Granular Shape Research Articles

In vitro and in vivo characterization of Invega Sustenna® (paliperidone palmitate long-acting injectable suspension).

The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterize paliperidone palmitate (PP) long-acting suspension (Invega Sustenna®) through reverse engineering. We developed a series of analytical methods to assess critical quality attributes of four batches of Invega Sustenna®. The size distributions of the four batches of suspensions were measured using laser diffraction, and variations in the D50 and D90 parameters were observed. The morphology of suspension was determined through scanning electron microscope (SEM), which exhibited irregular granular shape across all batches. The size distributions determined by SEM images were similar to the laser diffraction results. Thermal characteristics were detected using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and crystalline properties were assessed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), displaying consistency among the four batches in these two aspects. In vitro dissolution methods (sample separation and dialysis bag methods) were developed to evaluate the release behaviors of Invega Sustenna® and four lots showed a similar dissolution pattern. Furthermore, following a single-dose intramuscular administration to rats, two batches of Invega Sustenna® with the largest size differences demonstrated comparable plasma concentration-time profiles and pharmacokinetics parameters, indicative of one month long-acting release. In summary, we established a systematic quality characteristics assessment for Invega Sustenna®, including particle size distribution, particle morphology, thermal characteristics, crystalline properties, in vitro dissolution kinetics and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Our work will assist pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies in the development and regulatory assessment of novel or generic products of long-acting injectable suspension.

Grain refiner fabricated by spark plasma sintering for hypoeutectic Al–Si alloy cast and its refining ability

Grain refiner fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) for an as-cast hypoeutectic Al–Si alloy were proposed. The proposed grain refiner contains Al3Ti and Na flux particles in an Al-11 mass%Si alloy matrix. Through SPS, the grain refiner were obtained without any reaction between the Al3Ti particles, Na flux particles, and Al-11 mass%Si alloy matrix. Casting tests were conducted using the proposed grain refiners, and the refiners reduced the dendrite cell size and the dendrite arm spacing of the primary α-Al phase, as well as the lamellar spacing of the eutectic structure. The eutectic Si phase changed to a granular shape upon the refinement of the eutectic structure. Furthermore, the tensile strength and ductility of the as-cast Al-11 mass%Si alloy were drastically improved by adding the proposed grain refiner. This improvement was attributed to the refinement and granulation of the eutectic Si phase.

Novel ellipsoid-like granules exhibit enhanced anammox performance compared to sphere-like granules

Anammox granular sludge (AnGS) serves as an important platform for cost-effective nitrogen removal from wastewater. Different to the traditionally sphere-like granules, a novel type of AnGS in a unique ellipsoid-like shape was obtained through enhancing shear force. The ellipsoid-like AnGS significantly exhibited a smaller aspect ratio (-25.1 %) and granular size (-11.8 %), compared to traditional sphere-like AnGS (p < 0.01). Comprehensive comparisons showed that ellipsoid-like AnGS possessed a significantly higher extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content and strength, as well as an enhanced mass transfer and a higher viable bacteria proportion due to the larger substrate permeable zone (p < 0.01). Additionally, the anammox bacterial abundance (Candidatus Kuenenia) was 12.2 % higher in ellipsoid-like AnGS than in sphere-like AnGS. All these characteristics of ellipsoid-like AnGS jointly increased the specific anammox activity by 29.0 % and nitrogen removal capacity by 22.6 %, compared to sphere-like AnGS. Further fluid field simulation suggested the enhanced flow shear on the side surface of AnGS likely drove the formation of ellipsoid-like AnGS. The higher shear force on the side surface led to an increase of EPS content (especially hydrophobic protein) and elastic modulus, thus constraining lateral expansion. This study sheds light on impacts of granular shape, an overlooked morphological factor, on anammox performance. The ellipsoid-like AnGS presented herein also offers a unique and promising aggregate to enhance anammox performance.

Exploring the potential of taro (Colocasia esculenta) starch: Recent developments in modification, health benefits, and food industry applications

AbstractTaro is a tropical plant and an underutilized root crop that has a good source of carbohydrate. Taro tuber contains 70%–80% of starch on dry basis. This review highlights the extraction of taro starch, latest advancements in the modification such as physical, chemical and enzymatic modification of taro starch. Furthermore, after modification of taro starch, molecular weight and amylopectin branch chain length distribution, granular shape, percentage crystallinity, swelling and solubilization, pasting and thermal properties and in vitro digestibility of taro starch were significantly affected. Additionally, researchers have explored novel methods to modify the physicochemical characteristics of taro starch, enhancing its functionality as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in various food formulations. However, fabrication of nanoparticles from taro starch was also studies. Various health benefits of taro starch have been reported in this study. One significant health benefit of taro starch is its potential to improve blood sugar management. Furthermore, the versatility of taro starch in food applications has expanded, ranging from traditional staples to modern convenience foods. Its gluten‐free nature makes it an attractive option for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Taro starch is increasingly incorporated into bakery products, snacks, noodles, and as a thickening agent in soups and sauces. The unique sensory attributes and nutritional profile of taro starch contribute to the development of novel, health‐conscious food products that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Eco-friendly synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles using Millettia pinnata towards increased anti-oxidant, anti-biofilm and cytocompatibility properties against biofilm producing bacteria and human pulmonary alveolar basal cells

Biofilm architecture is an emerging threat worldwide due to enhanced antibiotic resistance against existing antibiotics, thus heightening the need to discover the alternative therapies that can eradicate the biofilm colonization. Current study highlights the eco-friendly, non-toxic nature of Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) using Millettia pinnata (M. pinnata) leaves extract and their application in anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm and cytocompatibilities. The GC-MS and FT-IR spectral data suggested that phytochemical derivatives of M. pinnata leaf extract simultaneously contributed in bio-reduction process and capping agent of Co3O4 NPs, which might be reason for anti-oxidant activities. Further, XRD analysis confirms the polycrystalline behaviour of Co3O4 NPs having hexagonal crystal system. FESEM, HRTEM, EDAX and elemental mapping revealed the formation of agglomerated granular shape along with nanorods on the surface of Co3O4 NPs, which confirms the presence of carbon and oxygen. Additionally, the characteristic band and thermal decomposition of Raman and TGA spectral data confirmed the molecular structure of Co3O4 NPs. Subsequently, both the M. pinnata leaves extract and Co3O4 NPs were found to be excellent source of antioxidants and produced significant DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities. Furthermore, the sub-biofilm inhibitory concentration of biosynthesized Co3O4 NPs reduced the biofilm growth in S. aureus and K. pneumoniae by crystal violet assay at increasing concentration. In addition, the membrane integrity of biofilm damages and architecture destruction was evidently proved due to the biosynthesized Co3O4 NPs by confocal laser scanning electron microscope and scanning electron microscope observation. Finally, the cytotoxicity experiment results indicated, biosynthesized Co3O4 NPs has no toxicity against human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells at maximum concentration. Accordingly, findings of this study supported the utility of safety and efficiency of biosynthesized Co3O4 NPs against biofilm producing bacteria, and deserve as promising future drug discovery target for various bacterial infections.

Extraction efficiency of loganic acid and gentiopicroside from Gentianae radix et rhizoma by deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction

This study describes the extraction efficiency of loganic acid and gentiopicroside from Gentianae radix et rhizoma using the deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (DES-UAE) method. A comparison was made against 12 deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as alternative extraction solutions. The extraction efficiency of DES-4 (prepared from choline chloride and lactic acid) exceeded that of other DESs. A single factor experiment and response surface methodology (RSM) were adopted, and the optimal processing parameters of DES-UAE were: the water content of DES-4 was 19.9 %, solid/liquid was 29.3 mg/ml, extraction temperature was 50.8 °C and extraction time was 26.8 min. Under these conditions, the extraction efficiency of loganic acid and gentiopicroside was 7.6986 mg/100 g. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the unextracted powder exhibited a granular shape with rough surface and complete structure. Moreover, the ultrasonic extraction of Gentianae radix et rhizoma powder with DES-4 as extraction solution caused significant damage to the surface structure of the powder, creating numerous fine pores on the surface. This suggested that DES-4 had higher permeability and erosive force, which effectively destroyed the cell wall.

Facile green synthesis of Bi2S3 nanoparticles: Applications in simultaneous dye degradation and seed germination of fenugreek seeds

In this work, Bi2S3 nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by the green combustion method at 500 °C for 10 min using C.argentae. The structure, optical, and morphological studies of the synthesized material were analysed using PXRD, FTIR, UV, PL, and SEM spectroscopy techniques. The PXRD pattern of the material demonstrates that the obtained particles are of bismuth sulphide with an orthorhombic structure. The FTIR spectrum of it shows a characteristic peak at 606.8 cm−1. In the UV–visible spectrum, on extrapolating the linear portion of the curve, the band gap on the X-axis is found to be 3.17 eV. PL intensity peaks show excitation and emission ranges of 384 nm and 532 nm respectively. SEM studies of the material show that the nanoparticles are in granular shape. Further, by using synthesized nanomaterials, photocatalytic degradation is carried out for methylene blue dye with different variations, and scavenger activity is carried out using K2Cr2O7, EDTA, ascorbic acid, and TBA. Seed germination activity is also carried out for fenugreek seeds with synthesized material and dye, with dye, and with a mixture of dye and nanoparticles, along with the simultaneous study of dye degradation.

A comparative study on microstructures of a high-Zn AlZnMgCuZr alloy fabricated by casting and melt spinning

A high-Zn Al–27Zn-1.5Mg-1.2Cu-0.08Zr alloy was prepared by traditional casting and melt spinning. The as-casted alloy consists of well-developed α-Al dendrites with many coarse η-phase and low solute concentration, coarse network precipitates at grain boundaries and the α-Al/η-phase eutectic structures at triple junctions. Due to these featured structures, the as-cast alloy exhibits a low tensile strength of 101 MPa with room temperature and high temperature (300 °C) damping capacity of 0.0058 and 0.027 respectively. Comparatively, the as-spun alloy reveals gradient cross-sectional microstructures after solidification: an ultrafine grained region near the wheel surface, a transition region and an equiaxed-grained region near the ribbon free surface, with changes of precipitate morphologies from granular shape to network shape via vermicular. High-density nano-sized η′-phase/GP-zones within α-Al grains result in a higher tensile strength (121 MPa) of as-spun alloy with room temperature and high temperature (300 °C) damping capacity of 0.0049 and 0.048 respectively. Fracture analysis shows that the as-casted alloy fails in a mixed-mode fracture, comprised predominantly of transgranular fracture, quasi-cleavage fracture, cleavage fracture and dimple fracture, whereas the as-spun alloy failed in cleavage fracture and dimple fracture.

Structural and dielectric characteristics of doped nickle oxide polyaniline composites

ABSTRACT The PANI-NiO composites were synthesized by employing an in situ chemical polymerization technique, with varying weight percentages of NiO dopant (PANI-5%NiO and PANI-10%NiO). Additionally, AC conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss were investigated within a frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. XRD confirmed the phase purity and high crystallinity. SEM reveals the granular shape with a porous surface. In addition, the incorporation of NiO with different concentrations influences the composite’s dielectric properties. All samples exhibited frequency-dependent dielectric properties in line with the Maxwell–Wagner model. Notably, the AC conductivity of PANI-10% NiO composite increased as the frequency increased, this behaviour was certified with Jonscher’s power law. The I–V characteristics confirm the ohmic nature of all synthesized samples. Therefore, the potential of PANI and PANI-NiO composites, as efficient dielectric materials, has been explored and can be useful for device applications in diverse fields.

Grain refinement and Laves phase dispersion by high-intensity ultrasonic vibration in laser cladding of Inconel 718

Laser cladding is a promising surface modification and repair technology for fabricating Inconel 718 parts. However, laser cladding may produce coarse grains and brittle Laves phase, leading to a significant decrease in performance. The application of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration in laser cladding is able to refine grain and reduce Laves phase. This study investigates the distribution characteristics and the evolution mechanism of the grains and Laves phase in laser cladding with high-intensity ultrasonic vibration. The effects of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration on alteration of grain characteristics and the reduction of Laves phase were analyzed and discussed through ultrasonic vibration-assisted laser cladding experiments. Results indicate that high-intensity ultrasonic vibration promoted a columnar-to-equiaxed transition, and reduced the grain size from 75.6 μm to 48.8 μm. Furthermore, the Laves phase had a decrease of 47.1% in the volume fraction, and transformed from a long-striped shape into a fine granular shape, leading to a more homogeneous distribution of elements in Laves phase. The change in the grains and the Laves phase is attributed to dendrite fragmentation and inhibition of element segregation by nonlinear effects of ultrasound including cavitation and acoustic streaming. The findings of this study confirm the significant benefits of applying high-intensity ultrasonic vibration in laser cladding and provide insight into the underlying evolution mechanisms of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration for grains and Laves phase.

V-type granular starches prepared by maize starches with different amylose contents: An investigation in structure, physicochemical properties and digestibility

V-type granular starches (VGSs) were prepared via an ethanol-alkaline (EA) method using maize starch with different amylose contents, specifically, high amylose (HAM), normal maize starch (MS), and waxy maize starch (WS). The X-ray diffraction pattern of the native starch was completely transformed into a V-type pattern after the EA treatment, indicating a structural change in the starch granules. The VGSs prepared by HAM had highest relative crystallinity (31.8°), while the VGSs prepared by WS showed amorphous diffraction pattern. Excessive NaOH, however, would disrupt the formation of V-type structures and cause granular shape rupture. The quantity of double-helical structures, particularly those formed by amylopectin at the starch granules' periphery, significantly decreased. Conversely, single-helical structures formed by amylose increased. A notable rise in the relative crystallinity of V crystals. Four VGS samples, characterized by granular integrity, were chosen for the next investigation of physicochemical and digestive properties. VGS prepared from HAM exhibited higher granular integrity, lower cold-water swelling extent (59.0 and 161.0 cP), improved thermal stability (the value of breakdown as lower as 57.67 and 186.67 cP), and higher resistance to digestion (RS content was up to 10.38 % and 9.00 % higher than 5.86 % and 5.66 % of VGS prepared from WS and MS). The results confirmed that amylose content has a substantial impact on the microstructural and physicochemical properties of VGSs.

Exploring correlations between microplastics, microorganisms, and water quality in an urban drinking water source

The microplastic pollution in freshwater system is gradually becoming more severe, which has led to increasing attention on the distribution and potential harmful effects of microplastics. Moreover, microplastics may have an impact on river ecology and pose risks to ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to reveal this process. This study aimed to explore correlations between microplastics and free-living microorganisms in an urban drinking water source of Xiangjiang River by using multivariate statistical analysis. The results indicated that the abundance of microplastics (size 50 μm to 5 mm) in surface water and sediments ranged from 0.72 to 18.6 (mean ± SD: 7.32 ± 2.36) items L−1 and 26.3–302 (150 ± 75.6) items kg−1 dry weight (dw), respectively, suggesting potential microplastic pollution despite the protected status as a drinking water source. Higher microplastic abundances were observed in urban areas and the downstream of wastewater plants, with mostly granular shape, transparent and black color as well as 50–100 μm in size. The multivariate statistical analysis presented that the abundance of microplastics is not significantly correlated with water indicators, due to the complexity of the abundance data. The water indicators showed an obvious correlation with microplastics in colors of transparent and black, and smaller sizes of 50–100 μm. This is also true for microplastics and microorganisms in water and sediment. Proteobacteria was the main prokaryote in water and sediments, being positively correlated with 50–100 μm microplastics; while Chloroplastida was the dominated eukaryotes, presenting a weak correlation with smaller-size microplastics. Overall, when considering the properties of microplastics such as shape, color and size, the potential correlations with water indicators and microorganisms were more evident than abundance. This study provides new insights into the multivariate statistical analysis, explaining the potential correlations among microplastic properties, microorganisms and environmental factors in a river system.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of CrFeNi high-entropy alloy reinforced by Al and Ti elements

Developing high entropy alloys (HEAs) that possess both superior mechanical properties and low cost is a classic challenge in the design of alloys used in engineering applications. In this work, a series of Co-free Al x Ti(9–x)(CrFeNi)91(x = 0, 3, 6, and 9 at%, denoted as AlxTi(9-x) hereafter) HEAs were designed to investigate the influence of Al and Ti elements on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the FCC-structured CrFeNi alloy and pursue a considerable strength-plasticity balance. Massive precipitates with a nano-scale but different morphology and/or structure formed in the inter-dendritic region of alloys. The morphology of precipitates was strongly linked with the variation in the relative content of Al and Ti elements, which varied from a granular shape (ordered BCC structure) in Al9 and Al6Ti3 alloys to a strip shape (HCP structure) in Al3Ti6 alloy. With an increase (decrease) in Ti (Al) content, the yield strength of alloy significantly improved, which benefited from the combined effect of solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening, but the elongation dropped sharply. Compared to the same amount of Al element, Ti element contributed to the improvement of strength but deteriorated the plasticity of alloy. Thereinto, Al6Ti3 alloy presented a relatively favorable strength-plasticity balance with a yield strength of 768 MPa and an elongation of 10.2%. Apparently, only the moderate amount of Al and Ti elements helps to the favorable configuration of strength and plasticity. The findings in this work provide a distinct insight into the design and optimization of Co-free HEAs as the structural applications.

Physicochemical properties of amorphous granular starch (AGS) prepared by non-thermal gelatinization by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and spray drying

Corn starch was gelatinized by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and spray drying to make amorphous granular starch (AGS), and their physicochemical properties were compared with the conventionally prepared (heat-gelatinized and spray dried) AGS to devise a novel AGS preparation methodology. Pressure-induced (PAGS) and heat-induced AGS (HAGS) maintained their granular shape but lost their birefringence indicating that both methods could prepare AGS. DSC (differential scanning calorimeter) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis confirmed the complete loss of amylopectin double helices and crystallinity of both PAGS and HAGS. However, their swelling power, solubility, RVA pasting properties, acid/shear stability, gel forming ability and textural properties were completely different. PAGS exhibited constrained swelling, suppressed amylose leaching, and reduced viscosity. Notably, HAGS formed a gel without heating, whereas PAGS yielded a viscous paste with water-soluble attributes. Even after reheating, PAGS maintained its granular structure with comparably less swelling and weaker gel strength than HAGS. Consequently, newly developed PAGS exhibited distinctive characteristics compared to the conventional HAGS, such as lower solubility and swelling power, viscosity, textural properties, and high acid and shear stabilities, rendering it a viable option for various applications within the food industry.

Enhancing the mechanical properties of Mg–Al alloy by introducing Al2Y nanoparticles via rapid-cooling solidification and optimized heat treatments

Coarse grain and poor thermal stability of Mg17Al12 are usually present in the as-cast Mg–Al alloys, which are detrimental to the mechanical properties. In this work, the microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties of as-cast AZ31-1Y alloy with different cooling rates (4.0–29.9 °C/s) were systematically investigated by thermal analysis and microstructure characterization. The results show that the addition of Y to AZ31 alloy results in the formation of primary Al2Y and eutectic Al2Y, while suppressing the formation of β-Mg17Al12. The AZ31-1Y alloy with a cooling rate of 29.9 °C/s exhibits the finest grain, with a grain refinement efficiency 40.9 % higher than that of AZ31 alloy with a cooling rate of 4.0 °C/s. After heat treatment, the acicular eutectic Al2Y is modified into a granular shape and numerous nano-sized Al2Y precipitates are observed within the α-Mg matrix. The addition of Y can effectively improve the mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy under high cooling rates, but the mechanical properties deteriorate at slower cooling rates due to stress concentration caused by the agglomeration of large-sized Al2Y particles. The optimal mechanical properties of the AZ31-1Y alloy are achieved at a cooling rate of 29.9 °C/s combined with subsequent heat treatment, and its YS, UTS, and EL reached up to 69 MPa, 293 MPa, and 14.5 %, respectively. Moreover, the related strengthening mechanisms are quantified. It is believed that this work can provide guidance for controlling the microstructure and optimizing the mechanical properties of as-cast Mg–Al alloys.

Portable Disc Granulator Machine

This work presents the design of a portable disc granulator machine to produce granule shape fertilizer from a powdered mixture. The industry demands granular fertilizer made from chemical substances due to the benefits that can be obtained compared to fine powder fertilizer. It has a longer lifespan of up to 9 months and a slow rate of nitrogen absorption from fertilizer because of its granular form. Granular fertilizers are easy to store and do not settle out over time, or salt out in cold weather. Fertilizer plays the role of a plant food element and is crucial to maintaining the health of plants for their growth. The pharmaceutical method is frequently used by farmers to create fertilizer in the form of granules which are wet granulation and dry granulation process. Wet granulation was employed in this project since it involves the addition of liquids like molasses or water. The portable disc granulator machine is designed to turn fertilizer into granule shapes, which are subsequently used as the product's base material. However, the fertilizer must be produced a uniform ±5 mm diameter of granular shape for bio-organic fertilizer. Solidification has been made to improve the fertilizer’s granular shape to create a consistent ±5 mm diameter in the disc that rotates automatically with an angle of 48°. A disc granulator machine should first be filled with bio-organic fertilizer. Then, use brown sugar solution or cornstarch to form a granule shape. The disc will be rotating at a speed of 11 to 15 rpm. To assess the machine's ability to create granules with a diameter of about 5 mm, evaluation, and analysis were performed using a vernier caliper. The result demonstrated that the machine could produce ±5 mm with a tolerance of 1 mm and uniformity will be constant.

Effect of granular shape on radial segregation in a two-dimensional drum

Granular segregation is widely observed in nature and industry. Most research has focused on segregation caused by differences in the size and density of spherical grains. However, due to the fact that grains typically have different shapes, the focus is shifting towards shape segregation. In this study, experiments are conducted by mixing cubic and spherical grains. The results indicate that spherical grains gather at the center and cubic grains are distributed around them, and the degree of segregation is low. Through experiments, a structured analysis of local regions is conducted to explain the inability to form stable segregation patterns with obviously different geometric shapes. Further, through simulations, the reasons for the central and peripheral distributions are explained by comparing velocities and the number of collisions of the grains in the flow layer.

Strain-induced precipitation behaviors of 7Mo super-austenitic stainless steel

Strain-induced precipitation (SIP) behaviors of 7Mo super-austenitic stainless steel (SASS) were studied by strain relaxation test at 850 °C. Our results reveal that sigma (σ) phases are the predominant SIP of 7Mo SASS, with the chemical formula of (FeNi) (CrMo). SIP first precipitates in granular shape at HAGBs, such as deformed grain boundaries (SIP-GBs), interfaces between deformation twin layers and matrix (SIP-TW), and HAGBs inside deformed grains (SIP-HAGBs). This is attributed to the ability of HAGBs for providing high deformation stored energy, nucleation sites, and efficient element diffusion channels. When the nucleation sites at HAGBs become saturated with increasing holding time, needle-like SIPs (SIP-NL) are precipitated along closely packed planes of γ-Fe matrix. The specific orientation relationships between SIP-NL and matrix, namely (−111)γ-Fe//(00–1)σ, [0–11]γ-Fe//[-110]σ or (-1-1-1)γ-Fe//(00–1)σ, [0–11]γ-Fe//[-110]σ, and the needle-like shape are contribute to minimizing interfacial energy and elastic strain energy of SIP, respectively, thereby promoting SIP-NL. The absence of SIP on dislocations can be attributed to the large critical nucleus size of σ phase (about 4.87 nm), which poses challenges for SIP nucleation through dislocation distortion energy. Mo is the controlling element for the nucleation and growth of SIP. SIP can promote cDRX through particle-induced nucleation (PSN) mechanism during the deformation process, while residual high-density dislocations around SIP can also promote cSRX during the holding process. During holding process, the boundaries of recrystallized grains can also serve as nucleation sites for SIP, thereby promoting SIP, and finally form a multi-layer structure of “σ phase/Recrystallization/σ phase”.

Granular architecture of lotus seed starch and its impact on physicochemical properties

Lotus seed starch has high apparent amylose content (AAM). A representative definition of its granular architecture (e.g., lamellar structure) remained absent. This study defined the granular shape, crystalline and lamellar structures, and digestibility of twenty-two samples of lotus seed starch (LS) by comparing with those of potato and maize starches. LS granules had more elongated shape and longer repeat distance of lamellae than potato and maize starch granules. The enzymatic susceptibility of LS granules was more affected by AAM than granular architecture. Using these LSs as a model system, the relationships between lamellar structure of starch granules and properties of their gelatinized counterparts were investigated. In LSs, thinner amorphous lamella and thicker crystalline lamella were associated with higher swelling power and yield stress. The relationships were found to be connected via certain structural characteristics of amylopectin.

Impacts of pH on photocatalytic efficiency, the control of energy and morphological properties of CuO nanoparticles for industrial wastewater treatment applications

Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesised using a microwave oven method at different pH conditions (2, 5, 9, 12) in this study. FTIR, PL, FE-SEM, EDAX, XRD, TEM, XPS, and photocatalytic activity were used to investigate the prepared materials. The standard monoclinic structure of the CuO nanoparticle is seen by XRD. The FE-SEM image depicts an agglomerated spherical granular shape. A PL spectrum of copper oxide nanoparticles reveals three peaks at 362 nm, 528 nm, and 596 nm. The existence of CuO nanoparticles in the molecular structure was confirmed by FTIR. HRTEM images indicate spherical morphology at 100 nm, 50 nm, and 20 nm. The SAED diagram's diffraction rings matched nicely with the XRD diagram's peaks. The EDAX spectra confirm the presence of copper and oxygen in abundance in these nanoparticles. During a malachite green dye treatment, the highest pH concentration was 98.33 % higher photocatalytic activity than the other samples. According to the XPS study, the two satellite peaks at 939 eV to 946 eV and 959 eV to 965 eV show the formation of CuO with the oxidation state Cu (+2). As part of the application to meet the needs of the company, the samples were tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of malachite green industrial dye under the irradiation of a visible light source, and the samples demonstrated an excellent result in the waste water decomposition of industrial dye in a very short period of time.the band gap energy values were found to be 1.71, 1.70, 1.69 and 1.68 eV.