Acid Gels Research Articles

Formation and Characterization of Zein-Based Oleogels.

Oleogels are interesting as a result of their ability to hold large amounts of oil in a semi-solid gel structure. In the food industry, oleogels are most often investigated as substitutes for saturated and trans fats. In this work, the lyotropic formation of ethanol/zein/oleic acid gels was observed qualitatively and ternary phase diagrams were constructed to map the observations. The viscoelastic parameters G' and G'' were measured to confirm gel formation as observed in phase diagrams. Ultrasmall X-ray scattering was used to study the microstructural organization of ethanol/zein/oleic acid gels. Data suggested that the primary unit or building block for gel network structures was the rod-shaped zein molecule. Ultrasmall X-ray data suggested that zein/oleic acid gels have a highly organized microstructure, possibly the result of zein self-assembly. Zein was considered an effective oleogelator in ethanol/zein/oleic acid systems.

Congruity of the Polymorphisms in the Expressed and Noncoding Parts of the Gli-B1 Locus in Common Wheat

The previously defined pairs of primers GliB1.1 and GliB1.2 were found to produce three and four principal variants, respectively, of PCR sequence length for the γ-gliadin pseudogene in 46 Triticum aestivum L. cultivars from 15 countries carrying 19 known alleles at the Gli-B1 locus. A congruity was established between this polymorphism, allelic sets of the Gli-B1-produced gliadins (especially of the electrophoretic mobility in acid gels of the encoded γ-gliadin) and the presence in the wheat genotype of the Gli-B5b + Rg-1 allelic combination. Six different alleles at the Gli-B1 locus encoding an identical γ-gliadin produced a PCR sequence of about 400 bp (GliB1.1). Nine Gli-B1d-carrying genotypes from four countries produced an identical sequence of about 409 bp (GliB1.2), while three cultivars with Gli-B1h and four with Gli-B1b produced three and two specific sequences, respectively, of slightly different length. Allele Gli-B1j might be the result of recombination between coding and noncoding DNA sequences within the Gli-B1 locus. These observations imply that genetic diversity of the agriculturally important region of chromosome 1B marked by variants of the Gli-B1 locus is rather limited among common wheat cultivars of the 20th century, specifically to eight principal versions. These might have been incorporated into common wheat from diverged genotypes of diploid donor(s), and, due to the scarcity of recombination, subsequently maintained relatively intact. As well as its evolutionary significance, this information is of potential use in wheat breeding and we consider it likely that novel variants of the Gli-B1 locus will be found in hitherto unstudied germplasm.

Pilot scale processing and characterisation of calcium-reduced micellar casein concentrate powders

Micellar casein concentrate (MCC) powders with a protein content of 60% (MCC60) and 85% (MCC85) and a calcium-reduced MCC85 were processed by microfiltration (MF) and diafiltration (DF) of skim milk followed by spray-drying. pH adjustment of the starting milk to 6.2 and MF-retentate to 5.6 prior to MF and DF, respectively, yielded a calcium-reduced MCC85 from which approximately 50% of total calcium had been removed. Calcium reduction improved solubility of MCC85 but did not affect viscosity and caused a small increase in casein micelle size (approximately 15%). The amount of lactic acid required to reach a pH of 4.7 by fermentation was higher for control MCC85 and was further reduced for calcium-reduced MCC85 and fermentation times were notably longer for control MCC85. Acid gels from calcium-reduced MCC85 were stronger than from other products. This study shows the potential of making highly functional calcium-reduced MCC85 products using simple process adaptations.

Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Gels with Blood-Derived Protein Components for Soft Tissue Regeneration.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an ideal initial material for preparing hydrogels, which may be used as scaffolds in soft tissue engineering based on their advantageous physical and biological properties. In this study, two crosslinking agents, divinyl sulfone (DVS) and butanediol diglycidyl ether, were used to investigate their effect on the properties of HA hydrogels. As HA hydrogels alone do not promote cell adhesion on the scaffold, fibrin and serum from platelet-rich fibrin (SPRF) were combined with the scaffold; the aim was to create a material intended to be used as soft tissue implant that facilitates new tissue formation, and degrades over time. The chemical changes were characterized and cell attachment capacity of the protein-containing gels was examined using human mesenchymal stem cells, and viability was assessed using live-dead staining. Fourier-transform infrared measurements revealed that linking fibrin into the gel was more effective than linking SPRF. The scaffolds were found to be able to support cell adherence onto the hydrogels, and the best result was achieved when HA was crosslinked with DVS and contained fibrin. The most promising derivative, 5% DVS-crosslinked fibrin-containing hydrogel, was injected subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice for 12 weeks. The scaffold was proven to be biocompatible, remodeling, and vascularization occurred, while shape and integrity were maintained. Impact statement Fibrin was combined with crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) for regenerative application, the structure of the combination of crosslinked HA with blood-derived protein was analyzed and effective coating was proven. It was observed that the fibrin content led to better mesenchymal stem cell attachment in vitro. The compositions showed biocompatibility, connective tissue and vascularization took place when implanted in vivo. Thus, a biocompatible, injectable gel was produced, which is a potential candidate for soft tissue implantation.

Influence of Frozen Storage on Properties of Rohu and Pangas Protein Isolates Obtained from Its Processing Waste

ABSTRACT The aim of this investigation was to study the influence of freezing and frozen storage on properties of protein isolates obtained from rohu and pangas processing waste through pH shift processing (pH 2.0 and 13.0). Quality changes were measured for a period of 3 months at −18°C. Increase in storage period decreased the myoglobin content, pigment content, and cooking yield (p < .05). Increase in frozen storage period increased thiobarbituric reactive substances to a range of 4.09–4.98 mg MAD kg−1. L* values of isolates decreased with the advancement of storage time (p < .05). Quality of protein gels was also affected by freezing and frozen storage. At the end of the storage period, pangas acid, pangas alkali, rohu acid, and rohu alkali isolate gels had folding test scores of 2.0, 1.0, 1.0, and 1.0, respectively. Gel strength values also decreased significantly from 1131.36, 1001.80, 847.57, and 746.88 g cm to 325.63, 226.77, 224.98, and 203.95 g cm for pangas acid, pangas alkali, rohu acid, and rohu alkali isolates, respectively. The effect of frozen storage was found to be high on pangas alkali isolate, which was evident by the drastic fall of G’ and G” values (p < .05).

Q-switched Nd-YAG laser alone and in combination with innovative hyaluronic acid gels improve keratinocytes wound healing in vitro

During the last years, several attempts have been accomplished to improve the wound healing. Device application aimed at enhancing skin ability to reconstruct its damaged sites through a proper dermal regenerative process. In particular, Q-switched Nd-YAG laser (Medlite C6 laser, Conbio, USA) applied with a fluence of 8 J/cm2, a pulse width of 5 ns, and a spot size of 4 mm exerts a photo-mechanical action that improve skin repair. Besides, hyaluronan hybrid cooperative complexes (HCC) widely exploited in dermoesthetic applications proved specific actions on keratinocytes and fibroblasts monolayer repair. We evaluated this specific laser treatment in vitro on a wound healing model based on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) alone and in combination with HCC. In addition, we evaluated key biomarkers of dermal repair. Scratched HaCaT monolayers were treated with laser and successively with HA-based formulations (HHA and HCC). For each treatment and the control samples, at least 3 different wells were analyzed. Wound closure was quantified, measuring five view filed for each well at increasing incubation time, exploiting time lapse videomicroscopy and image analysis, permitting to compare the different healing rate of treatments respect to control. By real-time PCR and western blotting, we evaluated biomarkers of wound regeneration, such as integrins, aquaporin three (AQP3), and proinflammatory cytokines. The ANOVA test was used to assess statistical significance of the results obtained. Laser-treated cells achieved wound closure in about 37 h, faster than the control, while when coupled to HCC, the complete reparation was obtained in 24 h. Integrin αV was upregulated by treatments, with in particular about four-fold increase respect to the control when HCC + laser was used. In addition, integrin β3 was upregulated by all treatments especially with the combination of laser and HCC proved more efficient than others (~ 14-folds). A slighter but significant increase of AQP3 gene expression of 61% was found for laser treatment while the latter combined with HCC determined an upregulation of 72%. By coupling laser treatment and HCC, further healing improvement and consistent biomarker modulation was observed. Our results may support clinical implementation of new dermatology protocols conjugating laser treatments with topical or injective HA formulations as a valid tool in treatments to repair scars or other skin defects.

In Situ Forming, Silanized Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels with Fine Control Over Mechanical Properties and In Vivo Degradation for Tissue Engineering Applications.

In situ forming hydrogels that can be injected into tissues in a minimally-invasive fashion are appealing as delivery vehicles for tissue engineering applications. Ideally, these hydrogels should have mechanical properties matching those of the host tissue, and a rate of degradation adapted for neo-tissue formation. Here, the development of in situ forming hyaluronic acid hydrogels based on the pH-triggered condensation of silicon alkoxide precursors into siloxanes is reported. Upon solubilization and pH adjustment, the low-viscosity precursor solutions are easily injectable through fine-gauge needles prior to in situ gelation. Tunable mechanical properties (stiffness from 1to40kPa) and associated tunable degradability (from 4 days to more than 3 weeks in vivo) are obtained by varying the degree of silanization (from 4.3% to 57.7%) and molecular weight (120 and 267 kDa) of the hyaluronic acid component. Following cell encapsulation, high cell viability (>80%) is obtained for at least 7 days. Finally, the in vivo biocompatibility of silanized hyaluronic acid gels is verified in a subcutaneous mouse model and a relationship between the inflammatory response and the crosslink density is observed. Silanized hyaluronic acid hydrogels constitute a tunable hydrogel platform for material-assisted cell therapies and tissue engineering applications.

Structure and acid-induced gelation properties of soy protein isolate–maltodextrin glycation conjugates with ultrasonic pretreatment

Glycated conjugates were prepared by heating aqueous dispersions of soy protein isolate (SPI) and maltodextrin (MD) after ultrasonic treatment (138 W/cm2, 20 kHz) for 5, 15, and 25 min. The effect of the ultrasonic pretreatment on the structure, physicochemical characteristics, and acid-induced gelation properties of the resulting SPI–MD conjugates was investigated. The analyses of free amino groups, degree of graft, intermediates, and browning intensity confirmed the formation of SPI–MD conjugates. The ultrasonic treatment promoted the glycation reaction, which led to the increase in the β-type ordered secondary structure and less compact tertiary conformation of conjugates. The ultrasonic treatment for 5 min increased the isoelectric point, surface hydrophobicity (H0), free sulfhydryl (-SH) groups, and particle size of the conjugates. These changes in the structural and physicochemical properties of the conjugates affected their acid-induced gelation. Glucono-δ-lactone was used to form acid gels at 25 °C. Although the glycation with MD deteriorated the acid-induced gelation properties of SPI, the 5 min ultrasonic conjugates formed gels faster than the untreated conjugate, and their gels exhibited higher storage modulus (G′), gel strength, and water holding capacity (WHC), as well as denser microstructure, than the untreated conjugate gels. However, prolonged ultrasonic treatment (15 or 25 min) weakened the gelation properties of the conjugates by promoting the glycation reaction and reducing the H0. Thus, an optimum ultrasonic pretreatment can be used to modify the structure of soy protein glycation conjugates to control their gelation properties.

Body Shaping and Volume Restoration: The Role of Hyaluronic Acid.

Driven by the rising popularity of minimally invasive techniques, the demand for cosmetic procedures is increasing. Cosmetic body-shaping procedures can be categorized into those that remove tissue and those that add volume. This review focuses on the latter of these categories, particularly on the use of resorbable hyaluronic acid gels specifically developed for minimally invasive volume enhancement. Pilot studies of hyaluronic acid involving its injection to contour various body deformities and its recent use in female breast augmentation are discussed. Injectable hyaluronic acid is effective and well tolerated. It represents an attractive treatment option for volume restoration or augmentation by providing predictable long-lasting results after minimally invasive administration. Alternative treatment options for volume enhancement also are summarized including fat transfer, silicone implants, and the use of injectable nonresorbable products such as silicone, polyalkylimide, and polyacrylamide gels. As patients continue to opt for nonsurgical procedures that offer predictable results, the development of minimally invasive products such as hyaluronic acid is increasingly important.

Labile crosslinked hyaluronic acid via urethane formation using bis(β-isocyanatoethyl) disulphide with tuneable physicochemical and immunomodulatory properties

Here, we synthesise a new isocyanate-based crosslinker with the aim of obtaining novel tailored gels. The newly crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gels were analysed in terms of rheological properties, chemical structure, swelling, biocompatibility and immunological response. Results show that the synthesised di-isocyanate outperforms other more conventional di-isocyanates due to its alkyl-based which has been shown to be slower to degrade by hydrolysis than aryl isocyanates. The alkyl-based isocyanate reacts readily with hydroxyl groups on the HA to form stable carbamate crosslinkages. Importantly and uniquely, a centrally located disulphide bond allows versatility with respect to reversible crosslinking and this allows potentially controlled layer-by-layer deposition of the HA for tailored pharmaceutical applications.

Liquid whey protein concentrates as primary raw material for acid dairy gels

The replacement of dehydrated products such as whey protein concentrates and isolates (WPC and WPI) by liquid whey protein concentrates (LWPC) obtained by ultrafiltration can be an excellent alternative for the production of innovative dairy products. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the gelation properties of LWPC as raw material for acid-induced dairy gels. Acid-induced gels were produced with non-defatted LWPC, with or without fortification with skimmed milk powder (SMP), by bacterial fermentation and by glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) acidification. The fermented systems (yogurt type acid gels) produced weaker gel structures than the equivalent chemically acidified gels (dessert type acid gels). It was also observed that molecular rearrangement continues during cold storage and that fortification with SMP favoured gelation. Whey-based dairy gels obtained by fermentation or by glucono-δ-lactone acidification presented viscoelastic behaviour, appealing functional and nutritional properties, and their utilization can effectively contribute to the reduction of waste.

Simultaneous Interpenetrating Polymer Network of Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid as an In Situ-Forming Corneal Defect Filler.

Timely treatment of corneal injuries injury can help to prevent corneal scarring, blindness, and the need for corneal transplantation. This work describes a novel hydrogel that can fill corneal defects and assist in corneal regeneration. This hydrogel is a simultaneous interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composed of collagen cross-linked via strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction and hyaluronic acid cross-linked via thiol-ene Michael click reaction. The formation of the IPN gel was confirmed via FTIR spectra, UV-vis spectra, and morphological changes. We compared the gelation time, mechanical properties, transmittance, and refractive index of the IPN gel to the collagen gel, hyaluronic acid gel, and semi-IPN gel. The IPN combined the advantages of collagen and hyaluronic acid gels and supported corneal epithelial cell growth on its surface. When applied to corneal stromal defects in vivo, the IPN avoided epithelial hyperplasia, decreased stromal myofibroblast formation, and increased tight junction formation in the regenerated epithelium.

Nanoparticulate Gels for Cutaneous Administration of Caffeic Acid.

Caffeic acid is a natural antioxidant, largely distributed in plant tissues and food sources, possessing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties. The object of this investigation was the development of a formulation for caffeic acid cutaneous administration. To this aim, caffeic acid has been loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles by hot homogenization and ultrasonication, obtaining aqueous dispersions with high drug encapsulation efficiency and 200 nm mean dimension, as assessed by photon correlation spectroscopy. With the aim to improve the consistence of the aqueous nanodispersions, different types of polymers have been considered. Particularly, poloxamer 407 and hyaluronic acid gels containing caffeic acid have been produced and characterized by X-ray and rheological analyses. A Franz cell study enabled to select poloxamer 407, being able to better control caffeic acid diffusion. Thus, a nanoparticulate gel has been produced by addition of poloxamer 407 to nanoparticle dispersions. Notably, caffeic acid diffusion from nanoparticulate gel was eight-fold slower with respect to the aqueous solution. In addition, the spreadability of nanoparticulate gel was suitable for cutaneous administration. Finally, the antioxidant effect of caffeic acid loaded in nanoparticulate gel has been demonstrated by ex-vivo evaluation on human skin explants exposed to cigarette smoke, suggesting a protective role exerted by the nanoparticles.

Periodic Dynamic Regulation of MSCs Differentiation on Redox-Sensitive Elastic Switched Substrates.

The biomechanical properties of cell culture substrates can affect cell morphology, cytoskeletal structure, and cell differentiation. However, most of the elastic substrates reported to regulate the behavior of stem cells are often limited to model the static surface, such as providing a constant elasticity modulus for the substrates. In this article, we synthesized a redox-sensitive smart hydrogel with a programmed switchover of elastic substrates in response to glutathione (GSH)/oxidizided glutathione (GSSG) concentration change. The hydrogel is made up of a mixture six-arm poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid gels (6A PECL-SS) and six-arm poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-acryloyl (6A PECL-AC). Under different redox stimulus (+GSH or +GSSG), the redox-sensitive substrate can act as a cross-linked switch to adjust the elasticity modulus. RT-PCR results based on cell culture evaluation indicate that the reversibly controlled elastic substrates cultured on a flat and microgroove surface exhibited good osteoinduction under different inversion frequencies. Therefore, our results indicate that this redox-responsive substrate has great potential in bone tissue engineering.

Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Gels for the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions after a Hysteroscopic Myomectomy in Women with Submucosal Myomas: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), fibrosis, and scarring resulting from damage to the endometrium is a rare but serious clinical disease, contributing to a significant impairment of reproductive function. Uterine instrumentation, especially that of a hysteroscopic myomectomy, has become the main cause of IUA. Therefore, a prospective randomized controlled study to assess the effectiveness and short-term safety of the use of hyaluronic acid gels in the prevention of IUA after a hysteroscopic myomectomy and an evaluation of the characteristics of IUA observed at follow-up are presented here. A total of 70 patients were analyzed at the end of 16 March 2020. The results show that the incidence of IUA in women who underwent a hysteroscopic myomectomy is 21.4% (15/70), overall. Women treated with hyaluronic acid gels have a statistically significantly lower incidence of IUAs than non-treated women (12.8% vs. 39.1%, p = 0.012). In addition, women in the anti-adhesive gel treatment group had a dramatically reduced severity of IUA than women in the no-treatment group (p = 0.002). Further analysis shows that the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification type and the use of anti-adhesive gels are independent factors associated with moderate and severe degrees of IUA formation. The results here highlight the significant therapeutic benefits of the application of hyaluronic acid gels in women undergoing a hysteroscopic myomectomy, especially for those patients with a uterine myoma classified as FIGO type 2. Since the risk of IUA after a hysteroscopic myomectomy is high, especially for patients who have not received prophylactic anti-adhesive gels, the application of hyaluronic acid gels as a prevention strategy is highly recommended. More studies are encouraged to confirm our observation.

Influence of heat treatment of goat milk on casein micelle size, rheological and textural properties of acid gels and set type yoghurts.

Acid gels and yoghurts were made from goat milk that was heated at 72°C/30 s, 85°C/5 min, and 95°C/5 min, followed by acidification with starter culture at 43C until pH 4.6. The rheological and textural properties of acid gels and yoghurts were analyzed using dynamic low amplitude oscillatory rheology and back extrusion texture analysis, respectively. The effect of goat milk heat treatment on the mean casein micelle diameter and protein profile was also determined by dynamic light scattering and SDS PAGE electrophoresis, respectively. The shortest gelation and fermentation time was recorded for yoghurt prepared from milk heated at 85°C/5 min. Also, the pH of gelation, the storage moduli (G') and yield stress were higher for this yoghurt, compared with the other two. Textural properties of goat milk yoghurts such as firmness and consistency were strongly affected by milk heat treatment, and the highest values were recorded for yoghurt produced from milk preheated at 85°C/5 min, as well. The largest casein micelles were measured after 85°C/5 min treatment and their size decreased at higher temperature, despite higher denaturation of whey proteins at the most intense heat regime, indicating the structure changes that influence on the acid gelation.

Gelation of milks of different species (dairy cattle, goat, sheep, red deer, and water buffalo) using glucono-δ-lactone and pepsin

Dynamic low-amplitude oscillatory rheology was used to study the gelation properties of skim milk gels made at 37°C, using glucono-δ-lactone alone (acid gels) or a combination of glucono-δ-lactone and porcine pepsin ("combination gels"). The protein contents of the skim milks increased in the order goat milk < cattle milk < buffalo milk < sheep milk < deer milk, whereas the average casein micelle diameters increased in the order cattle milk < buffalo milk < goat milk < sheep milk ≃ deer milk. The gelation pH (4.55-4.73) of all milks were close to the isoelectric pH (4.6) of casein, except for buffalo milk, which had a significantly higher gelation pH (5.72). The storage moduli (G') of the acid gels increased with time in the milks of all species except for buffalo milk, for which a double peak in G' was observed. The final storage moduli after 6 h (G'final) increased in the order goat milk < cattle milk < sheep milk < deer milk < buffalo milk. In general, for the combination gels, the G'final values and the gelation pH increased to variable extents, except for goat milk. Confocal scanning laser microscopy showed that goat milk and cattle milk formed gels with more open protein networks compared with the dense clustered protein networks of the milks with high protein content (buffalo, sheep, and deer milks). This study indicates that milks from different species respond differently under the action of an acid precursor and pepsin. These results can be used to provide a better understanding of curd making and the digestion properties of noncattle milks.

Effect of seasonal variations on the acid gelation of milk

We investigated the effect of seasonal variations on the acid gelation properties of bovine milk in a seasonal-calving New Zealand herd for 2 full milking seasons. We tested the formation of acid gels in 2 milk systems: unstandardized skim milk and standardized whole milk (4.6% protein, 4.0% fat). For unstandardized skim milk, late-season milk acid gels had a longer gelation time and a lower gelation pH than early- and mid-season milk acid gels, but we found no consistent seasonal variation in the final storage modulus. For standardized milk, late-season milk had the most inferior acid gelation properties during the year, including the lowest final storage modulus, the lowest gelation pH, and the longest gelation time. Standardization alleviated but did not eliminate the prolonged gelation time of late-season milk. These results indicated that the physicochemical properties of seasonal milk contributed greatly to its acid gelation, independent of differences in protein content. Standardization was not adequate to stabilize the acid gelation properties of late-season milk. Desirable acid gelation properties correlated with lower glycosylated κ-casein content, lower β-lactoglobulin:α-lactalbumin ratio, lower extent of whey protein-casein micelle association, and lower total calcium and ionic calcium content. We discuss the possible effects of the correlating variables on the acid gelation properties of seasonal milk. Natural variations in the glycosylation degree of κ-casein might play an important role in acid gel structural development by altering the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions among the milk proteins.

B/N-Codoped Carbon Nanosheets Derived from the Self-Assembly of Chitosan-Amino Acid Gels for Greatly Improved Supercapacitor Performances.

This work presents an efficient strategy for preparing chitosan (CS)-derived boron (B), nitrogen (N)-codoped porous carbon (C) nanosheets by using three amino acids with different acidities and the help of boric acid. Amino acids act not only as a N sources but also as the structure-directing agents through the interaction with CS to induce the formation of special morphology and structure. Boric acid serves both as the B source and as the reactive template, improving activition efficiency to creat more pores. When amino acids with different acidities are added, the morphology of the prepared samples changes from large bulks to thin nanosheets. In particular, the as-prepared carbon formed by a CS-aspartic acid gel precursor shows thin curved nanosheets. After adding KOH and boric acid, the samples possess loose and cross-linked morphologies with porous structure, which is favorable for ion transport and has benefit for the supercapacitor (SC) performance. As a result, the obtained B/N-codoped porous carbons show enhanced electrochemical performance. The sample CS/His-B prepared with basic amino acid shows the superior capacitance of 478 F g-1. Meanwhile, the assembled symmetric SC achieves a maximum energy density of 30.1 Wh kg-1 when the power density is 225.1 W kg-1 and demonstrates an ultralong cycling life for which the retention of capacitance is approximately 100% after 100 000 cycles. The maximum area capacitance is up to 12.7 F cm-1 with 50 mg of active material loaded. For an all-solid-state SC using KOH-polyvinyl alchydroohol (PVA) electrolyte, the device owns a wide potential range of 1.4 V, which shows an excellent maximum energy density of 14.4 Wh kg-1 and still remains 4.4 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 1049.5 W kg-1. B/N-codoped carbon nanosheets derived from the self-assembly of chitosan-amino acid gels represent a promising route for preparing carbon materials for high-performance SCs.

Tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate acid gels: Stabilisation of W/W emulsions

Microstructural, rheological, and textural behaviour of tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate aqueous mixtures and their acid gels were evaluated. Acid gels with different microstructures and texture were obtained. These results can be related to a competition between the protein acid gelation process and the segregative phase separation. Depending on the concentration ratio of both biopolymers, a continuous protein gel network or a water‐in‐water emulsion stabilised by acid gelation was observed. These findings may be used to address the development of new food‐grade gels with different textures and also for the obtention of protein microgels to encapsulate hydrophilic compounds.