Beeswax Research Articles

Exposure to polylactic acid induces oxidative stress and reduces the ceramide levels in larvae of greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella)

Plastic biodegradation by insects has made significant progress, opening up new avenues for the treatment of plastic waste. Wax moth larvae, for example, have attracted the attention of the scientific community because they are known to chew, ingest, and biodegrade natural polymer bee waxes. Despite this, we know very little about how these insects perform on manufactured plastics or how manufactured plastics affect insect metabolism. As a result, we studied the metabolism of greater wax moths (Galleria mellonella) fed on molasses-supplemented polylactic acid plastic (PLA) blocks. An analysis of the central carbon metabolism (CCM) metabolites was performed using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ-MS), while an analysis of untargeted metabolites and lipids was conducted using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS). In total, 169 targeted CCM metabolites, 222 untargeted polar metabolites, and 196 untargeted nonpolar lipids were identified within the insect samples. In contrast, compared to control larvae, PLA-fed larvae displayed significantly different levels of 97 CCM metabolites, 75 polar metabolites, and 57 lipids. Purine and pyrimidine metabolisms were affected by PLA feeding, as well as amino acid metabolism, carbohydrates, cofactors, vitamins, and related metabolisms. Additionally, PLA exposure disrupted insect energy metabolism and oxidative stress, among other metabolic disturbances. The larvae fed PLA have lower levels of several lipids, suggesting a reduction in lipid reserves, and ceramide levels are likely to have changed due to apoptosis and inflammation. The study indicates that G. mellonella larvae could ingest PLA but this process causes some metabolic stress for the host. Future studies of the molecular pathways of this biodegradation process might help to provide strategies for stress reduction that would speed up insect digestion of plastic.

Crystallization and Structural Properties of Oleogel-Based Margarine.

Interest in oleogel as a promising alternative to traditional hydrogenated vegetable oil has increasingly grown in recent years due to its low content of saturated fatty acids and zero trans fatty acids. This study aimed to develop wax-based margarine to replace traditional commercial margarine. The wax-based margarine was prepared and compared with commercial margarine in texture, rheology, and microscopic morphology. The possibility of preparing margarine at room temperature (non-quenched) was also explored. The results showed that the hardness of oleogel-based margarine increased as the BW concentration increased. Denser droplets and crystal network structure were observed with the increase in BW content. XRD patterns of oleogel-based margarine with different content BW were quite similar and structurally to the β' form. However, the melting temperature of oleogel-based margarine was over 40 °C at each concentration, which represented a poor mouth-melting characteristic. In addition, the unique, improved physical properties of oleogel-based margarine were obtained with binary mixtures of China lacquer wax (ZLW) and Beeswax (BW), due to the interaction of the ZLW and BW crystal network. The rapid cooling process improved the spreadability of oleogel-based margarine. The margarine prepared by 5% BW50:ZLW50 had similar properties to commercial margarine in texture and melting characteristics (37 °C), which had the potential to replace commercial margarine.

Phase Change Energy Storage Material with Photocuring, Photothermal Conversion, and Self-Cleaning Performance via a Two-Layer Structure.

Compared with the thermal curing process, the photocuring process has advantages such as high efficiency and less energy consumption. However, the preparation of photocurable phase change materials (PCMs) with photothermal conversion and self-cleaning properties is challenging due to the conflict between the transparency required by the photocurable resin system and the opacity deduced by the large number of fillers required by photothermal conversion and the negative effect of filler steric hindrance on the reaction rate and crystallinity. In this work, a "thiol-ene" click chemical reaction induced using UV was used to prepare photocurable PCMs, followed by spraying a carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (CCNT) suspension (with ethyl acetate) onto the surface to achieve an effective two-layer composite of the PCM and CCNTs, by which the rough surface of the PCM and the interaction offered by the hydrogen bonds on the interface of the PCM and the CCNTs provide sufficient adhesion for the two phases. The "thiol-ene" cross-linked polymer network provided shape stability as a support material. 1-Octadectanethiol (ODT) and beeswax (BW) were encapsulated in the cross-linked polymer network as phase change components, providing phase change latent heat. The CCNT layer provided excellent photothermal conversion and self-cleaning properties. The experimental results show that the latent heat of the PCM can reach 124.2 J/g, the water contact angle is 144°, the photothermal conversion efficiency reaches 75%, and it has significant self-cleaning performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a photocurable PCM with photothermal conversion and self-cleaning properties.

Eco-friendly polyvinyl alcohol/beeswax blend prepared using gamma irradiation for adsorption of cesium ions from an aqueous solution

ABSTRACT The release of cesium ions in the environment is considered to be a dangerous pollutant. The present work deals with the gamma irradiation synthesis of novel adsorbent sustainable hydrogel from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/beeswax (BW) and its investigation for the uptake of cesium (I) from aqueous solutions. The characterization of synthesized PVA/BW hydrogel was provided by FTIR, SEM, XRD and gel content in addition to the water absorbency. The obtained results indicated that the prepared composite provides advantages over conventional preparation techniques. The batch technique experiments were occurred to investigate the adsorption kinetics, capacity, and optimum conditions for the uptake of cesium (I) by PVA/BW. The obtained data show that the maximum adsorption capacity of PVA/BW for cesium ion was estimated and it was provided at a contact time of 1.0 hr, pH = 3, and adsorbed dose of 0.10 g. The calculated thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption of cesium ions by PVA/BW was an endothermic and spontaneous process.

Harnessing Potentials and Optimization of Apicultural Education as Pathway for Alleviating Poverty in Southern Nigeria

The role of apicultural education as a catalyst for reducing rural poverty among bee farmers was investigated in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The survey research design was used in achieving this. To adequately and appropriately execute the project, some objectives were formulated. From these objectives, research questions were generated and hypotheses formulated accordingly to guide data gathering and analysis. The instrument for data gathering was a four point close ended questionnaire from which 150 bee farmers and 50 extension agents were selected to respond to items in the questionnaire using the census approach. Data collected from their responses were subjected to two forms of descriptive analysis. The first was percentage descriptive analysis which was used to x-ray the biodata. Second, mean and standard deviation were used to treat the research questions. The third method used is the independent t-test on the three man hypothesis of the study. The result of the analysis warranted the rejection of the three null hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance with 198 degrees of freedom using 1.96 as the critical f value. The results showed that 98 percent of bee farmers who had received apicultural education through extension services produced had more honey yield due to increase awareness on modern bee keeping techniques, adequate processing information and marketing strategies which invariably increased their income. Based on the findings made in this research, it was concluded by that giving the farmers and rural dwellers apicultural education such as training them on how to construct apicultural equipment, producing of honey, producing and processing of bee wax into other products such as polish, candles etc. will enhance their performance in bee farming and thus alleviate their poverty.

Core/Double-Sheath Composite Fibers from Poly(ethylene oxide), Poly(L-lactide) and Beeswax by Single-Spinneret Electrospinning.

The conventional approach for preparation of core-sheath fibers is coaxial electrospinning. Single-spinneret electrospinning of emulsions is a much less common method to obtain core-sheath fibers. Core-sheath structure may be generated by electrospinning of homogeneous blend solutions; however, reports on such cases are still scarce. Herein, the preparation of nanofibrous composites from poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and beeswax (BW) by single-spinneret electrospinning of their homogeneous blend solutions in chloroform is reported. The produced fibers had core/double-sheath structure with a PEO core, PLA inner sheath and BW outer sheath. This original fiber structure was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, selective extraction of BW or PEO, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PLA/BW double sheath led to hydrophobicity of the PEO/PLA/BW mats. The tensile tests revealed that PEO/PLA/BW mats had substantially improved mechanical behavior as compared to PEO, PLA and PEO/BW mats. PEO/PLA/BW mats can be used as drug carriers as evidenced by the one-pot incorporation of the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline (NQ) into the fibrous materials. Microbiological tests showed that PEO/PLA/BW/NQ had antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the new materials are promising for wound healing applications.

Determining Pesticide Residues in Bee produce and their Potential Risk to Consumers in Tanzania

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine pesticide contamination in bee products in Singida District Municipality of Tanzania, particularly at Kijiji cha Nyuki. The specific focus of the study was to assess the levels of pesticides residues in bee products harvested from the selected bee farms, identifying the common type of pesticides that contaminate honey and honey products on the quality of selected bee products.
 Material and Methods: A mixed methods approach was adopted for this study and collected data both primary and secondary data was collected using physical observation and survey, interviews and questionnaires, the purposive and random sampling techniques was used in this study to select total of 104 participants who was taken as a sample from universal populations. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Computer Programme version 25, where statistics aspect was determined from the results obtained from both questionnaires and laboratory experiment to the four (4) honey sample Bee pollen One Kg, propolis 500gm, and Bee wax One Kg.
 Findings: The study found 252 pesticides residues ingredients in beeswax with a mean of 0.03 mg/kg. Lambda-cyhalothrin ingredient had 4.20 mg/kg of the total pesticide’s ingredient found in beeswax against 251 which represent the rest of the pesticides ingredient that were concentrated in the beeswax. In regards with the effect of lambda-cyhalothrin identified in beeswax, bee pollen and honey, the results indicate current concentrations of pesticides in beeswax, bee pollen and honey does not pose risk to human health neither to environment, this is an indication that honey produced in the Kijiji cha Nyuki is safe for consumers as there is very low concentrations of lambda-cyhalothrin in each studies area.
 Unique Contribution to the Theory, Practice and Policy: It was noted most of the pesticides that found in honey was agricultural pesticides therefore Theory of Planned Behaviour was relevancy in explain the relationship of individual to use pesticides to the agricultural. Therefore, study will contribute to the beekeeping programme guidelines for quality control of bee products to provide thoughtful mitigate to the amount of pesticide contamination in bee and honey products, the study could contribute to policy design and implementation to understanding of how the regulations outlining the use of insecticides is being implemented, and the current economic condition of studied farms.
 

Characteristics of palm oil-based oleogel and its potency as a shortening replacer

This investigation aimed to determine the effect of beeswax (BW) and palm oil concentrations on the characteristics of oleogels which were then compared with a commercial shortening to evaluate their potential to be used as a shortening replacer. The characteristics of palm oil-based oleogel were investigated. Crude palm oil (CPO) and palm oil-based cooking oil (CO) are both rich in palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2), but the amount of total saturated fatty acids in CPO is higher than in commercial CO. The binary blends of palm oil (CPO and CO) and beeswax (BW) were used in various concentrations to prepare palm oil-based oleogel. Oleogels containing higher concentrations of BW had a greater oil binding capacity. The addition of BW produced needle-like and spherical crystals. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a broad peak between 5.6° 2θ and 21.2° 2θ, (4.6 Å), resembling β polymorphism produced by monoacylglycerol aliphatic chains. The solid fat content of the CPO-based oleogel indicated that the product was more heat-resistant and had a profile more similar to shortening than the CO-based oil. As the BW concentration increased, the peak temperature of the sample also increased according to the differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The characteristics of palm oil-based oleogel products were comparable to that of commercial shortening; thus, they can be used as shortening replacers.

Development and thermophysical analysis of binary eutectics phase change materials for solar drying application

Background: In the past 30–40 years, conflicts over limited conventional energy sources and the negative climate change caused by them have attracted researchers and analysts to new, clean, and green energy technologies. Thereby reducing the consumption of conventional fuel and the negative impact on the climate. The production of alternative energy in the form of thermal energy storage using phase change materials (PCMs) is one of the techniques that not only reduces the gap between the supply and demand of energy but also increases the stability of the energy supply. The tendency of PCMs to melt and solidify over a wide temperature range makes them more attractive for use in many applications. The effective and efficient storage of solar energy by PCM has the potential to significantly advance the use of renewable energy. Methods: Organic non-paraffin compound beeswax (BW) mixed with other non-paraffin compounds stearic acid (SA), Palmitic acid (PA), Myristic acid (MA), and Lauric acid (LA) in different compositions with the help of magnetic stirrer at 50–60°C for 3–4 hours to prepare BWSA, BWPA, BWMA, and BWLA eutectic PCM. Results: Prepared eutectics melt and solidify in the temperature range 36–56°C and with latent heat in the range of 155–211 kJ/Kg. Conclusions: Due to suitable temperature and good latent heat storage range, it is a good choice as thermal energy storage, for solar drying applications.

Colour and Surface Chemistry Changes of Wood Surfaces Coated with Two Types of Waxes after Seven Years Exposure to Natural Light in Indoor Conditions

The ageing of materials is an irreversible, in-time occurring complex phenomenon, which affects both wood surfaces and the coating materials. This paper focuses on the light-induced natural ageing of wood-coated surfaces in indoor conditions. Two wood species: European maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) and European walnut (Juglans regia) and two types of waxes: bees wax and Chinese wax were employed in the experiments presented in this paper. Uncoated and coated wood samples were exposed to the natural sunlight filtered by window glass in a simulated indoors natural ageing test for a total period of 7 years. Colour measurements in the CIE-Lab system and FTIR-ATR investigation were employed to evaluate the ageing phenomena. The uncoated wooden samples underwent progressive colour changes perceived as darkening for European maple and lightening for European walnut, corresponding to total colour differences values (ΔE) after 7 years of exposure of 12.54 and 11.66, respectively. Coating of wood samples with the two types of waxes differently influenced the total colour changes for the two wood species: reduced colour changes corresponding to ΔE values of 4.79–6.44 were determined for European maple, whilst increased colour changes corresponding to ΔE values of 13.80–20.83 were determined for European walnut. FTIR analysis highlighted different surface chemistry changes for the uncoated and wax-coated wood samples.

Extruded transglutaminase-modified gelatin–beeswax composite packaging film

Fish gelatin (FG) is a natural biodegradable biopolymer. However, solution casting, which is commonly used to prepare gelatin films, limits large-scale film production. In this study, melt extrusion (ME) commonly used in traditional plastics was successfully applied to the preparation of gelatin composite films. The non-covalent crosslinking between hydrophobic beeswax (BW) and hydrophilic FG not only reduced the film stickiness during rolling but also decreased the water solubility of the film by 45.17% ( p < 0.05). Transglutaminase (TGase) promoted covalent crosslinking between the FG networks, thereby improving the properties of the film. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the crosslinking effect of BW and TGase on the gelatin films, and appropriate crosslinking maintained the forward movement of gelatin in the rotating screw according to a linear mode. The FG–BW–1%TGase film exhibited the lowest water solubility of 36.63% and the highest tensile strength of 6.26 MPa. The co-crosslinking of TGase and BW contributed to the preparation of melt-extruded composite films exhibiting desirable properties and were potential candidates for commercial food packaging. • Fish gelatin (FG) composite films were prepared using melt extrusion. • Beeswax (BW) and transglutaminase (TGase) were added to films. • BW reduced film stickiness during rolling. • TGase crosslinked FG networks, thereby improving film properties. • Composite films show excellent potential for application to food packaging.

Printing Optimization of 3D Structure with Lard-like Texture Using a Beeswax-Based Oleogels.

In this study, we investigated the optimal conditions for 3D structure printing of alternative fats that have the textural properties of lard using beeswax (BW)-based oleogel by a statistical analysis. Products printed with over 15% BW oleogel at 50% and 75% infill level (IL) showed high printing accuracy with the lowest dimensional printing deviation for the designed model. The hardness, cohesion, and adhesion of printed samples were influenced by BW concentration and infill level. For multi-response optimization, fixed target values (hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness) were applied with lard printed at 75% IL. The preparation parameters obtained as a result of multiple reaction prediction were 58.9% IL and 16.0% BW, and printing with this oleogel achieved fixed target values similar to those of lard. In conclusion, our study shows that 3D printing based on the BW oleogel system produces complex internal structures that allow adjustment of the textural properties of the printed samples, and BW oleogels could potentially serve as an excellent replacement for fat.

Improving physical properties of sodium caseinate based coating with the optimal formulation: Effect on strawberries’ respiration and transpiration rates

The objective of the work was to improve the physical properties of caseinate (SC)-based coating by using a thickening agent, guar gum (GG), and a solid fat phase, beeswax (BW). To this aim, the effect of GG, BW, and surfactant concentration, varying the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values given by surfactant combination, on the physicochemical properties of the caseinate-based blends and film has been investigated. The best formulation has been applied to strawberries to quantify the impact of the coating on respiration and transpiration rates. The results showed that GG, BW, their interaction, and HLB affected the physical properties of the sodium caseinate-based coating. The formulations most physically stable and containing small and uniform solid BW particles were those with an HLB of 9.2. GG affected the viscosity of the blends, whereas the effect of beeswax concentration on viscosity was very low. A 50% of reduction of water vapor permeability was obtained by changing GG and BW concentration. The best formulation, containing 8% SC, 0.2% GG, 2% BW, and Tween 80 and Span 80 at HLB of 9.2, was able to reduce the respiration and transpiration rates of strawberries by 17% and 40%, respectively, at 4 °C and relative humidity higher than 86%.

Effects of edible coatings on the quality and storage of early harvested guava

Guava is a world-renowned fruit of climacteric nature. It is characterized as a perishable fruit and has a short post-harvest shelf life when stored at room temperature. The objective of this work is to study the effects of coatings on the physiology and shelf life of 'Pedro Sato' guavas harvested early. For this, the effect of edible coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and beeswax (BW) applied to guavas harvested green and stored for eight days at 22 °C was evaluated. Guavas were coated with HPMC+10% BW; HPMC+20% BW; HPMC+40% BW and Control-uncoated. The coatings reduced the respiration rate, inhibited ethylene synthesis and slowed the ripening process. The main benefits were the reduction in mass loss, maintenance of green color and firmness retention. The treatment with HPMC+20% BW presented the best results in maintaining the quality of the fruits, reducing the activity of the PG enzyme and delaying the ripening of 'Pedro Sato' guavas without promoting the activity of the ADH enzyme and consequently the fermentation of the fruits. fruits. The fruits treated with HPMC+20% CA showed a gain in shelf life of at least six days and despite being harvested green, no disorder affected the ripening process and its quality.

Demonstration and participatory evaluation of apiculture technologies in Sidama national regional state, Ethiopia

Demonstration and Participatory evaluations of improved beekeeping technologies were conducted in Loka Abaya and Hawassa Zuriya woredas of Sidama National Regional state with the objective of demonstrating improved beekeeping technologies &amp; strengthen research extension farmer’s linkage in beekeeping technology generation and transfer. Demonstration and evaluations of frame and transitional hive was conducted by forming farmers research groups (FRGs) at 4 peasant association (PAs) of selected district; from the demonstration an average of 25.5kg semi-extracted and 10.5 kg crude honey per hive/annum was harvested using after and before using improved technologies respectively and bees wax purification was also demonstrated on farmers field. Partial budget analyses implied that adoption of improved beekeeping technologies make small holder beekeepers more profitable than traditional practice. Therefore, all the demonstrated and evaluated technologies have been recommended for the mandate area to further promote the technologies in to the areas where there is a gap in utilizing and disseminating the technologies.

Marketing of non-timber forest products as a means of income generation in Oja-oba market, Iseyin local government area, Oyo State

Background: This study examined marketing of non-timber forest products as a means of income generation in Oja-Oba Market, Iseyin Local Government of Oyo State. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been located to play an important position in family financial system and food security. Methods: In the present study, a simple random sampling was used to choose ninety-four respondents (25 % sampling depth) from 376 marketers that were identified. A total of seventy-eight responses were retrieved from the 94 questionnaires distributed. Data were analyzed using descriptive information and budgetary evaluation. Results: Most of the of respondents (51.4%) were the ages of 31 and 40 years old, female (51.3%), married (73.1%), had adult schooling (34.6%), have been farmers (60.3 %), had 11-20yrs experience (44.9%), and had been indigenous (69.2%). Many of the marketed NTFPs had been bush meat (73.1%), honey and bee wax (71.8%), fuel wood (60.3%), and Shea butter (60.3 %). The charges of NTFPs numerous at diverse tiers, for example, bush meat that sells for #2500.00 on the farm level is in the end offered at #6000.00 to very last purchasers. This also carried out to different NTFPs advertised in the place, indicating that NTFP marketing turned into a profitable enterprise in the study area. Profitability of the very best marketed NTFPs (bush meat) revealed an average gross margin of #34,040.00 and a net profit of #28,040.00, whilst the benefit cost Ratio was 2.53, indicating that for each # 2.00 invested in the business, there was a go back of 53kobo. Poor transportation (35.9%), a lack of storage facilities (23.1%), deforestation (12.8%), and price fluctuation are the various fundamental issues encountered (11.5%). Marketing NTFPs is a rewarding commercial enterprise which could assist improve rural livelihoods. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it was determined that the area was highly enriched with various varieties of NTFPs that serve the needs of the residents. It was recommended that Sustainable forest management of non-timber forest products should be implemented as a development strategy in the study area to ensure the continuous availability of non-timber forest products in the study area.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF COSMETIC PREPARATIONS USING NOVEL NATURAL COLORANT FROM LANTANA CAMARA LINN (CHATURANGI) AND BOMBAX CEIBA LINN (SHAALMALI)

The present work aimed to formulate various cosmetic formulations comprising of extract of Lantana camara Linn. and Bombax ceiba Linn. as natural coloring agents. Dried and powdered leaves of L. camara Linn and dried thorn powder of B. ceiba Linn produce red color. The obtained color was used as a natural colorant in the preparation of different cosmetic preparations, namely lipstick, rouge and eye shadow. Different ingredients like bees wax, carnauba wax, white soft paraffin, castor oil and strawberry essence were used to formulate the aforesaid cosmetics using the extracted color. The formulations were evaluated for color, texture, pH, perfume stability, melting point, breaking point, softening point, surface anomalies, aging stability, thixothrophy and patch test depending upon its type. The results revealed that melting points of the prepared lipstick were observed in the range of 62-64 o C. The breaking point of all the lipstick formulations were noted in the range of 31 – 34 g. Force of application was noted to be good for all the formulations. Softening point was found to be in the range of 52.33 to 59.66 0 C. Eye shadow and rouge show good adhesion and color dispersion; patch test on volunteers showed no signs of skin irritation. The results verified that the color extracted from the dried leaves of L. camara Linn and dried thorn of B. ceiba may prove to be a beneficial choice and work as an alternative to synthetic colorants in various cosmetic formulations, which are known to cause allergic reactions and are reported to be carcinogenic.

Efficacy of Carumcarvi L. (Caraway), Eculaptuscamaldulensisdehnh(Red Gum) Andnigella Sativa(Black Seed)Against Greater Wax Mothgalleria Mellonellal.Innaeus (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae)

The greater wax moth considered one of the most worldwide-spread pests of the bee wax. This Study was designed to investigate the insecticidal activity of Carumcarvi, Eculaptus camaldulensis and Nigella sativa against 3rd larval instar of G.mellonellathrough laboratory screening. Five concentrations (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%) of each plant extract were used in this experiment. Mortality (%) was recorded after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs post treatment. The results showed C. carvi, E. camaldulensis and N.sativahave insecticidal activity against 3rd_ instar larvae of G. mellonella. The highest concentration (15%) caused 90% ,86.7% and 80% larval mortality after 96 hrs for C. carvi,E. camaldulensis and N.sativarespectively. The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant difference (p&lt; .001) between all treatments and control. The results also clearly demonstrate that the C. carvi are significantly more toxic than E. camaldulensis and N. sativa, whereas the LC50 values were 5.4% forC. carvi,6.0% for E. camaldulensis and 6.2% for N. sativa.

Inhibition of oxidative stress, IL-13, and WNT/β-catenin in ovalbumin-sensitized rats by a novel organogel of Punica granatum seed oil saponifiable fraction

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by inflammation, oxidative stress, and structural remodeling. Here, we prepared two pomegranate fractions from the seed oil, saponifiable (Sap) and unsaponifiable (UnSap). Two organogels (Orgs) were also formulated with the Sap (Org1) or the UnSap (Org2) fraction and beeswax (BW). All preparations were evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts. The transdermal delivery of the most efficient one was evaluated against ovalbumin (OV)-induced bronchial asthma in rats compared to dexamethasone (DEX). The results showed that the prepared pomegranate fractions and BW had considerable amounts of phenolics (flavonoids and tannins) and triterpenoids. Org1 was shown to be the most effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fraction with synergistic activities (combination index, 1), as well as having protective and therapeutic influences on OV-sensitized rats. Org1 inhibited the multiple OV-induced signaling pathways, comprising ROS, WNT/β-catenin, and AKT, with an efficiency superior to DEX. Subsequently, the pro-inflammatory (COX-2, NO, and IL-13), and pro-fibrotic (COL1A1) mediators, oxidative stress, and mucin secretion, were all down-regulated. These outcomes were verified by the histopathological results of lung tissue. Collectively, these outcomes suggest that the transdermal delivery of Org1 to OV-sensitized rats shows promise in the protection and treatment of the pathological hallmarks of asthma.

Effects of natural wax types on the physicochemical properties of starch/gelatin edible films fabricated by extrusion blowing

To address the limitation of strong hydrophilicity of edible films, starch/gelatin (S/G) films incorporated with natural waxes (beeswax (BW), candelilla wax (CL), and carnauba wax (CB)) were fabricated by extrusion blowing. Rheological analysis demonstrated that the incorporation of natural waxes reduced storage modulus and complex viscosity of S/G blends. BW and CL weakened molecular interactions among film components, whereas CB did not. CB exhibited the strongest crystalline behavior after film formation. The degree of starch gelatinization and water vapor barrier property of films depended on wax type. The presence of waxes increased the water resistance and surface hydrophobicity of the films. However, CL and BW addition decreased the tensile strength of films. The highest water contact angle (102.6°), strongest thermal stability, and lowest water vapor permeability were found in S/G-BW film, which could be the optimal choice to produce highly hydrophobic edible films.