Citric Acid Esters Research Articles

Preparation, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activity of Selenated Potato Resistant Starch

AbstractThis study develops selenized potato resistant starch (P‐RS4·Se) from Enshi potato starch to enhance bioactivity. First, the resistant starch (P‐RS4) is prepared through high‐temperature citric acid esterification. Then, P‐RS4 is selenized using the nitrate‐sodium selenite method and analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Optimal conditions are identified: 0.7 % HNO3, a 1:1.1 ratio of P‐RS4 to Na2SeO3, 65 °C, and 4 h. Selenization disrupts P‐RS4·Se’s microstructure, forming a Se─O─C bond with ─OH on C6. The selenized starch shows strong in vitro antioxidant effects, protecting A549 lung cancer cells from oxidative damage at 6–8 mg mL−1, supporting selenium supplementation.

Modulating the behavior of ethyl cellulose-based oleogels: The impact food-grade amphiphilic small molecules on structural, mechanical, and rheological properties

This work evaluates the ability of various lipid-based amphiphilic small molecules (ASMs) to modulate the mechanical and rheological properties of oleogels principally structured by ethyl cellulose (EC). Six ASMs varying in the chemical structure of their polar headgroups were used to produce EC-ASM oleogels. Stearic acid (StAc), monoacylglycerol (MAG), sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), and citric acid esters of monoglycerides (CITREM) all provided a dramatic enhancement in gel strength, while lactic acid (LACTEM) and acetic acid (ACETEM) esters produced only a marginal increase. Those additives which crystallized above 20 °C displayed pronounced changes in their network organization and crystal morphology in the presence of EC. Differences in the solid/liquid phase change behavior were also observed in select samples using differential scanning calorimetry. Both the small and large amplitude oscillatory shear responses were dependent on the ASM which was dependent on the chemistry of the headgroup, crystal network organization, and ability to plasticize the polymer network. The extent of thixotropic recovery was largely dependent on the polarity of functional groups in the ASMs, but was also influenced by the formation of a secondary crystal network. In general, ASMs which formed larger, system-spanning crystal networks (MAG, StAc) produced more brittle gels, while the highly hydrophilic, charged headgroup of SSL promoted a homogeneous distribution of small crystals, resulting in a tougher material. In the absence of a crystal network, stronger polar species in the ASM headgroup produced higher gel strength and increased elasticity. Thus, both ASM chemical structure and crystallization properties strongly contribute to the functionality of the resulting combined oleogelator systems.

A proposed biomarker for human citric acid ester (CAE) exposure, and the potential disturbance on human lipid metabolism

Citric acid esters (CAEs), as one class of important alternative plasticizers, have been proven to be ubiquitous in the environments, leading to an increasing concern regarding their potential health risk to humans. However, information regarding the biomarkers for human CAE biomonitoring is currently unknown. In the present study, we investigated the metabolism characteristics of CAEs by use of in vitro rat liver microsomes (RLMs) and in vivo mice. We observed that CAEs would undergo a rapid metabolism in both in vitro and in vivo conditions, implying that parent CAEs could be not suitable for biomonitoring of human CAE exposure. By use of high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS), ten molecules were tentatively identified as CAE potential metabolites on the basis of their MS and MS/MS characteristics, and CAEs could be metabolized via multiple pathways, i.e. hydrolyzation, hydroxylation, O-dealkylation. Further MS screening in human serum samples demonstrated that most of parent CAEs were not detectable, whereas numerous CAE metabolites were detected in the same batch of analyzed samples. Especially, one of metabolites of tributyl citrate (named with TBC-M1), exhibited a high detection frequency of 73.3%. By use of TBC-M1 as the biomarker of human CAE exposure, alteration of lipid metabolism was further examined in human serum. Interestingly, we observed statistically significant correlations between TBC-M1 levels and population characteristics (i.e., age, BMI, and drinking). Beyond that, we also observed statistically significant correlation between levels of TBC-M1 and lipid molecules (phosphatidylinositol (18:0/20:4) and sphingomyelin (d34:1)). Collectively, this study underscored the property of rapid metabolism of CAEs in exposed organism, and proposed a potential biomarker that could be greatly helpful for further investigating the human CAE exposure and understanding their potential health risks.

Low doses of acetyl trihexyl citrate plasticizer promote adipogenesis in hepatocytes and mice.

Accumulating epidemiological evidence underscores the association between pervasive environmental factors and an increased risk of metabolic diseases. Environmental chemicals, recognized disruptors of endocrine and metabolic processes, may contribute to the global prevalence of metabolic disorders, including obesity. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATHC), categorized as a citric acid ester plasticizer, serves as a substitute for di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in various everyday products. Despite its widespread use and the increasing risk of exposure in humans and animals due to its high leakage rates, information regarding the safety of exposure to environmentally relevant doses of ATHC remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of ATHC exposure on metabolic homeostasis. Both in vivo and in vitro exposure models were used to characterize the effects induced by ATHC exposure. C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to a diet containing ATHC for 12weeks, and metabolism-related parameters were monitored and analyzed throughout and after the exposure period. Results indicated that sub-chronic dietary exposure to ATHC induced an increase in body fat percentage, elevated serum lipid levels, and increased lipid content in the liver tissue of mice. Furthermore, the effect of ATHC exposure on murine hepatocytes were examined and results indicated that ATHC significantly augmented lipid levels in AML12 hepatocytes, disrupting energy homeostasis and altering the expression of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis, uptake, oxidation, and secretion pathways. Conclusively, both in vivo and in vitro results suggest that exposure to low levels of ATHC may be linked to an elevated risk of obesity and fatty liver in mice. The potential implications of ATHC on human health warrant comprehensive evaluation in future studies.

The catalysts for synthesis of citrate esters plasticizers and the application of citrate esters plasticizers

The latest research progress in citrate esters plasticizers at home and abroad was introduced. The advance in the catalysts for the syn thesis of citrate esters plasticizers and the application of citrate esters plasticizers were reviewed in detail. The catalysts for the synthesis of citrate esters included sulfonic acid, solid super acid, heteropolyacids, ionic liquids and inorganic salts. The citric acid ester plasticizers were applied in the fields of food packaging, children's toys and medical instrument. The development prospects of citric acid ester plasticizers were outlined.

Bioactive metabolites, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of fermented local rice (Pare ambo) by Pleurotus spp.: In-vitro and in-silico approach

Pare ambo, a local black rice variety popular in Tana Toraja (South Sulawesi), is recognized for its health benefits, especially for those managing diabetes or aiming to prevent obesity due to its antioxidant-rich composition. This study explored the impact of Pleurotus spp. Fermentation on pare ambo, examining its nutritional transformation. Proximate analysis indicated higher levels of crude protein (9.67 ± 0.73%), crude fat (3.36 ± 0.84%), and fiber (1.67 ± 0.33%) in P. cystidiosus fermentation compared to P. ostreatus and P. djamor. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities significantly improved in all fermentations at 500 ppm concentration. Pare ambo fermented by all three Pleurotus species contained citric acid and trimethyl ester compounds, displaying superior antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, interacting with antioxidant receptor 5O0x (−7.2 kcal/mol) and antidiabetic receptor 3w37 (−8.2 kcal/mol) compared to the unfermented sample. Fatty acid profiling identified 32 compounds, predominantly FAMEs with ester groups. Pleurotus cystidiosus and P. djamor fermentations contributed 20 compounds, while P. ostreatus contributed 18 compounds. Prominent interactions were visualized between naphthalene, and decahydro-2,6-dimethyl, with 5O0x and 3w37. Anthocyanins were detected through HPLC separation in P. cystidiosus and P. ostreatus fermentation outputs. This study shows pare ambo as a promising functional food, abundant in natural antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds, highlighting the potential of Pleurotus spp. Fermentation to enhance the nutritional profile and bioactivity of indigenous rice varieties.

Non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles as nanocarriers for enhanced drug encapsulation of atorvastatin calcium and proanthocyanidins

Atorvastatin calcium (ATV) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) have a strong antioxidant activity, that can benefit to reduce the atherosclerotic plaque progression. Unfortunately, the bioavailability of ATV is greatly reduced due to its limited drug solubility while the PAC drug is unstable upon exposure to the atmospheric oxygen. Herein, the lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LLCNPs) constructed by a binary mixture of soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and citric acid ester of monoglyceride (citrem) at different weight ratios were used to encapsulate the hydrophobic ATV and hydrophilic PAC. The LLCNPs were further characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering. Depending on the lipid composition, the systems have a size range of 140–190 nm and were able to encapsulate both drugs in the range of 90–100%. Upon increasing the citrem content of drug-loaded LLCNPs, the hexosomes (H2) was completely transformed to an emulsified inverse micellar (L2). The optimum encapsulation efficiency (EE) of ATV and PAC were obtained in citrem/SPC weight ratio 4:1 (L2) and 1:1 (H2), respectively. There was a substantial change in the mean size and PDI of the nanoparticles upon 30 days of storage with the ATV-loaded LLCNPs exhibiting greater colloidal instability than PAC-loaded LLCNPs. The biphasic released pattern (burst released at the initial stage followed by the sustained released at the later stage) was perceived in ATV formulation, while the burst drug released pattern was observed in PAC formulations that could be attributed by its internal H2 structure. Interestingly, the cytokine studies showed that the PAC-LLCNPs promisingly up regulate the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) better than the drug-free and ATV-loaded LLCNPs samples. The structural tunability of citrem/SPC nanoparticles and their effect on physicochemical characteristic, biological activities and potential as an alternative drug delivery platform in the treatment of atherosclerosis are discussed.

Study on the dynamic changes of nutrient components and flavor compounds during the fermentation process of high-quality highland barley wine

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively understand the formation mechanism of nutrient components and flavor compounds during the fermentation process of high-quality highland barley wine (HHBW). The dynamic changes of physicochemical properties, non-volatile compounds and volatile flavor compounds in HHBW at different fermentation times were investigated. The results indicated that the nutrient components and physiologically active substances in HHBW, such as proteins, β-glucan, total phenols and total flavonoids were higher than those in commercial highland barley wine (HBW). In addition, the analysis results of HS-SPME-GC-MS revealed significant differences in flavor compounds at each fermentation stage, with alcohol being the main flavor compound. The contents of aldehydes and ketones decreased rapidly with the progress of fermentation. Lactic acid was the most important organic acid in HHBW. Correlation analysis revealed a negative association between citric acid and most alcohols and esters, while tartaric acid and succinic acid exhibited positive correlations with alcohols. Bitter amino acids, such as valine, isoleucine, leucine, arginine and lysine, were positively correlated with most of the ester flavor compounds. The study can provide a reference for a deep understanding of the mechanism of the formation of the characteristic flavor of HHBW.

Investigating the influence of CaCl2 induced surface gelatinization of red adzuki bean starch on its citric acid esterification modification: Structure–property related mechanism

This study prepared starch with different degrees of gelatinization (10 % and 30 %) by CaCl2, and further combined with citric acid at different concentrations (10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) for esterification. The results indicated that CaCl2 induced surface gelatinization and the esterification promoted its fragmentation. This synergistic modification induced depolymerization of starch chains and a decrease in molecular weight, although starch's Maltese cross, growth rings, and crystal type remained unchanged. Moreover, the synergistic modification induces a short-range ordered structure loss and the enthalpy decrease of starch, which induce starch pasting properties decrease and solubility increase. Furthermore, the introduction of ester groups by esterification increases the resistant starch content by limiting the binding sites for digestive enzymes. In conclusion, surface gelatinization can increase active reaction sites by disrupting the starch shell structure, and serves as a potential pretreatment to enhance the deep application of esterified starch in food and pharmaceutical fields.

Food additive emulsifiers and risk of cardiovascular disease in the NutriNet-Santé cohort: prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo assess the associations between exposure to food additive emulsifiers and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingFrench NutriNet-Santé study, 2009-21.Participants95 442 adults (>18 years) without prevalent CVD who completed...

Determining of the Constituent Molecules in the <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> Pips by Extraction with Citric Acid Esterification Procedure

This publication treated the determination (qualitative) and the quantification (quantitative) of the steroidal and flavonoids constituent molecules in the <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> pips. These molecules were extracted by esterification between the <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> pips and citric acid molecules in a reflux assembly such as the evaluated total moles of the substance’s organic functions, deduced by bibliographies values, and which could reacted with the citric acid molecules was in excess. Thus, the weight ratio between the <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> pips and citric acid was equal to 7.39. Seeing that the reflux assembly could be assimilated as a closed reactor composed with a beaker-250ml, the observed speed constant k_see was equal to 4.3168×10^-2 [L²×mol^-2×mn^-1]. Thereafter, the transesterification of the <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> citric acid esters solution by methanol was carried out with the volume ratio 2.82 and the extraction with dichloromethane followed by hplc-analysis permitted to determine the presence of virtuous steroidal and flavonoid molecules in the <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> pips respectively 4.25×10^-1 [g_steroïds per g_{<i>Strychnos spinosa</i> pips}] and 3.89×10^-1 [g_flavonoids per g_{<i>Strychnos spinosa</i> pips}]. The constituent molecules majority in the<i> Strychnos spinosa</i> pips were betulinic acid and eriocitrin which vertues as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer were shown in bibliographies. Thus, it was important the perspective to valorize the<i> Strychnos spinosa</i> pips.

Synthesis of High‐Value Tricarballylate Plasticizers Directly from Citric Acid Esters on Bifunctional Pd/Nb2O5.nH2O Catalysts

AbstractTricarballylate esters are considered as an appealing class of biobased plasticizers. This work focusses on the production of tricarballylate esters from citrate esters through a one‐pot sequential dehydration‐hydrogenation process, in order to circumvent the undesired decarboxylation side reaction in the synthesis of tricarballylic acid directly from citric acid. High yields up to 93 % of different tricarballylate esters were obtained with a self‐synthesised bifunctional 0.2 wt % Pd/Nb2O5.nH2O catalyst employed in methylcyclohexane as inert solvent.

Features of triamyl citrate synthesis

Objectives. To find an effective way for obtaining triamyl citrate, an environmentally friendly, biodegradable citric acid ester used as a plasticizer for PVC-based polymer compositions.Methods. The possibilities of heterogeneous catalysis were analyzed using the case study of three commercial samples of macroporous sulfocationites (Amberlyst™ 15, Amberlyst™ 70, and TULSION® 66). Homogeneous catalysis was studied using the example of orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4), while self-catalysis was investigated during esterification of citric acid with amyl alcohol (ROH). The syntheses were carried out under identical conditions: T = 110 °C, the ratio of CA:ROH = 1:5 (mol) amount of catalyst 1 wt % on the reaction mass in a thermostatically controlled reactor of ideal mixing with continuous distillation of the resulting water.Results. It was found that in all variants (even under self-catalysis conditions), the conversion of citric acid in 180 min reached 94–99%. Triamyl citrate was formed after 9 h with a yield of 90% only when using a homogeneous catalyst (H3PO4) and in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst sample (Amberlyst ™ 15).Conclusions. The revealed differences in the reactivity of the studied sulfocationites (Amberlyst™ 15, Amberlyst ™ 70, and TULSION® 66) confirm the well-known theoretical positions, according to which the kinetic pseudo-homogeneous model of the esterification process of hydroxy acids in excess of aliphatic alcohols is based on the law of acting masses and depends on the specific surface area of the catalyst, which for Amberlyst ™ 15 is of the greatest importance as compared to Amberlyst ™ 70 and TULSION® 66 (m2/g): 53:36:35, respectively.

Demulsification of water-in-oil emulsions stabilized with glycerol monostearate crystals

HypothesisColloidal particles can be used to generate water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions resistant against coalescence. Demulsification is possible with addition of low molecular weight surfactants to the emulsion continuous oil phase. Whether surfactants demulsify particle-stabilized W/O emulsions depends on their ability to modify the wettability of interfacially-bound particles. ExperimentalCrystals of glycerol monostearate (GMS) were prepared followed by water addition to generate GMS-stabilized W/O emulsions. The surfactants sorbitan monooleate (SMO), sorbitan monolaurate (SML), citric acid esters of monoglycerides (CITREM), sorbitan trioleate (STO), propylene glycol monolaurate (PgML), and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) were added to the emulsion oil phase. Emulsion microstructure was characterized by light microscopy and cryo-scanning electron microscopy. Surfactant activity and crystal wetting were characterized by interfacial tension and three-phase contact angle measurements. Salt release from within the emulsions was used to assess demulsifier efficacy. FindingsEmulsions stabilized by platelet-like GMS crystals were generated. Of the six surfactants, SMO, SML, and CITREM were effective demulsifiers whereas STO, PgML, and PGPR were ineffective. The former three sufficiently modified the wettability of GMS crystals on the droplet surface, as they adsorbed to both the oil–water interface and GMS crystal surface. Emulsion destabilization was associated with faster NaCl release from the emulsion internal phase.

Synergistic Effect of Two Plasticizers on Thermal Stability, Transparency, and Migration Resistance of Zinc Arginine Stabilized PVC.

The effect of different plasticizers on thermal stability, transparency, and migration resistance of the PVC stabilized with zinc arginine [Zn(Arg)2] was investigated. The thermal stability, migration resistance, and transparency of PVC with tributyl citrate (TBC) were better than PVC with dioctyl phthalate (DOP) characterized by oven aging method, migration test, and near infrared-visible-ultraviolet spectrophotometer. At the same time, the longer the carbon chain in citric acid esters, the better the thermal stability and transparency of PVC sample. The hydroxyl group in citric acid esters is helpful to improve the thermal stability of PVC samples. However, the elongation at break and Tg value of PVC containing DOP were very close to those of PVC containing TBC. The calculation results of Hansen solubility parameters also illustrated that DOP had better compatibility with PVC than TBC. Therefore, the excellent transparency and thermal stability of TBC plasticized PVC were attributed to the good compatibility between TBC and Zn(Arg)2, which was verified by the solubility test. Lastly, the mixture of dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) and TBC was used as plasticizers for Zn(Arg)2 stabilized PVC. When the ratio of TBC and DOTP was 1:1, the transparency, thermal stability, and migration resistance of Zn(Arg)2 stabilized PVC samples were better than those of PVC plasticized by DOP or TBC alone. The mechanism was that the compatibility between Zn(Arg)2 and PVC was greatly improved by the synergetic effect of TBC and DOTP, resulting in the improvement of thermal stability, migration resistance, and transparency of PVC samples.

Effect of citric acid esterification on the structure and physicochemical properties of tigernut starch

In this work, esterified tigernut starch with citric acid (ETSC) was prepared for the first time, and its structure, in vitro digestibility, and Pickering emulsifying capacity were investigated. The formation of ETSC was confirmed by SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and solid-state 13C NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance), and the citric acid dosage in the preparation process was positively correlated with the degree of substitution (DS) of ETSC. With an increase in DS, the solubility and swelling power of ETSC decreased, the crystallinity degree declined, and the proportion of resistant starch (RS) increased rapidly. The increase in DS could also enhance the wettability of ETSC, thus improving the Pickering emulsifying ability of ETSC. The high ETSC concentration (c) and suitable oil phase volume ratio (φ) of the Pickering emulsion were beneficial to its formation and stability. Moreover, the macroscopic viscosity index (MVI) and elastic index (EI) of the emulsion were also positively related to the DS of ETSC.

Orthogonal experimental design for the optimization of four additives in a model liquid infant formula to improve its thermal stability

In this study, kappa-carrageenan (κ-CGN), a thickener, and soybean lecithin (SBL), citric and fatty acid esters of glycerol (CITREM), and mono-and diglycerides (MDGs) emulsifiers were added to a model liquid infant formula (LIF) to enhance its thermal stability. The dosages of the four additives were obtained by comprehensively analyzing the Turbiscan stability index (TSI), apparent viscosity, and volume mean diameter (D (4,3)). The additives decreased the TSI values from 0.761 to 0.272, increased the apparent viscosity values from 6.875 mPa s to 7.887 mPa s, and decreased the (D (4,3)) values from 1.136 μm to 0.706 μm. The optimal additive levels when added separately were determined as follows: 0.025 g/100 mL κ-CGN, 0.150 g/100 mL SBL, 0.600 g/100 mL CITREM, and 0.100 g/100 mL MDGs. Based on the orthogonal experiment L9 (34), which combined range analysis and analysis of variance, the optimal levels of the four additives when combined were 0.025 g/100 mL κ-CGN, 0.125 g/100 mL SBL, 0.450 g/100 mL CITREM, and 0.100 g/100 mL MDGs. Confirmatory experiments involving milk composition, oxidation stability, and △ backscatter demonstrated that the combined addition of additives is more beneficial to the stability of LIF than the separate addition.

Sugar-sugar interactions in oil suspensions containing surfactants and effects on macroscopic phenomena

Surfactants are used in confectionery production to control the viscosity and yield value of molten chocolate. To develop a deeper understanding of the structure–function relationship of surfactants in food-related particle suspensions, the apparent viscosity, yield value, sedimentation, and particle interactions of 10 wt% confectioner’s sugar-in-canola oil suspensions were investigated in the presence of up to 1 wt% commercial soy lecithin, polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), citric acid esters of monoacylglycerols (CITREM) or ammonium phosphatides (AMP). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure attractive forces at the nano-Newton scale between a sugar substrate and a sugar crystal-functionalized AFM cantilever in an oil environment. For all but PGPR, addition of surfactant reduced the adhesion force between sugar surfaces up to a critical concentration above which the force increased, implying the presence of additional interactions. This critical concentration was assumed to be when monolayer coverage of the sugar surfaces by surfactant occurred (0.05 wt% for lecithin, 0.10 wt% for CITREM and AMP). No critical concentration was found for PGPR, with its greatest effect for each analysis occurring at the highest concentrations tested (0.60 and 1.00 wt%). The significance of these interactions on macroscopic phenomena such as apparent viscosity and sedimentation was also assessed. Like with the AFM data, there was an optimal concentration of added surfactant above which viscosity increased. Sedimentation rate greatly decreased with addition of PGPR while being only slightly affected by addition of lecithin, CITREM and AMP. An argument regarding their efficacy was made based on the relative sizes of the polar headgroup and nonpolar tail groups of the molecules, which contributed to how they adsorbed to the sugar surface. Overall, these results suggested that surfactant properties such as molecular weight and head group properties played an important role in modifying the interactions between sugar crystals in an oil-continuous environment.

Comprehensively screening of citric acid ester (CAE) plasticizers in Chinese foodstuffs, and the food-based assessment of human exposure risk of CAEs

An increasing number of studies on the toxicities of citric acid esters (CAEs)—a class of so-called “safe” alternative plasticizers—have highlighted the urgent need to understand their contamination profiles in foodstuffs and the corresponding potential risks to human health. This study determined the concentrations of 8 target CAEs in 105 foodstuff samples, grouped into 6 food categories, collected from Nanjing City, China, in 2020. All eight CAEs were detected in at least one of the analyzed samples and had detection frequencies (DFs) of 5–47%. The DFs and distribution profiles of the target CAEs varied among different food categories; for example, cereals had the highest DF (92%), while meat/fish contained the highest mean total concentration of CAEs (8.35 ng/g wet weight (ww)). Among the target CAEs, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) had the highest DF (47%), and tributyl citrate (TBC) exhibited the highest mean concentration (1.24 ng/g ww). Based on the food ingestion route, the estimated total daily intake (EDI) values of the target CAEs for adults under average- and high-exposure scenarios were 38.3 ng/kg of body weight (bw) and 111 ng/kg bw, respectively, which were attributed to the high percentage contributions of TBC (50.6%) and ATBC (23.7%). In addition, a suspect and characteristic fragment-dependent screening strategy was applied to the foodstuff data, and a novel CAE, monoethyl citrate (MEC, CAS: 4552-00-5), with a DF of 34% was tentatively identified. Overall, this study provides novel and comprehensive information regarding the pollution status of CAEs in foodstuffs.

Formulation, characterization, and optimization of aripiprazole-loaded lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticle for sustained release and better encapsulation efficiency against psychosis disorder

Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LLCNPs) have recently received much attention in the application of drug delivery systems, due to their ordered and versatile internal nanostructures that are considered as a key factor in improving loading efficiency of various poorly soluble therapeutic agents. To take advantage on their unique well-defined and flexible internal nanostructures, aripiprazole-loaded LLCNPs consisted of a binary mixture of soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and citric acid ester of monoglyceride (citrem) were developed in this study. Despite exhibiting low aqueous solubility which lead to difficulties in formulation, aripiprazole, a class of psychotropic drug called atypical anti-psychotics has been used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with few side effects. The utmost interest in this study is to explore the potential of LLCNPs in improving the percentage of encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of aripiprazole, their effect on the internal nanostructure of LLCNPs mesophases as well as the drug release performance from LLCNPs. The particle size of drug-loaded LLCNPs produced was in the range of 161–186 nm, with polydispersity index (PDI) between 0.11–0.16, and negative zeta potential of -21.5 to -23.8 mV. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements indicated that the internal nanostructures of LLCNPs are of inverse hexagonal (H2) with a negligible difference in the lattice parameter before and after drug loading. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphology and overall size distribution of drug-free and drug-loaded nanodispersions, which supported both SAXS and particles size findings. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated that aripiprazole interacted physically with binary mixture of citrem/SPC within the nanodispersions. Moreover, the results showed that aripiprazole was successfully encapsulated into LLCNPs nanoparticles, where the EE% was all above 92%. These LLCNPs were not only have a high EE% value, but also exhibited a sustained release performance of aripiprazole with the release capacity of around 97% up to 96 h. From the current study, the potential use of LLCNPs as a promising nanocarrier for aripiprazole delivery is anticipated to improve the pharmacokinetics of this drug whilst enduring the internal nanostructural stability of the LLCNPs upon exposure to physiological environment.