Chemical Industry Research Articles

A mini-review on egg waste valorization.

Each year, approximately million tons of waste is generated from eggshells disposed of in landfills. This waste is challenging to manage because of the odor and microbiological development. However, eggshells have potential applications as a solid byproduct. They can be modified and used in various industries such as metal, polymer and ceramic composites, in the production of biodiesel, heavy metal absorption from wastewater, and even as a biomaterial to substitute bone tissues. Furthermore, eggshells can be used as a cheap adsorbent for the treatment of contaminated waterways. They are also a great source of calcium and fertilizer for plants, animals and humans. Chicken eggshells can even be used as a catalyst for converting waste frying oil into biofuel. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities of eggshell waste valorization in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Substantiation of the algorithm for identifying high-risk groups among the personnel of chemically hazardous facilities

Introduction. Studies of the impact of chemicals on the health of employees of chemical industry enterprises based on biomonitoring are an urgent medical and social problem. The article is devoted to the substantiation of the algorithm for examining personnel at chemically hazardous facilities to identify high-risk groups due to the effects of industrial poisons. Material and methods. The article presents an analysis of domestic and foreign scientific literature devoted to the problems of identifying high-risk groups among workers in chemical enterprises based on biomonitoring methods. Results. Identification of high-chemical risk groups among chemically hazardous facilities employees involves the following steps: assessment of the level of external chemical exposure, identification of priority pollutants, substantiation of the most informative bioenvironments and the time of analysis, determination of exposure/effect biomarkers, and clinical examination of personnel. Limitations. The proposed algorithm for identifying high-risk groups applies only to persons who are professionally in contact with hazardous chemicals. Discussion. The article presents an analysis of the scientific literature on the problem of identifying high-risk groups based on biomonitoring. Conclusion. In order to identify high-risk groups among the personnel of chemical enterprises, it is necessary to introduce the proposed algorithm and develop quantitative criteria for biomonitoring – biological maximum permissible concentrations (BEI) or biological exposure indices into the practice of toxicological and hygienic assessment of the health of workers.

A review of the progress and developments of green chemistry

The purpose of this review is to present the progress and development of a fundamental field that aims to design chemical processes with as little adverse effect on the environment as possible. The paper discusses the relevance of changes in industries considering the impact of the conventional chemical industry on the environment, people, and resources, with pollution, toxicity, and depletion of the resources being alarming effects. Waste minimization as one of the ten principles of green chemistry, atom economy and safer solvents and auxiliaries, is also described in detail. In the best practice examples drawn from key industries such as Unilever and BASF, a positive approach toward integrating biodegradable materials and renewable resources is evident. Furthermore, new developments in the catalysis and biocatalysts techniques as well as innovative methods of carbon dioxide conversion are also explored to demonstrate that sustainability is a core direction of chemical transformations. Nevertheless, prospects are evident albeit constrained in economic, regulatory, and technical sectors. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to the complete realization of green chemistry in the industry and the scale-back of environmental harm. It is for this reason that the present review offers a final reflection on how both green chemistry and a circular economy can change various sectors and offer more sustainable solutions.

Selective Hydroboration of C−C Single Bonds without Transition‐Metal Catalysis

AbstractSelective hydroboration of C−C single bonds presents a fundamental challenge in the chemical industry. Previously, only catalytic systems utilizing precious metals Ir and Rh, in conjunction with N‐ and P‐ ligands, could achieve this, ensuring bond cleavage and selectivity. In sharp contrast, we discovered an unprecedented and general transition‐metal‐free system for the hydroboration of C−C single bonds. This methodology is transition‐metal and ligand‐free and surpasses the transition‐metal systems regarding chemo‐ and regioselectivities, substrate versatility, or yields. In addition, our system tolerates various functional groups such as Ar−X (X=halides), heterocyclic rings, ketones, esters, amides, nitro, nitriles, and C=C double bonds, which are typically susceptible to hydroboration in the presence of transition metals. As a result, a diverse range of γ‐boronated amines with varied structures and functions has been readily obtained. Experimental mechanistic studies, density functional theory (DFT), and intrinsic bond orbital (IBO) calculations unveiled a hydroborane‐promoted C−C bond cleavage and hydride‐shift reaction pathway. The carbonyl group of the amide suppresses dehydrogenation between the free N−H and hydroborane. The lone pair on the nitrogen of the amide facilitates the cleavage of C−C bonds in cyclopropanes.

Improvement of aerosol spray scavenging efficiency by pre-injecting electrically charged water mist

Efficient aerosol scavenging is crucial for gas purification to reduce environmental pollution in various chemical industries. In nuclear reactor decommissioning, especially for damaged reactors after severe accidents like Fukushima Daiichi, controlling radioactive aerosol generation and dispersion is essential. Radioactive aerosols sizing from 0.1 to 1 μm are expected during containment cleaning and fuel debris retrieval processes. To ensure safe decommissioning and mitigate environmental radioactivity, a containment water spray system is used for aerosol scavenging. However, conventional water spray has low efficiency for these submicron aerosols. Our recent experiments at UTARTS demonstrated that pre-injection of water mist enhances scavenging efficacy by increasing aerosol size and hydrophilicity through aerosol-mist agglomeration prior to spraying. On this basis, in this study, we introduced an innovative method using electrically charged water mist, which significantly facilitates aerosol-mist agglomeration through additional electrostatic coagulation, further improving scavenging efficacy (maximum 35 % in current configurations). The present experimental results attained under various mist conditions and charging configurations provided insights into optimizing the mist charging system. Our developed technology is expected to be useful in radioactive aerosol control during damaged reactor decommissioning and has potential applications in other environmental chemical engineering processes.

Investigative and collaborative experimental activities using simple purification of curcuminoids by column chromatography

This work describes the use of turmeric in the teaching concepts and laboratory techniques of organic chemistry to students in introductory classes of licentiate, bachelor’s and industrial chemistry courses, as well as to pharmacy and chemical engineering students at Universidade Federal Fluminense, in Niterói/RJ/Brazil. Considering investigative and collaborative activities and Vygotsky theory, the discussed concepts were everyday natural products, green chemistry, purification and separation of organic substances, molecular interactions, organic compound extraction techniques, and thin-layer and column chromatography. The activities were applied for four 3-hour classes for 31 students in 7 introductory organic chemistry laboratory classes for Chemistry and for 43 students in 4 experimental organic chemistry classes for Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering courses, in the years 2022–23. The teaching-learning process methodology involved 4 moments/classes: a) discussions about organic chemistry; b) discontinuous extraction of turmeric and thin-layer chromatography; c) column chromatography; and d) discussions about results and the learning process. After the sequence of classes, it was possible to observe the students’ motivation with the ease of separating curcuminoids and the understanding of the relationship between theoretical concepts and practice, as well as the understanding of the importance of low waste production.

Optimization of extraction for efficient recovery of kenaf seed protein isolates: evaluation of physicochemical and techno-functional characteristics.

Kenaf seeds are a rich source of protein; however, finding the best extraction method is crucial to obtaining high-quality protein from these underutilized seeds. This research devised an optimized extraction process for best recovery of kenaf seeds protein using response surface methodology. The key parameters affecting the yield and protein content were optimized, including extraction pH (2-11), seed:water ratio (5:1-50:1), temperature (30-90 °C), and duration (20-360 min). The physicochemical and techno-functional properties of kenaf seed protein isolates (KSPIs) were examined. A maximum protein yield of 12.05 g/100 g with purity level 91.94 g/100 g was obtained using an optimized extraction with pH 11.0, seed:water ratio 50:1, 360 min duration, and temperature 50 °C. The oil and water retention capacities of KSPI were 1.14 mL g-1 and 1.37 mL g-1 respectively. After 30 min at pH 7, KSPIs demonstrated remarkable emulsion capacity (83.12%) and stability (75.63%), along with high foaming capacity (106%) and stability (18.3%). As per high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine were the most abundant amino acids detected in KPSIs. The KSPIs' globular protein structure was successfully verified using analytical approaches, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, protein fraction ratios, and differential scanning calorimetry. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that KPSI has a molecular weight distribution ranging from 10 kDa to 50 kDa. The results of this study support the application of the proposed response-surface-methodology-optimized extraction method for efficient recovery of high-quality kenaf seed proteins that meet the necessary physicochemical and techno-functional requirements. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of microwave treatment on structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch.

Measuring the germination index of corn, and gelatinization index, thermodynamic properties, long-range structure, short-range structure and particle morphology of corn starch, the study aimed to investigate the effects of different microwave (MW) treatment on the structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch. The results indicated that after appropriate MW treatment, the germination indices (germination rate, germination potential, sprout length and sprout weight) of germinated corn starch were improved after 7 days of germination. In addition, MW treatment also affected the structure of germinated corn starch. MW treatment could reduce the relative crystallinity of starch, but did not change the crystal type and the peak position of each absorption peak in Fourier transform infrared spectra. In addition, rapid visco-analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results showed, respectively, that MW treatment decreased the peak viscosity of germinated corn starch and increased the gelatinization temperature. Finally, MW treatment made the starch surface become rough, destroyed the starch particle structure and produced random cracks and voids. Overall, the present study proves that appropriate MW treatment is an effective measure for the modification of germinated corn starch, and provides a theoretical basis for the application of MW technology in germinated corn products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tribological and mechanical endowments of polyoxymethylene by liquid‐phase exfoliated graphene nanofiller

AbstractIn this study, a viable route to the development of a high‐performance polyoxymethylene (POM)‐based nanocomposite is proposed to overcome tribomechanical‐related issues in high‐precision sliding parts. Prior to melt‐blending, graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) filler was processed via a series of liquid‐phase exfoliation and surface modification with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Results indicate that GNP is successfully exfoliated with minimum defect ratio and improves interfacial bonding within the matrix. Uniform dispersion and stable load‐transfer capability of POM/GNP with 0.5 wt% loading significantly enhanced flexural, tensile and impact strength by overall 26.4%, in contrast to unfilled POM. Dry friction tests against a steel ball also showed the lowest reduction in friction coefficient and wear rate by 22% and 40.6%, respectively, at the same amount of GNP loading due to the large specific surface coverage and lubricious transfer film chelation onto the steel counterface. Furthermore, dissipated energy accumulation by friction work was calculated in the sliding interfaces based on friction force–displacement hysteresis loop where the POM/GNP 0.5 wt% wear surface consumed ca 21.7% less energy in a dry frictional shearing process compared to neat POM. However, lack or excess loading of processed GNP exhibited insufficient or poor matrix–filler adhesion and led to deterioration of the composite properties due to particle agglomeration which can cause stress concentration and serve as a failure site. The adoption of the proposed methodology would demonstrate excellent material characteristics in thin‐walled precision parts where both mechanical and tribological performances are the primary concern. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhances the resistance of rice to lepidopteran pests by fusing the Cry1Ca and Cry2Aa genes with self-cleavage peptide sequence.

Accumulation of two or more Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins in plant not only improves the resistance to pests and broadens the resistance spectrum of crops, but also delays the development of pest resistance. The self-cleavage peptide sequence was used to link two codon-optimized genes, so as to achieve simultaneous accumulation of two low homologous insecticidal proteins in one plant. The rice transformants accumulating Cry1Ca and Cry2Aa proteins were fed to local lepidopteran pests and the larva mortality in 5 days were 100%. The sum of Cry1Ca and Cry2Aa proteins in leaves of transformants E1C&2A-1 and E2A&1C-18 were 10.60 and 9.55 μg g-1 fresh weight (FW), respectively, and the larva mortality of fall armyworm fed on their leaves for 5 days reached 100%. For the control transformants that expressed one Bt protein, the content of Cry1Ca in leaves of transformant E1CM031 was 14.94 μg g-1 FW, and that of Cry2Aa in leaves of transformant B2A4008S was 11.90 μg g-1 FW, but the larva mortality of fall armyworm fed on leaves of E1CM031 and B2A4008S for 5 days were 77.78% and 52.78%, respectively. Although the total Bt contents in transformants expressing one Bt protein were higher than that of transformants expressing two Bt proteins, the lethality of transformants expressing one Bt protein were obviously lower than that of transformants expressing two Bt proteins. The lethal effect of accumulating both Cry1Ca and Cry2Aa proteins in rice was stronger than that of amassing Cry1Ca or Cry2Aa protein only, which meant there was synergistic effect between Cry1Ca and Cry2Aa proteins. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Unveiling the functions of the Lim-domain binding protein MaPtaB in Metarhizium acridum.

The Lim-domain binding protein PtaB, a homolog of Mfg1, governs conidiation and biofilm formation in several fungi. PtaB includes a conserved Lim-binding domain and two predicted nuclear localization sequences at its C terminus, and is co-regulated with the transcription factor Som1 downstream of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) pathway. However, the function of PtaB in entomopathogenic fungi remain poorly understood. Inactivation of PtaB in Metarhizium acridum resulted in delayed conidial germination, reduced conidial yield and increased sensitivities to cell wall disruptors, ultraviolet B irradiation and heat shock. In addition, the fungal virulence was significantly decreased after deletion of MaPtaB because of impairments in appressorium formation, cuticle penetration and evasion of insect immune responses in M. acridum. The MaPtaB-deletion and MaSom1-deletion strains showed similar phenotypes supporting that MaSom1/MaPtaB complex controls M. acridum normal conidiation and pathogenic progress. Upon loss of MaPtaB or MaSom1, the fungal sporulation mode in M. acridium shifted from microcycle conidiation to normal conidiation on SYA, a microcycle conidiation medium. Transcriptional analysis showed that more differentially expression genes were identified in MaSom1 RNA sequencing, and MaSom1 and MaPtaB may regulate the expression of genes for conidiation, nutrient metabolism and the cell cycle to control conidiation pattern shift. These data corroborate a complex control function for MaPtaB as an important central factor interacting with MaSom1 in the cAMP/PKA pathway, which links stress tolerance, conidiation and virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus M. acridum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Redox Biocatalysis in Lidocaine-based Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents: Non-conventional Media Outperform Aqueous Conditions.

Redox biocatalysis is an important pillar of the chemical industry. Yet, the enzymes' nature restricts most reactions to aqueous conditions, where the limited substrate solubility leads to unsustainable diluted biotranformations. Non-aqueous media represent a strategic solution to conduct intensified biocatalytic routes. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are designable solvents that can be customized to meet specific application needs. Within the large design space of combining DES components (and ratios), hydrophobic DESs hold the potential to be both enzyme-compatible - keeping the enzymes' hydration -, and solubilizers for hydrophobic reactants. We explored two hydrophobic DESs, lidocaine/oleic acid, and lidocaine/decanoic acid, as reaction media for carbonyl reduction catalyzed by horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase, focusing on the effect of water contents and on maximizing substrate loadings. Enzymes remained highly active and stable in the DESs with 20 wt.% buffer, whereas the reaction performance in DESs outperformed the pure buffer system with hydrophobic substrates (e.g., cinnamaldehyde to form the industrially relevant cinnamyl alcohol), with a 2-fold higher specific activity. Notably, the cinnamaldehyde reduction was for the first time performed at 800 mM (~100 g[[EQUATION]]L-1) with full conversion, which opens up new avenues to industrial applications of hydrophobic DESs for enzyme catalysis.

Quality assessment of various Xiushui Ninghong tea types.

Xiushui Ninghong tea (XSNH) has a long history and is renowned both in China and internationally. Based on different processing techniques, XSNH can be classified into Ninghong Congou, Ninghong Tea Jinhao, Ninghong Tea Longxucha and other types. To investigate the differences in nutrient compounds and mineral element contents among various types of XSNH, 34 samples from seven types were collected, primarily from tea-producing areas. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in the contents of crude polysaccharides, K, Mg and Fe, whereas significant differences were observed in the levels of moisture, free amino acids, caffeine, tea polyphenols, thearubigin, theaflavins, Zn, P, Mn, Cu and Se. The data were analyzed using various statistical methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Characteristic compounds and elements such as theaflavin, Se, free amino acids, P and tea polyphenols were identified as key differential components for distinguishing different sample types. Our research has highlighted the differences in chemical indicators among various types of XSNH, providing a crucial theoretical basis for the future classification and grading of XSNH quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

It's not just a phase: shaping the future of 3D photoprinted polymers with polymerization‐induced phase separation

AbstractAdditive manufacturing is a technology that promises to disrupt the conventional manufacturing industry due to its ability to create complex structures with improved macroscopic control not available with existing techniques like molding or milling. In addition to superior macroscopic structural control, photoprinting methods such as digital light projection can enable molecular‐scale control over the fabrication process by taking advantage of the self‐sorting or assembly properties of the monomers themselves. Polymerization‐induced phase separation (PIPS) allows for the remarkable introduction of microscopic control into additive manufacturing, using polymer‐rich and polymer‐poor regions that rely on incompatibilities to phase separate during polymerization creating new complex materials not achieved by traditional methods. With the incorporation of porogens or filler materials, microporosity and/or surface functionalization can be introduced in a facile one‐step printing process. This expands the potential applications of 3D printed materials, to include micro‐ and macroscale structural control. Using PIPS as a design strategy, polymeric materials with previously unprecedented capabilities can be produced with ease enabling 3D printing to grow into its full potential as a manufacturing tool. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

MiRNAs targeted transcription factors HaGATAa/b to mediate the post-mating switch in Helicoverpa armigera female reproductive behavior.

The process of mating induces significant shifts in female reproductive behavior across various species, with the postmating behavioral switch playing a crucial role in insect reproduction. Previous studies have demonstrated the regulatory role of GATA transcription factors in vitellogenin transcription and egg formation in insects, while miRNAs have been implicated in modulating GATA expression and insect reproductive processes. Nevertheless, the precise regulatory mechanism underlying the interaction between miRNAs and GATA transcription factors in the postmating behavioral switch remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identified two key GATA transcription factors, HaGATAa and HaGATAb, as central players in orchestrating the postmating behavior of H. armigera using transcriptomics and RNAi technologies. HaGATAa was found to act upstream of HaGATAb, regulating its expression. Furthermore, we observed a postmating increase in miR-282 levels in females, targeting HaGATAa to regulate egg-laying capacity. Conversely, the decreased expression of miR-2 following mating functioned as a negative feedback regulator, influencing the expression of HaGATAb and thus impacting the postmating behavior of female individuals. Our results revealed a signal-mediated feedback regulatory mechanism that sustains female postmating behavior in H. armigera. These findings not only establish a strong basis for understanding the postmating behavior mechanisms in female moths, but also offer valuable insights for identifying potential targets for pest control strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing the gel properties of soy protein isolate: the role of oxidized konjac glucomannan in acid-induced gelation.

Soy protein isolate (SPI) gels formed using a single coagulant often have poor water-holding capacity (WHC) and low hardness, making them fragile and unsuitable for transportation and storage. Adding compound coagulants or polysaccharides can improve the gelation properties of SPI gels induced by gluconolactone (GDL). This study explores the impact of oxidized konjac glucomannan (OKGM) on the physicochemical and structural properties of GDL-induced SPI gels, with the aim of evaluating the potential of OKGM for enhancing the overall quality and stability of these gels. In this study, the composite gels demonstrated a significant increase in whiteness (69.02% to 70.59%) compared with the SPI gel (67.41%). Key physicochemical properties, such as water-holding capacity (WHC), textural characteristics, viscoelasticity, and thermal stability, were notably improved. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a reduction in the average pore diameter of the composite gels from 70.57 ± 4.13 μm to 37.19 ± 0.24 μm when the oxidation degree of OKGM was kept at or below 60 min, contributing to a more compact and orderly microstructure. Enhanced hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions within the composite gels also accelerated the gelation process, shortening the gelation time from 15.77 ± 0.37 min to 12.45 ± 0.18 min. The results demonstrate that OKGM acts effectively as a gel enhancer, improving the physicochemical and structural properties of SPI gels significantly. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaporation, spreading, and possible uptake of droplets on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaves using an imaging-based technology.

Sprayed agrochemical droplets have a dynamic evolution on the leaf surface, undergoing changes in shape and volume due to spreading, evaporation, and adsorption. To better understand these processes, an accessible imaging-based experimental methodology is presented to precisely measure droplet spreading, evaporation, and potential uptake by a leaf within a controlled relative humidity environment. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of hydrocarbon surfactants, accelerators (light mineral oil), and humectants (high fructose corn syrup) on droplet spread, evaporation, and potential uptake when applied to sorghum (Sorghum bicolor 'Tricker') and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaves. Experiments on cowpea leaves showed uniform spreading and no change in evaporation compared to the predicted rate. In contrast, on sorghum leaves, results suggest that the volume loss rate exceeds the predicted evaporation rate (up to 23%), indicating a potential uptake by the leaves. Some accelerated dynamics on sorghum can be attributed to the lateral spreading observed on hairy leaves along the veins, increasing the contact area by an average of 65%. However, samples containing light mineral oil, typically considered an accelerant to aid in uptake, demonstrated the highest rate but exhibited minimal spreading. The study demonstrates how droplet composition affects droplet dynamics on waxy and hairy leaves by using an imaging-based methodology to measure evaporation rates, volume loss, contact angle, wetted area, and spreading behavior. The findings highlight some of the complex coupling between the crop protection product composition and droplet life cycle on a leaf. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The V410L kdr allele in the VGSC confers higher levels of field resistance to permethrin in urban mosquito populations of Aedes aegypti (L.).

Females of Aedes aegypti transmit emerging arboviruses including Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Control of these adult mosquitoes heavily relies on synthetic insecticides, including pyrethroids. However, insecticide resistance development in populations poses a significant challenge to vector control, particularly from knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC), the target of pyrethroids. This study investigated the field efficacy of Permanone, a pyrethroid-based insecticide, against Ae. aegypti by assessing the impact of three common kdr mutations (V410L, V1016I, F1534C) on mosquito survival under a real operational mosquito control scenario, by quantifying the pesticide delivered in the field. Field cage tests (FCTs) were conducted while conducting a realistic mosquito control application. Female mosquitoes from six operational areas from Harris County, TX, USA were exposed to Permanone delivered with a handheld sprayer. Permanone deposited near the cages was estimated from aluminum boats placed in the field during FCTs using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Mortality rates were recorded, and individual mosquitoes were genotyped for kdr mutations. A probit regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing mosquito survivorship. As the distance from the application source route increased, the amount of Permanone deposited decreased, resulting in higher survivorship frequency of Ae. aegypti females with the triple-resistant kdr genotype (LL/II/CC). The L allele at the 410-site significantly contributed to an increased resistance level when co-occurring with other kdr mutations. This study linked the survival probabilities of mosquitoes with different kdr genotypes, and the amount of pesticide they received in the field. Pesticide quantification, control efficacy results and genotyping allowed us to empirically determine the impact of genotypic resistance on vector control in the field. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro digestive behavior of emulsifier-stabilized excipient emulsions affects the bioaccessibility of flavonoids.

Flavonoids, found in common vegetables and fruits, have health benefits that are often limited by their low bioavailability. Excipient emulsions provide an effective strategy to overcome these obstacles. However, the nature of the emulsifier used to formulate excipient emulsions and the chemical structure of the flavonoids both affect the bioaccessibility of the flavonoids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the interfacial properties of excipient emulsions on the in vitro gastrointestinal fate of representative structural flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin) through the INFOGEST method. Tween 80 (TW80) (a nonionic surfactant) was more effective at reducing the oil-water interfacial tension than whey protein isolate (WPI) (a protein-based emulsifier) or octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starch (MS) (a polysaccharide-based emulsifier). Moreover, TW80 created excipient emulsions with smaller oil droplets, which were more resistant to oral and gastric conditions. The WPI-emulsions underwent severe flocculation in the gastric phase, leading to an appreciable increase in particle size (from 220 to 3000 nm). The TW80-coated oil droplets were more digestible than WPI- or MS-coated ones. This was attributed to the larger lipid surface area for lipase attachment. The bioaccessibility of quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin was also affected by emulsifiers: TW 80 (25% to 45%) > WPI (14% to 29%) ≈ MS (15% to 25%). Flavonoid bioaccessibility appeared to be related to their molecular properties. This study provides guidance for the design of effective excipient emulsions to enhance the bioavailability of flavonoids. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dual‐functional UiO‐66/g‐C3N4 composites for photocatalytic pesticide removal and in situ adsorption of phosphate byproducts in water

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the increasing global demand for food, a significant amount of organophosphorus pesticides is applied to farmland, leading to pollution as they are discharged into natural water bodies with agricultural runoff. This study employed a coupling approach, utilizing a 6:4 mass ratio of zirconium‐based metal–organic framework UiO‐66 and g‐C3N4 through a grinding and annealing method to construct a Z‐type heterojunction composite material named UG 6:4.RESULTSThis material is employed for photocatalytic removal of the representative organophosphorus pesticide, dichlorvos (DDVP), from water and simultaneous in situ adsorption of its inorganic phosphorus byproducts. Results demonstrate that for initial DDVP concentrations below 5 mg L−1 (calculated as total phosphorus), both the mineralization rate under ultraviolet light irradiation with a wavelength of 365 nm and a power of 125 W and the adsorption rate of phosphorus were 100% when the pH was 6 and the UG 6:4 dosage was 0.2 g L−1. The sheet‐like g‐C3N4 tightly envelops the surface of UiO‐66, forming a Z‐scheme heterojunction. This structure imparts UG 6:4 with enhanced light absorption, faster generation and separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs compared to individual UiO‐66 or g‐C3N4, and the establishment of an internal electric field suppresses the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers.CONCLUSIONConsequently, UG 6:4 exhibits outstanding photocatalytic pesticide removal capabilities. Furthermore, UG 6:4 demonstrates specific adsorption of inorganic phosphorus through electrostatic attraction and ligand exchange. This study indicates that UG 6:4 is a promising dual‐functional photocatalytic adsorbent with excellent application prospects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).