings provide new possibilities for the application of PP and plant proteins and lay a foundation for the future industrial application of CCE.