Canola Research Articles

Investigating the nonlinear optical response of virgin cherry kernel oil and its application to detecting adulteration

The nonlinear optical (NLO) response of materials is the basis for their use in various applications including optical switching, optical data storage, and optical limiting. Additionally, it can be used as an innovative authentication method. In this study, the NLO properties of virgin cherry kernel oil (VCKO) were investigated by observing of spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) diffraction rings using a 532nm continuous-wave laser beam. Based on the intensity-dependent number of symmetric diffraction rings, the nonlinear refraction coefficient and thermo-optical coefficient of VCKO were estimated to be 3.81×10−6cm2/W and 5.34×10−4K−1, respectively, for the first time, according to the authors’ knowledge. Furthermore, we employed the SSPM technique for adulteration detection in the VCKO sample by analyzing its NLO properties. To accomplish this, we prepared different adulterated samples by mixing VCKO with cheaper commercial oils, such as virgin sunflower oil (VSFO) and virgin canola oil (VCO) at various concentration ratios. In the mixed VCKO adulterated samples, the measured NLO parameters were highly correlated with the amount of adulteration. The results confirmed the ability of the SSPM technique to determine the degree of adulteration in oil samples by measuring and comparing their NLO properties. In addition, our results indicate that cherry kernel oil can be a viable candidate as a nonlinear medium for optical applications.

Analysis and authentication of avocado oil by low-field benchtop NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Avocado oil is a nutritious, edible oil produced from avocado fruit. It has high commercial value and is increasing in popularity, thus powerful analytical methods are needed to ensure its quality and authenticity. Recent advancements in low-field (LF) NMR spectroscopy allow for collection of high-quality data despite the use of low magnetic fields produced by non-superconductive magnets. Combined with chemometrics, LF NMR opens new opportunities in food analysis using targeted and untargeted approaches. Here, it was used to determine poly-, mono-, and saturated fatty acids in avocado oil. Although direct signal integration of LF NMR spectra was able to determine certain classes of fatty acids, it had several challenges arising from signal overlapping. Thus, we used partial least square regression and developed models with good prediction performance for fatty acid composition, with residual prediction deviation ranging 3.46-5.53 and root mean squared error of prediction CV ranging 0.46-2.48. In addition, LF NMR, combined with unsupervised and supervised methods, enabled the differentiation of avocado oil from other oils, namely, olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, high oleic (OL) safflower oil, and high OL sunflower oil. This study showed that LF NMR can be used as an efficient alternative for the compositional analysis and authentication of avocado oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Here, we describe the application of LF-NMR for fatty acid analysis and avocado oil authentication. LF-NMR can be an efficient tool for targeted and untargeted analysis, thus becoming an attractive option for companies, regulatory agencies, and quality control laboratories. This tool is especially important for organizations and entities seeking economic, user-friendly, and sustainable analysis solutions.

Incorporation of canola meal as a sustainable natural filler in PLA foams

The canola oil industry generates significant waste as canola meal (CM) which has limited scope and applications. This study demonstrates the possibility of valorization of CM as a sustainable natural filler in a biodegradable polymer composite of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Generally, interfacial bonding between natural fibers and the polymer matrix in the composite is weak and non-uniform. One possible solution is to derivatize natural fibre to introduce interfacial bond strength and compatibility with the PLA polymer matrix. Here, CM was succinylated in a reactive extrusion process using succinic anhydride at 30 wt% to get 14% derivatization with 0.02 g of -COOH density per g of CM. The CM or succinylated CM at 5 and 15 wt% was co-extruded with amorphous PLA to get composite fibers. CM-PLA and succinylated CM-PLA biocomposites were foamed using a mild and green microcellular foaming process, with CO2 as an impregnating agent without any addition of organic solvents. The properties of the foams were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), shrinkage, and imaging. The addition of CM or succinylated CM as a natural filler did not significantly change the glass transition temperature, melting point, percent crystallization, stiffness, and thermal stability of PLA foams. This suggests succinylation (modification) of CM is not a mandatory step for improving interphase compatibility with the amorphous PLA. The new PLA-CM foams can be a good alternative in the packaging industry replacing the existing petroleum-based polymer foams.Graphical

Multifractal characterization of fried foods pore microstructure

This study aimed to unravel the multifractal properties of internal microstructure in relation to textural evolution of meat-analog (MA) based coated fried foods. Wheat and rice flour-based batters were used to coat MA model that was deep fried at 180 °C for 2, 4 and 6 min in canola oil. Internal pore microstructures were investigated by X-ray microtomography based multifractal analysis (MFA) and texture were assessed by mechanical texture analyzer. Results showed that batter coatings greatly influenced the formation of internal microstructure during frying as well as post-frying mass redistribution and textural evolution. The frying time impacted the evolution of micropores, and porosity showed a positive correlation with the fat content of MA-based fried products. Porous, low-moisture and high-fat containing coated fried MA-based product demonstrated higher textural stability. Internal microstructure (pore distribution) of fried MAs were heterogenous and possessed multifractal scaling behavior, as depicted by MFA outcomes (Singularity & Rényi spectra). Strong correlation observed between moisture-fat, texture, porosity and selected multifractal parameters (Δα, Δfα, R-L, D1, D2, ΔD).

High-cell-density fed-batch strategy to manufacture tailor-made P(HB-co-HHx) by engineered Ralstonia eutropha at laboratory scale and pilot scale.

The transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy requires the development of highly efficient bioprocesses that enable the production of bulk materials at a competitive price. This is particularly crucial for driving the commercialization of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as biobased and biodegradable plastic substitutes. Among these, the copolymer poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate) (P(HB-co-HHx)) shows excellent material properties that can be tuned by regulating its monomer composition. In this study, we developed a high-cell-density fed-batch strategy using mixtures of fructose and canola oil to modulate the molar composition of P(HB-co-HHx) produced by Ralstonia eutropha Re2058/pCB113 at 1-L laboratory scale up to 150-L pilot scale. With cell densities >100 g L-1 containing 70-80 wt% of PHA with tunable HHx contents in the range of 9.0-14.6 mol% and productivities of up to 1.5 g L-1 h-1, we demonstrate the tailor-made production of P(HB-co-HHx) at an industrially relevant scale. Ultimately, this strategy enables the production of PHA bioplastics with defined material properties on the kilogram scale, which is often required for testing and adapting manufacturing processes to target diverse applications.

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of quaternary ammonium compounds from natural oils

Quaternary ammonium salts refer to any class of salt derived from ammonium in which the nitrogen atom is attached to four organic groups covalently, as in benzalkonium chloride (R4N+). Quaternary ammonium compounds were synthesized from Canola oil (Brasssicanapus) and Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) extracts by reacting the oils with N,N-diethylethylenediamine in the presence of potassium tertiary butoxide as catalyst. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometric analyses of the starting materials, the intermediates and the final products were conducted, the results showed a disappearance of the carbonyl (C=O) stretch of an ester (the oil) at 1744cm-1 and appearance of N-H band of an amide at 3433cm-1, which resulted from the quaternization of benzyl chloride with the intermediates for both oils. Other functional groups such as C=C and C-H stretch of aromatic compound, C=O stretch of an amide were also observed.Mass spectrometric analysis of the final products were conducted and results showed the Molecular Ion peak (M+) which is the molecular weights of the products. Vital fragments such as base peaks were observed for both quats, other fragmented radical cations were observed.Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) exhibited excellent anti-bacterial activity covering a diameter of 22 mm and 28 mm of E. coli for QACs from Cocos nucifera and Brassic anapus oils respectively as compared to the standard antibiotic (Ampillicin).

Thermomechanical and physicochemical evolution of meat‐analogue based fried foods

SummaryThis study aimed to get mechanistic insights on the evolution of major quality attributes of meat‐analogue (MA) based batter‐coated fried products. Wheat and rice flour‐based batter systems were used to coat a MA. The products were deep‐fried at 180°C for 4 min in canola oil and their post‐fry quality changes at room environment (RE, 25°C) and under IR‐heating (65 °C) were investigated. Results showed that in addition to moisture‐fat profile, batter coating substantially (P < 0.05) influenced the development of thermal, textural, colour and microstructural traits of MA. Post‐fry colour changes (ΔE value: 3.1 to 10.4) in MA‐based coated product continued under IR‐heating (65 °C). Evolution of the thermal, textural and colour attributes of MA‐based coated products were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the formulation of outer batter coatings. Moisture migration occurred from high moisture (ranged from 1.07 to 1.25 g g−1 dry matter) containing core to dry (moisture ranged from 0.15 to 0.59 g g−1 dry matter) crust region of MA‐based coated fried product, where the moisture migration was interlaced with batter formulations. Holding environment and duration substantially (P < 0.05) impacted the textural properties (hardness, brittleness and crispiness) of MA‐based coated fried product. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of coated fried products were ranged between −20.4 to −23.0 °C, that explains quality changes at RE and under IR‐heating. Scanning electron microscopic image analysis (surface openings: 5.7 to 27.31%; fractal dimension: 2.555 to 2.702) revealed the impact of surface microstructure and mass‐transfer modulated textural development in MA‐based coated products. FTIR spectroscopy revealed surface chemical profile in relation to colour evolution of MA‐based fried products. Principal component analysis outcome (PC1: 52.9.% and PC2: 25.8%) revealed varying extent of correlation between studied thermomechanical and physicochemical attributes.

Effect of Polyphenols (Kolaviron and Quercetin) on Hepatic indices of Testosterone Propionate Induced-Benign prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar rats

This research examined the impact of polyphenols (kolaviron and quercetin) on hepatic indices in Wistar rats with testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia. Forty-two animals weighing between 250 and 300g were utilized, divided into six groups, each comprising seven animals. Group one served as the normal control and received 0.5ml Canola oil, while group two- six underwent BPH induction via an intraperitoneal injection of 5mg/kg body weight testosterone for four weeks. Following BPH induction, group two got 0.5mL of Canola oil, while groups three, four, five, and six were treated with 150mg/kg body weight Kolaviron, 15mg/kg body weight Quercetin, 150mg/kg body weight kolaviron plus 15mg/kg body weight quercetin and 5mg/70kg body weight finasteride for twenty-eight days. Following the experimental duration, the rats were euthanized, and liver samples were collected for biochemical analyses. BPH induction led to a decrease in liver weight in rats compared to the control group, whereas treatment with Kolaviron, Quercetin, and Kolaviron + Quercetin resulted in an increase in liver weight compared to the BPH group. Moreover, BPH induction elevated hepatic concentrations of ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin in comparison to the normal control group. Conversely, treatment with KV, QC, and KV+QC decreased the concentrations of ALP, AST, ALT, total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin compared to the BPH group. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that quercetin and kolaviron significantly reduced the hepatotoxicity in rats induced by testosterone propionate and could be a cheap and non-invasive treatment alternative for hepatic toxicity brought on by benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.

Remediation of prostrate-related disorders using polyphenols: kolaviron and quercetin in perspective

The study aimed to examine the effects of kolaviron and quercetin on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Wistar rats. Fifty rats weighing between 250g and 300g were selected, with forty-two rats being divided into six groups of seven each. The first group served as the control and received 0.5ml of Canola oil. The remaining groups were induced with BPH using a 5mg/kg body weight testosterone injection for four weeks. After BPH induction, the second group received 0.5ml of Canola oil, while the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were treated with 150mg/kg body weight Kolaviron, 15mg/kg body weight Quercetin, 150mg/kg body weight Kolaviron combined with 15mg/kg body weight Quercetin, and 5mg/70kg body weight finasteride for twenty-eight days. BPH induction notably increased levels of various biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, and VLDL-c compared to the control group. However, treatment with Kolaviron and Quercetin effectively reversed these elevations. Notably, the Quercetin group did not exhibit significant differences in triglyceride levels compared to the BPH-induced group. BPH induction also led to a significant reduction in HDL-c levels compared to the control group, which was reversed by Kolaviron and Quercetin treatment. In conclusion, the findings suggest the potential of utilizing kolaviron and quercetin for the treatment of prostate-related conditions

Replacing Fishmeal and Fish Oil with Complex Protein and Canola Oil: Effect on Organoleptic and Nutritional Quality of Triploid Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

A twelve-week feeding experiment was undertaken to explore the impact of substituting dietary fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) with complex protein (CP) and canola oil (CO) in the diet of triploid rainbow trout on the quality of their fillets. The control diet (F100) contained FM (60%) and FO (18.6%) as the main protein and lipid sources. Based on this, 50% and 100% of FM and FO were substituted by CP and CO and they were named as F50 and F0, respectively. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the specific growth rates, condition factors, gutted yields, fillet yields and yellowness values as the substitution levels increased (p > 0.05). The F50 treatment obtained the highest values of fillet springiness and chewiness, improved the umami and bitter taste of the fillets by increasing the contents of inosine-5'-monophosphate and histidine, and increased lipid, protein, C18: 1n-9 and C18: 2n-6 contents (p < 0.05). The F0 treatment obtained the highest values of fillet hardness and pH, attenuated the sweet taste of the fillets by decreasing the content of glycine, and decreased the contents of EPA and DHA (p < 0.05). Both F50 and F0 treatments could increase the redness value, decrease the lightness and hue values of fillets, and increase the odor intensity, resulting in the typical fillet odors of green, fatty, orange and fishy (p < 0.05). In general, 50% and 100% of FM and FO substitution did not affect the growth of trout, but it did affect quality. Compared to the F100 treatment, the fillet quality of the F0 treatment was similar to the F50 treatment and could improve the appearance and odor intensity of the fillets. However, the difference was that the F50 treatment increased the springiness, umami, bitterness and lipid nutritional value of the fillets, but the F0 treatment increased the hardness, decreased the sweetness, and decreased the lipid, EPA and DHA contents of the fillets.

Shelf‐life of biodiesel by isothermal oxidation induction period at variable temperatures

AbstractBiodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters [FAME]) is a renewable biomass‐based diesel (BBD) fuel made from plant oils, animal fats and waste greases. One of the main disadvantages of biodiesel is its poor oxidative stability, which is caused by the presence of high concentrations of unsaturated FAME. When stored in fuel terminals, vehicle tanks and fuel systems, biodiesel can react with oxygen in ambient air, causing it to degrade, which can adversely affect its viscosity and ignition quality. The shelf‐life (SL) of biodiesel is an important property that defines how long it can be stored at low temperatures. The objective of this work is to develop reliable mathematical models to estimate the SL of biodiesel at T = 25°C (298.15 K). This was done by measuring oxidation induction period with a Rancimat instrument (IPR) at variable temperatures. The data were analyzed by linear regression to determine ln(IPR) as a function of T (Model A) and T−1 (Model B) for canola, palm and soybean oil FAME (CaME, PME and SME), methyl oleate (MeC18:1) and methyl linoleate (MeC18:2). Statistical analysis of the Model A and Model B type equations showed that all inferred equations were good fits of the experimental data (adjusted coefficients of determination, R2 ≥ 0.985). The most dependable results were obtained from extrapolation of Model B type equations to predict the SLB values. For CaME, PME, SME and MeC18:1, SLB = 559.0, 1135, 378.3 and 4515 d were inferred. However, the reliability of SLA (extrapolated from its Model A type equation) and SLB values calculated for MeC18:2 (3.1 and 4.8 d) were questionable as estimates of its SL at 298.15 K.

Defective ferritinophagy and imbalanced iron metabolism in PBDE-47-triggered neuronal ferroptosis and salvage by Canolol

The brominated flame retardant 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that causes neurotoxicity. However, incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms has hampered the development of effective intervention strategies. Oxidative stress and related cell death are the modes of action for PBDE-47 neurotoxicity, which are also the characteristics of ferroptosis. Nonetheless, the role of ferroptosis in PBDE-47-induced neurotoxicity remains unclear. In the present study, we found that PBDE-47 triggered ferroptosis in neuron-like PC12 cells, as evidenced by intracellular iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage. This was confirmed by ferroptosis inhibitors including the lipid reactive oxygen species scavenger ferrostatin-1 and iron chelator deferoxamine mesylate. Mechanistically, PBDE-47 impaired ferritinophagy by disrupting nuclear receptor coactivator 4-mediated lysosomal degradation of the iron storage protein ferritin. Moreover, PBDE-47 disturbed iron metabolism by increasing cellular iron import via upregulation of transferrin receptor 1 and decreasing cellular iron export via downregulation of ferroportin 1 (FPN1). Intriguingly, rescuing lysosomal function by overexpressing cathepsin B (CatB) mitigated PBDE-47-induced ferroptosis by partially restoring dysfunctional ferritinophagy and enhancing iron excretion via the upregulation of FPN1. However, FPN1 knockdown reversed the beneficial effects of CatB overexpression on the PBDE-47-induced iron overload. Finally, network pharmacology integrated with experimental validation revealed that Canolol, the main phenolic compound in canola oil, protected against PBDE-47-evoked iron overload, resulting in ferroptosis by restoring defective ferritinophagy and improving abnormal iron metabolism via lowering iron uptake and facilitating iron excretion. Overall, these data suggest that ferroptosis is a novel mechanism of PBDE-47-induced neuronal death and that manipulation of ferritinophagy and iron metabolism via Canolol represents a promising therapeutic strategy.

Different oil sources impacting brain lipid and transcriptome profiles of pigs

Lipids are fundamental to the structure and function of the brain, and their fatty acids (FA) composition is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which have protective effects and modulate gene transcription. For nutrigenomics studies, pigs (Sus scrofa) have been widely used as a biomedical model. Thus, the aimed to investigate whether different dietary oil sources modify the pig brain's lipid and transcriptomic profile. A 98-day study was performed using fifty-four male pigs. Treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal diets containing 3 % of soybean oil (SOY), canola oil (CO), or fish oil (FO). Total mRNA was extracted for sequencing. As a result, feeding diets with different oil sources affected the percentage of some FA. Palmitic acid showed a greater concentration in diets containing SOY with 27.037 %. Oleic acid and eicosenoic acid, showed a greater concentration in diets containing SOY, with 30.968 % and 2.096 %, respectively; and, total PUFA showed a better concentration in diets containing SOY and FO, with 11.685 % and 12.150 %, respectively. After quality control, considering the total reads obtained for the three groups, 94.87% were mapped against the reference genome SScrofa11.1. A comparison of gene expression between the groups of pigs was carried out by using the DESeq2 statistical package (R/Bioconductor). From SOY vs CO comparison, five differentially expressed genes (DEG, FDR < 0.05) were identified, from SOY vs FO forty-four DEG were verified, and from CO vs FO thirty-nine DEG were found. The functional enrichment analysis resulted in pathway maps (P < 0.05) related to apoptosis and cell proliferation, obesity and type 2 diabetes, neurophysiological process, and inflammation. The networks were associated with signal transduction, calcium transport, and oxidative stress. Overall, the results showed that diets with different oil sources could affect some brain tissue parameters and may help guide future research on the availability of dietary FA in the brain.

Long-term substitution of fish oil with alternative sources in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Performance, health, and consumer appeal

Salmon farming in Chile faces the dual challenge of maintaining growth while improving sustainability. One approach to advance sustainability involves the feeds without marine-fishery inputs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of completely replacing fish oil (FO) on the performance of Salmo salar throghout marine grow-out. The investigation involved fish ranging from 400 g to 4000 g and explored three diets without fish meal, each which included 2.2% EPA + DHA from different sources: FO (control), transgenic canola oil (Can n-3) and Schizochytrium sp. oil (AOV) as unique type of oils. Each diet was randomly distributed in triplicate among nine tanks with a recirculation system maintained at 12 °C, with automatic feeding and a 24-h light photoperiod. Fish density was 29 fish m−3 at day 133 of the experiment and seven fish m−3 at day 319. The diets were isoproteic, isolipidic and isoenergetic. Fish were evaluated at 133 and 319 days of experiment in terms of productive performance, liver health, EPA + DHA and lipid retention efficiency, fatty acid metabolism, response to acute stress, and final product quality. The results showed similar productive performance and liver health among the three diets during both sampling periods. No differences were observed in lipid or EPA + DHA retention efficiency in the whole body or fillet. Eicosanoids and receptors for anti-inflammatory mediators derived from EPA and DHA showed similar or higher capacities in fish fed with Can n-3 and AOV than those fed FO. Responses to induced stress, measured through lactate, cortisol, sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, and the liver profile were similar between the three diets. Similarly in fillet quality between the three diets. However, sensory analysis revealed a lower intensity of “global aroma” in Can n-3-fed fish fillets and lower evaluations in “typical salmon aroma”, “oily aroma” and “fresh flavor” in AOV-fed fish fillets when they are compared with FO. The nutritional indicators of the final product were similar between the three diets, except for PUFA/SFA, the thrombogenicity index, hypercholesterolemia/hypocholesterolemia, and the health promotion index. In these specific indicators, fish fed with Can n-3 and AOV demonstrated more favorable results for consumer health than the FO-fed fish.

Development of Bilayer Polysaccharide-Based Films Combining Extrusion and Electrospinning for Active Food Packaging

The development of active food packaging is desirable for food safety and to avoid food loss and waste. In this work, we developed antioxidant bilayer films combining extrusion and electrospinning techniques. These films consisted of a first layer of thermoplastic cornstarch (TPS), incorporated with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The second layer consisted of gallic acid (GA) encapsulated at different concentrations in 1:1 chitosan/poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (CS/EVOH) nanofibers. This layer was directly electrospun onto the TPS/MCC film. The morphological, structural, wettability, permeability to oxygen, and antioxidant properties were investigated for the first layer and the bilayer films. Water contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophobic nature of the first layer (θ0 = 100.6°). The oxygen permeability (OP) was accessed through the peroxide value (PV) of canola oil, kept in containers covered by the films. PV varied from 66.6 meq/kg for the TPS/MCC layer to 60.5 meq/kg for a bilayer film. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds, mediated by GA, contributed slightly to improving the mechanical strength of the bilayer films. The bilayer film incorporated with GA at 15.0% reached a radical scavenging activity against the DPPH radical of (903.8 ± 62.2) μmol.L−1.Eq. Trolox.g−1. This result proved the effectiveness of the GA nanoencapsulation strategy.

Effects Analysis of FAME on the Engine Characteristics of Different Polymerized Biofuels in Compression Ignition Engine

Environmental pollution caused by marine engines fueled with fossil fuels is a matter of growing significance. The search for renewable and clean energy sources and improvements in the way fossil fuels are burnt aims to reduce the environmental impact of these engines. For this purpose, fatty acid methyl esters were produced from pure canola oil using KOH-assisted methanol-based transesterification with a maximum yield of 90.68 ± 1.6%. The marine engine’s model was created with CONVERGE software, followed by experimental verification. This paper examines the blended fuel characteristics of a diesel engine with biodiesel blends (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) at different loads of engines (50%, 75%, and 100%). It also explores the variation in these characteristics of B10 (10% biodiesel–diesel blends) at three different load conditions and four different EGR rates (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The results indicate that the addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel reduces CO, HC, and soot emissions, while increasing NOx emissions. Additionally, the EGR rate decreases NOx emissions but results in higher levels of soot, CO, and HC emissions. Finally, response surface methodology was used to elicit the engine’s characteristics. It was determined that the optimum experimental operating conditions were 100% engine load, 6.9% biodiesel addition, and 7.7% EGR. The corresponding BTE, BSFC, NOx, and HC emissions were 38.15%, 282.62 g/(kW-h), 274.38 ppm, and 410.37 ppm, respectively.

Modeling and simulation of biodiesel synthesis in fixed bed and packed bed membrane reactors using heterogeneous catalyst: a comparative study

In this study, modeling and simulation of biodiesel synthesis through transesterification of triglyceride (TG) over a heterogeneous catalyst in a packed bed membrane reactor (PBMR) was performed using a solid catalyst and compared with a fixed bed reactor (FBR). The kinetic data for the transesterification reaction of canola oil and methanol in the presence of solid tungstophosphoric acid catalyst was extracted from the published open literature. The effect of reaction temperature, feed flow rate, disproportionation of the reactants, and reactor length on the product performance was investigated. Two-dimensional and heterogeneous modeling was applied to PBMR and the resultant equations were solved by the Matlab software. Moreover, the velocity profile in the membrane reactor was obtained. The results showed the best conditions for this reaction are 180 °C, the molar ratio of methanol to oil equal 15:1, and the input flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. In this condition, a conversion of 99.94% for the TG can be achieved in the PBMR with a length of 86 cm while a length of 2.75 m is required to achieve this conversion of the FBR. Finally, the energy consumption for the production of 8000 ton/y biodiesel in a production plant using the PBMR and the FBR was obtained as is 1313.24 and 1352.44 kW, respectively.

All in one doubly pillared MXene membrane for excellent oil/water separation, pollutant removal, and anti-fouling performance

Given the diversity and complexity of coexisting oil/dyes/heavy metal ions/microorganisms in wastewater and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, developing separation materials featured in higher separation efficiency and lower energy consumption for oil and water separation, pollutant removal, and anti-fouling is urgently needed, but it remains a major challenge till now. Herein, a multifunctional Ti3C2 MXene membrane with unique double pillar support was proposed by liquid phase ultrasonication and vacuum filtration to overcome the above challenge. Introducing cetyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and calcium chloride/sodium alginate (CaCl2/SA) to the MXene membrane as crossed double pillars and superhydrophilic surface increases the tolerance and wettability of the membrane. The fabricated doubly pillared MXene (d-Ti3C2) membrane exhibits superior oil/water (O/W) separation efficiency (99.76%) with flux (1.284 L m−2 h−1) for canola oil and organic dye removing efficiency for methyl blue (MB) 99.85%, malachite green (MG) 100%, and methyl violet (MV) 99.72%, respectively, which is 1.05, 1.44, 1.22, and 1.28 fold compared with pre-pillared Ti3C2 (p-Ti3C2). The superior anti-oil/dye/fouling is attributed to lower oil conglutination, high hydrophily, and antibacterial activity. The versatile MXene membrane also shows distinguished separation of VOCs (η > 99%) from polluted air. The experimental and molecular dynamics (MD) computational simulation results illustrate that the superior separation efficiency of the Ti3C2 MXene membrane is ascribed to the unique doubly pillared space channel. This study paves a new road to further research on one step integration strategy for complex O/W separation, wastewater and VOCs removal, and anti-fouling via tuning nano/macro architecture.

Effect of Enzymes, Biotic, Abiotic Stresses and Metal Toxicity in Brassica napus

Canola is an important crop with low levels of fatty acid and genetically produced from rapeseed. Canola oil is obtained by extract sources. Heavy metals are a unique form of toxin because they may exist in the environment for a longer period. Exogenous administration of gibberellic acid has been proven in several studies to increase crop output by affecting an important physiological process. This study of the aimed and objectives included the nickel sulphate stress in quantity 300 µM and gibberellic acid in quantity 0.25 mM in specific quantity and their effects on different plant functions. Super canola under stress condition when 0.25 mM GA3 was applied. Whereas, minimum reduction was observed in cv. Sherilla under stress condition when 0 mM GA3 was applied. Maximum Catalase was observed in cv. Results showed the Peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are the most important protective enzyme systems in plants, and also the most important reactive oxygen species clearance system. Maximum Total Amino acid was observed in cv. Sherilla under control condition when 0 mM GA3 was applied. However, effect of GA3 application was observed non-significant and same for as varietal difference among two genotypes was observed non-significant. Overall, super canola performed better under stress or non-stress condition. Mustard plants exposed to nickel showed decreased morphological characteristics, which might be related to the degradation of plant architecture, which limits the capacity of water content and minerals absorption by plants, resulting in total development of plant loss.

Current Insights into the Effects of Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Focusing on Alterations of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles in Metabolic Syndrome.

The plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 acid highly susceptible to oxidation, present in oils of flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, perilla, soy, and chia. After ingestion, it can be incorporated in to body lipid pools (particularly triglycerides and phospholipid membranes), and then endogenously metabolized through desaturation, elongation, and peroxisome oxidation to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with a very limited efficiency (particularly for DHA), beta-oxidized as an energy source, or directly metabolized to C18-oxilipins. At this moment, data in the literature about the effects of ALA supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans are inconsistent, indicating no effects or some positive effects on all MetS components (abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired insulin sensitivity and glucoregulation, blood pressure, and liver steatosis). The major effects of ALA on MetS seem to be through its conversion to more potent EPA and DHA, the impact on the n-3/n-6 ratio, and the consecutive effects on the formation of oxylipins and endocannabinoids, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion, as well as adipocyte and hepatocytes function. It is important to distinguish the direct effects of ALA from the effects of EPA and DHA metabolites. This review summarizes the most recent findings on this topic and discusses the possible mechanisms.