Effect Of Pretreatment Research Articles

Adjuvant Effects of Lavandula angustifolia Oil in Experimental Carrageenan-Induced Thrombosis

Antinociceptive, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of lavender oil (LO) have been documented. The aim of our study was to evaluate the adjuvant effects of pretreatment with LO compared to standard treatment (low molecular weight heparin) in thrombosis. We evaluated the effects of two doses of LO in addition to nadroparin calcium (NC) on experimentally induced thrombosis in rats. The groups were as follows: the control (C) group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline and vehicle (DMSO), the thrombosis (T) group received saline plus vehicle pretreatment, nadroparin calcium (NC) was administrated subcutaneously (s.c.), TNCL1 and TNCL2 received pretreatment with LO (TNCL1—100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) i.p. and TNCL2—200 mg/kg b.w. i.p. and NC s.c.). Thrombosis was successfully obtained in all groups, except the C group. Statistically significant differences between groups (p-values < 0.001) were found for the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and total oxidative stress) and antioxidant parameters (total antioxidant capacity and thiols), TNF-α, MCP-1, and RANTES. Dose-dependent effects are seen on the biomarkers under evaluation, with higher LO doses producing the best outcomes. When compared to the group receiving standard treatment (NC alone), the LO pretreatment led to an increase in antioxidant levels (p-values < 0.001) and a decrease in oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory levels (p-values < 0.001). Lavender oil associated with NC treatment alleviates the inflammatory components of experimental carrageenan-induced thrombosis in rats by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines and improving antioxidant activity.

Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on fermentation performance and quality of fermented hawthorn pulp by lactic acid bacteria

In order to explore the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on the fermentation performance and quality characteristics of fermented hawthorn pulp. Five types of fermented hawthorn pulp were obtained using 0 W for 5 min, 300 W for 5 min, 360 W for 5 min, 420 W for 5 min, 540 W for 5 min. The fermentation performance and quality of fermented hawthorn pulp were characterized. The results indicated Low power ultrasound (360 W) could improve the fermentation performance and quality of FHP, and high power ultrasound (540 W) could reduce the fermentation performance and quality. Under the ultrasonic condition of 360 W for 5 min; the cell membrane of lactic acid bacteria produced repairable damage and the morphology did not change significantly, the consumption of reducing sugar, total acid, soluble solids, amino nitrogen, conductivity, and sensory quality of the fermented hawthorn pulp reached the highest. The fermentation performance and quality of fermented hawthorn pulp were improved by the optimum ultrasonic treatment, which could be used as an effective and alternative method for producing FHP with good flavor, high bioactivity and good quality.

Japanese Traditional Herbal Medicine, Rikkunshito, Partially Suppresses Inflammatory Responses in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury can cause additional damage to an ischemic myocardium, even after successful reperfusion therapy. Inflammation is a mechanism that exacerbates myocardial damage after I/R injury. Rikkunshito(RKT) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine widely used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms. It attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in some diseases of the heart; however, it remains unclear whether RKT exerts cardioprotective effects against myocardial I/R injury. To elucidate this, we evaluated the effects of RKT pre-treatment by oral administration on the myocardium in a mouse model of in vivo I/R injury. Mice were randomly assigned to a group receiving distilled water (DW) or one receiving RKT (1000 mg/kg/day) for 14 days orally. For each of the RKT and DW groups, a sham group, an I/R 2 h group, and an I/R 24 h group were created. On day 15, myocardial I/R surgery was performed. The left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was ligated for 30 min, and reperfusion time was set at 2 h or 24 h. The myocardial infarct size (IS) was measured after 2 h of reperfusion, and cardiac cytokine mRNA expression levels were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after 2 h and 24 h of reperfusion. RKT pre-treatment significantly suppressed the cardiac mRNA expression level of interleukin-1β in the RKT-I/R 2 h group compared to the DW-I/R 2 h group (P < 0.05). Additionally, RKT significantly suppressed the mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor-β compared to DW; the same result was obtained for the expression levels of interleukin-6. However, RKT did not reduce the IS or mRNA expression levels of the cardiac congestive markers natriuretic peptide a(NPPA) and natriuretic peptide b (NPPB). In addition, RKT did not alter the plasma concentration of ghrelin and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), which have been reported to be stimulated by RKT. This study showed that pre-treatment of RKT for myocardial I/R injury partially suppressed inflammation-related cytokines. However, further studies are needed on the effect of RKT on the reduction of myocardial infarction size.

Influence of Inoculum Thermal Pretreatment Time on Hydrogen Production in Dark Fermentation

Dark fermentation (DF) of kitchen waste (KW) is a promising technology for the production of renewable biohydrogen. It can be both a method of obtaining clean energy and a sustainable waste management. Despite its potential, this process requires further research to improve efficiency. The aim of the research was to test the effect of thermal pretreatment of the inoculum on H2 and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production in the DF process. The process was carried out at 37 °C, in batch mode. The digested sludge from the Group Wastewater Treatment Plant in Lodz was used as inoculum. KW from households was used as substrate. The inoculum was pre-treated at 70 °C for 15 and 30 min. Two control reference experiments were also used. The first without the inoculum, and the second without heating the inoculum. The thermal pretreatment inhibited methane production and increased hydrogen production. After the thermal pretreatment, the amount of CO2 produced during the process decreased compared to the bioreactor without inoculum pretreatment. Additionally, the main VFAs in the samples with pretreated inoculum were acetic and butyric acids, which are associated with hydrogen production in the biochemical pathways of the DF process. However, the time of thermal pretreatment had no significant effect on H2 production.

Enhancing the biomethane yield of groundnut shells using deep eutectic solvents for sustainable energy production

This study examined the influence of DES pretreatment using choline chloride and ethyl glycerol with the molar ratio of 1: 1 at different solid:liquid ratios and temperatures on groundnut shells’ microstructural arrangement and biomethane yield. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the effects of pretreatment on microstructural arrangements, and the pretreated substrate was digested at mesophilic temperature to determine its biomethane potential. The result of SEM analysis indicated that DES pretreatment alters the microstructural arrangement of groundnut shells, and XRD analysis showed an optimum crystallinity index of 20.71% when the substrate with a solid:liquid ratio of 1:2 was experimented at 80°C. The highest theoretical biomethane yield of 486.81 mL CH4/gVSadded was recorded when the substrate with a 1:4 solid:liquid ratio was investigated at 100°C, and the highest biodegradability rate (84.87%) was observed from the substrate treated with a 1:2 solid:liquid ratio at 100°C. The optimum biomethane yield of 365.70 mL CH4/gVSadded, representing a 226.05% increase, was observed from 1:2 of solid:liquid ratios at 100°C. Therefore, DES pretreatment using choline chloride and ethyl glycerol is a bright, low-cost pretreatment method for enhancing the biomethane yield of lignocellulose feedstocks.

Enhanced carburization efficiency and performance of vacuum carburized layers by La2O3-doped supersonic fine particle bombardment

In this work, the fabrication of supersonic fine particle bombardment (SFPB)-doped rare-earth pretreatment modified vacuum carburized layers were applied. The SFPB-doped La2O3 pretreated vacuum carburized reinforced layer was explored by common testing methods such as XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM, focusing on the effects of La2O3-doped SFPB pretreatment on the decomposition, adsorption and diffusion of active carbon atoms and the diffusion mechanism. The composite carburizing behavior of La2O3-doped SFPB pretreatment modified layer under the action of thermal coupling is explored, and the influence law of rare earth modified carburizing and nano-modified carburizing on the thickness, residual stress, impact toughness, tribological properties of the carburized layer were clarified. The mechanism of mass transfer under the coupling role of pre-set surface defects and rare earth pinning was revealed. The case depth of the LSPC layer was increased by 14.3%, and the residual stress was significantly higher. The carbon diffusion coefficients of LSPC were 1.31 times superior to that of the vacuum carburizing layer, which is mainly attributed to the formation of a large number of nanocrystals with high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) by the rare-earth doped nanosized pretreatment, and the multiple synergistic strengthening effects of rare-earth oxides and nanocrystals.

Effect of alkaline pretreatment on the characteristics of barley straw and modeling of methane production via codigestion of pretreated straw with sewage sludge

Straw pretreatment enhances the cellulose accessibility and increases the methane yield from anaerobic digestion. This study investigated the effects of alkali pretreatments with different chemical agents (NaOH, KOH, and Na2CO3) on the physicochemical and thermal characteristics of barley straw, as well as methane production from codigestion with sewage sludge. Artificial neural network modeling with a feedforward neural network (FFNN) and slime mold optimization (SMO) techniques were used to predict methane production. NaOH pretreatment was shown to be the best pretreatment for removing hemicellulose and lignin and for increasing the cellulose accessibility. Moreover, there was a 2.57-fold higher level of methane production compared to that from codigestion with untreated straw. The removal ratios for the total solids, volatile solids, and chemical oxygen demand reached 59.3, 67.2, and 73.4%, respectively. The modeling results showed that the FFNN-SMO method can be an effective tool for simulating the methane generation process, since training, validating, and testing produced very high correlation coefficients. The FFNN-SMO accurately predicted the amount of methane produced, with an R2 of 0.998 and a 3.1×10-5 root mean square error (RMSE).

Oil palm frond-derived cellulose nanocrystals: Effect of pretreatment and elucidating its reinforcing potential in hydrogel beads

Herein, cellulose nanocrystals were synthesized from oil palm fronds (CNC-OPF) involving two pretreatment approaches, viz. autohydrolysis and soda pulping. The pretreatments were applied individually to OPF fibers to assess their influence on CNCs' physicochemical and thermal properties. CNC-OPF samples were assessed using complementary characterization techniques, which confirmed their purity and characteristics. CP/MAS 13C NMR and TEM studies revealed that autohydrolysis pretreatment yielded CNCs with effective hemicellulose and extractives removal compared to that of soda pulping. XRD analysis demonstrated that autohydrolysis-treated CNC-OPF contained a much higher crystallinity index compared to soda pulping treatment. BET measurement disclosed a relatively higher surface area and wider pore diameter of autohydrolysis-treated CNC-OPF. Autohydrolysis-treated CNCs were applied as a reinforcement filler in alginate-based hydrogel beads for the removal of 4-chlorophenol from water, which attained a qmax of 19.168 mg g−1. BET analysis revealed the less porous nature of CNC-ALG hydrogel beads which could have contributed to hydrogel beads' relatively lower adsorption capacity. The point of zero charge of CNC-ALG hydrogel beads was 4.82, suggesting their applicability only within a short solution pH range. This study directs future studies to unveil the possibilities of functionalizing CNCs in order to enhance the adsorption performance of CNC-immobilized hydrogel beads towards 4-chlorophenol and other organic contaminants.

Effect of laser pre-treatment on adhesive joint performance and evaluation of interfacial strain distribution using mechanoluminescence

ABSTRACT In this study, factors that improve bonded joints structural response through laser surface pre-treatment on aluminum surfaces were investigated. Specifically, the focus was put on analyzing the laser treatment conditions, formation of the interface structure, and behavior of interface strength at the adhesive interface. The results revealed a specific range of laser treatment conditions in which tensile shear strength and fracture mode are stable. Although laser-treated adhesive joints showed cohesive failure similar to that observed in sandblasting or chemical treatment during the double cantilever beam test, the fracture toughness value was improved by a factor of 2 and 1.5, respectively. The laser-induced microstructure on the aluminum interface contributed to the improvement of fracture toughness. Furthermore, observation of the adhesive layer using a microscopic mechanoluminescence measurement system revealed that changes in the 3D structure of the interface significantly altered the stress luminescence pattern reflecting strain. As a result, direct visualization of interface strengthening via laser processing was achieved.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose banana stem (alkaline microwave-assisted pre-treatment)

The banana stem waste holds immense promise as a readily available and abundant source of lignocellulosic biomass, making it a compelling alternative for biofuel and biochemical applications. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating the impact of both time and substrate loading on the enzymatic hydrolysis of banana stem cellulose that has undergone alkaline microwave-assisted pre-treatment. The pre-treatment method involves subjecting the biomass to 5% KOH for 30 min, followed by microwave exposure at 300 W for 5 min, a process aimed at enhancing the accessibility of cellulose. Enzymatic hydrolysis experiments were carried out utilizing cellulase enzymes derived from Aspergillus niger, with variations in hydrolysis times (ranging from 5 to 45 h) and enzyme-to-substrate ratios (ranging from 1:1 to 1:10). The results of this investigation revealed a substantial improvement in hydrolysis efficiency, owing to the synergistic effects of alkaline microwave-assisted pre-treatment, signifying enhanced cellulose accessibility. Notably, the highest concentration of reducing sugars (1.3 mg mL−1) was achieved at a substrate-to-enzyme ratio of 1:1 and a hydrolysis duration of 45 h. These findings provide valuable insights into the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, emphasizing the potential of integrated pre-treatment strategies for sustainable biorefinery applications. This research contributes to advancing our understanding of lignocellulosic biomass utilization, offering a promising avenue for biofuel and biochemical production from banana stem waste.

ULTRASON ÖN İŞLEM UYGULAMASININ DERİN YAĞDA KIZARTILMIŞ TAVUK ŞNİTZELLERİN YAĞ EMİLİMİNE VE KALİTESİNE ETKİSİ

Although deep-fried products are enjoyed by consumers of different age groups, they contain large amounts of oil, which affects product quality and cannot fail to meet the demand for a healthy diet. In this study, the effect of ultrasound pretreatment on the oil absorption and quality of deep-fried chicken schnitzels was investigated. For this purpose, chicken schnitzel samples were subjected to ultrasound pretreatment at different amplitudes (32 and 64%) and times (10, 20, and 30 min) and then deep-fried at 180 °C. Ultrasound pretreatment improved the crispness by reducing the hardness of schnitzel samples and also reduced oil absorption by 36-53%. According to the findings obtained from SEM analysis, ultrasound pretreatment caused collapses and deformations in the microstructure of the schnitzel samples, leading to the formation of many microscopic channels. Also, ultrasound pretreatment kept the original sensory properties of the schnitzel samples. These results show that ultrasound pretreatment has greatly improved the quality of chicken schnitzels.

Effects of Pyrolysis Temperature and Acid-Base Pre-Treatment on the Synthesis of Biochar-Based Slow-Release Selenium Fertilizer and Its Release in Soil.

Plant-derived selenium is an important source of selenium (Se) for humans, which, however, has been restricted by a low content of Se in soil. Traditional Se fertilizers have tended to result in low selenium utilization. Thus, it was necessary to develop a new slow-release material to control Se fertilizer release. In this study, biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 800 °C was cross-linked with polyethyleneimine (PEI) after being treated with HNO3 or NaOH (which were labeled Acid-W300, Acid-W800, Alkali-W300, and Alkali-W800). The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacities of Acid-W300, Alkali-W300, Acid-W800, and Alkali-W800 were 329.16 mg/g, 321.93 mg/g, 315.04 mg/g, and 344.33 mg/g, respectively. Among them, Acid-W800 and Alkali-W800 were mainly imine- and amide-bonded with SO32-, while Acid-W300 and Alkali-W300 were loaded with SO32- by forming the C-Se bonding as well as through imine- and amide-bonding. The release of four biochar-based selenium fertilizers in the red soil and brown soil extracts conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The release rate and release amount of four biochar-based selenium fertilizers in the red soil extract were higher than those in the brown soil extract. Alkali-W800-Se had a higher proportion of Se-exchangeable release, accounting for 87.5% of the total loaded selenium, while Acid-W300-Se had the lowest proportion at 62.2%. However, the Se releases of Alkali-W800-Se were more than 42.49% and 37.67% of the total Se-loading capacity during 5 days of continuous red soil extraction and brown soil extraction, respectively. Acid-W300-Se released less than 20% of the total Se-loading capacity. Thus, Acid-W300-Se was the recommended slow-release Se fertilizer in red soil and brown soil.

Effects of multi-strain pretreatment on thermochemical properties and component structure of paulownia

This study aims to delve into the impact of long-term multi-strain pretreatment on the thermochemical characteristics of paulownia. The nine-month experimental analysis reveals that the fourth month marks a crucial turning point in the pretreatment process. From Stage I (0–4 months) to Stage II (4–9 months), the pyrolysis temperature range continuously narrows, reducing a maximum of 31.47%. The char yield initially increased by 10.25% and then decreased by 6.95%. Calorific value showed a slow initial decline of 3.98–4.08%, followed by a subsequent increase of 7.66%. The ignition point continued to rise by 5.61%− 5.78%. The compositional experimental results indicate that in the first stage, strain primarily depolymerize the high-polymer lignin, resulting in a decrease in calorific value. The increase in the relative content of syringyl lignin (S) contributes to the rise in char yield. In Stage II, the S units are converted into guaiacyl lignin (G), which has a lower char yield, while the exposed hemicellulose and cellulose undergo severe erosion. The relative content of lignin and enzymatic products with stubborn structures increases, leading to an increase in calorific value. However, the higher breaking temperature of bonds in these structures results in a continuous increase in the ignition point. This study clearly establishes that after nine months of pretreatment, the paulownia exhibits characteristics of rapid pyrolysis, high calorific value and ignition point, which provides a reliable basis for uncovering the potential reuses of paulownia.

Effect of steam explosion pretreatment on chosen saccharides yield and cellulose structure from fast-growing poplar (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii) wood

The aim of this study was to determine the changes occurring in the wood cellulose of the fast-growing poplar (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii) under the influence of steam explosion (SE) pretreatment. Cellulose from native wood and after pretreatment at 160 and 205 °C was isolated. Cellulose polymerization degree by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and cellulose crystallinity index by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were determined. The profiles of sugars in the native wood and in the solid fraction after pretreatment (using the acid hydrolysis method) were also determined. In addition, the profile of monosaccharides in the liquid fraction obtained after steam explosion and in the liquid fraction after acid hydrolysis of the oligosaccharides were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This allowed to determine the change in the yield of hexoses and pentoses in the studied material.The behavior of cellulose in wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C and isolated by the Kürschner–Hoffer method was studied by determining the absorption bands of FTIR-ATR spectra. The lateral order index (LOI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of the corresponding absorption bands A1422/A896 cm−1. Total crystallinity index (TCI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of absorption bands A1372/A2900 cm−1. TCI of Kürschner-Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C decreased by 5.6 and 5.0%, respectively, with regard to the applied temperature. LOI increased in cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 °C (by 0.7%) and at 205 °C (by 19.2%) in relation to the index of cellulose isolated from native wood. Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C exhibited, respectively, a reduced degree of polymerization of about 11% and about 8%. Polydispersity index in Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose was 1% lower after both pretreatments than native sample.

Comparison of the Effect of Ondansetron and Dexamethasone on Postoperative Shivering After Cesarean Section in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia

Background: Shivering is one of the most common problems after spinal anesthesia, which can cause many complications. Various methods and drugs have been used to prevent and treat postoperative shivering. In the present study, the pretreatment effect of ondansetron and dexamethasone in reducing the incidence of shivering after elective caesarean section by the spinal method has been investigated. Methods: In this study, 78 patients undergoing elective cesarean surgery who were eligible to enter the study were evaluated and randomly divided into two groups: 8mg of ondansetron and 4mg of dexamethasone 15 minutes before the end of surgery. Then, the incidence of shivering was measured at specific time intervals after surgery. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: The two groups were similar in terms of age, height, weight, and BMI (p-value &gt; 0.05). The incidence of shivering at the time of entering the recovery, 10, 20, and 30 minutes in the ondansetron group was 23.1%, 20.5%, 12.8% and 0% and in the dexamethasone, group was 20.5%, 15.4%, 5.2% and 0%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that these differences are not significant at the significance level of 0.05. These two drugs have the same effectiveness in controlling shivering after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia (p-value &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Dexamethasone and ondansetron will be able to control shivering after caesarean section with spinal anesthesia.

Effect of surface pretreatment on the production of LDH for post-treatment with benzoxazine resin

In the present study, the surface of AZ31 Mg alloy was pretreated by etching in nitric acid and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). Then Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (Mg-Al/LDH) was synthesized on the pretreated surface of substrates via hydrothermal treatment to increase the corrosion resistance. The effect of surface pretreatment (etched substrate and PEO layer) on LDH formation, structure, and corrosion resistance was investigated. Benzoxazine resin (thermosets), has been used for coatings, however, the high curing temperature limits their applications. For this purpose, a new bio-based benzoxazine resin with a lower curing temperature (160 °C) was developed to be applicable for Mg alloys. Phenol (Phloretic acid), diol (Dodecandiol), and amine (monoethanolamine) were used to synthesize innovative benzoxazine with exchangeable ester functions and self-healing ability. This resin was further used for post-treatment of LDH samples. The morphology, chemical composition, and crystalline structure of LDH samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion resistance of the coatings was investigated by salt spray test as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The LDH layer on the etched substrates showed better corrosion resistance than the LDH on PEO layer due to having a thicker inner layer (11.8 ± 0.2 μm and 7.0 ± 0.6 μm for LDH on the etched substrate and PEO layer, respectively). Post-treatment of samples with benzoxazine resin showed the effective capability of this polymeric coating for enhancing the corrosion resistance of Mg alloy substrate. This benzoxazine coating increased the corrosion resistance of the coating/substrate system around 104 times in comparison to the bare substrate. Moreover, it was observed that the LDH layer can increase the adhesion and compatibility of the substrate with benzoxazine resin. These results were confirmed by EIS and cross-cut adhesion tests experimentally as well as theoretical calculations of the adsorption energy of benzoxazine molecule to the LDH layer using Density Functional Theory (DFT).

Investigating the effect of cold atmospheric plasma treatment on the microbial load of raw potato slices.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), as starchy plants, have been highly esteemed for their rich supply of nutrients. Numerous studies have investigated the potential health benefits of potatoes and explored potential solutions. Among these considerations, the discussion regarding microbial contaminants has remained an important topic. The present study used cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to evaluate the microbial quality (including mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and mold and yeasts) of raw potato slices during a 14-day storage period. To achieve this goal, the duration of CAP exposure was set at 5, 10, and 15 min, utilizing an electric voltage of 60 kV and a specific frequency of 20 kHz. The findings revealed the effectiveness of CAP pre-treatment in inhibiting microbial growth over the 14 days when compared to the control sample (untreated sample), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Moreover, with an extension of the CAP exposure duration to 15 min, there was a significant reduction in the logarithmic count of mesophilic, psychrotrophic microorganisms, molds, and yeasts (4.95, 2.85, and 2.22CFU/g, respectively) in comparison to the control groups (7.5, 5.62, and 5.5CFU/g) on days 0, 7, and 14 of the storage periods (P < 0.05). The results of this study highlight the potential of CAP pre-treatment on reducing the microbial load in raw potato slices prior to frying, which could potentially influence the overall quality of potato-based products.

The effects of sodium persulfate pretreatment and calcium peroxide pretreatment on digested sludge and raw sludge dewaterablity

Comparison between the dewatering performance of raw sludge and digested sludge is lacking. In this study, pretreatment with sodiumpersulphate (SP), calcium peroxide (CP) for improving the dewaterability of raw sludge (RS), digested sludge (DS), and sludge digested for 3 days (DS-3) were investigated. Using ferrous sulfate as a catalyst to produce sulfate radicals from SP. Results suggested that the maximum increment of free moisture of 4.69 % was achieved for the DS-3 of pretreatment with SP, and the mechanism investigation revealed that two kinds of pretreatments could enhance sludge floc disintegration, degrade the protein (PN) fraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and accelerate the release of mechanically bound moisture. Compared with RS, the organic matter content of DS and DS-3 sludge samples pretreated by SP and CP was lower, viscosity was decreased, zeta potential was closer to zero, and the strength of amino, amide II and other hydrophilic functional groups decreased or disappeared.

Quality of oil extracted by cold press from Nigella sativa seeds conditioned and pre-treated by microwave.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed (BS) oil has received much interest in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its valuable nutritional properties, but this oil has low oxidative stability. The effect of microwave pre-treatment at 0 to 2.5 min and conditioning with different buffers at pH 3 to 9 of BS, before oil extraction by cold press, were investigated. The oil extraction yield was higher; acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV) were lower in the oil extracted from seeds, which were first microwaved and then moisturized and vice versa. BS with pH 3, microwave time of 1.25 min, and moisturizing level of 5%, which gave oil extraction yield of 27.2%, AV of (2.9 mg NaOH/g oil), and PV of (8.3 meq O2/kg oil), was selected as an optimum sample and its quality changes were investigated during storage compared with the oil extracted from the control sample (without any pre-treatment). In conclusion, the oil extracted from the pre-treated BS had higher bioactive components and lower AV and PV during the storage; therefore, microwave radiation and pH adjustment before oil extraction from BS by cold press are recommended.

Effect of Sustainable Pretreatments on the Nutritional and Functionality of Chickpea Protein: Implication for Innovative Food Product Development

Chickpea is a globally cultivated legume, rich in vitamins, protein, carbohydrates, polyphenols, fatty acids, fibers, and flavonoids. Despite its nutritional benefits, chickpeas contain antinutritional factors that can hinder nutrient absorption. Therefore, we reviewed the various pretreatment methods to enhance chickpea protein’s nutritional value and functional properties. Thermal and biochemical treatments and food applications of chickpea protein are thoroughly reviewed. The review revealed that the physical, thermal, and biochemical treatments were reported to be effective in reducing antinutritional factors and improving protein solubility, emulsifying capacity, and foaming properties. Chickpea proteins were used in cereals and bakery products to meet consumer demand. Encapsulation of chickpea protein enhances nutrient stability, and its inclusion in gluten-free products has different effects on the glycemic index, antioxidant activity, and overall acceptability. These findings highlight chickpea’s potential to improve the nutritional and functional aspects of food products while offering health benefits to consumers.