Thermostable Research Articles

Analysis and characterization of residual salts from lithium carbonate industry: Their potential uses for thermal storage systems

The increasing demand for clean energy and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led to a growing awareness of the importance of thermal energy storage systems in the diversification of the electric matrix. Sensible heat and latent heat storage are the two main techniques, and the choice of storage system depends on the melting point of the substances and the thermal energy required for the processes. This study focused on waste salts obtained from the production process of lithium carbonate. The thermophysical properties of these salts, including specific heat, density, and thermal stability, were examined through various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results revealed promising thermal properties, chemical stability, and physical availability of the waste salts. Additionally, the study explored the potential benefits of reutilizing these waste salts, such as reducing environmental impact, promoting circular economy principles, and creating new market opportunities for commercial products. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the thermophysical properties of waste salts from lithium carbonate production. The main results are heat capacity in the solid phase (0.767–3.143 J/g°C) and storable thermal energy (114–1153 TWht). These findings contribute to the design and optimization of thermal energy storage systems, highlighting the potential for sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions in the context of global clean energy transitions.

The effect of ultrasonic waves on the structure, morphology, and thermal conductivity of graphene oxide as nanofluids for direct absorption solar collector application

This research aims to explore how ultrasonic waves affect the structure and morphology of graphene oxide (GO) as a nanofluid, influencing its thermal conductivity (TC), stability, and photo-thermal conversion properties. GO was rapidly synthesized under ultrasonic bath irradiation using modified and improved Hummers' methods. Ultrasonic irradiation creates different structural and morphological defects in the GO that depend on the sonication time. The relationship between the exposure time to ultrasound and the creation of structural and morphological defects in graphene oxide nanosheets was investigated using UV–Vis, FTIR, Raman spectroscopies, AFM, and TEM analysis. The study examined how the structure and morphology of graphene oxide nanosheets affect the thermophysical and photo-thermal conversion properties of nanofluids by comparing heat transfer and stability. The simultaneous characterizing of the structure and morphology indicates that TC and stability are related to the sonication time. Indirect sonication with low intensity can carefully control the oxidation reaction of GO. Sonication for 30 min creates GO nanosheets that yield stable nanofluids with a 32.31 % enhancement in TC, with no extra treatment needed. This particular nanofluid has excellent photo-thermal conversion properties thanks to its high optical absorption, good stability, and thermal conductivity. This can increase the solar-thermal conversion efficiency (η) up to 72.5 %, making it a promising candidate for use as the working fluid in direct absorption solar collectors (DASCs)

Integration of four-dimensional proteomics and network pharmacology to reveal molecular mechanisms of multi-components multi-targets effects of Sini decoction on myocardial infarction

Sini Decoction (SND) has been proven to be an effective formula to alleviate cardiac injury of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the potential mechanism of SND remains unclear. In this study, the MI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. A total of 17 SND-distributed components in heart were identified by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOFMS). The combination of four-dimensional (4D) proteomics and network pharmacology was employed to find the potential targets for therapeutic intervention, and molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were used to reveal the interactions between the potential targets and the potential active components distributed in heart of SND. 33 SND-effected proteins were identified by 4D proteomics, which was involved in carbon metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and PPAR signaling pathway. 17 potential SND-targeted direct proteins were screened by comparing SND-effected proteins generated from 4D proteomics with the MI-related proteins obtained from disease database. The potential relationships between 17 components and 17 potential SND-targeted direct proteins were established by molecular docking analysis, in which songorine, benzoylhypaconine, hypaconine, formononetin, and liquiritigenin could be bound to the surrounding amino acid residues in the binding pocket of Mtor, Parp1, Acadm, Crat, and Aldh2. Then, CETSA analysis further confirmed that songorine and benzoylhypaconine could increase the heat stability of Mtor and Parp1 in cardiac tissue lysate, respectively, which suggested that there existed direct interactions between songorine and Mtor, and benzoylhypaconine and Parp1. In summary, this work concluded that SND produced cardioprotective effects mainly through preserving energy metabolism, also demonstrated that the combination of 4D proteomics and network pharmacology was a promising tool for uncovering the molecular mechanisms of multi-components multi-targets effects of TCM.

Effect of Cavitation and High-Temperature Nanofiltration of Ultrafiltered Skim Milk on the Functionality of Milk Protein Concentrate Powder

Both hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and temperature elevation are important pretreatments for improving the performance of liquid food processing by reducing viscosity. In this study, we assessed the impact of HC and elevated temperature on the functionality of milk protein concentrate powder with 80% protein (MPC80) prepared from nanofiltration (NF) of ultrafiltration (UF) retentate. Skim milk was concentrated using UF, and the retentate was further subjected to HC and concentrated using NF, then spray dried to obtain MPC80 powder. The functionality of these powders processed using NF at 22 °C, NF at 50 °C, HC and NF at 22 °C, and HC and NF at 50 °C were evaluated. Rennet coagulation time of reconstituted MPC80 from different NF treatments was like skim milk when treated with 0.1% CaCl2. High-temperature NF reduced the water solubility of MPC80 powder (70.03 to 79.20%) at room temperature, but it was similar when measured at 50 °C (86.05 to 92.91%). The HC improved foaming (92.22 to 112.89%) but did not impact the emulsifying capacity (59.58 to 61.38%) and heat stability (18.04 to 20.22 min). Results showed that the HC and high-temperature NF utilized to increase the production efficiency of MPC80 also maintained the functionality of the powders after spray drying.

The effect of anionic emulsifiers’ diversity and manufacturing processes on the stability and mechanical properties of the water-based epoxy-emulsified asphalt

Emulsified asphalt mixtures’ cold mix and paving features facilitate asphalt pavements in fulfilling dual-carbon and energy-saving demands. Anionic emulsifiers can enhance emulsion stability, ensure uniform dispersion of oil and water, possess good decompression viscosity, thickening, and lubricating properties, and maintain good stability under acidic conditions. Nevertheless, anionic emulsified asphalt is restricted in engineering applications due to problems like its storage stability. In this paper, eight anionic emulsifiers and two preparation procedures were chosen for stability tests. Through static tests, storage tests, sieve residue tests, and laser particle size tests, the impacts of emulsifiers on the storage stability and dispersion of asphalt were analyzed. Waterborne epoxy resin exhibits excellent adhesive properties, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and heat stability. A fluorescence microscope test, static and storage test, laser particle size test, and cementation test were employed to explore the effects of different preparation processes and waterborne epoxy mixing ratios on emulsified asphalt’s storage stability, dispersion stability, and structural stability. The results showed that: (1) the emulsified asphalt prepared with the BWH-02 emulsifier exhibits the best storage stability, and blending with 20% of the waterborne epoxy modifier can notably enhance the bonding properties; (2) the shear strength of the BWH-02 waterborne epoxy emulsified asphalt prepared can reach 1.543 MPa, and the tensile viscosity can reach 0.848 MPa; (3), The emulsified asphalt prepared by the process of modification has better storage stability than that prepared by the side of the emulsification process. Moreover, the storage stability of emulsified asphalt prepared by emulsification and modification is superior to that of the emulsification and modification process. This research provides theoretical and technical support for popularizing and applying cold-mixed cold-paving asphalt mixtures.

Microencapsulation of total saponins from stem and leaf of Panax notoginseng by freeze and spray drying: Process optimization, physicochemical properties, structure, antioxidant activity, and stability.

Ginsenosides are the primary active substance in ginseng plants and have a variety of benefits. However, its light and heat stability are weak and easy to decompose. This study used gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials, and 1% Tween 80 was used as emulsifier. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the preparation process of total saponins in the stems-leaves of Panax notoginseng (SLPNs) (SSLP) microcapsules by spray drying and freeze drying techniques. Under optimal process conditions, the two microcapsules have better solubility and lower moisture content (MC). The color of spray-dried SSLP microcapsules was greener and bluer, and the color was brighter. In morphology, the spray-dried SSLP microcapsules were spherical with a slightly shrunk surface, whereas the freeze-dried ones were lamellar and porous. The two microcapsules have strong stability under different storage conditions and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation. In addition, both microcapsules and free SSLP contained multiple ginsenosides. At the same time, both microcapsules had good free radical scavenging ability. These results indicate that the microencapsulation technology could improve the stability and bioavailability of SSLP, which is expected to provide a reference for the intensive processing of the SLPN. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: After microencapsulation, the stem and leaf extract of Panax notoginseng improved its stability and taste, which laid a foundation for making more nutritious and better tasting food of the stem and leaf of P. notoginseng.

Effects of four kinds of improver on fermentation characteristics of gluten-free rice dough.

Rice is commonly utilized as a wheat bread substitute due to its low allergenicity. However, rice bread faces challenges in processing efficiency and the formation of a cohesive gel network structure, resulting in suboptimal taste Hence, this study compared four improvers-trypsin, whey protein (WPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and molecularly distilled monoglycerides (GMSs). The impacts of the four improvers on the processing attributes of rice dough were comprehensively assessed across fermentation, moisture content analysis, rheology, heat stability, and pasting characteristics. The findings indicated that the incorporation of trypsin, HPMC, and WPC resulted in 107%, 61%, and 1% increases in gas production of fermented rice dough, respectively, while reducing the regrowth values to 564.00±7.21, 176.67±0.58, and 611.00±3.61cP. Notably, the air-holding capacity of HPMC-fermented rice dough exhibited a 7% enhancement. All four types of improvers raised the enthalpy of melting (ΔH) and the difference in melting point (ΔT) of fermented rice doughs, with trypsin enhancing ΔH by 44% and ΔT by 40%. GMS, HPMC, and WPC increased the degree of water incorporation in fermented doughs. This study could serve as a benchmark for enhancing the fermentation attributes of rice dough and establish a groundwork for the future advancement of gluten-free dietary options. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The thorough analysis conducted in this experiment provides a theoretical framework for rice dough preparation during the fermentation process, addressing the dietary needs of individuals with coeliac disease and those following a gluten-free diet. This study also paves the way for the development of improved gluten-free rice products in future research pursuits.

Display of Bacterial Exochitanase on Bacillus subtilis Spores Improved Enzyme Stability and Recyclability.

Chitin is the second most prevalent polysaccharide found in nature, following cellulose. Amino-oligosaccharides, the byproducts of chitin degradation, exhibit favorable biological properties and potential for various uses. Chitinases play a crucial function in the breakdown of chitin, and their exceptionally effective production has garnered significant interest. Here, in this study, the exochitinase PbChiA, obtained from Paenibacillus barengoltzii, was recombinantly produced and immobilized using the CotG surface protein of Bacillus subtilis WB800N. The resulting strain Bacillus subtilis WB800N pHS-CotG-Chi exhibited exceptional heat stability and efficacy across various pH levels. The chitinolytic activity of the enzyme, which had been isolated and immobilized on the spore surface, was measured to be approximately 16.06 U/mL. Including Ni2+, Zn+2, and K+, and EDTA at various concentration levels in the reaction system, has significantly enhanced the activity of the immobilized enzyme. The immobilized exochitinase demonstrated a notable rate of recycling, as the recombinant spores sustained a relative enzyme activity of more than 70% after three cycles and 62.7% after four cycles. These findings established a basis for additional investigation into the role and practical use of the immobilized bacterial exochitinase in industry.

Physical and chemical treatments in obtaining and purifying Kombucha SCOBY Cellulose

SCOBY cellulose (CS) is a biopolymer with exceptional physical properties, serving as a source of fiber, water retention capacity, crystallinity, and purity. Its potential as a byproduct of kombucha production and a source of bacterial cellulose (BC) has been a subject of exploration. This study aims to gather information from experimental studies in the scientific literature on various methods of CS extraction, processing, and purification, and their impact on microscopic, macroscopic structure, and functional characteristics. The purification treatments for CS, as described in the literature, include immersion in deionized, distilled, or sterile water, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite under agitation or static mode at different temperatures (23ºC, 30ºC, 50ºC, 80ºC, 90ºC, 110ºC) and under variable contact times with the substance chosen for treatment (1, 2, 20, 24 hours to 3 days). Alkaline treatments on SCOBY cellulose enhance extensibility, viscoelasticity, absorptivity, tensile strength, heat stability, and remove microorganisms, sugars, and other components of the culture medium adhered to the cellulose. With CS being obtained at a low cost and low complexity in the fermentation process, and the potential for less polluting treatments, it presents a sustainable process and source of CB that can be applied in a variety of industries, particularly in the exciting field of food.

Preparation and properties of double-layer phenolic/polyurethane coated isophorone diisocyanate self-healing microcapsules

Single-layer isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) are one of the most popular self-healing microcapsules but suffers from low shell strength, poor heat resistance, stability and aging properties. In this paper, IPDI microcapsules were encapsulated into double-layer phenolic (PF)/polyurethane (PU) by a two-step process involving interfacial polymerization and in-situ polymerization. The prepared microcapsule composites were comprehensively characterized for their physical and chemical properties using optical microanalysis, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and depth-sensing indentation analysis. Compared with the single-layer PU-IPDI microcapsule counterpart, the mechanical performance, thermal resistance, aging property and environmental stability of double-layer PF/PU-IPDI microcapsules were significantly improved. The epoxy coating was enhanced with the incorporation of 10 wt.% PF/PU-IPDI microcapsules, whose self-healing performance was evaluated by scratch corrosion test. The results demonstrated successful repair of coating scratches, along with the absence of corrosion on the coated steel substrate soaked in a 10 wt.% NaCl solution for 7 days. By comparing the tensile strength of epoxy coating before and after crack formation, it could be found that the self-healing efficiency was 57.9% when loaded with 10 wt.% of PF/PU-IPDI microcapsules in coating. This study highlights that the rational design of double-layer microcapsules integrated into the epoxy coating matrix could provide excellent anti-corrosion and self-healing properties.

Characterisation of chicken breast and soy proteins glycated with konjac glucomannan hydrolysate

SummaryThis study investigated the enhancement of food proteins through glycation with bioactive saccharides derived from Konjac glucomannan hydrolysate (KGMH) via the Maillard reaction. The focus was on how the degree of polymerisation (DP) of KGMH influences the glycation process and the properties of conjugates with chicken breast and soy proteins. KGMH samples with low, medium, and high DPs (4.20, 5.21, and 6.11, respectively) were glycated under wet‐heating conditions with varying pH levels (8, 9, and 10) at 70 °C for 15 min to 6 h. Results demonstrated that higher pH and longer reaction times significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) glycation and browning, particularly with lower DP saccharides. The optimal conjugates markedly improved protein solubility (1.3 to 1.9 times), heat stability (1.1 to 2.4 times), and emulsification properties (1.2 to 1.5 times), with the highest DP showing the strongest correlation. Additionally, these conjugates exhibited significantly enhanced in vitro bioaccessibility (58.69% to 66.65%) and antioxidant activity (P < 0.05). This study highlights the novel potential of KGMH‐protein conjugation through the Maillard reaction for developing functional food ingredients with superior quality.

Improving physicochemical and biological properties of gelatin‐xylooligosaccharide conjugates by Maillard reaction

SummaryMaillard reaction can enhance the functional characteristics of the protein. Herein, we investigated changes in the physicochemical and biological properties of gelatin (GA)‐xylooligosaccharide (XOS) conjugates following Maillard reaction. The results showed that the browning intensity of the conjugates increased with the prolongation of heating time. Additionally, sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed some macromolecule polymer formed, and the grafting degree of GA was augmented to 40.05% with prolongation of heating time. GA glycation with XOS decreased α‐Helix content and increased level of β‐Turn level, and exerted a slight impact on contact angle. Moreover, the results of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion analysis showed that the GA‐XOS mixture enhanced resistance to digestion after Maillard reaction for 60 min, affording hydrolysis ratios ranging from 17.86–27.79% and 25.03–35.47% in simulated gastric fluid and intestinal fluid, respectively. The antioxidant ability and heat stability of the conjugates was visibly enhanced following heating treatment. Additionally, increasing the mass of XOS accelerated the antioxidant capacities of GA‐XOS conjugates. The finding will assist the fabrication of GA‐XOS conjugates with highly functional properties by Maillard reaction.

Experimental investigation of zinc ferrite/insulation oil nanofluid natural convection heat transfer, AC dielectric breakdown voltage, and thermophysical properties

Improving the thermal and dielectric properties of insulation oil (INO) with nanoadditives is an important challenge, and achieving dispersion stability in these nanofluids is quite challenging, necessitating further investigation. The main goal of this study is the synthesis and use of the hydrophobicity of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles, which can improve both the thermal and dielectric properties of the INO. This oil is made from distillate (petroleum), including severely hydrotreated light naphthenic oil (75–85%) and severely hydrotreated light paraffinic oil (15–25%). A comprehensive investigation was carried out, involving the creation of nanofluids with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles at various concentrations, and employing various characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), zeta potential analysis, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The KD2 Pro thermal analyzer was used to investigate the thermal characteristics, including the thermal conductivity coefficient (TCC) and volumetric heat capacity (VHC). Under free convection conditions, the free convection heat transfer coefficient (FCHTC) and Nusselt numbers (Nu) were evaluated, revealing enhancements ranging from 14.15 to 11.7%. Furthermore, the most significant improvement observed in the AC Breakdown voltage (BDV) for nanofluids containing 0.1 wt% of ZnFe2O4 amounted to 17.3%. The most significant finding of this study is the improvement in the heat transfer performance, AC BDV, and stability of the nanofluids.

Robust Imidazole-Linked Covalent Organic Framework Enabling Crystallization Regulation and Bulk Defect Passivation for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

The low crystallinity of the perovskite layers and many defects at grain boundaries within the bulk phase and at interfaces are considered huge barriers to the attainment of high performance and stability in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a robust photoelectric imidazole-linked porphyrin-based covalent organic framework (PyPor-COF) is introduced to precisely control the perovskite crystallization process and effectively passivate defects at grain boundaries through a sequential deposition method. The 1D porous channels, abundant active sites, and high crystallization orientation of PyPor-COF offer advantages for regulating the crystallization of PbI2 and eliminating defects. Moreover, the intrinsic electronic characteristics of PyPor-COF endow a more closely matched energy level arrangement within the perovskite layer, which promotes charge transport and thereby suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers. The champion PSCs containing PyPor-COF achieved power conversion efficiencies of 24.10% (0.09 cm2) and 20.81% (1.0 cm2), respectively. The unpackaged optimized device is able to maintain its initial efficiency of 80.39% even after being exposed to air for 2000 h. The device also exhibits excellent heating stability and light stability. This work gives a new impetus to the development of highly efficient and stable PSCs via employing COFs.

Unveiling the water sorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and air dehumidification performance of sustainably synthesized metal–organic frameworks

This study focuses on the feasibility of sustainably synthesized MIL-100(Fe) as an alternative to conventional desiccants, such as silica gel and zeolites, which have low adsorption capacity and poor thermal characteristics for air dehumidification. MIL-100(Fe), a metal–organic framework, shows promise due to its excellent adsorption and customizable thermal properties. However, its synthesis typically involves toxic materials and high temperature/pressure conditions, which restrict its bulk production for large-scale applications. This study aims to explore sustainable synthesis methods for MIL-100(Fe) using non-toxic materials and milder reaction conditions and investigate its material characteristics and dehumidification performance. Experimental analyses are carried out to measure adsorption isotherms, kinetics, sorption heat, activation energy, and cyclic stability, and numerical simulations are conducted in COMSOL Multiphysics platform to estimate dehumidification performance. The test results demonstrate that MIL-100(Fe) has a higher water adsorption capacity compared to silica gel, with a unique stepwise adsorption into its two types of mesoporous cages. Increased temperatures cause the adsorption and desorption isotherms to shift towards higher relative humidity levels. The heat of water adsorption and desorption ranges between 2630–2906 kJ/kg and 2763–2848 kJ/kg, respectively. MIL-100(Fe) demonstrates high stability and no significant loss in water uptake capacity. The simulated performance indicate that MIL–100(Fe) has superior reaction rates and is 82 % more effective than the silica gel rotary wheel dehumidifiers.

Enhanced Interfacial Modification by Ordered Discotic Liquid Crystals for Thermotolerance Perovskite Solar Cells.

Traditionally used phenylethylamine iodide (PEAI) and its derivatives, such as ortho-fluorine o-F-PEAI, in interfacial modification, are beneficial for perovskite solar cell (PSC) efficiency but vulnerable to heat stability above 85 °C due to ion migration. To address this issue, we propose a composite interface modification layer incorporating the discotic liquid crystal 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexa(pentoxy)triphenylene (HAT5) into o-F-PEAI. The triphenyl core in HAT5 promotes π-π stacking self-assembly and enhances its interaction with o-F-PEAI, forming an oriented columnar phase that improves hole extraction along the one-dimensional direction. HAT5 repairs structural defects in the interfacial layer and retains the layered structure to inhibit ion migration after annealing. Ultimately, our approach increases the efficiency of solar cells from 23.36% to 25.02%. The thermal stability of the devices retains 80.1% of their initial efficiency after aging at 85 °C for 1008 hours without encapsulation. Moreover, the optimized PSCs maintained their initial efficiency of 82.4% after aging under one sunlight exposure for 1008 hours. This study provides a novel strategy using composite materials for interface modification to enhance the thermal and light stability of semiconductor devices.

Enhanced Interfacial Modification by Ordered Discotic Liquid Crystals for Thermotolerance Perovskite Solar Cells

Traditionally used phenylethylamine iodide (PEAI) and its derivatives, such as ortho‐fluorine o‐F‐PEAI, in interfacial modification, are beneficial for perovskite solar cell (PSC) efficiency but vulnerable to heat stability above 85 °C due to ion migration. To address this issue, we propose a composite interface modification layer incorporating the discotic liquid crystal 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexa(pentoxy)triphenylene (HAT5) into o‐F‐PEAI. The triphenyl core in HAT5 promotes π‐π stacking self‐assembly and enhances its interaction with o‐F‐PEAI, forming an oriented columnar phase that improves hole extraction along the one‐dimensional direction. HAT5 repairs structural defects in the interfacial layer and retains the layered structure to inhibit ion migration after annealing. Ultimately, our approach increases the efficiency of solar cells from 23.36% to 25.02%. The thermal stability of the devices retains 80.1% of their initial efficiency after aging at 85 °C for 1008 hours without encapsulation. Moreover, the optimized PSCs maintained their initial efficiency of 82.4% after aging under one sunlight exposure for 1008 hours. This study provides a novel strategy using composite materials for interface modification to enhance the thermal and light stability of semiconductor devices.

Thermal and mechanical performance assessment of composite (CPCM) for energy storage

Phase change materials (PCMs) face obstacles in being widely used due to issues with heat transfer and maintaining their shape. In this research, instead of using binders, the Hexadecane (H) is melted in such a way that the capillary forces of the molten wax allow it to be impregnated into the low-density polyethylene (P) molecules and bind it together as a composite. It was found that the hot melt extrusion (HME) combines the two materials at the micro-scale, forming a phase change composite (CPCM) with various geometries that possesses superior latent heat and shape stability during phase transition. The structure can incorporate a higher percentage of PCM (60 %) using this method, which also results in lower costs. According to the thermal analysis, (H60P40) provides great thermal stability and can store a lot of energy per unit of weight. It has a high capacity of storing latent heat at 129.56 J/g and can also prevent Hexadecane leakage. Based on the mechanical properties results, hexadecane acts like plasticizer thus the addition of PCM decreases Young's modulus, stress in break, and stress at yield. This trend is observed as the PCM content increases. The high values of elongation at break also indicates the strong plasticizing properties of PCM. Based on the obtained results, the CPCMs as a potential candidate for an application in buildings for thermal regulation, reducing energy consumption, and reducing indoor temperature swing.

HPTLC – densitometric method of analysis for estimation of efonidipine hydrochloride and telmisartan used in treatment of hypertension

Precise, accurate, and sensitive high performance thin layer chromatographic method has been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of efonidipine hydrochloride (EFD) and telmisartan (TEL) in a tablet dosage form which is used in treatment of hypertension. The proposed method used aluminum plates pre-coated with silica gel 60 F254 as a stationary phase and n-butanol: toluene: acetic acid (3:7:0.2, v/v/v) as a mobile phase for separation purpose. Compact spots of TEL and EFD were obtained at Rf 0.73 and 0.37, respectively. Densitometric detection was carried out at 299 nm in UV. Linear responses were shown by the detector over the range of 200–1200 ng/band for both drugs. The proposed method was validated as per ICH guidelines. The method was successfully applied for estimation of both drugs in tablet formulations. Forced degradation study was carried and efonidipine was found to be susceptible to base hydrolysis and oxidative stress degradation while TEL was stable in acid-base hydrolysis, oxidative stress, dry heat and photo stability testing conditions. The developed method can be used for the analysis of stability samples. Greenness assessment of developed method was performed using AGREE software. The method was found to be greener having greenness score of 0.69.

Isolation and Characterization of β-Glucan Containing Polysaccharides from Monascus spp. Using Saccharina japonica as Submerged Fermented Substrate

Beta-glucan (β-glucan), a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide, has drawn attention for its diverse health benefits, including immune system modulation. β-glucan was extracted from two fungi, Monascus purpureus (Mp) and Monascus kaoliang (Mk), cultured in Saccharina japonica via submerged fermentation. The yield, solubility, total sugar, reducing sugar, protein content, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), in vitro free radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity were analyzed. A significant yield of β-glucans, with the contents of 51.30 ± 1.54% in Mp and 44.24 ± 1.18% in Mk was observed on a dry weight basis. Water solubility slightly varied, measuring 36.25 ± 1.14% in Mp and 31.25 ± 0.94% in Mk. Total sugar and reducing sugar content in Mp and Mk derived β-glucans were 114.75 ± 2.54 mg/g and 100.25 ± 1.86 mg/g, 7.38 ± 0.78 mg/g, and 8.39 ± 0.46 mg/g, respectively. FTIR spectra resembled the standard, and TGA confirmed heat stability. XRD patterns indicated that the extracted β-glucans, including the standard one, showed the most prominent diffraction peaks in the lower 2θ range, suggesting similar crystalline phases; however, they differed in crystallinity and degree of amorphous content. SEM images displayed characteristic rough and fibrous shapes and surfaces for extracted β-glucans but it was uniform and of a regular shape in the standard sample. The isolated β-glucans exhibited in vitro free radical scavenging and no cytotoxicity was observed in the MTS assay. Therefore, utilizing S. japonica as a substrate in the fermentation process by Monascus spp. presents a unique opportunity in the production and utilization of β-glucans.