Acid Blends Research Articles

Structure and properties of chlorogenic acid-loaded polylactide fiber prepared by melt spinning

Polylactide/chlorogenic acid (PLA/CGA) blends with different weight ratios were prepared by melt mixing, and corresponding PLA/CGA fibers were produced via a two-step melt spinning process. For PLA/CGA blends, CGA was distributed uniformly in the PLA matrix. The intermolecular interactions between CGA and PLA existed. The viscosity of PLA/CGA blends was much lower than that of neat PLA. With the increase of CGA content, the viscosity of PLA/CGA blends decreased. As the CGA content increased, the crystallinity of both PLA/CGA blends and fibers decreased. In addition, the tensile strength of PLA/CGA fibers was slightly lower than that of neat PLA fiber. For PLA/CGA fibers, the 6-fold drawn PLA/CGA fiber with 3 % CGA owned the highest tensile strength of 420 MPa. The ultraviolet (UV) resistance of PLA/CGA fibers were enhanced significantly by the introduction of CGA. When the CGA content was not <3 %, the UV transmittance of PLA/CGA fibers was <8 %. Moreover, PLA/CGA fibers exhibited good antioxidant properties. PLA/CGA fibers with 10 % CGA owned the highest antioxidant rate of >90 %. In addition, the 6-fold drawn PLA/CGA fiber with 10 % CGA presented excellent release performance with a 7-day cumulative CGA release rate of 19 %.

Super-tough polylactic acid blends via tunable dynamic vulcanization of biobased polyurethanes

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biobased plastic with biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high-strength properties; however, its inherent brittleness limits its widespread application. Toughness can be improved by physical blending, chemical copolymerization, and reactive blending of PLA with flexible components. As highly engineered block polymers, polyurethanes (PUs) can improve the toughness of PLA through physical blending or in situ polymerization. However, current research on PU-toughened PLA is hindered by poor compatibility, toughening, and dependence on petrochemical resources. Therefore, to address these issues, we developed a novel biobased millable polyurethane (PO3G-MPU) containing unsaturated double bonds and used it to toughen PLA via peroxide-initiated dynamic vulcanization. The results showed that balancing toughness and strength is possible, with the notched impact strength and tensile strength of the prepared PLA/MPU blends reaching 59.01 kJ/m2 and 43.97 MPa, respectively. The massive shear yielding and plastic deformation of the PLA matrix induced by the crosslinked PO3G-MPU were responsible for the main toughening mechanism. These results provide a new perspective on research on PU-toughened PLA.

Properties of polylactic acid blends with potato thermoplastic starch using maleated polyethylene as a compatibilizer

AbstractIn this study, blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and potato thermoplastic starch (TPS) with and without maleated polyethylene (MAPE) as a compatibilizer were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion followed by compression molding. Different formulations were proposed based on an experimental design to determine the concentration of each component for a specific range of composition: 49%–79% of PLA, 20%–50% of TPS, and 0.5%–2% of MAPE. As a first step, the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) were used to determine the best performance of these formulations. Then, the mechanical results were used in an objective function to maximize the blends' properties compared to virgin PLA. The optimal formulation was found to be 67.5% PLA, 32.0% TPS, and 0.5% MAPE. Selected formulations were characterized for their thermal, morphological, and water absorption properties. The results show the possibility of producing sustainable polymers for single‐use applications.

Effect of organic acid blend on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and blood indices of growing turkeys

Organic acid is a viable alternative to antibiotics used to control the spread of infection and manage disease outbreak in poultry production since antibiotics was banned due to its hazardous residual effect in human health. Organic acid blend introduced in the diets of turkey and the effect on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and blood indices were investigated. The organic acid blend (Fysal-MP, Selko brand, Netherlands used in this study comprise of a blend of sorbic, formic, acetic, lactic, propionic, citric, silicic acid and ammonium formate. Eighty (80) 4-week old turkeys weighing 1.04 ± 0.01 kg were assigned on weight equalization basis to four dietary treatments comprising of basal diet (control), diets supplemented with 2, 3, and 4 g/kg organic acid blend. Each treatment were replicated four times with five turkeys per replicate. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. In overall, dietary supplementation with 4 g/kg organic acid resulted in increased (p&lt;0.05) final liveweight, weight gain, feed intake and improved (p&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio. Grower turkeys fed diet supplemented with organic acid irrespective of the inclusion levels recorded increased (p&lt;0.05) apparent dry matter, ether extract, crude fibre and ash digestibility. Highest (p&lt;0.05) total serum protein, globulin, glucose and the least (p&lt;0.05) total serum cholesterol and triglyceride were recorded with starter turkeys fed diet supplemented with 4 g/kg organic acid blend. Dietary supplementation with 4 g/kg organic acid at the grower phase resulted in the least (p&lt;0.05) low-density lipoprotein. Dietary supplementation of diets with 3g/kg organic acid blend improved the final live weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, dry matter, fat digestibility and suggested immune stimulatory effects in starting turkeys. However at the grower phase, dietary supplementation with 4 g/kg organic acid blend showed improved growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and serum chemistry. L'acide organique est une alternative viable aux antibiotiques utilisés pour contrôler la propagation des infections et gérer les épidémies dans la production avicole, puisque les antibiotiques ont été interdits en raison de leurs effets résiduels dangereux sur la santé humaine. Un mélange d'acides organiques introduit dans l'alimentation des dindes et leur effet sur les performances de croissance, la digestibilité apparente des nutriments et les indices sanguins ont été étudiés. Le mélange d'acides organiques (Fysal-MP, marque Selko, Pays-Bas) utilisé dans cette étude comprend un mélange d'acide sorbique, formique, acétique, lactique, propionique, citrique, silicique et de formiate d'ammonium. Quatre-vingt (80) dindes âgées de 4 semaines pesant 1,04 ± 0,01 kg ont été assignées, sur la base d'une égalisation du poids, à quatre traitements alimentaires comprenant un régime de base (témoin), des régimes complétés avec 2, 3 et 4 g/kg de mélange d'acides organiques. Chaque traitement a été répété quatre fois avec cinq dindes par répétition. Les données obtenues ont été soumises à une analyse de variance dans une conception complètement randomisée. Dans l'ensemble, une supplémentation alimentaire avec 4 g/kg d'acide organique a entraîné une augmentation (p &lt; 0,05) du poids vif final, un gain de poids, une consommation alimentaire et une amélioration (p &lt; 0,05) du taux de conversion alimentaire. Les dindes d'élevage nourries avec un régime enrichi en acide organique, quels que soient les niveaux d'inclusion, ont enregistré une augmentation (p &lt; 0,05) de la matière sèche apparente, de l'extrait d'éther, des fibres brutes et de la digestibilité des cendres. Les protéines sériques totales, les globulines, le glucose les plus élevées (p &lt; 0,05) et les taux de cholestérol et de triglycérides sériques totaux les plus faibles (p &lt; 0,05) ont été enregistrés chez des dindes de démarrage nourries avec un régime enrichi de 4 g/kg de mélange d'acides organiques. Une supplémentation alimentaire avec 4 g/kg d'acide organique au cours de la phase de croissance a entraîné la production du moins (p &lt; 0,05) de lipoprotéines de basse densité. La supplémentation alimentaire des régimes avec un mélange d'acides organiques de 3 g/kg a amélioré le poids vif final, le gain de poids, le taux de conversion alimentaire, la matière sèche, la digestibilité des graisses et a suggéré des effets immunostimulants chez les dindes en démarrage. Cependant, au stade de croissance, une supplémentation alimentaire avec un mélange d'acides organiques de 4 g/kg a montré une amélioration des performances de croissance, de la digestibilité apparente des nutriments et de la chimie du sérum.

Study on the onset mechanism of bio-blister degradation of polyolefin by diatom attachment in seawater

It is essential to develop a mechanism for lowering the molecular weight of polyolefins to achieve biodegradation in seawater. In this study, a polypropylene/polylactic acid blend sample was first subjected to photodegradation pretreatment, and it was confirmed that in pure water, the acid generated promotes the polypropylene degradation (autoxidation), while in alkaline seawater, the promotion was inhibited by a neutralization reaction. In the autoxidation of polyolefins in alkaline seawater, aqueous Cl− was also the inhibitor. However, we found that autoxidation could be initiated even in seawater by lowering the pH and using dissociation of ClOH (called blister degradation). The blister degradation mechanism enabled autoxidation, even in seawater, by taking advantage of the ability of diatoms to secrete transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) to prevent direct contact between the surface layer of polyolefins and alkaline seawater. We named blister degradation in seawater with diatoms as bio-blister degradation and confirmed its manifestation using linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/starch samples by SEM, IR, DSC and GPC analysis.

Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(lactic acid) blends containing bio‐based plasticizers

AbstractThe bio‐based plasticizers‐glycerol and lactic acid were used to plasticize and compatibilize PVA/PLA blends during melt blending process. It was confirmed that lactic acid significantly improved the compatibility between glycerol‐plasticized PVA and PLA. Compared with pure PVA, the melting and crystallization temperatures and crystallinities decreased but the crystal form of PVA in the blends was not changed. The thermal stabilities of PVA/glycerol (G)/lactic acid (L)/PLA blends were better than PVA/G/PLA blends. Compared to PVA/G/PLA blends, the tensile and tear strength of PVA/G/L/PLA blends were improved, however, elongation at break decreased. The water absorptions and water vapor permeances of the blends decreased with the addition of hydrophobic PLA, but they increased by incorporation of hygroscopic lactic acid. The surface resistivities of the blends augmented in combination with PLA but declined by adding lactic acid. The melt flow rates of PVA/G/PLA blends were better than PVA/G/L/PLA blends because lactic acid enhanced the interactions among the components. After the addition of lactic acid, the transmittances of the blends increased due to the refined dispersed phases by the compatibilization. The compatibility between the components was predicated by Hansen solubility parameters. These blends showed potential as a novel barrier material for food and medicine packages.Highlights PVA, glycerol, and PLA blends were compatibilized by lactic acid. The melting temperatures decreased with addition of glycerol and lactic acid. The tensile and tear strengths were enhanced with addition of PLA and lactic acid. The hydrophobicity, melt fluidity, and surface resistivity were improved by PLA.

Investigating bacteriophages as a novel multiple-hurdle measure against Campylobacter: field trials in commercial broiler plants

Campylobacter mitigation along the food production chain is considered effective for minimizing the public health burden of human campylobacteriosis. This study is the first combining different measures in a multiple-hurdle approach, using drinking water additives and feed additives in single and combined application schemes in commercial broiler plants. Broiler chickens in the study groups were naturally contaminated with Campylobacter. Application of an organic acid blend via drinking water, consisting of sodium propionate, potassium sorbate, and sodium diacetate, resulted in significant reductions of up to 4.9 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples and in cecal samples at slaughter. The application of a phage mixture, consisting of Fletchervirus phage NCTC 12673 and Firehammervirus phage vB_CcM-LmqsCPL1/1, resulted in reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples 1 day after dosing. The sole administration of curcumin via feed resulted in small and inconsistent reductions. In the group receiving a combination of all tested measures, reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL were observed. Based on the results of our field trials, it was shown that both the sole application and the combined application of mitigation measures in primary production can reduce the Campylobacter load in broiler chickens, while no synergism could be observed.

Long-acting anti-inflammatory injectable DEX-Gel with sustained release and self-healing properties regulates TH1/TH2 immune balance for minimally invasive treatment of allergic rhinitis

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent immune-related allergic disease, and corticosteroid nasal sprays serve as the primary treatment for this patient population. However, their short duration of efficacy and frequent administration pose challenges, leading to drug wastage and potential adverse effects. To overcome these limitations, we devised a novel approach to formulate DEX-Gel by incorporating dexamethasone (DEX) into a blend of Pluronic F127, stearic acid (SA), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) to achieve sustained-release treatment for AR.ResultsFollowing endoscopic injection into the nasal mucosa of AR rats, DEX-Gel exhibited sustained release over a 14-day period. In vivo trials employing various assays, such as flow cytometry (FC), demonstrated that DEX-Gel not only effectively managed allergic symptoms but also significantly downregulated helper T-cells (TH) 2 and TH2-type inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukins 4, 5, and 13). Additionally, the TH1/TH2 cell ratio was increased.ConclusionThis innovative long-acting anti-inflammatory sustained-release therapy addresses the TH1/TH2 immune imbalance, offering a promising and valuable approach for the treatment of AR and other inflammatory nasal diseases.Graphical

Toward exclusive stereocomplex crystallization of high-molecular-weight poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(D-lactic acid) blends with outstanding heat resistance via incorporating selective nucleating agents

In high molecular weight poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(D-lactic acid) (HMW PLLA/PDLA) blends, the construction of exclusive stereocomplex crystals (SC) with high crystallinity and strong melt memory remains a great challenge. In the present study, various norbornene dicarboxylate complexes (TMXNa, Mg, Al, or Ca) were employed as the stereo-selective nucleating agents (NAs), and their effect on the crystallization characteristics, rheological behavior, and heat resistance of PLLA/PDLA blends were thoroughly studied. Strikingly, TMX-Al facilitated the construction of exclusive SC with over 50 % crystallinity and excellent melt memory. The dense SC crystals network structure boosted the heat resistance of L/D-xAl blends with a VST as high as 145 °C. The strengthened intermolecular interaction fostered the generation of pre-ordered structure in the melt and enhanced chain interdiffusion, which contributed to intermolecular nucleation and SC crystallization in L/D-xAl blend. This study opens up a new avenue for melt processing and application development of SC-PLA materials.

Blend of organic acids improves gut morphology and affects inflammation response in piglets after weaning

Weaning is a stressful period in a piglet’s life, when many morphological and functional changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Examples are an alteration of the barrier function and an increase in production of cytokines, suggesting the immune system of the GIT is activated after weaning. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercially available feed additive based on short and medium chain fatty acids on supporting intestinal health and reduce inflammation in the intestine of post-weaning piglets. Seventy piglets were divided over 2 treatments, a control diet and a blend of short and medium chain fatty acids, including butyrate. On day 0, 15, 30 and 45 after weaning blood samples and intestinal tissue samples were collected from sacrificed piglets. Blood and tissue samples were analysed for cytokine gene expression, and tissue samples from jejunum and ileum were analysed on morphology and gene expression of tight junctions. Results show that the use of a blend of short and medium chain fatty acids, including butyrates, improved intestinal morphology, measured by villous length and v/c ratio, reduced expression of tight junction proteins and influenced cytokine production in the intestine, implicating that the use of organic acids as feed additives potentially can reduce damage caused by weaning to the intestinal barrier and due to the higher absorption capacity of the villi potentially improve nutrient absorption.

Multilayered Shape-Morphing Scaffolds with a Hierarchical Structure for Uterine Tissue Regeneration.

Owing to dysfunction of the uterus, millions of couples around the world suffer from infertility. Different from conventional treatments, tissue engineering provides a new and promising approach to deal with difficult problems such as human tissue or organ failure. Adopting scaffold-based tissue engineering, three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds in combination with stem cells and appropriate biomolecules may be constructed for uterine tissue regeneration. In this study, a hierarchical tissue engineering scaffold, which mimicked the uterine tissue structure and functions, was designed, and the biomimicking scaffolds were then successfully fabricated using solvent casting, layer-by-layer assembly, and 3D bioprinting techniques. For the multilayered, hierarchical structured scaffolds, poly(l-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) (PLLA-co-TMC, "PLATMC" in short) and poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) blends were first used to fabricate the shape-morphing layer of the scaffolds, which was to mimic the function of myometrium in uterine tissue. The PLATMC/PLGA polymer blend scaffolds were highly stretchable. Subsequently, after etching of the PLATMC/PLGA surface and employing estradiol (E2), polydopamine (PDA), and hyaluronic acid (HA), PDA@E2/HA multilayer films were formed on PLATMC/PLGA scaffolds to build an intelligent delivery platform to enable controlled and sustained release of E2. The PDA@E2/HA multilayer films also improved the biological performance of the scaffold. Finally, a layer of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-laden hydrogel [which was a blend of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and gelatin (Gel)] was 3D printed on the PDA@E2/HA multilayer films of the scaffold, thereby completing the construction of the hierarchical scaffold. BMSCs in the GelMA/Gel hydrogel layer exhibited excellent cell viability and could spread and be released eventually upon biodegradation of the GelMA/Gel hydrogel. It was shown that the hierarchically structured scaffolds could evolve from the initial flat shape into the tubular structure completely in an aqueous environment at 37 °C, fulfilling the requirement for curved scaffolds for uterine tissue engineering. The biomimicking scaffolds with a hierarchical structure and curved shape, high stretchability, and controlled and sustained E2 release appear to be very promising for uterine tissue regeneration.

Design of compostable toughened PLA/PBAT blend with algae via reactive compatibilization: The effect of algae content on mechanical and thermal properties of bio‐composites

AbstractA binary blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), along with algae in their respective composites, were successfully produced using a melt extrusion process. The produced in‐house coupling agent was used to enhance interfacial adhesion and algae dispersion. The influence of algae content incorporated into the compatibilized binary blend was thoroughly investigated, focusing on the bio‐composites morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties. The addition of PLA‐g‐MA to the binary blend led to notable improvements in the storage modulus, mechanical strength, and thermal properties of the binary blend. Subsequently, the introduction of algae into the compatibilized binary blend further augmented the storage modulus, with an optimum algae concentration of 10 wt%. However, higher algae content led to decreased tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact resilience. The optimal balance of these properties was achieved at an optimal loading of 5–10 wt% of algae into the compatibilized binary blend. The thermal stability of the bio‐composites was notably impacted by algae concentration, with the 10 wt% algae bio‐composite exhibiting increased thermal stability. Increasing algae content correlated with decreased bio‐composite crystallinity. These findings underscore the potential of optimized biobased algae composites for achieving desired mechanical and thermal properties, contributing to the development of sustainable and eco‐friendly polymer bio‐composites.

Bio-based epoxidized soybean oil branched cardanol ethers as compatibilizers of polybutylene succinate (PBS)/polyglycolic acid (PGA) blends

Blending poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with another biodegradable polymer, polyglycolic acid (PGA), has been demonstrated to improve the barrier performance of PBS. However, blending these two polymers poses a challenge because of their incompatibility and large difference of their melting temperatures. In this study, we synthesized epoxidized soybean oil branched cardanol ether (ESOn-ECD), a bio-based and environmentally friendly compatibilizer, and used it to enhance the compatibility of PBS/PGA blends. It was demonstrated that the terminal carboxyl/hydroxyl groups of PBS and PGA can react with ESOn-ECD in situ, leading to branching and chain extension of PBS and PGA. The addition of ESO3-ECD to the blend considerably diminished the dispersed phase of PGA. Specifically, in comparison to the PBS/PGA blend without a compatibilizer, the diameter of the PGA phase decreased from 2.04 μm to 0.45 μm after the addition of 0.7 phr of ESO3-ECD, and the boundary between the two phases became difficult to distinguish. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the blends were improved after addition of ESO3-ECD. This research expands the potential applications of these materials and promotes the use of bio-based components in blend formulations.

Effect of an organic acid blend as an antibiotic alternative on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function, and fecal microbiota in weaned piglets.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary organic acid blend on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function, and fecal microbiota in weaned piglets compared with antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). A total of 90 weaned crossbred barrows (24 ± 1 d of age) with an initial body weight of 7.40kg were allocated into three experimental treatments. Each treatment consisted of six replicate pens, with five piglets housed in each pen. The dietary treatments included the basal diet (NC), the basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (PC), and the basal diet supplemented with organic acid blend (OA). On day 42, one piglet per pen was randomly selected for plasma and small intestinal sample collection. The results showed that dietary AGP significantly improved growth performance and reduced diarrhea incidence compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). Dietary OA tended to increase body weight on day 42 (P = 0.07) and average daily gain from days 0 to 42 (P = 0.06) and reduce diarrhea incidence (P = 0.05). Dietary OA significantly increased plasma catalase (CAT) activity and decreased the plasma concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6, which were accompanied by upregulated the relative mRNA abundance of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in comparison to that in the NC group (P < 0.05). Moreover, pigs fed the OA diet significantly increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth and upregulated the relative expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Claudin1 gene in the jejunum compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). Interestingly, dietary AGP or OA did not affect the fecal microbiota structure or volatile fatty acid content (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggested that dietary OA supplementation could improve growth performance and antioxidant capacity and protect the intestinal barrier of weaned piglets, therefore, it has the potential to be considered as an alternative to AGP in the pig industry.

Growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs fed diets supplemented with antioxidants and organic acids in late summer

Context Heat stress compromises growth performance and meat quality and results in economic losses in pork production. Aims We investigated the effects of supranutritional levels of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VitE), along with organic acid blends, on the growth performance and meat quality of finishing pigs over a period of weeks during late summer to early autumn in Westbrook, Queensland, Australia. Methods A total of 264 crossbred pigs (25.8 ± 2.4 kg, mean ± s.d.) at 11 weeks of age were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with two aging times (2 or 5 days) nested within each pig. The factors included antioxidants (Se/E, with recommended or supranutritional doses of Se and VitE), an organic acids (OA) blend added to drinking water (control vs supplemented), and sex (female vs male). Key results Between 16 and 18 weeks of age, high Se/E decreased daily feed intake (P = 0.010) but had no effects on average daily gain or feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Male pigs grew faster (P = 0.040) and had a higher FCE than females (P = 0.050). Supplementation with OA increased FCE in males but not females (OA × Sex interaction, P = 0.035). Between Weeks 16 and 20, male pigs grew faster (P &lt; 0.001), tended to eat more (P = 0.057), and had higher FCE (P = 0.002) than females (P &lt; 0.001). There were no main effects of Se/E or OA on meat quality, except protein oxidation was reduced by high Se/E (P = 0.047). Sex impacted only Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), with male pigs having lower WBSF than females (P = 0.053). Meat aging decreased WBSF (P &lt; 0.001), but it increased cooking loss (P = 0.036), myofibrillar fragmentation index (P &lt; 0.001), lipid oxidation (P &lt; 0.001) and colour parameters (P &lt; 0.001 for all). Conclusions Supplementation with Se/E for up to 10 weeks and OA for 5 weeks did not influence production parameters or pork quality in late summer, except that high Se/E decreased protein oxidation, and significant heat stress conditions were not experienced as expected. Implications Supplementation with Se/E and OA may be effective when environmental temperatures are higher.

Select amino acids recover cytokine-altered ENaC function in human bronchial epithelial cells.

The airway epithelium plays a pivotal role in regulating mucosal immunity and inflammation. Epithelial barrier function, homeostasis of luminal fluid, and mucociliary clearance are major components of mucosal defense mechanisms. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is one of the key players in controlling airway fluid volume and composition, and characteristic cytokines cause ENaC and barrier dysfunctions following pulmonary infections or allergic reactions. Given the limited understanding of the requisite duration and magnitude of cytokines to affect ENaC and barrier function, available treatment options for restoring normal ENaC activity are limited. Previous studies have demonstrated that distinct amino acids can modulate epithelial ion channel activities and barrier function in intestines and airways. Here, we have investigated the time- and concentration-dependent effect of representative cytokines for Th1- (IFN-γ and TNF-α), Th2- (IL-4 and IL-13), and Treg-mediated (TGF-β1) immune responses on ENaC activity and barrier function in human bronchial epithelial cells. When cells were exposed to Th1 and Treg cytokines, ENaC activity decreased gradually while barrier function remained largely unaffected. In contrast, Th2 cytokines had an immediate and profound inhibitory effect on ENaC activity that was subsequently followed by epithelial barrier disruption. These functional changes were associated with decreased membrane protein expression of α-, β-, and γ-ENaC, and decreased mRNA levels of β- and γ-ENaC. A proprietary blend of amino acids was developed based on their ability to prevent Th2 cytokine-induced ENaC dysfunction. Exposure to the select amino acids reversed the inhibitory effect of IL-13 on ENaC activity by increasing mRNA levels of β- and γ-ENaC, and protein expression of γ-ENaC. This study indicates the beneficial effect of select amino acids on ENaC activity in an in vitro setting of Th2-mediated inflammation suggesting these amino acids as a novel therapeutic approach for correcting this condition.

Development of wound healing scaffolds based on polymeric blends of polyvinyl alcohol and hyaluronic acid doped with super antibacterials of silver phosphate with magnesium vanadate

Silver ions are considered an antibacterial candidate for numerous applications.

Enhanced Bioethanol Production from Corn Stover Using Choline Chloride and Lactic Acid Pretreatment: A Gravimetric analysis Approach

The transition to renewable energy sources necessitates the development of efficient and sustainable bioethanol production methods. This study investigates the use of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) blend of choline chloride and lactic acid for the pretreatment of corn stover, a widely available lignocellulosic biomass, to enhance cellulose yield and bioethanol production. The gravimetric method was employed to quantify cellulose yield post-pretreatment, providing a direct assessment of pretreatment efficacy. The study further evaluated the subsequent steps of enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation to determine the overall bioethanol yield. Results demonstrated that the choline chloride and lactic acid blend effectively disrupted the lignocellulosic structure of corn stover, significantly increasing cellulose accessibility and fermentable sugar release. The optimized pretreatment process led to a notable improvement in bioethanol yield, highlighting the potential of this method for commercial bioethanol production. This research contributes to the advancement of biofuel technologies and supports the broader goal of achieving sustainable energy solutions by demonstrating a viable approach to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of lignocellulosic bioethanol production.

Design and synthesis of high-performance polymer blend solar cell

Conducting polymer blend of poly ortho-anthranilic acid and poly ortho-phenylene diamine (PANPDA) doped with HCl was synthesized in an aqueous solution using ferric chloride as an oxidizing agent and sodium dodecyl sulfate as a template. This study extends prior research in the field by characterizing the synthesized polymer blend, employing techniques such as ATR-Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD. According to XRD analysis, PANPDA exhibited an orthorhombic crystal structure with a Pnn2 space group, while SEM indicated an average crystallite size (D) of 154.1 nm. Optical properties and laser photoluminescence of PANPDA films were investigated. Geometrical analysis was performed using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and optimization via TD-DFTD/Mol3 and Cambridge Serial Total Energy Bundle (TD-FDT/CASTEP). ATR-Raman, based on TD-DFT, revealed interactions between monomers leading to polymer blend nanofiber thin films. Within a wavelength range of 190–800 nm, the optical properties of PANPDA were studied. The direct energy gap calculated using TD-DFT was 1.875 eV. The refractive index had a maximum value of 1.93 at 1.63 for the polymer blend thin film. Laser photoluminescence spectra displayed an emission peak at λmax = 621.13 nm in PANPDA films. In the heterojunction Au/(PANPDA)/p-Si/Al, the fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency were found to be 41.60 % and 14.61 % at 240 W/cm2, respectively. The investigated optical energy bandgap in the nanofiber blend holds promise for various energy storage and solar cell applications.

The influence of dietary single and blend of organic acids on slaughter parameters and meat quality in finishing pigs

The influence of dietary single and blend of organic acids on slaughter parameters and meat quality in finishing pigs