Applications In Industry Research Articles

Tribological gradients of acid-aged coir and coconut husk powder reinforced LDPE plastic under different normal load conditions for potential applications in oil and gas industries

Tribological gradients of acid-aged coir and coconut husk powder reinforced LDPE plastic under different normal load conditions for potential applications in oil and gas industries

Influence of edible flowers on the physicochemical and oxidative stability of raw ground beef patties

This study investigates the antioxidant and physicochemical characteristics of raw ground beef patties and raw ground beef patties treated with varying percentages of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and rose (Rosa canina L.) powders during 7 days of storage at 4°C. The analysis included key parameters such as antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, lipid oxidation through 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein oxidation markers (carbonyls, Schiff bases, and free thiols), water-holding capacity, pH, color, and texture. Both roselle and rose powders enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the patties, reducing oxidative markers (TBARS, carbonyls, Schiff bases, and free thiols) during storage. Additionally, improved water-holding capacity and reduced pH were observed across all treated patties, with minimal impact on texture. However, while roselle powder showed beneficial effects, patties treated with rose powder exhibited superior overall results. The more favorable outcomes in rose-treated patties, particularly in oxidative stability and physicochemical properties, can be attributed to the higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, present in rose powder. These compounds likely contributed to enhanced free radical scavenging activity, providing stronger protection against lipid and protein oxidation. Furthermore, rose powder maintained more stable color and physicochemical properties, with patties showing acceptable color and minimal texture degradation by the 7th day of storage. These findings highlight the potential of rose powder as a highly effective natural additive for extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of ground beef patties, positioning it as a promising ingredient for future applications in the food industry.

Microalgae bioprospecting for the food industry: insights into the autotrophic biomass production and macromolecular accumulation of four microalgal species.

In this study, four microalgal strains were evaluated for their biomass production capacity and macromolecule biosynthesis. These include three strains from the phylum Chlorophyta: Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320, and one strain from the phylum Haptophyta: Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220. The experiments were conducted under typical laboratory-scale setups. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18-28S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was performed to validate the taxonomic identity of the strains. Each strain was exposed to four different cultivation conditions based on two levels of illumination intensity [25-(LI) and 50-(HI) µmol m- 2 s- 1] and nitrogen loading [100-(LΝ) and 300-(HΝ) mg NaNO3 L- 1] in a full factorial design. All the microalgae achieved maximum biomass production under HI-HN conditions, which amounted to 1495, 919, 844, and 708mg/L for Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 and Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220, respectively, after 16 days of cultivation. Among them, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117 had the highest protein content (49.9% wt.) under LI-HN conditions and Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 had the highest lipid content (44.3% wt.) under HI-LN conditions. Both Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 accumulated the highest carbohydrate content (~ 37% wt.) under LI-LN and HI-LN conditions, respectively. Based on biomass and macromolecule production, Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 was identified as the most promising candidate for upscaling studies, expecting its highly manipulatable compositional profile to support multiple applications in the food industry, rendering this microalga a valuable resource.

Advances in Biomass and Microbial Lipids Production: Trends and Prospects

Biotechnology is increasingly being used as a tool to replace traditional production methods due to concerns about the increasing damage caused by global warming. Bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and microalgae are microorganisms able to transform residues into value-added bioproducts. They produce microbial biomass that can result in the production of several products, such as biofuels, microbial proteins, fatty acids, bioactive polysaccharides, carotenoids, industrial enzymes, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and biofertilizers, among others. To improve microbial biomass and lipid yield, modern genetic engineering techniques can be applied as a way of optimizing processes and conditions. This review aims to explore the latest trends and technological advances in microbial biomass and lipid production, including optimization strategies for cultivation conditions and the use of genetic engineering to enhance yields and efficiency. It also discusses the challenges and future prospects for scaling up production for industrial applications. The potential of microbial lipids to contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy, as well as their applications in renewable energy and food industries, underscores their importance in a world increasingly seeking alternatives to fossil fuel dependence and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Incorporation of dietary phenolic compounds into dairy products: Interactions and beneficial effects

In this paper, VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to conduct bibliometric approaches to investigate the current trends (2010–2023) of ‘incorporation of polyphenol‐rich ingredients in dairy products’. Given the diversity, bioactivity and accessibility of phenolic compounds, researches in this field have seen extensive global engagement and have been currently experiencing rapid growth. The improvements in antioxidant activity and stability of dairy products were topical beneficial effects of phenolic compounds. Moreover, antimicrobial properties and support for probiotic functions of phenolic compounds are critical factors driving their widespread application in the dairy industry. Additionally, there has been a significant interest in the interactions between phenolic compounds and proteins in dairy products as well. Furthermore, the attention on rheological property and sensory property might be rising in the upcoming years. This paper quantified and visualised the evolution of polyphenol‐rich dairy products and provided insights into future trends.

Assessing the potential of upcoming laser-driven neutron sources and their practical applications for industry and society

Laser-driven neutron sources (LDNS) are an emerging technology with significant potential. The most promising types of LDNS are based on laser wakefield acceleration or target normal sheath acceleration, driven in a “pitcher-catcher” configuration. In this publication, we estimate the performance of LDNS once they have been optimized for industrial-scale usage and identify for which applications they can be used. For this purpose, we evaluate the current laser developments and identify the three most promising laser systems that can be used to cover the most relevant applications. A scaling system is then derived to predict the neutron production rate for each of the three systems. The first system is expected to produce 8×108ns-1 to 8×109ns-1 for thermalized neutrons. The second one 1×1011ns-1 for fast neutrons and the third one 1×1014ns-1 to 1×1015ns-1 fast neutrons. This is followed by an evaluation of possible applications that can be driven with each of the different LDNS system. We conclude with a comparison of the scaling law and the neutron production rate to existing experimental data and scaling laws from other groups to evaluate the accuracy of the model and the estimates for the different applications.

Advancements in nutty quality: Segmentation for enhanced monitoring and determination

Segmentation of nut images plays a vital role in computer vision and agricultural applications. Precise segmentation enables the extraction and analysis of essential information about the nuts, supporting quality evaluation, yield estimation, and automated sorting processes. This study explores nuts image segmentation utilizing the cuckoo search algorithm. The cuckoo search algorithm, a nature-inspired optimization technique, is introduced to enhance the segmentation process, potentially optimizing parameters or guiding the segmentation algorithms. Performance evaluation emphasizes metrics such as MSE, IoU, and dice coefficient. CSA (cuckoo search algorithm) demonstrates superior results, showcasing its effectiveness in automated nuts segmentation. This research contributes to the advancement of nut image analysis, providing insights into segmentation methodologies that can enhance automated processes in agriculture and food industry applications. The findings underscore the significance of employing advanced algorithms like CSA for accurate and efficient segmentation of nuts in images.

Oxidative stability of optimized nanostructured lipid carriers containing thymoquinone‐rich oil

AbstractLipid‐based nanodelivery systems are now widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to enhance the delivery of bioactive compounds by leveraging the properties of lipids. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), as one of the lipid‐based nano‐delivery systems, employs a blend of solid and liquid lipids, which improves the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactive substances. This study aimed to optimize the NLC containing thymoquinone‐rich oil (NLC‐TQO) formulation using the Box–Behnken design; assess its antioxidant activity and oxidative stability by measuring 2,2‐diphenyl−1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, thymoquinone (TQ), and tocopherol contents over 28‐day storage; and evaluate the impact of incorporating beta‐carotene as singlet oxygen quencher on the oxidative stability of the NLC‐TQO. The optimized formulation involved 4.16% lipids (glyceryl monostearate and TQO), 5.85% Tween 80 as the surfactant, and 8.20 min of ultrasonication. NLC formulations demonstrated better DPPH activity retention than the emulsions, with cold and dark storage conditions being the most effective for preserving antioxidant activity. TQ stability in the NLC was observed at elevated temperatures without light, with around 50% remaining intact. However, TQ degraded rapidly under light, almost entirely by day 7. Gamma‐tocopherol exhibited better stability than alpha‐tocopherol, especially under light. The addition of beta‐carotene enhanced NLC‐TQO's oxidative stability. These findings revealed the potential of the NLC formulation as an effective delivery system for TQ with better oxidative protection compared to emulsions, making it a promising option for pharmaceutical and food industry applications.

On secondary recycling of high-density polyethylene with reinforcement of stubble powder by a material extrusion process for construction applications

In the past two decades, several studies have been reported using agricultural waste as reinforcement in thermoplastic matrices for lightweight and tunable mechanical properties. However, the recycling of thermoplastic with reinforcement of agricultural waste has constraints in the form of the volume of recycled material to support the concept of a circular economy. One of the solutions for bulk consumption of such agricultural and thermoplastic waste is its use in construction applications. In the present study, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was secondary (2°) recycled by reinforcement of stubble waste powder (SWP) through the material extrusion (MEX) process for possible applications in the construction industry. The melt flow index (MFI) investigation suggested the maximum loading of 15% SWP with the recycled HDPE matrix in the present case study. Further, the filament was prepared by using the design of experiment (DoE) with input parameters (heat treatment (pre-heat treatment (PreHT) and post-heat treatment (PostHT), barrel temperature (170–180°C) and screw speed (3–5 RPM) on single screw extruder). The results suggest that the combination of PreHT, 170°C-barrel temperature and 4 RPM screws speed resulted in a maximum Young’s modulus (E) of 1386.57 MPa. The PreHT has promoted the recrystallization of the HDPE-SWP blend, which has significantly increased E. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals that the HDPE-SWP composite was more thermally stable after each thermal cycle. In addition, the results of this study were also supported and correlated with the observation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface profiling and 3D printability with MEX.

Characterization of a novel subfamily 1.4 lipase from Bacillus licheniformis IBRL-CHS2: Cloning and expression optimization.

This study focuses on a novel lipase from Bacillus licheniformis IBRL-CHS2. The lipase gene was cloned into the pGEM-T Easy vector, and its sequences were registered in GenBank (KU984433 and AOT80658). It was identified as a member of the bacterial lipase subfamily 1.4. The pCold I vector and E. coli BL21 (DE3) host were utilized for expression, with the best results obtained by removing the enzyme's signal peptide. Optimal conditions were found to be 15°C for 24 h, using 0.2 mM Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The His-tagged lipase was purified 13-fold with a 68% recovery and a specific activity of 331.3 U/mg using affinity purification. The lipase demonstrated optimal activity at 35°C and pH 7. It remained stable after 24 h in 25% (v/v) organic solvents such as isooctane, n-hexane, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and methanol, which enhanced its activity. Chloroform and diethyl ether inhibited the lipase. The enzyme exhibited the highest affinity for p-nitrophenol laurate (C12:0) with a Km of 0.36 mM and a Vmax of 357 μmol min-1 mg-1. Among natural oils, it performed best with coconut oil and worst with olive oil. The lipase was stable in the presence of 1 mM and 5 mM Ca2⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Mg2⁺, and Ba2⁺, but its activity decreased with Zn2⁺ and Al3⁺. Non-ionic surfactants like Triton X-100, Nonidet P40, Tween 20, and Tween 40 boosted activity, while Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) inhibited it. This lipase's unique properties, particularly its stability in organic solvents, make it suitable for applications in organic synthesis and various industries.

High-speed laser-directed energy deposition of crack-free wear-resistant and anti-corrosive Al/Cu bimetal components

ABSTRACT Al/Cu bimetal components (BMCs) possess higher thermal conductivity, better wear resistance and corrosion resistance than Al and Al alloys. It is a big challenging task to fabricate a high-performance Al/Cu BMC by a conventional infrared (IR) laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) process due to the crack formation and high IR laser reflectivity. A novel high-speed L-DED process was proposed to successfully fabricate a crack-free Al/Cu BMC by controlling the residual stress distribution and brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formation. The damaging effect of the reflective IR laser rays on the laser equipment can also be suppressed. Compared with the Al base metal, the microhardness, wear and electrochemical corrosion performances of the Al/Cu BMC were significantly improved. The residual stress distribution was predicted and measured. The IMC formation mechanism was revealed based on element distributions, the formation energy and the effective heat of formation of each IMC. The study would provide the basis for manufacturing crack-free and high-performance multi-material components in many applications in different industries.

Exopolygalacturonase Production from the Novel Strain Lichtheimia sp. UV-16 and Enzyme Hydrolysis Properties.

A pectinase-producing strain, Lichtheimia sp. X-8, was isolated from the soil for the first time. Subsequently, Lichtheimia sp. UV-16, with a 1.23-fold increase in pectinase activity, was obtained via UV mutagenesis, and optimization of its liquid fermentation process boosted pectinase activity from 455.6 ± 12.7 to 3202.0 ± 82.1 U/mL. The crude enzyme was purified by salting out and anion exchange resin, with a purification ratio of 2.28-fold and a yield of 36.5%. The optimal reaction temperature for the pure enzyme was 60 °C with an optimal pH of 5.5. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed that the enzyme was an exopolygalacturonase, achieving over 99% efficiency in pectin hydrolysis. Furthermore, incorporating pure enzymes into juice pulps can substantially enhance the juice yield, which makes this polygalacturonase a promising application in the beverage industry.

Optimization of Collagen Extraction from Fish Scales Using Tris-Glycine Buffer: A Taguchi Methodological Approach

Collagen, a critical biomaterial with wide applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical industries, can be sourced sustainably from fish scales. This study optimizes the extraction of collagen using Tris-Glycine buffer from fish scales via the Taguchi method. Various extraction parameters—buffer concentration, temperature, pH, and time—were evaluated to identify optimal conditions. Under optimal conditions (0.5 M of acetic acids, volume of acids of 100 mL, soaking time of 120 min, and Tris-Glycine buffer of 10 mL), the results demonstrate that temperature and buffer concentration significantly influence collagen yield, with a collagen purity of 17.14 ± 0.05 mg/g. R2 value of 73.84% was obtained for the mathematical model). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic collagen peaks at 1611 cm−1 (amide I), 1523 cm−1 (amide II), and 1300 cm−1 (amide III), indicating the successful extraction of type I collagen. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a protein banding pattern consistent with the molecular weight of collagen, and amino acid analysis shows high percentages of glycine (20.98%), proline (15.43%), and hydroxyproline (11.51%), implying fibrous collagen structures. The finding suggests that the Taguchi method offers an efficient and sustainable approach for collagen extraction, reducing waste from fish processing industries. Nevertheless, there is a need for further experimental validation to align with mathematical modeling on the optimized conditions.

Rutile‐Structured (RuSnSbReF)Ox High Entropy Solid Solution for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction

AbstractDeveloping efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts with exceptional durability and electrocatalytic activity for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) presents a significant challenge, primarily owing to the irreversible dissolution of the electrocatalysts in acidic electrolytes. Here, a rutile‐structured (RuSnSbReF)Ox high entropy solid solution is successfully fabricated on the substrate of corrosion‐resistant titanium via a high‐temperature sintering technique. The (RuSnSbReF)Ox electrocatalyst for the OER achieves a super‐low overpotential of 156 mV and a small Tafel slope of 23.87 mV dec−1 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. A high‐stable operation potential is performed for the long‐term measurement of 213 h at a current density of 100 mA cm−2. There is a lower energy barrier of the rate‐determining step (RDS) on the Ruthenium (Ru)‐Rhenium (Re) bridge site of the (RuSnSbReF)Ox electrocatalyst in comparison with that of other sites for acidic OER. The reservoir‐like Re species in the (RuSnSbReF)Ox can bestow/save the electrons to the Ru site through O‐bridges, favorably adjusting the electronic structure and the oxidation state. This investigation opens a feasible avenue to develop an efficient and durable Ru‐based electrocatalysts of rutile‐structured high entropy solid solution for the OER toward the practical applications of electrochemical industry in acidic media.

Comprehensive biochemical profiling of coconut haustorium for innovative food industry applications

ABSTRACT Coconut haustorium is a tropical delicacy that mobilizes nutrients from the endosperm to nourish the germinating embryo. This study profiles coconut haustorium for sugars, organic acids, phenolics, and flavonoids using advanced chromatographic techniques. Fructose (62.70%) and glucose (18.21%) were the major sugars with negligible lactose, suggesting potential use in baby food and for lactose-intolerant individuals. Malic acid (71.79%), citric acid (12.80%), and shikimic acid (7.59%) were the prominent organic acids, contributing to the haustorium’s unique taste and refreshing flavor. Ferulic acid (60.96%) and p-coumaric acid (22.05%) were the prominent phenolic acids, while naringenin (35.36%) and catechin (29.68%) were the primary flavonoids. Total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (61.18%) were also recorded, confirming the presence of bioactive compounds. The study reveals coconut haustorium as a rich source of readily available natural sugars, organic acids, phenols, and flavonoids offering potential for developing innovative nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera leaves

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics remains a significant clinical challenge, contributing to persistently high rates of morbidity and mortality. Achieving treatment success is increasingly difficult, necessitating the evaluation of new antibiotics and complementary approaches, including source control and alternative therapies. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and phytochemical properties of Moringa oleifera leaf extract using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of its major compound. The extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against standard strains and foodborne bacterial species. It also showed significant antioxidant potential, supported by the presence of high concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. HPLC analysis identified multiple bioactive compounds, with quercetin as the predominant component. The cytotoxicity study confirmed the safety of the extract at low and moderate concentrations, and ADMET analysis indicated favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics of quercetin. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera exhibits promising potential for medical and food industry applications due to its significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, combined with a strong safety profile and rich phytochemical content.

Catalytic Conversion of Ethyl Levulinate to γ-Valerolactone Under Mild Conditions over Zr-Beta Acidic Zeolite Prepared by Hydrothermal Method

As an important biomass resource, γ-valerolactone (GVL) shows considerable potential for applications in biofuel production, organic synthesis, polymer, and food industries. Herein, an effective method was presented for synthesizing GVL through the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of ethyl levulinate (EL) under mild conditions. Using isopropanol as a hydrogen donor, a 100% conversion of ethyl levulinate and an 88.7% yield of GVL were achieved over 2%Zr-Beta-7d catalyst at 110 °C for 8 h. The acidic sites of synthesized Zr-Beta via hydrothermal methods easily adjusted and offered high catalytic activity and selectivity. The Lewis (L) acid sites on the zeolite serve as the active centers for the conversion of EL. Characterization results indicate that the amounts of L acid sites on Zr-Beta increased with the Zr content and crystallization time rose, thus enhancing the selectivity for GVL. Additionally, the influences of catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, and time on catalytic performance are studied, as well as calculations of kinetic parameters such as reaction rate constants and activation energies. The 2%Zr-Beta-7d catalyst retains its high performance after five cycles. The current research may present an efficient approach for the conversion of EL to GVL under mild conditions.

El Proceso De Construcción Y Aplicación De Un Modelo De Relación Calidad-Innovación

This paper describes the construction and application of a relationship model between the quality and innovation variables in the context of the agricultural machinery industry in Mexico. The model allows the degree of maturity of each of the variables to be weighted, assigning a value to each component and element to analyze their relationship. Thus, the construction process is presented in four stages and its application in an agricultural machinery manufacturing company located in Mexico. It shows that quality positively but indirectly affects innovation, through the strengthening of the intermediate variable that drives innovation. Furthermore, results suggests that quality promotes incremental rather than radical innovation, by driving rational innovation, in which companies can ensure commercial viability. Finally, the limitations of the work are exposed in the work and its validation through the application in other industries and contexts is suggested.

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.

Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis Using Harmonic Balance Method

There is a high demand for nonlinear structural dynamics in implicit Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Although such methods are available, there are several obstacles to use them daily. One is their extreme and unpredictable computation time, which makes it often impossible to get results in time. Another point is the restriction of the methods to the time domain, which is often in contrary to the usual design rules based on frequency domain results. The Harmonic Balance Method (HBM) is a solution for an important sub-class of analysis cases, which resolves the two mentioned obstacles. As a starting point, we define HBM as a frequency response analysis with local nonlinearities. This allows to solve contact problems or mounting problems with nonlinear force-deflection curves. The primary results of HBM are in frequency domain. For all calculated frequencies, a solution in time domain is also available for a periodic response. A simplified radiator is used as industrial example. To prove the validity of HBM, a comparison with a linear frequency response analysis is performed, which shows same results. Then, rubber bushes and contact are added to the model as nonlinearities. Key results of stress and fatigue are presented, and the computation times are analysed to demonstrate the feasibility of the HBM implementation for applications in research and industry. All simulations are performed with the FEA software PERMAS, which contains the HBM among many other analysis methods in structural dynamics.