Mixture Of Glycerol Research Articles

A unique global metabolic trait of Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86T: metabolism of aromatics over simple carbon sources and co-metabolism with organic acids.

Hierarchical utilization of substrate by microbes (utilization of simple carbon sources prior to complex ones) poses a major limitation to the efficient remediation of aromatic pollutants. Aromatic compounds, being complex and reduced in nature, appear to be a deferred choice as the carbon source in the presence of a plethora of simple organic compounds in the environment. The soil bacterium Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86T displays a unique carbon source utilization hierarchy. It preferentially utilizes aromatics over glucose and co-metabolizes them with succinate or pyruvate (Basu et al., 2006, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 72 : 22226-2230). In the present study, the substrate utilization hierarchy for strain CSV86T was tested for additional simple carbon sources such as glycerol, acetate, and tri-carboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates like α-ketoglutarate and fumarate. When grown on a mixture of aromatics (benzoate or naphthalene) plus glycerol, the strain displayed a diauxic growth profile with significantly high activity of aromatic utilization enzymes (catechol 1,2- or 2,3-dioxygenase, respectively) in the first-log phase. This suggests utilization of aromatics in the first-log phase followed by glycerol in the second-log phase. On a mixture of an aromatic plus organic acid (acetate, α-ketoglutarate or fumarate), the strain displayed a monoauxic growth profile, indicating co-metabolism. Interestingly, the presence of glycerol, acetate, α-ketoglutarate or fumarate does not repress metabolism/utilization of the aromatic. Thus, the substrate utilization hierarchy of strain CSV86T is aromatics=organic acids>glucose/glycerol, which is unique as compared to other Pseudomonas species, where degradation of aromatics is repressed by glycerol, glucose, acetate or organic acids, including TCA cycle intermediates. This novel substrate utilization hierarchy appears to be a global metabolic phenomenon in strain CSV86T, thus implying it to be an ideal host for metabolic engineering as well as for its potential application in bioremediation.

Preparation of green film with improved physicochemical properties and enhanced antimicrobial activity using ingredients from cassava peel, bamboo leaf and rosemary leaf

Persistent petroleum based plastic polymers are posing a threat to the environment and human health. Hence, preparation of eco-friendly packaging materials from natural sources is innovative idea to replace persistent plastic films. However, biodegradable films from biomass absorb water that can promote bacterial growth and affect lifetime of film as well as the packed products. In this work, new biodegradable film with improved antimicrobial activity, physicochemical property and less water absorbing and holding property is prepared from modified blend of cassava peel starch (CPS), silica nanoparticle (SNP), glycerol plus rosemary essential oil (REO). The mixture (blend) of CPS, SNPs and glycerol in measured amount of distilled water was treated with acetic anhydride to reduce hydrophilic nature of the blend before adding REO. The content of SNPs in the biofilm was optimized by varying the concentration of SNPs (0.2–0.8%; w/w) keeping other factors constant. Based on the characterization results, the physicochemical property of the biofilms was dependent on the content of SNPs and the best result (film) has been found with 0.6% SNPs which was considered as optimum amount for further experiments. The film prepared from modified blend with 0.6% SNP had shown low water absorption, low water vapor transition rate, improved thermal stability, and less biodegradability. Based on the image from profilometer, the modified blend had shown better homogeneity with REO than unmodified blend and the film with REO had shown better antimicrobial activity as compared to the film without REO (control). The antimicrobial activity of the film with REO was also compared with reference (gentamicin) and its activity was comparable and promising. In general, the prepared film had shown improved physicochemical properties and enhanced antimicrobial activity.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ АНАТОМИЧЕСКОГО СТРОЕНИЯ КОРНЕЙ МАЛИНЫ ОБЫКНОВЕННОЙ (RUBUS IDAEUS L.)

Abstract. Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Rosaceae is a perennial semi-shrub. Raspberry fruits are used in medicine as a diaphoretic. Underground organs are also of interest for medical use, thanks to the history of use in folk medicine and scientific research data. It is important not only to study the chemical composition, pharmacological action, but also to determine the authenticity of raw materials. The aim of the work was to determine the diagnostic signs of raspberry roots. Samples of raspberry roots were harvested on the territory of the Ilyinsky district of Perm Krai in the blueberry spruce forest. The material for the study was previously fixed in a mixture of glycerin - water - ethyl alcohol for 3 days. Cross-sections were made from the prepared materials. The micro-preparations were examined in a solution of chloral hydrate, and they were also stained with phloroglucin and Lugol's solution. When studying the cross-section of the raspberry root, it was found that the root has a secondary structure. The covering tissue is the periderm. Parenchymal cells of the phelloderm contain starch grains. Conducting system of non-ductile structure. The phloem has a typical structure for angiosperms and is located in a solid ring. The secondary xylem is represented by large vessels that surround the sclerenchyme. During the study, the following anatomical diagnostic signs of raspberry roots were established: the root has a secondary non–bulky structure, stony cells and idioblast - druze cells were found in the phelloderm. The established anatomical diagnostic features can be used in the development of normative documentation for raw materials, as well as to establish the authenticity of raspberry roots.

Fish-Waste-Derived Gelatin and Carbon Dots for Biobased UV-Blocking Films.

The fish industry produces every year huge amounts of waste that represent an underutilized source of chemical richness. In this contribution, type I collagen was extracted from the scales of Mugil cephalus and carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from the scales of Dicentrarchus labrax. These materials were combined to make hybrid films with UV-blocking ability, by casting a mixture of gelatin, glycerol (15%), and CDs (0, 1, 3, and 5%). The films were fully characterized from the mechanical, morphological, and optical point of view. Here, 40 μm thick films were obtained, characterized by a high water solubility (70%); moreover, the presence of CDs improved the film mechanical properties, in particular increasing the tensile strength (TS) up to 17 MPa and elongation at break (EAB) up to 40%. The CDs also modulated water vapor permeability and the thermal stability of the films. From the optical point of view, with just 5% loading of CDs the films blocked almost 70% of the UV radiation with negligible change in transparency (88.6% for the nonloaded vs 84.4% for 5% CDs) and opacity (1.32 for nonloaded vs 1.61 for 5% CDs). These types of hybrid biobased films hold promise for the production of sustainable UV-shields both for human health and for prolonging the shelf life of food.

A dielectric spectroscopy study of deep eutectic mixtures of glycerol and hydroxyl ammonium chloride in liquid and glassy states

This paper reports the molecular dynamic study of ionic deep eutectic (DE) mixtures prepared by mixing glycerol (Gly) with hydroxyl ammonium chloride (HACL). Here, the dielectric relaxation spectroscopy over wide ranges of frequency (10−1-107 Hz) and temperature (193–323 K), was employed to access the dynamic observables in liquid and glassy states. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that HACL and Gly are associated via the formation of hydrogen bonds between their functional groups. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that a glass transition temperature slightly changes compared to that of pure Gly. It is worth mentioning that, at low frequencies, where α-relaxation process occurs, electrode polarization and dc conductivity affect the dielectric spectra of both neat and binary DE mixtures. The shape and intensity of the α-process are highly affected, while it is completely masked at higher concentrations due to the predominance of dc conductivity. Further, the dc conductivity of Gly abruptly increased by about 3 orders of magnitude upon adding only 1.5 wt.% HACL due to an increase in both mobility and concentrations of the introduced free ions. With further increase of HACL, it increases at a relatively low rate. Interestingly, the excellent electrical properties of the binary mixture of 1.5 wt.% HACL make it promising candidate in potential applications in the renewable energy field and energy storage devices.

Reynolds Stress Tensor Measurements In A Shear-Thinning Fluid Using Magnetic Resonance Velocimetry: A Parameter Study With The FDA Benchmark Nozzle

Compared to refractive index matching in laser optical measurement techniques, magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) is assumed to be comparatively robust to changes in fluid composition when the principal components of the mixture provide a measurable MRI signal. In previous studies, MRV measurements were performed with different mixtures of water and glycerol, and no significant errors arose regardless of the mixing ratio. MRV is therefore proposed as a promising method for providing experimental data for a wide range of fluids that may also replicate different viscosity models. However, MRV can suffer from so-called chemical shift artifacts caused by slight variations in resonance frequency of differently bound hydrogen protons. These effects may arise when additional components are added to the flow medium. In this study, the ability of MRV to measure different flow mixtures is investigated. The long-term goal is to provide comprehensive experimental validation data for viscosity models in numerical simulations. Measurements were performed in stationary fluid samples as well as in flow measurements at the sudden expansion of the FDA benchmark nozzel. It is shown that MRV can provide reliable results for a Newtonian fluid and a shear-thinning fluid.

About this Issue

This BrJAC issue starts with an interview with Edenir R. Pereira Filho, an Associate Professor at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). His research spans multiple sectors, including spectroanalytical methods for direct solid sample analysis, especially electronic waste. He is also an expert in designing experiments using chemometric tools and has a YouTube channel to share his research group´s contributions. He finished his pleasant interview with an important comment: “Treat your students with special care.”. The point of view shows an interesting and relevant discussion on the limit of detection (LOD) and the use of significant digits. The author’s conclusion is clearly stated: “The LOD must be reported with a single digit, which is significant but uncertain”. I completely agree with such a claim and reinforce that as scientists that handle numbers, we have to be aware that all measurements contain some kind of uncertainty, and significant figures show us what that uncertainty is. Nanomaterials have been increasingly studied for medical applications, and one crucial aspect that has drawn attention is the safety concerns of handling and using nanoparticles. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Accordingly, the letter presents a thorough discussion on nanostructured materials and provides an update on the challenges associated with nanomaterials production with a focus on nanomedicine. Analytical chemistry has always been associated with the needs of society, and two reviews address issues involving environmental analysis. One of them gives an overview of arsenic speciation methods and the challenges represented by contamination in soil, water, and food supplements. The other reports the analysis of compounds using minimal or no sample preparation. Such an approach includes the development of less invasive and more continuous testing, resulting in devices that cover the trend of point-of-care (POC) analysis. Two exciting articles have been included in this BrJAC issue. The first reports on the synthesis, characterization, and application of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks for adsorption processes. The authors have demonstrated that their material presents excellent adsorption capacity and can be successfully employed to remove arsenic species from aquatic environments. The other article describes a thorough study on a cost-effective sorbent (a lignin-based bio-alkyd resin) prepared from the reaction between oxidized lignin with a mixture of palmitic acid and glycerol. Molybdenum (in the form of a Mo/thiocyanate complex) can be selectively extracted from complex samples (mice liver, pharmaceuticals, water, and fertilizer samples) for further spectrophotometric detection with enhanced sensitivity. As for technical notes, the issue presents two attractive studies. The first shows how the combination of threshold QTOF-MS measurements and quantum-chemical calculations allows for the understanding of the increased stability of sodiated sucralose compared to the protonated one. Neodymium and praseodymium can be found in permanent magnets at very low levels, and a method to determine both metals with high accuracy and precision is presented in the other work. It is exciting to see the growing interest of researchers worldwide for BrJAC, as shown in this issue. The articles reveal that analytical chemistry is a long-standing example of an interdisciplinary approach to scientific research, pushing the field into emerging topics of societal importance.

Assessment of inhalation toxicity of cigarette smoke and aerosols from flavor mixtures: 5-week study in A/J mice.

Most flavors used in e‐liquids are generally recognized as safe for oral consumption, but their potential effects when inhaled are not well characterized. In vivo inhalation studies of flavor ingredients in e‐liquids are scarce. A structure‐based grouping approach was used to select 38 flavor group representatives (FGR) on the basis of known and in silico‐predicted toxicological data. These FGRs were combined to create prototype e‐liquid formulations and tested against cigarette smoke (CS) in a 5‐week inhalation study.Female A/J mice were whole‐body exposed for 6 h/day, 5 days/week, for 5 weeks to air, mainstream CS, or aerosols from (1) test formulations containing propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerol (VG), nicotine (N; 2% w/w), and flavor (F) mixtures at low (4.6% w/w), medium (9.3% w/w), or high (18.6% w/w) concentration or (2) base formulation (PG/VG/N). Male A/J mice were exposed to air, PG/VG/N, or PG/VG/N/F‐high under the same exposure regimen. There were no significant mortality or in‐life clinical findings in the treatment groups, with only transient weight loss during the early exposure adaptation period. While exposure to flavor aerosols did not cause notable lung inflammation, it caused only minimal adaptive changes in the larynx and nasal epithelia. In contrast, exposure to CS resulted in lung inflammation and moderate‐to‐severe changes in the epithelia of the nose, larynx, and trachea. In summary, the study evaluates an approach for assessing the inhalation toxicity potential of flavor mixtures, thereby informing the selection of flavor exposure concentrations (up to 18.6%) for a future chronic inhalation study.

Study of vitamin D3 formulation prepared by phytosolve technique and its effect on CTRP6 gene expression in PCOS model

IntroductionAccording to previous studies, vitamin D3 can be helpful in treating PCOS. However, its low solubility and bioavailability decelerate treatment and increase the required dose. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of PhytoSolve formulation in increasing vitamin D3 solubility and improving PCOS treatment. MethodsThe PhytoSolve formulation contained a mixture of lipid S75, glycerol, and MCT oil, which were prepared using a probe sonicator. In this study, 36 female NMRI mice were allocated to six groups: sham, PCOS model, control, PhytoSolve formulation, vitamin D3-containing PhytoSolve formulation and vitamin D3. DHEA was injected to induce the PCOS model. Vitamin D3 was administered by gavage for one week from day 13, after which serum samples were collected to examine CTRP6 gene and protein expression and determine the serum vitamin D3 concentration. ResultsThe mean particle size in the PhytoSolve formulation was 71.10 ± 1.100 nm; after 120 h, the release rate of vitamin D3 from the PhytoSolve formulation was 91.5%. Based on the results, the CTRP6 gene and protein expression were significantly reduced in the VD3-containing PhytoSolve group compared to the vitamin D3 group (P < 0.05). ConclusionBased on the present findings, vitamin D3 loaded in the PhytoSolve formulation was more effective in the treatment of PCOS compared to its suspension form. Therefore, is suggested to use the PhytoSolve formulation as an effective delivery system for drugs with low solubility and bioavailability.

Effects of urea and glycerol mixture on morphology and molecular mobility in thermoplastic starch/montmorillonite-type nanofiller composites studied using XRD and NMR

Effects of urea and glycerol mixture on morphology and molecular mobility in thermoplastic starch/montmorillonite-type nanofiller composites studied using XRD and NMR

A systematic study of lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) prepared from wheat straw by varied acid pretreatments

Due to the complex and recalcitrant structure of the cell wall, the current process of lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) preparation directly from lignocellulosic biomass presents environmental pollution, large consumption of energy and chemicals, and low economic efficiency. In the previous research, we successfully prepared LCNF from wheat straw. However, the mechanism of different acids with small quantities in the pretreatment of lignocellulose during the preparation of LCNF is unrevealed. Herein, we select six organic and inorganic acids to pretreat wheat straw combined with glycerol swelling and mechanical action to directly prepare LCNF from wheat straw. The chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal performances of LCNF are systematically investigated. Furthermore, the acidity of different reaction systems (glycerol and glycerol mixture containing varied acids) is evaluated to reveal the potential relationship between the performance of LCNF and varied acids with small quantities. The obtained H2SO4-LCNF film possesses good mechanical performances (the specific tensile stress of 78.4 KN m/kg and specific Young's modulus of 6.0 MN m/kg). Overall, we hope this work could offer theoretical guidance for the large-scale production of LCNF directly from lignocellulosic biomass by varied acid pretreatments.

Preparation and properties of jute stick particleboard using citric acid–glycerol mixture as a natural binder

The application of citric acid and glycerol as natural binder was investigated for the manufacturing of jute stick particleboard in this study. The effects of citric acid content (0–30 wt%), citric acid and glycerol mixture (ratio of CA–G), and pressing temperatures on the properties of jute stick particleboard were investigated. Citric acid-bonded jute stick particleboard had good mechanical properties and dimensional stability when citric acid concentration was 20 wt% at pressing temperature of 200 °C. By addition of glycerol concentration (40/60), the properties were further increased. The modulus of rupture (MOR) and thickness swelling (TS) values of CA–G (40/60) bonded jute stick particleboard were 19.67 N/mm2 and 9%, respectively, which satisfy the minimum requirement for type-18 of particleboard JIS A 5908 (2003). FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of ester linkage by polymerization reaction between carboxyl groups and alcohol groups. Citric acid and glycerol polymer reacted with jute stick particles and produced cross-linked networks with enhanced properties, hence improved the adhesiveness during particleboard production. It could be concluded that citric acid and glycerol mixture can be a potential natural binder for the production of jute stick particleboard.

Process Optimization and Stability of Waste Orange Peel Polyphenols in Extracts Obtained with Organosolv Thermal Treatment Using Glycerol-Based Solvents

This study was focused on the simultaneous organosolv treatment/extraction of waste orange peels (WOP) for the effective recovery of polyphenolic antioxidants. The treatments were performed with aqueous glycerol mixtures, which were acidified either with citric acid or hydrochloric acid (HCl). Process optimization was carried out using response surface methodology and comparative appraisal of the different processes tested, based on both the extraction efficiency factor (FEE), severity factor (SF) or combined severity factor (CSF). Metabolite stability was also of major concern, and it was examined by deploying liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results drawn suggested 90% (w/w) glycerol to be the highest-performing system, providing a yield in total polyphenols of 44.09 ± 5.46 mg GAE g−1 DM at 140 °C for 50 min, with a FEE of 2.20 and an SF of 2.88. Acidification with 1% citric acid was proven less efficient and equally severe, whereas acidification with 1% HCl was less severe but also less efficient. The major disadvantage associated with the use of HCl was its detrimental impact on the polyphenolic composition of WOP since major metabolites, such as narirutin, hesperidin and didymin, did not survive the process. By contrast, the formation of lower molecular weight compounds was observed. With regard to antioxidant properties, the extract obtained with aqueous glycerol displayed significantly higher antiradical activity and reducing power, which was in line with its higher concentration in total polyphenols. It was concluded that organosolv treatment with aqueous glycerol under the conditions employed may boost polyphenol recovery from WOP, thus giving extracts with powerful antioxidant characteristics.

Systems Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia coli Coculture for De Novo Production of Genistein.

Genistein is a plant-derived isoflavone possessing various bioactivities to prevent aging, carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative and inflammation diseases. As a typical complex flavonoid, its microbial production from sugar remains to be completed. Here, we use systems metabolic engineering stategies to design and develop a three-strain commensalistic Escherichia coli coculture that for the first time realized the de novo production of genistein. First, we reconstituted the naringenin module by screening and incorporating chalcone isomerase-like protein, an auxiliary component to rectify the chalcone synthase promiscuity. Furthermore, we devised and constructed the genistein module by N-terminal modifications of plant P450 enzyme 2-hydroxyisoflavanone synthase and cytochrome P450 enzyme reductase. When naringenin-producing strain was cocultivated with p-coumaric acid-overproducing strain (a phenylalanine-auxotroph), two-strain coculture worked as commensalism through a unidirectional nutrient flow, which favored the efficient production of naringenin with a titer of 206.5 mg/L from glucose. A three-strain commensalistic coculture was subsequently engineered, which produced the highest titer to date of 60.8 mg/L genistein from a glucose and glycerol mixture. The commensalistic coculture is a flexible and versatile platform for the production of flavonoids, indicating a promising future for production of complex natural products in engineered E. coli.

Evaluation of a Lignin Bio-alkyd Resin for the Selective Determination of Molybdenum in Biological, Pharmaceutical, Fertilizer and Water Samples

A lignin-based bio-alkyd resin (LA-Resin) was synthesized by the polycondensation reaction of lignin with a mixture of palmitic acid and glycerol. The LA-Resin was characterized using many techniques, including scanning electron microscope, FTIR, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. LA-Resin was proven to have graphitized structures with enhanced surface functional groups, showing a slightly basic character (pHZCP = 7.8). It has a relatively better cation exchange capacity (0.70 mmol g-1) in addition to the ability for physical adsorption. The performance of LA-Resin was assessed for the uptake of molybdenum (Mo), followed by spectrophotometric determination, applying both batch and column techniques. Elevated sorption percentages of Mo were observed in acidic medium H2SO4 (1.5 mol L-1) in the presence of ascorbic acid (0.050 mol L-1) and NH4SCN (0.10 mol L-1). The method was successfully applied to the separation and determination of Mo in mice liver, pharmaceuticals, water and fertilizer samples. Validation showed good recovery (96.6-99.6%), sensitivity (LOD, 0.9-4.0 μg L-1), repeatability (RSD% ≤1.5%) and linearity (R2 = 0.984), demonstrating a good quantitative performance of the method. Mo in all investigated samples regardless of different matrices were well-separated and detected, indicating that the method is sensitive enough to detect low concentrations of Mo even in small samples such as mice liver.

Development of safe technology of obtaining fatty acid monoglycerides using a new catalyst

Fatty acid monoglycerides are a valuable component of the products of various industries. The emulsifying ability of monoglycerides is used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food production. The process of fatty acid monoglycerides obtaining by the reaction of vegetable hydrogenated fat (salomas) with glycerol (glycerolysis method) has been studied. Potassium glycerate is used as a catalyst, which is characterized by high efficiency and safety of production and use. A feature of the work is the study of the dependence of the yield and melting point of monoglycerides on the technological parameters of glycerolysis. As a raw material, hydrogenated refined fat according to DSTU 5040 (CAS Number 68334-28-1) was used: melting point – 48 °C, mass fraction of moisture and volatile substances – 0.08 %, acid value – 0.25 mg KOH/g, peroxide value – 2.8 ½ O mmol/kg. In all experiments, the glycerolysis temperature was 180 °C, the catalyst concentration – 0.5 % in terms of metal. Rational conditions for glycerolysis were determined: duration (90 min.) and glycerol concentration (50 %). Under these conditions, the monoglycerides yield was 32.9 %, melting point – 61.5 °C. The mass fraction of free glycerol in monoglycerides was 1.0 %, acid value – 2.2 mg KOH/g. The efficiency of monoglycerides obtaining using potassium hydroxide and glycerol mixture as a catalyst under certain rational conditions has been studied. The monoglycerides yield of 30.1 %, melting point of 59 °C were obtained. Therefore, the use of potassium glycerate catalyst is more efficient. The results of the study make it possible to improve the technology for the production of fatty acid monoglycerides using a new catalyst and use resources rationally

Significant Differences in the Value of the Void Fraction in Various Types of Low-Viscosity Two-Phase Flow Patterns in Capillary Tubes with a Particular Slope

A two-phase flow is the simplest form of multi-phase flow. Two-phase flow has basic parameters, including flow behavior, flow pattern, void fraction, pressure gradient, or pressure drop. The development and application of fluid flow in small channels (mini and micro) are in the Micro Electromechanical System (MEMS). In general, the application of two-phase flow can be found in various applications in the industrial world, such as boilers, cores, and steam generators in nuclear reactors, petroleum transportation, electronic cooling, and different other types of chemical reactors. One of the most common challenges is void fractions and flow patterns in horizontal and vertical pipelines. The purpose of this study was to find out the significant difference in the characteristic value of fundamental parameters, primarily void fractions and flow patterns that occur in capillary pipes with a slope of 15o to horizontal. The fraction value and shape of this flow pattern are essential because it determines the pressure drop value, which means determining the level of danger that can occur if the pressure drop value reaches the extreme value. The fluid used a mixture of air-water and glycerin with 0, 10, 20, and 30% concentrations. To determine the void fraction is used digital image processing method with MATLAB R2014a application. A 1200 fps high-speed camera and 640 x 480-pixel resolution are used for video shooting. The experiment was conducted at superficial gas (JG) velocities of 0.025 - 66.3 m/s and superficial fluid velocities (JG) intervals of 0.033 – 4.935 m/s. The experiment results showed a significant difference between the void fraction value for the bubbly flow pattern and the churn flow pattern, which has not been widely discussed in previous studies. The analysis concluded that the higher the velocity of superficial gases, the void fraction value increases. This increase in the void fraction is why there is a significant change in flow patterns from bubble flow patterns to churn. In addition, it was also found that the increased viscosity of the fluid significantly affected changes in flow patterns, incredibly bubbly and plug, but its velocity decreased. It is also the result that the higher homogeneous void fraction (β) value affects the increase in the length of bubbly flow patterns and plugs.

Effect of Different Ratios of Glycerol and Erythritol on Properties of Corn Starch-Based Films.

The demand for biodegradable products has increased; hence, a suitable method for producing green composites is essential. This study prepared corn starch-based films using the solution casting method, and the physicochemical properties of the prepared films were investigated using a mixture of glycerol (GLY) and erythritol (ERY) at different ratios (4:0, 3:1, 2:2, 1:3, and 0:4) as plasticizing agents. The crystallinity, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, oxygen and water vapor, surface roughness, and thermal stability of corn starch-based films were analyzed using small-angle X-ray diffraction, water contact angle, automatic tensile testing machine, oxygen permeability tester and water vapor permeability analyzer, atomic force microscope, and thermogravimetric analyzer. With the increase in GLY ratio, the thickness, water-solubility, water content, water vapor permeability, elongation at break, oxygen permeability and V-shaped crystallization of the corn starch-based films increased. The tensile strength and the thermal stability decreased with increasing the GLY ratio. We developed a new plasticizer using glycerol and erythritol to improve the properties of starch films and provided the basis for the industrial production of corn starch-based films.

Liquefaction and chemical composition of walnut shells

AbstractThe cultivation of walnut (Juglans regiaL.) for the exploitation of the fruit has been increasingly recognized worldwide; therefore, it is important to valorize a large amount of biomass from walnut shells (WS), where liquefaction may play an important role. This work intends to contribute to an improved understanding of the best uses for this material. The assays were made with a binary mixture of ethylene glycol and glycerol (1:1 v/v) as solvents, catalyzed by sulfuric acid. The tested parameters were as follows: particle size &gt;0.420–0.177 mm, temperature 140–200°C, and reaction time between 15 and 60 min. The initial dried material, the liquefied material, and the resulting solid residue were analyzed by FTIR-ATR for polyol characterization. The results showed that WS are mostly composed of lignin with 35.0% and polysaccharides, 30.0% cellulose and 24.9% hemicelluloses. High-lignin content indicated that WS might be used as a bio-fuel or adhesives. Extractives represent 10.2% with almost half (4.6%) of polar extractives. The best conditions to attain the optimal liquefaction yield were 160°C, 30 min, and 0.420–0.250 mm particle size, for the tested parameters. FTIR spectrum of the liquefied material is very different from the original material, and solid residue spectra seem to indicate that there is higher liquefaction of polysaccharides when compared with lignin since there is a higher absorption at 1,600 cm−1and lower absorption at 1,040 cm−1and that liquefied compounds are probably in smaller molecules.

Insight from high-pressure dielectric studies into molecular dynamics of the itraconazole-glycerol mixture in smectic and isotropic phases.

We present here the results of high-pressure broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) measurements for a mixture of liquid-crystalline drug itraconazole (ITZ) and glycerol (GLY) at a critical concentration of 5% w/w in which the nematic order is eliminated. In the investigated system, smectic-A to isotropic phase transition leaves a clear fingerprint on the dielectric response, allowing for a phase diagram creation using BDS data. By following the α-relaxation dynamics under different thermodynamic conditions, we provide insights into the effect of pressure on temperature and the phenomenology of smectic-A to the isotropic phase transition. Additional measurements of specific volume as a function of pressure and temperature provide us with a deeper insight into material properties that could be analyzed comprehensively via the equation of state. We proved the validity of the density scaling concept, showing that the mixture's complexity does not exclude thermodynamic scaling of dynamic properties related to the α-process in the smectic-A phase. The low value of scaling exponent γ = 2.00 ± 0.02 and a high ratio of the activation energy at constant volume, EV, to the activation enthalpy at constant pressure, HP, indicate that temperature is a dominant variable controlling α-relaxation dynamics in the ordered smectic-A phase of the ITZ-GLY mixture.