Carr's Index Research Articles

Assessing the efficacy of pearl millet and finger millet enriched breakfast cereals to combat obesity.

This research explores the development and evaluation of breakfast cereals formulated from pearl millet (P-1) and finger millet (F-1) flours, with a focus on their nutritional composition and potential anti-obesity properties. The techno-functional properties were assessed, revealing that P-1 exhibited a bulk density of 0.40 ± 0.01g/ml and a true density of 0.61 ± 0.03g/ml, while F-1 showed a bulk density of 0.54 ± 0.03g/ml and a true density of 0.65 ± 0.02g/ml. The Carr index and Hausner ratio were significantly higher in P-1 (40.33 ± 0.41 and 1.68 ± 0.03, respectively) compared to F-1 (22.3 ± 0.3 and 1.31 ± 0.02, respectively). Both flours demonstrated comparable water absorption indices, but P-1 had superior foaming capacity and stability. Nutritional analysis indicated that P-1 contained 12.64% moisture, 6.02% fat, 10.29% protein, 63.94% carbohydrates, 2.38% ash, and 2.75% fibre, whereas F-1 had 8.92% moisture, 1.78% fat, 8.65% protein, 73.65% carbohydrates, 1.77% ash, and 4.04% fibre. Composite flours (PF-1, PF-2, PF-3) exhibited varying compositions: PF-1 had 9.86% moisture, 5.83% fat, 11.62% protein, 66.04% carbohydrates, 2.19% ash, and 3.03% fibre; PF-2 had 10.79% moisture, 3.87% fat, 10.01% protein, 68.97% carbohydrates, 2.05% ash, and 3.37% fibre; PF-3 had 9.87% moisture, 2.84% fat, 9.33% protein, 71.12% carbohydrates, 1.92% ash, and 3.74% Fiber. Antioxidant activity was higher in F-1 (80.63%) compared to P-1 (59.58%), with PF-1, PF-2, and PF-3 showing 64.84%, 70.14%, and 75.4%, respectively. Lipase and amylase inhibition capacities were 73.15% and 28.66% for P-1, 28.31% and 30.65% for F-1, and varied for composites: PF-1 (79.12% lipase, 46.41% amylase), PF-2 (50.75% lipase, 53.15% amylase), and PF-3 (39.51% lipase, 41.84% amylase). These findings underscore the distinct nutritional and functional properties of these flours, highlighting their potential in obesity management.

Microscopic, Micromeritic and Phytochemical Analysis of the Leaves of Pseuderanthemum maculatum (G. Lodd.) I. M. Turner, A Plant with Potential Pharmacognistic Uses

Background: Pseuderanthemum maculatum, Pseuderanthemum maculatum (G.Lodd.) I.M.Turner [previously Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.) Guillaumin var. carruthersii] is an ornamental plant with potential pharmacognostic uses in the management of hypertension and cancers. There hadn’t been much work done on this plant previously hence making the current research work very much significant. Methods: The leaves were collected, identified, air dried, pulverized, weighed and subjected to evaluation parameters using standard procedures. GC-MS analysis was also carried out on the dichloromethane extract of the leaf. Results: The results showed that the stomatal distribution was hypostomatic with diacytic stomatal type. Stomatal index was 23.12% and the stomatal number was 60 (69.9 ± 2.65)86. Flow rate of the leaf was poor with the bulk volume of 32.30 ± 1.04, tapped volume of 21.8 ± 0.76, bulk density of 0.32 ± 0.02, tapped density of 0.46 ± 0.02, angle of repose 42.65°, Carr's index of 31.06% and Hausner's ratio of 1.45 ± 0.03. The chemomicroscopy and fluorescence analyses revealed characteristic features for the drug. The water-soluble, methanol-soluble, ethanol-soluble extractive values were 20.67 %w/w, 11.67 %w/w and 11.33 %w/w respectively. The moisture content of the leaf powder was 9.84%w/w. The total ash, acid-insoluble and water-soluble ash values were 6.72%w/w, 1.34%w/w and 16.17%w/w respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 11 chemical constituents with phytochemicals such as hexanoic acid, benzoic acid, undecenoic acid, heptanoic acid and Eicosane which are of useful pharmaceutical importance. Conclusion: These data obtained from the pharmacognostic studies provides information about the identity, purity and quality of Pseuderanthemum maculatum.

Evaluation of Morphological, Physical and Functional Attributes of Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) Leaves and Flowers

The study aimed to characterize the morphological, physical, and functional properties of agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) leaf and flower powders, highlighting their potential for food applications. Morphological assessments revealed that agathi leaves have an edible index of 76.20 ± 0.42 % and a waste index of 23.75 ± 0.65 %, while flowers showed an edible index of 63.79 ± 0.46% and a waste index of 36.21 ± 0.54 %. Physical properties showed that leaf powder had a higher bulk density (0.36 ± 0.02 g/cm³) and tapped density (0.59 ± 0.02 g/cm³) compared to flower powder (0.29 ± 0.03 g/cm³ and 0.48 ± 0.01 g/cm³, respectively). The flowability (Carr index) was slightly better for flower powder (40.24 ± 0.01 %) than for leaf powder (39.2 ± 0.01 %). Functional properties indicated that flower powder had significantly higher water absorption capacity (597.28 ± 1.22 %) and oil absorption capacity (224.21 ± 1.56%) compared to leaf powder (315.30 ± 1.28 % and 183.16 ± 1.34 %, respectively). Flower powder also exhibited greater solubility (28.77 ± 2.66 %) versus leaf powder (12.92 ± 1.59 %). These results suggest that both agathi powders are valuable ingredients for food formulations, providing functional and nutritional benefits, and are suitable for use in developing, handling, and packaging functional food products.

Rheological, Thermal and Physicochemical Properties of Bioprocessed Flour From Cowpea, Sorghum and Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the rheological, physicochemical, and thermal properties of fermented and germinated whole reddish‐brown cowpea, white sorghum and orange‐fleshed sweet potato. Germination substantially reduced the pasting and rheological attributes of flour suspensions compared to the fermentation process. This study observed notable increases in the hot paste, setback, and final viscosities after the fermentation of cowpea and sorghum, indicating an improvement in the ease of cooking and greater retrogradation tendency of starch molecules. Among the fermented flours, sorghum had the highest hot paste viscosity (848 mPa s) and final viscosity (1451 mPa s). The mechanical fingerprint revealed a viscoelastic solid character, with G′ > G″ over the frequency range of 0–10 rad/s for all samples. Temperature sweep data showed a sharp increase in G′ at about 80°C, corresponding to the onset of starch gelatinization. Shear‐thinning behavior was observed, except in germinated and raw sorghum flours, where molecular rearrangement resulted in an initial viscosity rise at a low share rate (< 20 s−1). Differential scanning calorimetric analysis revealed a marginal variation in the peak transition temperature of gelatinization (98°C–104°C for all flours except raw sorghum flour, 83.87°C). The fermented sweet potato flour indicated good flour particle flowability expressed as Carr's compressibility index (30.99) and the Hausner ratio (1.45); however, the available reducing sugars could have influenced its high percentage solubility (49.83%), thus impacting low pasting viscosities. The contrasting technological features suggest an avenue to intensify efforts in exploring composite bioprocessed flours for applications in novel foods.

Encapsulation of ɣ-Aminobutyric Acid Compounds Extracted from Germinated Brown Rice by Freeze-Drying Technique.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from plants has several bioactivities, such as neurotransmission, anti-cancer cell proliferation, and blood pressure control. Its bioactivities vary when exposed to pH, heat, and ultraviolet. This study analyzed the protective effect of the GABA encapsulation technique using gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) and the freeze-drying method. The impact of different ratios of the wall material GA and MD on morphology, GABA content, antioxidant activity, encapsulation efficiency, process yield, and physical properties were analyzed. Results showed that the structure of encapsulated GABA powder was similar to broken glass pieces of various sizes and irregular shapes. The highest GABA content and encapsulation efficiency were, respectively, 90.77 mg/g and 84.36% when using the wall material GA:MD ratio of 2:2. The encapsulated powder's antioxidant activity was 1.09-1.80 g of encapsulation powder for each formula, which showed no significant difference. GA and MD as the wall material in a 2:2 (w/w) ratio showed the lowest bulk density. The high amount of MD showed the highest Hausner ratio (HR), and Carr's index (CI) showed high encapsulation efficiency and process yield. The stability of encapsulated GABA powder can be kept in clear glass with a screw cap at 35 °C for 42 days compared to the non-encapsulated one, which can be preserved for only 18 days under the same condition. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the freeze-drying process for GABA encapsulation preserved GABA component extracts from brown rice while increasing its potential beneficial properties. Using a wall material GA:MD ratio of 2:2 resulted in the maximum GABA content, solubility, and encapsulation efficiency while having the lowest bulk density.

Development and Characterization of Fast-Dissolving Tablets to Enhance Bioavailability of BCS Class II Drugs by Solid Dispersion Method

Background: Rapid tablet or capsule dissolution requires the tablet to disintegrate and dissolve at a higher rate, enhancing drug dissolution and bioavailability. Suitable disintegrants have shown an appreciable rate of disintegration or dissolution. Using factorial design for formulation to improve bioavailability is a key focus in pharmaceutical research to enhance dissolution Methods: Azelnidipine (Azp) tablets were formulated with Hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HβCD), β-cyclodextrin (βCD), and Kolliphor HS15 (HS15) to enhance solubility. A 23 factorial design optimized the formulation, focusing on disintegration time (DT) and time for 90% dissolution (T90). Eight formulations (F1-F8) were prepared using the kneading method. Tablets were evaluated for physical properties, drug content, friability, dissolution, and drugexcipient interactions (FTIR and DSC). The optimal formulation (F9) was determined via desirability analysis. Results: Tablets showed acceptable Carr's index (CI), Hausner ratio (HR), and Angle of Repose (AR). Increasing βCD concentration decreased DT, enhancing water absorption and faster dissolution. βCD tablets had the lowest DT among the formulations, with F4 showing the best disintegration. Higher HS15 concentration also reduced DT, with F8 achieving the highest drug release (T90%) within 60 minutes. R² values ranged from 0.922 to 0.994, indicating high predictability. The optimal formulation had a desirability of 1.0, consisting of 3.523 mg HS15, 28.4 mg βCD, and 1.49 mg βCD, with a DT of 102 ± 1.13 seconds and 98% dissolution. FTIR and DSC confirmed no drug–excipient interactions. Conclusion: Optimized super disintegrant concentrations and wet granulation techniques resulted in tablets with strong mechanical properties, rapid disintegration, and consistent drug content. Future research and in vivo studies should explore additional excipient combinations.

Application of SAP to Improve the Handling Properties of Iron Ore Tailings of High Cohesiveness: Could a Reagent Help the Decommissioning Process of a Dam?

This work aims to evaluate the use of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) to provide improvements in the handling properties of iron ore tailings (IOT). The material studied came from the magnetic separation reprocessing of the material discarded at the Gelado Dam, located in Serra dos Carajás in the state of Pará, Brazil. While the concentrate presents reasonable handling conditions, the tailings, with 61.5% iron, 15% moisture, and 39% of the mass, have high cohesiveness and adhesiveness due to their fine nature and the climatic conditions of the Amazon rainforest. However, the tailings can still be considered a product as long as the handling and transportation logistics are feasible. Thus, studies with an SAP and IOT were carried out in a bench rotating drum to promote mixing between them, and the main variables studied were the SAP dosage and the required contact time. The improvement in the physical properties of the IOT were evaluated considering the Hausner ratio, Carr index, Jenike’s flow function index, Atterberg limits, and chute angle. The superabsorbent polymer promoted a significant improvement in the state of consistency of the material, and the best performance was obtained with a dosage of 1000 g t−1. As long as a suitable contact condition was promoted, a contact time of 1 min was enough to achieve the expected benefits. After dosing with the superabsorbent polymer, the material’s handling classification changed from ‘cohesive’ to ‘easy flow’, and the chute angle was reduced from 90° to levels below 60°. It was concluded that the application of the superabsorbent polymer has the potential to improve the fluidity of the material discarded in the magnetic concentration operation, allowing it to be handled throughout the production and transportation chain. The SAP appears to be an important additive for the full use of the material present in the dam (100% recovery), with both economic and socio-environmental benefits.

Formulation and Evaluation of Glipizide-loaded Mucoadhesive Microparticle Using Salvia hispanica Seeds Mucilage as Co-polymer

Aims: Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) gum is a mucoadhesive, biodegradable polymer with sustained release properties. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare different formulations of glipizide-loaded microparticles using chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate, focusing on sustained release and mucoadhesive properties. Background: The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate various eco-friendly formulations of glipizide-loaded microparticles prepared using chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate. Materials and Methods: Gum was extracted from chia seeds and lyophilized, and preformulation studies were performed according to established protocols. Microparticles were formulated using the ionic gelation method, with sodium alginate as a copolymer and zinc chloride as a cross-linking agent. The prepared microparticles were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for size and particle aggregation, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for drug-polymer interaction, entrapment efficiency, swelling index, and in vitro drug release. Results: The % yield of chia seed mucilage was 27.35%. The pH of the mucilaginous suspension was 4.67 ± 0.50. The moisture content value was 14.56 % ± 0.50. The values of Carr's index and Hausner's ratio were 22.58 ± 1.89 and 1.38 ± 0.05, respectively. FTIR spectra showed no interaction between pure glipizide and chia seed mucilage, confirming no possible change in glipizide's pharmacology. SEM studies have confirmed the shape of the microparticles to be spherical, with average sizes ranging from 1235.18 ± 8.7 to 1423.25 ± 9.5 µm, and the drug entrapment efficiency ranged from 64.25 ± 2.52 to 81.82 ± 7.56%. The release of glipizide from the microparticles was sustained, and the Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models were found to be the best-fit kinetic models. Conclusion: The promising copolymer blend of chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate was used for the development of sustained-release dosage forms. A copolymer blend with a ratio of 1:1 produced glipizide-loaded microparticles with sustained release profiles and good mucoadhesive ability, along with a high percentage of drug entrapment efficiency.

Effects of Different Dehulling Methods on Physical and Chemical Properties of Tartary Buckwheat Flour

AbstractDehulling is a necessary step in the processing of Tartary buckwheat products. In this study, the effects of three different dehulling methods on the starch structure and physical and chemical properties of Tartary buckwheat are systematically analyzed. The results show that, first, explosion‐puffing dehulling treatment (EPT) destroys many of the starch granules, increases the average granular size by 261.7%, and decreases the ∆H by 66.5%; steam dehulling treatment (ST) and dry heat dehulling treatment (DHT) have no significant destructive effect on starch granules. Second, EPT increases the brightness and whiteness and decreases the Hausner ratio and Carr index of Tartary buckwheat flour, which gives Tartary buckwheat flour better fluidity and sensory quality. Third, EPT results in lower packed bulk density and smaller solubility changes with varying temperatures (50–90 °C), indicating that EPT is more applicable to the production of buckwheat tea. Fourth, ST achieves lower adhesiveness, higher hardness, and higher springiness, indicating that ST is more suitable for the production of buckwheat gel products. Fifth, DHT maximizes the retention of resistant starch (RS). ST maximizes rutin retention in buckwheat rice. These results can be used as a reference for selecting different dehulling methods for different buckwheat products.

Novel inhalable nano-based/microparticles for enhanced sustained pulmonary delivery of remdesivir - A patient malleable treatment for coronaviruses infection: In vitro aerosolization, cytotoxicity assays and antiviral activity studies

Remdesivir (RDV) is an antiviral used in potential treatment of SARS-COV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. However, it is still limited to IV administration for hospitalized patients. Therefore, we report herein successful development of RDV-loaded nanosuspensions (NS) using polycaprolactone and pluronic® F127, for the first time. The optimized RDV-NS was further loaded into inhalable nano-based/microparticles (OLN-microparticles) via co-spray drying with hyaluronic acid and mannitol. OLN-microparticles exhibited high yield value ∼80.56 %, with satisfactory entrapment efficiency and drug loading percent ∼97.27 ± 1.84 % and 3.92 ± 0.07 %, respectively. Carr's index was equal to 22.7 ± 11.67 % indicating good flowability properties. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed spherical-shaped particles. Transmission electron microscope demonstrated grape-shaped clumps surface porosity. OLN-microparticles exhibited excellent aerodynamic features including; emitted fraction ∼97.46 ± 1.70 %, respirable particle fraction 53.77 ± 0.2 %, effective inhalation index 72.39 ± 1.40 %, and mass median aerodynamic diameter 2.25 ± 0.01 μm. Compared to plain RDV, OLN-microparticles showed significantly enhanced sustained release (p < 0.0001) with 1.5 and 1.9 fold increase at 24 and 48 h, respectively in Gamble's solution. OLN-microparticles also showed favorable cytotoxic profile with CC50 ∼ 252.0 μg/mL, inhibitory concentration (IC50) 13.08 μg/mL, and safety index (SI) 19.26 which is 1.3 fold higher compared to plain RDV. The Optimal release profile of OLN-microparticles enabled controlled and sustained release with enhanced cellular uptake. Hence, OLN-microparticles represented an efficient alternative form of dry powder for inhalation for deep and targeted pulmonary delivery of RDV, outweighing limitations accompanied with IV administration. It can provide self-administered and malleable access of treatment for SARS-COV-2 infected patients.

Synthesis of agro-industrial wastes/sodium alginate/bovine gelatin-based polysaccharide hydrogel beads: Characterization and application as controlled-release microencapsulated fertilizers

Synthesis of novel agro-industrial wastes/sodium alginate/bovine gelatin-based polysaccharide hydrogel beads, micromeritic/morphometric characteristics of the prepared formulations, greenhouse trials using controlled-release microencapsulated fertilizers, and acute fish toxicity testing were conducted simultaneously for the first time within the scope of an integrated research. In the present analysis, for the first time, 16 different morphometric features, and 32 disinct plant growth traits of the prepared composite beads were explored in detail within the framework of a comprehensive digital image analysis. The hydrogel beads composed of 19 different agro-industrial wastes/materials were successfully synthesized using the ionotropic external gelation technique and CaCl2 as cross-linker. According to micromeritic characteristics, the ionotropically cross-linked beads exhibited 77.86 ± 3.55 % yield percentage and 2.679 ± 0.397 mm average particle size. The dried microbeads showed a good swelling ratio (270.02 ± 80.53 %) and had acceptable flow properties according to Hausner's ratio (1.136 ± 0.028), Carr's index (11.94 ± 2.17 %), and angle of repose (25.03° ± 5.33°) values. The settling process of the prepared microbeads was observed in the intermediate flow regime, as indicated by the average particle Reynolds numbers (169.17 ± 82.81). Experimental findings and non-parametric statistical tests reveal that dried fertilizer matrices demonstrated noteworthy performance on the cultivation of red hot chili pepper plant (Capsicum annuum var. fasciculatum) according to the results of greenhouse trials. Surface morphologies of the best-performing fertilizer matrices were also characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Moreover, the static fish bioassay experiment confirmed that no abnormalities and acute toxic reactions occurred in shortfin molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) fed with dried leaves of red hot chili pepper plants grown with formulated fertilizers. This study showcased a pioneering investigation into the synthesis of microcapsules using synthesized hydrogel beads along with digital image processing for bio-waste management and sustainable agro-application.

Impact of variety and drying methods on the physicochemical, functional, and thermal properties of Ethiopian potato (Plectranthus edulis) tuber flour

This study aimed to analyse the physicochemical, structural, functional, and thermal properties of flour from two indigenous Ethiopian Potato (Plectranthus edulis) varieties, Chanqua and Loffo, and to compare with wheat flour (WF). The study also investigated how oven and sun drying methods affected the physicochemical properties of the flours. The results demonstrated a significant distinction (p ≤ 0.05) between the flour samples and WF, attributable to variations in both the varieties and the drying methods except that no significant difference in pH was observed due to the varieties, and the fibre and ash content did not vary significantly with the drying methods. The moisture content (MC) of the flours ranged from 5.72 % in oven-dried Chanqua Ethiopian potato flour (OD-CEPF) to 7.53 % in sun-dried Loffo Ethiopian potato flour (SD-LEPF), both of which were lower compared to WF. The protein content varied from 4.47 % (SD-CEPF) to 5.93 % (OD-LEPF). FTIR tests revealed a significant impact on the structural changes, leading to variations in the location and intensity of infrared absorption peaks, particularly in sensitive regions. Whereas, the XRD patterns showed characteristic B-type diffraction, with a relative crystallinity (RC) of 31.97 % in CEPF and 30.53 % in LEPF having a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between them. LEPF had better flow properties than CEPF, with lower Hausner ratio (HR) (1.16 vs. 1.25), Carr's index (CI) (14.51 % vs. 20.26 %), and angle of repose (31.00° vs. 34.67°). It also showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC) and swelling power (SP) properties than CEPF. The study also indicated notable distinctions in the thermal and paring properties of flours. The oven drying method was found to be superior in enhancing the physicochemical properties, with LEPF showing better physicochemical, functional, structural, and thermal properties than CEPF.

The comparison of melt technologies based on mesoporous carriers for improved carvedilol dissolution

High-shear (HS) melt granulation and hot melt extrusion (HME) were compared as perspective melt-based technologies for preparation of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). ASDs were prepared using mesoporous carriers (SyloidⓇ 244FP or NeusilinⓇ US2), which were loaded with carvedilol dispersed in polymeric matrix (polyethylene glycol 6000 or SoluplusⓇ). Formulations with high carvedilol content were obtained either by HME (11 extrudates with polymer:carrier ratio 1:1) or HS granulation (6 granulates with polymer:carrier ratio 3:1).DSC and XRD analysis confirmed the absence of crystalline carvedilol for the majority of prepared ADSs, thus confirming the stabilizing effect of selected polymers and carriers over amorphous carvedilol. HME produced larger particles compared to HS melt granulation, which was in line with better flow time and Carr index of extrudates. Moreover, SEM images revealed smoother surface of ASDs obtained by HME, contributing to less obstructed flow. The rougher and more porous surface of HS granules was correlated to larger granule specific surface area, manifesting in faster carvedilol release from SyloidⓇ 244FP-based granules, as compared to their HME counterparts. Regarding dissolution, the two HS-formulations performed superior to pure crystalline carvedilol, thereby confirming the suitability of HS melt granulation for developing dosage forms with improved carvedilol dissolution.

Analysis of physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant properties of four different Indian seaweed species

The present study aims to elucidate the nutritional, functional, flow, and antioxidant properties of Ulva fasciata, Ulva lactuca, Chaetomorpha linum, and Gracilaria edulis. The highest percentage of protein (24.26 %) in U. fasciata; fat (6.33 %) and total carbohydrates (46.39 %) in C. linum; crude fibre (8.67 %) in U. lactuca; ash (22.45 %) content in G. edulis was observed among the four-seaweed. The highest oil absorption capacity was found for C. linum (1.59 %), followed by G. edulis (1.21 %), U. lactuca (1.04 %), and U. fasciata (0.91 %). The water absorption capacity in U. fasciata (4.55 %) was observed to be the highest followed by C. linum (3.84 %), U. lactuca (3.78 %), and G. edulis (2.22 %). U. fasciata exhibited the highest solubility (35.83 ± 1.97 %) and emulsifying capacity (99.00 ± 0.00 %), while G. edulis showed the highest foaming capacity (75.00 ± 1.00 %). The angle of repose of G. edulis and C. linum powder showed excellent flowability than U. lactuca and U. fasciata. Carr's index and Hausner ratio showed that all seaweed samples were free-flowability, except for G. edulis and C. linum. The bulk density (0.71 g/cm3) and tapped density (0.85 g/cm3) of U. fasciata were observed to be the highest, whereas true density (1.11 g/cm3) was recorded highest in U. lactuca. The most increased antioxidant activity was found in G. edulis (65.90 %) followed by C. linum (53.01 %), U. lactuca (51.76 %), and U. fasciata (43.56 %). The total phenolic content (10.93 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (1.71 mg QE/g) were higher in U. fasciata. FTIR analysis detected the presence of amide, amino, hydroxyl, ester groups and it can conclude the presence of essential components such as proteins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and fat. Thus, the selected four marine seaweeds act as a good source of functional components and can be utilized for the development of functional food products such as bread, biscuits, cookies, tea, snacks, soups and beverages.

Inhaled Ivermectin-Loaded Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles: Development and Characterization.

Ivermectin (IVM), a drug originally used for treating parasitic infections, is being explored for its potential applications in cancer therapy. Despite the promising anti-cancer effects of IVM, its low water solubility limits its bioavailability and, consequently, its biological efficacy as an oral formulation. To overcome this challenge, our research focused on developing IVM-loaded lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) designed for potential pulmonary administration. IVM-loaded LPHNPs were developed using the emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized in terms of particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and release pattern. Solid phase characterization was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Using a Twin stage impinger (TSI) attached to a device, aerosolization properties of the developed LPHNPs were studied at a flow rate of 60 L/min, and IVM was determined by a validated HPLC method. IVM-loaded LPHNPs demonstrated spherical-shaped particles between 302 and 350 nm. Developed formulations showed an entrapment efficiency between 68 and 80% and a sustained 50 to 60% IVM release pattern within 96 h. Carr's index (CI), Hausner ratio (HR), and angle of repose (θ) indicated proper flowability of the fabricated LPHNPs. The in vitro aerosolization analysis revealed fine particle fractions (FPFs) ranging from 18.53% to 24.77%. This in vitro study demonstrates the potential of IVM-loaded LPHNPs as a delivery vehicle through the pulmonary route.

Isolation and physiochemical characterization of Red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) starch

The current study focuses on the isolation and physiochemical characterisation of starch from Phaseolus vulgaris L. The yield of the starch was about 25.8 %. The size of the starch granules ranged between 10 and 25μm. The starch had a higher water binding capacity, swelling power and solubility but had low paste clarity. P. vulgaris starch exhibited high freeze thaw stability. The bulk, tapped and particle densities of the starch were 1.64 g/cm3, 2.06 g/cm3 and 0.66 g/cm3 respectively. The porosity of the starch was about 64.1%. The estimated Carr index and Hausner’s ratio indicated good flowability of the starch powder. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the starch was C-type starch. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the functional group corresponding to that of starch. Thermo gravimetric analysis indicated good thermostability.

Effect of foaming and drying temperature on the physical, chemical, and functional properties of egg white powders produced using refractance window drying

This study investigated the effect of drying form (natural and foamed) and temperature (50–100 °C) on the physical, chemical, and functional properties of egg white powder produced using refractance window drying. The egg whites were dried in 4-55 min, depending on the drying conditions. On the one hand, the drying form was effective on the color properties, densities (bulk, tapped, or particle), Carr index, Hausner ratio, porosity, hygroscopicity, solubility, and foaming capacity of egg white powders. On the other hand, the drying temperature was effective for all analyzed properties except hygroscopicity, moisture content, and water activity of samples. The study demonstrated that foaming before refractance window drying enhances the color of the egg white powders and provides better solubility and foaming capacity. However, it has a detrimental effect on the flow properties of the powders evaluated according to the Carr index and Hausner ratio. Increasing the drying temperature until a certain extent (80 °C) generally provided better color, protein content, surface hydrophobicity, and functional properties. The study shows that egg powders suitable for different purposes (better foaming, low protein denaturation, better gelling, etc.) can be obtained if the drying form and temperature conditions are fine-tuned.

Impact of Spray Drying on the Properties of Grape Pomace Extract Powder

Incorporating anthocyanins, valuable natural pigments, into a powder can improve their stability, but exposure to high temperatures during processing can cause them to degrade. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the inlet air temperature during spray drying affects the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the flowability of a grape pomace anthocyanin powder obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction using acidified water as the solvent. An anthocyanin solution containing 13% (w/v) maltodextrin was subjected to spray drying at temperatures ranging from 120 to 170 °C. Tukey’s test was applied to compare the means of the samples. The samples dried at temperatures between 130 and 170 °C were adequate, with a moisture content &lt; 5% and a water activity &lt; 0.3, indicating that the powder was stable. The highest anthocyanin retention (91.94 ± 1.59%) and process yield (50.00 ± 3.06%) were achieved at 140 °C, while higher temperatures resulted in anthocyanin degradation. Furthermore, the powder exhibited poor flowability, indicating cohesive behavior (Hausner ratio &gt; 42.29% and Carr index &gt; 1.73), which is an industrial parameter rarely considered in spray-drying studies. The acidification process was found to promote high anthocyanin retention following high-temperature processing. However, powders obtained from food matrices with low pH and high sugar content may exhibit increased cohesion due to interaction forces. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing grape pomace and green solvents to produce bioactive-rich powders for industrial applications.

Studies on Different Drying Techniques to Utilized it for Powder Properties for Dried Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Fresh dill (Anethum graveolens) was dried using a recirculating tray dryer (RTD) and cross flow dryer (CFD) at 35°C, 40°C and 45°C, respectively to determine the best drying treatment and temperature combination for the preparation of dried dill powder. The dried dill was subjected to a grinding process to obtain powder, its engineering properties and techno-functional properties were analysed. The dill powder displayed significant differences in techno-functional properties and engineering properties. The dill dried at 40°C using CFDT2 resulted in better technofunctional and engineering properties as bulk density - 114.4 kg/m3, tap density - 130.6 kg/m3, Carr Index - 12.40, Hausner Ratio - 1.141, swelling power - 0.29, dispersibility - 27.72, water holding capacity - 14.83, oil holding capacity - 35.65, foaming Capacity - 34.97, foam stability - 1.96, emulsion capacity - 55.14, water solubility index – 0.23 and water absorption index – 0.14, respectively. Compared to samples of RTDT1 (35°C), RTDT2 (40°C) RTDT3 (45°C), the samples CFDT1, and CFDT3 findings showed increasing and decreasing trends which kept on changing with drying technique and temperatures. However, it can be concluded that CFDT2 found better results compared to other samples.

Bed Stability Control in Pulsed Fluidized-Bed Agglomeration of Instant Riceberry Powder Using an Image-Processing Technique.

The problematic cohesiveness of food powders can commonly be solved using pulsed fluidized-bed agglomeration. However, progressively larger granules may result in unstable fluidization. The aims of this research study were to investigate fluid bed expansion as affected by particle enlargement and to control its stability using an image-processing technique. Instant riceberry powder (IRP) was agglomerated using varied air pulsation frequencies (1, 2.5, and 4 Hz). Bed expansion captured by image processing revealed that expanded bed height decreased with agglomeration time. The results showed an enlargement of agglomerated IRP, expressed in D10, D50, and D90, with narrower distribution presented by span, and an improvement in bulk and reconstitution properties. The reduced Carr index (22-27%) and Hausner ratio (1.28-1.38) presented fair flowability and intermediate cohesiveness, respectively. Additionally, airflow during agglomerate growth was progressively adjusted using the image-processing method to enhance bed hydrodynamic stability, leading to improved process efficiency and product quality. This proposed approach has potential applications in the food powder manufacturing industry, particularly by enhancing the fluidization of cohesive particles with cracks and channels.