Filter Aid Research Articles

Enhanced dewatering performance of vitrinite and inertinite: synergistic effect of flocculants and surfactants

ABSTRACT The moisture of coal has a significant impact on its marketing and conversion. Using chemical reagents to reduce coal moisture has gained popularity due to their efficiency and low investment. Flocculants and surfactants are common filter aids that can effectively reduce product moisture and increase the filtration rate. However, there are almost no studies on the effect of their synergism on dewatering. Hence, the synergistic effect between flocculants and surfactants on the dewatering behavior of macerals, the main components in fine clean coal, was investigated in this paper. The results showed that the synergistic effect of flocculants and surfactants significantly reduced the moisture content of the maceral cake. The combination of nonionic polyacrylamide (NPAM) and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) was the best combination agent. Compared to vitrinite, this combination agent more significantly reduced the moisture content of the inertinite cake. The combination agents formed new forms of adsorption, improved particle wettability, promoted particle agglomeration and increased the cake average pore size and pore area. However, the new form may have led to an increase in the dosage of the agent.

Proteomic analysis of the human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cell secretome by integrated approaches via filter-aided sample preparation

The immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties of the human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) secretome are acknowledged but the understanding of the specific bioactive components remains incomplete. To address these limitations, the present investigation aimed to profile the proteins and peptides content of the hAMSC secretome through sample pretreatment and fractionation on 10 kDa molecular cut-off FASP (Filter Aided Sample Preparation) device and LC-MS analysis. The filter retained protein fraction underwent trypsin digestion, while the unretained was collected unchanged for intact small proteins and peptides analysis. This combined approach (C-FASP) collects in a single step two complementary fractions, advantageously saving sample volume and time of analysis. The bottom-up analysis of the C-FASP proteins fraction >10 kDa confirmed our previous findings, establishing a set of proteins consistently characterizing the hAMSC secretome. The analysis of the fraction <10 kDa, never been investigated to our knowledge, identified peptide fragments of thymosin beta 4 and beta 10, collagen alpha 1 chains I and III, alpha-enolase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, involved in wound healing, anti-inflammatory response, tissue repair and regeneration, key biological activities of the secretome. C-FASP provided a comprehensive molecular profile of the hAMSC secretome offering new insights for enhanced therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. SignificanceIn this investigation we originally present the comprehensive proteomic investigation of the human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cell secretome by combining the analysis of the proteome and of the peptidome following sample pretreatment and fractionation by Filter Aided Sample Preparation (FASP) with 10 kDa molecular cut-off in coupling with LC-MS analysis. The proteome fraction retained by FASP filter was analyzed after enzymatic digestion, while the unretained fraction, below 10 kDa molecular mass, was analyzed unchanged in its intact form. This dual approach provides novel insights, previously unexplored, into the molecular components potentially responsible for the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of the hAMSC secretome. These findings could significantly enhance the therapeutic potential of hAMSCs in regenerative medicine.

Hydrophobic regulation enhances the filtration and dehydration for coal preparation products, an experimental exploration

To enhance the filtration and dewatering performance while reducing the moisture content of coal preparation products, we conducted an investigation into the dehydration efficacy of various coal preparation products using different filter aids. The study involved examining the dehydration effects of both conventional hydrophobic filter aids and novel alternatives on flotation cleaned coal and coarse fine slime at the Huaibei Linhuan coal preparation plant. Our findings revealed a significantly superior dehydration performance of the new filter aids compared to conventional hydrophobic ones. Subsequently, we explored the dehydration efficacy of a specific new filter aid, designated as 1239, on four types of coal samples sourced from the Huainan mining area. The results demonstrated that filter aid 1239 exhibited remarkable effectiveness on both flotation cleaned coal and coarse fine slime, with a discernible impact on coal slime as well. By modulating the hydrophobicity of particle surfaces, hydrophobic filter aids effectively facilitated the dehydration of coal preparation products. These findings bear substantial significance for improving the dewatering and transportation processes of coal preparation products.

A cationic polyelectrolyte for enhancing dewatering of montmorillonite-containing coal slime: adsorption and modification mechanism

ABSTRACT In this study, a cationic polyelectrolyte (Poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride, PDADMAC) was introduced as a filter aid to enhance the dewatering effect of montmorillonite (MT)-containing coal slime, and compared with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM). The dewatering performance of PDADMAC and CPAM was evaluated based on vacuum filtration experiments. The modification mechanism of PDADMAC on Mt particle surface was revealed by filter cake pore distribution, zeta potential, contact angle and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The adsorption difference between PDADMAC and CPAM on Mt surface was studied by Density Functional Theory (DFT). In addition, DLVO theory further explains the mechanism of PDADMAC enhancing dewatering from the perspective of interaction force. The optimal dosage of PDADMAC was 125 g/t, and the filter cake moisture content was reduced by 3%. Compared to CPAM, PDADMAC achieves efficient dewatering at a lower dosage. PDADMAC has a more prominent ability to neutralize charge, and its effect on interparticle interactions was a potential mechanism to promote dehydration.

Synergistic enhancement of dewatering of montmorillonite-containing coal slime by novel combined filter aid: an experimental and simulation study

ABSTRACT The efficient dewatering of montmorillonite (Mt)-containing coal slime is still an urgent problem to be solved in coal preparation plant. In this study, the dewatering effect of poly(o-phenylenediamine)/Poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (POPD/PDADMAC) combined filter aid on Mt-containing coal slime was studied. The dewatering performance of combined filter aid was investigated by vacuum filtration test. The action mechanism of combined filter aid was revealed by contact angle, zeta potential, cake pore and atomic force microscope (AFM). The co-adsorption principle of the combined filter aid was elucidated based on density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulation (MD). Compared to PDADMAC, the combined filter aid has better performance for dewatering of Mt-containing coal slime, and has the advantage of low reagent dosage. The combined filter aid can greatly reduce the Mt potential, increase the Mt contact angle, and increase the porosity of the filter cake. There was a co-adsorption effect between the combined filter aid. Specifically, there were ion–dipole interaction, cation–π interaction and Cl ions bridged electrostatic interaction between POPD and PDADMAC. This study has developed a novel combined filter aid, which provides theoretical and technical support for the high-efficiency pressure filtration dewatering of Mt-containing coal slime in coal preparation plants.

Implementation of Cellulose-Based Filtration Aids in Industrial Sunflower Oil Dewaxing (Winterization): Process Monitoring, Prediction, and Optimization.

In the production of refined sunflower oil, waxes are removed during the winterization stage, and wax crystals are separated through filtration assisted by filtration aids. Commonly used filtration aids in oil refining include perlite and diatomaceous earth. After winterization, a significant amount of filter cake remains as a by-product and is treated as waste. Today, natural cellulose fibers are being promoted as filtration aids. Their advantages are numerous, both in the production process and from an environmental perspective. However, their only disadvantage is their higher cost. Therefore, in this study, 57 filtration cycles during the industrial sunflower oil winterization step using cellulose-based filtration aids were monitored. Different process parameters, including the pressure differential on the filter, the flow rate of filtered oil, constant pressure period, the quantity of filtered oil, filtration time, the quantity of pre-coating and dosing filtration aids, the volume of filtered oil, the concentration of dosing filtration aid, as well as the mass of separated waxes, were observed. Additionally, artificial neural networks were applied to predict process parameters, optimize the process, and, above all, determine the dosage of filtration aids, which will make the process more economical. The optimal filtration process is performed at a pressure differential of 3.3 bar, lasting a total of 39 h, with 32 h at constant pressure, resulting in 322,503 kg of filtered oil and 90.41 kg of waxes. The optimal quantity of cellulose-based filtration aids employed for pre-coat was 80 kg, and for dosing, 375 kg, with an optimal concentration of 0.12% w/w.

High efficiency filtration and optimization of pelletizing performance of fine hematite concentrate using sulfuric acid filter aid: Behavior and mechanism

Following the application of anionic reverse flotation to fine low-grade hematite ore, a significant challenge emerges with elevated slurry viscosity and heightened moisture content in the resulting filter cakes. To address the challenge of dewatering during the filtration process of fine hematite concentrate, the impact of sulfuric acid filter aid dosage and filtration temperature on the filtration performance of hematite concentrate was systematically investigated in this study. In addition, the effect of sulfuric acid filter aid on the preparation of hematite pellets was also studied. The results revealed a significant decrease from 1.10 × 1010 1/m2 to 5.7 × 109 1/m2 in the specific resistance of the hematite filter cake when the sulfuric acid dosage was 1.2 g/kg and the filtration temperature was 20 °C. The mechanism underlying the enhancement of filtration performance of fine hematite concentrate by sulfuric acid was summarized. Sulfuric acid compressed the double electric layer on the surface of hematite concentrate particles, reducing the surface zeta potential and causing the aggregation of fine particles into larger ones. This led to an increase in filter cake porosity and compression of the hydration film thickness on particle surfaces, facilitating easier removal of filtrate from the filter cake. The appropriate dosage of bentonite for pelletizing was not significantly affected by sulfuric acid filter aid. Sulfuric acid improved the porosity, drying rate, and burst temperature of hematite green pellets. While the compressive strength of preheated pellets from sulfuric acid-assisted filtration of hematite concentrate showed a slight decrease, the compressive strength of roasted pellets was significantly increased.

Distributed Output-Feedback Asymptotic Consensus Tracking for High-Order Multiagent Systems With Quantized Input.

This article is devoted to distributed adaptive asymptotic consensus tracking control based on output feedback for the uncertain high-order multiagent systems with input quantization. Compared with the output-feedback canonical form, the system takes unmeasured states-dependent nonlinearities into account and also includes unknown parameters and quantized input. The improved K -filters with one dynamic gain are constructed to dispose the unmeasured states-dependent nonlinearities and estimate the unknown states. Then, the novel recursive control strategy with the aid of new first-order dynamic parameter filters is proposed, which is able to effectively counteract the filter errors and steer the consensus tracking errors to zero asymptotically with low design complexity. Moreover, the new funnel variable combined with prespecified time performance function is first introduced, which can predefine practical transition time and maximum overshoot of consensus error. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the validity and superiority of the proposed scheme.

Geology, mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of volcano-sedimentary hosted Lake Abiyata diatomite in central main Ethiopian Rift

The Abiyata Diatomite deposit is located in the Main Ethiopian Rift, which is characterized by strong extensional tectonics. The deposit is mostly made up of diatomaceous earth, which is a sedimentary rock made up of the fossilized remnants of diatoms, which are tiny algae. Diatomite's geological, geochemical, and mineralogical features, as well as its formation, are discussed in this research. To characterize diatomite from Abiyata, chemical, mineralogical, technological, and micro paleontological examinations were conducted on samples collected from outcrops and stream sections. The XRD characteristic peaks of diatomite demonstrate that it is primarily made up of Opal A silica, however certain crystalline phases were discovered in adequate amounts. Quartz and feldspar were the predominant crystalline phases, with lesser amounts of Calcite, Cristobalite, Illite, Mordinite, Wairakite, Halloysite, Clinoaptilolite, Adularia, and Tridymite. From SEM photomicrographs diatomites are primarily formed of benthic freshwater diatom species such as Staurosirella pinnata, Staurosira construens, Pseudostaurosira brevistriata, Epithemia Sorex and surirella pinnata. Diatom species, sedimentary profile sections and mineralogical data suggest that diatomite was deposited in lacustrine-type freshwater shallow lake environment. Chemical data obtained from 10 diatomite samples show that while silica is the bodybuilding material for diatomite. i.e., Silica (SiO2), 76.9 %; Alumina (Al2O3), 3.49 %; Sodium Oxide (Na2O), 1.52 %; Potassium Oxide (K2O), 1.107 %; Iron Oxide (Fe2O3), 1.1 %; Loss on ignition (LOI) 13.7 and other oxides are below 1 %. Studies from technological properties like physical tests, chemistry, and mineralogy and micropaleontology of Abiyata diatomite suggest that calcined diatomite can be used for waste treatment processes in the filter aid industry and as filler material.

Extraction of micro fibrous cellulose from coconut husk by using chlorine free process: Potential utilization application as a filter aid

Cellulose is one of the most important linear, hydrophobic biopolymers built-up of several units of d-glucopyranose unite through beta-1,4-Glycosidic linkage. Due to these structural features, porous nature, swelling property and strength, cellulose has many industrial and biomedical applications. In this work, we have effectively isolated micro fibrous cellulose from waste coconut husk after removing lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities by repeated water washings, mechanical, alkali (NaOH) and chlorine free green hydrogen peroxide bleaching. This process provides about 42% w/w white to off white soft micro fibrous long and individual cylindrical rod-like microfibril having fiber size of ∼ 14 µm. The extracted micro fibrous cellulose was evaluated for structural, morphological, crystalline, and thermal properties by using FTIR, SEM, HR-TEM, XRD, and DSC. The swelling capacity of extracted micro fibrous cellulose was investigated at different pH for different contact hours. The maximum percentage swelling capacity (PSC) (991.7%) was observed in 6 h at pH 9.4 which is comparable to PSC obtained (975%) at pH 7.4 in 24 h. The property of porous nature, and high surface area, enable it to use as an eco-friendly filter aid for effective removal of colored impurities from different chemicals and pharmaceutical substances, ensuring high quality purified material.

Kenaf: Opportunities for an Ancient Fiber Crop

Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) is an annual fiber crop grown in warm seasons and known for its remarkable productivity; it has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years as a fiber source. While every part of the plant can be utilized for some purpose, its primary significance lies in the diverse applications of its cellulosic fiber. Kenaf features a blend of long bast and short core fibers, rendering it suitable for various industrial uses. Initially utilized for cordage and livestock feed, kenaf’s applications have expanded over the last century to encompass its utilization as paper pulp, biocomposites, textiles, biomass energy, seed oil, filtration aids, industrial absorbents, and even as a component of potting medium or as a potential source of medicine. Although traditionally a niche crop, the discovery of its diverse applications positions kenaf for rapid expansion in production in the upcoming decades. This article aims to explore the manifold applications of kenaf, highlighting those with the greatest future potential and discussing those that hold promise for commercial-level application with additional research.

Degradation of the polyacrylonitrile-based UP2W material under cementitious conditions

UP2W is a polyacrylonitrile-based filter aid material used in nuclear power plants, which is disposed in repositories for low and intermediate level radioactive waste. The degradation of UP2W was investigated in a series of batch experiments in the presence and absence of portlandite, Fe(0) and NaOH, which simulate the hyperalkaline, reducing conditions expected in repositories with cementitious engineered barriers. Degradation experiments were performed under Ar atmosphere at T = 22 or 80 (±2) °C. Aliquots of the supernatant solutions and retrieved solid phases were systematically characterized for ca. 5 years using a multi-method approach.The evolution of dissolved organic carbon shows a strong contrast between NaOH- and Ca(OH)2-buffered systems. In the absence of Ca, an early, sharp increase in the dissolved organic carbon is observed, and its magnitude correlates with the initial NaOH concentration.In Ca(OH)2-buffered systems, dissolved organic carbon remained very low (<10 ppm) up to 600 days, but steadily increased afterwards reaching ∼ 50 ppm at t ≈ 1800 days. Size-exclusion/liquid chromatography coupled with organic carbon, ultra-violet and organic nitrogen detection (LC-OCD-UVD-OND) confirmed the presence of significantly smaller fragments in solution compared to NaOH-systems, which however were found to increase with time.Overall observations underline that hydrolysis of the nitrile functional groups, chain scission of the polymer backbone and cross-linking of polymer fragments in the degradation leachates play a key role in the progress of the degradation reaction. Chain scission is hindered in the presence of Ca, possibly due to the complexation of Ca with amide and carboxylate intermediates and the consequent decrease in electron density on the β-carbon atoms. This study improves the mechanistic understanding and quantitative description of UP2W degradation in cementitious environments relevant for L/ILW disposal.

Filter-assisted direct detection-based field recovery scheme for complex-valued double-sideband signals

Double-sideband self-coherent detection (DSB-SCD) can achieve optical field recovery of complex-valued double-sideband (CV-DSB) signals without a local oscillator laser. To date, various proposed DSB-SCD schemes require a high carrier-to-signal power ratio (CSPR) to mitigate the inherent signal-signal beat interference (SSBI) induced by direct detection. Aiming at relaxing the high CSPR requirement for the DSB-SCD, filter-assisted direct detection (FADD) is proposed to retrieve the CV-DSB signals. In this paper, we clarify the concept of the FADD, which uses optical filters in the receiver to achieve optical field recovery of CV-DSB signals via direct detection. The CV-DSB signals can be retrieved at low CSPR with the aid of optical filters. We also propose a novel FADD receiver that uses an optical bandstop filter (OBSF) to obtain CV-DSB signals from self-coherent signals, called OBSF-DD with 90° hybrid. Considering the high complexity of the OBSF-DD with 90° hybrid, a simplified OBSF-DD receiver with 2 × 2 coupler is put forward as well, which uses a 2 × 2 coupler instead of optical hybrid, and three single-ended photodiodes are required to achieve signal reception. By using cost-effective FADD receiver, the proposed FADD scheme provides an effective approach for low CSPR field recovery.

Generation of Multiwavelength Fibre Laser based on Erbium-Doped Fibre Amplifier with Lyot Filter

A ring cavity setup consisting of erbium-doped fibre amplifier (EDFA) as the optical pump and lyot filter aids in the production of a multiwavelength spectrum. The wavelength of EDFA pumps in photons range of 1530 nm to 1560 nm, respectively. Using maximum power of 18 dBm and a single mode fibre (SMF) of 10 km length, the number of peak lasing lines produced between 3 dB spectral range is 51. Tuning of the polarization controller (PC) to a specific angle helps provide the most stable lasing line. Stability test is done on the output multiwavelength fibre laser (MWFL) over a time period to analyze the wavelength stability.

Preparation of polystyrene and silane-modified nano-silica superhydrophobic and superoleophilic three-dimensional composite fiber membranes for efficient oil absorption and oil-water separation

Oily solid waste and wastewater are two kinds of contaminants that seriously endanger the environment and the general public. Recently, superhydrophobic and superoleophilic materials have attracted extensive attention owing to their exceptional oil-water separation capabilities. In this study, we demonstrated a simple, low-cost, and high-economic efficiency method to prepare nanosilica (SiO2) from dye diatomite filter aid waste (DDW) and silanize it with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) to form hydrophobic nanosilica (hSiO2) by solution impregnation. Polystyrene/hydrophobic nanosilica (PS/hSiO2) composite fiber membranes with a rough surface and low surface energy were prepared by electrospinning. The prepared PS/hSiO2 water contact angle can reach 166.6°, showing superhydrophobicity and excellent adsorption capacity for various common oils. The maximum oil absorption capacity for transformer oil can reach 136.4 g/g. Importantly, the oil absorption process of the nanocomposite is selective, fast, and efficient, and it can be used for the purification of oil-contaminated water. In addition, it also demonstrates remarkable durability and stability in strong acid and alkali solutions. This strategy of making oil-water separation materials from solid waste may offer a straightforward, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable option for the treatment of solid waste, industrial oil wastewater treatment, and marine oil spill cleanup.

Analytical characterization of filtration laws in filter aid filtration

In this study, the blocking filtration laws introduced by Hermans and Bredée are applied to evaluate filter aid filtration data. A model system is utilized for the filtration experiments, consisting of barium sulphate as the model impurity and diatomaceous earth as the filter aid. Based on the analysis of the filtration data, the relevant process laws are initially identified as cake filtration for the separation of the diatomaceous earth and the so-called missing law for the separation of barium sulphate. The results are substantiated with the aid of X-ray microscopy to monitor the incorporation of the fine particles in the filter aid structure. They demonstrate that the separation of barium sulphate is characterised by both depth migration and accumulation within the growing filter aid structure. The blocking filtration laws derive from a general exponential relationship between blocking rate φ and hight-specific resistance r with the blocking exponent n. Hermans and Bredée presented first the solutions for the four blocking exponents n=2 (complete blocking), n=1.5 (standard law), n=1 (intermediate law) and n=0 (cake filtration). Gonsalves later supplemented the solution for n = 0.5 from a purely logical point of view and called it the missing law, as he could not find a model behind it himself. Thus, for the first time, this study assigns a separation principle to the missing law, which until now has only been discussed theoretically.

Filtration for removal of microparticles in swimming pool water

Filtration is an effective method for removing particles larger than 10–15 µm in swimming pool water. However, the removal of smaller particles poses a significant challenge. Tests were conducted to improve the filter's performance. These tests included choice of filter cloth, long-term filtration operation, pre-coating with filter aids (Arbocel and Harbolite). As expected, the choice of filter cloth affects particle rejection, but other strategies can be employed to improve the process. During long-term operation, particle rejection continuously improved for all filter cloths, and after 30 min, 50 % of particles as small as 2 µm were removed. Since, the concentration of particles in swimming pool water is low, only part of the filter cloth is covered by particles even after 30 min. Higher particle rejection could also be achieved by recycling particles from the filter cloth or using filter aids. Additional particles have been removed from the filter cloth by rinsing the filter cloth with water followed by the recirculation of part of the rinse water or the coagulated rinse water. Higher particle removal can also be obtained by using filter aids, whereby it is possible to cover the entire surface of the filter. When using Harbolite as the pre-coat material, more than 80 % of the particles with a size of 2 µm or larger can be removed when 100 g Harbolit was used per m2 filter cloth.

A Review on The Impurity Profile of Pharmaceuticals

A collection of analytical procedures known collectively as “impurity profiling” are intended to detect, identify, clarify the structure of, and quantify both organic and inorganic impurities as well as residual solvents in pharmaceutical formulations and bulk pharmaceuticals. This is the main task of contemporary drug analysis since it is the most effective approach to describe the stability and quality of pharmaceutical formulations and bulk pharmaceuticals. To keep an eye on them, specific analytical techniques must be created. When modifications are made to the synthesis, formulation, or production processes, even if they are done to improve them, new purities could be seen. The identification of impurities in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and the need for purity are being emphasised by a number of regulatory bodies, including the Canadian Drug and Health Agency (CDHA), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH). Pharmaceutical products can contain impurities from a variety of sources, including reagents, heavy metals, ligands, catalysts and other materials like charcoal, filter aids, and the like. Degraded end products from hydrolysis, photolytic cleavage, oxidative degradation, decarboxylation, and other processes can also contain impurities, as can enantiomeric impurities. The various pharmacopoeias, including the Indian, American, and British pharmacopoeias, are gradually adding restrictions to the permissible concentrations of contaminants found in APIs or formulations. Capillary electrophoresis, electron paramagnetic resonance, gas-liquid chromatography, gravimetric analysis, high performance liquid chromatography, solidphase extraction techniques, liquid-liquid extraction techniques, mass spectrometry, ultraviolet spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, supercritical fluid extraction column chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and RAMAN spectroscopy are some of the techniques used to isolate and characterize impurities in pharmaceuticals. Liquid Chromatography (LC)-Mass Spectroscopy (MS), GC-MS, LC-NMR, LC- NMR-MS, and LC-MS are the most frequently used hyphenated techniques for drug impurity profiling. This demonstrates the importance and range of drug impurity profiling in pharmaceutical research.

Hydrothermal modification of calcined diatomite with CaO: Effect of NaOH pretreatment

The development and application of high-adsorptive calcined diatomite (C-D) can provide a cost-effective solution for the filter aid industry, which remains a challenge in this field. Herein, an alkali (NaOH) pretreatment was introduced before the calcium oxide (CaO)-mediated hydrothermal activation of C-D. The adsorption performance of the alkali-modified samples (modified calcined diatomite: M-D) was significantly improved. The methylene blue trihydrate (MB) adsorption capacity of the optimal M-D sample reached 45.76 mg/g, which was 2.73 times higher than that of the sample prepared without the alkali treatment. The substantial enhancement in adsorption performance of M-D was mainly attributed to the abundant SiO32− species which was primarily generated during the NaOH pretreatment. SiO32− species are helpful for generating silicate substances with a larger specific surface area. By regulating the amount of NaOH, it was feasible to control the morphology/nanostructure and composition of the final materials. Well-developed flower-like nanoclusters was synthesized on the surface of C-D, resulting in higher specific surface area and adsorption capacity. This work paves the way to the value-added application of natural diatomite resources via providing an efficient modification method to optimize the properties of C-D.

PSXI-12 In Vitro Assessment of Binding Agents as an Alternative to Activated Charcoal for the Prevention of Boar Taint

Abstract Boar taint is an off odor and flavor that occurs once meat from uncastrated male pigs is heated, and results from the deposition of androstenone in the fat. Androstenone circulates between the liver and gut via the enterohepatic circulation, where it can be recirculated back to the liver or deposited in the fat. Previous studies from our lab have demonstrated that adding activated charcoal (AC) to feed is effective at disrupting enterohepatic circulation and preventing boar taint; however, AC is expensive and currently not approved for use as a feed additive. Spent filter aid (SFA) is a byproduct of corn syrup production, contains up to 33% diatomaceous earth (DE), and can be used as an energy source. DE and biochar have been used to bind toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and have a high surface area and porosity like that of AC. Additionally, biochar is approved and used as a feed additive in cattle production, and both biochar and SFA are available at a much lower cost. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the androstenone binding efficiency of SFA and biochar in vitro to assess their suitability as potential dietary treatments for preventing boar taint. AC, biochar and SFA were incubated for 30 minutes at 37℃ with radiolabeled androstenone, estrone sulphate (E1S), or estrone (E1) dissolved in buffer. Following incubation, the unbound radioactive steroid fraction was quantified using a scintillation counter and binding efficiency was calculated using a modified Michaelis-Menten equation. Statistical analysis was conducted with a 2-way ANOVA in SAS with Tukey-Kramer’s post hoc test. The binding efficiency (Bmax/K) of AC was greater than both biochar (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and SFA (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). However, the maximum binding (Bmax) of androstenone by AC (97.30% ± 0.44) was 13% greater than that of biochar (84.53% ± 0.79) and nearly double that of SFA (50.50% ± 0.22). Of the binding agents tested, SFA had some selective binding for androstenone as the Bmax for androstenone was greater than both E1S (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and E1 (P = 0.0013). These results suggest that biochar may be a suitable alternative to AC for use as a feed additive as it can bind high concentrations of androstenone, and its binding characteristics were most like AC. Future animal studies are needed to evaluate the effects in vivo to assess the efficacy of biochar as a dietary treatment for boar taint.