Date Seeds Research Articles

Influence of physicochemical properties of carboxylic acid-based natural deep eutectic solvents (CA-NADES) on extraction and stability of bioactive compounds from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds: An innovative and sustainable extraction technique

Carboxylic acid-based natural deep eutectic solvents (CA-NADES), comprising acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid as the hydrogen bond donors (HBD), and choline chloride as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), were prepared at different molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, and 3:1). The viscosity and rheological properties of the CA-NADES were influenced by temperature, water content, molar ratios, the number of functional groups present in the carboxylic acid, and the state of the carboxylic acid at room temperature. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the various prepared NADES revealed the formation of new hydrogen bonds, and the structural features of the pure compounds were retained in the CA-NADES. In addition, the CA-NADES coupled with ultrasound-assisted extraction technique (UAE) were used for the extraction of bioactive compounds from date seed powder (DSP). The optimized parameters were molar ratio, extraction time, and solid-to-solvent ratio. The highest extraction efficiency of the CA-NADES was observed with carboxylic acid containing a single carboxylic acid functional group, in the order of lactic acid > acetic acid > citric acid > malic acid. Furthermore, DSP NADES-based extracts were stored under five different conditions (-20 °C, 4 °C, 37 °C, dark, and light). Similarly, freshly prepared CA-NADES were stored for 45 days to investigate any changes in physicochemical properties and extraction efficacy during the storage period. The result revealed that CA-NADES with multiple functional groups (citric and malic acid) retained more bioactive compounds (TPC) during the storage at −20 °C and 4 °C, and also maintained their extraction potentials compared to the CA-NADES with a single functional group. The outcomes of this study provided a broad understanding of the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of the various CA-NADES, their storage stability, and extraction efficiency, which could be a useful tool for industrial applications.

Histological Study of the Effect of Adding Probiotic Bacteria Loaded on Crushed Date Seeds in the Diets of Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted in the fields of breeding and improving sheep and goats at the Al-Dabouni research station in Al-Dabouni district, Wasit Governorate affiliated to the General Authority for Agricultural Research / Ministry of Agriculture, from 8/2/2022 to 7/6/2022. A total of 24 male Awassi lambs, aged between 4-5 months, were used (4 from Al-Mahatta lambs and 20 purchased from a breeder in Jassan district), average starting weight (24,583 ± 0.25) kg, they were randomly distributed into six equal groups (4 lambs per group) and fed on daily diets for a period of 18 weeks, as follows: T1: negative control; T2: positive control; T3: the lambs were fed a diet containing 10% crushed date seeds, loaded with Bacillus subtilis as a probiotic; T4: the lambs were fed a diet containing 10% crushed date seeds, loaded with Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic; T5: the lambs were fed a diet containing 10% crushed date seeds, loaded with Bifidobacterium bifidum as a probiotic; T6: the lambs were fed a diet containing 10% crushed date seeds, loaded with Streptococcus thermophiles as a probiotic. The results of the current study indicated T4 revealed enlarged muscle fibers with copious cytoplasm and few fibers in the field due to the large size of the fibers. T5 showed epithelial hyperplasia of the rumen mucosal epithelium, T6 hyperplasia of the mucous epithelium of the rumen in this group with marked thickening of the epithelium and an increase in epithelial cells

Chemical composition and antioxidant/antibacterial depictions of Zahidi date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) kernel Oil

Date palm “Phoenix dactylifera” variety Zahidi is a unique well-known cultivar. Mature fruits are semi-dry, medium size, cylindrically shaped and golden brown. However, there are three stages to harvesting the dates soft, hard or semi-soft. In this research, the oil processed from the seed/kernel of the date palm Zahidi is chemically analysed for its composition, antioxidant capacity and its antibacterial properties were investigated. Date seeds were ground and extracted for the oil. Wet chemical analyses were implemented on the extracted oil via various analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Oil fractions of ethanol, methanol and acetone were tested for antibacterial activity, which was evaluated employing the Kirby–Bauer disc-diffusion method. Antibacterial action was examined for four bacterial strains; two of them representing Gram-positive such as Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus, and the other two for Gram-negative such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The antibiotics tetracycline, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, gentamycin and vancomycin were used as positive standards. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the bacterial strains were tested and evaluated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated as free-radical scavenging capacity (RSC) towards 2,2 - diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals for the methanol fraction (MF), remaining lipid fraction (LF) and non-fractioned oil, i.e., the total fraction (TF). The RSCs for the MF, LF and TF were 42.5, 9.1 and 68.3, respectively. Zahidi seed/kernel oil extract inhibited all of the test microorganisms, with MICs that ranged from 10 to 42 mg/mL and MBCs were found to be ranged between 21 and 167 mg/mL. These outcomes suggest that the extracts could be developed as a foundation of expected antimicrobial complexes to fight unwanted bacteria in foods. Overall, the results showed that the oil is suitable for food, cosmetics, personal care products and pharmaceuticals.

Improving the functionality and biological properties of Iranian date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) seeds protein with different proteases

In this study, date seeds as a major agricultural by-product were utilized for production of antioxidant peptides with techno-functional properties. Date seeds protein (DSP) was extracted and hydrolyzed by different enzymes (Alcalase, trypsin, pancreatin and pepsin). Then, the degree of hydrolysis (DH), amino acid composition, functional characteristics (e.g., solubility, and water- and oil-holding capacity), free radical inhibiting activity, reducing power, total antioxidant activity (TAA) and metal ion chelating activity of the hydrolysates (DSPHs) were examined. Chemical analysis of the obtained protein concentrate (∼ 65 %) indicated the presence of amide A and B regions. Also, amide I to III regions and secondary structures (α-helix, β-sheet, β-tern and random coils) were observed in the extracted DSP-protein. The DH and essential amino acids content of DSPHs were affected by enzyme type. The hydrolysis treatments resulted in a significant increase in the solubility of DSP, particularly in acidic pH levels and around its isoelectric point. In comparison to DSP, DSPHs also exhibited higher inhibitory activity against free radicals such as DPPH (72.5 %), ABTS (92.5 %), OH (64.5 %), and NO (57.9 %). Furthermore, DSPHs demonstrated greater reducing power (1.84), TAA (2.3), and enhanced chelating activity towards iron (73.2 %) and copper (40.1 %) transition ions. Various factors, including DH and the composition of amino acids, especially the amount of charged, hydrophobic, and antioxidant types, have played a crucial role in these outcomes. With their significant nutritive, functional, antioxidant, and metal ion chelating activities, DSPHs can serve as a natural additive to enhance the nutritional value and stability of various food products.

Pyrolysis kinetics and thermal degradation characteristics of coffee, date seed, and prickly pear wastes and their blends

This study's objective was to emphasize the renewable lignocellulosic biomasses' energy potential by thermally describing them. The TG/DTG/DTA procedures were used to examine the thermal pyrolysis behavior of coffee wastes (CW), date seeds (DSM), prickly pears (PP), and two blends (50%CW/50%DSM and 33.3%CW/33.3%DSM/33.3%PP by weight), and their physico-chemical compositions were identified and assessed. The activation energy (E) of all tested samples was predicted using iso-conversional models like Friedman (FR), Starink (ST), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), and the frequency factor (A) was calculated based on the acquired (E) values utilizing the chemical reaction mechanisms (C1–C8). SEM, EDX, and FTIR techniques were used to examine the microstructure, mineralogy, and functional group present in the studied samples. Every DTG profile displayed a rightward shift when the heating rate (β) rose to higher temperatures. The difference in the average activation energy (Eav) values between the ST, OFW, and KAS models, except for the blend (1), does not surpass 5 kJ/mole. Increases in the (β) value, particularly for blends, were significantly correlated with increases in the maximum pyrolysis rate (−RP), pyrolysis index (CPI), pyrolysis stability index (RW), and volatile release index (Ddev). The ΔGav discrepancies between the results from all kinetic models for all samples varied from 1 to 7 kJ/mole. A little potential energy barrier was noticed when comparing the (Eav) to the average enthalpy (ΔHav).

Sustainable approach for defatted date seed valorization through ultrasonication-based green extraction: A prospective approach for nutraceutical applications

The present study focused on utilizing ultrasound-assisted green extraction to extract the bioactive compounds from defatted date seed powder (DSP) and analyse the effect of ultrasonication on the left-over extraction residue. Under the optimized condition i.e., 90% amplitude, 8 min extraction time, and <125 μm particle size, maximum total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were 17.44 mg GAE/g and 9.086 mg QE/g; the antioxidant activities were 40.17, 74.22, and 21.61 mmol TE/g for ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrlthydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities, respectively. Among the three varieties studied (Khalas, Fardh and Khenaizi), Fardh showed the highest TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity. All three varieties comprised of benzoic acid, catechin, vanillin and ferulic acid as major polyphenol. The remaining solid residue after extraction of bioactive compounds was further analysed for different physicochemical properties. Ultrasonication significantly (P < 0.05) affected the particle size, bulk density, colour, and water holding capacity (WHC) of the remaining solid fiber rich residue. Compared to previous studies, the present study demonstrated the efficient extraction of polyphenols using ultrasound-assisted extraction from defatted date seeds. In addition, the findings also showed significant improvements in the physicochemical properties of the residue that resulted after the extraction. Overall, the findings clearly showed that the date seed's bioactive compounds can be efficiently recovered using green and sustainable extraction technologies and could potentially be utilized in food and nutraceutical applications.

Saudi date cultivars' seed extracts inhibit developing hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet

This research aim was to assess the impact of the seed extracts of the date cultivars (Qatara, Barhi, and Ruthana) on rat’s liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation triggered by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). The experimental design was based on random partitioning into two groups; one that received the standard diet and another that received the HFD diet. The HFD rats were orally administered Lipitor or date seed extracts at 300 or 600 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Accordingly, feeding rats HFD significantly increased body and liver weights, hepatic and serum lipid levels, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver function enzymes, and inflammation markers, and decreased oxidative stress enzymes. Oral administration of Barhi and Ruthana date seed extracts significantly decreased body and liver weights. Serum and liver total cholesterol TC, Triglycerides TGs, and free fatty acids FFAs were also decreased as were AST, ALT, MAD, leptin, and CRP, with a concomitant increase in SOD, GSH, and CAT. Furthermore, similar to Lipitor, oral administration of the extracts reduced inflammation markers such as TNF-α, serum CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, and leptin while increasing IL-10 and adiponectin levels. Histological observation revealed that extract administration improved hepatocyte and parenchymal structures and decreased lipid deposition. In conclusion, both Barhi and Ruthana seed extracts showed strong hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects against HFD-induced liver steatosis. And date seeds have other beneficial potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases, which can be studied in the future.

Utilization of Date Pulp and Pit Powder to make Decaf Coffee to Improve Cognitive Health

The health-conscious consumers are interested in replacing health-deteriorating drinks with functional beverages in current epochs. There is no higher truth that coffee consumption reduces risk of type II diabetes, Alzheimer, and other brain anomalies but it is also the fact that CGA (chlorogenic acid) and caffeine in coffee may pose risk of cardiovascular diseases and unhealthy mood fluctuations. Various health concerns of coffee consumption urge the need to produce a caffeine-free healthy alternative to coffee, which should also acquire the taste attributes of coffee. The development of instant coffee powder using date seeds and pomace powder for improved cognitive function can break new grounds in the market. The goal of the current study was to investigate the compositional profile of coffee prepared from date pomace and date seed powder. Date seeds were roasted at 200 °C for 20 min and a blend was made in combination with date pomace, milk powder and coconut as flavor enhancer. Proximate analysis of coffee powder such as moisture, ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber and NFE percentages was determined. The results showed that prepared coffee powders contained significant fiber, low fat, less protein and a nearly equal percentage of moisture and ash as compared to Coffea arabica powder (control), with nearly zero caffeine content. Preliminary tests such as color, acidity, calories, total polyphenols, DPPH test, and FRAP assay were carried out because the study attempted to replace Arabica coffee beans with date beans. Phytochemical screening of coffee powders revealed that total phenolic content was highest for CB4 (20.90 ± 0.46 mg/g) which contained maximum date seed powder (35 %). Similarly, DPPH and FRAP assay were also found maximum for CB4 which were 81.11 ± 0.32 % and 23.17 ± 0.44 % respectively. Acidity and caffeine of prepared coffee powders were lower than control. It is hypothesized that decaf coffee may substitute caffeinated coffee for neurological health.

THE MEANING OF THE DAKWAH MESSAGE IN THE YOUTUBE LITTLE GIANTZ EPISODE SETENGAH BIJI KURMA

Youtube is one of the social media used in delivering da'wah messages. There are many content creators with various shows, one of which is Islamic children's animation which contains many messages in it. This study discusses the meaning of da'wah messages on Little Giantz Youtube in one of its episodes, namely Half a Date Seed. The meaning of the da'wah message contained in it is seen from the symbolic interactions that occur and the signs that are created in every existing scene and can be interpreted with one of the theories, namely semiotic analysis. The da'wah messages contained are various, including through actions, hadiths and sayings. The meaning of da'wah messages includes moral messages for children, messages in the form of obeying parents' advice, and also moral messages to take social action to fellow human beings.

Sustainable Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Banana Peel and Date Seed Extracts, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Evaluation

This study describes the use of banana peel (BPEs) and date seed extracts (DSEs) as waste products in the sustainable and eco-friendly biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE were characterized using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS), Scanning (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, the biocompatibility of ZnONPs was analyzed against the normal human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell line. Peaks of UV spectra were 300 nm and 400 nm for ZnONPs-BPE and for ZnONP _DSE, respectively, confirming the ZnONPs’ formation. XRD revealed their hexagonal structure. SEM showed the nanocrystals of ZnONPs_BPE, which are interlinked to one another in a uniform shape, while ZnONPs_DSE appear as large and small chunky crystals. The mean size of ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE was 50 nm and 62 nm using TEM, respectively. On the contrary, their mean size was bigger using DLS with the zeta potential of ZnONPs_BPE = −12.7 mV and ZnONPs_DSE = −5.69 mV. The FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and C–H of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin polymers on ZnONPs surfaces that act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. ZnONPs_BPE (IC50 &gt; 100) have lower cytotoxic effects on HSF cells than ZnONPs_DSE (IC50 = 29.34 μg/mL). The present study indicates the successful synthesis of ZnONPs using agro-wastes that could help in waste management and recycling. Furthermore, ZnONPs_BPE is safe to use for further applications.

A composite starch-date seeds extract based biodegradable film for food packaging application

The current work focuses on the preparation of biodegradable films from natural polymer such as starch modified by cellulose and chitin with incorporation of extracts from date seeds for probable application as food packaging materials. Date seeds which are widely available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were used to obtain extracts which are very rich in phenolic compounds. Composite starch films were prepared and analysed for their physical and chemical properties. It was observed that tensile strength of the composite films increased to 16 MPa when compared to the non-composite films. Biodegradability study was carried out by replicating ASTM D5988 which included soil burial of the prepared films at optimal moisture conditions (60–65%) and temperature (25–30 °C). The test suggested that the films could be easily degraded in composting soil by 5–7 weeks. Addition of extracts from date seeds to the prepared composite film imparted antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which when used for fruit wrapping suggested that the freshness of the fruit was retained for a much longer period. Detailed analysis on economic aspects of the film production suggested the feasibility of the prepared films in term of cost.

Valorization of date seeds wastes as reinforcement for Starch-grafted-polypropylene composites

Paper discusses the possibility of incorporation of date seed waste as fillers (DSF) into starch-g-PP matrices compared to kenaf fibers (KF with two lengths) based composites. Three starch-g-PP matrices (G906PF, G906PJ and G720PJ) were studied in parallel to a fully PP one. The investigated composites loaded to 20 wt.%, showed differences in performance related, principally, to loading type (DSF, KF) and matrix used. Results showed an improvement of tensile and impact stress at break as well as Shore D hardness of starch-g-PP composites reinforced with date seed fillers (DSF) or kenaf fibers (KF). Further, tensile, storage and loss moduli increased also with loading. Vicat softening point of either KF or DSF/starch-g-PP composites was greater with higher values for KF composites. However, thermal stability of starch-g-PP composites was better when DSF was used.

Antimicrobial Potential of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Banana Peel and Date Seeds Extracts

In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were eco-friendly synthesized using banana peel (BPE) and date seed (DSE) extracts. Biosynthesis of both ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE was confirmed by using an ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer (UV–VIS), then followed by their characterization using different analyses: scanning (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial potency of ZnONPs_BPE and ZnONPs_DSE was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay against pathogenic strains to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). UV spectra confirm the formation of ZnONPs-BPE (290 nm) and ZnONP_DSE (400 nm). TEM, SEM, and XRD revealed their hexagonal crystalline structures with nanoscale size ZnONPs_BPE (57.4 ± 13.8 nm, −9.62 mV) and ZnONPs_DSE (72.6 ± 17.1 nm, −5.69 mV). FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of various functional groups on ZnONPs’ surfaces that act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. The biosynthesized ZnONPs demonstrated a good antimicrobial potential against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) strains. Especially, ZnONPs-BPE has a higher antimicrobial effect against Salmonella enteritidis (MIC = 0.75 mg/mL, MBC = 1.5 mg/mL), while ZnONP_DSE has a higher effect against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 0.75 mg/mL, MBC = 3 mg/mL). The present results are consistent with previous studies that reported the antimicrobial potential of green ZnONPs through ROS induction that in turn damages microbial DNA. Consequently, the present results support the use of different biowastes in NPs’ synthesis, which is a simple and sustainable way that helps with waste management and decreases environmental pollution.

Evaluation of physico-chemical parameters and bio-active compounds of date seeds of fifteen Moroccan cultivars

Evaluation of physico-chemical parameters and bio-active compounds of date seeds of fifteen Moroccan cultivars

Comparative Studies on Application of Various Adsorbents in Textile Waste Water

This thesis aims to explore the potential of employing natural adsorbents, such as cashew nut shells, date seeds, orange peels, and coir pith, to mitigate COD levels in textile wastewater. The wastewater used for the study was sourced from a textile industry located in Salem. The investigation involved batch studies, wherein the effectiveness of each selected absorbent in reducing COD was assessed to determine the most efficient among the four sorbents. The initial concentration from the batch research served as a basis for identifying the optimal adsorbent, with the COD of the textile wastewater maintained consistently along with the initial dye concentration. To conduct the study, the adsorbent was incrementally introduced in 10 g portions into conical flasks. Over a10-minute period following a 20-minute contact time, the supernatant liquid from each conical flask was collected using syringes. The COD concentration in the obtained samples was determined using a standard methodology. Results revealed that date seeds exhibited the highest percentage of COD removal at 67%, followed by cashew nut shells at 45%, coir pith at 33%, and orange peels at 23%. The data obtained indicated that cashew nut shells and date seeds achieved the highest percentages of COD reduction, respectively. On the other hand, the Orange Peel Adsorbent displayed the least reduction in COD. Based on the collected findings, date seeds emerge as a promising adsorbent for effectively lowering COD in the treatment of textile wastewater.

Date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera): antioxidant potential and profile of free and bound polyphenols fromdifferent cultivars.

In this study, the antioxidant activities and detailed phenolic profiling of extracts from seven cultivars of date seeds were investigated. Significant differences were detected among cultivars. Total phenolic content (TP) ranged between 135.9±12.1 and 284.86±21.9 mg GAE/g DM. The total flavonoid value varied between 34.20±0.34 and 94.46±1.04 mg RE/g DM. The condensed tannin ranged from 24.17±1.13 to 201.60±9.95 mg CTE/g DM. Phloroglucinolysis was used to depolymerize the bound polyphenols. Results show the presence of phenolic acids: Hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and a high amount of flavan-3ols (monomers, dimers, and trimers). Before depolymerization, the highest amount of total polyphenols was identified in Kenta (8.48 g/kg) and the lowest was detected in Hessa (4.74 g/kg). After depolymerization, the flavan-3-ols increased significantly, ranging between 46.91g/kg in Hessa and 72.38 g/kg in Deglet Nour, with a high degree of polymerization (DP) in all cultivars. It can be concluded that date seeds represent a good source of bioactive compounds.

Synergic interactions, kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of date palm seeds and cashew shell waste co-pyrolysis using Coats–Redfern method

Date palm and cashew shell wastes are abundant byproducts of the agriculture industry in the UAE, but they are often underutilized and not adequately managed, resulting in environmental problems. For the first time, co-pyrolysis of these wastes was studied to investigate their physicochemical properties, synergistic interaction, thermal degradation behavior, and estimate kinetic and thermodynamic parameters using thermogravimetric analysis with non-isothermal heating rates from 20 to 800 °C and a heating rate of 10 °C/min. The Coats and Redfern method, utilizing twenty-one solid-state reaction mechanisms, was used to perform analyses. The three diffusion models showed the best linear regression with the experimental thermogravimetric data. Co-pyrolysis of cashew shells with date seeds significantly lowered the activation energy (Ea) and produced stable biochar, providing an opportunity to obtain pyrolysis products at better energy efficiency. The estimated Ea for 100% date seeds, 100% cashew shells, and their blend (50:50) were 109, 124, and 113 kJ/mol, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS) indicated that the pyrolysis process was endothermic but not spontaneous. The novelty of this work lies in investigating the potential of utilizing two underutilized wastes together to produce pyrolysis products. This study is essential for advancing co-pyrolysis of date seeds and cashew shell wastes, optimizing product yields, and understanding their pyrolysis behavior towards experimental pyrolysis.

PRODUCTION AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF HOMEMADE DATE SYRUP AS ALTERNATIVE SWEETENER IN POST COVID19: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Date fruits (phoenix dactylifera) belongs to the palm tree family Arecaceae. The date fruits and seeds arerich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber and contain both essential and non-essential amino acids.Date is naturally sweet and can be processed into syrup and used as healthy alternative to table sugar.Eating healthy for sustaining a healthy life in post COVID19 is the wish of every human being but with thechanging lifestyle and palates for sweeten food, healthy living may be compromised. COVID-19 pandemichad enormous impact on the eating habit of the general population with visible effects in post COVID19leading to major behavioral changes in eating habits especially high calorie diets which may promotes extraweight gain and exacerbates their risks of developing health complications, severe disease cases, andmortality. This paper examined the production and sensory evaluation of homemade date syrup asalternative sweetener in post COVID19. Specifically, the study produced syrup from date fruits, conductedsensory evaluation and acceptability of tea using the syrup as sweetener and studied the keeping quality ofthe homemade syrup at room temperature. Findings revealed that, the syrup was rated high in all the sensoryattributed measured and had no significance difference at P &lt; 0.05 with the control. People of all agesshould be encourage to include date syrup in their diet especially in beverages and breakfast cereals as thiswill help increase essential nutrients intake that are present in date fruits and also reduce their risks ofdeveloping health complications such as dental carries, obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and fattyliver disease.

Biomass derived activated carbon by chemical surface modification as a source of clean energy for supercapacitor application

The main aim of this research work is to make activated carbon (AC) materials based on biochar obtained from date seeds via pyrolysis and activated with H2SO4. The study aimed to assess the potential of these biochar-based materials for energy storage in supercapacitor by investigating the impact of different activation temperatures on their electrochemical performance in an alkaline electrolyte. The focus was on identifying the most efficient material. Results from Raman Spectroscopy and XRD analysis revealed that sample DSAC-700 exhibited more ordered domains and suitable storage sites compared to the other biochar-based materials. Measured value of the ratio of intensity of D & G band (ID/IG) for DSBC-600, DSAC-700, DSAC-800, and DSAC-900 were 1.13, 0.83, 1.06, and 1.04, respectively. The lowest value of (ID/IG) for DSAC-700 indicated a higher ordered graphitic plane, resulting improved conductivity and diffusion of ions within the aligned graphitic domains, which positively impacted the electrochemical performance. Samples DSAC-700 showed 487.5 F/g specific capacitance at 1 A/g current density. Galvanic charge and discharge trends also showed that DSAC-700 had higher charge storage ability with less discharge. The biochar-based materials (BC and ACs) derived from DS showed promise as materials for energy storage applications, and they represent a step towards clean energy.

Thermal and Viscoelastic Responses of Selected Lignocellulosic Wastes: Similarities and Differences.

Woody lignocellulosic biomasses comprise the non-edible parts of fruit trees. In recent years, the exploitation of this biomass has been widening in order to mitigate environmental issues. At the same time, this waste could be transformed into a value-added product (active carbon by pyrolysis, isolation of nanocellulose, oils or proteins). For either valorization path, a complete thermo-mechanical characterization is required. A detailed thermo-mechanical study (TGA, DSC, DMA) was performed on two types of lignocellulosic wastes, with and without kernels: on one side, the walnut shells (WS) and the pistachio shells (PsS) and, in the second category, the apricot seeds (AS), the date seeds (DS), and the plum seeds (PS). The results of the sample-controlled thermal analyses (HiRes TGA) evidenced a better resolution of the degradation steps of WS. Kinetic studies conducted also by conventional TGA (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa) and modulated TGA (MTGA) allowed us to make comparative reasonings concerning the degradation of the investigated biomasses. The DMA results revealed the effect of water traces and oil kernels on relaxation and supported the atypical DSC endotherm emphasized in the freezing temperature domain.