Alginate Treatment Research Articles

Effect of gamma irradiated sodium alginate on red amaranth ( Amaranthus cruentus L.) as growth promoter

In order to study the growth promotion behavior of sodium alginate (SA) on vegetable (red amaranth, Amaranthus cruentus L.), 3% aqueous solution of SA was irradiated by γ-radiation (Co-60) of various total doses (12.5–50.0 kGy) at a dose rate of 3.5 kGy/h. Viscosity of the irradiated SA was found to decrease with increase in the radiation dose. The average molecular weight was also decreased from 10 4 to 10 3 orders. Red amaranth was cultivated in 18 different individual plots and SA solution (150 ppm) was applied on red amaranth after 10 days of seedlings at every 6 days interval. The morphological characters of vegetables were studied randomly in different unit plots. The irradiated SA of 37.5 kGy at 150 ppm solution showed the best performance. Dry matter of red amaranth significantly increased at 37.5 kGy of irradiated alginate treatment which was about 50% higher than that of the untreated samples. The effect of SA on red amaranth was found significant increase; i.e. plant height (17.8%), root length (12.7%), number of leaf (5.4%) and maximum leaf area (2%) compared to that of the control vegetative plant production.

The role of macrophages in the periodontal regeneration using Emdogain® gel

Emdogain gel is clinically used as a periodontal regenerative material. However, the mechanism of the regeneration has not been completely elucidated. Although many studies have focused on the regenerative effect of Emdogain on connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone, the role of macrophages and the expression of growth factors remains unclear in the regeneration stimulated by Emdogain gel in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Emdogain gel on the expression of cytokines and growth factors by macrophages in vivo using a newly devised rat experimental periodontitis model. Rat experimental periodontitis was induced by elevating a full-thickness gingival flap and ligating silk threads around the first molars of the mandible. At 14 d after inducing experimental periodontitis, Emdogain gel or propylene glycol alginate was applied to the furcation area. The rats were killed 7 and 14 d after treatment with propylene glycol alginate or Emdogain gel. The expression of cytokines and growth factors, and the regeneration of periodontal tissue, were examined by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Fourteen days after the induction of periodontitis, the resorption of alveolar bone at furcation was observed and cytokines such as interleukin-1beta, transforming growth factor-beta1, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB and osteoprotegerin were found. In the Emdogain-treatment group, the formation of new acellular cementum and, more remarkably, recovery of the bone, were observed. The new bone formation ratio in the Emdogain treatment group was significantly higher than that of the propylene glycol alginate treatment group. Although the expression of cytokines such as interleukin-1beta, transforming growth factor-beta1, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB was very low, bone morphogenetic protein-2- and bone morphogenetic protein-4-expressing macrophages were observed close to the root, and bone morphogenetic protein-4-expressing macrophages were mainly observed close to the bone surface at the furcation in the Emdogain-treatment group. These results suggest that wound-healing macrophages may express bone morphogenetic protein and play an important role in the regeneration of periodontal tissue at the furcation following the application of Emdogain gel.

Optimised effluent treatment by stabilised trout faeces

The efficiency of mechanical effluent treatment depends on the ratio of particle bound waste load to total waste load and on the size distribution of the suspended solids. We tested an innovative approach to increase mechanical treatment efficiency by adding small amounts of indigestible binders to trout feed. The hypothesis was that the addition of binders would enhance faecal stability and improve shear resistance. This should slow the breakdown of faeces by water turbulences resulting in larger particles. These are easier to remove by filtration and should be more resistant to leaching than small particles, so more soluble waste remains particle-bound and removable. In two separate trials, portion size trout were fed diets containing indigestible binders, while control groups received the same basal diet without binder. The fish were reared in 500 L circular tanks. The effect of each binder on the stability (viscosity and elastic resistance) of dissected faeces was measured by a rheometer. Both stability parameters increased significantly by the addition of the binders. Addition of Guar gum increased the viscosity of the faeces best by 183% and 140% in Trial 1 and Trial 2 respectively, while Alginate increased elastic resistance best by 173% and 125%. The digestibility of the diets was not affected. The dissected faeces were exposed to controlled turbulence in the laboratory. The particle size distributions of the suspensions were measured using a laser-based technique applying the ‘time-of-transition’ theory. The Guar gum and Alginate treatments led to significantly larger particles compared to the control. Based on these data the beneficial effect of the Guar gum binder on post-filtration suspended solid load (100 μm gauze) was calculated to be 40.2% and 18.2% for Trials 1 and 2 respectively. In a leaching experiment, faecal particles were suspended in distilled water and allowed to leach for 1 h. The solids were fractionated by sieving and their relative phosphorus and nitrogen content was determined. The relative phosphorus and nitrogen content of the particles increased significantly with increasing size class. In a second experiment, larger particles of the Guar gum treatment yielded significantly higher total amounts of phosphorus and more dry matter remained solid-bound compared to the control. The present study demonstrates promising potential for binders as tools in significantly reducing the effluent load of fish farms without affecting feed efficiency.

Effect of 1‐Methylcyclopropene Treatment and Edible Coatings on the Quality of Minimally Processed Lettuce

ABSTRACT: The effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) and alginate‐based edible coatings on the rate of respiration, C2H4 production, color, texture, and total ascorbic‐acid level of minimally processed and stored Baby Butterhead lettuce were determined. Samples were stored at 2 °C and 6 °C for 12 d. It was observed that the 1‐MCP‐treated lettuce had the lowest respiration and ethylene production rates. Russet spotting on the midribs of the leaves in 1‐MCP‐treated lettuce was the most retarded, and the total ascorbic acid level was the highest. Alginate treatment of lettuce had the most pronounced effect on crispness. Overall, the 1‐MCP‐treated lettuce had the best quality, followed by the alginate‐coated and the control lettuce.

Ten-year growth and survival of Douglas-fir seedlings treated with plant growth regulating substances at transplant

Commercially available plant growth regulators (PGRs) or moisture retention gels, applied to the roots of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) before planting, can modify indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels in roots, root growth responses, and tree survival. We treated two different 1+0 stock types (PSB313B and PSB323) of Douglas-fir with indole-butyric acid (IBA), ethephon (Ethrel®), alginate, or a combination of IBA and alginate. New root growth and IAA levels in roots were measured 2 weeks after planting, and aboveground growth and tree survival were monitored over 10 growing seasons after planting. Treatment with IBA or the combination of IBA and alginate increased IAA conjugate and free IAA levels in roots, root growth, and tree survival. Alginate treatment alone increased new root growth and tree survival, but did not increase free IAA levels in roots. Ethrel® treatment increased free IAA levels and root growth, but had no effect on IAA conjugates or tree survival. A cost analysis suggests that use of certain PGRs or alginate decreases the cost required to attain target stocking and increased tree size. Our results suggest that application of PGRs or other root-promoting materials to the roots of Douglas-fir before planting has the potential to be a cost-beneficial method for increasing root growth and tree survival.

Ten-year growth and survival of Douglas-fir seedlings treated with plant growth regulating substances at transplant

C.F. Scagel, R.G. Linderman, and R.K. Scagel Abstract: Commercially available plant growth regulators (PGRs) or moisture retention gels, applied to the roots of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) before planting, can modify indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels in roots, root growth responses, and tree survival. We treated two different 1+0 stock types (PSB313B and PSB323) of Douglas-fir with indole-butyric acid (IBA), ethephon (Ethrel ® ), alginate, or a combination of IBA and alginate. New root growth and IAA levels in roots were measured 2 weeks after planting, and aboveground growth and tree survival were monitored over 10 growing seasons after planting. Treatment with IBA or the combination of IBA and alginate increased IAA conjugate and free IAA levels in roots, root growth, and tree survival. Alginate treatment alone in - creased new root growth and tree survival, but did not increase free IAA levels in roots. Ethrel ® treatment increased free IAA levels and root growth, but had no effect on IAA conjugates or tree survival. A cost analysis suggests that use of certain PGRs or alginate decreases the cost required to attain target stocking and increased tree size. Our results suggest that application of PGRs or other root-promoting materials to the roots of Douglas-fir before planting has the potential to be a cost-beneficial method for increasing root growth and tree survival.

Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes on Beef Tissue by Application of Organic Acids Immobilized in a Calcium Alginate Gel

ABSTRACTOrganic acids added to calcium alginate gels and immobilized on lean beef tissue inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) reduced the population significantly more than did acid treatment alone. Lactic acid (1.7% v/v) immobilized in alginate reduced counts by 1.3 log10 units vs 0.03 log unit decrease from the acid treatment alone. Acetic acid (2% v/v) reduced counts 1.5 and 0.25 log units, respectively. Over 7 days, Lm proliferated in samples without acid and/or alginate treatment. Differential counts on selective and non‐selective agars indicated sublethal cellular injury occurred. Alginate coatings did not enhance acid inhibition on fat tissue. Immobilized agents may have potential for raw meat decontamination.

Effect of combined alginate treatments on the distribution and excretion of an old radiostrontium contamination.

A combined treatment of alginate administered both in intraperitoneal injections and in the diet with a starch containing dough, increases up to 5 times the concentration of 85Sr in the blood of mice with a 9-week-old radiostrontium contamination. This combined treatment overcomes the decrease of urinary 85Sr excretion, formerly obtained with alginate diets. The availability of the mobilised 85Sr for renal excretion, for fecal excretion and for equilibration between blood and organs is different depending on the mobilizing treatment (injection or diet). The radiostrontium content of liver, kidney and spleen is also increased four to six times by the combined treatment.

Beta-elimination in uronic acids: evidence for an ElcB mechanism

Methyl esters of methyl pyranosides of 2,3,4-tri- O-methyl-α- D-mannuronic acid ( 3), -α- D-glucuronic acid ( 2), and -β- D-galacturonic acid ( 1) undergo rapid beta-elimination of the 4-methoxyl group in 0.50, 0.20, and 0.02 M sodium methoxide in methanol at room temperature to give 4,5-unsaturated esters via cis, cis and trans elimination, respectively. The ease of cis elimination in methyl (methyl 2,3,4-tri- O-methyl-α- D-glucopyranosid)uronate ( 2) and methyl (methyl 2,3,4-tri- O-methyl-α- D-mannopyranosid)uronate ( 3) to form the 4,5-unsaturated glycoside is explained by ring flexibility which allows a change in conformation. Only the methyl (methyl 2,3,4-tri- O-methyl-α- D-mannopyranosid)uronate ( 3) yields a 2,3:4,5-di-unsaturated ester ( 7) ( trans elimination), and this occurs in 0.50 M methoxide, in a much slower reaction. The favoring of trans elimination over the cis elimination that would have been needed in the other two compounds in order to form the second double bond is explained by the rigidity of the half-chair conformation of the 4,5-unsaturated esters. It is suggested that both eliminations proceed via an ElcB mechanism. The results of treatment of hydroxypropyl alginate with potassium hydroxide confirmed that its depolymerization is much slower, and more dependent on the concentration of alkali, than that of pectin.

Intestinal absorption and body retention of 226-radium and 47-calcium in mice: effect of sodium alginate, measured in vivo with a Ge(Li) detector.

A short review is presented of the published positive and negative results obtained with sodium alginate to reduce selectively the intestinal absorption of Sr, and of the chemical properties of alginate supposed to underlie this inhibition. Data are presented on the high efficiency of sodium alginate to diminish the absorption of 226Ra: when a meal of alginated bread was given 2 hr before the administration by gastric tube of a 226RaCl2 solution, the Ra-uptake in mice was reduced more than a hundredfold. In the same experiment 47Ca-uptake was reduced to only 1.2 times less than in the control animals. The effects on 226Ra-absorption of different alginates, of intestinal filling with standard diet or with agar gel and of fasting are compared. The use of a coaxial Ge(Li) detector coupled with a translating and rotating sample handler allowed the direct in vivo measurement of the body-burden of 226Ra and 47Ca in the same animal. The shape of the retention curve of 226Ra with, and without preventive alginate treatment could thus be compared. Starting 2 hr (= 1/4 of the transit time through the G.I. tract) after an intubation of 226Ra, a therapeutic and chronic alginate treatment both reduced directly the body burden and enhanced slightly the rate of loss of 226Ra. The body retention curves of 226Ra are interpreted as a sequence of three different exponential loss rates.