High-pressure Homogenization Research Articles

Insight into the mechanism of synergy of ultrasound and high pressure homogenization on the emulsion stability and interfacial behaviors of α-lactalbumin with mogroside V

Due to uneven distribution amino acid residues of α-lactalbumin (αLA) at oil-water interface, some measurement should be adopted to improve its interfacial behavior and emulsion stability. Therefore, this study focused on the mechanism of synergy of ultrasound and high pressure homogenization on the emulsion stability and interfacial behaviors of α-lactalbumin with mogroside V (MGV). Four treatments were adopted: ultrasound (US), high pressure homogenization (HPH) and combined treatment (US-HPH and HPH-US). Primarily, emulsion stability of αLA/MGV was analyzed. US-HPH or HPH-US exhibited better emulsion stability than US or HPH. Especially, HPH-US-αLA/MGV emulsion was not stratified at the given time (45 d), which was the most stable emulsion. Moreover, the micromorphology of emulsion showed that MGV and UH/HPH treatment suppressed the aggregation of αLA emulsion droplet. In addition, interfacial adsorption mass and viscoelasticity of physical treated αLA was improved with MGV in the order of HPH-US > US-HPH > US > HPH, specifically, frequency shift (ΔF) and dissipation shift (ΔD) of HPH-US-αLA/MGV was 42.2% and 32.5% higher than that without MGV. This finding may provide a potential approach for obtaining natural and high-efficient protein-based emulsifier in food industry.

Favored CH-π interaction between enzymatically modified high amylose starch and resveratrol improves digestion resistance

Starch-stilbene polyphenol complexes, a novel form of resistant starch (RS), have received considerable attention due to their potential health benefits. To enhance the functionality of this type of complex, we examined the interactions between resveratrol (RA) and high-amylose starch with different molecular weights, achieved through enzymatic modification followed by high-pressure homogenization (HPH). We examined how these interactions affect the digestibility and ordered structures of the complexes. Our findings reveal that, notwithstanding the inhibition of double helix and B-type crystalline structure formation, RA-starch complexation markedly boosted single helix content, V-type crystalline structure formation, and aggregate structure density. These effects contributed notably to increased RS content. Interestingly, the formation of the V6-type crystalline structure within the complexes was primarily facilitated by the CH-π interaction between the aromatic rings of RA and the C–H of starch, rather than conventional hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces. The strength of the CH-π interaction increased with higher amylose content and lower molecular weight of the starch, achievable through a 12-h pullulanase hydrolysis followed by a 2-h α-amylase hydrolysis. The resulting HPH-Pα2-RA complexes exhibited remarkable levels of the V-type crystalline structure and RS content, reaching up to 25.45% and 57.37%, respectively. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the design of starch-polyphenols complexes with a high RS content.

Nanofibrils from oil palm trunk: effect of delignification and fibrillation technique

Oil palm trunk (OPT) is an inexpensive, abundantly available by-product of palm oil production which is typically not put to material use. Due to its comparably high cellulose content, OPT represents a suitable raw material for the preparation of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). Aiming for full utilization of the raw material and minimized energy demand, non-delignified and partially delignified (alkali-pretreated) OPT was subjected to mechanical fibrillation in the present study. As compared to CNFs from fully delignified OPT, the lignin-rich microfibrils obtained by this approach generally showed higher average fibril diameters, lower thermal stability as well as lower viscosity, and higher sedimentation rate in suspension. However, the combination of alkali-pretreatment and fibrillation by disc-grinding and subsequent high-pressure homogenization resulted in fibrils with properties similar to those of CNFs from fully delignified OPT. As proven by IR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and chemical composition analysis, alkali-treated OPT fibrils still contained substantial amounts of residual lignin which could, for instance, act as a natural coupling agent or binder in composite applications. Moreover, the facile delignification process applied herein requires far less chemicals and energy than conventional pulping and is thus beneficial from both the economic and ecological perspective.

Formulation and Characterization of Soybean Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilized Using Gelatinized Starch Dispersions from Plant Sources.

Consumers are concerned about employing green processing technologies and natural ingredients in different manufacturing sectors to achieve a "clean label" standard for products and minimize the hazardous impact of chemical ingredients on human health and the environment. In this study, we investigated the effects of gelatinized starch dispersions (GSDs) prepared from six plant sources (indica and japonica rice, wheat, corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes) on the formulation and stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. The effect of gelatinization temperature and time conditions of 85-90 °C for 20 min on the interfacial tension of the two phases was observed. Emulsification was performed using a primary homogenization condition of 10,000 rpm for 5 min, followed by high-pressure homogenization at 100 MPa for five cycles. The effects of higher oil weight fractions (15-25% w/w) and storage stability at different temperatures for four weeks were also evaluated. The interfacial tension of all starch GSDs with soybean oil decreased compared with the interfacial tension between soybean oil and water as a control. The largest interfacial tension reduction was observed for the GSD from indica rice. Microstructural analysis indicated that the GSDs stabilized the O/W emulsion by coating oil droplets. Emulsions formulated using a GSD from indica rice were stable during four weeks of storage with a volume mean diameter (d4,3) of ~1 µm, minimal viscosity change, and a negative ζ-potential.

Gastrointestinal digestion behavior and bioavailability of greenly prepared highly loaded myofibrillar-luteolin vehicle

In this study, the highly loaded myofibrillar protein (MP)-luteolin (Lut) complexes were noncovalently constructed by using green high-pressure homogenization technology (HPH) and high-pressure micro-fluidization technology (HPM), aiming to optimize the encapsulation efficiency of flavonoids in the protein-based vehicle without relying on the organic solvent (i.e. DMSO, ethanol, etc.). The loading efficiency of Lut into MPs could reach 100 % with a concentration of 120 μmol/g protein by using HPH (103 MPa, 2 passes) without ethanol adoption. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion behavior and antioxidant activity of the complexes were then compared with those of ethanol-assisted groups. During gastrointestinal digestion, the MP digestibility of complexes, reaching more than 70.56 % after thermal treatment, was higher than that of sole protein. The release profile of Lut encapsulated in ethanol-containing and ethanol-free samples both well fitted with the Hixson-Crowell release kinetic model (R2 = 0.92 and 0.94, respectively), and the total phenol content decreased by ≥ 40.02 % and ≥ 62.62 %, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and Fe2+) of the digestive products was significantly improved by 23.89 %, 159.69 %, 351.12 % (ethanol groups) and 13.43 %, 125.48 %, 213.95 % (non-ethanol groups). The 3 mg/mL freeze-dried digesta significantly alleviated lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. The triglycerides and malondialdehyde contents decreased by at least 57.62 % and 67.74 % after digesta treatment. This study provides an easily approached and environment-friendly strategy to construct a highly loaded protein–flavonoid conjugate, which showed great potential in the formulation of healthier meat products.

Red light induces starch accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris without affecting photosynthesis efficiency, unlike abiotic stress

Microalgae show great promise as sources of starch, one of the most widely consumed macromolecules. In this study, we evaluated the impact of three starch-inducing factors, namely nitrogen deprivation, supra-optimal temperature, and red light, on the physiology and starch accumulation capacity of Chlorella vulgaris. This starch accumulation was monitored by measuring the total carbohydrate content and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. Nitrogen deprivation and a supra-optimal temperature of 39 °C resulted in carbohydrate contents of 69.7 and 64.3 % of dry weight (DW) respectively. This constituted a 5.3- and 3.3-fold increase in carbohydrate productivity compared to the control, after 4 days of cultivation. During this period, carbohydrates represented over 80 % of the produced material (DW basis). However, nitrogen deprivation and supra-optimal temperature were accompanied by extensive stress, leading to lower cell division rates and damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Red light illumination resulted in a more moderate production of carbohydrates. After 4 days of cultivation, the carbohydrate content reached 46.8 %, representing a 3.0-fold increase in productivity compared to control. The composition of the starch formed under red light was surprisingly poor in amylose, similar to transitory-type starch rather than storage starch. Most notably, the starch accumulation under red light was sustained over 7 days without affecting the rate of cell division and quantum yield efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, red light is the only factor reported so far to induce a significant starch accumulation without hindering cell division and photosynthesis efficiency, even after long-term exposure (7 days). Furthermore, all three conditions induced a cell wall thickening, albeit without affecting the recovery of accumulated starch by high-pressure homogenization. These results highlight the potential of red light as a starch inducer in Chlorella vulgaris and open up perspectives for the production of starch-based bioplastics from microalgae.

Development and characterization of pH-sensing films based on red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel treated by high-pressure homogenization for monitoring fish freshness

High pressure homogenization (HPH) was used to physically modify red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel (RPP) dispersions to develop pH-sensing films for monitoring fish freshness. Effects of HPH treatment at various pressures of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80 MPa on microstructure and properties of RPP film-forming dispersions (FFDs) and their resultant films were systematically investigated. Results showed that due to the structure destructing effect of HPH, the mean particle size of RPP dispersion treated at 80 MPa decreased significantly from 129.17 to 37.41 μm and its total soluble solids content increased from 7.64 to 8.62 °Bx. Rheological analysis manifested that all FFDs exhibited a shear thinning behavior with higher apparent viscosities as well as storage modulus and loss modulus with increasing HPH pressure. Besides, the HPH treated FFDs had a higher total betacyanins content and showed an obvious color response to pH variation. Consequently, the resultant films had not only smoother surfaces and more transparent appearance, but also better water vapor barrier and mechanical properties than the control. Particularly, film obtained from RPP treated at 60 MPa showed a highest tensile strength of 21.87 MPa and elongation at break of 22.09%, together with a lowest water vapor permeability of 11.41 g⋅mm⋅m−2⋅d−1⋅kPa−1. Notably, this film also exhibited high sensitivity to volatile ammonia and showed a remarkable color variation when applied for monitoring fish spoilage at 25 °C. Thus, the pH-sensing films developed from HPH treated RPP had desirable properties to be potentially used in intelligent food packaging.

Controlling release of astaxanthin in β-sitosterol oleogel-based emulsions via different self-assembled mechanisms and composition of the oleogelators

In this study, three types of β-sitosterol-based oleogels (β-sitosterol + γ-oryzanol oleogels, β-sitosterol + lecithin, oleogels and β-sitosterol + monostearate oleogels), loaded with astaxanthin, were employed as the oil phase to create oleogel-based emulsions (SO, SL, and SM) using high-pressure homogenization. The microstructure revealed that fine-scale crystals were dispersed within the oil phase of the droplets in the β-sitosterol oleogel-based emulsion. The bioaccessibility of astaxanthin was found to be 58.13 %, 51.24 %, 36.57 %, and 45.72 % for SM, SL, SO, and the control group, respectively. Interestingly, the release of fatty acids was positively correlated with the availability of astaxanthin (P = 0.981). Further analysis of FFAs release and kinetics indicated that the structural strength of the oil-phase in the emulsions influenced the degree and rate of lipolysis. Additionally, the micellar fraction analysis suggested that the nature and composition of the oleogelators in SM and SL also impacted lipolysis and the bioaccessibility of astaxanthin. Furthermore, interfacial binding of lipase and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements revealed that the oleogel network within the oil phase of the emulsion acted as a physical barrier, hindering the interaction between lipase and lipid. Overall, β-sitosterol oleogel-based emulsions offer a versatile platform for delivering hydrophobic molecules, enhancing the bioavailability of active compounds, and achieving sustained release.

Physicochemical and rheological properties of soybean oil body fermented milk: Impacts of high pressure homogenization

In the present research, the impacts of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) (20, 60, 90, 120 and 150 MPa) on the physicochemical, rheological and sensory properties of soybean oil body (SOB) fermented milks were explored. Experimental results showed that with the increase of HPH pressure, acidity and water-holding capacity (WHC) of SOB fermented milk significantly increased, while its pH, peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) significantly decreased. The SOB fermented milk was found to be pseudoplastic fluids and the SOB fermented milk at 150 MPa had the highest apparent viscosity. Meanwhile, the SOB fermented milk of 150 MPa possessed the highest sensory score. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap showed that SOB fermented milk had the best characteristics after HPH treatment at 150 MPa. Therefore, HPH pressure could observably improve sensory, textural and rheological properties of SOB fermented milk. These results provide theoretical reference for HPH treatment to develop high-quality fermented dairy products.

Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity evaluation of new indigo extract from Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek prepared by chemical conversion method

The effect of acidolysis time, hydrochloric acid concentration, ozonization time and pH on the yield of indigo were investigated by single factor experiment using dried leaves of Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek (DLB) as raw material. On this basis, the technological condition for preparing new indigo extract (NIE) by directional chemical conversion method was optimized by orthogonal experiment. Then, the physiochemical properties of NIE were analyzed by combustion assay, nitric acid assay, thin layer chromatography identification assay, moisture detection and water-soluble pigment observation assay. Moreover, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology was utilized to compare chemical composition difference between the NIE and traditional indigo naturalis (TIN). Finally, NIE emulsion was prepared by ultrasound assisted high pressure homogenization method and its stability, antibacterial activity as well as antibacterial mechanism were evaluated. The experimental results showed that optimum process for preparing NIE were hydrochloric acid concentration of 2 %, ozonization time of 3 min, pH of 7 and acidolysis time of 1 h; Under this condition, the content and yield of indigo in the NIE were significantly improved, which could reach up to 42.6 ± 0.28 % and 2.26 ± 0.04 %, separately. NIE possessed similar physiochemical properties with TIN described in Chinese pharmacopoeia 2020, and had more diverse active ingredients than TIN. The prepared NIE emulsion demonstrated excellent stability, whether at dark or bright place, and no matter at low temperature (4 ℃) or room temperature (25 ℃), the particle size, PDI, pH and indigo content of which displayed little variation. In addition, the NIE emulsion owned good inhibitory activity against S. aureus, and its MIC and MBC values were 40 and 80 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, NIE emulsion exhibited antibacterial effect by influencing cell membrane integrity, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity on the cell membrane and intracellular Ca2+ levels of S. aureus. All of above results will lay the foundation for the green and sustainable utilization of Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek.

Curcumin and quercetin co-encapsulated in nanoemulsions for nasal administration: A promising therapeutic and prophylactic treatment for viral respiratory infections

One of the most frequent causes of respiratory infections are viruses. Viruses reaching the airways can be absorbed by the human body through the respiratory mucosa and mainly infect lung cells. Several viral infections are not yet curable, such as coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, the side effect of synthetic antiviral drugs and reduced efficacy against resistant variants have reinforced the search for alternative and effective treatment options, such as plant-derived antiviral molecules. Curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QUE) are two natural compounds that have been widely studied for their health benefits, such as antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. However, poor oral bioavailability limits the clinical applications of these natural compounds. In this work, nanoemulsions (NE) co-encapsulating CUR and QUE designed for nasal administration were developed as promising prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for viral respiratory infections. The NEs were prepared by high-pressure homogenization combined with the phase inversion temperature technique and evaluated for their physical and chemical characteristics. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the nanoemulsion retention into the porcine nasal mucosa. In addition, the CUR and QUE-loaded NE antiviral activity was tested against a murine β-COV, namely MHV-3. The results evidenced that CUR and QUE loaded NE had a particle size of 400 nm and retention in the porcine nasal mucosa. The antiviral activity of the NEs showed a percentage of inhibition of around 99 %, indicating that the developed NEs has interesting properties as a therapeutic and prophylactic treatment against viral respiratory infections.

Development of chia oil-in-water nanoemulsions using different homogenization technologies and the layer-by-layer technique

Aim: The present study investigates the influence of various homogenization techniques, namely high-pressure valve homogenization and microfluidization, and different forms of modified sunflower lecithin, including deoiled (DL) and hydrolyzed (HL) variants, on the development of monolayer and bilayer nanoemulsions of chia oil. Methods: Oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions with 5% chia seed oil were prepared using simple (0.5% DL or HL) or double-layer [0.5% DL or HL and 0.3% chitosan (Ch)] stabilization. This involved a two-step homogenization process, utilizing either microfluidization or high-pressure valve homogenization. Chia oil nanoemulsions were characterized by their zeta potential, particle size, and rheological properties. Besides, their physical stability and omega-3 content during refrigerated storage were evaluated. Results: Overall, the studied modified sunflower lecithin (DL and HL) demonstrated effective capability in stabilizing chia nanoemulsions and facilitating the formation of the double-layered structure following Ch deposition. Concerning the homogenization method, it has been demonstrated that under the same homogenization conditions, microfluidization resulted in significantly smaller droplet sizes and higher apparent viscosities compared to high-pressure valve homogenization. This discrepancy can be attributed to the design of the homogenization chambers, as microfluidization generates a narrow distribution of shear forces, while high-pressure valve homogenization yields a much broader distribution. In contrast to chia monolayer nanoemulsions, the nanoemulsions stabilized by modified sunflower lecithin-Ch demonstrated a noteworthy improvement in their overall stability. This enhancement can be ascribed to their increased apparent viscosity and the highly charged interfaces of the droplets. Furthermore, throughout the entire refrigerated storage period, the omega-3 content in all nanoemulsions remained unchanged. Conclusions: In this study, mono and bilayer chia oil nanoemulsions were successfully obtained using modified sunflower lecithin and high-energy techniques. Microfluidization outperformed high-pressure valve homogenization, resulting in smaller droplets and increased viscosity. These findings are relevant for designing stable

Preparation of VC nanoliposomes by high pressure homogenization: Process optimization and evaluation of efficacy, transdermal absorption, and stability

Vitamin C (VC) possesses antioxidant and whitening effects. However, its effectiveness is hindered by challenges such as instability, impaired solubility, and limited bioavailability hinder. In this study, VC was encapsulated in nanoliposomes by primary emulsification and high-pressure homogenization. The VC nanoliposomes were comprehensively characterized for their microscopic morphology, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Orthogonal experiments were designed to optimize the optimal preparation process, and the antioxidant activity, whitening efficacy, transdermal absorption, and stability of VC nanoliposomes were evaluated based on this optimized process. The findings demonstrated the high reproducibility of the optimal process, with particle size, PDI, and EE values of 113.502 ± 4.360 nm, 0.104 ± 0.010, and 56.09 ± 1.01 %, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed effective encapsulation of VC nanoliposomes with better thermal stability than aqueous VC solution. Besides, the VC nanoliposomes demonstrated excellent antioxidant and whitening effects in efficacy experiments, stronger skin permeability in transdermal experiments and fluorescence tracking. Furthermore, storage stability tests indicated that the VC in nanoliposomes remained relatively stable after 60 days of storage. These findings highlighted the potential use of VC nanoliposomes in a wide range of applications for the cosmetic market, especially in the development of ingredients for skin care products.

Effects of solid lipid nanocarrier containing methyl urolithin A by coating folate-bound chitosan and evaluation of its anti-cancer activity

BackgroundNanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have received much attention over the past decade. In the present study, we synthesized Methyl Urolithin A-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles decorated with the folic acid-linked chitosan layer called MuSCF-NPs and investigated their effects on cancer cells.MethodsMuSCF-NPs were prepared using a high-pressure homogenization method and characterized using FTIR, FESEM, DLS, and zeta potential methods. Drug encapsulation was assessed by spectrophotometry and its cytotoxic effect on various cancer cells (MDA-MB231, MCF-7, PANC, AGS, and HepG2) by the MTT method. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the ABTS and DPPH methods, followed by expression of genes involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis by qPCR and flow cytometry.ResultsThe results showed the formation of monodisperse and stable round nanoparticles with a size of 84.8 nm. The drug loading efficiency in MuSCF-NPs was reported to be 88.6%. MuSCF-NPs exhibited selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB231 cells (IC50 = 40 μg/mL). Molecular analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of Caspases 3, 8, and 9, indicating that apoptosis was occurring in the treated cells. Moreover, flow cytometry results showed that the treated cells were arrested in his SubG1 phase, confirming the pro-apoptotic effect of the nanoparticles. The results indicate a high antioxidant effect of the nanoparticles with IC50 values ​​of 45 μg/mL and 1500 μg/mL against ABTS and DPPH, respectively. The reduction of catalase gene expression confirmed the pro-oxidant effect of nanoparticles in cancer cells treated at concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/mL.ConclusionsTherefore, our findings suggest that the MuSCF-NPs are suitable candidates, especially for breast cancer preclinical studies.

Vitamin D loaded into lipid nanoparticles shows insulinotropic effect in INS-1E cells

Increasing evidence suggests a beneficial role of vitamin D (VitD) supplementation in addressing the widespread VitD deficiency, but currently used VitD3 formulations present low bioavailability and toxicity constrains. Hence, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were investigated to circumvent these issues. PLGA NPs prepared by emulsification or nanoprecipitation presented 74 or 200 nm, and association efficiency (AE) of 68 % and 17 %, respectively, and a rapid burst release of VitD3. Both SLN and NLCs presented higher polydispersity and larger NPs size, around 500 nm, which could be reduced to around 200 nm by use of hot high-pressure homogenization in the case of NLCs. VitD3 was efficiently loaded in both SLNs and NLCs with an AE of 82 and 99 %, respectively. While SLNs showed burst release, NLCs allowed a sustained release of VitD3 for nearly one month. Furthermore, NLCs showed high stability with maintenance of VitD3 loading for up to one month at 4 °C and no cytotoxic effects on INS-1E cells up to 72 h. A trending increase (around 30 %) on glucose-dependent insulin secretion was observed by INS-1E cells pre-treated with VitD3. This effect was consistently observed in the free form and after loading on NLCs. Overall, this work contributed to further elucidation on a suitable delivery system for VitD3 and on the effects of this metabolite on β cell function.

Optimization of rice bran oil nanoemulgel as anti-aging using Box–Behnken design

Background The accelerated aging caused by reactive oxygen species is a major concern to many people. Antioxidants present in natural products like rice bran oil (RBO) absorb and neutralize free radicals, improving skin appearance and slowing the aging process. However, RBO has limited use on the skin due to greasy sensation, oxidation, and low penetration. Objective This study aimed to develop a RBO nanoemulgel and evaluate its anti-aging effects on volunteer skin. Patients and methods Nanoemulsion optimized using Box–Behnken design to optimize RBO (x1), surfactant (x2), and cosurfactant (x3) factors towards transmittance response. Nanoemulsion prepared using high-pressure homogenizer and ultrasonication methods. Results and conclusion The optimal formula contained 2% oil, 14.732% tween 80, and 1.227% span 80, with characterization of 96.6% transmittance, particle size of 17.8±0.1 nm, polydispersity index of 0.51±0.00, zeta potential of −3.56±0.70, and pH of 6.19±0.05. The optimal formula was further incorporated with CMC-Na base and evaluated it anti-aging effects on upper arm skin volunteer. After 4 weeks of RBO nanoemulgel usage, there was a significant increase on oil content and elasticity parameters on skin volunteers, but not on moisture content. This study highlights the potential of the optimized nanoemulgel formula as an anti-aging solution, addressing signs of aging.

Surface modification by chitosan for improving stability and antioxidative activity of astaxanthin-loaded liposomes

Astaxanthin (AST) is a compound renowned for its extraordinary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its application is limited due to low solubility, instability and bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks, we encapsulated AST in liposomes (AST-loaded liposomes, AST-LIP) using chitosan (CS) as coating materials by thin film dispersion and high-pressure homogenization. We examined the physicochemical characteristics (particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA)) of AST-LIP coated with various concentrations of CS, and confirmed the optimal concentration for the formulation of CS-coated AST-LIP was 1.5 mg/mL. Additionally, the storage stability and thermal stability analysis revealed that CS-AST-LIP exhibited significantly higher AST retention rates than AST-LIP under varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, CS-AST-LIP showed significantly higher DPPH·, OH· radical scavenging effects, and iron-reducing power than AST-LIP after storage for 4 weeks at 4 °C. For the cellular antioxidant assays, the CS-AST-LIP at the CS concentration of 1.5 mg/mL exhibited a satisfactory protective effect against oxidative damage induced by H2O2 in Raw264.7 cells. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential of chitosan as a promising coating material for improving the storage stability, thermal stability and antioxidant activity of AST-LIP.

Is Ultrasound as a Milling or Pre-Milling Method to Prepare Aqueous Suspensions an Effective Approach?

High-pressure homogenization is a widely used and acknowledged method to reduce the particle sizes of active pharmaceutical compounds into nanosized range. Thus, the method is associated with limitations, as the compound's initial particle size, since micronized particles are often prerequired to achieve successful size reduction into nanosized range. In this work, the usage of ultrasound as a potential milling or pre-milling technique to decrease particle sizes of different drug compounds varying in deformation properties into micronized range, was investigated.

Study of the structure and characterization of membranes reinforced with CuO-NPs/Graphene Oxide using bacterial cellulose extracted from Sargassum sp. for water nanofiltration system

Bacterial cellulose membranes find extensive applications in industries involving water purification, wastewater treatment, and biomedical uses. Nevertheless, prevailing membranes suffer from drawbacks like water flow hindrances and fouling susceptibility. Hence, the pressing need for more efficient and robust BC membranes. This study aims to assess the impact of a hybrid treatment involving Copper Oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and Graphene Oxide (GO) on bacterial nanocellulose membranes. The research employed two treatments: (1) control (BNCA), and (2) Bacterial cellulose infused with 0.5 wt% CuO-NPs/GO. The nanocellulose production involved a high-pressure homogenizer, followed by acetate nanocellulose synthesis and nanocomposite membrane functionalization with CuO nanoparticles. SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses characterized the membranes. Successfully formed seaweed-derived bacterial cellulose had a thickness of 1-3 cm. Characterization showed it belonged to Cellulose type I with a crystalline degree ranging from 82.3% to 83.1%. FTIR analysis of dry BNCA membranes indicated changes in transmittance at 1738, 1554, and 764 cm-1 due to CuO-NPs/GO addition, altering the O-H bond in bacterial cellulose. Based on the results of the above research, it is evident that the Membrane Reinforced with CuO-NPs/Graphene Oxide has been successfully developed and holds potential as a water nanofiltration system.

Process design for acidic and alcohol based deep eutectic solvent pretreatment and high pressure homogenization of palm bunches for nanocellulose production

This research aimed to study on nanocellulose production from palm bunch using process design and cost analysis. Choline chloride based deep eutectic solvent pretreatment was selected for high-purity cellulose separation at mild condition, followed by nano-fibrillation using mechanical treatment. Three types of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents employing different hydrogen-bond donors (HBDs) namely lactic acid, 1,3-butanediol and oxalic acid were studied. The optimal cellulose extraction condition was choline chloride/lactic acid (ChLa80C) pretreatment of palm empty bunch at 80 °C followed by bleaching yielding 94.96%w/w cellulose content in product. Size reduction using ultrasonication and high-pressure homogenization produced nanocellulose at 67.12%w/w based on cellulose in raw material. Different morphologies of nanocellulose were tunable in the forms of nanocrystals, nano-rods and nanofibers by using dissimilar deep eutectic solvents. This work offered a sustainable and environmentally friendly process as well as provided analysis of DES pretreatment and overview operating cost for nanocellulose production. Application of nanocellulose for the fabrication of highly functional and biodegradable material for nanomedicine, electronic, optical, and micromechanical devices is achievable in the near future.