Ester Ratio Research Articles

The Effect of Diluent on the Release of Benzene Series from Nitrocellulose-Lacquered MDF

Because the surface of MDF is not aesthetically pleasing, it usually needs to be veneered and then painted, but such a board releases harmful VOCs, among which Benzene Series is the most harmful. Benzene and its series are a group of carcinogenic compounds. With the diluents of nitrocellulose (NC)-lacquered MDF as the research objects, the release of the Benzene Series was studied to provide a scientific basis for pollution control and a reference for eco-friendly paint production. The attenuant of NC paint, anhydrous ethanol, ethyl acetate and solvents mixed with different alcohol ester ratios were used as diluents in NC lacquer. Two kinds of wood-veneered MDF with different thickness (18 mm and 8 mm) were coated with NC lacquer and analyzed in the experiment. The gas was collected using a small environmental chamber and the Benzene Series was analyzed using GC-MS. The concentration of Benzene Series released by MDF was 316.24 μg·m−3, and that of the NC-lacquered MDF with thicknesses of 18 mm and 8 mm were 284.44 μg·m−3 and 281.06 μg·m−3, respectively. The MDF released 14 kinds of Benzene Series, and the NC-lacquered MDF with two thicknesses released 18 kinds of it. The release concentration order of Benzene Series in NC-lacquered MDF with different diluents of the 18 mm thick panel was NC-M, NC-A, and NC-E from high to low. The lowest concentration of it occurred when the ratio of anhydrous ethanol to ethyl acetate was 1:3, and the lowest amount of components were at the ratio of 1:2. The concentration of Benzene Series released by MDF is higher than that released by the NC-lacquered MDF. Thickness has no effect on the type of release. The thicker MDF was, the higher the concentration was. The alcohol and ester thinner can control the release of Benzene Series from the source, and the optimal mixing ratio was 1:3.

Detection of volatile organic compounds associated with mechanical damage in apple cv. ‘Golden Delicious’ by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and GC-MS analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the volatile organic compound (VOC) profile of apples cv. ‘Golden Delicious’ associated with mechanical damage. The performance of direct and indirect extraction methods and four solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibres coated with different stationary phases (CAR/PDMS, PDMS, DVB/CAR/PDMS, and CW/TPR) was tested for identifying volatile markers of damaged and sound fruit. Direct extraction and CAR/PDMS fibre were proposed for the extraction of VOCs associated with mechanical damage in apples. Almost half of the 83 compounds extracted were identified as esters (41 different VOCs), followed by hydrocarbons (11), alcohols (10), and terpenoids (7), among others. The more evident changes were an increase of lower molecular weight esters such as methyl, ethyl, and propyl acetate; and a decrease of other higher molecular weight esters such as phenyl ethyl acetate, isobutyl butyrate, and butyl butanoate. The ester ratios suggest that the relation between ethyl acetate and phenyl ethyl acetate is the best option for detecting mechanical damage in cv. ‘Golden Delicious’ apples.

Abstract 2163: Gender and estrogens as key factors in the response to immunotherapy in non small cell lung cancer

Abstract Gender is an important stratification and prognostic factor in oncology in the response to treatments, particularly to the immunotherapy. The anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune-checkpoint inhibitors (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Atezolizumab) have improved the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in 20-35% cases, but with a lower efficacy in females. The different steroid hormones - estrogens, progesterone or androgens - present in both gender have often contrasting effects on the activity of the host immune system, partly explaining the differences observed. It is not known if metabolic features of cancer cells of male and female patients may impact on the immune system response and immunotherapy efficacy. We set up an analytical pipeline based on patient-derived samples, cell lines and humanized male and female mice bearing gender-matched NSCLC xenografts. NanoString analysis in a cohort of 42 NSCLC patients of both genders treated with Pembrolizumab, identified the estrogen receptor α (ERα)/ESR1 gene as one of the most significantly associated with the response to Pembrolizumab, particularly in female patients. A panel of 30 human NSCLC cell lines of female and male origin, that reproduced the ERα/gender association observed in clinical samples, the amount of ERα and 17-β-estradiol was directly related to the expression of PD-L1, suggesting a potential direct linkage. ERα transcriptionally up-regulated CD274/PD-L1 gene, with higher effects in females. EGFR downstream effectors Akt and ERK1/2, increased the active form phospho(Ser118)ERα, upregulating PD-L1. Inhibiting the estrogen synthesis or switching off EGFR activity down-regulated PD-L1 levels. Consistently, the aromatase inhibitor letrozole increased the efficacy of Pembrolizumab in humanized NSCLC xenografts, by reducing tumor growth and tumor-associated PD-L1, increasing the infiltrating CD8+T-lymphocytes, NK cells and Vγ9Vδ2 anti-tumor T-lymphocytes. The benefit was maximal in 17-β-estradiol/ERα high female xenografts, intermediate in 17-β-estradiol/ERα medium female and male xenografts, minimal in 17-β-estradiol/ERα low male xenografts. Additionally, an untargeted lipidome analysis revealed that letrozole decreased the saturated fatty acids (SFAs)/mono- or poly-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs-PUFAs) ratio, and the cholesterol/cholesterol esters ratio. These changes increased plasma-membrane fluidity, an event that in turns reduced the affinity between PD-L1 and PD-1. As further proof of concept, ω6- or ω3-PUFA treated cells, displayed an increased membrane fluidity and a change in lipid metabolism that affect the response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 as letrozole did. We propose a prototypical in vitro 3D spheroids culture gender-tailored platform that allows to investigate the metabolic circuitries causing such differences and to repurpose metabolic modifiers as novel immune-adjuvant agents in oncology. Citation Format: Sofia La Vecchia, Dario Pasquale Anobile, Fabrizio Tabbò, Iris C. Salaroglio, Joanna Kopecka, Luca Primo, Luisella Righi, Giorgio Vittorio Scagliotti, Silvia Novello, Cyril Corbet, Chiara Riganti. Gender and estrogens as key factors in the response to immunotherapy in non small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2163.

Changes in Phenolic Profiles and Inhibition Potential of Macrophage Foam Cell Formation during Noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn.) Fruit Juice Fermentation

The dynamic changes in phenolic composition and antioxidant activity, and the potential effect on foam cell formation and cholesterol efflux during noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn.) fruit juice fermentation were investigated in this study. The composition of phenolic compounds was significantly different at various fermentation times. Rutin, quercetin, and isoquercitrin were the major phenolics in fermented noni fruit juice based on a quantitative analysis of representative phenolics. The contents of caffeic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin tended to increase, while those of isoquercitrin decreased during the fermentation process. Fermented noni juice extracts showed high antioxidant activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Notably, the highest antioxidant activity was observed after 28 days of fermentation. Furthermore, the treatment of fermented noni juice extracts was shown to reduce foam cell formation, intracellular cholesterol level, and the cholesterol esterification ratio. A correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between the phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and the ratio of cholesterol ester and total cholesterol. This study may provide a theoretical basis for the quality improvement and standardized production of fermented noni fruit juice, thus promoting the development of the noni food industry.

Avasimibe Alleviates Disruption of the Airway Epithelial Barrier by Suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

Avasimibe (Ava) is an acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) specific inhibitor and an established medicine for atherosclerosis, owing to its excellent and safe anti-inflammation effects in humans. However, its efficacy in asthma has not yet been reported. We first administered varying concentrations of avasimibe to house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthmatic mice; results showed that 20 mg/kg avasimibe most significantly reduced IL-4 and IL-5 production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and total IgE in serum, and the avasimibe treatment also exhibited lower mucus secretion, decreased goblet and basal cells but increased ciliated cells compared to the HDM group. And the redistribution of adherens junction (AJ) proteins induced by HDM was far more less upon avasimibe administration. However, avasimibe did not reduce the cholesterol ester ratio in lung tissues or intracellular cholesterol ester, which is avasimibe’s main effect. Further analysis confirmed that avasimibe impaired epithelial basal cell proliferation independent of regulating cholesterol metabolism and we analyzed datasets using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and then found that the KRT5 gene (basal cell marker) expression is correlated with the β-catenin gene. Moreover, we found that β-catenin localized in cytomembrane upon avasimibe treatment. Avasimibe also reduced β-catenin phosphorylation in the cytoplasm and inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway induced by HDMs, thereby alleviating the airway epithelial barrier disruption. Taken together, these findings indicated that avasimibe has potential as a new therapeutic option for allergic asthma.

Rapamycin and Paclitaxel Affect Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells-Derived Foam Cells Viability and Proliferation.

IntroductionDrug-eluting stents (DES) coated with rapamycin or paclitaxel as antiproliferative substances significantly reduced the incidence of clinical restenosis and had fewer side effects after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, DES coated with rapamycin or paclitaxel still cause restenosis due to abnormal tissue growth which remained a therapeutic problem, particularly in certain subgroups, possibly due to drug concentrations. This study examined the impact of different concentrations of rapamycin and paclitaxel on cytokine, cell viability and proliferation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC)-derived foam cells. MethodsThe foam cell model was established in vitro by incubating HASMC with 20 µg/mL oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) for 48 hours. Subsequently, foam cells were treated with different concentrations (0.01 µg/mL, 0.1 µg/mL, 0.5 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL) of rapamycin or paclitaxel for 48 hours, to measure cytokine, cell viability and proliferation by ELISA and MTT, respectively. Finally, viability and proliferation were measured by MTT after the foam cells were treated with 1 µg/mL rapamycin or paclitaxel combined with cytokine antibody for 48 hours. ResultsAfter incubation of HASMC with ox-LDL, the ratios of cholesterol ester and total cholesterol increased significantly (55.29%) (P<0.01). Lipid staining with Oil Red O showed many lipid vacuoles and red dye particles in the cells. Meanwhile, cell viability and proliferation significantly increased compared with the control. This indicated that HASMC had been transformed into foam cells (P<0.01) while rapamycin or paclitaxel concentrations ≥0.1 µg/mL can significantly decrease the foam cell proliferation (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and 1 µg/mL of rapamycin or paclitaxel appeared the most effective concentration. As for cytokines, rapamycin or paclitaxel concentrations ≥1 ug/mL could significantly increase the level of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), which was enhanced with the increase of drug concentration. However, rapamycin or paclitaxel concentrations ≥1 µg/mL could significantly reduce the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-35 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) (P<0.05 or P<0.01), which decreased with the increase of drug concentration. In addition, rapamycin or paclitaxel combined with anti-IL-1β, anti-IL-6, anti- TNF-α or anti-IL-35 had no significant effect on foam cell proliferation compared to the drug alone. However, rapamycin or paclitaxel combined with anti-IL-10 or anti-TGF-β can significantly enhance foam cell proliferation (P<0.01). In addition, there was no difference in the effects of the same concentrations of rapamycin and paclitaxel on foam cells.ConclusionAlthough rapamycin or paclitaxel can reduce foam cell proliferation, too high or too low concentrations could decrease effectiveness. In particular, a high dose can induce foam cells to increase inflammatory cytokines secretion, reduce anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion, and thus affect the inhibiting proliferation. For rapamycin- and paclitaxel-eluting stents, this conclusion may explain the clinical observation of in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. DES coated with an appropriate concentration of rapamycin or paclitaxel may, at least to some extent, contribute significantly to reducing incidence of late in-stent restenosis.

Effect of polyurethane ratio on mechanical behavior of banana fiber/polyurethane-vinylester matrix composites

A customary ratio of vinyl ester (VER) and Polyurethane (PU) resin were chosen as the matrix material (blend) to attain the complete Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN). In this course of research, the mechanical properties of the Banana fiber reinforced IPN (blend) matrix were thoroughly investigated by precisely varying the loading of polyurethane into vinylester as 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% PU respectively. Besides that, the fabricated banana fiber reinforced polyurethane loaded IPN laminate were experimentally investigated in order to characterize the strength of the laminate as per the ASTM standards. The test results exhibit that, strain rate of the laminate increases to many folds as compared (Tensile 0% PU - 0.45% & 50% PU - 3.1%, Flexural 0% PU – 0.62% & 50% PU – 3.73%) with the neat vinylester resin based banana fiber reinforced laminate. In addition to that, it also increases the impact strength and moisture resistance (Impact 0% PU – 2.93 kJ/m2 & 50% PU - 8.01 kJ/m2, Moisture 0% PU – 0.42% & 50% PU – 0.96%) of the IPN laminate considerably depends upon the loading of the polyurethane. As well as to validate further, the fractured surfaces were assessed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Finally the experimental values were also cross-verified by analytical simulation software by using ANSYS. Finally, the cross-verification proved that both the results of experimental and FEA analysis of the material were in good co-relation with each other.

Synthesis of DHA-enriched triglyceride through glycerolysis: Process parameters and reuse of partially inactivated lipase

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched triglyceride products are valued by pharmaceutical and health and wellness industry. Enzymatic synthesis is an efficient method for producing DHA-enriched triglyceride. In this presented study, enzymatic synthesis conditions were optimized as follows: molar ratio of DHA ethyl ester (DHA-EE) to glycerol 3:1; lipase loading 6.4% (with respect to the DHA-EE mass); reaction temperature 108 °C; reaction time 13.6 h. Under these conditions, the yield of triglyceride reached 97.00 ± 0.61%. Catalytical activity of lipase reduced to 80% after 10 cycles, which was defined as inactivated lipase. Increasing lipase loading to 8.0% (catalytical activity equal to original lipase) can’t convert DHA-EE to triglyceride. However, DHA triglycerides can be achieved by using 4.0% inactivated lipase plus 3.2% original lipase (catalytical activity equal to original lipase). Analysis of the reaction kinetics showed that inactivated lipase cannot reach the activation energy (47.94 kJ/mol) required for the reaction system, but inactivated lipase plus original lipase can. A triglyceride content of 95.44 ± 0.54% was achieved using 4.0% inactivated lipase plus 3.2% original lipase, which was no significant difference with original lipase. This present study provided a technical solution to reuse the partially inactivated lipase and may reduce the prime cost of producing DHA-enriched triglyceride.

Disadvantageous phthalates from production waste as the basis for the synthesis of plasticizer-antipyrin

The possibility of using unsaturated phthalates obtained by the esterification of phthalic anhydride with distillation residues of butyl alcohols as a basis for the synthesis of a bromine-containing plasticizer-fire retardant was evaluated. prene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyvinyl acetate. Instability of the content of unsaturated esters of phthalic acid in the test object was noted with the most probable range of fluctuations in iodine number, ranging from 24.4 to 44.4. A direct dependence of the indicated variation limits on the content of 2-ethylhexene-3-ol-1 in the distillation residue of butanol in the amount of 9.0-17.5% and 2-ethylhexen-2-ol in the amount of 35-43% was established. The ratio of unsaturated esters of 2-ethylhexyl-2-ethylhexene-3-phthalate and 2-ethylhexyl-2-ethylhexene-2-phthalate in an unsaturated plasticizer is 1: 2 ÷ 5. It has been shown that with a shortage in production of a brominated plasticizer with a low bromine content, its required amount can be obtained by diluting a brominated plasticizer with a high bromine content. Dioctyl phthalate and the investigated unsaturated plasticizer were proposed as diluents. It is noted that with incomplete bromination of an unsaturated base, unsaturated esters do not adversely affect the quality of the compositions, make the bromine-containing system more reactive, which leads to additional crosslinking of polymer molecules and an increase in the strength of the composition. It is shown that the modification of an unsaturated plasticizer by bromination will make it possible to obtain a triple effect of inhibition of the combustion process due to the elimination of hydrogen bromide from brominated ethers, an increase in the duration of its elimination and the ability of unsaturated ethers to react with active radicals released during thermal decomposition and combustion of polymer compositions.

A spectroscopic approach to measuring meibum lipid composition and conformation in donors with Sjӧgren's syndrome

Patients with Sjӧgren's syndrome (SS) have dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibum from donors with dry eye due to MGD but without SS (MMGD) presents with lower levels of cholesteryl ester, less straight chains, and more ordered hydrocarbon chains compared with meibum from donors without MGD (Mn). The aim of the current study was to compare the composition and hydrocarbon chain conformation of meibum from donors with Sjögren's syndrome (Mss) to Mn and MMGD. Meibum was expressed from patients with SS using an ILUX instrument (Alcon Inc., Fort Worth TX). All of the nine meibum donors with SS were female. Meibum composition was characterized using 1H-NMR and meibum hydrocarbon chain conformation was measured using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Meibum from every donor with SS measured contained a significantly (P < 0.01) higher cholesteryl ester/wax ester ratio and more straight chains compared with donors without SS or dry eye. None of the nine phase transitional parameters were significantly different, P > 0.05, for Mss compared with Mn. Nor was the CH3/CH2 band height ratio used to estimate the number of hydrocarbon CH3 and CH2 moieties different, P = 0.22, for Mss compared with Mn.In conclusion, the compositional differences between Mss compared with Mn did not result in differences in any of the nine meibum lipid phase transitional parameters measured. The compositional differences observed between Mss and Mn could be markers for or contribute to SS as the differences could lead to tear film lipid packing differences other than conformational differences.

Links between microbial compositions and metabolites during aerobic composting under amoxicillin stress was evaluated by 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: Benefit for the plant growth

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between core bacteria and metabolites during aerobic composting and analyze the effects of metabolites on plant growth. The results revealed that amoxicillin might affect the generation and transformation of metabolites by reconstructs the bacterial communities. The peak area ratios (PAR) of esters and fatty acids (FAs) were increased, while sterols decreased during composting. Furthermore, the correlation analysis showed that the production of FAs, esters and sterols is strongly correlated with Oceanobacillus, Corynebacterium, Psychrobacter, Xanthomonadaceae, Pusillimonas and Gracilibacillus. Moreover, 36 key metabolites were screened out, the PAR of the propanoic acid ethyl ester and oleic acid that benefit plant growth were increased in amoxicillin groups. However, the PAR of environmental pollutants, such as n-hexadecanoic acid and 3β, 5β-Cholestan-3-ol is the opposite. Therefore, composting can eliminate the environmental risks caused by antibiotic residues in feces and promote plant growth.

Effect of Immobilization Support and Fermentation Temperature on Beer and Fermented Milk Aroma Profiles

The food industry increasingly produces wastes like coconut and peanut shells. In addition, low temperature fermentation is always a challenge. Therefore, in the present study, a sustainable exploitation of these by-products is proposed through the production of carriers for immobilized cells of yeast and bacteria. The immobilized cells, after thermally drying, were evaluated for their efficiency in beer and milk fermentations respectively, in various fermentation temperatures and storage for up to three months. The beers and fermented milks were evaluated for their aroma and the results showed products of high quality. Coconut shells resulted in better products with increased fruity ester content in fermented milks and reduced dimethyl sulfite and vicinal diketones and increased ratio of esters to alcohol in beers. These results reveal the possibilities of immobilized cells in coconut and peanut shells for application in food industry, however, more research is needed to evaluate their effect on sensory characteristics and possible prebiotic and probiotic potential especially in the case of fermented milks.

A spectroscopic study of the composition and conformation of cholesteryl and wax esters purified from meibum

Elucidating wax ester (WE) and cholesteryl ester (CE) compositional, structural and functional relationships is key to our understanding of how these lipids are involved in natural and pathological processes. Little is known about how CE and WE interact with one another. The focus of the present study is to bridge this gap of knowledge. CE and WE were collected from human meibum as a source of esters with complex hydrocarbon chains. MgO column chromatography was used to separate WE and CE. The esters were characterized using 1H-NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The complexity of the hydrocarbon chains of native WE and CE influenced how changes in the ratio of WE and CE ester influenced some lipid phase transitional parameters but not others. Changes in CE content of WE/CE mixtures undoubtedly modifies the hydrocarbon chain conformation and packing of the mixture. The nature of the change depends on the conformation of the WE and CE. Differences in the complexity of the hydrocarbon chains are likely not to be a major influence on alterations in the order or phase transition temperature when more ordered WE is added to less ordered CE.

One‐Step Modification of Diacid‐Functional Polythioethers via Simultaneous Passerini and Esterification Reactions

AbstractThis study describes a one‐step Passerini and esterification reaction strategy for the first time at the macromolecular level in the literature. Polythioether (PT) including di‐tert‐butyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DTBADC) units is synthesized via a previously described rapid double thiol‐Michael addition polymerization method, followed by hydrolysis of tert‐butyl groups to produce dicarboxylic acid pendant polythioether (PH). PH is then utilized for postpolymerization modification via Passerini 3‐component reaction (Passerini‐ 3CR). Interestingly, it is found that on the course of Passerini‐3CR, the use of methanol (CH3OH) as a co‐solvent not only dissolves PH but also leads to the esterification reaction, which thereby further modifies the resultant polymer. This finding encourages the creation of a variety of ester functionality in the final polymer via Passerini‐3CR, by solely varying alcohols. The ratio of both ester and Passerini products in the modified polymers is monitored by 1H NMR analyses and a mechanistic aspect is also presented to product distribution. In addition, a monoacid containing polythioether (PMH) is prepared and used for the modification with Passerini‐3CR under the identical conditions described for PH, only Passerini product is obtained with no sign related to the ester product.

Utilization of Virgin Coconut Oil that has been Extracted in Phenolic Compounds as Resource of Diethanolamide

One of the vegetable oils that can be used as a surfactant is extracts of phenolic compounds from virgin coconut oil (VCO) or VCO residue.The purpose of this study was to make surfactants from VCO residue and to obtain the correct ratio of reactants and the appropriate concentration of NaOH catalyst to produce diethanolamide surfactant.The materials used are methyl ester from VCO residue and dietanolamine with NaOH catalyst. The amidation process uses a mole ratio of dietanolamine and methyl ester (1:1, 1.25: 1, 1.5: 1, 1.75: 1 and 2: 1) at a temperature of 160 ° C for 3 hours, and a NaOH catalyst with a concentration of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75%.The results showed that the treatment of the ratio of methyl ester and diethanolamine and the concentration of NaOH catalyst produced DEA surfactant with the same consistency, namely a semi-solid viscous liquid with a clear yellow color.The higher the concentration of catalyst, the yield tends to increase.. All DEA surfactant products have a pH of 10, with viscosities ranging from 252.47 - 509.89 cP, soaping numbers ranging from 35.22 - 52.95 mg KOH / g, and glycerol levels from 0.08 to 29%.

The Study on Factors Affecting the Synthesis of Methyl Ester Sulfonate from Palm Oil using CaO Catalyst with Microwave-Assisted

Methyl ester sulfonate can be synthesized from palm oil using sodium bisulfite as a sulfonating agent with microwave-assistance as a heating energy source. The use of microwave as an energy source can reduce the reaction time and increase the product. Methyl ester sulfonate can be produced in several stages, that is transesterification, sulfonation, purification, and neutralization. The transesterification process was carried out by reacting palm oil and methanol with a mol ratio of 1:9 and 1%wt of KOH catalyst at a microwave power of 300 watts, and a temperature of 60°C for 10 minutes. Methyl ester was sulfonated using sodium bisulfite at a power of 300 watts for 40 minutes at a temperature of 80°C-100°C. This process also used a CaO catalyst of 1.5% and the mole ratio of methyl ester:NaHSO3 is 1:2. The resulting methyl ester sulfonate was then purified by the addition of methanol and heated in a microwave power of 300 watts, at temperature 55°C for 10 minutes and then neutralized with NaOH. The resulting methyl ester sulfonate has a density of 0.8626 gr/ml, viscosity of 3.51 cSt, pH of 1.68, yield of 98.67%, and surface tension of 32.23 dyne/cm.

A Novel Method for Polyacrylamide Gel Preparation Using N-hydroxysuccinimide-acrylamide Ester to Study Cell-Extracellular Matrix Mechanical Interactions

Mechanical stimulation by the extracellular matrix (ECM) controls physiological and pathological cellular responses, such as stem cell differentiation, organogenesis, and tumor progression. Polyacrylamide (PA) gels have been widely used to study cell-ECM mechanical interactions. Typically, sulfosuccinimidyl 6-(4′-azido-2′-nitrophenylamino)hexanoate (sulfo-SANPAH) is used as a protein crosslinker in these gels. However, its low solubility, unstable binding with proteins, and high cost are barriers to its application. The objective of this study was to improve and simplify the preparation of PA gels using an economical crosslinker, N-hydroxysuccinimide-acrylamide (NHS-AA) ester, to enable increased stability in protein coating. By exposing excess NHS to the gel surface, we found an optimal ratio of NHS-AA ester:AA to obtain NHS-AA ester-containing PA gels with a uniform ECM protein coating and stiffness similar to that of sulfo-SANPAH-containing PA gels. The biological behavior of MCF7 and MCF10A cells were similar on NHS-AA ester and sulfo-SANPAH gels. Acini formation in Matrigel overlay culture were also consistent on NHS-AA ester and sulfo-SANPAH gels. This novel PA gel preparation method using NHS-AA ester can effectively replace the sulfo-SANPAH method and will be immensely useful in the evaluation of cell-ECM mechanical interactions.

Formation of fatty acid methyl ester based microemulsion and removal mechanism of PAHs from contaminated soils

Microemulsion (ME) is considered as a stable solution for adsorbing organic matters. Aiming to remediate PAH contaminated soils from industrial sites in Shijiazhuang (Soil CPS) and Beijing (Soil CSG) in China, novel MEs were designed with different ratios of mixed surfactants (Surf, TX-100+Tween 80), n-butanol and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Particle size, transmittance, surface intension, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy of the MEs were analyzed. PAH removals by solubilization experiments were studied and regeneration of waste ME was evaluated. Results showed the novel MEs were obtained with particle sizes in a range of 18.53–122.77 nm. The lowest surface intension of MEs was 26.53 mN/m, which was prone to PAHs transferring to MEs. ‒OH (3350 cm-1), ‒C˭C (1740 cm-1) and ‒C‒O (1072 cm-1) functioned in forming MEs. Additionally, ‒OH, C‒H, ‒C˭C, ‒C‒O were considered as active binding sites when remediating PAH soils. PAH removals in soils CPS and CSG were up to 90.1% and 89.7% with surfactants and co-surfactant (Surf:Co-s), (Surf:Co-s) and FAME, soil and MEs (w:v) at ratios of 1:1, 8:2 and 1:4, respectively. About 85.6% of FAME and 41.9% of TX-100 in waste ME were recovered for recycle purpose.

The significant influence of residual feed intake on flavor precursors and biomolecules in slow-growing Korat chicken meat.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between feed efficiency, physicochemical properties, flavor precursors and biomolecules in the thigh meat of Korat (KR) chickens.MethodsThe feed intake and body weight of individual male KR chickens were recorded from 1 to 10 weeks old to calculate the individual residual feed intake (RFI) of 75 birds. At 10 weeks of age, chickens with the 10 highest (HRFI) and lowest RFI (LRFI) were slaughtered to provide thigh meat samples. The physicochemical properties (ultimate pH, water holding capacity [WHC], drip loss) and flavor precursors (guanosine monophosphate, inosine monophosphate (IMP), adenosine monophosphate and inosine) were analyzed conventionally, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the composition of biomolecules (lipids, ester lipids, amide I, amide II, amide III, and carbohydrates) and the secondary structure of the proteins. A group t-test was used to determine significant differences between mean values and principal component analysis to classify thigh meat samples into LRFI and HRFI KR chickens.ResultsThe physicochemical properties of thigh meat samples from LRFI and HRFI KR chickens were not significantly different but the IMP content, ratios of lipid, lipid ester, protein (amide I, amide II) were significantly different (p<0.05). The correlation loading results showed that the LRFI group was correlated with high ratios of lipids, lipid esters, collagen content (amide III) and beta sheet protein (rg loading >0.5) while the HRFI group was positively correlated with protein (amide I, amide II), alpha helix protein, IMP content, carbohydrate, ultimate pH and WHC (rg loading >0.5).ConclusionThe thigh meat from chickens with different RFI differed in physiochemical properties affecting meat texture, and in the contents of flavor precursors and biomolecules affecting the nutritional value of meat. This information can help animal breeders to make genetic improvements by taking more account of traits related to RFI.

Performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a DI-CI diesel engine fueled with corn oil methyl ester biodiesel blends

As a result of increased global emission, higher fuel price, and limited natural resources, the need of alternative fuels is highly focused by various researchers. Use of edible oil in internal combustion (IC) engine is finding its place to replace the use of conventional fuel. In the present experimental investigation, corn oil methyl ester (COME) and its blends of biodiesel fueled in diesel engine to assess the combustion, performance, emission characteristics. The maximum blend ratio of corn oil methyl ester is limited to 30% with neat diesel. Results showed that using B10 biodiesel blend significantly improved the performance of engine and the maximum engine efficiency using B10 biodiesel blend is found as 33.98% and it is lower than neat diesel. Similarly, the BSFC of diesel engine using B10 biodiesel blend is increased only by 2%, whereas, using B20 and B30, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increased to about 4 and 6%, respectively. Results showed that the formation of NOx is higher as the oxygen content available in the fuel is higher and similarly, the CO2 during combustion increased. The other emission such as CO and HC are reduced.