High-intensity Ultrasonication Research Articles

The effect of ultrasound on the extraction and foaming properties of proteins from potato trimmings

High-intensity ultrasonication is an emerging technology for plant protein isolation and modification. In this study, the potential of temperature-controlled ultrasonication to enhance the recovery of functional proteins from potato trimmings was assessed. Different ultrasound energy levels [2000–40,000 J/g fresh weight (FW)] were applied during protein extraction at pH 9.0. True protein yields after ultrasonication significantly increased (up to 91%) compared to conventional extraction (33%). Microstructural analysis of the extraction residues showed more disrupted cells as ultrasonication time increased. Ultrasound treatments (10,000 and 20,000 J/g FW) increased the protein yield without affecting the foaming and air-water interfacial properties of protein isolates obtained after isoelectric precipitation (pH 4.0). However, proteins obtained after extended ultrasonication (40,000 J/g FW) had significantly slower early-stage adsorption kinetics. This was attributed to ultrasound-induced aggregation of the protease inhibitor fraction. In conclusion, ultrasonication shows potential to help overcome some challenges associated with plant protein extraction.

Effects of High Intensity Ultrasonication on Molecular Characteristics and Emulsifying Properties of Rambutan Seed Protein

Effects of High Intensity Ultrasonication on Molecular Characteristics and Emulsifying Properties of Rambutan Seed Protein

Sustainable upcycling of sugarcane bagasse into nanofibrillated cellulose utilizing novel green solvents and high intensity ultrasonication

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) are versatile materials with applications spanning from advanced composites to water treatment innovations. Production of NFC using biopolymers found in agricultural waste residues holds importance due to their environmentally friendly nature, providing viable substitute for non-renewable petroleum resources. From the perspective of sustainable economy, this article focuses on utilizing agricultural waste, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) for the production of nanofibrillated cellulose using green approach. Here, we synthesized four different types of acidic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and investigated their potential as pretreatment agents synergistically with acetosolv, aiming to enhance cellulose recovery from SCB. The pretreatment step led to significant yield of cellulose (84.4 %) using Gly-CA NADES and acetosolv combination. The yields in case of Xyl-CA (82.2 %), Gly-TA (75.6 %) and Xyl-TA (68.9 %) were relatively lower. Subsequent implementation of high-intensity ultrasonication (HIU) process resulted in rapid nanofibrillation of fibres with minimal cellulose loss. The morphological and particle size analyses of the produced NFC samples using SEM, TEM and DLS revealed that they exhibited heterogeneity with lengths varying from 25 to 80 nm and widths varying from 5 to 10 nm, indicating a high efficiency of disintegration. The qualitative analysis of NFCs was also investigated by employing XRD, FTIR and TGA/DTG that further determined that the structure of NFCs remained unaltered even after subjecting it to various treatment methods. Thus, the study signifies a holistic approach to resource recovery and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly biomass conversion processes.

Efficacy of one-step-ultrasonic route to producing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles from cockle shells

Seafood products have contributed significantly to the world's source of dietary protein and various nutrients. Developing an innovative seafood product (ISP) such as calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) provides a high-nutrient ingredient for foods and seafood. Despite the potential of this ISP as an ingredient, the conventional processing approach requires multiple steps, high energy, and raw materials usage to produce mediocre products. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound in facilitating the HAp extraction process. Samples were separated into ultrasonication (low-intensity= 0.18 W/cm2, moderate-intensity 0.35 W/cm2, and high-intensity= 0.41 W/cm2 at 37 kHz for 15 mins) and without ultrasonic treatments, with the same technique. The efficacy of the extraction process was analyzed in terms of the yield percentage, whiteness index (WI), morphological characteristics, particle size distribution, elemental composition, crystallinity phase, degree of crystallinity, and crystallite size. The low-intensity and moderate-intensity ultrasonication significantly reduces the WI and yield of HAp obtained. The high-intensity ultrasonication did not significantly affect yield, WI, and growth orientation. However, it reduces particle size from 200 to 550 nm to 26–42 nm, and narrowing the distribution range. Crystallinity is also significantly improved by ultrasonic energy, from 61% to 79%, with a slightly larger crystal size (24 nm) than without ultrasound. Findings on a novel cost-effective approach and ultrasonic effect seem relevant for other extraction systems of different biomaterials.

Three-Dimensional Membranes of Natural Polymer Complex Nanoparticle for Potential Medical Applications.

Skin wound healing is a complex biological process of tissue regeneration in which the wound dressing is crucial for rapid healing; it must protect the wound keep an adequate level of moisture and prevent infections. Alginate (AL), a polysaccharide from brown algae, has been extensively studied for wound treatment, and aloe vera gels (AVGs) have also been used in the treatment of skin. The AVG main bioactive polysaccharide was combined with AL for the preparation of membranes. Two-dimensional membranes were prepared by casting and, for comparison, transparent nanoparticle 3D membranes were produced by high-intensity ultrasonication followed by ionotropic crosslinking. The effects of the amount of AVG, ionotropic gelation, and the structure (2D or 3D) of the AL-AVG membranes were compared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed higher surface roughness on 3D membranes. Three-dimensional membranes showed a higher swelling ratio, and swelling increased with AVG content and decreased with higher calcium concentration and longer gelation times. The degradation of the membranes was evaluated with and without a lysozyme at pH 5.5, 7.5, and 8.5, to simulate different skin conditions; the results evidence that pH had a higher effect than the enzyme. The cytotoxicity of the membranes was evaluated with ATCC CCL 163 and ATCC CCL 81 cells, and an excellent biocompatibility of both cell types (>90% of cell viability after 48 h incubation) was observed for all AL-AVG membranes.

Effect of Ultrasonication on Some Chemical Properties of Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) Oleoresin Nanoemulsion Bioactive Compounds

Nanotechnology has developed in various industrial fields. This encourages innovation in the use of additives such as antioxidants, dyes, flavors, and other active ingredients that can be modified in the form of nanoemulsions. Red ginger contains oleoresin, which has thick properties to form a paste. These properties make oleoresin difficult to mix with food, disperse, hydrophobic and susceptible to the effects of heat and light. One solution to overcome this problem is to convert oleoresin into a nanoemulsion so that it has high solubility, is stable, good bioavailability, and improves sensory properties. One technique for making nanoemulsions is ultrasonication. The high-intensity ultrasonication effect can cause the movement of the oil phase into the liquid phase in the form of droplets, thereby increasing the pressure in the liquid and resulting in the breakdown of the oil droplets into smaller sizes. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of ultrasonication on some chemical properties of the red ginger oleoresin nanoemulsion bioactive compounds, which includes antioxidant activity, total phenol, gingerol content, and droplet microstructure. The study used a completely randomized design with four treatments based on sonication time. Data from the test results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's advanced test. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that ultrasonication had effect on the red ginger oleoresin nanoemulsion biactive compounds. The best treatment is 90 min of sonication. The antioxidant activity (IC50) was 11.45±3.48 ppm, the total phenolic content was 3342.74±283.00 mg GAE/g, and the gingerol content was 0.33 %. The nanoemulsion droplet microstructure complies with the standard; that is, the particles are in the form of small spheres, like balls, and there are no visible holes or cracks on the surface of the particles. HIGHLIGHTS Red ginger contains higher oleoresin than other types of ginger Oleoresin is in the form of a viscous paste, so it is hydrophobic Application of nanoemulsion to oleoresin can increase solubility and bioavailability One of the methods for making nanoemulsions is using ultrasonication The novelty in this research is the manufacture of red ginger oleoresin nanoemulsion using the ultrasonication method to increase the content of bioactive compounds such as antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and gingerol GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

High-Intensity Ultrasonication as an Innovative Approach for the Softening of Wooden Breast Meat in Broilers

Considering the remarkable implications exerted by the occurrence of wooden breast (WB) abnormality on meat tenderness and marketability, the poultry processing industry demands the implementation of postmortem procedures that can improve the textural traits of chicken breasts affected by this defect. Within this scenario, this study aimed at exploring the effectiveness of high-intensity ultrasonication (HIU) in attenuating the toughness of WB fillets and evaluating its effects on the main technological properties and quality characteristics of chicken breast meat. Overall outcomes showed that HIU significantly reduced (P<0.01) the compression forces of both unaffected and WB raw meat without negatively affecting the main meat quality traits and technological properties, such as color and water holding capacity. The significant (P<0.05) increase in myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) observed in unaffected fillets might hint at an alteration of myofibril integrity following the mechanical action of ultrasonic waves. However, despite the effectiveness of HIUin improving the textural traits of raw WB meat, overall outcomes obtained through western blot and MFI analyses suggested that HIU did not remarkably alter the microstructure of myopathic muscles. The myodegenerative lesions typically occurring in WB muscles may have partially disguised the mechanical effects of ultrasonic waves on muscle cells’ structures, making the elucidation of the mechanisms that lead to the softening of WB meat particularly complex.

An in situ Zn–5Mg2Ge composite processed by ultrasonication for biodegradable orthopedic implant applications

Zinc (Zn)-based composites have been received adequate attention lately in the biomedical field as degradable biomaterials owing to their simple preparation process, inherent biodegradability, intrinsic biological activity, and good biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the low mechanical strength and fast corrosion rate of Zn-based composites caused by a large number of coarse reinforcement particles have severely impeded their further clinical application. This work reports a promising method to fabricate an in situ biodegradable Zn–5Mg2Ge composite with high mechanical properties, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and cytocompatibility via high-intensity ultrasonication and followed by hot-rolling. After hot rolling, the ultrasonicated Zn–5Mg2Ge composite exhibited the best mechanical properties and hardness with a yield strength, an ultimate tensile strength, elongation, Vickers hardness, and Brinell hardness of 142.9 MPa, 253.6 MPa, 8.9%, 109.5 HV, and 104.0 HB, respectively. Further, the ultrasonicated Zn–5Mg2Ge composite after hot-rolling exhibited significantly higher corrosion and wear resistance than its un-ultrasonicated counterpart in Hanks’ solution. The diluted extract (12.5% concentration) of the.

High-intensity ultrasonication impact on the chlorothalonil fungicide and its reduction pathway in spinach juice

Among different novel technologies, sonochemistry is a sustainable emerging technology for food processing, preservation, and pesticide removal. The study aimed to probe the impact of high-intensity ultrasonication on chlorothalonil fungicide degradation, reduction pathway, and bioactive availability of spinach juice. The chlorothalonil fungicide-immersed spinach juice was treated with sonication at 360 W, 480 W, and 600 W, 40 kHz, for 30 and 40 min at 30 ± 1 °C. The highest reduction of chlorothalonil fungicide residues was observed at 40 min sonication at 600 W. HPLC-MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy) analysis revealed the degradation pathway of chlorothalonil and the formation of m-phthalonitrile, 3-cyno-2,4,5,6-tetrachlorobenamide, 4-dichloroisophthalonitrile, trichloroisophtalonitrile, 4-hydoxychlorothalonil, and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorochlorobenzonitrile as degradation products. High-intensity sonication treatments also significantly increased the bioavailability of phenolic, chlorophyll, and anthocyanins and the antioxidant activity of spinach juice. Our results proposed that sonication technology has excellent potential in degrading pesticides through free radical reactions formation and pyrolysis. Considering future perspectives, ultrasonication could be employed industrially to reduce pesticide residues from agricultural products and enhance the quality of spinach juice.

Targeted recovery of metals from thermoelectric generators (TEGs) using chloride brines and ultrasound

Recycling of thermoelectric materials: thermoelectric leg and copper plates removed by targeted oxidation or thermoelectric legs removed by high-intensity ultrasonication.

Modification of the functional properties of chickpea proteins by ultrasonication treatment and alleviation of malnutrition in rat.

High-intensity ultrasonication (HIU) is an emerging technology for improving the functional properties of the leguminous proteins in the food industry. In this study, chickpea protein (CP) was treated at 150 W for 30 min to obtain ultrasonic chickpea protein (UCP). The physicochemical (particle size, ζ-potential, hydrophobicity, and free sulfhydryl) and structural properties (FTIR) were changed after the HIU treatment, which led to an improvement of functional properties, including the solubility, emulsifying, and foamability in UCP. The chickpea protein diet (CPD) and ultrasound chickpea protein diet (UCPD) were supplemented to undernourished weaning rats to assess their potential in improving malnutrition. After 6 weeks of administration, the body weight of malnourished rats in UCPD increased by 11.97% compared with that in CPD. The results in OMICS showed that beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids were positively related to growth. This work demonstrated the physicochemical and functional properties of CP and UCP and guided the application of the UCP to malnutrition improvement.

Physicochemical Properties and Young Adult Consumer Preference of Dry-Aged Beef after High-Intensity Ultrasonication

This study aimed to determine the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU. F = 37 kHz, I = 28W/cm2, bath for 30 min, 5 °C) on physicochemical characteristics and sensorial preference of seven aged (23 d ageing) bovine muscles (L. dorsi lumborum, L. dorsi thoracis, Psoas major, Semimembranosus, Biceps femoris, Rectus femoris, and Gluteus medius). Muscles were randomly distributed in two treatments: with and without ultrasonication. Colour (L*, a*, b* and C*), water-holding capacity (WHC), and shear force (N) were determined before and after simulated retail display (SRD) in modified atmosphere packing (MAP; 75% O2: 25% CO2, 3 °C, 13 h led light exposition) for 5 d. Sensorial toughness was also evaluated at the end of the SRD. Ultrasonication slightly reduces 6–9% WHC of beef. HIU did not affect (p ˃ 0.05) water loss, meat colour, shear force and sensorial toughness of the meat. The Semimembranosus was the toughest muscle. Ultrasonication of 23-day-aged beef did not show improvements on quality characteristics, and despite minor changes in water loss and slight increase in shear force, consumers did not detect differences.

Ultrasonically assisted surface modified CeO2 nanospindle catalysts for conversion of CO2 and methanol to DMC

This study developed a facile and effective approach to engineer the surface properties of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanospindle catalysts for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and methanol. CeO2 nanospindles were first prepared by a simple precipitation method followed by wet chemical redox etching with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) under high intensity ultrasonication (ultrasonic horn, 20 kHz, 150 W/cm2). The ultrasonically assisted surface modification of the CeO2 nanospindles in NaBH4 led to particle collisions and surface reduction that resulted in an increase in the number of surface-active sites of exposed Ce3+ and oxygen vacancies. The surface modified CeO2 nanospindles showed an improvement of catalytic activity for DMC formation, yielding 17.90 mmol·gcat−1 with 100 % DMC selectivity. This study offers a simple and effective method to modify a CeO2 surface, and it can further be applied for other chemical activities.

Yellow horn as an alternative source of plant-based protein: The effects of high-intensity ultrasonication treatment on its physicochemical properties and emulsifying properties

In this study, the impacts of high-intensity ultrasonication treatment (0, 150, 300, 450, 600 W) on the physicochemical and functional properties of yellow horn protein (YHP) were investigated. YHP dispersion (10 mg/mL) was treated with ultrasonication (20 kHz) at 0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 W for 10 min. The results showed that the physicochemical properties of YHP were improved with the increase of ultrasonic power, manifested by the increased surface hydrophobicity, together with the reduced interfacial tension. After ultrasonication, the solubility of YHP increased from 43.1% to 73.0%. In addition, with the increase of ultrasonic power, the emulsifying properties of YHP were also improved, including emulsifying activity index, emulsifying stability index, and percentage of adsorbed protein. After ultrasonication treatment, the particle size and turbidity of YHP dispersion were reduced, so the emulsion particles stabilized by YHP became smaller and the distribution was more uniform. As a result, emulsions stabilized by ultrasonicated YHP had higer storage stability. The results indicated that ultrasonication is a valuable method for improving the physicochemical and emulsifying properties of YHP, which provided a theoretical basis for YHP as a natural plant-based functional component in the food processing.

High intensity ultrasound-assisted quality enhancing of the marinated egg: Gel properties and in vitro digestion analysis

In this study, high intensity ultrasonication (HIU) was employed as an efficient tool to improve the gel property and in vitro digestibility of marinated egg (ME). The effects of HIU treatment at 100 W and 200 W for a series of time periods (0.5 h, 1 h, and 2 h) on the textural profiles, structural changes, and microstructures were also studied. After HIU treatment, the springiness and gumminess of ME white were enhanced. The water holding capacity reached the highest point (66.6%) when 0.5 h 200 W HIU was used. It was observed that 100 W HIU led to the highest zeta potential (-12.0 mV) and hydrophobicity (175.35 μg) of ME, indicating a high degree of electrostatic repulsion prevented agglomeration. HIU treatment at 100 W affected the dynamic rheological behaviors by boosting non-covalent bonds, which maintains the gel network's homogeneity. Meanwhile, the decreasing formation of α-helix, in contrast to β-turn, altered the aggregation behaviors of egg white gel. The microstructure of the 200 W HIU treated samples had porous colloidal network structures, and the in vitro digestibility (>75%) was increased after HIU. This work demonstrated that HIU could be a green and cost-effective tool for processing the egg product with high quality.

The Influence of High-Intensity Ultrasonication on Properties of Cellulose Produced from the Hop Stems, the Byproduct of the Hop Cones Production.

The goal of this work is to evaluate the hop stems, a byproduct of hop cones production, as a potential source of cellulose. Hop stems contain up to 29% of cellulose. The cellulose isolation was conducted through the thermochemical treatment. After high-speed blending, the cellulose was characterized by 67% of crystallinity degree obtained from X-ray diffraction and median diameter of 6.7 nm obtained from atomic force microscopy imaging. The high-intensity ultrasonication (HIUS) was applied to reach further disintegration of cellulose fibers. The longer HIUS treatment resulted in decrease in crystallinity degree even up to 60% and decrease in the fiber diameter up to 4 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed that HIUS treatment led to changes in intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The stability of cellulose dispersions versus length of HIUS treatment was monitored over 14 days with back dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler electrophoresis methods. Obtained results are evidence that the hop stems are a potential source of cellulose and that it is possible to obtain stable dispersions after HIUS treatment. This was the first time that the properties of hop cellulose have been described so extensively and in detail after the use of HIUS treatment.

Modification of emulsifying properties of mussel myofibrillar proteins by high-intensity ultrasonication treatment and the stability of O/W emulsion

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of high-intensity ultrasonication (HIUS) treatment at different ultrasonic powers (0, 150, 300, 450, 600 W) on the emulsifying properties of mussel myofibrillar protein (MMP). The changes in fourier infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, free sulfhydryl groups and surface hydrophobicity, indicated that HIUS treatment changes the structure of MMP. HIUS treatment could significantly improve the emulsifying properties of MMP by affecting its physicochemical properties. HIUS treatment improved the emulsification activity index, emulsification stability index, adsorption protein percentage, creaming index, interfacial tension, rheology and other emulsifying properties of O/W emulsion. HIUS treatment at 600 W had the best effect on the solubility of MMP. Solubility, compared to control, increased from 11.1% to 33.4%; and the change in molecular structure of MMP was characterized by smaller particles (from 48.64 to 20.60 µm), lager absolute zeta potential (from 56.24 to 79.92 mV), and decreased turbidity (from 1.68 to 0.97). The emulsion stabilized by MMP ultrasonicated at 600 W showed the best storage stability, with the lowest particle size, the lowest surface tension (11.83 mN/m) and the largest absolute value of zeta potential (31.78 mV), which was confirmed in the microstructure photos. The results of this research provide theoretical basis for the application of ultrasonic modified MMP as functional protein ingredients to control emulsion-type seafood products or design of MMP-based emulsion delivery systems for functional material in the food industry.

Mechanical Enhancement of Composite Bricks Using Kenaf and Oil Palm Cellulose Nanofibrils

The application of nanocellulose has been adapted as fillers in composite bricks. Raw kenaf and oil palm empty fruit bunch were treated through chemical treatment and high intensity ultrasonication process to produce cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). One control brick without CNF and ten CNF composite bricks were fabricated. The composite bricks used different amount of CNF which were 40 - 200 ml mixed with filtered sand, portland cement and pebbles. Physical and mechanical characterization was done by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and universal testing machine (UTM) on CNF and composite bricks. FESEM showed the fibril diameter were ranges from 30 - 80 nm for kenaf and 20 - 60 nm for oil palm. The compression tests showed that control brick, 40 ml kenaf CNF composite brick and 40 ml oil palm CNF composite brick were cracked at force 39.01 kN, 50.46 kN and 42.16 kN respectively. Kenaf CNF composite brick has the highest value of Young’s Modulus which is 28.92 N/mm2, followed by oil palm CNF composite brick with 27.8 N/mm2 and control brick (Malaysia Standard) with 25.8 N/mm2. Kenaf and oil palm CNF can increase the strength of the bricks because of enhancement in their mechanical properties.

Comparative study between mechanical and chemical treatments for the preparation of nanocellulose

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is usually obtained by the acid hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose for its use as polymer reinforcement. An ecological alternative to this process, avoiding the use of acids, is a mechanical method. High intensity ultrasonication (HIU) in optimal conditions (time, wave amplitude, volume ratio fiber/solution, cellulose extraction source) can be applied to prepare nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC). In this work, the HIU method was used to mechanically prepare NFC. Ultrasonication time (t) and wave amplitude (A) were optimized seeking for NFC with high crystallinity, strong thermal stability, large aspect ratio (length to diameter) and large surface to volume ratio with diameter in nanometer scale. The morphology and the physical/chemical properties of the NFC prepared at optimal HIU conditions were compared with those of NCC prepared from the same cellulose source at optimal acid hydrolysis (AH) conditions. Similar purity, lower crystallinity, improved thermal stability and larger aspect ratio with diameter in nanoscale were obtained for NFC prepared by HIU. These results can be used as an initial screening for the selection of the optimal process for NCC manufacture focusing on their use as polymer reinforcement.

Extraction and Isolation of Cellulose Nanofibers from Carpet Wastes Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Approach.

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are the most advanced bio-nanomaterial utilized in various applications due to their unique physical and structural properties, renewability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. It has been isolated from diverse sources including plants as well as textile wastes using different isolation techniques, such as acid hydrolysis, high-intensity ultrasonication, and steam explosion process. Here, we planned to extract and isolate CNFs from carpet wastes using a supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc.CO2) treatment approach. The mechanism of defibrillation and defragmentation caused by Sc.CO2 treatment was also explained. The morphological analysis of bleached fibers showed that Sc.CO2 treatment induced several longitudinal fractions along with each fiber due to the supercritical condition of temperature and pressure. Such conditions removed th fiber’s impurities and produced more fragile fibers compared to untreated samples. The particle size analysis and Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM) confirm the effect of Sc.CO2 treatment. The average fiber length and diameter of Sc.CO2 treated CNFs were 53.72 and 7.14 nm, respectively. In comparison, untreated samples had longer fiber length and diameter (302.87 and 97.93 nm). The Sc.CO2-treated CNFs also had significantly higher thermal stability by more than 27% and zeta potential value of −38.9± 5.1 mV, compared to untreated CNFs (−33.1 ± 3.0 mV). The vibrational band frequency and chemical composition analysis data confirm the presence of cellulose function groups without any contamination with lignin and hemicellulose. The Sc.CO2 treatment method is a green approach for enhancing the isolation yield of CNFs from carpet wastes and produce better quality nanocellulose for advanced applications.