High Oil Concentrations Research Articles

Interfacial and Bulk Properties of Potato and Faba Protein in Connection with Physical Emulsion Stability at Various pH Values and High Salt Concentrations

The protein transition motivates the use of plant proteins, but their application in food emulsions is challenging, especially when high concentrations of oil and salt are needed for formulation and sensory properties. In the present work, we connect the iso-electric point of two potato protein isolates (patatin-rich, POPI-200; protease inhibitor-rich, POPI-300) and a faba protein isolate (FPI) to the behavior in the bulk phase and at the interface, and relate this to the physical stability of 45 wt% oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions in the presence of NaCl at pH 4.0–7.0. In the absence of NaCl, a higher bulk viscosity was found at the iso-electric point (IEP), especially for the FPI. In the presence of NaCl, the viscosity of the POPI-200 solutions was highest, followed by POPI-300, and that of the FPI was lowest, irrespective of the pH. Both POPIs showed faster initial adsorption at the O/W interface in the absence of NaCl, and formed a more elastic layer compared to the FPI. For all proteins, salt addition leads to less elastic films. Interestingly, the interfaces were more elastic at a pH close to the IEP of the protein in the presence of NaCl. Both POPI-stabilized emulsions showed higher stability (smaller size and less oiling off) than the FPI-stabilized emulsions, which makes potato proteins relevant for food emulsion product formulation, even under high salt conditions.

Development of an Eco-Friendly Nanogel Incorporating Pectis brevipedunculata Essential Oil as a Larvicidal Agent Against Aedes aegypti

Background/Objectives: Arboviruses, transmitted by mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti, pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly in tropical regions. The rapid spread and adaptation of viruses such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya have emphasized the need for innovative control methods. Essential oils from plants, such as Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch.Bip. (Pb), have emerged as potential alternatives to conventional insecticides. Methods: In this work, we developed an eco-friendly nanogel using a low-energy, solvent-free method, incorporating the copolymer F127 and Carbopol 974p, enriched with a high concentration of essential oil from Pb (EOPb). The resulting nanogel displayed excellent physical stability, maintained under varying temperature conditions. Characterization techniques, including FTIR and DLS, confirmed the stable incorporation of EOPb within the nanogel matrix. Results: The in vitro assays against Aedes aegypti larvae revealed that at 500 μg/mL, the mortality rates were 96.0% ± 7.0 after 24 h and 100.0% ± 0.0 after 48 h. The positive control group treated with temefos, achieved 100% mortality at both time points, validating the experimental conditions and providing a benchmark for assessing the efficacy of the nGF2002Pb nanogel. Conclusions: These results indicate that nGF2002Pb demonstrates a pronounced concentration-dependent larvicidal effect against Aedes aegypti, offering an innovative and sustainable approach to arbovirus vector control.

Phytochemistry, Nutritional, and Pharmacological Potential of Citrus Limonum

The current research aimed to provide an overview of the phytochemical configuration, nutritional value, and therapeutic uses of Citrous Limonum (lemon). Its fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals including citric acid, polyphenols, terpenes, limonene, flavonoids, vitamin C, sugar, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpineol, fellander, camhenium, citrain, calcium oxalates, and mucilages. Vitamin C is abundant in citrous fruits, as well as macronutrients (dietary fibre and simple sugar) and micronutrients (copper, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, vit B6 niacin thiamin, and folate). Lemon oil is composed of 70% limonene and 20% monoterpenes, along with significant amounts of aldehydes, such as citral, alcohols (linalool), and esters (coumarin). Lemon peel contains high concentrations of flavonoids, glycosides, coumarins, steroids (beta, gamma, sitosterol), dietary fibers, carbs, and volatile oils, all of which are necessary for good health and appropriate development. However, citrus fruits are low in calories, salts, and cholesterol. They find uses in herbal remedies due to their antioxidant, antifungal, anti-cholesterol, anticancer, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It is also important to mention that the excessive use of lemon may also be associated with some risks, such as the lowering of sperm count.

Spray coating of 2D materials in the production of antifouling membranes for membrane distillation

Membrane surface coatings with 2D materials have been shown to exhibit antifouling properties for water-treatment applications; however, synthesis methods currently based on vacuum filtration are not easily scalable. This study describes a scalable method for coating membranes with a range of 2D materials including graphene oxide (GO), hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and tungsten disulphide (WS2). Isopropyl alcohol solutions containing each class of the 2D flakes were spray-coated onto commercial polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) using a pyrolyser. The nanomaterials were secured with polydopamine (PDA) as a crosslinker in a method that could easily be integrated into a scalable roll-to-roll process. Changes in morphology, surface roughness, hydrophobicity, mechanical durability and chemical composition were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle, tensile strength measurements and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The 2D nanomaterials-coated membranes were tested in membrane distillation (MD) experiments over 72 h and compared to pristine PVDF and PDA/PVDF membranes. Salt rejection and MD performance stability were evaluated using feedwaters with high concentrations of humic acid (150 ppm) and paraffin oil (200 ppm) simulating simple organic wastewater from oil and gas extraction. The flux decline ratio was measured in terms of percentage permeate loss per hour (%/h), to allow for future comparisons with studies with different experimental times. The pristine PVDF membrane failed after 10 h by pore-wetting due to fouling while the PDA/PVDF membrane had the largest flux decline ratio (0.3 %/h). The membranes coated with GO and hBN had flux decline ratios orders of magnitude lower (0.0021 ± 0.005 and 0.028 ± 0.01 %/h, respectively). All membranes had a high salt rejection (>99.9 %). The GO-coated membrane was the only membrane type that was able to treat both surfactant-containing and foulant-containing feedwaters. The improved performance is attributed to the decrease in both surface roughness and hydrophobicity, which reduces the adsorption of foulants onto the membrane surface. This work shows a facile, scalable method to overcome fouling limitations in MD.

Efficient removal and reusage of acid soluble oil in waste H2SO4 of isobutane alkylation by low-temperature carbonization process

Waste H2SO4 from industrial isobutane alkylation, a hazardous thick liquid with a high concentration of acid soluble oil (ASO) impurities, poses challenges in the regeneration process. Herein, an innovative low-temperature carbonization process was proposed to convert waste H2SO4 into the regenerated concentrated H2SO4 and sulfonated activated carbon materials (SACMs) under mild reaction conditions. The optimal reaction temperature is identified at 423.15 K with the highest TOC removal of 90.57%. The high-purity regenerated H2SO4 with a concentration of 95% as a catalyst for isobutane alkylation exhibits excellent catalytic performance with 94.54 research octane number (RON) of the alkylate. SACMs, characterized as a novel porous carbon material with plentiful hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, and sulfonic acid functional groups, demonstrate an efficient catalytic activity in the dimerization of lactic acid to produce lactide with a yield of 46.95%. Hopefully, the novel recovery process provides a promising application to optimize the regeneration process of waste H2SO4 from industrial isobutane alkylation.

Access the performance of nitrification in an activated sludge reactor for seafood wastewater treatment: Experiment on the SBR model at the lab-scale

Abstract A major challenge in wastewater treatment system design is optimizing the nitrification process in activated sludge reactors, especially in the seafood industry with high concentration of organic matter, fat, oil, and nitrogen. However, in traditional seafood wastewater treatment systems, nitrogen removal is limited by the ratio C:N:P ≈ 100:5:1. With the experiment of the Sequencing Batch Reactor model, the evaluation of biological nitrification reaction is conducted based on the following parameters: organic loading rate, removing efficiency of ammonia - nitrogen, and nitrification rate. By using pre-treatment seafood processing wastewater with a C/N ratio of 5-6, these parameters were determined through an operating biological reactor with F/M from 0.16 to 0.2g BOD5/g MLVSS.d. In terms of the performance of the model, when optimizing the nitrification process, the efficiency removal reaches 78.3-80.0% for BOD5 and 93.9-94.5% for NH4-N. After that, the nitrification process occurred after 30 minutes of reaction phase, reached its maximum rate after 2 hours with nitrification rate from 0.04 to 0.08 g Nox/g MLVSS.d and then maintained for about 1 hour. Moreover, for an optimal nitrification process, the alkaline consumption of the model should be in the range 7.05-7.18 mg CaCO3/mg N.

Madhuca indica oil-entrapped buoyant galactomannan hydrogel microspheres for controlling epileptic seizures

A stable Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion (99–210 nm, zeta potential: > − 30 mV) was produced employing Tween 20 (surfactant) and Transcutol P (co-surfactant) (3:1). The nanoemulsion (oil: Smix = 3:7, 5:5, and 7:3) were subsequently incorporated into oxcarbazepine-loaded carboxymethylxanthan gum (DS = 1.23) dispersion. The hydrogel microspheres were formed using the ionic gelation process. Higher oil concentration had a considerable impact on particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and buoyancy. The maximum 92 % drug entrapment efficiency was achieved with the microspheres having oil: Smix ratio 5:5. FESEM study revealed that the microspheres were spherical in shape and had an orange peel-like surface roughness. FTIR analysis revealed a hydrogen bonding interaction between drug and polymer. Thermal and x-ray examinations revealed the transformation of crystalline oxcarbazepine into an amorphous form. The microspheres had a buoyancy period of 7.5 h with corresponding release of around 83 % drug in 8 h in simulated stomach fluid, governed by supercase-II transport mechanism. In vivo neurobehavioral studies on PTZ-induced rats demonstrated that the microspheres outperformed drug suspension in terms of rotarod retention, number of crossings, and rearing activity in open field. Thus, Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion-entrapped carboxymethyl xanthan gum microspheres appeared to be useful for monitoring oxcarbazepine release and managing epileptic seizures.

EXPLORING THE PHOTOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF CALENDULA OFFICINALIS L. ESSENTIAL OIL IN SKINCARE

The study investigated the potential of Calendula officinalis L. essential oil in skincare formulations with sun protection properties. A comprehensive methodology encompassed extraction, characterization, formulation, and evaluation of the oil’s efficacy. Physicochemical parameters assessment indicated favorable results, with GC-MS analysis identifying twenty-two compounds, notably 1,8 cineole and α-pinene, with antioxidant properties suggesting UVB protection. Formulation of stable oil-in-water creams containing 1-5% Calendula oil exhibited no phase separation and maintained viscosity, highlighting robust physical stability. In vitro SPF testing demonstrated significant sun protection activity, particularly in formulations with higher oil concentrations. The study supports Calendula-based formulations as promising natural alternatives for sun protection in cosmetics, offering a sustainable approach without synthetic additives.

Assessment of cattle tick infestation: Molecular insights into Rhipicephalus annulatus and the efficacy of garlic oil and nanoemulsion as acaricidal agents

Ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus annulatus, pose significant threats to livestock, causing economic losses and transmitting various infectious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the potential acaricidal properties of garlic oil and its nanoemulsion against ticks infesting cattle, Rhipicephalus annulatus through the evaluation of mortality rate and morphological changes of the treated ticks. The study also included prevalence, risk factors, and molecular confirmation of tick species. Genetic characterization confirmed the identity of R. annulatus. Our results revealed a high prevalence of R. annulatus (46.9%) with a higher risk in male cattle (50%) than females (44.9%) and a nonsignificant high infection (49.1%) in animals ≤ 1 year old. The acaricidal efficiency of garlic oil and its nanoemulsion was concentration and time-dependent. The high concentration of garlic oil (20 mg/L) induced complete mortality within 48 hours. The nanoemulsion formulation enhanced efficacy, particularly at 5 mg/L, which exhibited rapid and substantial acaricidal activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological alterations induced by garlic oil and its nanoemulsion, including changes to the anterior capitulum, dorsal, and ventral cuticles. The study contributes to the exploration of effective, safe, and eco-friendly alternatives for tick control. Further research is warranted to validate their efficacy under diverse conditions and assess practical strategies.

Trachyspermum ammi, a plant-based antimicrobial agent for paper packaging in e-commerce for consumer safety

This study used a plant-based antimicrobial agent (Trachyspermum ammi or Ajowan essential oil) to develop a water-based coating emulsion with polyvinyl alcohol as a binder. The emulsion was spray-coated onto the packaging paper to achieve antimicrobial properties and prevent disease transmission during the e-commerce supply chain. The coated papers were studied for their morphological, chemical, mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial behaviors. The presence of Ajowan oil on coated paper was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and surface morphology. In parallel, the time-bound release of volatile Ajowan oil from the coated papers was demonstrated when stored in a controlled environment using UV–vis spectroscopy. Both bending stiffness and tear strength significantly increased for coated papers due to the presence of polyvinyl alcohol in the coating, whereas the high concentration of oil resulted slight decrease in tensile and burst strength of coated papers. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of coated paper was checked against S. aureus and E. coli at different concentrations of Ajowan oil in coating and was found to be effective for 10 days. The coated papers also showed remarkable antimicrobial activity when tested against all unknown microbes on bare human hands.

Daily Consumption of α-Linolenic Acid Increases Conversion Efficiency to Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Mice.

To maintain a beneficial concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the efficient conversion of its precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LA), is important. Here, we studied the conversion of α-LA to EPA using ICR and C57BL/6 mice. A single dose of perilla oil rich-in α-LA or free α-LA had not been converted to EPA 18 h following administration. The α-LA was absorbed into the circulation, and its concentration peaked 6 h after administration, after which it rapidly decreased. In contrast, EPA administration was followed by an increase in circulating EPA concentration, but this did not decrease between 6 and 18 h, indicating that the clearance of EPA is slower than that of α-LA. After ≥1 week perilla oil intake, the circulating EPA concentration was >20 times higher than that of the control group which consumed olive oil, indicating that daily consumption, but not a single dose, of α-LA-rich oil might help preserve the physiologic EPA concentration. The consumption of high concentrations of perilla oil for 4 weeks also increased the hepatic expression of Elovl5, which is involved in fatty acid elongation; however, further studies are needed to characterize the relationship between the expression of this gene and the conversion of α-LA to EPA.

Investigation of biological activities of essential oil obtained from peel of wild orange in Quang Ngai by steam distillation

Wild orange abundantly and naturally occuring in mountainous regions of Western Quang Ngai (Vietnam) has been commonly collected and consumed as a unique fruit with a low economic value. In this study, to propose the healthy benefits from this wild fruit, steam distillation was applied to extract essential oil from its peel with an extraction efficiency of approx. 3.85 wt.%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to evaluate the chemical makeup of the essential oil obtained, in which, D-limonene (78.4%) and β-myrcene (2.4%) were found to be the most significant among 44 detected compounds. The in vitro antifungal activity of the essential oil against Candida Albicans (C.albicans) and Malassezia Furfur (M.furfur) was discovered using the zone-of-inhibition (ZOI) method. The experimental result showed that the inhibition to C.albicans was significant at a high concentration of the essential oil while the inhibition to M.furfur was better even at a low concentration (2.5 mg/mL) with an inhibitory ring diameter of 27 ± 0.3 mm, proving the great potential of this essential oil towards pharmaceutical and biological applications.

Numerical simulation on gas-solid separation characteristics of in-situ pyrolysis products of tar-rich coal

ABSTRACT Tar-rich coal holds the potential to substitute the supply of oil-gas resources. The in-situ pyrolysis contributes to efficient resource utilization and can potentially achieve net-zero CO2 emissions. However, it is challenging to efficiently separate oil-gas resources, which are predominated by tar, from multiphase products of in-situ pyrolysis of tar-rich coal. Additionally, the difference in fluid properties yields significant influences on separation performance, while the understanding of the separation characteristics of high-viscosity fluid remains insufficient. In this study, the separation process of pyrolysis products from tar-rich coal was investigated using the computational fluid dynamics simulation approach. The flow field, pressure drop, separation efficiency and distribution characteristics were analyzed. The simulation results indicate that the volute cyclone separator exhibits commendable separation efficiency, exceeding 98%. Meanwhile, in handling tars containing a high concentration of light oil, the separator demonstrates remarkable adaptability. The separation efficiency of solid particles decreases from 89% to 83% when the system contains a high content of pitch. The particle diameter exerts great influence on the flow field. The separation efficiencies are 99% and 0.37%, respectively, when the particle sizes are selected as 0.1 mm and 0.001 mm. In the scope of this study, the optimal working conditions of the cyclone separator were determined, which provides data support for improving the separation efficiency and recovery rate of the oil-gas resources.

Lycopene extract as an antibrowning agent for edible coating of fresh cut apples.

Edible coatings have been utilized for fresh fruit and vegetable preservation to ensure their safety and freshness. The present study reported the effect of edible coatings incorporated with Lycopene extract and Ascorbic Acid on fresh cut Apple slices (Red Delicious) during storage at refrigeration temperature for 12days. The dipping treatments include Lycopene extract (LC-100mg), Ascorbic acid (AAC-100mg) and a combination of both LC + AAC (100mg lycopene extract and 100mg Ascorbic acid). Quality parameters (color, physicochemical and enzymatic activities) were studied up to 12days at refrigeration temperature. Dipping treatments of LC and LC + AAC significantly showed lowest enzymatic activity than AAC treatment. However, color was not preserved in LC + AAC treatments due to high concentration of olive oil in these treatments. Furthermore, physicochemical quality was better preserved in LC + AAC treatments.

Molecular variability among the isolates of seed-borne Macrophomina phaseolina infecting sesame seeds

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an earliest oilseed crop originating from India, widely cultivated across different climates worldwide known as the ?Queen of the Oilseeds?. Seeds are the economically significant part of the crop and it contains high oil and protein concentrations, making it highly valued for its nutritional content and delightful flavour. Sesame cultivation faces challenges particularly concerning biotic agents with diseases caused by Macrophomina phaseolina being a major threat. Moreover, this pathogen's seed-borne nature possesses a direct threat to human health when infected seeds are consumed. Twelve M. phaseolina isolates from different genotypes/cultivars showed distinct cultural, morphological and molecular variability. The RAPD study using 40 primers revealed cent per cent polymorphism with OPA 2, OPE 1 and OPE 3, while OPA 3 and OPA 18 exhibited the lowest polymorphism (85.71% and 83.33%). Most isolates belonged to cluster B, indicating genetic similarity, while cluster A included only four isolates. Molecular variability amongst the isolates of M. phaseolina infecting sesame seeds were analyzed using molecular marker RAPD.. KEYWORDS :Macrophomina phaseolina, molecular variability, seeds, sesame, RAPD

Assessing the Potential of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex. G. Don - A Leguminous Plant Species commonly found in Nigeria to Decontaminate Crude Oil-polluted Soil in Terrestrial Ecosystem

The potentials of Parkia biglobosa (a leguminous plant species) to decontaminated crude oil-polluted soil in terrestrial ecosystem was evaluated in this study using appropriate standard techniques to estimate seedling germination, height, collar diameter, number of leaves and physicochemical characteristics (organic matter, pH, calcium, magnesium and sodium, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) of soil used, were determined using standard protocols. Results indicated that varying concentration of crude oil influenced the variables measured. For 0 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml, 75 ml and 100 ml crude oil treatments, Parkia biglobosa had 18%, 18%, 16%, 13% and 11% germination rate correspondingly; mean height of 38.70cm, 26.80cm, 21.20cm, 18.50cm and 6.80cm respectively, mean collar diameter of 0.32mm, 0.30mm, 0.26mm, 0.24mm and 0.22mm respectively; 2, 0, 0, 0 and 0 nodules count respectively, and 8.00, 6.00, 5.00, 5.00 and 2.00 leaf count respectively. All physicochemical parameters measured decreased in the soil in inverse proportion to crude oil concentration. So also, seedling germination, height, collar diameter, number of leaves and nodulation decreased in inverse proportion to crude oil concentration. Parkia biglobosa grew tolerably in both high and low concentrations of crude oil, which is an indication of its able to withstand crude oil toxicity. Parkia biglobosa as a nitrogen fixing plant would be a good candidate for the terrestrial restoration of crude oil contaminated regions in Nigerian.

Development and Evaluation of a Stable Oil-in-Water Emulsion with High Ostrich Oil Concentration for Skincare Applications.

This study investigates the development of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion enriched with a high concentration of ostrich oil, recognized for its abundant content of oleic acid (34.60 ± 0.01%), tailored for skincare applications. Using Span and Tween emulsifiers, we formulated an optimized emulsion with 20% w/w ostrich oil and a 15% w/w blend of Span 20 and Tween 80. This formulation, achieved via homogenization at 3800 rpm for 5 min, yielded the smallest droplet size (5.01 ± 0.43 μm) alongside an appropriate zeta potential (-32.22 mV). Our investigation into the influence of Span and Tween concentrations, types, and ratios on the stability of 20% w/w ostrich oil emulsions, maintaining a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 5.5, consistently demonstrated the superior stability of the optimized emulsion across various formulations. Cytotoxicity assessments on human dermal fibroblasts affirmed the safety of the emulsion. Notably, the emulsion exhibited a 52.20 ± 2.01% inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation, surpassing the 44.70 ± 1.94% inhibition observed for ostrich oil alone. Moreover, it demonstrated a superior inhibitory zone against Staphylococcus aureus (12.32 ± 0.19 mm), compared to the 6.12 ± 0.15 mm observed for ostrich oil alone, highlighting its enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties and strengthening its potential for skincare applications. The optimized emulsion also demonstrates the release of 78.16 ± 1.22% of oleic acid across the cellulose acetate membrane after 180 min of study time. This successful release of oleic acid further enhances the overall efficacy and versatility of the optimized emulsion. Stability assessments, conducted over 6 months at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 45 °C), confirmed the emulsion's sustained physicochemical and microbial stability, supporting its promise for topical applications. Despite minor fluctuations in acid values (AV) and peroxide values (PV), the results remained within the acceptable limits. This research elucidates the crucial role of emulsification in optimizing the efficacy and stability of ostrich oil in skincare formulations, providing valuable insights for practical applications where stability is paramount.

High Outcrossing Levels among Global Macadamia Cultivars: Implications for Nut Quality, Orchard Designs and Pollinator Management

Global fruit and nut yields are affected by shortfalls in pollinator populations, and pollen limitation is most prevalent among tropical, bee-pollinated and self-incompatible plants. Macadamia is a subtropical, bee-pollinated crop in which some cultivars have been found to be highly outcrossing. We aimed to determine the extent of outcrossing and its effects on nut quality across a wide range of international macadamia cultivars in three countries. We sampled fruit from 19 macadamia cultivars across 23 sites in Australia, Brazil and South Africa. We used genotype-by-sequencing and MassARRAY methods to assign paternity to individual fruit and we assessed pollen-parent effects on nut quality. Macadamia was highly outcrossing, producing 80–100% of fruit by cross-pollination, at 17 of the 23 sites. Mixed mating (41–72% outcrossing) was identified at five sites, and low outcrossing (10%) was identified in one cultivar at one site where it was isolated from other flowering macadamia trees. Outcrossed fruit often had significantly better quality than selfed fruit, with 1.61–3.39 g higher nut-in-shell mass, 0.53–1.55 g higher kernel mass, 3.3–6.4% higher kernel recovery, and 3.0–3.5% higher oil concentration. The differences in kernel recovery equated to differences in value of USD 433–841 per ton of nut-in-shell at prices of USD 3000 per ton. In summary, macadamia cultivars were mostly highly outcrossing, and outcrossed nuts often had higher quality than selfed nuts. Growers should consider interplanting different cultivars more closely and distributing bee hives more widely to maximise cross-pollination, produce high yields, and optimise nut quality.

Fatty acid profiles of olive oil and moringa oil and their influence on nanoemulsion formation via D-phase emulsification using bakuchiol as a model active compound

Moringa oil (MO) and olive oil (OV) share similar chemical compositions, often considered interchangeable in various applications. However, their behavior in nanoemulsion formation, a widely-used process in the cosmetic industry, remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to investigate their fatty acid compositions and how they respond to nanoemulsion formation using the D-phase emulsification method. MO comprises approximately 79% oleic acid, 7% palmitic acid, 6% stearic acid, and other minor components. In contrast, OV contains roughly 70% oleic acid, 14% palmitic acid, 10% linoleic acid, and other constituents. In the context of nanoemulsion formation, both oils exhibited similar trends in particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential when varying the formulation compositions. The type of oil significantly influenced particle size at low surfactant concentrations and PDI at higher oil concentrations, consistently affecting zeta potential. The optimal formulation, O1T15G5, yielded droplet sizes of approximately 222 nm (MO) and 50 nm (OV). Both MO and OV nanoemulsions responded similarly to the substitution of oil with bakuchiol (BK), with O0.7B0.3T15G5 achieving the smallest spherical particle size confirmed by TEM and DLS analysis. Encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant activity remained largely unaffected by types of oil. Stability tests at different temperatures showed some distinctions in physical stability but similarities in antioxidant activity stability. The types of oil did not significantly impact BK release or cytotoxicity levels. This research underscores the potential utility of MO as a viable alternative to OV in cosmetic applications, shedding light on their similarities and performance within nanoemulsion formulations.

Investigating the impact of n-heptane (C7H16) and nanoparticles (TiO2) on diesel-microalgae biodiesel blend in CI diesel engines.

Recent global challenges encompass profound environmental pollution and the depletion of finite fuel resources. In this study, the biodiesel used in the mixture was derived from Azolla pinnata microalgae oil through a trans-esterification reaction chosen for its high oil concentration. During the initial phase of the experiment, varying volumes of biodiesel (5%, 10%, and 15%) and n-heptane (5%, 10%, and 15%) were introduced to diesel to form a ternary fuel blend. The experimental outcome shows that an n-heptane and biodiesel mixture of 10% by volume would produce the best results. Next, experiments were carried out by incorporating 10, 40, and 80ppm titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in a recommended ternary fuel blend. The experimental investigation showed that D80A10H10TNP40 (diesel 80% + biodiesel 10% + n-heptane 10% + TiO2 40ppm) caused a 7.21% increase in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) with a decrease in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) by 9.58% and 10%, respectively, compared to (diesel 80% + biodiesel 20%) D80A20. D80A10H10TNP40 exhibits lower emissions, with a significant reduction of 11.29% and 20.96% in carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbons (UBHC), respectively. Nitrogen oxide (NOX) and smoke emissions were reduced by 3.3% and 11.13%, respectively, compared to D80A10H10. Furthermore, D80A10H10TNP40 demonstrated enhanced combustion properties, comprising a significant rise of 4.39% in-cylinder pressure (CP), 35.29% in heat release rate (HRR), and 25.05% in the rate of pressure rise (RPR). The findings of this investigation indicate that D80A10H10TNP40 exhibits enhanced efficiency, emission, and combustion properties compared to the D80A20 fuel.