Nutrient Carriers Research Articles

A Review on Nano Enabled Controlled Release Fertilizers and their Nutrient Release Mechanisms

The imbalance in nutrient release from conventional fertilizers and plant nutrient uptake leads to a surplus accumulation of nutrients in the soil. A key approach to tackle this issue involves the engineering of nano-enabled fertilizers for the controlled release of nutrients to crops. In this context, it is important to understand the strategies for designing and utilizing nano-enabled fertilizers that can effectively regulate nutrient release and enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE). This review focuses on nano-structured materials that serve as nutrient carriers: nano-clays, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles, mesoporous silica, carbon-based nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials. In addition, the nutrient release mechanisms in controlled release fertilizers (CRFs)/slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are discussed. The discussion and perspectives presented emphasizes the need for standardized and comprehensive fertilizer evaluation systems, design of multifunctional nanomaterials, and the creation of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers to improve NUE.

Cost of Productions and Partial Budget Analysis of Coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L.) Seedling Across Various Pot Sizes and Biochar-Based Media Preparations

Coffee cultivation mainly lies in the production of coffee seedlings with desirable characteristics under the recommended nursery management operations. Any improper handling made at early stage would remain to cause poor field performances. Biochar is considered as a soil conditioner and a carrier for plant nutrients, which improve the different soil functions, as an amendment to improve soil fertility, soil pH, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and water retention. The experiment was conducted to provide detail information on production costs and gross net profits of reduced sizes poly bag and biochar application used for coffee seedling production under small scale farmers. Biochar to topsoil blended at 1:3 ratio was found to increase (SVI) over the local and standard practice by 66.50% and 7.50%, respectively. Hence, combined effects of reduced pot size (13x19cm) with biochar mixed topsoil 1:3 noticed to significantly improve soil chemical conditions and growth response of coffee seedlings under nursery conditions at the study area. Besides, the result of simple partial budget analysis indicated the cost effectiveness with reduced polybag sizes as compared to the conventional pot sizes, especially for production, transportation and early stage field transplanting of quality coffee seedlings in large quantities. However, it is imperative to assess the effects of the present promising pot size and pot media treatments under field performance by considering growth, yield, and quality performances and profitability to smallholder coffee farmers over locations and year in the study area and other similar agro ecological zones in the country.

Obtaining Lignin from Nutshells under Mild Extraction Conditions and Its Use as a Biostimulant in Tomato Seedlings

Biostimulants are an important alternative to improve and promote higher efficiency in cropping systems. Although the biostimulant industry has been developing for several years, there are still areas of opportunity for new sources of biostimulants as well as new ecofriendly extraction techniques that allow for a circular economy and the reuse of waste. Lignin is a heteropolymer that constitutes about 40% of the plant cell wall. A great source of lignin is agrowastes, giving it added value. Recently, its use has been tested in agronomy as a carrier of nutrients and pesticides. Walnuts are produced on a large scale in Northern Mexico, and the shell represents between 15 and 40% of its total weight. However, to obtain this biopolymer, to date, non-environmentally friendly techniques have been used; for this reason, it is necessary to find extraction alternatives to make this proposal sustainable. In this work, the obtaining and characterization of lignin through mild extraction conditions from nutshells and its evaluation as a biostimulant on the growth of tomato seedlings are reported. Lignin was extracted by hydrolysis with a mixture of acetic acid and distilled water (65:35 v/v). The results showed that it was possible to obtain 15% (w/w) lignin using mild solvents, evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proton magnetic nuclear resonance (H-RMN), and infrared (IR). Subsequently, lignin solutions were prepared at different concentrations, 0, 10, 50, and 100 ppm, and applied via foliar weekly to tomato seedlings. A greater fresh weight of the stem was found with 10 and 50 ppm, and the height and the fresh biomass increased with the three concentrations (10, 50, and 100 ppm), concluding that lignin extracted from nutshells using mild conditions can act as a plant biostimulant.

Reutilization recovered nutrients from wastewater by synthesizing eco-friendly slow-release hydrogel fertilizer for sustainable vegetable production

Recovering and reusing resources from waste is a practical necessity for realizing sustainable development, while the lack of arable land and speedy release of fertilizer is also an urgent issue required to improve soil water and fertilizer conditions. Here, an eco-friendly biodegradable hydrogel was fabricated to serve as a slow-release carrier for nutrients that recovered from wastewater and investigated the potential role of it on vegetable growth. The hydrogel owned excellent water swelling and retention capacity, while degraded by more than 50 % within 11 weeks. Electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ion exchange dominate the binding between nutrients and hydrogel, thus contributing to the maximum release period and efficiency for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was 74.28 % in 21 days, 88.28 % in 28 days and 72.52 % in 7 days, respectively. Kinetic model fitting and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the Fickian diffusion controls the release of fertilizers. Vegetable yields and root elongation were significantly improved by applying the slow-release hydrogel fertilizer, with yield increases up to more than two-fold at the second round of cultivation. Overall, this work provides novel insights into the reutilization of high-value resources from wastewater and agriculture sources to support a stable food supply.

The resistance of BSA-Dex conjugate nanoemulsions to depletion flocculation induced by excessive dextran in Maillard reaction

Protein nanoemulsions are excellent carriers of nutrients due to their unique surface activity and structural properties, however, poor stability has limited their application. The Maillard reaction can enhance protein emulsification, but an excess of dextran formed during the reaction can trigger detrimental effect. In this study, the influence of unbound dextran following the Maillard reaction on nanoemulsions composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and dextran conjugates was studied. The results showed that saturation grafting occurred at a 1:7 M ratio of BSA to dextran during the Maillard reaction. Rheological analysis revealed that the relative amount of difference between the loss modulus (G″) and storage modulus (G′) in the nanoemulsions was most pronounced within the ratio of 1:7–1:11. This difference decreased when the dextran content exceeded 1:11, indicating a reduction in the system’s ability to prevent aggregation. Nanoemulsions within the range of ratios 1:7–1:11 showed no droplet aggregation, particle size, or zeta-potential alterations after 3-months of storage. They remained stable at 90 °C, with NaCl concentrations within 75 mM, and at pH 3–8. Small amounts of free dextran remaining from the Maillard reaction are deemed acceptable in subsequent nanoemulsions preparation. This study offers a scientific foundation for devising cost-effective strategies in industrial production.

Combination of recycled cellulose with nano-thick flower layered double hydroxides: Biomass water retention slow-release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture

The development of crop nutrient, water utilization and increasing the renewability of waste resources sustainable agriculture is essential for improving sustainable agriculture. In this study, a type of nanothick floral layered double hydroxides (nLDHs) for fast and effective pesticide adsorption was created using cyclodextrin (CD) induction. After that, it was composited with recycled cellulose (PCe) derived from waste biomass (pomelo peel). A novel slow-release hydrogel fertilizer (N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA) was synthesized through the graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA), which was then employed as a nutrient (urea) carrier in the nLDHs/PCe composite. The swelling, water retention and slow-release capabilities of slow-release fertilizer was evaluated. Additionally, crop cultivation tests were conducted on the material to ascertain its potential use in sustainable agriculture. The results shown that N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA had a swelling rate of 197.02 g/g at 600 min, the water retention rate reached 21.02 % in soil at 60 d, and a nutrient release of 68.78 % in soil at 60 d, which were in accordance with European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standards. Besides, the experiment of crop cultivation showed that N@nLDHs/ CPE-PAA had obvious promotion effect on plant growth, which could improve the root system, rhizomes, chlorophyll content, and relative water content in the leaves of the plants. Therefore, this novel slow-release hydrogel fertilizer (N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA) not only promotes resource reproducibility, but also has excellent soil water retention, slow-release nutrient properties and a function of promoting plant growth. It has great value in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture.

Multifunctional Material Building Blocks from Plant Pollen.

With its multifaceted nature, plant pollen serves not only as a key element in the reproductive cycle of seed plants but also as an influential contributor to environmental, human health, safety, and climate-related concerns. Pollen functions as a carrier of nutrients and organisms and holds a pivotal role in sustaining pollinator populations. Moreover, it is vital in ensuring the safety and quality of our food supply while presenting potential therapeutic applications. Pollen, often referred to as the diamond of the organic world due to its distinctive physical structures and properties, has been underappreciated from a material science and engineering standpoint. We propose adopting a more interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to its study. Recent groundbreaking research has focused on the development of pollen-based building blocks that transform practically indestructible plant pollen into microgel, paper, and sponge, thereby unveiling numerous potential applications. In this review, we highlight the transformative potential of plant pollen as it is converted into a variety of building blocks, thereby unlocking myriad prospective applications through eco-friendly processing.

Effect of pH on the soybean whey protein–gum arabic emulsion delivery systems for curcumin: Emulsifying, stability, and digestive properties

A novel curcumin (CUR) delivery system was developed using soybean whey protein (SWP)-based emulsions, enhanced by pH-adjustment and gum arabic (GA) modification. Modulating electrostatic interactions between SWP and GA at oil/water interface, pH provides favorable charging conditions for stable distribution between droplets. GA facilitated the SWP form a stable interfacial layer that significantly enhanced the emulsifying properties and CUR encapsulation efficiency of the system at pH 6.0, which were 90.15 ± 0.67%, 870.53 ± 3.22 m2/g and 2157.62 ± 115.31%, respectively. Duncan's test revealed significant improvements in thermal, UV, oxidative, and storage stabilities of CUR (P < 0.05). At pH 6.0, GA effectively protected CUR by inhibiting SWP degradation during gastric digestion and promoting the release of CUR by decreasing steric hindrance with oil droplets during intestinal digestion, achieving the highest CUR bioaccessibility (69.12% ± 0.28%) based on Duncan's test. The SWP-GA-CUR emulsion delivery system would be a novel carrier for nutrients.

Quality Assessment of Developed Cumin Cookies

Abstract: Cookies are good carrier of nutrients like carbohydrate and fat which can be enriched with protein. Refined Flour is the finest type of wheat flour containing high calorie content but minimal nutritional value that is used to make pizza, bread, samosa, kachoris, puri, cakes and biscuits.by partially replacing refined wheat flour with wheat flour up to an acceptable level. It is a fast and quick recipe for cookies made with Refined wheat flour, wheat flour and cumin seeds. The special characteristic of these cookies is that, as opposed to other cookie recipes, they do not contain plain flour, sugar or even jaggery. It is an excellent snack or coffee snack for munching and is enjoyed by all age groups, including children and adults because of its rich nutrients.

Exploring Sustainable Agriculture with Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacteria and Nanotechnology.

The symbiotic relationship between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and plants offers a promising avenue for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental remediation. This review paper explores the molecular interactions between nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and nanoparticles, shedding light on their potential synergies in agricultural nanotechnology. Delving into the evolutionary history and specialized adaptations of cyanobacteria, this paper highlights their pivotal role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which is crucial for ecosystem productivity. The review discusses the unique characteristics of metal nanoparticles and their emerging applications in agriculture, including improved nutrient delivery, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. It delves into the complex mechanisms of nanoparticle entry into plant cells, intracellular transport, and localization, uncovering the impact on root-shoot translocation and systemic distribution. Furthermore, the paper elucidates cellular responses to nanoparticle exposure, emphasizing oxidative stress, signaling pathways, and enhanced nutrient uptake. The potential of metal nanoparticles as carriers of essential nutrients and their implications for nutrient-use efficiency and crop yield are also explored. Insights into the modulation of plant stress responses, disease resistance, and phytoremediation strategies demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of nanoparticles in agriculture. Current trends, prospects, and challenges in agricultural nanotechnology are discussed, underscoring the need for responsible and safe nanoparticle utilization. By harnessing the power of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and leveraging the unique attributes of nanoparticles, this review paves the way for innovative, sustainable, and efficient agricultural practices.

Biochar as a highly efficient adsorption carrier for sewage sludge-derived nutrients and biostimulants: component fixation and mechanism

Production of liquid fertilizers containing nitrogenous nutrients and biostimulants from sewage sludge (SS-NB) has been attracting increasing attention due to its excellent fertilization effect and resource recycling attributes. To better understand the functional effects of nutrients and biostimulants in SS-NB on soil, the adsorption capacity and mechanism of straw biochar (SB) and wood chip biochar (WCB) for alkaline and neutral SS-NB components were investigated. The adsorption of total organic carbon (TOC) from alkaline and neutral SS-NB by WCB was 61.14% and 89.73%, respectively, higher than that by SB, which was 56.25% and 83.36%. Moreover, TOC from neutral SS-NB was more readily adsorbed, especially for fulvic and humic acids. SB had a strong adsorption capacity for calcium ions and nitrogen (TKN, nitrate N, protein, amino acid) and released large amounts of P. In addition, WCB and SB showed a strong affinity for macromolecules (proteins) and reducing substances (lignin and lipids) and excellent fixation ability for phytohormones and allelochemicals. However, WCB adsorbed more types of molecular substances than SB while maintaining a high immobilization rate. Analysis of the adsorption mechanism showed that surface amino groups of the biochar were involved in adsorption, while WCB had additionally high adsorption efficiencies through pore adsorption, hydrogen bonding adsorption and pore size-exclusion effects. The study revealed that biochar can be used as an efficient adsorption carrier for SS-NB to improve soil fertility management.Graphical

Nanotech for Fertilizers and Nutrients-Improving Nutrient use Efficiency with Nano-Enabled Fertilizers

The development of nano-enabled fertilizers presents new opportunities to improve crop nutrient use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts of agriculture. Nanoparticles, nano capsules, and nano clays can be engineered to control the release rate of nutrients to better match crop demands over time. Slow-release nano fertilizers may enhance nutrient absorption by plants while mitigating nutrient losses to the environment. Additionally, nano fertilizers can facilitate co-delivery of nutrients, growth regulators, and pesticides, allowing for more precise crop management practices. This review synthesizes current research on synthesis techniques, characterization methods, and agronomic testing results for a range of nano fertilizer products. Key nutrient carriers reviewed include mesoporous silica nanoparticles, layered double hydroxides, cellulose nanocrystals, and halloysite nanotubes loaded with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Release kinetics depend on nano fertilizer composition, size, and shape, as well as environmental conditions. Field studies indicate positive impacts of nano fertilizers on crop yield, nutrient use efficiency, and pest resistance compared to conventional fertilizer formulations. However, questions remain regarding large-scale feasibility, economic viability, environmental fate, and biological impacts of nano-enabled fertilizers. Ongoing interdisciplinary research across the domains of materials science, agronomy, ecology, and economics is required to develop nano fertilizers that maximize production efficiency while minimizing risks.

Establishing the character and share of changes in nutrients during the production of bread with the addition of dog rose syrup

In the daily diet, bread is an excellent carrier of nutrients to replenish the body. In this direction, as an additive, dog rose syrup (DRS) can be indispensable for the production of a wide range of bakery products. One of the factors limiting the widespread use of DRS in baking production is the insufficient knowledge of its biological value and changes in the share of nutrients in the technological process. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to analyze the nutritional value, vitamin and mineral composition of wheat flour “Azamatli-95” of the first grade (A95WF), DRS from the variety “R.canina”, and bread with the addition of DRS. It was found that with the addition of 5, 10 and 15 % DRS to A95WF in bread samples, the content in g/100 g significantly increases: glucose (0.09±0.05), fructose (0.15±0.08), sucrose (0.02±0.01) and phenolic compounds (0.38±0.1); in mg/100 g: beta-carotene (0.152±0.076), vitamin C (33.6±16.3), potassium (40.07±20.03), magnesium (36.49±18.25), phosphorus (20.94±10.47); in µg/100 g: iron (128.86±64.43) and zinc (18.95±9.47) and the content in g/100 g slightly increases: starch, proteins and raffinose (0.01±0.01), cellulose (0.04±0.02), pectin substances (0.03±0.01); in mg/100 g: thiamine (0.006±0.003), riboflavin (0.013±0.006), niacin (0.015±0.008), calcium (5.39±2.7), sodium (1.25±0.62), sulfur (5.99±2.99); in µg/100 g: iodine (0.42±0.21), cobalt (0.62±0.31) with deviation from the best bread with the addition of 10 % DRS to A95WF. The resulting regression equations (АЕ&lt;7 %) make it possible to predict and establish a relationship between the shares of changes in significantly changing nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the technological process and the increase in their content in bread

The novel lactoferrin and DHA-codelivered liposomes with different membrane structures: Fabrication, in vitro infant digestion, and suckling pig intestinal organoid absorption

Inspired by membrane structure of breast milk and infant formula fat globules, four liposomes with different particle size (large and small) and compositions (Single phospholipids contained phosphatidylcholine, complex phospholipids contained phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin) were fabricated to deliver lactoferrin and DHA. In vitro infant semi-dynamic digestive behavior and absorption in intestinal organoids of liposomes were investigated. Liposomal structures were negligible changed during semi-dynamic gastric digestion while damaged in intestine. Liposomal degradation rate was primarily influenced by particle size, and complex phospholipids accelerated DHA hydrolysis. The release rate of DHA (91.7 ± 1.3 %) in small-sized liposomes (0.181 ± 0.001 μm) was higher than free DHA (unencapsulated, 64.6 ± 3.4 %). Complex phospholipids liposomal digesta exhibited higher transport efficiency (3.4-fold for fatty acids and 2.0-fold for amino acids) and better organoid growth than digesta of bare nutrients. This study provided new insights into membrane structure-functionality relationship of liposomes and may aid in the development of novel infant nutrient carriers.

Potential Nutrient Carriers of Easily Weathered Minerals from Pyroclastic Materials of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta

The eruption of Mount Merapi has had a negative impact on the community; however, on the other hand, it also has positive aspects that cannot be ignored. One of the major benefits associated with the eruption of this mountain is its ability to fertilize and restore the quality of the surrounding soil. This process of soil restoration involves the use of volcanic materials resulting from the eruption, specifically known as rejuvination or soil rejuvenation. In the concept of soil rejuvenation, pyroclastic materials play an important role due to their nutrient-rich content. These pyroclastic materials consist of various types of rocks and minerals, which have great potential to make a positive contribution in providing nutrients needed by plants. Based on the results of X-Ray diffraction analysis, the pyroclastic material from Mount Merapi is dominated by the mineral Albite, accounting for 81.3%. This mineral has the property of being easily weathered and susceptible to weathering agents. Volcanic materials from Mount Merapi can be utilized as agrominerals, this concept involves using volcanic material as a source of nutrients for plants since it contains both macro and micro nutrients required by plants.

Changes in physicochemical properties and formation process of colloidal nanoparticles (CNPs) during the lamb soup stewing

Colloidal nanoparticles (CNPs), as carriers of nutrients, naturally exist in food or form during cooking. In this study, the colloidal properties, structures, rheological properties, and chemical composition location of CNPs were analyzed during 15 min to 5 h lamb soup stewing. With the increasing stewing time, the particle size and absolute value of the zeta potential of CNPs increased, indicating that CNPs became more stable. As the stewing time increased, the blue-shifted Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy absorption peaks and the red-shifted fluorescence spectroscopy absorption peaks certificated the structural changes in CNPs. And α-helix and β-turn content decreased, while β-sheet and random coil content increased in processing, potentially resulting in the opening CNPs structures. In addition, our findings revealed that proteins were encapsulated within the lipids in the inner part, while carbohydrates were dispersed in the outermost layers of the CNPs with a phospholipid bilayer.

Tracing the provenance of mineral dust over the northern and southern Indian Oceans during the GEOTRACES-India (GI-01, GI-02) expeditions

Aeolian transport of mineral dust is an important carrier of nutrients and trace metals to the surface ocean and, hence, affects the biogeochemical cycles of C and N therein. Studies focusing on the provenances of dust across the latitudinal gradients over the open ocean waters are essential for better constraining the biogeochemical effects of dust deposition. Here, we analyzed the radiogenic isotope composition of Sr (87Sr/86Sr) and Nd (εNd(0)) in the silicate fraction of mineral aerosols collected over the pelagic northern and southern Indian ocean waters during the GEOTRACES-India research expeditions (GI-01: March-April 2014 and GI-02: April-May 2014). Both tracers, 87Sr/86Sr and εNd(0), exhibited marked spatial variability for dust deposition to different basins, including the Bay of Bengal (BoB), Arabian Sea (AS), equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO), and the southern sector of the Indian Ocean (SIO). The dust deposited in the AS showed a narrow spread in both 87Sr/86Sr (0.71520–0.71642) and εNd(0) (−10.9 to −10.1), along with the air mass back trajectories, indicating transport from the Arabian Peninsula. Likewise, the dust collected over the BoB was mainly sourced from the Thar Desert (87Sr/86Sr > 0.72, −16 < εNd(0) 〈−13), whereas the EIO received mineral dust from the Thar Desert and sand dunes in northern Australia (87Sr/86Sr: 0.72, εNd(0): −11) and Indonesian Archipelago. In contrast, the SIO appeared to receive dust deposition from three different source regions, including dust from Antarctica, western Australia (87Sr/86Sr: 0.712, −20 < εNd(0) <−16, and South Africa/South America (87Sr/86Sr: 0.708–0.710; −24.5 < εNd(0) >−8.4). These results have important implications for modelling the dust transport to pelagic Indian and southern Indian Ocean waters.

A Comprehensive Review of Nano-Urea vs. Conventional Urea

Conventional chemical fertilizers, notably urea, have long been employed globally to meet the increasing demands for food production. However, the use of conventional urea has raised environmental concerns, including nitrate leaching, global warming, ozone layer depletion, and groundwater pollution. Additionally, there is an overburden on the government in the form of import expenditure. As the global population grows and arable land diminishes, the demand for chemical fertilizers, particularly nitrogen intensifies. Urea production, responsible for a significant portion of the global nitrogen fertilizer demand, contributes to environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Researchers advocate for reducing urea demand through energy-efficient fertilizers to address these issues. Nano-fertilizers, characterized by nano-dimensions and slow-release properties, offer a potential solution. They serve as efficient nutrient carriers, minimizing losses through leaching and emissions. Nano-urea, developed by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), stands out with nanometer-sized particles, prolonged shelf-life, and reduced environmental impact. Its adoption holds promise for sustainable agriculture, reducing agro-chemical use and enhancing soil health. Comparing nano-urea to conventional urea reveals higher efficiency, reduced environmental impact, controlled nutrient supply, and economic benefits. Nano-urea's nanotechnology-based innovations offer a transformative approach to crop nutrition, promoting sustainability, environmental conservation, and increased profitability for farmers. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute's experiment revealed that basal nitrogen application at 75% with prilled urea, full phosphorus and potassium, and nano-urea + nano-Zn sprays achieved yields comparable to 100% N + full P and K doses. Embracing energy-efficient novel fertilizers, such as nano-fertilizers, is crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and meeting global food demands while mitigating environmental impacts.

Fabrication of natural deep eutectic solvent based water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion: Improving loading capacity and stability of curcumin

Water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions (HIPEW/O) are promising as fat substitutes and nutrient carriers in food systems. A method was developed to replace the water phase of HIPEW/O with natural deep eutectic solvents (NDES) to enhance the loading and stability of nutraceuticals. NDESs, comprising varying ratios of d-glucose, sucrose, and water, were used. Higher sucrose ratios resulted in larger crystals in NDES-based HIPEW/O. Glucose-to-sucrose molar ratios below 1 generated gel-like HIPEs with excellent thermal, centrifugal, freeze-thaw, and storage stability. Increased sucrose proportion in NDES promoted crystal formation, thus improving emulsion stability. NDES-HIPEs demonstrated high curcumin loading with high encapsulation efficiency. Crystal-containing NDES-HIPEs exhibited improved ultraviolet and gastrointestinal stability. This study presents a novel method for HIPEW/O preparation. Using NDES as the internal phase regulates crystal morphology, enhances emulsion stability, and protects nutrients. These unique emulsions hold potential as carriers for bioactive components in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications.

Interaction and binding mechanism of ovalbumin with cereal phenolic acids: improved structure, antioxidant activity, emulsifying and digestion properties for potential targeted delivery systems

Ovalbumin (OVA) has been considered as a nutrient carrier for bioactive, which has high nutrition value and multiple properties. Recently, proteins-phenolic acids composite delivery systems have received widespread attention. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the interaction between OVA and cereal phenolic acids (CPA) to establish delivery systems for bioactive. Spectroscopy results have found that CPA generated complexes with OVA, causing the microenvironment changes of OVA. Ferulic acid (FA), p-coumaric acid (CA), vanillic acid (VA), syringic acid (SY), sinapic acid (SI), and protocatechuic acid (PA) not only quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of OVA, but also altered protein microenvironment. Further investigation showed these complexes were formed by static quenching mode, while hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction were dominant binding forces. Meanwhile, the interaction decreased α-helix contents and increased β-sheet contents, leading to conformational changes in OVA. Besides, OVA/CPA complexes displayed an increase in hydrophobicity with a reduce in free-SH. After combination with FA, SY, CA, VA, SI, PA, it was found that all formed complexes had superior solubility, emulsifying and antioxidant activities than native OVA. Among them, OVA-PA exhibited the highest emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability index values (36.4 ± 0.39 m2/g and 60.4 ± 0.94 min) and stronger antioxidant activities. Finally, the combination with phenolic acids further improved the digestion efficiency in vitro of OVA. The OVA-CPA complexes showed improved properties for excellent delivery systems. Overall, OVA-CPA complexes could be a good carrier for bioactive, which provided valuable avenues in target delivery system application.