Acid Treatment Research Articles

Screening of Germplasm and Construction of Evaluation System for Autotoxicity Tolerance during Seed Germination in Cucumber

Due to the widespread use of intensive cropping patterns, the problem of continuous cropping obstacle, which is dominated by autotoxicity, has been becoming more and more prominent. Although many methods have been proposed to overcome the continuous cropping obstacle of cucumber, no study has reported the screening and evaluation of cucumber germplasm resistant to autotoxicity. In this study, 28 physiological indices related to the cucumber bud stage under cinnamic acid (CA) treatment were determined. In total, 45 cucumber cultivars were classified into three groups using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, and a model for evaluating cucumber resistance to autotoxicity was developed. The evaluation model was validated using autotoxicity-tolerant and non-autotoxicity-tolerant cultivars. The results showed that the growth of non-autotoxicity-tolerant cultivars was significantly inhibited compared to autotoxicity-tolerant cultivars. This indicated that the evaluation model of cucumber autotoxicity tolerance is reliable. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for the application of cucumber autotoxicity-tolerant germplasm resources and the development of autotoxicity-tolerant genes.

Effect of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Addition on the Asphalt Mixtures Performance: ITZ Area, Microstructure, and Chemical Analysis Perspectives

The importance of environmental consciousness and sustainability is increasing among transportation governing bodies worldwide. Many government bodies are concerned with maximizing the usage of recycled substances in road construction. Therefore, assessing the effect of recycled materials consumption is essential, mainly when designing new ‘green’ pavement types. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of different treatments on improving the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of coarse recycled concrete aggregate (CRCA) and its application in asphalt mixes. Such an aim is accomplished by enhancing its physical and mechanical characteristics, as well as its microstructure. The surface morphology, chemical composition, and intermix phases of the ITZ area and calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) compounds for CRCA were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDAX), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The performance of asphalt mixtures that included treated and untreated CRCA was also examined using different tests. It was found that heat treatment is an effective technique for enhancing the ITZ. However, cracks were seen in the mortar of CRCA when exposed to high temperatures (500 °C), which adversely affects the characteristics of the mortar. Acid treatment appeared to be an effective approach for improving the ITZ area. Nevertheless, the treatment that used acetic acid, a weak acid, was more effective than HCl acid, a strong acid. The outcomes revealed that the ITZ microstructure is significantly enhanced under different treatment types; however, microstructure improvements mainly included increased surface homogeneity and CSH compounds and a reduced Ca/Si ratio. It was also found that the asphalt mixtures with different proportions of untreated CRCA exhibited enhanced resistance to rutting. Furthermore, their tensile strength ratio (TSR) values were above the minimal level requirements. Moreover, the asphalt mixture with 30% CRCA, which was treated with various treatment methods, demonstrated a significant improvement in the mixtures’ mechanical properties; therefore, its application is highly successful and an environmentally friendly solution.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Enhance, Whereas Oxidation, Fructosylation, and Low pH Damage High-Density Lipoprotein Biological Functionality.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are key regulators of cellular cholesterol homeostasis but are functionally altered in many chronic diseases. The factors that cause HDL functional loss in chronic disease are not fully understood. It is also unknown what roles antioxidant carotenoids play in protecting HDL against functional loss. The aim of this study was to measure how various disease-associated chemical factors including exposure to (1) Cu2+ ions, (2) hypochlorous acid (HOCL), (3) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), (4) sialidase, (5) glycosidase, (6) high glucose, (7) high fructose, and (8) acidic pH, and the carotenoid antioxidants (9) lutein and (10) zeaxanthin affect HDL functionality. We hypothesized that some of the modifications would have stronger impacts on HDL particle structure and function than others and that lutein and zeaxanthin would improve HDL function. HDL samples were isolated from generally healthy human plasma and incubated with the corresponding treatments listed above. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activity, and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity were measured in order to determine changes in HDL functionality. Median HDL particle diameter was increased by acidic pH treatment and reduced by HOCl, high glucose, high fructose, N-glycosidase, and lutein treatments. Acidic pH, oxidation, and fructosylation all reduced HDL CEC, whereas lutein, zeaxanthin, and sialidase treatment improved HDL CEC. LCAT activity was reduced by acidic pH, oxidation, high fructose treatments, and lutein. PON1 activity was reduced by sialidase, glycosidase, H2O2, and fructose and improved by zeaxanthin and lutein treatment. These results show that exposure to oxidizing agents, high fructose, and low pH directly impairs HDL functionality related to cholesterol efflux and particle maturation, whereas deglycosylation impairs HDL antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin improve or preserve both HDL cholesterol efflux and antioxidant activity but have no effect on particle maturation.

Effect of organic acids on fermentation quality and microbiota of horseshoe residue and corn protein powder

This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of malic acid (MA) and citric acid (CA) on the nutritional composition, fermentation quality, rumen degradation rate, and microbial diversity of a mixture of apple pomace and corn protein powder during ensiling. The experiment used apple pomace and corn protein powder as raw materials, with four groups: control group (CON), malic acid treatment group (MA, 10 g/kg), citric acid treatment group (CA, 10 g/kg), and citric acid + malic acid treatment group (MA, 10 g/kg + CA, 10 g/kg). Each group has 3 replicates, with 2 repetitions in parallel, subjected to mixed ensiling for 60 days. The results indicated: (1) Compared to the CON group, the crude protein content significantly increased in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups (p < 0.05), with the highest content observed in the MA + CA group. The addition of MA and CA effectively reduced the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the CA group showed a decreasing trend in NDFom and hemicellulose content (p = 0.08; p = 0.09). (2) Compared to the CON group, the pH significantly decreased in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups (p < 0.01), and the three treatment groups exhibited a significant increase in lactic acid and acetic acid content (p < 0.01). The quantity of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly (p < 0.01), with the MA + CA group showing a more significant increase than the MA and CA groups (p < 0.05). (3) Compared to the CON group, the in situ dry matter disappearance (ISDMD) significantly increased in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups (p < 0.05). All three treatment groups showed highly significant differences in in situ crude protein disappearance (ISCPD) compared to the CON group (p < 0.01). (4) Good’s Coverage for all experimental groups was greater than 0.99, meeting the conditions for subsequent sequencing. Compared to the CON group, the Shannon index significantly increased in the CA group (p < 0.01), and the Simpson index increased significantly in the MA group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the Chao index among the three treatment groups and the CON group (p > 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Lentilactobacillus in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). PICRUSt prediction results indicated that the metabolic functional microbial groups in the CA and MA treatment groups were significantly higher than in the CON group (p < 0.05), suggesting that the addition of MA or CA could reduce the loss of nutritional components such as protein and carbohydrates in mixed ensilage. In conclusion, the addition of malic acid and citric acid to a mixture of apple pomace and corn protein powder during ensiling reduces nutritional losses, improves fermentation quality and rumen degradation rate, enhances the diversity of the microbial community in ensiled feed, and improves microbial structure. The combined addition of malic acid and citric acid demonstrates a superior effect.

Production of Porous Biochar from Cowdung and its Application

Porous activated carbon (PAC) powder is prepared from solid bio-waste - cow dung samples (CD). UV- Spectroscopy confirms the absorption rate of activated porous biochar at different concentration solutions(in ppm).The activation process is carried out by phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide treatment followed by calcination at different temperature condition. XRD pattern confirms the amorphous phase formation with graphitic nature for different precursor utilization. SEM analysis shows the uniform and hierarchical porous network formation and aggregated particle with tiny. X- ray analysis confirms the formation of graphitic carbon and porous morphology for sample activated at increased calcination temperature. The elemental composition of as prepared carbon samples is determined by SEM and confirms the formation major carbon content existence. The obtained product is observed for the dye removal process wherein the specific amount of PAC is added to the Methylene Blue(MB) dye solutions and the absorption rate is observed through uv-spectroscopy.

Sources and distribution of trace elements in surface snow from coastal Zhongshan Station to Dome A (East Antarctica)

The spatial distribution and possible sources of Al, As, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn were investigated in 120 samples of surface snow collected along a ∼1260 km long traverse from coastal Zhongshan Station to the Antarctic ice sheet summit (Dome A or Dome Argus, at 4093 m a.s.l.). The chemical composition of snow samples was analyzed using microwave-assisted acid treatment with HNO3/HF to determine element concentrations, reflecting their abundance in the Earth's crust. The observed relative concentration pattern of elements in snow suggests a predominant contribution from soil and rock dust particles. The spatial distribution of total element concentrations along the traverse revealed higher values in inland areas compared to coastal areas. The annual deposition flux of elements in each sampling site indicates a significant decreasing trend in Al, Ti, Zn, Fe, Cd, As, and Pb from the coast to inland areas. Significant variations in element concentrations and fluxes observed along the Antarctic traverse suggest a notable influence of distance from the coast on snow deposition patterns. Soil dust from coastal ice-free areas and human activities in scientific stations are the primary sources of analyzed elements in coastal snow, with marine biogenic emissions playing a marginal role, likely contributing to As and Cd. The contribution of sea salt spray to surface snow element concentrations in the East Antarctic traverse is negligible. An analysis of backward trajectories confirmed that long-distance transport from the South American continent and local Antarctic research stations potentially contributes to Antarctic snow elements.

Oral microbiota dysbiosis alters chronic restraint stress-induced depression-like behaviors by modulating host metabolism

Studies have shown that the microbiota-gut-brain axis is highly correlated with the pathogenesis of depression in humans. However, whether independent oral microbiome that do not depend on gut microbes could affect the progression of depression in human beings remains unclear, neither does the presence and underlying mechanisms of the microbiota-oral-brain axis in the development of the condition. Hence this study that encompasses clinical and animal experiments aims at investigating the correlation between oral microbiota and the onset of depression via mediating the microbiota-oral-brain axis. We compared the oral microbial compositions and metabolomes of 87 patients with depressive symptoms versus 70 healthy controls. We found that the oral microbial and metabolic signatures were significantly different between the two groups. Significantly, germ-free (GF) mice transplanted with saliva from mice exposing to chronic restraint stress (CRS) displayed depression-like behavior and oral microbial dysbiosis. This was characterized by a significant differential abundance of bacterial species, including the enrichment of Pseudomonas, Pasteurellaceae, and Muribacter, as well as the depletion of Streptococcus. Metabolomic analysis showed the alternation of metabolites in the plasma of CRS-exposed GF mice, especially Eicosapentaenoic Acid. Furthermore, oral and gut barrier dysfunction caused by CRS-induced oral microbiota dysbiosis may be associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability. Pseudomonas aeruginosa supplementation exacerbated depression-like behavior, while Eicosapentaenoic Acid treatment conferred protection against depression-like states in mice. These results suggest that oral microbiome and metabolic function dysbiosis may be relevant to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of depression. The proposed microbiota-oral-brain axis provides a new way and targets for us to study the pathogenesis of depression.

Formation of metastable phases during spark plasma sintering of Fe@Au core–shell particles

ABSTRACT The present work reports the formation of Fe-Au metastable alloys by galvanic replacement, pressureless spark plasma sintering (SPS) and acid treatment. The reaction of partial galvanic replacement between micrometer-sized iron particles and HAuCl4 solution allowed synthesising core–shell Fe@Au particles. When the Fe@Au particles were treated in HCl solution, iron was selectively dissolved and hollow Au particles were formed. Pressureless SPS of the Fe@Au core–shell particles led to the formation of a metastable intermetallic phase, FeAu3, and a supersaturated solid solution, Au(Fe). The latter was resistant to HCl solution; at the same time, the FeAu3 phase decomposed during HCl treatment to form a porous gold structure. This work shows that a combination of galvanic replacement, SPS and acid treatment can be used for the preparation of metastable Fe-Au alloys with different phase compositions and particle morphologies.

Green Remediation of Pollutions Utilizing Modified Rice Husk by Steam Explosion and Acid Treatment

Green Remediation of Pollutions Utilizing Modified Rice Husk by Steam Explosion and Acid Treatment

Removal and Reoccurrence of LLZTO Surface Contaminants under Glovebox Conditions.

The reactivity of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) solid electrolytes to form lithio-phobic species such as Li2CO3 on their surface when exposed to trace amounts of H2O and CO2 limits the progress of LLZTO-based solid-state batteries. Various treatments, such as annealing LLZTO within a glovebox or acid etching, aim at removing the surface contaminants, but a comprehensive understanding of the evolving LLZTO surface chemistry during and after these treatments is lacking. Here, glovebox-like H2O and CO2 conditions were recreated in a near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy chamber to analyze the LLZTO surface under realistic conditions. We find that annealing LLZTO at 600 °C in this atmosphere effectively removes the surface contaminants, but a significant level of contamination reappears upon cooling down. In contrast, HCl(aq) acid etching demonstrates superior Li2CO3 removal and stable surface chemistry post treatment. To avoid air exposure during the acid treatment, an anhydrous HCl solution in diethyl ether was used directly within the glovebox. This novel acid etching strategy delivers the lowest lithium/LLZTO interfacial resistance and the highest critical current density.

Development of a novel laboratory photodynamic therapy device: automated multi-mode LED system for optimum well-plate irradiation

HighlightsMulti-mode Automated Well-plate PDT LED Laboratory Irradiation System described.Automates and standardizes time-consuming experiments.LED wavelength and temperature stabilized for highly reproducible irradiations.Efficacy demonstrated in 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) treatments of HT-29 colon cancer cells and WI-38 human lung fibroblasts.

Physiological response of Metarhizium rileyi with linoleic acid supplementation

Metarhizium rileyi has a broad biocontrol spectrum but is highly sensitive to abiotic factors. A Colombian isolate M. rileyi Nm017 has shown notorious potential against Helicoverpa zea. However, it has a loss of up to 22 % of its conidial germination after drying, which limits its potential as a biocontrol agent and further commercialization. Conidial desiccation resistance can be enhanced by nutritional supplements, which promotes field adaptability and facilitates technological development as a biopesticide. In this study, the effect of culture medium supplemented with linoleic acid on desiccation tolerance in Nm017 conidia was evaluated. Results showed that using a 2 % linoleic acid-supplemented medium increased the relative germination after drying by 41 % compared to the control treatment, without affecting insecticidal activity on H. zea. Also, the fungus increased the synthesis of trehalose, glucose, and erythritol during drying, independently of linoleic acid use. Ultrastructural analyses of the cell wall-membrane showed a loss of thickness by 22 % and 25 %, in samples obtained from 2 % linoleic acid supplementation and the control, respectively. Regarding its morphological characteristics, conidia inner area from both treatments did not change after drying. However, conidia from the control had a 24 % decrease in length/width ratio, whereas there was no alteration in conidia from acid linoleic. The average value of dry conidia elasticity coefficient from linoleic acid treatment was 200 % above the control. Medium supplementation with linoleic acid is a promising fermentation strategy for obtaining more tolerant conidia without affecting production and biocontrol parameters, compatible solutes synthesis, or modifying its cell configuration.

The effects of zoledronic acid treatment and endurance exercise on ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in Wistar rats

The effects of zoledronic acid treatment and endurance exercise on ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in Wistar rats

Production of sludge biochar by steam pyrolysis and acid treatment: Study of the activation mechanism and its impact on physicochemical properties

This study addresses the preparation of sludge biochar through a procedure that combines steam pyrolysis in a wide range of temperature (500–900 ºC) and acid treatment with HCl (performed before or after the pyrolysis). The acid washing after the pyrolysis maximizes BET surface area due to pore unblocking, thus making visible the pore structure generated. The drawback of the acid washing is the lower yield obtained (compared to the acid pretreatment), as well as the loss of the magnetic properties of sludge biochar. The acid pretreatment requires temperatures above 700 ºC to have a beneficial effect, due to the occurrence of additional reactions of the incorporated HCl with sludge constituents. The pretreatment results in materials with a high degree of microporosity. Among the reactions favoured, of interest is the development of magnetite in the whole temperature range. The activation protocol used in this study (especially the procedure that includes the acid pretreatment) is effective to generate biochar with magnetic properties through the transformation of the Fe introduced during the water treatment process, without adding a source of Fe. The presence of magnetite is an advantage for the reuse of sludge biochars in wastewater treatment.

Introduction of the difluoromethyl group at the meta- or para-position of pyridines through regioselectivity switch

Difluoromethyl pyridines have gained significant attention in medicinal and agricultural chemistry. The direct C−H-difluoromethylation of pyridines represents a highly efficient economic way to access these azines. However, the direct meta-difluoromethylation of pyridines has remained elusive and methods for site-switchable regioselective meta- and para-difluoromethylation are unknown. Here, we demonstrate the meta-C−H-difluoromethylation of pyridines through a radical process by using oxazino pyridine intermediates, which are easily accessed from pyridines. The selectivity can be readily switched to para by in situ transformation of the oxazino pyridines to pyridinium salts upon acid treatment. The preparation of various meta- and para-difluoromethylated pyridines through this approach is presented. The mild conditions used also allow for the late-stage meta- or para-difluoromethylation of pyridine containing drugs. Sequential double functionalization of pyridines is presented, which further underlines the value of this work.

Orbea variegata (L.) Haw in skin carcinogenesis: insights from an in vivo male Swiss mouse model study

ABSTRACT Skin cancer is the most widespread type of malignant tumor representing a major public health concern. Considering the numerous side effects associated with conventional treatments, phytotherapy may be regarded as a viable medicinal alternative. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Orbea variegata (L.) Haw, an ornamental plant, in treating skin cancer using an animal model induced by a combination of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and sulfuric acid treatment. The hydroethanolic extract of Orbea variegata underwent phytochemical characterization, identifying the presence of reducing sugars, coumarins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins through qualitative screening. Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant amounts of phenolic compounds (29.435 ± 0.571 mg GAE/g of dry extract), flavonoids (6.711 ± 0.272 mg QE/g of dry extract), and tannins (274.037 ± 11.3 mg CE/g of dry extract). The administration the hydroethanolic extract in two concentrations (1 or 2 g/kg) to male Swiss mice exhibited no marked adverse effects, as evidenced by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activity levels. In addition, the extract significantly reduced skin hyperplasia and inflammation induced by UV/sulfuric acid treatment as noted in tissue analyses and decreased protein expression of nuclear proliferation marker (Ki-67). This improvement was associated with a marked decrease in oxidative stress, as indicated by diminished lipid peroxidation levels, and restoration of the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) to control levels. Our findings demonstrated the potential of Orbea variegata hydroethanolic extract to be considered as a treatment for skin cancer, exhibiting its apparent safety and efficacy in reducing inflammation and carcinogenesis in a UV/sulfuric acid-induced Swiss mouse model, attributed to its phytochemical content and associated antioxidant activities.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Bx Involved in Benzoxazinoids Biosynthesis Revealed the Roles of DIMBOA during Early Somatic Embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour.

Benzoxazinoids (BXs) are tryptophan-derived indole metabolites and play a role in various physiological processes, such as auxin metabolism. Auxin is essential in the process of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in plants. In this study, we used bioinformatics, transcriptome data, exogenous treatment experiments, and qPCR analysis to study the evolutionary pattern of Bx genes in green plants, the regulatory mechanism of DlBx genes during early SE, and the effect of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazine-3-one (DIMBOA) on the early SE in Dimocarpus longan Lour. The results showed that 27 putative DlBxs were identified in the longan genome; the Bx genes evolved independently in monocots and dicots, and the main way of gene duplication for the DlBx was tandem duplication (TD) and the DlBx were strongly constrained by purification selection during evolution. The transcriptome data indicated varying expression levels of DlBx during longan early SE, and most DlBxs responded to light, temperature, drought stress, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) treatment; qRT-PCR results showed DlBx1, DlBx6g and DlBx6h were responsive to auxin, and treatment with 0.1mg/L DIMBOA for 9 days significantly upregulated the expression levels of DlBx1, DlBx3g, DlBx6c, DlBx6f, DlB6h, DlBx7d, DlBx8, and DlBx9b. The correlation analysis showed a significantly negative correlation between the expression level of DlBx1 and the endogenous IAA contents; DIMBOA significantly promoted the early SE and significantly changed the endogenous IAA content, and the IAA content increased significantly at the 9th day and decreased significantly at the 13th day. Therefore, the results suggested that DIMBOA indirectly promote the early SE by changing the endogenous IAA content via affecting the expression level of DlBx1 and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in longan.

Ca2+-independent ZmCPK2 is inhibited by Ca2+-dependent ZmCPK17 during drought response in maize.

Calcium oscillations are induced by different stresses. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs/CPKs) are one major group of the plant calcium decoders that are involved in various processes including drought response. Some CPKs are calcium-independent. Here, we identified ZmCPK2 as a negative regulator of drought resistance by screening an overexpression transgenic maize pool. We found that ZmCPK2 does not bind calcium, and its activity is mainly inhibited during short term abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, and dynamically changed in prolonged treatment. Interestingly, ZmCPK2 interacts with and is inhibited by calcium-dependent ZmCPK17, a positive regulator of drought resistance, which is activated by ABA. ZmCPK17 could prevent the nuclear localization of ZmCPK2 through phosphorylation of ZmCPK2T60. ZmCPK2 interacts with and phosphorylates and activates ZmYAB15, a negative transcriptional factor for drought resistance. Our results suggest that drought stress-induced Ca2+ can be decoded directly by ZmCPK17 that inhibits ZmCPK2, thereby promoting plant adaptation to water deficit.

The Effect of the PhoP/PhoQ System on the Regulation of Multi-Stress Adaptation Induced by Acid Stress in Salmonella Typhimurium.

Acidic stress in beef cattle slaughtering abattoirs can induce the acid adaptation response of in-plant contaminated Salmonella. This may further lead to multiple resistance responses threatening public health. Therefore, the acid, heat, osmotic and antibiotic resistances of Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC14028) were evaluated after a 90 min adaption in a pH = 5.4 "mild acid" Luria-Bertani medium. Differences in such resistances were also determined between the ∆phoP mutant and wild-type Salmonella strains to confirm the contribution of the PhoP/PhoQ system. The transcriptomic differences between the acid-adapted and ∆phoP strain were compared to explore the role of the PhoP/Q two-component system in regulating multi-stress resistance. Acid adaptation was found to increase the viability of Salmonella to lethal acid, heat and hyperosmotic treatments. In particular, acid adaptation significantly increased the resistance of Salmonella typhimurium to Polymyxin B, and such resistance can last for 21 days when the adapted strain was stored in meat extract medium at 4 °C. Transcriptomics analysis revealed 178 up-regulated and 274 down-regulated genes in the ∆phoP strain. The Salmonella infection, cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) resistance, quorum sensing and two-component system pathways were down-regulated, while the bacterial tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways were up-regulated. Transcriptomics and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that the deletion of the phoP gene resulted in the down-regulation of the expression of genes related to lipid A modification and efflux pumps. These changes in the gene expression result in the change in net negative charge and the mobility of the cell membrane, resulting in enhanced CAMP resistance. The confirmation of multiple stress resistance under acid adaptation and the transcriptomic study in the current study may provide valuable information for the control of multiple stress resistance and meat safety.

EFFECT OF VARIOUS CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF ERYTHRINA VARIEGATA FIBERS: APPLICATION IN EPOXY COMPOSITES

Recently, there has been an increasing trend in utilizing lignocellulosic fiber reinforced composites in structural applications within the construction and automobile industries, replacing conventional materials based on metals and their derivatives. In the present study, Erythrina variegata fibers (EVFs) were subjected to a number of chemical treatments individually (alkalization, benzoyl peroxide, potassium permanganate, and stearic acid treatments). The effects of these chemical treatments on the EVFs were examined through chemical composition analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This comprehensive analysis aimed to assess the suitability of the chemically treated EVFs for use as reinforcement in thermoset polymer matrix composites. The alkali treated fibers (AEVFs) were found as optimum and were then used as reinforcement in epoxy adhesives. Different fiber loadings (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) were incorporated into the epoxy matrix to investigate their effects on the properties of the composites. Therefore, the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and thermal stability of the prepared composites were evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. The findings collectively suggested that the epoxy composites reinforced with 20 wt% of AEVFs exhibited promising characteristics for lightweight structural applications.