Acid Treatment Research Articles

Induction treatments with and without addition of one dose anthracycline to all-trans retinoid acid and arsenic in pediatric non-high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe treatment of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenical agent has revolutionarily improved the prognosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) both in adults and children. Nevertheless, coagulation disorder and differentiation syndrome (DS) are the main causes of early death in APL patients. Early chemotherapy to reduce leukocytes during induction is an important measure to reduce complications and mortality. However, the incidence of hyperleukocytosis (WBC > 10 × 109/L) was significantly higher in pediatric patients without chemotherapy than in adults. Although ATRA plus arsenic is the standard therapy for non-high-risk adult patients, it remains controversial whether chemotherapy is necessary for induction therapy in pediatric APL.MethodsThis study was designed as a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Children with APL were randomly assigned into experimental group (ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy) and control group (ATRA-RIF). The experimental group was treated with ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy for induction, while the control group was treated with ATRA-RIF alone. In addition, both groups received the same regimen of ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy for consolidation and maintenance.DiscussionThis trial aims to compare the efficacy of ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy versus ATRA-RIF in pediatric non-high-risk patients with APL to demonstrate that chemotherapy during induction therapy can reduce the incidence of complications such as hyperleukocytosis and DS, thereby reducing mortality.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ChiCTR2000038877. Registered on October 8, 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=60733. V1.0 date 08/01/2020.

Association between mitophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome in uric acid nephropathy

Objective This study was recruited to investigate the role of mitophagy in activating NLRP3 inflammasome in the kidney of uric acid (UA) nephropathy (UAN) rats. Methods This study developed a uric acid nephropathy (UAN) rat model divided into five groups: Negative control (NC), UAN model (M), UAN + autophagy inhibitor (3-MA), UAN + lysosome inhibitor (CQ), and ROS scavenger (N-acetylcysteine, N). H&E staining assessed renal structure, ROS levels were measured with 2, 7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate, and ELISA measured serum markers (creatinine, UA, cystatin C, NGAL, IL-1β, IL-18). Western blot and qRT-PCR evaluated autophagy and inflammation-related protein (LC3 II/I, p62, Pink1, Parkin, NLRP3, Caspase1, IL-1β) expression. NRK-52E cells treated with uric acid and shRNA were analyzed by western blot. Results Renal injury in UAN rats was aggravated by ROS accumulation, which promoted mitophagy and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome. Eliminating ROS reduced mitophagy, inhibited NLRP3 activation, lowered IL-1β and IL-18 levels, and alleviated renal injury. Notably, inhibiting mitophagy increased ROS accumulation, up-regulated NLRP3, Caspase1, and IL-1β expression, further worsening renal injury. In vitro, uric acid treatment of NRK-52E cells altered autophagy-related protein and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, highlighting the interplay between mitophagy and inflammation in uric acid nephropathy. Conclusion Mitophagy influences renal injury in uric acid nephropathy (UAN) by regulating ROS accumulation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that mitophagy may serve as a potential therapeutic target for UAN.

Effects of Sulfuric and Citric Acid for Slurry Acidification on Winter Wheat Yield, N- and S-Balance

Slurry can be acidified to reduce ammonia emissions during slurry application. As considerable quantities of sulfuric acid are required, a lot of S is applied to the soil. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the additional S supply from sulfuric acid has a positive effect on plant growth by comparing sulfuric acid with citric acid. Furthermore, the fate of the S supplied in excess to the plant requirement was investigated. A field experiment was set up with slurry acidified with sulfuric and citric acid. Yield, N and S concentrations of plant and soil samples on three dates during the growing season were measured. At harvest, grain yield was determined, and the harvested crop was analyzed for N and S concentration. After harvest, soil samples were taken on two further dates and soil mineral N (Nmin) and S (Smin) concentrations were measured. At harvest grain yield and N and S uptake by the grain were the same for the sulfuric and citric acid treatments, but the sulfuric acid treatment had significantly higher Smin levels on all dates. After harvest, Smin was then leached via the 30-60 cm layer into the 60-90 cm layer. The very high S supply from the sulfuric acid used to acidify the slurry did not affect the yield nor the N and S uptake of the wheat. S that enters the soil in excess of the plant requirements is transferred with the leachate to deeper soil layers.

Predictive Modeling for Inactivation of Escherichia coli Biofilm with Combined Treatment of Thermosonication and Organic Acid on Polystyrene Surface

The present study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm effect of combined sonication treatment with organic acids on polystyrene surfaces and to develop a predictive model for the inactivation of Escherichia coli biofilms. Polystyrene plates containing E. coli biofilms were subjected to sonication using different inactivation solutions (PBS, lactic acid, and acetic acid) at varying temperatures (20 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C) and durations (2 and 5 min). The effects of temperature, treatment duration, and inactivation solution on E. coli biofilm removal were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The use of organic acids, along with increased treatment time and temperature, led to a significant reduction in viable cell counts (0.43–6.21 log CFU/mL) and optical density (0.13–0.72 at OD600) of E. coli biofilms (p < 0.05). The highest E. coli biofilm inactivation, with a reduction of 6.21 CFU/mL and 0.72 OD, was achieved by combining organic acid and thermosonication at 50 °C for 5 min. A significant positive correlation was observed between test methods based on viable cell count and optical density (OD) measurements. According to multiple linear regression analysis results, the R2 values of the predictive models for biofilm inactivation, based on viable cell count and OD measurements, were 0.84 and 0.80, respectively. Due to its higher accuracy, the predictive model developed using viable cell count data is recommended for applications in the food industry and processing sectors.

Multi-stimuli actuation of a photoresponsive azobenzene based molecular switch.

There has been considerable interest in building switching functions into self-assembled monolayers with switching actuated by external stimuli such as light, electrical current, heat, pressure or chemical changes. In this study, dual switching functionality has been built into azobenzene based molecular monolayers. Switching behaviour has been compared for unsubstituted azobenzene monolayer adsorbates and two other monolayers whose ortho position on the terminal phenyl group is substituted by ethyl and isopropyl chains, respectively. The dual molecular switching functionality with light or protonation actuation is compared. EGaIn contacts to the monolayers have been used to record the J-V curves and characterize the on/off switching. This is complemented with further characterization by transition voltage spectroscopy (TVS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), water contact angle determination, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and theoretical computations. It is concluded that side chains (the ethyl and isopropyl groups) are able to decouple neighbouring azobenzene adsorbates which promotes the photo-efficiency of isomerisation and switching. In addition, acid treatment is also applied to these three molecular layers to try to achieve dual stimuli actuation. The absorption wavelength of the azobenzene moiety red shifts by ∼100 nm for all the three protonated molecules. In the case of the unsubstituted azobenzene, its triggering wavelength is totally reversed once it is protonated. A logic truth table has been constructed for the SAM device, which shows that the simple azobenzene molecular layers exhibit the behaviour of an 'AND' logic gate which uses blue light and acid as two inputs.

The role of omega-3 fatty acids in acute pancreatitis.

Prior observational studies have reported the potential protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the prognosis of acute pancreatitis. However, the causal impact of omega-3 fatty acids on acute pancreatitis is unclear. We aimed to investigate further the association of omega-3 fatty acids with acute pancreatitis. We performed a meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the association between omega-3 fatty acids and the prognosis of acute pancreatitis from clinical observation and genetics perspectives, respectively. 9 randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The result meta-analysis showed that complementary therapy of omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased mortality (RR: 0.30; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.65, P＜0.05) and infectious complications in acute pancreatitis (RR: 0.45; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.77, P＜0.05). Compared to the control groups, the hospital stays (MD: -1.02; 95% CI -1.85 to -0.20, P＜0.05) in acute pancreatitis patients with omega-3 fatty acids treatment were statistically reduced. However, the ICU stay (MD: -0.49; 95% CI -1.29 to -0.31, P＞0.05) between control groups and acute pancreatitis patients with omega-3 fatty acids treatment was insignificant. Utilizing genetic susceptibility analysis in the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, the MR showed omega-3 fatty acids have a significant causal effect on the acute pancreatitis risk (OR, 0.887; 95% CI, 0.797-0.986, P = 0.027, fixed-effect; OR, 0.887; 95% CI, 0.792-0.993, P = 0.037, random-effect). Omega-3 fatty acids complementary therapy may improve the prognosis of acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, genetically predicted serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids can significantly lower acute pancreatitis risk.

Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acid as an Alternative to Promote the Rooting of Persimmon Rootstock Shoot Cuttings.

Organic acids are naturally present in plants and exert a positive influence on plant development, which justifies surveying their potential effect on adventitious root (AR) formation. In this study, 0.0298 mol/L (4000 mg/L) of malic acid and 0.0267 mol/L (4000 mg/L) of tartaric acid were used to explore the effects of low-molecular-weight organic acid on the rooting of persimmon rootstock Diospyros lotus L. during cutting propagation. After organic acid treatment, the rooting percentage and the survival rate significantly increased, accompanied by a greater development of lateral roots. Anatomical analysis revealed that Diospyros lotus L. exhibits characteristics that induce root primordia, and organic acid treatment can enhance the differentiation of root primordia. Furthermore, treatment with organic acid led to a substantial decrease in soluble sugar and starch contents, along with a slight increase in soluble protein content during early cutting stages. Additionally, the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content peaked in the early stages of AR formation and was significantly higher than that of the control, while abscisic acid (ABA) levels exhibited the opposite trend. Comparatively, gibberellic acid (GA3) remained at extremely low levels throughout the rooting process in the organic acid groups compared to the control. In conclusion, the current study uncovers the anatomical structure over time during AR formation, revealing the dynamic changes in the related main nutrients and hormones and providing new ideas and a new practical approach for improving root regeneration in persimmon rootstock cuttings.

Usability of 'Pink Pearl' 'Aiolos' and 'Blue Jacket' Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L.) varieties with Pre- and Postharvest Boric Acid Application as Cut Flowers

The study aimed to investigate the effect of boric acid (BA) treatments on availability of 'Pink Pearl' 'Aiolos' and 'Blue Jacket' hyacinth varieties as cut flower. For this purpose, 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm boric acid doses were applied to hyacinths in pre- and post- harvest period. Boric acid (BA) was sprayed to leaves before harvest, while mixed into vase solution after harvest. The potted hyacinth plants were placed in a high plastic tunnel after stratification. The temperature in plastic tunnel kept at 18-20 oC during the cultivation. Pre-harvest treatments were performed as spraying prepared BA solutions to the leaves when the leaves reached to full size. During the vegetation period, the qualitative and quantitative parameters such as total leaf number, spike stalk length, leaf color (L* and hue (ho)), leaf chlorophyll (SPAD) value, total floret number, leaf length, total plant length, and total blooming spike number were measured. After harvest, hyacinth plants were placed in vase solution and monitored for post-harvest strength under 12 hours light/12 hours dark photoperiod conditions. Water uptake, the spike stalk length, and the vase longevity of the spike were observed during the vase life period. The BA treatments did not show any significant effect on the vase life of the hyacinth spike. The 150-ppm BA, however, improved leaf quality by increasing leaf chlorophyll and ho values while decreasing L* values. In conclusion, it can be suggested that the ‘Aiolos’ cultivar has a potential as cut flower due to its longer plants and flower stems both in pre- and post-harvest period, as well as its longer vase life. Among the BA applications, it was concluded that the 100 ppm application is a viable option for increasing water uptake and reducing weight loss during the vase period.

Tunable Electronic and Optical Properties of Hydrogenated MoO3 Films by Metal–Acidic Ionic Liquid Treatment

Tunable Electronic and Optical Properties of Hydrogenated MoO3 Films by Metal–Acidic Ionic Liquid Treatment

Metal Doping Enabling Defective CoMo-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets as Highly Efficient Photosensitizers for NIR-II Photodynamic Cancer Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is attracting widespread attention as a promising strategy for tumor treatment. However, the efficacy of PDT is severely limited by the insufficient tissue penetration depth of the light source and low reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency. Herein, the metal doping strategy is reported to construct a series of defect-rich M-doped amorphous CoMo-layered double hydroxide (a-M-CoMo-LDH, M = Mn, Cu, Al, Ni, Mg, Zn) photosensitizers (PSs) for NIR-II PDT. Especially, M-doped CoMo-LDH nanosheets are synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method and then etched by acid treatment to prepare defect-rich a-M-CoMo-LDH nanosheets. Under NIR-II 1270 nm laser irradiation, the defect-rich a-Zn-CoMo-LDH nanosheets exhibit the optimal PDT performance compared with other a-M-CoMo-LDH nanosheets, and also possess much higher ROS production activity (3.9 times) than that of the pristine a-CoMo-LDH, with a singlet oxygen quantum yield up to 1.86, which is the highest among all the reported PSs. After polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification, the a-Zn-CoMo-LDH-PEG nanosheets can function as an effective inorganic PS for PDT, effectively inducing cell apoptosis in vitro and eradicating tumors in vivo. Notably, transcriptome sequencing analysis and further molecular validation highlight the critical role of the apoptotic/p53/AMPK/oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathways in a-Zn-CoMo-LDH-PEG-induced cancer cell apoptosis.

Circadian Rhythm Enhances mTORC1/AMPK Pathway-Mediated Milk Fat Synthesis in Dairy Cows via the Microbial Metabolite Acetic Acid.

Livestock may respond differently to circadian rhythms, leading to differences in the composition of the animal products. Nevertheless, the circadian effects on rumen microorganisms and animal products are poorly understood. In the study, it was found that dairy cows exhibited increased milk fat levels, decreased acetic acid concentrations in the rumen fluid, and elevated acetic acid levels in the blood during the night compared to those of the day. Correlational analyses suggested a high association between Succiniclasticum, Lactobacillus, Prevotellacene NK3B31_group, Muribaculaceae_unclassified, etc., which were significantly enriched in rumen fluid at night, and milk fat levels. The differential metabolite Vitamin B6, significantly elevated at night, promoted the translocation of acetic acid into the circulation by increasing the level of rumen epithelial MCT1 protein expression. In addition, we found that both acetic acid treatment time and dose modulated the expression of lipid metabolism transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP1c) and downstream genes (FASN, SCD1, ACCα, and CPT1A). Additionally, the mTORC1 and AMPK pathways were responsible for the effects of acetic acid on transcription factors and genes involved in lipid metabolism. Differences in rumen microbial taxa were observed between the day and night. Microbial metabolite (acetic acid) was found to be absorbed into the bloodstream and entered the mammary gland at night at a significantly elevated level. This regulation impacted the expression of lipid metabolism-related transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and SREBP1c), as well as downstream genes through the mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways, ultimately affecting milk fat synthesis. These findings provide a new perspective for the microbial regulation of milk synthesis.

Catalytic Ozonation of Formaldehyde with an Oxygen-Vacancy-Rich MnOx/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst at Room Temperature

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is known as one of the important indoor organic pollutants. How to remove and decompose the low concentration of formaldehyde at room temperature is important for indoor environments. Catalytic ozonation is an efficient method to thoroughly remove HCHO at room temperature, with high efficiency and few byproducts. A series of MnOx/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were prepared in this work via the impregnation method and treated with different reagents (acid, alkali, and H2O2) to evaluate their catalytic activity for HCHO removal. The results showed that MnAl-II (acid treatment) performed well in activity tests, reaching a nearly 100% HCHO conversion at an O3/HCHO of 2.0 and attaining a CO2 selectivity of above 95% at an O3/HCHO of 3.0 at 30 °C, with almost no ozone residual existing. The larger specific surface area, abundant oxygen vacancies, and higher number of acid sites contributed to the excellent performance of MnAl-II. Stability and H2O resistance tests of MnAl-II were also conducted. To reveal the intermediate product formation and further investigate the reaction mechanism of HCHO ozonation, in-situ DRIFTS measurement was carried out combined with DFT calculations.

Targeting acetylated high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and toll-like receptor (TLR4) interaction to alleviate hypertension and neuroinflammation in fructose-fed rats.

Our previous study reported that fructose intake increased systemic blood pressure and reduced nitric oxide (NO) in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) due to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. However, it remains unclear how reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduce NO and how this process impacts neuroinflammation in the NTS. This study aimed at investigating the effect of ROS on acetylation of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in the NTS of fructose-induced hypertensive rats. Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were fed with 10% fructose water to elevate blood pressure. Thereafter, CLI-095 and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) treatments were delivered for up to 2weeks (1mg·12 μL-1·day-1, by intracerebroventricular injection) to reduce the negative effects of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and HMGB1 activation. Two weeks of CLI-095 and GA treatment reduced systemic blood pressure and significantly preserved neuronal and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and eNOS) availability against the inflammatory insults of fructose consumption. Both CLI-095 and GA halted the interaction of acetylated HMGB1 and TLR4. Two weeks of CLI-095 and GA treatment markedly reduced NTS inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation) and lowered serum norepinephrine levels. Our data reveal novel pharmacological properties for CLI-095 and GA, which improved blood pressure and inflammatory conditions by decreasing the interaction of acetylated HMGB1 with TLR4. These findings challenge the commonly accepted dogma that essential hypertension is specifically mediated by neuroinflammation due to acetylated HMGB1 coupling to TLR4.

Exploring ultraviolet and nitrous acid-induced mutagenesis of Rhizopus oligosporus for extracellular inulinase production under solid-state culture.

This study details the synthesis and optimization of extracellular inulinase through solid-state fermentation using improved strain of Rhizopus oligosporus. The wild-type was procured from IIB culture bank and subsequently enhanced through UV-radiation and Nitrous acid treatments. The resulting mutant strain was subjected to further optimization for heightened enzyme production via solid-state fermentation. The substrate, pressmud (20g), and moisture content (20 mL molasses) were carefully selected. Key parameters such as inoculum size, incubation time, and inulin concentration were optimized to maximize enzyme yield. Mutation procedures involved optimizing spore suspension, UV-radiation exposure duration, and the distance of culture plate from UV rays. Nitrous acid treatment, followed by resistance development using L-cysteine HCl, further refined the mutant strains. Evaluation through UV-Vis spectrophotometry and comprehensive characterization using SEM, FTIR, and XRD were conducted to compare the results between the wild-type and mutant strains. The mutant strain exhibited significantly higher inulinase activity (111 ± 0.49 U/ml) as compared to its wild-type counterpart (59 ± 0.65 U/ml), indicating successful enhancement through the applied mutation techniques. The molecular weight of the inulinase enzyme produced from mutant strain and wild-type was 83 and 86kDa respectively. These findings suggest potential industrial applications of the improved strain in various biotechnological processes.

Effect of oxidation of End-of-Life Tire Rubber as Aggregate Substitute in Cement Mortars.

In this paper the possible use of end-of-life tire rubber as a substitute for aggregate in cement mortars was explored. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of rubber surface modification by acidic treatment on the final properties of mortars. In fact, through treatment with sulfuric acid at moderate concentrations, a significant improvement in rubber wettability and interaction with cement has been observed. The compressive strength of mortars containing 15%w treated rubber as a replacement of natural aggregate is comparable to those of standard mortars. This suggests that surface modification of rubber plays a very important role in the possible integration of end-of-life tire rubber in mortar and concrete. The results presented in this paper confirm that recycling in mortar and concrete is a promising way for improving rubber waste management and sustainable innovation in the construction industry.

Synergistic removal of tetracycline hydrochloride by nano-MnOx/NCF composite fiber (MNCs) catalysts via heterogeneous peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation

Nnano-MnOx/NC composite fibers (MNCs) has been successfully prepared by the calcination treatment of Mn-Nitrilotriacetic acid (Mn-NTA) fibers precursor that are synthesized by hydrothermal method. The in-situ formed nano-MnOx is adhered to the N doped carbon nanofibers. The as-prepared MNCs fibers are employed as catalyst to decompose tetracyclines hydrochloride (TCH) by activating peroxymonosulfate. Compared with other MNCs catalyst, the synergistic effect of Mn3O4 and N-doping carbon in MNC-700 during the catalytic process endows MNC/PMS system with the superior mineralization capacity for TCH degradation with less amount of catalyst and PMS. Quenching experiments and EPR tests confirm that the oxidative degradation of TCH involves radical and non-radical route. Multiple reactive oxygen species (SO4−, OH, and 1O2) contribute to the degradation of TCH. Our research offers an effective strategy for the TCH degradation through PMS activation using the composite fibers of MnOx and N doped carbon.

Development and validation of hydrophobic molded pulp nursery pots made of hemp hurd

Biodegradable nursery pots (BNPs) composed of 50 % hemp hurd and 50 % recycled cardboard fibers (w/w dry basis) were produced using a custom-built handheld molded pulp device. Milling followed by sequential peracetic acid and sodium hydroxide delignification treatment reduced lignin content of hemp hurd from 23.76 % to 2.39 %, liberating cellulose and hemicellulose fibers for enabling the formation of interfiber interactions in molded pulp formulations. Beeswax and precipitated calcium carbonate based hydrophobic coating at ~10 μm thickness significantly enhanced hydrophobicity of the BNPs, as indicated by the surface contact and sliding angle of 116.25° and 34.82°, respectively. Anaerobic biodegradability of BNP was confirmed via carbon dioxide and methane gas accumulation measurements. Developed BNPs were successfully validated through an eleven week greenhouse planting trial. This study introduced a new biodegradable molded pulp formulation made from hemp hurd and validated its application as an alternative to single use plastic nursery pots for growing seedlings.

Sequential Carboxylic Acid and Ammonium Hydroxide Treatments for Zeolites: Enhancing CO2 Adsorption under Humid Conditions

Sequential Carboxylic Acid and Ammonium Hydroxide Treatments for Zeolites: Enhancing CO2 Adsorption under Humid Conditions

Synergistic flocculation performance and underlying mechanisms of a novel bioflocculant flocan with coagulant iron salt

Flocculation is an integral part of wastewater treatment units and various flocculants have been employed to strengthen the flocs formation and produce clean water. Natural polysaccharides have been employed as eco-friendly bioflocculants for the treatment of turbid water. In the study, flocan is a named exopolysaccharide (EPS) isolated from a coastal mudflat with a high yield of 8.3g/L. Flocan consisted of glucose, mannose, galactose, and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 2:3:1:1, along with pyruvate modifications. As the bioflocculant agent, flocan exhibited more than 85% removal efficiency in kaolin suspension in terms of a concentration of 10mg/L at pH 3. The addition of iron salts with flocan showed high flocculation efficiency in acidic kaolin suspension (99.37%) and acidic coal wastewater (99.44%). The carboxyl/hydroxyl groups and branched structure of flocan provided ionic interactions and promoted higher bridging between bioflocculants and negatively charged particles. Coagulants FeCl3 enhanced the flocculating activity via neutralizing and stabilizing the residual negative charge of functional groups. Treatment with EDTA decreased the ionic interactions and reversed the flocculation significantly. Compared with the current bioflocculants, the superior production, low dosage, and excellent flocculating activity implied that flocan showed great potential in acidic wastewater treatment industrially. The coagulants/bioflocculants combination appears to be a promising and sustainable technology for wastewater flocculation.

Improved textural properties of transglutaminase treated milk acid gel: Influence of citric acid

Keeping the stability of yogurt during the fermentation, storage and transportation process is necessary to reduce the syneresis. To achieve this goal, the combination of the acid treatment and transglutaminase (TG) was proposed to improve the textural properties of milk acid gels. We investigated the synergistic effect of acid treatment and TG on the water holding capacity (WHC) and physical stability of milk acid gels. As the pH of the skimmed milk decreased from 6.7 to 5.2, the casein micelles dissociated into smaller particles, exposing more site for the crosslinking of TG. The WHC and stability of the TG-treated acid gels were significantly enhanced as the particle size of casein micelles decreased. Our results suggested that the combination of the treatment of acid and TG could significantly improve the textural properties of milk acid gels by the dissociation of casein micelles induced and increase in the covalent-crosslinking. This study provided a simple and novel method to improve the stability of the milk gels, which showed enormous potential for dairy processing.