Average Granule Size Research Articles

Isolation and Characterization of Irvingia gabonensis Seed Contents and the Tableting Properties of its Gum Component

This experimental work was designed to isolate, purify and estimate the fatty acids contents of Irvingia gabonensis seeds (IGS) and to evaluate the tableting properties of the gum constituent of the seed in metformin tablet. A known amount of the IGS was crushed and dispersed in purified water at a temperature of 80oC, Ethanol (90 %) was added, filtered and dried at 40oC. The fatty acid components were recovered using petroleum ether, while the gum was further purified with ethanol (90%). The fatty acid contents obtained were analyzed using an Agilent G1701 GC/MSD system. The gum content was evaluated using parameters such as: flow rate, angle of repose, bulk and tapped density and Carr’s index. The gum was granulated with other excipients and metformin powder dried at 40oC. The granules were evaluated as was done for the gum and tablet compression done at 2.0 KN on a single punch tablet machine fitted with 12.5 mm diameter die size. The GC-MS revealed bioactive compounds mainly fatty acids– lauric acid (36.82%), myristic acid (31.52%), benzyl dodecanoate (9.06%) and palmitic acid (4.03%), n-decanoic acid, 1-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-ethanediyl ester, tetradecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediyl ester, etc. The granule size distribution revealed size and compactness in the following order: Acacia gum > IGS-gum > Gelatin, and average granule size for the batches were found to be 500 μm. Evaluation of metformin tablets gave the following results: crushing strength, friability, and disintegration time for B7 and B8 (7.5 and 10 %w/v IGS-gum as binder) as 58 and 68 N, 1.03% and 1.01%, 20.00 and 26.00 min., respectively. B3and B4 (7.5 and 10 %w/v acacia were shown as gum as binder) 44 and 48 N, 1.10 and 1.03%, 20.00 and 23.50 min., respectively. It can be concluded that at 7.5 and 10 %w/v, IGS-gum proved to be a better binder than acacia in metformin tablets formulation. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 23(1): 53-62, 2024 (June)

OsNF-YA8 promotes starch accumulation and influences seed traits by positively regulating starch biosynthesis in rice

The storage substances of rice are critical factors that simultaneously affect grain yield and quality. Starch is the major component in the endosperm, directly affecting the seed yield as well as the cooking and eating quality of grains. Growing evidence suggests that some transcription factors are involved in regulating seed traits and starch biosynthesis. Here, we reveal the role of an NF-Y transcription factor gene, OsNF-YA8, in regulation of seed traits and starch accumulation. OsNF-YA8 encodes a rice NF-YA protein containing the 166-amino acid. The RT-qPCR showed that OsNF-YA8 is expressed in roots, stems, leaves, flag leaves, and panicles, and dramatically increased in panicle during rice filling. Intracellular localization analysis showed that OsNF-YA8 is a nucleus-localized protein. In the OsNF-YA8 overexpression lines, rice grain length increased by 13.80–14.21 %, rice grain thickness decreased by 3.22–6.65 %, and the total starch content increased by 14.70–33.14 %. The overexpression of the OsNF-YA8 also decreased average starch granule size, and changed starch properties. Moreover, OsNF-YA8-overexpression up-regulated the expressions of genes involved in sucrose synthesis/transport and starch synthesis. By contrast, RNAi of OsNF-YA8 decreased the grain length, grain width, 1000 grain weight and starch content of rice seeds, and down-regulated the expressions of genes involved in sucrose synthesis/transport and starch synthesis. These results suggest that OsNF-YA8 enhances starch accumulation and confers seed traits by positively regulating starch biosynthesis in rice. The findings provide a new perspective on genetic improvement of crop agronomic traits and seed quality.

Enhancing anammox process with granular activated carbon: A study on Microbial Extracellular Secretions (MESs)

Granular activated carbon (GAC), a porous carbon-based material, provides increased attachment space for functional microorganisms and enhances nitrogen removal by facilitating extracellular electron transfer in the anammox process. This study investigates the effects of GAC on the biosynthesis of microbial extracellular secretions (MESs) and explores the roles of these secretions in anammox activities. Four lab-scale reactors were operated: two downstream UASB reactors (D1 and D2) receiving effluents from the upstream UASB reactors (U1: no-GAC, U2: yes-GAC). Our results indicate that MESs were enhanced with the addition of GAC. The effluent from U2 exhibited a 59.62 % higher amino acid content than that from U1. These secretions contributed to an increase in the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) in the downstream reactors. Specifically, NLR in D1 increased from 130.5 to 142.7 g N/m3/day, and in D2, it escalated from 137.5 to 202.8 g N/m3/day, likely through acting as cross-feeding substrates or vital nutrients. D2 also showed increased anammox bacterial activity, enriched Ca. Brocadia population and hao gene abundance. Furthermore, this study revealed that D2 sludge has significantly higher extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (48.71 mg/g VSS) and a larger average granule size (1.201 ± 0.119 mm) compared to D1 sludge. Overall, GAC-stimulated MESs may have contributed to the enhanced performance of the anammox process.

The potential exploitation of the Malay-red apple (Syzygium malaccense) seed as source of a phosphorylated starch

This work presents the characterization of a novel naturally phosphorylated starch extracted from an unconventional and non-utilized source, the seeds of the stone fruit Syzygium malaccense. The morphology and chemical characteristics of the extracted starch were examined by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, 1H/13C/31P NMR and 13C-CP/MAS-NMR, HPAEC-PAD chromatography, XRD, DSC, and RVA. The extraction yielded a highly pure starch (95.6 %) with an average granule size of 13 μm. The analysis of the starch components revealed an amylose content of 28.1 % and a predominance (65 %) of B-chains (B1–B3 65 %) in the amylopectin, as shown through HPAEC-PAD chromatography. The X-ray diffractogram was compatible with B-type starch, which was confirmed by the deconvolution of the C1 peak in the 13C-CP/MAS-NMR. X-Ray diffractogram also showed that S. malaccense has 28.5 % of crystallinity. DSC analysis showed values of 82.6 °C and −12.41 J g−1 for Tc and ΔH, respectively, which is compatible with a highly ordered starch granule structure. The values observed for peak (4678 mPa•s), trough (3055 mPa•s), and final viscosity (6526 mPa•s) indicated that S. malaccense may be used as a thickener in hot food.

Effects of starch multiscale structure on the physicochemical properties and digestibility of Radix Cynanchi bungei starch

Radix Cynanchi bungei (RCb) contains 40–70 % starch, yet little is known about the structure and properties of RCb starch. In this study, the multiscale structure of two cultivars of RCb starch (YW201501 and BW201001) were characterized, and the effects of starch structure on its physicochemical properties were investigated. The differences in physicochemical properties of RCb starch were influenced by its multiscale structure. The starch granules were round and irregular polygon, with sizes ranging between 2 and 14 μm. YW201501 had a higher amylose (21.81 %) and lipid (0.96 %) content, molecular weight (59.5 × 106 g/mol), and A chain proportion (27.5 %), and a lower average granule size (6.14 μm), amylopectin average chain length (19.7), and B3 chain proportion (10.3 %). Both starches were B-type crystalline, with higher crystallinity (26.3 %) and R1047/1022 (0.74) for YW201501, resulting in large gelatinization enthalpy. In addition, the higher peak viscosity and larger retrogradation degree of YW201501 were correlated to its higher amylose content. In vitro digestibility revealed that the low rapidly digestible starch and high resistant starch of BW201001 were related to the fine structure of starch. YW201501 and BW201001 had a medium glycemic index (62.6–66.0) with potential for processing into healthy starchy foods.

Anaerobic digestibility of aerobic granular sludge from continuous flow reactors: the role of granule size distribution.

There is an increasing interest in integrating aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology into wastewater industries. Several projects are being performed to cultivate the aerobic granules for continuous flow reactors (AGS-CFR), while there is a scarcity of those projects that investigate the bio-energy recovery from AGS-CFR. This research was designed to examine the digestibility of AGS-CFR. Beyond that, it aimed at defining the role of the granule size on their digestibility. For this purpose, a series of bio-methane potential (BMP) tests have been run at mesophilic conditions. The results showed that AGS-CFR has a lower methane potential (107.43 ± 4.30 NmL/g VS) compared to activated sludge. This may be the result of the high sludge age (30 days) of AGS-CFR. Additionally, the results revealed that the average size of granules is among the main factors that reduce their digestibility, but it does not inhibit it. It was noticed that granules of size >250 μm have a significantly lower methane yield than the smaller ones. Kinetically, it was noticed that the kinetic models with two hydrolysis rates fit well with the methane curve of AGS-CFR. Overall, this work showed that the average size of AGS-CFR characterizes its biodegradability, which in turn defines its methane yield.

Potential of Thai aromatic fruit (Artocarpus species) seed as an alternative natural starch for compact powder

This study aims to extract the starch from seeds of the Thai aromatic fruit (Artocarpus species), champedak (Artocarpus integer) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) and evaluate its potential use as a raw material to develop compact powder as substitute for talcum in powder formulations. The chemical and physical characteristics as well as the physicochemical properties of the starch were also determined. Moreover, compact powder formulations using the extracted starch as an ingredient were developed and investigated. This study found that champedak (CS) and jackfruit starch (JS) provided a maximum average granule size of 10 μm. The bell or semi-oval shape and smooth surface of the starch granules was perfectly suited to compact powder development under the cosmetic powder pressing machine, which could reduce the opportunity of fracture during the process. CS and JS presented low swelling power and solubility but high water and oil absorption capacities, which could potentially increase the absorbency of the compact powder. Finally, the developed compact powder formulations provided a smooth surface with a homogeneous and intense colour. All formulations presented a highly adhesive property and were resistant to transport and normal handling by users.

Conductive carrier promotes synchronous biofilm formation and granulation of anammox bacteria

The extracellular electron transfer capability of some anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria was confirmed in recent years. However, the effect of conductive carriers on the synchronous formation of anammox biofilm and granules is rarely reported. Anammox biofilm and granules with compact and stable structures accelerate the initiation and enhance the stability of the anammox process. In this study, we found that the conductive carbon fiber brush (CB) carrier promoted synchronous biofilm formation and granulation of anammox bacteria in the internal circulation immobilized blanket (ICIB) reactor. Compared with polyurethane sponge and zeolite carrier, the ICIB reactor packed with CB carrier can be operated under the highest total nitrogen loading rate of 6.53 kg-N/(m3·d) and maintain the effluents NH4+-N and NO2−-N at less than 1 mM. The volatile suspended solids concentration in the ICIB reactor packed with conductive carrier increased from 5.17 ± 0.40 g/L of inoculum sludge to 24.24 ± 1.20 g/L of biofilm, and the average particle size of granules increased from 222.09 µm to 879.80 µm in 150 days. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that anammox bacteria prevailed in the biofilm and granules. The analysis of extracellular polymeric substances indicated that protein and humic acid-like substances played an important role in the formation of anammox biofilm and granules. Microbiome analysis showed that the relative abundance of Candidatus Jettenia was increased from 0.18% to 38.15% in the biofilm from CB carrier during start-up stage. This study provides a strategy for rapid anammox biofilm and granules enrichment and carrier selection of anammox process.

Características termoreologicas e aptidão de extrudabilidade de um novo amido de mandioca sem amilose

ABSTRACT Cassava crops have always been fundamental in human nutrition and industry. Nowadays, the development of new cultivars with specific properties has become a major research area. In this research, amylose-free cassava starch (WXCS) extracted from clone AM206-5 was evaluated with respect to its physicochemical, morphological, and thermorheological properties. The waxy nature of cassava starch was verified (0.54 ± 0.09% w/w amylose), showing a 16.92±0.20 µm average granule size and elliptical or spherical truncated shapes without granule aggregation. There were significant differences in the pasting profiles evaluated, with WXCS being thermally less stable (Breakdown = 698±2 cP) generating less viscous final pastes (731±16 cP) compared to a commercial amylose-free corn starch. The WXCS shear viscosity was determined in a capillary rheometer (Rheoplast®), showing an inverse linear temperature dependence, decreasing by a factor larger than 3 when the temperature changed from 100 to 120 °C, with a pseudoplastic flow described by the power law (n: 0.25-0.40), consistency index (32607 - 6695 Pa.s) and specific mechanical energy (124 - 75 J/g). The extensional viscosity was always higher than the shear viscosity, where increasing the strain rate and temperature enlarged the Trouton number (25-145). Complete WXCS transformation under real process conditions was achieved with a 30% w/w moisture content and 100 °C, which induced full granular integrity loss and crystalline structure destruction. The results confirmed a potential utilization for this new starch to obtain extruded-type food products or to serve as a biothickening agent.

Co-Culture of Halotolerant Bacteria to Produce Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Using Sewage Wastewater Substrate.

The focus of the current study was the use of sewage wastewater to obtain PHA from a co-culture to produce a sustainable polymer. Two halotolerant bacteria, Bacillus halotolerans 14SM (MZ801771) and Bacillus aryabhattai WK31 (MT453992), were grown in a consortium to produce PHA. Sewage wastewater (SWW) was used to produce PHA, and glucose was used as a reference substrate to compare the growth and PHA production parameters. Both bacterial strains produced PHA in monoculture, but a copolymer was obtained when the co-cultures were used. The co-culture accumulated a maximum of 54% after 24 h of incubation in 10% SWW. The intracellular granules indicated the presence of nucleation sites for granule initiation. The average granule size was recorded to be 231 nm; micrographs also indicated the presence of extracellular polymers and granule-associated proteins. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the polymer produced by the consortium showed a significant peak at 1731 cm-1, representing the C=O group. FTIR also presented peaks in the region of 2800 cm-1 to 2900 cm-1, indicating C-C stretching. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) of the pure polymer indicated chemical shifts resulting from the proton of hydroxy valerate and hydroxybutyrate, confirming the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxy valerate) (P3HBV). A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that the copolymer was biocompatible, even at a high concentration of 5000 µg mL-1. The results of this study show that bacterial strains WK31 and 14SM can be used to synthesize a copolymer of butyrate and valerate using the volatile fatty acids present in the SWW, such as propionic acid or pentanoic acid. P3HBV can also be used to provide an extracellular matrix for cell-line growth without causing any cytotoxic effects.

Effects of Endogenous Cytokinin on Physicochemical Properties of Superior and Inferior Grain Starch in Rice

AbstractDifferent grain positions on the rice panicle have asynchronous flowering phenomenon. The difference between superior and inferior grains not only affects the yield, but also restricts the quality of rice. In this study, the cytokinin‐related transgenic lines VIN3‐LIKE 2 (OsVIL2)‐OX (increased endogenous cytokinin content), Oryza sativa A‐type response regulator (OsRR1)‐OX, and Early heading date 1 (Ehd1)‐OX (B‐type response regulator) are used to analyze nutrient accumulation and starch physicochemical properties of superior and inferior grains from the physiological level. The research conclusions are as follows: The overexpression transgenic plants of OsVIL2, OsRR1, and Ehd1 result in an increase of average starch granule size and solubility, but decrease in apparent amylose content of superior and inferior grains, which further reduce the surface order of superior and inferior grains, and increase the relative crystallinity of superior grains. Increased cytokinin content possibly accelerates the accumulation of carbohydrates in superior and inferior grains by promoting the expression of OsRR1. In addition, Ehd1 might be the main gene that affects the production of inferior grains, and Ehd1 is also involved in the regulation of the surface order structure and crystallinity of starch from superior and inferior grains by cytokinin.

Starches Isolated from the Pulp and Seeds of Unripe Pouteria campechiana Fruits as Potential Health‐Promoting Food Additives

AbstractThe non‐conventional starch isolated from unripe fruits is an alternative to obtain this raw material with improved or different functionality and digestibility. The starch isolated from Pouteria campechiana pulp (SIP) and seeds (SIS) of unripe fruits shows similar average granule sizes and A‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern. The digestibility characteristics are related to the hierarchical structure, since the amylopectin of the SIS sample has the highest crystallinity percentage and degree of polymerization (DP). These long amylopectin chains produce a thermally stable helical structure. Resistant starch (RS) in the SIP and SIS samples remains after cooking, and the cooked SIS show an increase in slowly digestible starch (SDS) content. In contrast, cooked SIP has an increased content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS). The SIP sample also shows interesting β‐carotene content values (15.4 µg g−1 dry starch) for the manufacture of potentially health‐promoting food additives in terms of anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The supramolecular structure–in vitro digestibility relationship of the SIS sample yields interesting results as a novel, low‐cost, and underutilized alternative starch source for the manufacture of potential health‐promoting starchy food additives.

Structural and morphological study of the Al–Si–Mg–SiC composite material produced by mechanical alloying

The research focuses on aluminum composite granules obtained by the mechanical alloying of VAS1 aluminum alloy and silicon carbide initial powders. It was found that the morphology and average size of composite granules change as the time of mechanical alloying increases. There are the processes of aluminum matrix plastic deformation and the introduction of silicon carbide particles into the matrix, «cold welding» of agglomerates to each other and the growth of an average granule size up to 550 μm that occur for 40 hours of processing. After longer mechanical alloying (60 h), the structure of composite granules becomes uniform, and the average particle size reaches ~150 μm remaining virtually unchanged as the process time increases. X-ray analysis showed that there is a change not only in the morphology of composite granules, but also in their internal structure: coherent scattering regions decrease, the lattice constant of the aluminum matrix alloy changes, microdeformations and stacking faults increase. Transmission electron microscopy studies were conducted in order to study the material microstructure more deeply. Their results proved that the material has a uniform ultra-fine grain structure. The solid solution of aluminum has a maximum grain size of 160 nm. Dislocation density in the composite is rather high. The structure features nanosized plate-like Si particles and silicon carbide existing in the material as distributed splintery coarse particles. No diffusion zone between SiC particles and the base material was found.

The startup of the partial nitritation/anammox-hydroxyapatite process based on reconciling biomass and mineral to form the novel granule sludge

The synchronous nitrogen elimination and phosphorus (P) recovery can be realized by the novel one-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A)-hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystallization (PN/A-HAP) process, which seems promising in actual application. This research firstly conducted the startup of the PN/A-HAP process based on reconciling biomass and mineral to cultivate the novel sludge with the strategy of alternating enhancement of biomass accumulation and mineral formation. Within three months, the nitrogen removal rate of 1.1 kg/m3/d and the P removal efficiency of 54.2% were achieved. The biomass reached to 3.7 g/L and the average particle size of sludge granules was about 260 μm. The microbial analysis indicated that in sludge the ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) mainly belonged to the genus Nitrosomonas, and the anammox bacteria mainly the genus Kuenenia. The main mineral in sludge was identified as HAP. This startup strategy is guidable for the application of one-stage PN/A-HAP process in actual wastewater treatment.

Colour, composition, digestibility, functionality and pasting properties of diverse kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) flours

The present work evaluated nine diverse kidney bean accessions for colour, composition, digestibility, protein profile, starch crystallinity, techno-functional properties, pasting properties and microstructure with the objective of identifying key attributes affecting their digestibility and functionality. The accessions exhibited dry matter digestibility, resistant starch (RS) content, water absorption capacity, fat absorption capacity, emulsifying activity index (EAI), foaming capacity (FC) and foam stability (FS) of 14.6–47.2%, 32.0–50.5%, 1.7–2.7 g/g, 1.4–1.7 g/g, 50.1–70.1 m2/g, 70.8–98.3% and 82.4–91.3%, respectively. Starch-lipid complexes (SLC), proteins and non-starch carbohydrates contributed to lower starch and dry matter-digestibility. Principal component analysis revealed positive relation of emulsification, foaming and water absorption capacity with proteins, starch, RS and ash-content while negative with crystallinity and amount of lipids, non-starch carbohydrates and digestible starch. Hydration ability of proteins promoted foaming whereas flour with lower vicilins level was less surface active and exhibited the lowest EAI, FC and FS. Pasting temperature related positively with SLC, while average starch granule size was in strong positive relationship with RS content, peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity. The results could be useful for enhanced utilization of kidney beans in different foods.

Starch synthesis and gelatinization properties of potato tubers

ABSTRACT: Biosynthesis is the only source of potato starch which is an important raw material for food processing, modified starch and biomass energy. However, it is not clear about the evolution of starch synthesis with tuber development in potato. The present study evaluated the differences of starch synthesis and gelatinization properties of potato tubers with different starch content. Relative to cultivars of medium and low starch content, cultivars of high starch content showed significantly higher SBEII gene expression, AGPase and SSS enzyme activity, and total starch content after middle stage of starch accumulation, and had smaller average starch granule size during whole process of tuber development, and had higher pasting temperature before late stages of tuber growth, and had lower pasting temperature after middle stage of starch accumulation. Path analysis showed that, after middle stage of starch accumulation, effects on starch gelatinization of cultivars with high, medium and low starch content represented starch synthesis enzyme activity > starch accumulation > starch granule distribution > starch synthesis enzyme gene expression, starch synthesis enzyme gene expression > starch synthesis enzyme activity > starch accumulation > starch granule distribution, starch synthesis enzyme gene expression > starch granule distribution > starch synthesis enzyme activity > starch accumulation, respectively. In the study, phases existed in the starch biosynthesis of potato tuber, and the starch quality and its formation process were different among varieties with different starch content. The findings might contribute to starch application and potato industries.

Impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 on aleurone cells and starch granule morphology in domesticated and wild rices

Wild rice species represent valuable germplasm for breeding of elite genotypes with enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, differences in endosperm morphology between wild and cultivated rice, and how these are affected by enhanced levels of atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) predicted for later this century, are largely unknown. Accessions of native rice species from northern Australia, Oryza australiensis and O. meridionalis, and a local cultivar, O. sativa cv. Doongara, were grown to maturity in glasshouses at ambient (aCO2, 400 ppm) and eCO2 (700 ppm). Endosperm morphology was studied from transverse sections of mature grains using scanning electron microscopy. Aleurone cell length and width were higher in eCO2 than in aCO2 in the O. meridionalis accession Howard Springs, but lower in Doongara. The average starch granule size in Doongara was greater than in the wild genotypes in both CO2 treatments. The area and length of the starch granule images were larger in eCO2 than in aCO2 in the O. meridionalis accession Cape York but smaller in Doongara. Responses of rice endosperm morphology to eCO2 were dependent on genotype. We conclude that endosperm morphology responds differentially to eCO2, both between and within rice species. Contrasts in these responses can be exploited by breeders.

Investigation on the granulation behavior of iron ore fine in a horizontal high-shear granulator

High-shear granulation is widely used in many particulate industries for its good capability to improve the size, strength and composition uniformity of powder substances. This work conducted an experimental study to investigate the granulation behavior of iron ore fine in a horizontal high-shear granulator, such as granules size distribution, granules growth rate, and permeability of the granules bed. The results show that the granule size and permeability of packed granules bed increase gradually with increasing the granulation time, and the growth of granules can be divided into three stages: the rapid growth stage, the slow growth stage and the relatively stable stage. Both the higher rotational speed and larger number of impellers increase the kinetic energy and collision frequency of the particles, which causes the increase of average granule size, growth rate and permeability of granules packed bed. On the other hand, the shear damage effect of the impellers on the granules is also enhanced with the increase of rotational speed and impeller number, resulting in significant granule size segregation.

Didactic laser speckle experiments with a lensless camera

Laser speckles are granular patterns created through the interference of coherent light scattered by a rough surface. Besides comprising an appealing optical phenomenon, the speckle patterns enable applications in physical and biochemical measurements. This paper proposes didactic far-field (objective) speckle experiments using a visible laser source and a lensless webcam for implementation in optics labs or at home. Firstly, a ceramic mug works as the scattering surface to investigate the effect of the target-observation plane distance on the average size of light granules. Secondly, the speckle pattern deviations produced by the liquid inside the recipient are analysed to measure mass and temperature changes. Finally, the mug is replaced with a leaf to evaluate its biological activity based on the scattered light. Image processing tools carry out the quantification of speckle parameters like average size and correlation coefficient, achieving a good agreement between theory and practical results. The proposed far-field speckle experiments explore topics related to optics, instrumentation, and image computing straightforwardly, developing the desired skills for undergraduate and graduate students of physics and engineering courses.

Effect of High Pressure Treatment on Structural, Functional, and In‐Vitro Digestibility of Starches from Tubers, Cereals, and Beans

AbstractStarch from different sources (wheat, rice, corn, waxy corn, potato, sweet potato, and kidney bean) are subjected to high pressure treatment (HPT) at 300 and 600 MPa and are evaluated for changes in digestibility, structural, thermal, and pasting properties. HPT alters the surface of starch granules and significantly disrupts morphology of granules. Increase in average granule size and decrease in relative crystallinity is observed in high pressure treated starches. However, a significant decrease average granule size is observed at 600 MPa. High pressure treated starches show progressive reduction in both swelling power and solubility with increase in pressure. HPT results in reduction in gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) while starches except potato starch treated at 600 MPa do not show any endothermic peak indicating complete destruction of crystalline structure. Peak and final viscosity of native starches is higher than those of their counterpart high pressure treated starches except waxy corn starch. Increase in gel firmness and destruction of internal structure of starches especially that of tuber starches treated at high pressures is observed. HPT lowered rapidly digestible starch fraction and increased slowly digestible starch and resistant starch fraction.