High Water Absorption Research Articles

Preparation of antibacterial composite aerogel for biomedical purposes based on alginate-chitosan complex and calcium carbonate

Aerogel composites were synthesized on the basis of the sodium alginate-chitosan interpolymer complex with the inclusion of calcium carbonate microparticles and supercritical drying. It is shown that the textural characteristics of materials do not depend on the morphology of calcium carbonate particles: the specific surface area of aerogels is almost the same for all materials and amounts to 380–400 m2/g. The developed porous structure of composites along with the polyelectrolyte nature determines their high water absorption— up to 110 g/g. To impart antimicrobial properties, the materials were impregnated with atranorin isolated from the lichen Hypogymnia physodes, which has a pronounced inhibitory effect on the bacterium Proteus mirabilis, which is the main causative agent of wound infections. The minimum suppressive concentration of atranorine is 1 mg/ml. The release of the main amount of atranorine aerosol material included in the matrix occurs within 4 hours and amounts to 50%.

The preparation and investigation of ionic functional resins for deep dehydration of toluene

Toluene is a solvent and raw material widely used in industrial production. Reducing the water content of toluene to less than 10 mg/kg is of significant importance in fine chemicals. In this study, different ionic functional resins containing strong hydrophilic sulfonate groups were synthesized. These ionic functional resins exhibit an exceptional depth of toluene dehydration and an extremely high water absorption capacity. The most effective hydrogen functional resin has a water adsorption capacity of 679.7 mg/g, which is more than 2.5 times of 3A molecular sieve, and can dehydrate toluene from 180 mg/kg to less than 3 mg/kg. The specific surface area and pore size distribution of the resins were analyzed by nitrogen adsorption and desorption methods, and results show that these resins are mesoporous materials. The multilayer adsorption mechanism of the ionic functional resins was determined by fitting the adsorption isotherms using a Modified Dent model. The effects of contact time, oil-agent ratio, regeneration temperature, and number of regenerations were also investigated, and fixed-bed penetration curves were obtained to provide data for practical industrial applications. The results show that low-temperature drying at 80 °C is sufficient to regenerate the ionic functional resin. Finally, competitive adsorption studies with toluene and water reveal that the resin exhibit a higher affinity for water than for toluene.

Functionalised Sodium-Carboxymethylcellulose-Collagen Bioactive Bilayer as an Acellular Skin Substitute for Future Use in Diabetic Wound Management: The Evaluation of Physicochemical, Cell Viability, and Antibacterial Effects.

The wound healing mechanism is dynamic and well-orchestrated; yet, it is a complicated process. The hallmark of wound healing is to promote wound regeneration in less time without invading skin pathogens at the injury site. This study developed a sodium-carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) bilayer scaffold that was later integrated with silver nanoparticles/graphene quantum dot nanoparticles (AgNPs/GQDs) as an acellular skin substitute for future use in diabetic wounds. The bilayer scaffold was prepared by layering the Na-CMC gauze onto the ovine tendon collagen type 1 (OTC-1). The bilayer scaffold was post-crosslinked with 0.1% (w/v) genipin (GNP) as a natural crosslinking agent. The physical and chemical characteristics of the bilayer scaffold were evaluated. The results demonstrate that crosslinked (CL) groups exhibited a high-water absorption capacity (>1000%) and an ideal water vapour evaporation rate (2000 g/m2 h) with a lower biodegradation rate and good hydrophilicity, compression, resilience, and porosity than the non-crosslinked (NC) groups. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs/GQDs presented some bactericidal effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The cytotoxicity tests on bilayer scaffolds demonstrated good cell viability for human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Therefore, the Na-CMC bilayer scaffold could be a potential candidate for future diabetic wound care.

Assessing grapevine water status in a variably irrigated vineyard with NIR/SWIR hyperspectral imaging from UAV

Remote sensing is now a valued solution for more accurately budgeting water supply by identifying spectral and spatial information. A study was put in place in a Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet-Sauvignon vineyard in the San Joaquin Valley, CA, USA, where a variable rate automated irrigation system was installed to irrigate vines with twelve different water regimes in four randomized replicates, totaling 48 experimental zones. The purpose of this experimental design was to create variability in grapevine water status, in order to produce a robust dataset for modeling purposes. Throughout the growing season, spectral data within these zones was gathered using a Near InfraRed (NIR) - Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral camera (900 to 1700 nm) mounted on an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV). Given the high water-absorption in this spectral domain, this sensor was deployed to assess grapevine stem water potential, Ψstem, a standard reference for water status assessment in plants, from pure grapevine pixels in hyperspectral images. The Ψstem was acquired simultaneously in the field from bunch closure to harvest and modeled via machine-learning methods using the remotely sensed NIR-SWIR data as predictors in regression and classification modes (classes consisted of physiologically different water stress levels). Hyperspectral images were converted to bottom of atmosphere reflectance using standard panels on the ground and through the Quick Atmospheric Correction Method (QUAC) and the results were compared. The best models used data obtained with standard panels on the ground and allowed predicting Ψstem values with an R2 of 0.54 and an RMSE of 0.11 MPa as estimated in cross-validation, and the best classification reached an accuracy of 74%. This project aims to develop new methods for precisely monitoring and managing irrigation in vineyards while providing useful information about plant physiology response to deficit irrigation.

Heavy aggregate and different admixtures efffect on parquets: chrome, magnetite, and quartz-based surface hardener

This paper presents the mechanical and micro-structure results of concrete parquet blocks. The blocks were generated by utilizing the same part in the bottom part and by substituting different proportions (40%, 30%, 20%, and 10%) of heavy aggregate like chromite aggregate, magnetite aggregate, normal aggregate, and surface hardener in the upper part. The parquet sample tests were conducted on TS 2824 EN 1338. The test outcomes indicated that utilizing diverse aggregate and chemical materials boosted the abrasion resistance, 40% magnetite and quartz-based concrete parquet block samples demonstrated the best abrasion resistance values. Also, the minimum amount of mass loss was discovered in the samples that possess high water absorption at the freezing-thaw test. The different material substitutions in the sheet of the surface of the concrete parquet block samples altered the tensile strength of the samples, even though they did not bring about an outstanding variation in the compressive strength of the concrete parquet samples.

Properties of self-curing and self-cooling eco-friendly novel green cement-based mortar

In this study, mullein plant (MP) (Verbascum Thapsus) was replaced with cement at a dosage of 300 (the amount of cement in mortar for producing 1 m3 mortar) in cement-based mortars at different weight ratios (0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% and 6%). To investigate the impact of MP on the hydration (internal) temperature and the formation time of hydration products in mortars, the mortars' interior temperature and moisture ratios were measured and recorded every minute for one day. It was concluded that the MP had a high-water absorption capacity and delayed the initial and final setting times. The optimum ratio of MP as a replacement for cement was found to be 1.5%. The study also investigated the effects of direct current (DC) application on fresh mortars (both with and without MP). The results showed that the 7-day mechanical strength of the reference mortars exhibited a significant increase with the application of DC. Previous studies have not explored the use of MP in cementitious composite materials. This study concluded that adding a specific amount of MP to cement-based materials can provide self-curing and self-cooling properties. This research is critical for water conservation as it develops a novel self-curing method.

A Review on Recent Advances and Perspectives in Hydrogel Polymer Electrolytes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

In comparison with solid polymer electrolytes, hydrogel polymer electrolytes are now a potentially suitable candidate for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Generally, a hydrogel is mainly composed of a hydrophilic polymer network with a high water absorption propensity and the distinctive properties of being soft and wet, becoming a gel and solid polymer electrolyte in terms of ionic conductivity and mechanical properties. All these unique characteristics of electrolytes combine with an appropriate anode and cathode materials to deliver high safety, low cost, environmental friendliness, and excellent electrochemical performance in ZIB. Nevertheless, there is no comprehensive overview on the development of hydrogel electrolytes for ZIBs available. Therefore, this study focuses on the most recent breakthroughs in hydrogel‐based polymer electrolytes for ZIBs. Further, a brief explanation of various types of hydrogel electrolytes as well as the electrochemical performance of different polymer‐based electrolytes arediscussed. Finally, the challenges of hydrogel electrolytes for currently established Zn‐ion batteries and the future research directions towards the high‐performance flexibile ZIBs are explored.

PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANALYSIS OF NANOSCALE MORPHOLOGY OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) FILMS ASSOCIATED WITH SILK FIBROIN FUNCTIONALIZED WITH COPAÍBA OLEORESIN

Biodegradable films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and bioactive substances have been receiving great attention in the food industry, as they offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging. In this context, we synthesized PVA (PVAF) films containing silk fibroin (SF) formulations functionalized with copaiba oleoresin (CO) for use as bioactive packaging. Four different formulations were prepared using the casting method, varying the SF-CO concentrations from 0 to 15% (v/v) in the PVA matrix. The samples were characterized regarding morphology, nanotexture, physicochemical, and barrier properties. SEM images revealed the uniform morphology of the films, and AFM data allowed the quantification of surface characteristics such as uniformity and homogeneity, confirming the uniform distribution of SF-OC in the PVA matrix. All films showed high water absorption power (more than twice their mass weight), and the incorporation of SF-CO did not change the water vapor permeability rate of PVAF. In contrast, the solubility of PVAF decreases with SF-CO content. FTIR and UV-vis spectra confirmed the presence of SF-CO in PVAF and indicated possible intermolecular interactions between PVA and SF-CO. Finally, our findings suggest that the incorporation of SF-CO into the PVA matrix is a viable alternative for producing eco-friendly packaging.

Mechanical performance of coal ash based interlocking bricks wall panel: A sustainable and viable solution

The use of interlocking brick incorporating waste coal ash (CA) in masonry construction is an innovative, sustainable and viable solution to address the consequences associated with burnt clay bricks. In this research, the main focus was to study the double interlocking brick incorporating CA for its potential use in masonry construction. The studied dosages of CA were 30 %, 35 %, 40 %, 45 %, 50 % and 55 %. Cement was varied between 5 % and 30 % in order to make the total binder (cement and CA) contents equal to 60 %. Moreover, wall panels using developed interlocking bricks were casted and tested for out-of-plane loading. It was observed that the incorporation of higher dosage of CA decreased the compressive strength owing to porous nature of used CA. However, interlocking bricks having 30 % of CA exhibited compressive strength higher than 8 MPa, satisfying the local building code requirement. Higher water absorption was observed for interlocking bricks having higher dosage of CA compared to identical bricks with lower CA. Interlocking bricks exhibited higher shear strength due to mechanical anchorage provided by the keys and notches in comparison with the conventional bricks. Maximum double key shear strength of 2.34 MPa was observed for developed interlock bricks incorporating 30 % of CA. Interlocking brick wall panel exhibited flexural strength of 1.05 MPa compared to 0.81 MPa for wall panel constructed using conventional burnt clay brick. Higher flexural strength of interlock CA based brick wall panel was due to the higher mechanical anchorage provided by the projected keys and grooves in between various courses of the wall panel. The cracking patterns of interlocking brick wall panel exhibited diagonal failure rather than the horizontal slide shear failure observed for conventional burnt clay brick wall panel. The experimental cracking load values were comparable with the theoretically predicted cracking loads for the tested wall panels. This study highlights the use of water cured interlocking brick incorporating waste CA for eco-friendly and economical construction leading to avoid the devasting effects of manufacturing process of conventional burnt clay bricks and deposition issues of CA. Moreover, this study motivates the construction stakeholders to employ double interlocking bricks of similar conventional size bricks to be used in a similar manner for masonry construction.

Preparation of waste Camellia oleifera shell and high‐density polyethylene composites: Effect of pretreatment on fiber and materials properties

AbstractThe preparation of wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) with high filling fibers and excellent physical properties remained a great challenge. This study used Camellia oleifera shell (COS, agroforestry product waste) as raw material, and prepared 60 wt% COS/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) WPCs using profile extrusion method through pretreating fibers including hot water, hot steam, alkali, acid, extraction, and fine fiber screening. After pretreatments, the relative contents of cellulose and lignin increased, the relative contents of hemicellulose and extract decreased significantly, and the length‐diameter ratio was improved. The flexural strength, tensile strength and impact strength of hot water and steam heat treated composites reached 31.4, 17.1 MPa and 6.9 kJ/m2, 31.8, 16.8 MPa and 6.7 kJ/m2, respectively. Compared with untreated 28.8, 14.7 MPa and 5.5 kJ/m2, the advantages were more obvious. Alkali treatment and acid treatment improved the thermal stability and residue rate of the material. Extraction treatment and alkali treatment significantly reduced the processing torque force, which was conducive to processing, while acid treatment was the opposite. The highest water absorption and thickness expansion rate were 13.75% and 3.60% respectively at 7 days after alkali treatment, which were considerably higher than 5.60% and 0.78% without treatment, while other pretreatments improved the dimensional stability of the material.Highlights High filling Camellia oleifera shell waste/HDPE composites were prepared. Physical and chemical pretreatments improved interfacial adhesion of the composites. Heat treatments significantly improved mechanical performance of the composites.

Fabrication and characterization of Ecklonia cava phlorotannin‐loaded PVA/PVP blend electrospun nanofibers as a potential diabetic wound dressing biomaterial

AbstractDiabetic wound healing remains a challenging issue, necessitating advanced dressings with active therapeutic agents to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Ecklonia cava phlorotannin (ECP) possesses therapeutic potential for wound healing including anti‐microbial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Our previous study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of ECP‐loaded nanofibers in an in vitro hyperglycemic wound model. The present paper focuses on the detailed characterization of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend nanofiber incorporated with ECP. The ideal ratio, PVA80:PVP20, is selected to incorporate with ECP via the blend electrospinning method. To confirm the successful loading of ECP (0.5% and 1%), physicochemical characterization is conducted using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Functionality assays are performed to evaluate their applicability as dressing biomaterials. Physicochemical analyses confirm the successful loading of ECP into the nanofibers. Overall, the ECP‐loaded PVA/PVP nanofiber membranes exhibit favorable wound dressing criteria, which attributed to high water absorption capacity (200%–400%), sufficient water vapor transmission rate (1550–1650 g/m2/d), high loading efficiency and slow release. Bioactivity tests indicate that the ECP's effectiveness is unaffected by the electrospinning process. Importantly, these membranes exhibit biocompatibility and nontoxicity to human dermal fibroblasts, indicating their potential as good diabetic wound dressings.

Enhancement mechanism of microbial mineralization modified coal gangue aggregate properties

Preparing concrete with coal gangue as the aggregate has significant environmental and economic advantages. Nevertheless, the fundamental characteristics of the manufactured concrete are significantly impacted by the high water absorption and low strength of coal gangue aggregate. The present study employs the microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique to efficiently enhance the characteristics of coal gangue aggregate (CGA). Starting from the circumstances of microbial mineralization, the effects of pH, temperature, and time on the capacity of bacteria for mineralization were taken into consideration. Following solution immersion treatment with varying concentrations of urea, calcium ions, and bacterial solution, the patterns of water absorption, crushing index, apparent density, and ultrasonic pulse resistance of CGA were examined. The precipitates produced by microbial mineralization, the micro-morphology, and the pore structure of the aggregate surface were all characterized, and the mechanism of the modification of CGA by MICP was revealed through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Investigations were also conducted on the mechanical characteristics of modified coal gangue aggregate concrete. The results showed that the water absorption and crushing index of the CGA with optimal modification effect (M-CGA) decreased by 18.5 % and 24.1 %, respectively, which was attributed to the fact that the calcium carbonate formed in the cracks and pores of the CGA filled the aggregates and prevented the penetration of water. The 28-day compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength of modified coal gangue aggregate concrete prepared from M-CGA were increased by 8.13 %, 13.88 %, and 8.53 %, respectively. MICP is an effective method to improve the properties of CGA, which is conducive to the waste recycling of coal gangue.

Green preparation of force-sensitive micro-capsules and their application in self-healing of cement sheath

Micro-capsule has been considered the most promising self-healing material, while the complex and high temperature polymerization process, and environmental unfriendly raw materials limits its wide application. Herein, the green micro-capsule composed of epoxy resin and calcium alginate were prepared at room temperature via needle drop method，O/W/O emulsion method and spraying method. The effects of preparation methods on the water absorption, encapsulation rate of micro-capsules were revealed, and the differences in the self-healing efficiency of cement containing these green micro-capsules were also studied. Among all samples, the micro-capsules prepared by O/W/O emulsion method (MCE-2) owned the highest water absorption 54.71 % and the highest epoxy resin content 48.1 %. Compared with the blank samples, adding micro-capsules improved the liquidity of cement slurry and facilitated the hydration process, related to the release of extra water. While, the micro-capsules caused additional defects in the cement matrix and weakened the compressive strength of cement. In the self-healing measurement, the composites with MCE-2 showed the biggest mass transfer pressure and least permeability before and after repair. The higher water absorption of MCE-2 significantly increased greater mass transfer resistance to block the erosion of external fluids before repair, and the higher epoxy resin content could ensure stronger sealing effect after repair, achieving the best self-healing performance.

Mechanical properties of agarose hydrogels tuned by amphiphilic structures

Agarose is a biocompatible polysaccharide that is capable to form physically cross-linked hydrogels in aqueous dispersion. These materials offer a wide range of applications and are commonly used in the food industry or electrophoresis. Moreover, due to their favourable characteristics (biocompatibility, high water absorption, porosity), agarose hydrogels have recently also found applications also in drug delivery systems, wound dressing, and extracellular matrix (ECM) modelling. This paper presents a comprehensive rheological characterization of agarose hydrogels with various self-assembled amphiphilic structures (CTAB, TTAB, SDS, Tween 20) acting as simple membrane structure models. These findings demostrated that the presence of surfactants of diverse charge above their critical micellar concentration (CMC) can enhance hydrogel mechanical properties. Moreover, pronounced enhancement was observed for cationic surfactant, and even concentrations below CMC resulted in a higher stiffness of the hydrogel. Therefore, both the electrostatic effect and the amphiphilic structure effect can have a significant impact on the rheological properties on agarose hydrogels. These findings are of a significant interest in the field of polymer and surfactants interactions, since agarose is widely considered essentially uncharged. However, it is assumed, that traces of negatively charged groups on the agarose backbone can have a significant impact when interacting with oppositely charged surfactants. Moreover, these findings could be beneficial for better understanding of interaction of polysaccharides (e.g. agarose) and self-assembled amphiphilic structures and can also be considered as a crude model of ECM in which membrane structures are embedded.

Structure, Property Optimization, and Adsorption Properties of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide Cross-Linked Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogels under Different Curing Conditions.

In this study, polyacrylic acid hydrogels were prepared by modulating the cross-linking agent mass ratio using UV and heat curing methods. The structures and properties of the hydrogels were characterized and analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the hydrogels prepared through UV curing were better than those prepared through heat curing. The maximum mechanical tensile strength of 139 kPa was achieved at a cross-linking agent mass ratio of 3.85% with 20 min of UV curing, and the maximum mechanical compressive strength of 0.16 MPa was achieved at a cross-linking agent mass ratio of 2.91% with 20 min of UV curing. However, the hydrogels prepared by heat curing had a higher tensile strength than those prepared using the heat curing method. In addition, the thermally cured hydrogels had higher water absorption and adsorption properties. Moreover, the PAA hydrogels prepared at cross-linking agent mass ratios of 1.91 and 2.91% with 2 h of the heat curing method had the best swelling properties. Moreover, the increase in the cross-linker mass concentration led to a decrease in the pore size and porosity and to a more compact structure.

Obtention and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Industrial Melon Residues Following a Biorefinery Approach.

Residual melon by-products were explored for the first time as a bioresource of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) obtention. Two alkaline extraction methods were employed, the traditional (4.5% NaOH, 2 h, 80 °C) and a thermo-alkaline in the autoclave (2% NaOH, 1 h, 100 °C), obtaining a yield of MCC ranging from 4.76 to 9.15% and 2.32 to 3.29%, respectively. The final MCCs were characterized for their chemical groups by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystallinity with X-ray diffraction, and morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). FTIR spectra showed that the traditional protocol allows for a more effective hemicellulose and lignin removal from the melon residues than the thermo-alkaline process. The degree of crystallinity of MCC ranged from 51.51 to 61.94% and 54.80 to 55.07% for the thermo-alkaline and traditional processes, respectively. The peaks detected in X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the presence of Type I cellulose. SEM analysis revealed microcrystals with rough surfaces and great porosity, which could remark their high-water absorption capacity and drug-carrier capacities. Thus, these findings could respond to the need to valorize industrial melon by-products as raw materials for MCC obtention with potential applications as biodegradable materials.

Modification of fresh and hardened properties of 3D-printed recycled mortar by superabsorbent polymers

The high water absorption level of recycled sand limits the applicability of 3D-printed recycled mortar. In this study, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) were adopted to modify the properties of both fresh and hardened 3D-printed recycled mortar. The effects of various SAP dosages, particle sizes, and addition methods were carefully examined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and computed tomography (CT) were adopted to observe the microstructure. The test results showed that the addition of SAP effectively improved the printability of the mixed mortar. Particularly, with the addition of SAP, the autogenous shrinkage was reduced by more than 50 %, indicating that the polymer had an obvious inhibitory effect on shrinkage. Furthermore, the hydration of cementitious materials was promoted, resulting in an increase in compressive strength by 27%–69 %. Microstructural analysis further confirmed that the addition of SAP optimized the pore structure and enhanced the density of the 3D-printed mortar but did not change the types of hydration products. Generally, for the modification of 3D-printed mortar with recycled sand, it would be recommended to add SAP at a doping level of 0.4 % with a particle size of 60–100 mesh.

A study of the efficacy and structural performance of modified coal tar and dimethylpolysiloxane as binders for coal-carbon composites

Amidst global resource depletion and population growth, repurposing carbon-containing waste as raw materials into products offers promise for a more resource-efficient, circular economy. This research examines the efficacy of using coal tar modified through air-blowing as a binder for producing coal composite, alongside exploring dimethylpolysiloxane as an alternative binder. The effects of the binder type, mixing ratios, and coal fine composition on the properties of the composites were systematically studied. Microscopic analysis revealed anisotropic spherules in pitch formed at 400 °C/9 h and 450 °C/6 h possess favorable chemical properties like low H/C ratios (0.24–0.25) and high carbon content (96–97 %). Pyrolyzed coal fines and modified pitch-based composites exhibited moderate weight loss (11–17 %), notable compressive strength (106.58–344.71 MPa), and flexural strength (49–160 MPa). However, composites produced from coal tar pitch (400 °C/9 h) blended with 50 % GG1 and further pyrolyzed at 600 °C for 5 h exhibited a high water absorption (19 %). Also, composites with inferior flexural strength were produced using dimethylpolysiloxane as a binder, rendering them unsuitable for structural applications. This straightforward approach offers a viable means to repurpose significant quantities of coal fines and coal tar destined for landfills. This research is intended as a reference for researchers seeking to tranform coal waste into structural composites, thereby promoting circularity, and mitigating associated environmental risks.

Development of Ready-to-Eat Breakfast Flakes with Green Banana (<em>Musa Acuminata</em>) and Jackfruit Seeds (<em>Artocarpus Heterophyllus</em>) Flour: A Comprehensive Analysis of Nutritional and Functional Properties

Green banana flour (GBF) and jackfruit seed flour (JSF) present sustainable solutions for reducing banana waste and offering a gluten-free alternative in the food industry. The present study explores the feasibility of a composite mixture of GBF and JSF as a nutritious option for preparing breakfast flakes, evaluating their proximate composition and functional properties. The flakes were formulated with 15% JSF and varying ratios of GBF and Corn flour (w/w); T1 (50:35) T2 (60:25), T3 (70:15), T4 (80:5), and a control sample (C) with 100% corn flour. Physico-functional properties of GBF and JSF, proximate composition and antioxidant activity of the breakfast flakes were determined using standard protocols. Sensory evaluation was conducted by a semi-trained panel using a 5-point hedonic scale. The physico-functional data suggested JSF had higher water absorption (24.66±0.58%) and oil absorption (52.33±2.52%) than GBF (5.08±0.38%, 6.14±0.38%). In the sensory data, the T3 sample exhibited the highest scores for taste (4.03±0.91), texture (3.73±0.87), crunchiness (4.03±0.13), and overall acceptability (3.90±0.95). Incorporating GBF and JSF positively impacted nutritional content, with T4 showing the highest crude fibre levels (5.86±0.11%) and total ash content (2.84±0.05%). Additionally, antioxidant activity was significantly elevated (P<0.05) in flakes with GBF and JSF, with the highest observed in T4 (19.70±0.14%) followed by T3 (18.66±0.13). Storage study data confirmed a shelf-life of 4 weeks for the developed flake samples without added preservatives at room temperature. Therefore, the present study demonstrates the potential of GBF and JSF as a healthy alternative in the bakery industry, offering both nutritional benefits and favourable sensory properties.

Utilization of cassava flour along with the addition of gluten for the preparation of noodles

The aim of the study was to utilize the cassava flour in the preparation of noodles. Wheat flour, cassava flour and gluten were mixed in calculated amounts to produce noodles in the ratio (cassava flour:wheat flour:gluten) of 0:100:0, 92.5:0:7.5, 23.125:65.625:11.25, 42.5:42.5:15, 23.125:73.125:3.75, 65.625:23.125:11.25, 50:50:0, 0:92.5:7.5, 0:85:15, 85:0:15 and named as sample A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J respectively. The yield of cassava flour was found to be 43.1%. Sensory comparison elected the sample C containing 65.625% wheat flour, 23.125% cassava flour and 11.25% gluten as the best. The moisture content, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrate and cooking time of sample C was found to be 9.37±0.31%, 18.70±0.14%, 1.20±0.04%, 1.26±0.01%, 1.80±0.03%, 77.04±0.29% and 6±0.3 min respectively. When compared with wheat flour noodle, crude fiber and protein was found to be greater. Higher water absorption and volumetric expansion with low cooking loss was found in cassava flour used noodle. Statistical analysis (ANOVA at 5% level of significance (p<0.005) shows significant difference in all attributes. The cyanide content of the cassava flour was found to be 5.63±0.20 mg/kg which is within safe level i.e. 10 mg Hydrogen cyanide /kg dry wt. set the by Food and Agriculture Organization /World Health Organization.