Extraction Process Research Articles

Study on the Optimization, Extraction Kinetics and Thermodynamics of the Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction of Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharides.

In this study, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs) were extracted by ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAE) at different extraction parameters in order to explore the potential of ultrasound in intensifying the extraction yield. The effects of experimental conditions on the extraction yields were optimized using response surface methodology, with the optimal ultrasonic power of 700 W, temperature of 45 °C and time of 50 min. The kinetic analysis revealed that UAE significantly promoted the dissolution, diffusion and migration with the maximum yield of 26.39%, which was enhanced by 40.45% and 156.96% compared with individual ultrasonic extraction (UE) and enzymatic extraction (EE). According to the modified Fick's second law of diffusion, the extraction process of TFPs illustrated a good linear correlation (R2 ≥ 0.9), and the rate constant gradually elevated as the temperature increased from 25 to 45 °C, while the presence of ultrasound exerted a vital role in extracting TFPs. Regarding to the thermodynamic results, the positive values of ΔH and ΔG demonstrated that UAE, UE and EE were endothermic and unspontaneous processes. This study provides a theoretical basis for polysaccharide extraction processing.

Reactive liquid-liquid extraction of lactic acid from microfiltered sweet sorghum silage press juice in an agitated extraction column using a hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent as modifier

Downstream processing of carboxylic acids from fermentation broths is cost-intensive and environmentally harmful, which makes methods such as reactive liquid-liquid extraction attractive separation technologies. To enhance the sustainability of liquid-liquid extraction processes, research focuses on sustainable solvents like hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents. However, the application of hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents in agitated extraction columns for continuous processing has never been investigated. This is essential to facilitate their use in industrial processes, promoting cleaner production. In this study, the application of a thymol-menthol-based deep eutectic solvent as a modifier (with the extractant tri-n-octylamine) in an agitated extraction column is evaluated for reactive liquid-liquid extraction of lactic acid from microfiltered sweet sorghum silage press juice. In addition, three-stage cross-current extractions were performed. The thymol-menthol-based deep eutectic solvent showed efficient phase separation, stable operation, and chemical stability in the agitated extraction column. In three-step cross-current operation, the extraction efficiency for lactic acid was increased from 37.0 ± 0.4 % without feed pH adjustment to 76.2 ± 0.9 % with continuously adjusting the pH value to 2.05 ± 0.02. The thymol-menthol-based deep eutectic solvent shows great potential for application in agitated extraction columns. This is highly promising because natural deep eutectic solvents can enhance the sustainability of extraction processes and reduce the reliance on fossil-based solvents.

Efficient Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques for Detection of Breast Cancer Tumor

The detection of cancer tumors is an essential component that has important consequences for the speedy involvement of medical professionals and the enhancement of patient outcomes. This review paper presents a complete study of the current body of research and methodology, as well as an in-depth assessment of the use of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) in the detection of cancer tumors. In addition, the article gives a full analysis of the approaches involved. Machine learning and deep learning, which effectively handle ambiguity in the identification of malignant tumors, provide an alternative method for dealing with the complexity of brain tissue. This method is offered by a combination of machine learning and deep learning. The first part of the review draws attention to the significance of making an accurate diagnosis of breast cancer, highlights the limits of traditional diagnostic methods, and investigates the cutting-edge area of medical imaging technology. After that, it investigates the fundamentals of ML and DL and how they might be used to deal with the challenges that are inherent in the interpretation of complicated imaging data. In addition, the paper explores the ways in which models enhance the processes of feature extraction, picture segmentation, and classification in breast tumor detection systems.

Heating and storage of medium-deep borehole heat exchangers: Analysis of operational characteristics via an optimized analytical solution model

This study focuses on investigating the thermal storage potential of medium-deep borehole heat exchanger (MDBHE) to address the issues of temperature attenuation of thermal reservoir and heating capacity reduction during the one-way heat extraction process in the heating period. By establishing an MDBHE heating system that integrates an external thermal storage source, a comprehensive analysis of the heat transfer progress and operational characteristics of the MDBHE is conducted, including optimizing burial depth, thermal storage scenarios, and aquifer conditions. The calculated solution under the typical thermal storage conditions (S60–30) in this study reveals that the average heat supply capacity increasement of a 1200 m MDBHE is 37.2 % higher than that of a 2000 m MDBHE, and the power consumption of the circulating water pump also can be reduced by 40 % in heating period. Furthermore, the enhancement of storage temperature and flow rate both contribute to a noticeable improvement in the heating performance of the MDBHE during the heating period. The heat transfer power and energy efficiency of MDBHE both increase with the elevation of seepage velocity and aquifer thickness during the energy storage and heating period. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the enhancement of thermal storage and heat transfer efficiency in MDBHE and offering novel insights for the multi-thermal energy storage systems.

Between forests and coasts: Fishworkers on the move in India

AbstractThe Covid‐19 lockdown in India in March 2020 revealed the presence of Adivasi communities in the marine fishing industry of Goa, a coastal state in India. While the migration for work of Adivasi communities from the central regions of the country is well recorded, their movement across geographies of the forest and the coast is relatively unknown. Working with initial data collected during the lockdown, interviews conducted after the pandemic and using secondary materials, the paper sought to understand the social and material conditions in the forest and the coastal regions that shape this movement. Centring the waged relation of Adivasi workers opened the door to thinking about the marine fishing sector in India as a capitalist industry, while paying attention to social reproduction highlighted how the coastal and forest regions are spatially linked through their movement and labour. This highlights that the coasts and forests are going through distinct processes of capitalist intensification and expansion. Making connections between ecological appropriation, historical processes of resource extraction and marginalization, the paper finds that the extraction of fish resources in Goa is made productive through the hierarchization and differentiation of Adivasi workers. It reveals how the social relations of identity and caste mediate access to and define conditions of work at sea.

Epidemiological Risk Factors and Modelling Approaches for Risk Assessment of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Introduction and Spread: Methodological Review and Implications for Risk-Based Surveillance in Australia

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a vector-borne infection caused by the poxvirus lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) and is a serious disease of cattle, water buffalo, and banteng. While the disease has never occurred in Australia, it is regarded as a growing threat to the Australian cattle industry as there is on-going spread of the disease throughout Asia. The development of geospatial decision support tools, such as spatial epidemiological modelling, may assist in assessing areas at greater risk of this threat. To guide the design of disease modelling approaches to support future risk-based surveillance, existing LSDV epidemiological models need to be evaluated. In this study, we performed a literature review to evaluate existing LSDV epidemiological models, identify key risk factors for introduction and spread of LSDV, and consider previously adopted control strategies. The PRISMA guidelines were used to establish the processes for article selection and information extraction, and the PICO process was used to formulate search terms. From studies that met our inclusion criteria, we extracted information on LSDV epidemiological model structure and parameterisation, risk factors for LSDV transmission and spread, and biosecurity control strategies. The literature search retrieved a total of 402 articles from four databases, of which 68 were identified for inclusion in this review following screening. Of the 68 articles reviewed, 47 explored risk factors associated with LSDV transmission and spread, four explored risk factors of LSDV introduction, four explored existing surveillance strategies in LSD-free countries, and 14 presented epidemiological models. Our findings indicate that there are various risk factors for LSDV transmission in LSD endemic countries, including long-distance airborne movement of infected vectors such as stable flies and cattle movement between countries over land borders. Key risk factors for LSDV spread in LSD endemic countries include physical environmental characteristics, weather conditions, and population distributions of livestock and vectors. Our results indicate that while a variety of modelling studies have been conducted, the majority of studies experimentally explored LSD transmission mechanisms in vectors and cattle. Spatial and spatio-temporal models have primarily been developed for LSD endemic countries and focus on the spread of the disease in terms of environmental factors in relation to previous LSD events. There were very few studies on LSD-free countries, and these only focussed on risk of LSD introduction through specific entry pathways. This review did not identify any literature exploring the risk of spread of LSDV following introduction in LSD-free countries or geospatial modelling of the suitability of LSD-free countries for LSDV incursions. In conjunction with the risk parameters and models described in the identified literature, there is need to consider a wide range of risk factors specific to Australia to inform the design of risk-based surveillance for LSD in Australia.

Study of the synthetic silica functionalization effect on wettability of oxidized polypropylene film by plasma discharge

AbstractThis work describes the effect of functionalized silica, treated with organosilane (γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane), on the wettability loss of polypropylene (PP) film when exposed to surface oxidization treatment by atmospheric air plasma. The observed wettability loss results from the spontaneous process within the polymer matrix, which reduces surface energy, causing oxidized polymer molecules to move toward the bulk of the film. The effect of silica's functionalization on the initial wettability of oxidized PP film and its loss on storage time is measured by contact angle. Elemental analysis of the modified silica, employing acid catalytic processes, reveals the highest functionalization yield. Silicon nuclear magnetic resonance shows that the post‐condensation process negatively affects structures formed by the organosilane, eliminating three‐dimensional bonds and reverting it to its original and hydrolyzed state. The solvent extraction process and elemental analysis confirm that the concentration of organosilane in the chemically bonded layer, which was around 9 wt%, is not influenced by the post‐condensation treatment. Notably, silica functionalized with the highest concentration of organosilane has significantly improved initial wettability when oxidative treatment occurs within a shorter residence time (30 s), which achieved a contact angle of 53.8° against 59.1° for the film with untreated silica. However, the wettability loss rate of the materials remains unaffected by the presence of functionalized silica.

Interventions to Reduce Child Maltreatment: A Systematic Review with a Narrative Synthesis

AbstractChild maltreatment has been a prominent topic on the political agenda for the past decade. However, while there are several types of interventions that can potentially benefit the prevention of child maltreatment, uncertainties remain regarding the transferability of these interventions to different contexts and their overall impact. Consequently, we conducted a systematic review of intervention studies aimed at preventing child maltreatment. We searched for studies published between 2016 and 2021, using predefined keywords from various bibliographical databases including PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Social Care Online, Web of Science, and ASSIA. The initial literature search yielded 3221 studies based on titles and abstracts, after removing duplicates. Out of these, 251 studies were screened based on full texts, resulting in the selection of 56 studies that met our inclusion criteria and were retained for extraction and analysis. The screening and data extraction processes were conducted by at least two independent reviewers. Given the heterogeneity of the included studies, we performed a narrative synthesis and categorized the 56 studies based on intervention type, control condition, outcomes, effects and quality. The results indicated that most of the studies employed individual randomization, with the control group most often receiving treatment as usual. Home visiting programs and educational interventions emerged as the most prevalent types of interventions. The review also demonstrated that a significant number of the included studies reported positive effects on one or more outcomes, such as indicators of maltreatment, suboptimal parenting practices, and problematic child behaviors. While nearly one-third of the studies did not report an effect size, those that did reported varying types of effect sizes. Additionally, only a few studies met the assessed quality criteria.

Enhancing the bioactivity of Dunaliella salina extracts through ultra-high pressure supercritical fluid extraction (UHP-SFE)

Dunaliella salina is a green microalga known for its high carotene content, especially in β-carotene isomers, which are very interesting compounds due to their biological activity. The neuroprotective effect of β-carotene has been related to the potential prevention of multifactorial neurological pathologies. The use of green extraction processes to extract the carotenoids present in D. salina has generated a great advance in the production of carotenoid-enriched extracts. In this work, supercritical fluid extraction at ultra-high pressure (UHP-SFE) at semi-pilot scale has been evaluated for the first time for the extraction of β-carotene isomers from D. salina. The effect of the pressure was determined by an experimental design, and results showed that both the carotenoid extraction and the neuroprotective activity of the obtained extracts were maximum at 84.9 MPa. Therefore, UHP-SFE is presented as a more selective extraction process with a higher potential to generate enriched extracts with increased bioactivity than SFE procedures under moderate pressure conditions. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the use of the semi-pilot UHP-SFE process had a greener potential for the recovery of bioactive carotenoid-enriched extracts. Industrial relevanceThe industrial scaling-up of extraction processes is a current need. In this sense, in this work, the semi-pilot SFE process has been shown as a more automatic and safer process than the analytical scale. Additionally, the use of UHP in the SFE semi-pilot scale has allowed reducing the extraction time to half of the initial time obtaining higher extraction yields. The UHP-SFE extract provides enriched carotene products with increased neuroprotective activity with greater industrial performance. Therefore, this work becomes the starting point for achieving a high throughput β-carotene extract process at industrial scale.

Axisymmetric flow model of cannabis oil extraction of supercritical fluid extraction CO2 process

Supercritical fluid extraction using CO2 is a widely recognized method for purifying oil extracts. Understanding the extraction process is important for improving yields. While most research has focused on one-dimensional simulations, there is a need for three-dimensional models that better simulate real extraction behavior. This paper focuses on a two-dimensional axisymmetric model to study the complexities of three-dimensional extraction processes. The proposed mathematical and axisymmetric model describes the extraction of cannabis using a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) CO2 process. The COMSOL program was used to solve 2D axisymmetric and laminar flow dynamics within the extractor. The velocity was derived from the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equation was used in the mathematical model. A 2D mathematical and axisymmetric model was developed based on 1D Reverchon models, and it was validated using experimental data. The experimental data were used to determine one unknown parameter. The total mass transfer coefficient (K) was determined from the experimental results and integrated into computational model. Creating a computational model, meshing, and conducting a 2D axisymmetric simulation analysis of Cannabis sativa L. oil extraction. The proposed curve was computed using a numerical method and was adjusted iteratively to converge with the experimental data, verified by minimizing the Root Mean Square (RMS) error. The experimental data yielded a total mass transfer coefficient (K) of 1.0194 x 10-8 m/s, which was then used in the 2D axisymmetric simulation. The results of the axisymmetric simulation show the concentration distribution within the extractor. The predictions of the proposed numerical 2D solutions closely aligned with the experimental data. The concentration of oil in the axisymmetric results is in accordance with the velocity. The model used in the supercritical fluid extraction process is ideal for purifying extractions, especially for medical and pharmaceutical purposes. This model can be further developed into more complex process and new design extractor for achieving high performance extraction. The scientific community can benefit from the model that combines the Navier-Stoke equation and extraction equation. It can be used to improve extraction simulations for other extraction methods or supercritical fluid in different fields.

Energy-saving extractive distillation system using o-xylene as an entrainer for the high-purity separation of dimethyl Carbonate/Methanol azeotrope

The pressure-swing distillation traditionally used in the industry for separating dimethyl carbonate/methanol (DMC/MeOH) commonly suffers from high energy consumption and challenges in achieving high-purity separation due to the existence of pinch zone. Hence, energy-saving extractive distillation system is explored to achieve the high-purity separation of DMC/MeOH azeotrope. With the analyses of isovolatility and residue curve maps based on Wilson model calibrated by vapor–liquid equilibrium experimental data, an extractive distillation process using O-Xylene (OX) as the most suitable entrainer were modeled and validated by using extractive distillation experiment. Furthermore, the design, optimization, and comparison of a 10000 t/a DMC extractive distillation process and a pressure-swing distillation process are investigated. It is demonstrated that the extractive distillation process presents significant economic and emission advantage, specifically with 34.66 % and 26.95 % reductions in operating cost (OC) and in total annual cost (TAC) respectively, as well as 42.53 % reduction in CO2 emissions. This work should provide a feasible and promising approach to energy saving, low-carbon, and high-purity separation of DMC/MeOH azeotrope.

Comparison of Three Widely Employed Extraction Methods for Metabolomic Analysis of Trypanosoma brucei.

Trypanosoma brucei (Tb) is the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, which can be fatal if left untreated. An understanding of the parasite's cellular metabolism is vital for the discovery of new antitrypanosomal drugs and for disease eradication. Metabolomics can be used to analyze numerous metabolic pathways described as essential to Tb. brucei but has some limitations linked to the metabolites' physicochemical properties and the extraction process. To develop an optimized method for extracting and analyzing Tb. brucei metabolites, we tested the three most commonly used extraction methods, analyzed the extracts by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC LC-HRMS), and further evaluated the results using quantitative criteria including the number, intensity, reproducibility, and variability of features, as well as qualitative criteria such as the specific coverage of relevant metabolites. Here, we present the resulting protocols for untargeted metabolomic analysis of Tb. brucei using (HILIC LC-HRMS). © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Culture of Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasites Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of samples for metabolomic analysis of Trypanosoma brucei brucei Basic Protocol 3: LC-HRMS-based metabolomic data analysis of Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

High-efficiency stepwise recovery of gallium and rare earths from NdFeB waste by a hydrometallurgical process

NdFeB waste serves not only as a crucial resource for the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) but also as an underutilized source of gallium (Ga). In this work, to simultaneously extract REEs and Ga from NdFeB waste, an efficient and novel method was developed, which involved the process of leaching, reduction, solvent extraction, precipitation, and calcination. Initially, the Pr, Nd, and Ga were co-leached with 5 mol/L HCl and liquid-solid ratio (mL/g) of 5:1 at 90 °C for 150 min, resulting in the leaching rate of Pr, Nd, and Ga were 98 %, 99 %, and 98 %, respectively. Secondly, to mitigate the interference of Fe (III) on the extraction process, Fe (III) was reduced to Fe (II) completely using Fe powder for 10 min, given that the excess iron powder factor was 1.2. Then, the tributyl phosphate (TBP) was chosen as the extractant for Ga due to its high selectivity. Under the optimal conditions, three-stage counter-current extraction achieved an extraction efficiency of 99 % for Ga, with the addition of 10 % isodecanol to eliminate the third phase. The gallium was completely stripped by water at a phase ratio (O/A) of 2:1. Subsequently, di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid was selected as the Pr and Nd extractant because of its high separation ability between REEs and Fe (II). The extraction efficiency of Pr and Nd achieved more than 99 % through three-stage counter-current extraction and the entire stripping of Pr and Nd was realized by 1.8 mol/L HCl. Additionally, a significant amount of Fe (II) in the raffinate was treated via adding oxalic acid to obtain FeC2O4 ⋅ 2H2O. Finally, the Ga2O3 and Nd2O3 (PrO2) were prepared from the stripping solution. According to the whole process, the yield of Ga, Pr, and Nd was 93.4 %, 97 %, and 98 %, with the purity of Ga2O3 and Nd2O3 (PrO2) being 98.6 % and 98.4 %, respectively. The results suggested that the stepwise recovery of REEs and Ga from NdFeB waste can be achieved.

Kinetic parameter for scale-up and γ-oryzanol content of rice bran oil as antioxidant: Comparison of maceration, ultrasonication, pneumatic press extraction

Rice bran oil is one of oryzanol source oils. Oryzanol is an antioxidant compound that is related to the absorption of cholesterol, and is used in hyperlipidemia treatment and menopause problems. RBO extraction, purification and its γ-oryzanol content have been carefully reviewed. The quality and concentration of γ-oryzanol depend on the extraction process and purification. In selecting the extraction method to obtain the highest oryzanol content, in addition to comparing the concentration of oryzanol obtained and it can also be done by comparing the extraction kinetics parameters. Modeling according to physical or empirical kinetics can contribute in increasing the result of extraction. This study aims to determine the highest oryzanol content in rice bran oil, comparing several extraction methods and studies of rice bran oil extraction kinetic is necessary for scale up purposes. In this study is conducted Rice Bran Oil Extraction with n-Hexane solvent using several different methods, such as maceration, ultrasonication, and pneumatic press extractions. Independent variable that is used is the extraction time and yield as dependent variable. The study shows that the best extraction method to get the highest yield is 10.34 % by ultrasonicator and oryzanol content is 5.09 mg/g by a pneumatic press machine. According to kinetic parameter k2 is 0.001546, Cs is 0.0589, and h is 0.4707, R2 = 0.9715 obtained from extraction using ultrasonicator.

Non-destructive strategy to extract sustainable helix and high-strength Musa core fibers for rapid water conduction and evaporation

The reuse and development of natural waste resources is a hotspots and challenges in the research of new fiber materials and the resolution of environmental concern globally. Herein, this study aimed to develop a simple and direct manual extraction process to extract Musa core fibers (MCFs) for rapid water conduction and evaporation. Through simple processes such as ring cutting and stretching, this green and non-destructive inside-out extraction strategy enabled Musa fibers to be naturally and harmlessly degummed from natural Musa stems, with good maintenance of the fiber structure and highly helical morphology. The extracted fibers are composed of regularly and closely arranged cellulose nanofibrils in the shape of ribbon spirally arranged multi-filaments, and the single filament is about 2.65 μm. The high-purity fibers exhibit ultra-high tensile strength under a non-destructive extraction process, and the ultimate tensile strength in dry state is as high as 742.95 MPa. The tensile strength is affected by the number of fiber bundles, which shows that tensile strength and tensile modulus is higher than those of vascular bundle fibers in dry or wet condition. In addition, the MCFs membrane indicates good water conductivity, with a water absorption height of 50 mm for the sample in only 60 s. Moreover, the water evaporation rate of MCFs reaches 1.37 kg m−2 h−1 in 30 min, which shows that MCFs have excellent water conductivity and evaporation rate compared with ordinary cotton fibers. These results indicate that MCFs have great potential in replacing the use of chemical methods to extract fibers from vascular bundles, providing an effective way to achieve sustainability in quick-drying applications, as well as in the sustainable development of natural waste resources.

Investigation of oligomeric proanthocyanidins extracted from Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes using deep eutectic solvents and identified via data-dependent-acquisition mass-spectroscopy

In this study, 34 deep eutectic solvents were successfully prepared for the extraction of proanthocyanidin from Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes. The extraction process was optimized using single factor exploration and Box-Behnken design-response surface analysis. The extraction rate was significantly improved when the molar ratio of choline chloride to 1,3-propanediol was 1:3.5 and the water content was 30% (V/V) in deep eutectic solvents. AB-8 macroporous resin and ethyl acetate were used for separation and refining, and the oligomer-rich proanthocyanidin components were eventually obtained. The ultraviolet (UV) and infrared spectrometer (IR) spectra showed that the proanthocyanidins were mainly composed of catechin and epicatechin. To further clarify the chemical composition of proanthocyanidin, an ion scan list containing 156 proanthocyanidins precursors was obtained by constructing a proanthocyanidins structural library and mass defect filtering algorithm, combined with the Full mass spectrometry (MS)/dd-MS2 scan mode that turns on the “if idle pick others” function. By using Ultra high performance liquid chromatography & High-resolution mass spectrometer (UHPLC/Orbitrap MS), the analysis used both targeted and non-targeted methods to detect proanthocyanidins. Finally, 50 oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds were identified, including 7 monomers, 22 dimers, 20 trimers, and 1 tetramer, most of which were procyanidins of proanthocyanidins (84%), and a small amount of prodelphinidin (14%) and other types of proanthocyanidins (2%), which enabled the systematic characterization of proanthocyanidin components from Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes. Meanwhile, the comparison with the grape seeds oligomeric proanthocyanidins standard (United States Pharmacopoeia) revealed that the proanthocyanidins in Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes were more abundant, suggesting that the proanthocyanidins in Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizomes has promising applications.

Microscopic insights of phase-transition-induced vapor transport enhancement in porous media

Vapor transport in porous media, often associated with liquid-vapor phase change, is an fundamental process in many emerging underground energy storage and extraction processes (i.e., seasonal solar thermal aquifer storage, geothermal extraction, extraterrestrial in-situ water extraction). By jointly using experimental imaging and numerical modeling at the micro-scale, we conduct mechanistic pore scale investigation of capillarity-dominated phase change dynamics and its influence on vapor transport in partially saturated porous rock micromodel. Strongly linked to surface roughness and wettability condition, the capillarity hinders water vaporization from rock surface micro/nano-structures as observed under the environmental scanning electron microscope. By varying the contact angle of 0°, 60°, and 120°, the lattice Boltzmann simulation shows the wettability-dependent vaporization process of capillary-hold water, where pores with hydrophilic surfaces contains significantly more liquid water than that of the hydrophobic ones under the same temperature. When saturated vapor flows through rock porous patterns, capillarity further induces water condensation on the strongly water-wet surfaces. Water condensation, yet forming water bridges/islands and causing the blockage of vapor diffusion, enhances the vapor diffusion ability counterintuitively. The reduction of diffusion path is revealed as the main reason by assessing the local vapor pressure distribution before and after the pore filling by condensate. The findings support the debatable enhancement mechanisms postulated by Philip and de Vries. This work offers the insightful interfacial hydrodynamics of vapor transport in porous media and potentially provides operational guidance for geothermal applications and beyond.

Extraction Optimization, Structure Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharide from Sanghuangporus baumii

Introduction: In this study, we optimized the extraction process, analyzed the structure and assessed the antioxidant activity of Sanghuangporus baumii polysaccharide (SBP). The present results provide important information for the Sanghuangporus baumii polysaccharides in potential natural antioxidant effects. Background: The extraction and structural analysis of polysaccharides from Sanghuangporus has gained significant attention in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and life sciences. There is great significance in maximizing the extraction of polysaccharides from Sanghuangporus and developing their potential products in a scientific and rational manner. Objective: The study was designed to establish an efficient and practical extraction process for SBP, and then investigated the structure and the antioxidant activity. Methods: The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design was used to explore the ultrasound-assisted extraction of SBP, and the structure of SBP was studied by ultraviolet spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and other instrumental analysis methods. The total antioxidant capacity of SBP was studied by the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) method, and the scavenging capacity of ABTS+·, DPPH· and OH· was carried out as the index to investigate its antioxidant activity in vitro. Results: The statistical analysis results showed that the optimal conditions for extracting SBP were an ultrasound time of 20.74 min, ultrasound power of 268.40 W and material-liquid ratio of 1:25.71. Under optimal conditions, the experimental yield of SBP was 3.36 ± 0.01%. The RSM optimization process was applied to the experiment of complex enzyme extraction of SBP, and the yield increased to 4.72 ± 0.03%. Structural analysis showed that SBP mainly consisted of glucose, a small amount of mannose and galactose, and the molecular weight distribution was uneven, mainly concentrating in the three parts of 24.5,6.4,2.5 kDa. Moreover, SBP exhibited dose-dependent and strong reducing power and radical scavenging activity. For DPPH·, ABTS+· and OH· radical scavenging assays, IC50 values were 1.505 ± 0.050 mg/ml, 0.065 ± 0.036 mg/ml and 0.442 ± 0.007 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, a β-linked heteroglucan (SBP) was extracted using the optimized process combining enzymes from the fruiting bodies of Sanghuangporus baumii. SBP exhibited effective and dose-dependent antioxidant activities. Our findings were of great value in terms of developing polysaccharides with potential natural antioxidants.

Rapid screening of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from the waste leaves of Rheum tanguticum by activity-oriented extraction and enrichment optimization, UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, molecular docking and in vitro validation

In the present study, an efficient strategy has been established for rapid screening of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from the waste leaves of Rheum tanguticum by activity-oriented extraction and enrichment optimization, UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, molecular docking, and in vitro validation. With α-glucosidase inhibitory activity as the evaluation index, the extraction process was optimized by response surface methodology and the enrichment process by macroporous resins was optimized by adsorption and desorption experiments. The active flavonoids yield was 8.85 mg/g under the optimized extraction conditions. After AB-8 macroporous resins enrichment, the active flavonoids purity increased from 2.89 % to 47.6 %, a 17-fold increase, while the IC50 of α-glucosidase reduced from 13.97 mg/mL to 412 μg/mL, a 33.9-fold reduction. Thirty-six flavonoids in the active flavonoids fraction were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Molecular docking screening, in vitro activity assay and multispectral approaches verification confirmed the potential of six flavonoids as novel α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Alkaline solubilization of microalgal protein and its impact on the functional properties of protein extract

Microalgal alternative proteins are increasingly recognized as a sustainable and promising source for future food production. Despite the widespread use of alkaline solubilization in protein extraction, its influence on the functional properties of microalgal protein extracts has received limited attention. This study marks the pioneering effort to assess the impact of alkaline (NaOH) solubilization on both the extraction process and the functional properties of Chlorella vulgaris protein extract (CVPE) obtained through isoelectric precipitation. With the gradual escalation of alkaline concentration from 0 to 0.7 M, there was a notable improvement in protein extraction efficiency, increasing significantly from 6.22% to 56.23%. However, elevated NaOH concentrations resulted in protein degradation, as evidenced in SDS-PAGE studies. Alkaline solubilization exhibited a positive impact on various functional properties of CVPE. It enhanced solubility, water absorption capacity, foaming capacity and stability, as well as emulsifying activity and stability. However, there was a slight decrease in oil absorption capacity with increasing NaOH concentration. Notably, the maximum solubility, oil adsorption capacity, foaming capacity, and emulsion activity of CVPE were 2.3-, 1.8-, 2-, and 1.3-fold higher, respectively, than those of commercial soy protein isolate (SPI). This highlights the effectiveness of alkaline solubilization in in modifying C. vulgaris protein and emphasizes the high potential of CVPE as a functional food ingredient.