Transglutaminase-mediated partial deamidation enhances thermal stability of chickpea and pea proteins and selectively improves foam expansion in chickpea protein solutions.

Harnessing Rhizopus oligosporus mycelium as a sustainable protein source: Functional properties and optimization of a meat-analogue “chicken popcorn”

Cold plasma-assisted processing: A sustainable route to high-quality chitosan from crab shells.

Proteomics-driven innovations in plant-based foods: Current advances, emerging technologies, and future perspectives.

Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine as a novel co-former in co-amorphous systems: Enhanced aqueous solubility and physical stability.

Influence of pulsed electric field on rheological and structural properties of frozen non-fermented dough by controlling ice crystal formation.

The study aimed to extract protein from red pepper seeds and to probe the effects of micronization (MN) at 15,000rpm for 3 and 6min, ultrasound (US) at 720W, 40kHz for 10 and 15min, and their combined impact on red pepper seed protein isolate (RPSPI). The combined treatment (MN 6min and US 10min) substantially reduced particle size and increased -ve zeta potential, thereby significantly increasing RPSPI stability compared to untreated and individual treatments. Structural results showed significant molecular changes: increased free-SH content and surface hydrophobicity, and decreased intrinsic fluorescence intensity, indicating improved exposure of buried residues and partial unfolding. Fourier Transform Infrared peak spectra results verified secondary structural modification, evidenced by a significant increase in random coil and α-helix content. The disruption and significant fragmentation observed in Scanning Electron Microscope micrographs confirmed these findings. Thermograms from Differential Scanning Calorimetry and X-ray diffraction patterns showed decreases in the thermal transition temperature and crystallinity, respectively, indicating weak intermolecular interactions. These structural changes in RPSPI significantly increased the water solubility, emulsifying activity, foaming capacity, and water and oil holding capacity, while decreasing the turbidity. Also, combined treatment significantly enhanced the ABTS, DPPH, and OH scavenging abilities (%) of RPSPI and in vitro protein digestibility. Conclusively, results revealed that this extremely underexploited by-product protein can develop into a value-added ingredient by improving its techno-functional and bioactive properties through these non-thermal technologies.

From experimental design to data-driven prediction: Modeling the stiffness tunability of freeze-thaw PVA-based hydrogels.

Freeze-thaw gelation of myofibrillar proteins and soy protein isolate mediated by transglutaminase under low-salt conditions: A potential alternative to thermal processing.

Dual strategy to enhance domperidone dissolution: mechanochemically synthesized multicomponent salts in orodispersible tablets.

This study developed a green extraction paradigm for rosemary absolute oil (RAO) as a sustainable natural antioxidant to inhibit lipid oxidation in frying oils. RAO was prepared via three methods: heat reflux extraction (HRE) with n-hexane, solvent-free oil extraction (OE) using refined soybean oil, and ultrasound-assisted solvent-free oil extraction (UOE). Under optimized UOE conditions (solid-to-liquid ratio 1:10, 400W, 25°C, 13min), RAO yield reached 19.09%, with total phenolic content (TPC) of 347.16±2.81 mg GAE/g, significantly exceeding values from HRE and OE. UOE-RAO contained elevated concentrations of bioactive compounds: carnosic acid (CA, 89.45±1.89mg/g), ursolic acid (UA, 7.43±0.02mg/g), and carnosol (16.81mg/g), accompanied by a pronounced CA-to-carnosol conversion. In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH) demonstrated UOE-RAO's potent radical scavenging activity (IC50: 71.26±0.81 μg/mL), on par with synthetic butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). When fortifying soybean oil with 0.1% UOE-RAO, oxidative stability during 180°C frying was markedly enhanced: total polar materials (TPM) accumulation was retarded, extending oil usability from 31h (control) to 63h, while acid value (AV) remained consistently lower throughout frying. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) further validated improved oxidative resistance, with induction times for primary (12.75±3.51→14.14±0.20min) and secondary oxidation (40.47±6.02→61.41±3.10min) significantly prolonged. Collectively, these findings highlight that UOE enables the production of RAO with superior antioxidant efficacy, positioning it as a green, high-performance alternative to synthetic antioxidants for lipid-rich food processing, particularly high-temperature frying applications.

Design, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of Eudragit-coated aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with pterostilbene for colon delivery.

Curcumin (CUR), a water-insoluble compound with antioxidant and anti-VEGF properties, faces challenges in application due to poor water solubility and fast degradation, limiting its bioavailability for ocular drug delivery (OcDD). This study aimed to enhance the aqueous solubility of CUR and the physical stability of the formulation by forming CUR-loaded Pluronic® F127 (PF127) micelles. The study revealed that PF127 formed micelles at a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.21 ± 0.04% (w/v) in water. CUR-loaded PF127 micelles were prepared using three formulation methods and two centrifugation speeds to evaluate their influence on micelle sizes, redispersion, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (DL). Among the tested formulations, CUR-loaded PF127 micelles prepared by thin-film hydration and centrifuged at 15000 rpm showed optimal particle sizes (∼20 nm) with %EE ranging from 4% to 72% depending on the drug to polymer ratio (1:10 to 1:120). These micelles remained physically stable after freeze-drying and sonication, with no significant size changes. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis revealed a shift in the thermogram and the presence of an amorphous phase, suggesting successful conversion of CUR from its crystalline form to an amorphous state within the micellar structure. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated CUR-loaded micelles exhibited lower toxicity compared to free CUR at higher concentrations. In vitro drug release showed sustained CUR release (∼23%) over 7 days, and ex vivo drug permeation studies revealed higher CUR retention in both the cornea and sclera of porcine eyes with CUR-loaded PF127 micelles compared to the control group of free CUR after 6 h. The ex vivo tissue uptake study also indicated enhanced permeation of CUR when delivered via PF127 micelles, showing stronger fluorescence signals within the tissue compared to free CUR. Therefore, this study demonstrates an interesting proof of concept for developing CUR-loaded PF127 micelles as an innovative and effective strategy for treating eye diseases in OcDD application.

This study quantified the release of nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) from single-use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles under real-world storage and handling conditions and examined how socio-economic factors influence exposure behaviors. Eight leading U.S. bottled water brands were tested under high temperatures (60 °C), mechanical shaking (200 rpm), and 15-day temperature cycling to simulate storage in vehicles or outdoors. The highest release occurred under combined heat and shaking, where nanoparticle concentrations increased by 9.29-fold and microparticles also rose significantly. Prolonged freeze - thaw and high temperature cycling also significantly elevated nanoparticle concentrations, though microparticle release was less consistent. Raman spectroscopy identified PET, polyethylene, and polypropylene particles originating from both bottle body and caps. Surface degradation, rather than bulk changes, was the likely driver of particle release, as supported by differential scanning calorimetry showing heating-induced aging without increased release. A statewide survey (n = 1673) in Nebraska revealed that individuals with higher awareness of microplastics and higher education levels were less likely to consume bottled water or store it under heat, underscoring the role of knowledge and behavior in shaping exposure risks.

Structurally similar, functionally different: Impact of coformer positional isomerism on co-amorphous enzalutamide.

ABSTRACT Adhesive bonding of timber – concrete composites (TCC) offers improved structural performance compared to mechanical connectors but is often limited by slow curing under ambient conditions. This study investigates the suitability of the two-component epoxy adhesive SikaPower®-880 for temperature-assisted bonding using integrated conductive heating. Curing behavior was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheology, while tensile tests on bulk adhesive specimens and compressive-shear tests on TCC specimens evaluated mechanical performance. The results demonstrate a strong temperature dependence of curing kinetics. Increasing the curing temperature from 60°C to 80°C reduces the time to reach a degree of cure of α = 0.7 from approximately 26 min to 12 min. Compared to ambient curing (23 °C), where similar conversion requires hours to days, this represents a substantial acceleration. The glass-transition temperature (Tg) increases with curing temperature up to 80°C, consistent with increased cross-link density. At higher temperatures, thermally induced degradation occurs, indicated by reduced Tg, decreased tensile strength, and porosity formation. At the structural level, curing at 80°C improves characteristic shear strength and reduces scatter. The results indicate that curing at approximately 80°C provides an effective balance between accelerated curing and avoidance of thermal degradation.

Ionic liquids and salts are of interest as safer next-generation electrolytes for energy storage applications due to beneficial properties that can include nonvolatility and nonflammability. However, to overcome environmental concerns associated with perfluorinated anions prevalent in these materials, it is important to develop alternative, fluorine-free anions. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of five nonfluorinated salts by pairing the acesulfame anion (ACE-) with a range of cations: N-methoxymethyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium (N111(1O1) +), N-methoxyethyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium (N111(2O1) +), N-ethyl-N-methyloxazolidinium (C2moxa+), N-ethyl-N-methylmorpholinium (C2mmor+), and N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium (C3mpyr+). The thermal, structural, transport and electrical properties of these materials were studied using techniques including differential scanning calorimetry, single crystal X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance and cyclic voltammetry. Discussion of the structure-property relationships in acesulfame-based salts and their comparison with fluorinated salts with the same cations is reported for the first time, revealing distinct trends that are concluded to be largely a result of the size, conformational freedom, charge delocalisation and the intermolecular interactions of the ACE- anion. All acesulfame-based salts displayed thermal stabilities above battery operational range (>180°C) and wide electrochemical stability windows exceeding 4.9 V, demonstrating their potential as electrolytes for lithium and sodium batteries.

Fundamental understanding of lattice softening and phonon transport in crystalline solids is crucial for thermoelectric applications, since the design of thermally insulating solids has gained significant interest over the years. In this work, we demonstrate strain induced lattice softening through negative thermal expansion (NTE) in Pr doped BiCuSeO, which breaks the theoretical Cahill limit, κlmin ∼ 0.55 W m−1 K−1, achieving a low κl of 0.24 W m−1 K−1 at 740 K. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Raman analyses experimentally confirm NTE-driven lattice softening, which influences glass-like thermal transport beyond the theoretical limit. Meanwhile, the negative Gruneisen parameter (−1.13) calculated from reduced average sound velocity, νs∼1870 ms−1, with shrinkage of cell volume illustrates the NTE behavior. Furthermore, the observed weak carrier–phonon coupling μW/κl indicates the absence of conventional carrier scattering through NTE, which leads to a 54% increment in zT compared to undoped BiCuSeO (0.5 at 740 K) for Bi0.97Pr0.03CuSeO.

Bismarck Brown G is a carcinogenic cationic dye that continues to contaminate water sources despite regulations limiting its use. In this study, copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) nanoparticles were grown on the surface of Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds to develop a Cu(OH)2/BC composite in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner for the removal of the dye from water. The composite was characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry techniques, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller gas adsorption analysis, which confirmed the successful integration of Cu(OH)2 with the BC matrix. The prepared Cu(OH)2/BC had a specific surface area, pore volume, and average pore diameter of ~ 86 m2g⁻1, 0.092ccg⁻1, and 1.932nm, respectively, with numerous functional groups on its surface. Due to these properties, the resulting composite was used for the adsorption of Bismarck Brown G (BBG) dye. Almost complete (~ 99.0%) dye removal was achieved at an optimized dose of 3g L⁻1, pH = 7, in 150min, and at a temperature of 30°C. The adsorption isotherm followed the order of fitting: Langmuir > Freundlich > Temkin. The isotherm results indicated chemisorption (with some physisorption) on a heterogeneous surface. The kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed a spontaneous, exothermic, and predominantly chemisorption-driven mechanism. In conclusion, the Cu(OH)2/BC nanocomposite shows potential to serve as an efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable adsorbent material for industrial wastewater treatment.

Zein, a hydrophobic protein derived from corn, presents significant potential as a sustainable bioadhesive alternative to conventional petroleum‐based adhesives. This study explores a sustainable method for extracting and purifying zein from corn gluten meal (CGM), followed by a comparative analysis of raw, purified, and commercial zein. The samples were characterized by thermal (thermogravimetric analysis [TGA] and differential scanning calorimetry [DSC]), spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR] and ultraviolet–visible [UV–Vis] spectroscopy), and morphological (hot‐stage optical microscopy) analyses. Raw zein was extracted using aqueous ethanol and purified by anti‐solvent dialysis to remove impurities, including carotenoids. For adhesive formulation, raw zein was combined with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cast into films, which were then modified by immersion in FeCl 3 or CaCl 2 solutions. The resulting zein‐based adhesives (Zein/SDS/Fe and Zein/SDS/Ca) were tested on various substrates (polypropylene, glass, wood, and cardboard) through shear tests. The adhesives demonstrated competitive bonding performance, particularly Zein/SDS/Fe formulation on wood substrate, confirming their potential for practical applications. In addition, the material exhibits characteristics that may contribute to sustainability and cost‐effectiveness, including the use of a renewable agroindustrial byproduct as feedstock, a high extraction yield (~90%), a simple and potentially scalable processing route, ethanol recovery and reuse, and relatively mild processing conditions.