Gel Products Research Articles

A systemic study on the effect of egg white protein and isomalto‐oligosaccharide mixture on the functional and gelation properties of Culter alburnus myofibrillar protein during long‐term frozen storage

SummaryThe protective effects of egg white protein (EWP) and isomalto‐oligosaccharide (IMO) mixture (EWP/IMO, 1:1, m/m) on Culter alburnus myofibrillar proteins (Mfp) during long‐term frozen storage were systemically evaluated by comparing Mfp samples treated with EWP/IMO, IMO or EWP alone, using sample without any of them as blank control. After long‐term frozen storage, 1% IMO and 1% EWP/IMO were more effective than 1% EWP in reducing oxidative denaturation‐induced changes in functional groups and conformational sites of Mfp. Additionally, after frozen storage for 60 days, Mfp emulsion activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 1% IMO (20.68 m2 g−1 vs. 56.54%) and 1% EWP/IMO (18.47 m2 g−1 vs. 53.09%) than in 1% EWP (16.73 m2 g−1 vs. 45.98%) and blank control (15.16 m2 g−1 vs. 40.13%). Furthermore, Mfp gel strength was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 1% EWP/IMO (7.14 g cm−1) than in IMO (6.33 g cm−1), EWP (5.34 g cm−1) and blank control (4.58 g cm−1). Moreover, rheological test and LF‐NMR results showed that adding EWP/IMO could more effectively improve Mfp gel viscoelasticity and three‐dimensional gel network than adding EWP or IMO alone. This study provides a new theoretical perspective for applying EWP/IMO as a potential low‐temperature protective agent in protein‐based gel products.

Pembuatan Silika Gel dari Abu Sekam Padi dengan Pereaksi Asam Kuat dan Asam Lemah dengan Menggunakan Variasi Jumlah Abu Silikat

The Research has been carried out on the making of silica gel from rice husk ash with strong and weak acid reagents using variations in the amount of silicate ash as much as 50, 100, 200 and 300 grams by using hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid and citric acid as solvents. This study aims to obtain the effect of the type acid and variations in the amount silicate on the characteristics of silica gel products and as a method of applying adsorption to H 2 O. The silica gel test resulted from the yield test, water content, ash content, I 2 adsorption power, application of adsorption power to H 2 O and the best product test using FTIR. The more amount of silicate used will affect the quality of silica gel obtained from the results of testing and calculations, optimal result silica gel obtained with amount of silicate ash is 50 grams . The higher amount of silicate ash used, the results obtained will increase. Optimal results obtained from silica gel in hydrochloric acid with the amount of silicate ash 50 grams, where the yield is 17.86%, water content is 4%, ash content is 11% and I 2 adsorption power is 1218.24 mg/ g. The application of H 2 O adsorption power is obtained the more amount of silicate used, the higher H 2 O absorption results. Optimal results obtained from silica gel in hydrochloric acid with the amount of silicate ash 50 grams, where the adsorption power of H 2 O is 9.6 mL/g . And finally, the best product test using FTIR is hydrochloric acid and nitric acid.

Effects of ultrasound-assisted slightly acidic electrolyzed water thawing on myofibrillar protein conformation and gel properties of chicken breasts

The effects of air thawing, water thawing, slightly acidic electrolyzed water thawing, ultrasound-assisted water thawing (WUT) and ultrasound-assisted slightly acidic electrolyzed water thawing (EUT) on the myofibrillar protein conformation and gel quality of chicken breasts were investigated. In the EUT group, protein solubility was higher (52.43%) than other thawing groups, and particle size was 24.57% smaller than the control group. Gel of EUT and WUT groups had stronger elasticities than the control group. Gel whiteness level was not significantly different between the EUT and control group. Gel water holding capacity of the EUT group was 9.07% greater than the control group. Gel water distributions and mobilities of the EUT and WUT groups were closer to the control group. The gel of the EUT group had a compact and homogeneous network. In conclusion, EUT treatment effectively reduced conformation disruption and improved gel properties, which was conducive to producing gel products.

Synthesis and Properties of Exceptionally Thermo-Switchable Viscoelastic Responsive Zwitterionic Gemini Surfactants in Highly Saline Water.

Viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) have significant importance for stimulation of low-permeable reservoirs and acid diversion applications to effectively enhance hydrocarbon productivity. VESs offer lower residues, complete gel production, and lower formation damage that make them suitable candidates for hydraulic fracturing applications. In this research work, the synthesis of two new zwitterionic gemini surfactants 1 and 2 together with previously known amidosulfobutaine (C18AMP3SB) has been achieved. Evaluation of viscosity behavior of neat surfactants in CaCl2 solutions at varied temperatures and shear rates did not show any upsurge in their viscosities. Nevertheless, a mixture of surfactants 1 and 2 in combination with C18AMP3SB displayed a significant increase in viscosity, transforming the solution into a highly viscous gel. At a fixed shear rate of 35 s-1 and under different temperatures, solutions of the mixture of surfactants 1 and C18AMP3SB displayed viscosities ranging from 4.34 to 354.3 cPs (81-fold enhancement). Likewise, viscosities of formulations based on mixing 2 and C18AMP3SB under identical experimental conditions ranged from 3.89 to 290 cPs (74-fold enhancement). The viscofying stability tests at 90 °C at a shear rate of 35 s-1 of mixed surfactant formulations revealed no appreciable change in their viscosities for up to 1 h. Moreover, temperature-dependent experiments suggested an increase in the viscosity with an increase in temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that these surfactants are thermally stable, with no appreciable loss of mass up to 300 °C. The viscoelastic properties of these surfactants suggest their potential and utility in well stimulation for enhanced oil recovery.

Optimizing the Mechanical Performance and Microstructure of Alkali-Activated Soda Residue-Slag Composite Cementing Materials by Various Curing Methods

Aiming to promote further the application of alkali-activated soda residue-ground granulated blast furnace slag (SR-GGBS) cementing materials, this study explored the optimal curing method for enhancing mechanical performance. The optimal curing method was determined based on the development of compressive strengths at different curing periods and microstructural examination by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TG-DTG. The results show that the strength of cementing materials after room-temperature (RT) dry curing was the poorest, with the slow development of mechanical performance. The 7d and 28d compressive strengths were only 14.62 and 20.99 MPa, respectively. Compared with the values after RT dry curing, the samples’ 7d and 28d compressive strengths after RT water curing, standard curing, and RT sealed curing were enhanced by 16.35%/24.06%, 30.98%/23.77%, and 38.24%/37.97%, respectively. High-temperature (HT) curing can significantly improve the early strength of the prepared cementing materials. Curing at 60 °C for 12 h was the optimal HT curing method. Curing at 60 °C for 12 h enhanced the 3d strength by 100.84% compared with standard curing. This is because HT curing promoted the decomposition and aggregation of GGBS, and more C-A-S-H gel and crystal hydration products, including ettringite and calcium chloroaluminate hydrate, were produced and filled the inner pores, thereby enhancing both the overall compactness and mechanical performance. However, curing at too high temperatures for too long can reduce the material’s overall mechanical performance. After excess HT curing, many shrinkage cracks were produced in the sample. Different thermal expansion coefficients of different materials led to a decline in strength. The present study can provide a theoretical foundation for extensive engineering applications of alkali-activated SR-GGBS composite cementing materials.

Effects of various curing methods on the compressive strength and microstructure of blast furnace slag-fly ash-based cementitious material activated by alkaline solid wastes

The large-scale stacking of alkaline industrial solid wastes such as soda residue (SR) and calcium carbide residue (CCR) has caused serious environmental problems. Therefore, a new type of cementitious material was developed in our previous study by using SR-CCR synergistically activated blast furnace slag (BFS)-fly ash (FA), which abbreviated as SCBF. This paper further studied the effects of various curing methods on the compressive strength and microstructure of SCBF, which was expected to provide guidance for its application in the field of non-reinforced products such as baking-free brick. The results show that the optimal curing scheme was heat curing at 75 °C for 12 h. The optimal scheme significantly promoted an early hydration reaction and provided the 3d/28d strength values of 16.4/24.7 MPa, exceeding those of room-temperature (RT) sealed curing and water curing by 154/24.5 % and 264/31 %, respectively. Besides, the optimal scheme accelerated the formation of CSH gel, Hydrotalcite (6MgO·Al2O3·CO2·12H2O), Hydrocalumite (3CaO·Al2O3·CaCl2·10H2O), and other crystal products, as well as increased the consolidation rate of chlorine ion from 37.9 % (in RT sealed curing) to 64.3 %. These hydration products were evenly distributed, effectively filling the pores and reducing the macroporosity from 9.30 (in RT sealed curing) to 1.54 %, thus improving the early and later-age strength. Too high curing temperature (exceeding 75 ℃) or prolong heat curing period (exceeding 12 h) would cause microstructure deterioration, significantly increase the number of macropores and microcracks in the matrix, ultimately leading to strength retrogression.

Supply Chain Assessment of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Commodities in Ghana’s Private Sector Facilities, Wholesalers, and Retail Pharmacies

Background: The private sector in Ghana provides 50% of health services in the country yet there is limited information on the supply chain management of MNCH commodities in this sector. Aim: To understand how MNCH commodities are managed within the private sector. Method: A mixed methods approach was used to capture supply chain related data on a subset of MNCH commodities in the private sector. The sampling strategy included the selection of four regions (Ashanti, Greater Accra, Northern, and Upper East) in Ghana. Quantitative data on product management, availability, source, pricing and registration were collected from retail pharmacies, private health facilities and wholesalers. Additionally qualitative data on factors influencing supply decisions were collected from wholesalers. Results: The study showed that retail pharmacies and wholesalers were less likely to manage injectable products like gentamicin, magnesium sulphate and oxytocin as compared to private health facilities. At all three facility types, amoxicillin DT, chlorhexidine gel and ORS + zinc co-pack were the least managed products. The main reason for non-management of MNCH products was “low or no client demand”. Majority of MNCH products had at least half of the most prevalent brands registered. Regarding product pricing, the results showed lower NHIS prices for certain products compared to selling prices at retail pharmacies and health facilities. Ninety percent of all three facility types met at least half of the storage requirements; with 100% of wholesalers and 96% of health facilities storing oxytocin in a working refrigerator. However, 25% of retail pharmacies did not store oxytocin within the recommended temperature range of 2-8 degrees. Conclusion: The private sector is influenced by commercial factors, which could come at a high cost in terms of availability, accessibility, and affordability for individuals and families. There is the need to create a cost incentive that encourages the private sector to offer and improve access to critical MNCH commodities, including amoxicillin DT, ORS + zinc co-pack, chlorhexidine gel and injectable MNCH products. Keywords: Private sector, MNCH, Supply Chain, Wholesale pharmacies, Retail pharmacies

Seaweed Slurry Improved Gel Properties and Enhanced Protein Structure of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Surimi.

In order to improve the gel quality of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi, the texture and rheological properties and microstructure of silver carp surimi gel products were analyzed by adding Laminaria japonica (LJ), Undaria pinnatifida (UP) and Sargassum fusiforme (SF) slurries. After adding kelp slurry (KS), the gel strength reached the highest level of 1047.26 ± 85.04 (g·mm). The carbonyl content and surface hydrophobicity of surimi protein increased, while the free amino groups, total sulfhydryl groups, and fluorescence intensity decreased significantly. The results of transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), circular dichroic (CD), and Raman spectra showed that the KS promoted the change of the secondary structure of protein. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that kelp slurry had a more compact gel microstructure. In conclusion, the kelp slurry could significantly increase the gel strength, improve the quality of surimi products, enrich the nutrition of silver carp surimi, and have great significance for expanding the application range of seaweed.

Experimental Research on the Compression Property of Geopolymer Concrete with Molybdenum Tailings as a Building Material

This paper experimentally studied the effects of different molybdenum tailings (MoT) content, standard curing and 60 °C water curing conditions on the compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymers at different ages. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were applied to investigate the effect of the content of MoT and different curing conditions on the reaction products, microstructure and chemical composition of fly ash-based geopolymers. The results show that MoT content and curing conditions have synergistic effects on the compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymers. For standard curing, the increase in MoT content is detrimental to the development of compressive strength, and an obvious weak interfacial transition zone between MoT and the gel product is observed in specimen containing 40 wt% MoT; meanwhile, under water curing conditions, the compressive strength of geopolymers first increases and then decreases with the increase in MoT, and the 28-day compressive strength can reach 90.3 MPa when the content of MoT is 10 wt%. The SEM results show that the curing conditions have a great influence on the microstructure of the geopolymer matrix, and the microstructure of the specimens under the water curing conditions is smoother and denser, with fewer pores. EDS analyses show that the gel product constituting the geopolymer matrix is N(C)-A-S-H gel; MoT can participate in the reaction, and the mass ratio of Ca/(Si + Al) of N(C)-A-S-H gel increases with the increase in MoT, resulting in a decrease in compressive strength. In addition, the results of the FTIR confirm that water curing can increase the degree of crosslinks in the gel phase.

Engineering and micro-properties of alkali-activated slag pastes with Bayer red mud

• Red mud alleviates the flash setting phenomenon of AASR pastes. • Red mud exerted a positive effect on the compressive strengths of AASR pastes. • A proper amount of red mud enabled promoting alkali-activation of slag. • RM-donated alkali promoted the gel products formation of AASR pastes. In this study, we produced alkali-activated slag/red mud (AASR) pastes using sodium silicate as the alkali activator. The effects of Bayer red mud (RM) on the engineering and micro-properties of alkali-activated slag pastes were investigated. It was found that the decreased fluidity and the increased setting time of the fresh AASR pastes were achieved through the delayed gel coagulation of RM. The maximum compressive strength of the hardened AASR paste arrived at 89.93 MPa with an optimal proportion (i.e., R40S60). Furthermore, the increases in hydration heat peaks of AASR pastes were observed in some mixes (e.g., R20S80 and R40S60), which verified the appropriate amounts of RM enabled promoting the alkali-activated reaction of slag. Besides, the polymerization and hydration products (C-(N)-A-S-H gels and ettringite) of AASR pastes were elaborated through spectroscopic and micro-morphologic analyses.

Simultaneous effect of high intensity ultrasound power, time, and salt contents on gelling properties of silver carp surimi

Recently, the demand for salt-reduced products is rising. The objective of this study was to investigate the simultaneous effect of high intensity ultrasound (HIU) power (120–240 W), time (0–30 min), and salt (0–3.0 %) on the gelling properties of surimi gels through quadratic rotation orthogonal design. Results showed that the contribution to puncture properties was: salt > HIU time > HIU power. Moreover, low salt and HIU had a synergistic effect on the puncture properties of surimi gels by the formation of more non-disulfide covalent bonds. Furthermore, HIU induced formation of denser microstructures which decreased the mobility of free water of salt-reduced surimi gels. As a result, the water holding capacity significantly increased (P < 0.05). Likewise, the cooking loss of salt-reduced surimi gels (1 %) subjected to HIU decreased by 44.85 %, as compared to the control. In conclusion, HIU might be useful for the production of salt-reduced surimi gels.

Anti-bacterial effects of functional cosmetics containing silver ions (Ag+ ) on problematic toenails in Republic of Korea.

Problematic toenails caused by various diseases that are infected by various bacteria are discolored or deformed if left unattended for a long time are gradually increasing in modern society. Accordingly, the present study examines the anti-bacterial effects of LCN products, focused on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichophyton rubrum, which can appear in problematic toenail symptoms. After the treatment, a significant anti-bacterial effect occurring on problematic toenails when a product containing silver ion (Ag+ ) will be analyzed. The anti-bacterial activity of LCN functional gel products in anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial potency was confirmed by the paper disk method against two strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichophyton rubum). From July 2019 to October 2019, 30men and women in their 20s and 50s who needed to manage problematic toenails in Wonju city, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea, were asked to use LCN products once every two weeks. After 4months, changes in the managed toenails were observed. Both products showed very good anti-microbial activity against, Trichophyton rubum but a very weak one against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As a result of this study, although there was a difference between individuals, the feet treated with LCN products showed effective anti-bacterial activity against topical anti-bacterial effects.

Synergistic action of chloride and sulfate ions on the mechanical properties of cement-based materials by the experimental and molecular dynamics study

The effects of chloride content on the mechanical properties and erosion mechanism of sulfate eroded cement-based materials were studied by experiment and molecular simulation. The experimental results show that the compressive strength and flexural strength of cement-based materials first increase and then decrease with the increase of chloride salt concentration. Although the experiment generally indicated that salts affect the mechanical properties of cement-based materials, the reaction mechanism in nanoscopic is still unclarified. Here, we supplied a molecular insight into the reaction of salt attack gel products (CSH) through the reaction molecular dynamics simulation. Uniaxial tensile tests were carried out on CSH gel in Interchain, chain, and Inter-sheet chain directions, respectively. The simulation results show that the chloride salt concentration shows an interesting barrel effect on the three-direction uniaxial tensile results of the sulfate attack CSH. Moreover, chloride ions break the silicon chain, and then the silicon chain re-chain from another direction in process of stretching. The uniaxial tensile results of molecular simulation are consistent with the experimental results.

Probiotic supplement combined with topical therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate acne: results from an Italian single centre interventional study.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit resulting from different cofactors. The alteration of the skin microbiome has recently been revealed to play a role in acne pathogenesis. Concerns with side effects of available systemic treatment for acne resulted in a greater focus on topical therapies, such as topical azelaic acid which showed to be an effective and safe treatment option for acne. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new treatment protocol for acne based on an oral supplement composed of biotin and 3 strains of lactic ferments combined with a topical gel composed of azelaic acid, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, and α-hydroxy acids. An Italian single-center interventional study was performed enrolling patients suffering from mild-to-moderate-acne. Patients were treated with a supplement based on biotin and 3 strains of lactic ferments, combined with a topical gel product (azelaic-acid, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, and α-hydroxy acids). All enrolled patients were scheduled for a total of 2 visits, a baseline visit (V0) and a follow-up visit after 60 days of treatment (V1). A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study. Between V0 (baseline) and V1 (60 days), there was a reduction of 37.4% in the GAGS Score, 40.7% in the SEBUTAPEtm Score, and 18% in the TEWL Score, and an increment of 44% in the T-Blue Test Score. No cases of serious AEs were reported in our experience. Our results confirmed the promising therapeutic role of a probiotic supplement associated with topical therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

Aloe vera Rind Valorization to Improve the Swelling Capacity of Commercial Acrylic Hydrogels

Acrylic hydrogels have been used in agriculture to increase the availability of water in the soil; cause faster plant growth and increase plant survival to water stress; allow controlled release of fertilizers; and, therefore, increase crop yields. On the other hand, Aloe vera gel production generates a large amount of solid waste as cuticles, which is currently underutilized despite that it is a good source of cellulose nanofibers that could be used to improve the swelling capacity of commercial acrylic hydrogels. In this work, both morphology (SEM) and particle size (TEM) of the cellulose nanofibers obtained from A. vera cuticles by the acid hydrolysis method combined with ultrasound were analyzed; as well as the presence of functional groups (FITR) and thermal stability (TGA). Then, acrylic hydrogels were synthesized by the solution polymerization method, and nanofibers were added to these hydrogels at different concentrations (0% w w−1, 3% w w−1, 5% w w−1, and 10% w w−1). These concentrations had a nonlinear relationship with the swelling capacity, and the hydrogel reinforced at 3% cellulose nanofiber was chosen as the best formulation in this work, as this one improved the swelling capacity of hydrogels at equilibrium (476 g H2O g hydrogel−1) compared to the hydrogel without nanofiber (310 g H2O g hydrogel−1), while hydrogels with 10% nanofiber had a similar swelling capacity to the non-reinforced hydrogel (295 H2O g hydrogel−1). Therefore, cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogels with potential application in agriculture were developed in this work.

Influence of soybean dietary fiber with varying particle sizes and transglutaminase on soy protein isolate gel

In this study, soybean dietary fiber (DF) was used as nutritional supplement and gel enhancer in soy protein isolate (SPI) gels. The effects of DF particle sizes (100-mesh, DF100; 200-mesh, DF200), DF content and transglutaminase (TGase) addition on the gel properties of DF-enriched soy protein isolate (DSPI) gels were studied. The results showed that 10 % DF100 was beneficial for improving gel hardness (from 137.61 to 148.86 g), but caused the declined gel cohesiveness (from 0.87 to 0.80). with the use of 10 % DF200, the gel cohesiveness was improved from 0.80 to 0.83. However, the water holding capacity of DSPI gels containing DF200 was poor and the ionic and hydrogen bonds were reduced. When 20 % DF100 was added, the overall gel quality decreased. The effect of TGase depended on situations. When DF was well wrapped, the addition of TGase improved the textural property and the β-turn proportion (from 40.22 % to 42.88 %) of DSPI gels owing to the enhanced protein cross-linking. While when SPI was separated by excessive amount of DF, the addition of TGase caused the deteriorated gel properties because TGase-induced local protein aggregation destroyed the gel continuousness. This research will guide the rational application of DF in gel products.

Reaction kinetics, mechanical properties, and microstructure of nano-modified recycled concrete fine powder/slag based geopolymers

Nano-materials are increasingly being used as modified binder for improve the performance of cementitious materials. In this paper, nano-SiO2 and nano-Al2O3 were incorporated into the geopolymers formed by the mixture of construction solid waste (recycled concrete fine powder) and industrial solid waste (slag). The effects of the type and content of nanomaterials on the early reaction kinetics, physical and mechanical properties and microstructure of geopolymer composites were explored. Results show that the addition of nanomaterials mainly affected the dissolution stage of geopolymerization, played a nucleation effect and improved the reaction rate. The promotion effect of nano-Al2O3 was slightly greater than that of nano-SiO2. Based on the results of JMAK model, the formation of geopolymers composites was an one-dimensional heterogeneous nucleation control reaction, which followed a plate-like structure thickening mechanism. The addition of nanomaterials shortened the setting time. The incorporation of nano-Al2O3 was beneficial to improve the fluidity of geopolymer. Furthermore, the addition of the two nanomaterials could improve the compressive strength of geopolymers. The compressive strength tended to first increase and then decrease with increasing nano-SiO2 or nano-Al2O3 content. The optimal mixing ratio of nano-silica and nano-alumina were 1.2% and 1.6% respectively, and the 28-day compressive strengths were both 59.05 MPa, which were 23.35% higher than that without nano-materials. XRD and SEM-EDS analysis indicate that the incorporation of nanomaterials had no impact on the type of final products, but increased their number, particularly calcium-based gel products. The internal structure of geopolymer with nanomaterials was more dense and uniform than that without nanomaterials. The MIP observed that the addition of the two nano-materials reduced the porosity in the matrix, the number of macropores and the pore fractal dimension. The pore fractal dimension of geopolymer was negatively correlated with the compressive strength.

Effect of Ultrafine Fly Ash and Water Glass Content on the Performance of Phosphorus Slag-Based Geopolymer.

Phosphorus slag (PS), an industrial waste slag, has been used in geopolymers because it is rich in silicon and calcium. The poor performance of phosphorus slag-based geopolymer is due to its aluminum deficiency. In this work, low-calcium fly ash, treated by a wet-grinding process, named wet-grinding ultrafine fly ash (WUFA) was used as an Al supplement to replace some of the phosphorus slag, and the wet-grinding, ultrafine fly ash-phosphorus slag (WUFA-PS)-based geopolymer was prepared. The effects of the substitution amount of WUFA and the activator dosage on the hydration properties, mechanical properties, pore structure and SEM of the WUFA-PS geopolymer were discussed in detail. The results indicate that WUFA and more activators contribute to the Al and high alkalinity environment, which positively induces the production of more geopolymer gels, thus releasing more heat and optimizing the pore structure of the matrix. The compressive strength increased by up to 28.1%. The enhanced performance of the WUFA-PS-based geopolymer may also arise from the filling effect and activity improvement of WUFA. This study has proved the feasibility of preparing a geopolymer by blending wet-grinding ultrafine fly ash and phosphorus slag and has provided references for the ratio and performance evaluation of WUFA-PS-based geopolymer concrete.

Mixing plant-based proteins: Gel properties of hemp, pea, lentil proteins and their binary mixtures

One of the challenges in substituting dairy products by alternative proteins is that the properties of mixed protein gels cannot necessarily be predicted by those of single protein gels, whereas the need of mixing is often driven by nutritional aspects. However, mixing plant proteins could also open a door to new textures.The main goal of this study was to investigate the impact of binary mixing of hemp (H), yellow pea (P), and brown lentil (L) protein concentrates/isolates on their gel and water-holding properties. Dispersions of reconstituted proteins and mixtures thereof were gelled using glucono-δ-lactone (GDL), transglutaminase (TG), and temperature (T) at a protein content of 12% (w/w).Mixtures of pea and lentil proteins showed gel strengths for TG- and T-induced gels that are proportional to the ratio of the mixture constituents (linear mixing behavior), whereas synergistic effects were observed for GDL-induced gelation. In contrast, all mixtures containing hemp exhibited a non-linear mixing behavior for the three gelation methods, usually resulting in lower gel strengths compared to theoretically expected values.The study showed that mixing plant-based proteins of different protein sources can lead to very different mixing behaviors in terms of gel properties, showing either a reinforcing, an indifferent or a weakening effect compared to the theoretically expected properties. The results can help developing more targeted plant protein-based soft gel products such as yogurt alternatives with specific techno-functional properties, while adjusting the nutritional characteristics.

Thermal aggregation behavior of egg white protein and blue round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) myofibrillar protein.

In the present study, egg white protein (EWP) and myofibrillar protein (MP) were mixed in different ratios (0/100, 10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50, 100/0 for EWP/MP) and subjected to unheated, preheated (40°C/30min), two-step heated (40°C/30min, 90°C/20min), and one-step heated (90°C/20min) treatments to study the thermal aggregation of the two proteins. Their aggregation behavior was characterized by turbidity, active sulfhydryl, degree of protein cross-linking, protein characteristic spectra, and microscopic morphology. The results indicated that for the mixed protein system composed of EWP and MP, the mixed protein aggregation volume was larger and regular at an EWP/MP of 30/70, when the degree of cross-linking was best. When the ratio of EWP/MP was 50/50, the aggregate-protein interaction was dominant, and the excess EWP acted as a barrier to cross-linking and wrapped around the surface of the aggregates to form larger aggregates. Comparing the two-step heated and one-step heated conditions, the former is superior. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The combination of egg white protein and myofibrillar protein can provide a theoretical reference for the protein content in surimi products, and moderate addition has an enhancing effect on surimi protein cross-linking and promotes gel formation. Excessive addition will form aggregates outside the egg white protein wrapping phenomenon, and the quality of surimi gel products will be affected.