Gum Arabic Research Articles

Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Cause of Mold Grape Fruits and Evaluation of Effectiveness of Arabic Gum and Frankincense Inhibition of the Infection of Mold Grape Fruits

The research was conducted at the laboratories of the College of Agriculture, at Karbala University. The main aim of this study was to identify and isolate fungi for grape rot and spoilage seen in marketplaces and storage facilities. Additionally the researchers examined the pathogenicity of these fungi testing concentrations of gum Arabic and frankincense to see their impact on grape rot causing fungi. The results of isolation and diagnosis revealed the presence of the fungal species Fusarium(T2), Aspergillus(T4), Geotrichum(T1), Populaspora(T3), and Phytophthora(T5) in all areas from which samples were collected, including Al-Hindiya, Al-Husseiniya, and Al-Khayrat. The results showed that all tested isolates caused a significant increase in the percentage severity of infection under laboratory conditions. The fungi Fusarium and Aspergillus showed the highest percentage severity of infection, reaching 82% and 80%, respectively, followed by Geotrichum with a percentage severity of 75%, compared to other treatments and the control treatment, which had a percentage severity of 0.00%.The results also noted that most treatments significantly affected the growth of fungal isolates on the PDA culture medium. The percentage inhibition fungal growth of (T5) was highest 44.44% with treatment of 15% concentration of frankincense and gum Arabic separately follow by (T4) treated with 15% concentration of frankincense and (T1) treated with 15% concentration of gum Arabic. In contrast, the lowest inhibition fungual growth of fungi was 14.30% for (T3) and (T2, T3) treated with frankincense and gum Arabic respectively compared with other treatments.

Characterization of new hydrophilic polymers obtained from co-processed Detarium microcarpum seed gum with acacia, guar and tragacanth gums

This work was aimed at developing and characterizing new hydrophilic polymers obtained through co-processing of Detarium microcarpum seed gum (DMG) with acacia (ACG), guar (GGG) and tragacanth (TGG) gums respectively. The hydrophilic polymer obtained from the seed of Detarium microcarpum (DT) was co-processed with acacia, guar and tragacanth gums respectively in proportions of 5%DMG+95%ACG, 10%DMG+90%ACG, 15%DMG+85%ACG, and 20%DMG+80%ACG. Replicate co-processed powders of DMG+GGG and DMG+TGG were prepared. The co-processed powders were characterized for: densities (bulk density, tapped density and particle density), flow parameters (flow rate, angle of repose, Hausner’s quotient, Carr’s index and porosity), moisture properties (hydration capacity, swelling index, moisture content and moisture absorption), viscosity and pH respectively using standard methods. The results obtained showed that the densities of the polymers increased at all the concentrations they were co-processed. However, not all the co-processed polymers had a good flow. Moisture studies showed improved hydrophilic properties for all the co-processed polymers with regards to the swelling index and hydration capacities. The viscosities of the composite co-processed polymers also increased as the concentrations of the co-processed gums increased. Co­processing of acacia, guar and tragacanth gums with D. microcarpum seed gum enhanced the swelling index, hydration capacities and viscosities of these gums. This demonstrates that the new hydrophilic polymers obtained from the co-processing can be used as good suspending, disintegrating and binding agents when properly applied in drug formulations.

Development of an emulsion composition with fennel and caraway essential oils for use in the combined therapy of ulcerative colitis

The aim of the study is to develop the composition of an emulsion containing essential oils of Fennel and Caraway seeds for use in the symptomatic complex therapy of ulcerative colitis with the aim of eliminating functional intestinal disorders. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were samples of emulsions containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (essential oils of Fennel and Caraway), purified water, oils (refined sunflower oil, refined olive oil, refined sesame oil), emulsifiers (polyethylene glycol 40 hydrogenated castor oil, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol 100 stearate, acacia gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, soya lecithin), viscosity regulator - apple pectin and flavouring agents (food additives with cherry and tarragon flavour). Organoleptic properties, stability, rheological parameters, pH, particle size determination by microscopy, and a taste test were carried out with model emulsion samples. Research to establish the optimal technological parameters was carried out in parallel. Results. The main parameters of the technological process have been established, which allow to obtain an emulsion with evenly distributed particles: 15 minutes at maximum speed. The concentration of emulsifiers at which the emulsions are stable was selected. It was found that the samples containing polyethylene glycol 100 stearate, gums, and soy lecithin have satisfactory organoleptic properties. The sample with soy lecithin emulsifier differs from the others in its ability to form microemulsions, but it has low viscosity. To improve the rheological properties, apple pectin was added to the emulsion. The taste test showed that among vegetable oils, refined sesame oil has a more neutral taste, and the flavouring additive "Tarkhun" balances the taste better. The release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from the emulsion base was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. Conclusions. A microemulsion with essential oils based on refined sesame oil, soy lecithin, with the addition of viscosity and flavour correctors was developed. The obtained emulsion has satisfactory organoleptic properties and conforms to the requirements for emulsion quality indicators

Improving cell viability with protective agent, carrier support and stability agent of Candida tropicalis TISTR 5922 starter powder

A pure culture of Candida tropicalis TISTR 5922 was used as a starter culture in Ka - nom Tuay - fu production which is a Thai traditional food. The objective of this research was to improve the viability of C. tropicalis TISTR 5922 starter powder by 15% glucose (w/v) with a different protective agent (milk powder, skim milk powder and sweet whey powder) at 5, 10 and 15% (w/v)), carrier supports (rice flour, corn flour, wheat flour and cassava flour), which can enhance the survival by stability agents (gelatin, Arabic gum and maltodextrin at 1, 2 and 3% (w/v)), and drying at 40°C. The results showed that 15% glucose with 10% skim milk powder for protective agents, rice flour for carrier support and 3% Arabic gum as for stability agent were well processed. It also showed high cell viability of 8.45 log CFU/g. The starter powder had the moisture content and water activity at 7.15±0.48% and 0.40±0.04, respectively. The results indicated that good physical properties of starter powder were obtained.

Rice proteins – Gum arabic coacervates: Effect of pH and polysaccharide concentration in oil-in-water emulsion stability

In the context of replacing animal proteins in food matrices, rice proteins (RP) become promised because they come from an abundant plant source, are hypoallergenic, and have high digestibility and nutritional value. However, commercial protein isolates obtained by spray drying have low solubility and poor functionality, especially in their isoelectric point. One way to modify these properties is through interaction with polysaccharides, such as gum arabic (GA). Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the effects of pH and GA concentration on the interaction and emulsifying activity of RP:GA coacervates. First, the effects of pH (2.5 to 7.0) and GA concentrations (0.2 to 1.0 wt%, giving rise to RP:GA mass ratios of 1:0.2 to 1:1.0) in RP:GA blends were evaluated. The results demonstrated that biopolymers present opposite net charges at pH between 2.5 and 4.0. At pH 3.0, insoluble coacervates with complete charge neutralization were formed by electrostatic interactions, while at pH 5.0 it was observed that the presence of GA prevented the RP massive aggregation. Second, selected blends with 0.4 or 1.0 wt% of GA (RP:GA mass ratios of 1:0.4 or 1:1.0) at pH 3.0 or 5.0 were tested for their ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. The emulsions were characterized for 21 days. It was observed that the GA increased the stability of RP emulsions, regardless of the pH and polysaccharide concentration. Taken together, our results show that it is possible to combine RP and GA to improve the emulsifying properties of these plant proteins at pH conditions close to their isoelectric point, expanding the possibility of implementation in food systems.

Ovotransferrin Fibril-Gum Arabic Complexes as Stabilizers for Oleogel-in-Water Pickering Emulsions: Formation Mechanism, Physicochemical Properties, and Curcumin Delivery.

This project aimed to explore the influence of the interaction between ovotransferrin fibrils (OTF) and gum arabic (GA) on the formation mechanism, physicochemical properties, and curcumin delivery of the oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy results showed that OTF-GA complexes effectively adsorbed on the oil-water interface, generating spatial hindrance to inhibit droplet coalescence. The texture analysis also proved that OTF-GA complexes endowed oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion with preferable springiness (0.49 ± 0.03 mm), chewiness (0.43 ± 0.07 mJ), and adhesion (0.31 ± 0.01 mJ). By exploring the coalescence stability, droplet size, and rheological properties of OTF-GA complexes-stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion (OGPE), the higher coagulation stability, larger average droplet size (46.22 ± 0.08 μm), and stronger gel strength were observed. The microrheological results also exhibited stronger attraction between the OGPE droplets, a more pronounced solid-like structure, and a slower speed of movement than OTF-stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion (OPE). Meanwhile, OGPE significantly enhanced the extent of lipolysis, stability, and bioaccessibility of curcumin, suggesting that it possessed superior performance as a delivery system for bioactive substances. This project provided adequate theoretical references for protein-polysaccharide complexes-stabilized oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion, and contributed to expanding the application of oleogel-in-water Pickering emulsion in the food industry.

Studies on different polysaccharides used as carrier material for spray-drying of synbiotics and its viability under different storage conditions

The objective of this study was to investigate the different polysaccharides as carrier material for spray-drying synbiotics and to study the physicochemical characteristics of synbiotics at different storage conditions. The thermally acclimatized probiotic strains, Lactobacillus helveticus (H-45) and Lacticaseibacillus casei (N-45) with enhanced probiotic properties were spray-dried using these polysaccharides along with galactooligosaccharides (GOS) as prebiotic. The studied plant-based polysaccharides are maltodextrin (MDX), corn starch (CS), and gum acacia (GA). After spray-drying, the survivability of all synbiotic combinations was higher in the presence of corn starch as carrier material. The synbiotic combination N45 + GOS + CS showed better survivability during spray-drying, under simulated intestinal (8.43 ± 0.17 log CFU/g), acid (5.51 ± 0.12 log CFU/g), and bile (7.31 ± 0.04 log CFU/g) conditions. The spray-dried powders had good to moderate flow properties with moisture content and water activity (aw) at the optimal range for the survival of probiotics. Among the spray-dried powders, synbiotic-N45 + GOS + CS showed improved storage survivability during shelf-life studies at three different temperatures (4 °C, 30 °C, and 37 °C) for eight weeks. However, all spray-dried probiotic and synbiotic powders had higher viability when stored at 4 °C. Hence, the study suggests that cornstarch as a polysaccharide in the synbiotics formulation (N45 + GOS + CS) may have a potential application in functional foods.

Bi-layered oil encapsulates formed by polydopamine-supported in situ complex coacervation: Investigation of structure formation and sustained release performance

In polydopamine (PDA)-supported in situ complex coacervation, PDA is pre-coated onto emulsion droplets, and further applied as an interlayer to support the interfacial immobilization of coacervates biopolymers. In the current research, the stepwise immobilization of gelatin (GE) and gum Arabic (GA) onto PDA layer is monitored to in-depth investigate the mechanism of PDA layer as coating material and functional substrates. GE and GA were applied as adsorbates, with different forms of PDA (spherical shell, planar solid, and nanoparticles) as substrates. Real-time observations of the binding steps were performed using quartz crystal monitor with dissipation (QCM-D) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Meanwhile, using PDA-supported coacervates as encapsulating material, sustained release of essential oil volatiles was also evaluated, either dispersed in detergent solution or freeze dried in open air. The anti-oxidation performance was determined by measuring the absorbance of lipid hydroperoxide using UV spectrophotometer. The results revealed that PDA enabled synergistic immobilization of biopolymers through chemical bonding and adhesive force during the processing of in situ complex coacervation, thus enhanced protection of core compounds with two-stage releasing kinetics and prevented hyperoxidation. Also, PDA-based colloids and substrates also exhibit controllable conformation characteristic, provide a promising prospect as versatile intermediate functional biomaterials for encapsulation.

Effects of catechol grafting on chitosan-based coacervation and adhesion

In this study, we investigated detailedly the contribution of catechol in tuning the formation and adhesive properties of coacervates. We have constructed a series of catechol-grafted Chitosan (Chitosan-C), and investigated their coacervation with gum arabic (GA) and the corresponding adhesion. We demonstrate that, increasing catechol grafting ratio from 0 %–44 % impacted the coacervation moderately, while enhanced the adhesion of the coacervate up to 438 % when the catechol faction was 37 %. Further increasing the grafting ratio to 55 % led to precipitated coacervates associated with a declined adhesion. Our findings identify the optimal grafting threshold for coacervation and adhesion, providing insights into the underlying mechanism of coacervate binding. Moreover, the catechol enhancement on adhesion of coacervates tolerates different substrates and diverse polyelectrolyte pairs. The revealed principles shall be helpful for designing adhesive coacervates and boosting their applications in various industrial and biomedical areas.

Modelling and optimization of urea super granule (USG) placement depth in paddy cultivation under check basin irrigation using HYDRUS-2D model

Urea, a nitrogenous fertilizer which plays an important role in enhancing yield, but has a drawback of low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Use of urea super granule (USG) and coated urea have advantages over prilled urea in terms of higher NUE and eventually improved yield. Depth of placement (DOP) of USG plays a major role in achieving higher NUE and yield. However, appropriate depth of placement needs detailed knowledge about water and nitrogen (N) movements to provide maximum nutrient to plants. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in the paddy field using USG coated with three different types of coating (USG with nano bentonite and neem oil (T1), USG with heated nano bentonite and neem oil (T2) and USG with sulfer and acacia gum solution (T3)) and placed at the centre of four hills of paddy as basal dose at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Spatial and temporal data of soil moisture and Nwere collected for the initial 32 days in paddy field after crops establishment. The HYDRUS-2D model was calibrated and validated using the observed data. Calibrated model was used for simulation of N movement in different soil types and for different depths of USG placement. Results revealed that permissible soil like sandy loam, the optimum DOP irrespective of coating was 5 cm. For sandy clay loam soil, optimum depth of placement was found to be 10 cm, 6 cm and 10 cm for T1, T2 and T3 type of coatings. Similarly, for clay loam soil, depth of USG placement for T1, T2 and T3 type coating was found to be 8 cm, 10 cm and 8 cm, respectively. Using the optimum DOP in sandy clay loam soil, results showed that both i.e., DOP and coating type has significant effect on number of tillers m−2 and yield (t ha−1). In 2020 and 2021, the highest number of tillers per square meter at 30 days after transplanting (DAT) was observed in the T3 treatment at DOP of 10 cm, with counts of 453.66 and 454.88, respectively. Following closely were T2 at DOP of 10 cm (447.33 and 119.55) and T1 at DOP of 6 cm (443.44 and 444.77). Similarly, the best yield in 2020 and 2021 were observed from T3 treatment at DOP of 10 cm (5.41 t/ha and 5.44 t/ha), followed by T2 at DOP of 10 cm (5.33 t/ha and 5.42 t/ha), and T1 at DOP of 6 cm (5.29 t/ha and 5.31 t/ha). This study may assist the farmers, researchers, manufacturers and policy makers to make selection of the optimum depth of placement for higher NUE and yield in different soil types.

A Novel Coacervate Embolic Agent for Tumor Chemoembolization.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has proven effective in blocking tumor-supplied arteries and delivering localized chemotherapeutic treatment to combat tumors. However, traditional embolic TACE agents exhibit certain limitations, including insufficient chemotherapeutic drug-loading and sustained-release capabilities, non-biodegradability, susceptibility to aggregation, and unstable mechanical properties. This study introduces a novel approach to address these shortcomings by utilizing a complex coacervate as a liquid embolic agent for tumor chemoembolization. By mixing oppositely charged quaternized chitosan (QCS) and gum arabic (GA), a QCS/GA polymer complex coacervate with shear-thinning property is obtained. Furthermore, the incorporation of the contrast agent Iohexol (I) and the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) into the coacervate leads to the development of an X-ray-opaque QCS/GA/I/DOX coacervate embolic agent capable of carrying drugs. This innovative formulation effectively embolizes the renal arteries without recanalization. More importantly, the QCS/GA/I/DOX coacervate can successfully embolize the supplying arteries of the VX2 tumors in rabbit ear and liver. Coacervates can locally release DOX to enhance its therapeutic effects, resulting in excellent antitumor efficacy. This coacervate embolic agent exhibits substantial potential for tumor chemoembolization due to its shear-thinning performance, excellent drug-loading and sustained-release capabilities, good biocompatibility, thrombogenicity, biodegradability, safe and effective embolic performance, and user-friendly application.

Construction of emulsion gel based on the interaction of anionic polysaccharide and soy protein isolate: Focusing on structural, emulsification and functional properties

In this study, the effects on the structures and emulsion gels of carrageenan (CA) and gum arabic (GA) with soybean protein isolate (SPI) were investigated. The results showed that CA and GA exposed hydrophobic groups to SPI, and formed complexes through non-covalent interactions to improve the stability of the complexes. Furthermore, the emulsion gels based on the emulsions exhibited that CA formed emulsion-filled gels with higher elasticity, stronger gel strength, and thermal reversibility, whereas GA formed emulsion-aggregated gels with higher viscosity, and a weak-gel network. The results of digestion showed that, CA was more helpful to slow down the release of free fatty acids and protect vitamin E during digestion. Compared with SPI-GA emulsion gel, SPI-CA emulsion gel had better physicochemical properties and stronger network structure. The results of this study may be useful in the development of anionic polysaccharides that interact with SPI, and they may provide new insights on the preparation of emulsion gels that slowly release fat-soluble nutrients.

Prebiotic Systems Containing Anthocyanin-Rich Pomegranate Flower Extracts with Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Effects.

Pomegranate flower extract, rich in anthocyanins, demonstrates beneficial health-promoting properties such as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant effect, among others. However, the potential health-promoting properties may be hindered by the low stability of anthocyanins. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether stabilizing carriers, namely HP-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD), α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD), Inulin (Inu) and Arabic gum (AGu) affect the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of lyophilized pomegranate flower extract, how they influence stability, release profile, and whether the systems exhibit prebiotic activity. Interactions between pomegranate flower extract and these factors were analyzed using FT-IR. The structures were examined through microscopic imaging while for the prepared prebiotic systems, antidiabetic activity was determined and confirmed by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase; antioxidant activity was expressed by DPPH and CUPRAC assays. The content of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside in these systems was assessed using the HPLC method. The release profiles of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside were examined in a medium at pH = 6.8 and pH = 1.2, and the stability was assessed after subjecting the systems to high temperatures (T = 90 °C). The prebiotic potential was evaluated for 10 prebiotic bacterial strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis Lactobacillus rhamnosus gg, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum lf, Streptococcus thermophilus). As a result of the conducted research, better functionalities of the obtained systems containing Pomegranate flower extract were proven in terms of prebiotic and antidiabetic effects. The obtained delivery systems for pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside allow for better use of its health-promoting effects.

Green synthesis, characterization, food simulants stability, and antioxidant activity of gum Arabic-coated cyanidin-3-O-glucoside-loaded nano-nutriosomes

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is a flavonoid with various biological properties, susceptible to degradation and instability under different external factors. Thus, this study aimed to develop novel gum Arabic (GA)-coated nano-nutriosomes (NUs) to improve the stability of C3G and facilitate its controlled delivery and cellular uptake as well as investigate the potential of GA-coated NU as a delivery system for C3G. The optimum concentration of GA to coat C3G-NU was 0.5% (w/v). The properties of NU systems were studied through DLS, HPLC, TEM, DSC, and FTIR. The results showed that C3G was successfully loaded in NUs and GA-NUs with a high encapsulation efficiency of 93.04% and 93.37%, nanosized 175.46 nm and 157.66 nm, with a PDI of 0.27 and 0.22, respectively. Besides, FTIR and DSC analysis showed a successful conjugation between GA and NUs, where GA-C3G-NU showed better physicochemical stability under thermal, pH, and ionic conditions, as well as GA can significantly control the release of C3G preserving around 90.16%. Furthermore, GA-C3G-NU showed better performance in C3G retention under different food simulants ≥89%. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of C3G-NU and GA-C3G-NU was DPPH (50.33 and 43.64 μg VCE/mL, respectively), and ABTS (68.50, and 44.22 μg VCE/mL, respectively). All NUs showed biocompatibility in Caco-2 cells with no cytotoxicity, with higher cellular uptake for GA-C3G-NU. Therefore, GA-NU could be a promising nanocarrier for encapsulating, controlling, and delivering functional ingredients.

Acerola byproducts microencapsulated by spray and freeze-drying: the effect of carrier agent and drying method on the production of bioactive powder

Abstract Bagasse, peels and seeds from fruits are usually discarded as byproducts. However, these byproducts contain high levels of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to microencapsulate bioactive compounds from acerola byproducts by spray drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD) using maltodextrin (MD), gum arabic (GA), and whey protein isolate (WPI) as carrier agents and then evaluate their stability in a gelatin food-model system. Moisture, solubility, and hygroscopicity of the powders were 5.02–10.05 %, 78.83–92 %, and 7.64–14.76 %, respectively. The best method for obtaining phenolic compounds and flavonoids was SD/GA, which yielded 1855.11 mg GAE/100 g and 289.38 μg/g of quercetin. The best method for obtaining anthocyanins was FD/GA, which yielded 33.85 mg of cy-3-glu/100 g. Powder dried by SD/MD could be used as a natural dye. Our results show that acerola byproducts has potential for reuse, and microencapsulation is a good technique for generating stable extracts.

Use of Residual Malt from an Artisanal Beer Brewing Process in the Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Nucleating and Structure-Directing Agents.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in varied applications, which are morphology dependent. Consequently, a morphology-controlled synthesis is mandatory. Although there are several studies focused on the plant extract-based biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles, the use of extracts obtained from agro-wastes is scant. Furthermore, information regarding morphology modification through the use of additional agents is even more scarce. Thus, in this study, AgNPs were synthesized using a malt extract (ME) obtained from an artisanal beer brewing process residue. Additionally, sodium chloride (NaCl), gum arabic (GA), and talc (T) were used in an attempt to modify the morphology of AgNPs. XRD, DLS, SEM, and TEM results demonstrate that stable AgNPs of different sizes and shapes were synthesized. FTIR, HPLC analysis, and the quantification of total proteins, free amino acids, reducing sugars, and total polyphenols before and after AgNPs synthesis showed that ME biomolecules allowed them to act as a source of reducing and stabilizing agents. Therefore, this study provides evidence that ME can be successfully used to biosynthesize AgNPs. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was evaluated. Results indicate that AgNPs show a higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria.

Antibacterial Activity of Sustainable Thymol Nanoemulsion Formulations Against the Bacterial Blight Disease on Cluster Bean Caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis.

The aim of the present study was nanoencapsulation of thymol to improve its poor water solubility and preservation of encapsulated thymol against environmental conditions. Another goal of the current investigation was to assess the antibacterial activity of thymol nanoemulsion as a sustainable biopesticide to control the bacterial blight of cluster bean. An oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsion containing thymol was prepared by a high-energy emulsification method using gum acacia and soya lecithin as natural emulsifiers/surfactants. The characterization of thymol nanoemulsion was carried out using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A mean particle size of about 83.38nm was recorded within 10min of sonication. The stability analysis of optimized nanoemulsion showed kinetic stability up to two months of storage at room temperature. The thymol nanoemulsion was found to be spherical with a size ranging from 80-200nm in diameter using transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the molecular interaction between emulsifier/surfactant and thymol. The antibacterial studies of thymol nanoemulsion (0.01-0.06%, v/v) by growth inhibition analysis showed a potential antibacterial effect against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. cyamopsidis (18-0.1 log CFU/ml). Further, in field experiments, foliar spray of the different concentration of thymol nanoemulsion (0.01-0.06%, v/v) significantly increased the percent efficiency of disease control (25.06-94.48%) and reduced the disease intensity (67.33-4.25%) of bacterial blight in cluster bean.

Enzyme-assisted hydrolysis and microencapsulation for production of functional food with dietary fructooligosaccharides from Nam Dok Mai mango (Mangifera indica L.)

This research aimed to develop a mango juice microcapsule with high fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content using enzymatic hydrolysis with Novozym® 960 and Pectinex® Ultra SP-L. Enzymatic hydrolysis was done by varying factors which included enzyme concentration (0.1 and 0.2 mL Novozym® 960/100 mL sample and 0.5 and 1.0 mL Pectinex® Ultra SP-L/100 mL sample), incubation temperature (45–55 °C) and incubation time (60 and 120 min). Using 0.2 mL/100 mL sample of Novozym® 960 reduced sugar content by converting 80% of sucrose and increasing FOS levels by 20%. The optimal condition for spray drying increased-FOS mango juice microcapsules were established with 160 °C inlet temperature. Encapsulating agents were; resistant maltodextrin (RM), gum arabic (GA), and a combination of both at 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 v/v ratios. Microcapsule powders exhibited a light greenish-yellow hue and optimal conditions involved a 3:1 ratio of RM and GA (GRM), which exhibited the highest phenolic compounds, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.05). Microcapsules stored in vacuum-sealed aluminum bags best maintained physicochemical and microbial quality over a 45-day period. Microencapsulated mango juice has potential to be used in the food industry, including its role in beverage production and as a component in functional foods.

Cymbopogon proximus and Petroselinum crispum seed ethanolic extract/Gum Arabic nanogel emulsion: Preventing ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis in rats

Urolithiasis is a prevalent urological disorder that contributes significantly to global morbidity. This study aimed to assess the anti-urolithic effects of Cymbopogon proximus (Halfa Bar) and Petroselinum crispum (parsley) seed ethanolic extract /Gum Arabic (GA) emulsion, and its nanogel form against ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC)-induced experimental urolithiasis in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 received EG with AC in drinking water for 14 days to induce urolithiasis, groups 3 and 4 were orally administered emulsion (600 mg/kg/day) and nanogel emulsion (600 mg/kg/day) for 7 days, followed by co-administration with EG and AC in drinking water for 14 days. Urolithiatic rats exhibited a significant decrease in urinary excreted magnesium, and non-enzymic antioxidant glutathione and catalase activity. Moreover, they showed an increase in oxalate crystal numbers and various urolithiasis promoters, including excreted calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and uric acid. Renal function parameters and lipid peroxidation were intensified. Treatment with either emulsion or nanogel emulsion significantly elevated urolithiasis inhibitors, excreted magnesium, glutathione levels, and catalase activities. Reduced oxalate crystal numbers, urolithiasis promoters’ excretion, renal function parameters, and lipid peroxidation while improving histopathological changes. Moreover, it decreased renal crystal deposition score and the expression of Tumer necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cleaved caspase-3. Notably, nanogel emulsion showed superior effects compared to the emulsion. Cymbopogon proximus (C. proximus) and Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum) seed ethanolic extracts/GA nanogel emulsion demonstrated protective effects against ethylene glycol induced renal stones by mitigating kidney dysfunction, oxalate crystal formation, and histological alterations.

A comparative study on the rheological properties of concentrated xanthan gum in combination with gum arabic or gum arabic-based emulsion

A goal of this study is to explore the difference in rheological properties of xanthan gum (XG)-based mixtures with gum arabic (GA) or GA-based emulsion (GAE). The stability of GAE was improved by thickening with XG. The intrinsic viscosity of all mixtures decreased as GA concentration increased, implying an XG conformational transition from the disordered to the ordered form. All mixtures except for an XG-GA mixture at 6.0 % GA attained a higher consistency index value than XG alone, indicating synergistic interactions between the components. At a high GA concentration (>3.0 %), the XG-GAE mixture showed higher relative apparent viscosity values than the XG-GA mixture. All mixtures except for an XG-GA mixture at 6.0 % GA showed higher elastic modulus and lower viscous modulus values than XG alone. Consequently, all mixtures showed lower tan δ values (0.26–0.30) than XG alone (0.31). Moreover, with a high GA concentration (>1.5 %), the XG-GAE mixtures achieved lower relative tan δ values than XG-GA mixture. These results indicate that XG formed a higher weak gel-like network with GAE than GA. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the interaction between XG and GA is influenced by conformational changes in the latter in both aqueous and emulsion systems.