High Water Absorption Capacity Research Articles

Lignin-based hydrogels for efficient dye removal via synergistic effect of multiple interactions

Dye removal from wastewater via adsorption constitutes an active area of research in effluent treatment. For this purpose, superadsorbent hydrogels have emerged as a promising tool; however, large adsorption capacities for various dyes are still required. As a novel adsorbent, lignin is attracting attention owing to its abundant sources and environmental friendliness; unfortunately, its hydrophobicity limits its practical application. Herein, lignin was directly esterified using methacrylate anhydride, itaconic anhydride, or maleic anhydride to produce three lignin esters (LEs) with different hydrophilic properties. These LEs were subsequently used to copolymerize with acrylic acid, yielding three types of hydrogels. Because of high water-absorbing capacity of hydrogels, the highest adsorption capacity reported to date for methylene blue was obtained (2445 mg g−1) using lignin-based adsorbents. The type of LEs, the reactant concentrations and ratios, and the pH of the soaking solution affected the properties and hence the adsorption capacities of the hydrogels. The adsorption process was fitted with a pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. This study reveals the synergistic adsorptive action of lignin and confirms the potential of LE–acrylic acid hydrogels for removing methylene blue from sewage.

Immunomodulatory PEG-CRGD Hydrogels Promote Chondrogenic Differentiation of PBMSCs.

Cartilage damage is a common injury. Currently, tissue engineering scaffolds with composite seed cells have emerged as a promising approach for cartilage repair. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels are attractive tissue engineering scaffold materials as they have high water absorption capacity as well as nontoxic and nutrient transport properties. However, PEG is fundamentally bio-inert and lacks intrinsic cell adhesion capability, which is critical for the maintenance of cell function. Cell adhesion peptides are usually added to improve the cell adhesion capability of PEG-based hydrogels. The suitable cell adhesion peptide can not only improve cell adhesion capability, but also promote chondrogenesis and regulate the immune microenvironment. To improve the interactions between cells and PEG hydrogels, we designed cysteine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (CRGD), a cell adhesion peptide covalently cross-linked with PEG hydrogels by a Michael addition reaction, and explored the tissue-engineering hydrogels with immunomodulatory effects and promoted chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The results indicated that CRGD improved the interaction between peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs) and PEG hydrogels. PEG hydrogels modified with 1 mM CRGD had the optimal capacity to promote chondrogenic differentiation, and CRGD could induce macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype to promote tissue regeneration and repair. PEG-CRGD hydrogels combined with PBMSCs have the potential to be suitable scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering.

Pomegranate Pomace Extract with Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Antiviral Activity Enhances the Quality of Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie.

Valorizing the wastes of the food industry sector as additives in foods and beverages enhances human health and preserves the environment. In this study, pomegranate pomace (PP) was obtained from the company Schweppes and exposed to the production of polyphenols and fiber-enriched fractions, which were subsequently included in a strawberry-yogurt smoothie (SYS). The PP is rich in carbohydrates and fibers and has high water-absorption capacity (WAC) and oil-absorption capacity (OAC) values. The LC/MS phenolic profile of the PP extract indicated that punicalagin (199 g/L) was the main compound, followed by granatin B (60 g/L) and pedunculagin A (52 g/L). Because of the high phenolic content of PP extract, it (p ≤ 0.05) has high antioxidant activity with SC50 of 200 µg/mL, besides scavenging 95% of DPPH radicals compared to ascorbic acid (92%); consequently, it reduced lung cancer cell lines' viability to 86%, and increased caspase-3 activity. Additionally, it inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi i.e., L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumonia, A. niger, and C. glabrata, in the 45-160 µg/mL concentration range while killing the tested isolates with 80-290 µg/mL concentrations. These isolates were selected based on the microbial count of spoiled smoothie samples and were identified at the gene level by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The interaction between Spike and ACE2 was inhibited by 75.6%. The PP extract at four levels (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.4 mg/mL) was added to strawberry-yogurt smoothie formulations. During 2 months storage at 4 °C, the pH values, vitamin C, and total sugars of all SYS decreased. However, the decreases were gradually mitigated in PP-SYS because of the high phenolic content in the PP extract compared to the control. The PP-SYS3 and PP-SYS4 scored higher in flavor, color, and texture than in other samples. In contrast, acidity, fat, and total soluble solids (TSS) increased at the end of the storage period. High fat and TSS content are observed in PP-SYS because of the high fiber content in PP. The PP extract (1.2 and 1.6 mg/mL) decreases the color differences and reduces harmful microbes in PP-SYS compared to the control. Using pomegranate pomace as a source of polyphenols and fiber in functional foods enhances SYS's physiochemical and sensory qualities.

Autogenous and drying shrinkage of structural concretes incorporating recycled concrete aggregates from different sources

AbstractThe main relevant difference between recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) in comparison with the companion natural ones, is the presence of the Attached Mortar content which confers to the RCAs higher porosity and, consequently, higher water absorption capacity. In the last decades, several studies have been performed worldwide for unveiling the role of the employed RCAs on the resulting concrete mixture performances at both fresh and hardened states. On the other hand, the effects of RCA on the early‐age and/or long‐term concrete deformations (e.g., shrinkage) are still very limited. In this context, this article summarizes the results of a wide experimental campaign aimed at evaluating the influence of RCAs on the autogenous and drying shrinkage of normal (35 MPa) and high (60 MPa) strength recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) mixtures. A total of 10 mixtures were realized by considering the variation of both the original source and size of employed RCAs. The results showed a clear correlation between the intrinsic properties (i.e., Attached Mortar content) of the employed RCAs and the resulting concrete deformation. Moreover, although the drying shrinkage is higher for RAC mixtures, the presence of a more porous aggregates mitigates the observed autogenous shrinkage. Consequently, the overall total shrinkage result to be almost unaffected by the presence of the recycled particles.

Value-Added Dietary Fiber Concentrate Obtained as Waste after Protein Isolation from Ethanol-Treated Sunflower Meal.

Deproteinized sunflower meal (DSM) was obtained as waste from ethanol-treated sunflower meal after alkaline extraction of proteins. The study aimed at biochemically and functionally characterizing the material concerning its potential practical application and valuability. The DSM consisted mainly of proteins (19.88%) and dietary fibers (61.06%) the majority of which were insoluble (53.09%). Cellulose (30.87%) and lignin (21.79%) were the most contributing compounds to the total amount of dietary fibers. The DSM contained Fe (133.29 mg/kg), Zn (201.56 mg/kg), and Cu (31.87 mg/kg). The analyses defined the DSM as a fiber concentrate with relatively high thermal stability. The distraction of the material began at 170°С with a maximum speed at 277°С. The highest water absorption capacity (WAC) of the DSM was observed at pH 6 and 7 (approximately 8 g H2O/g sample) under all studied conditions including pH from 3 to 10 and three levels of NaCl concentrations (0.00 M, 0.03 M, and 0.25 M). At pH 7, increasing temperature from 20°C to 60°C increased the WAC of the DSM from 8.13 g H2O/g sample to 9.80 g H2O/g sample, respectively. Further increase in the temperature diminished the WAC of the DSM. At pH 6, the increase in temperature did not influence positively the WAC of the DSM. The study demonstrated the potential of the DSM, a waste obtained from the protein isolation process, as a valuable ingredient/additive in the food industry.

Integrating supercapacitor with sodium hyaluronate based hydrogel as a novel All-In-One wound Dressing: Self-Powered electronic stimulation

Constructing the electron transport pathway in a conductive gel membrane wound dressing could promote wound healing, but it always needs an external power supply that bright much inconvenience in clinical practice. In this paper, we design a novel all-in-one self-powered electronic stimulated wound dressing that integrating supercapacitor with sodium hyaluronate based hydrogel. The supercapacitor layer provides the required continuously electrical energy for the wound-dressing layer, where sodium hyaluronate is used as substrate material in both layers for forming the advanced all-in-one structure. During the course of clinical treatment, the electrical stimulation self-powered by supercapacitor would enable patients to perform electrical stimulation wound treatment anytime and anywhere no need on the back ward of a hospital. At the same time, introducing sodium hyaluronate as the active substance and polyelectrolyte would promote cell proliferation and accelerate wound healing, and improve electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. The all-in-one wound dressing has good mechanical properties, high water absorption capacity, and excellent biocompatibility to meet the practical requirements of clinical wound dressings. The supercapacitor layer in the all-in-one wound dressing has good electrochemical performance for charging and discharging before and after usage for wound treatment, and the wound dressing layer enhances the proliferative activity of NIH3T3 cells and accelerate the wound healing process in mice under the action of electrical stimulation provided by the supercapacitor. This study demonstrates that the all-in-one wound dressing would be an attractive candidate for portable wound healing, and broaden the scope of flexible electronics for biomedical applications.

Nutritional, technological, and sensory changes induced by different drying methods on purees made with Andean grains

A fresh baby puree (FP) was elaborated with quinoa and amaranth flours (native and germinated), and the nutritional, technological, and sensory changes induced by different drying methods were investigated: lyophilization (LD), forced convection (CD), and extrusion (ED). FP had an amino acids content appropriate for baby consumption; ED had lower digestibility (75%) compared with CD (82%) and LD (83%). ED had the highest water absorption capacity (2.2 g/g). Rehydrated LD had the lightest color (L* = 67), while rehydrated ED (L* = 59) was the darkest. Rehydrated ED had the highest hardness (335 N), adhesiveness (1199 N.m), and chewiness (209 N). Both rehydrated LD and CD were described as having an intense, bitter, and strange flavor; while rehydrated ED was described as dark, consistent, sweet, fruity, and presented the best acceptability. Therefore, the appropriate method to obtain dehydrated baby purees was extrusion. Novelty impact statement Babies are a vulnerable age group because they have an underdeveloped digestive system; therefore, the use of nutritionally improved foods, such as those obtained from germination, could give added value to the products developed for them. In this study, the characteristics of a gluten-free baby puree formulated with germinated Andean grains were highlighted; furthermore, as the dehydration could increase the shelf life and availability of the puree, it was dried by different methods. The rheological, textural, and sensory characteristics of the rehydrated puree were studied, leaving for later publications the study of the generation of anti-nutritional or toxic compounds during drying.

Coupled effect of water absorption and ion transport in hydrated latex anti-corrosion coatings

Water-based anti-corrosion coatings, which are environmentally-friendly replacements for organic solvent-based coatings, do not perform well enough for use in the most challenging corrosion environments. The high water absorption capacity of water-based latex films may reduce barrier performance by contributing to corrosive reactant/product transport. We seek to understand the coupled effects of water absorption and ion transport in hydrated latex films, and to propose mechanisms explaining these effects. Water absorption and ion transport in films immersed in deionized (DI) water were monitored by mass gain and electrical conductivity measurements, respectively. Despite very similar polymer compositions between films, large differences in water absorption and ion transport rates were observed and explained by percolating networks at latex particle boundaries which facilitate transport. A semi-continuum model with three-component diffusion and convection-like elastic relaxation supported the assumptions of the physical mechanisms governing water absorption and ion transport. The evidence of the coupled processes of water absorption and ion transport in hydrated latex films revealed in this study are useful for designing water-based coatings that provide high levels of corrosion resistance.

Stabilization/solidification of sand-washing slurry used for porous cold-bonded ceramsite

Solid waste is considered a promising resource to manufacture environment-friendly building materials. A huge amount of sand-washing slurry is generally generated from construction sites and plants, and its improper accumulation can pose a major threat to the ecology and the environment. To reuse this sand-washing slurry, a porous cold-bonded ceramsite was prepared using a foaming agent based on crushing technology. The influences of the sand-washing slurry content and the foaming agent content on the engineering properties of ceramsite were investigated. The microstructure of ceramsite was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and its crystal structure was revealed by X-ray diffraction. In addition, the inner structure of ceramsite was explored by X-ray computed tomography. The sample with a sand-washing slurry content of 70% and a foaming agent content of 15% exhibited the lowest strength, indicating that the sample with higher water absorption capacity and porosity had lower compressive strength. As an excessive amount of sand-washing slurry could decrease the mechanical properties of ceramsite, a proper mixing proportion is required to produce ceramsite. These results suggest that there is potential in using sand-washing slurry to develop a porous structure light-weight aggregate. This ceramsite could potentially be applied in landscaping and agriculture.

Flexural Behaviour of Lightweight Reinforced Concrete Beams Internally Reinforced with Welded Wire Mesh

Lightweight clay aggregate (LECA) is manufactured by heating clay with no lime content in the kiln; as a result, the water evaporates and angular clay balls with pore structures are obtained. LECA possess internal curing properties as any other lightweight aggregate due to their pore structure and higher water absorption capacity. In this work, experimental and analytical behaviour using LECA as a 100% replacement for coarse aggregate to make lightweight concrete (LWC) beams was studied. The LWC beams were compared to the conventional concrete beams in load-deflection, energy absorption capacity, and ductility index. Internal mesh reinforcement using welded wire mesh (WWM) of (4 layers of 15 mm square spacing, 4 layers of 10 mm square spacing, and 4 layers of 15 mm and 10 mm mesh placed alternatively) was provided to enhance the load-carrying capacity of the LWC beam without increasing the dimensions and self-weight of the beams. The beam internally reinforced with WWM exhibited higher load carrying capacity and withstood more significant deflection without sudden failure. The internal reinforcement of WWM is provided to make steel rebars, and WWM works monolithically while loading; this will reduce the stress on tension bars and increase load-carrying capacity. Finally, the generated analytical findings agreed well with the experimental data, demonstrating that the analytical model could mimic the behaviour of LWC beams with WWM.

Peptide-Based Hydrogels: New Materials for Biosensing and Biomedical Applications.

Peptide-based hydrogels have attracted increasing attention for biological applications and diagnostic research due to their impressive features including biocompatibility and biodegradability, injectability, mechanical stability, high water absorption capacity, and tissue-like elasticity. The aim of this review will be to present an updated report on the advancement of peptide-based hydrogels research activity in recent years in the field of anticancer drug delivery, antimicrobial and wound healing materials, 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering, and vaccines. Additionally, the biosensing applications of this key group of hydrogels will be discussed mainly focusing the attention on cancer detection.

Preparation and characterization of PAA/ GG-zeolite nano-composite hydrogel for agricultural applications

The worldwide water crisis has become adverse in recent times, affecting water usage in various fields, including industries, agriculture, and domestic. This research aims to produce a nano-composite hydrogel based on natural materials using zeolite and guar gum (Zeolite-GG). For the development of PAA/GG-Zeolite nano-composite hydrogel (PGZ nano-composite hydrogel), acrylic acid (AA) act as monomer, polyethylene glycol (PEG-600) act as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate (KPS) used as the initiator. The developed nano-composite material has been characterised using numerous tests such as, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). The size range from 30.76 to 62.01 nm is found in SEM analysis. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirms that the material consists of a spherical shape with a size range of 56.40 nm–82.70 nm.Moreover, the EDX test confirms the existence of Potassium (60.20%), Carbon (20.03%), and Oxygen (19.76%) in the synthesized material. Furthermore, the presence of material functional groups and thermal stability was verified using FTIR and TGA, respectively. The swelling index of developed hydrogel is found to be 92.50 mL per gram. The synthesized PGZ Nano-composite hydrogel has enough potential to act as a nutrient carrier and soil conditioning agent in agriculture, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions, due to its higher Potassium (K) content and high water absorption capacity.

Eco‐friendly superabsorbent hydrogels based on starch, gellan gum, citric acid, and nanoclays for soil humidity control

AbstractThe increase in agricultural product demand has entangled the modernization of agriculture. Advances in research have improved production systems, machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides, among others, which are usually applied in an unsustainable way. In this context, hydrogels are attractive materials. Generally, they can be defined as three‐dimensional structures formed from crosslinked hydrophilic polymers with high water absorption capacity. The crosslinks of polymeric chains maintain their structure, letting them absorb large amounts of water without dissolving. This work presents new eco‐friendly superabsorbent hydrogels composed of starch and gellan gum crosslinked with citric acid (CA) and incorporating bentonite (BET) and halloysite (HAL) nanoclays. The addition of nanoclays aimed at developing better soil conditioners, while controlling water management for crop production. Hydrogels with compositions ranging from 100%, 75%, 25%, and 0% of gellan gum to starch, all crosslinked with 10%, 5%, and 2% (w/w) of CA. The samples were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The water swelling properties were studied.

A rapid hemostasis for incompressible wounds by microwave-assisting construction of cellulose sponge with chitosan

Rapid hemostasis in incompressible wounds using cellulose sponge, coupled with environmentally friendly and low-cost preparation, remains a challenge. Herein, cellulose sponges loaded with chitosan with abundant rich pore structure and high water absorption capacity were prepared with cellulose carbamate by using gas foaming method. Animal experiments showed that the blood loss and hemostasis time can be significantly shortened from 225 s to 39 s by the plug the incompressible wound using adaptable composite sponges. Scanning electron microscope results showed that the chitosan formed a porous network structure on the surface and between the pores of the cellulose sponge. An obvious inhibitory effects of composite sponge on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus could effectively reduce wound infection. And the rapid shape recovery ability of the composite sponge was beneficial to sealing the bleeding wound quickly. The results of in vitro hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity and live-dead cell staining showed the composite hemostatic sponges have excellent biocompatibility. In particular, the preparation of cellulose sponge by microwave-assisted method can effectively improve the environmental pollution and cumbersome steps caused by current industrial production. It is expected to be used for rapid hemostasis of non-compressible hemorrhagic wounds.

Starch and itaconic acid-based superabsorbent hydrogels for agricultural application

Biobased superabsorbent is considered as an interesting polymeric material with excellent water absorption capacity. It can act as an active agent carrier and soil conditioner along with others. Howsoever, extensive usage of polymeric superabsorbent derived from conventional petroleum sources is posing serious threats to sustainability of the ecosystem. In this facet, a high biobased content (63 %) superabsorbent was synthesized using starch and itaconic acid as renewable resources. The prepared superabsorbent polymer was authenticated by its high-water absorption capacity (650 g/g) due to the presence of porous morphology as supported by SEM image analysis and the presence of various polar groups in its structure as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. The superabsorbent hydrogels with different compositions were prepared and their performance was evaluated towards water absorption with and without load, and in salt solutions. The swelling kinetic studies of the hydrogels revealed faster water absorption with higher itaconic acid content. The urea encapsulated hydrogels were used in soil to judge their abilities for water holding capacity, seed germination rate, soil porosity enhancement, etc. Moreover, the hydrogels possess good biodegradability as confirmed by the soil burial study, and thereby endowing the environmentally benign characteristic which can overcome the shortcomings of petroleum-based hydrogels. Thus, they have great potential to be used in agricultural applications, especially as environmentally friendly superabsorbent.

Chemical, functional and pasting properties of starches and flours from new yam compared to local varieties

ABSTRACT The potential uses of starches and flours depend on their physicochemical and functional properties. The chemical composition, functional and pasting properties of starch and flours obtained from some newly developed yam varieties from the Crops Research Institute (CRI), Ghana were evaluated, and compared with the existing local varieties. The results showed that the physicochemical and functional properties varied among the varieties studied. The CRI varieties were grouped in a principal component analysis as moisture (afase pa), amylose content (ahodenfo, soanyinto, afase biri), high starch content, bulk density and water absorption capacity (kukrupa, Mankrong pona, CRI pona). Starch pasting characteristics showed that Mankrong pona, CRI pona and afase pa exhibited stable pastes whereas afase biri, Mankrong pona and, afase soanyinto could be utilized for high-temperature processing. Overall, the new CRI varieties showed considerable functionalities that could be explored for potential food and industrial applications as compared to the existing local varieties.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Bentonite Composite Superabsorbent Resin Based on Starch

A superabsorbent resin (SAR) is a functional polymer with a high water absorption capacity, which has been widely used in many fields. In this study, a modified aqueous solution polymerization process was adopted to synthesize a SAR. The optimum synthetical mass ratios of starch, bentonite, potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), and N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide to acrylic acid (AA) were 7.14%, 3.57%, 0.29%, and 0.057%, respectively, and the neutralization degree of AA was 50%. The molecular structure and the surface morphologies of the SAR were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The SAR had a water absorbency of 1300 mL/g in distilled water and 56 mL/g in 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution. The water absorption rate reached 72.65% of the maximum water absorption in 1 hour and swelled to equilibrium in 4 hours. The water retention rate was 45.86% after heating and evaporation at 150°C for 1 hour. The moisture absorption rate reached 28.2% after 10 days of placement. The modified technology provides a new synthetic method for production of SARs, which is characterized by a lack of nitrogen protection, the direct use of raw AA and potato starch, a simplified synthesis process, substantially improved efficiency, and lower production costs.

Triblock Superabsorbent Polymer Nanocomposites with Enhanced Water Retention Capacities and Rheological Characteristics.

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are useful polymers in a wide range of application fields ranging from the hygiene industry to construction and agriculture. As versatility and high water absorption capacity are their important merits, SAPs usually suffer from low water retention capacity (fast release) and weak mechanical properties. To address these drawbacks, a set of new superabsorbent polymer–Halloysite nanotube (HNT) nanocomposites was synthesized via free radical polymerization of acrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-1-sulfonic acid, and acrylic acid in the presence of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) as the crosslinker. FTIR and TGA characterizations confirm the polymerization of SAP and successful incorporation of HNTs into the SAP polymer matrix. The effect of the HNT nanofiller amount in the nanocomposite polymer matrix was investigated with swelling–release performance tests, crosslink density calculations, and rheology measurements. It was found that equilibrium swelling ratios are correlated and therefore can be tuned via the crosslink densities of nanocomposites, while water retention capacities are governed by storage moduli. A maximum swelling of 537 g/g was observed when 5 wt % HNT was incorporated, in which the crosslink density is the lowest. Among the SAP nanocomposites prepared, the highest storage modulus was observed when 1 wt % of nanofiller was incorporated, which coincides with the nanocomposite with the longest water retention. The water release duration of SAPs was prolonged up to 27 days with 1% HNT addition in parallel with the achieved maximum storage modulus. Finally, three different incorporation mechanisms of the HNT nanofiller into the SAP nanocomposite structure were proposed and confirmed with rheology measurements. This study provides a rapid synthesis method for SAP nanocomposites with enhanced water retention capacities and explains the relationship between swelling and crosslink density and water retention and mechanical properties of SAP nanocomposites.

Formulation and Quality Evaluation of Breakfast Flakes Produced from Blends of Maize (Zea mays) and Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) Flour

The study aimed at the production and evaluation of breakfast cereals (flakes) formulated from composite blends of corn (Zea mays) flour and quinoa seed flour (Chenopodium quinoa); a pseudo cereal that has recently gained the interest of researchers due to its unique functional properties. Breakfast flakes were developed from formulations of WCF (100% whole corn flour); CQF (90:10 corn/quinoa flour); and QCF (50:50 corn/quinoa flour). The flakes were evaluated for their organoleptic acceptability, nutritional composition and functional properties. The result of the sensory evaluation showed that WCF was most acceptable in colour (4.90 \(\pm\)0.32) and was not significantly different (p>0.05) from CQF (4.10 \(\pm\)0.88). In terms of taste, texture, and aroma no significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded among all flakes blend. Overall, WCF was rated highest in acceptability at a mean score of 4.80 \(\pm\)0.42. However, QCF and CQF competed favorably with WCF in organoleptic quality. The result of the proximate analysis showed that compared with the control (WCF) which had a protein content of 7.36 \(\pm\)0.31%, the inclusion of quinoa enhanced the protein content in QCF and CQF at 9.40 \(\pm\)0.35% and 9.64 \(\pm\)0.03% respectively. Crude fibre, an essential component of functional foods was significantly enhanced with the inclusion of quinoa. In comparism with the control (9.02 \(\pm\)0.13%), the crude fibre content of CQF and QCF were 11.99 \(\pm\)0.12% and 15.99 \(\pm\)0.56% respectively. An increased inclusion of quinoa resulted in a corresponding decrease in carbohydrate (CHO) content as expected. The lowest CHO content was observed in QCF (49.66 \(\pm\)0.57%); while the highest CHO content was observed in WCF (62.50 \(\pm\)0.45%). There was significant difference in all the functional properties observed except for the bulk density. Quinoa fortification of corn flakes resulted in increased water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC). Hence QCF had the highest WAC and OAC at 35.33 \(\pm\)0.29% and 14.97 \(\pm\)0.15% respectively. In addition, QCF had the lowest emulsification capacity and swelling capacity at 41.43 \(\pm\)0.38% and 338.17 \(\pm\)0.19% respectively. The inclusion of quinoa in flakes could be beneficial as a breakfast cereal useful in human health and nutrition.

Hydrophilic cloth by surface modification of polypropylene fabrics with mineral particles

AbstractDifferent surface modifications of polypropylene non‐woven fabric (NWF) by using mineral particles are proposed to increase fabric hydrophilicity. Particles from a zeolitized vitreous breccia are selected as an economic mineral having high water absorption capacity. The efficacy of each methodology concerning particle inclusion on and within NWF is studied with different techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction are used to analyze particle presence and coverage. Particle concentration on modified‐NWF is determined by using thermogravimetric analysis. The selection of the surface modification methodology is done considering the particle inclusion efficacy and its scalability to be directly used during NWF fabrication. Particle inclusion on the heat softened NWF followed by the removal of non‐adhered particles is chosen as the selected surface modification methodology to increase NWF hydrophilicity. To guarantee the no‐particle detachment during the use of modified‐NMF, specific assays are performed simulating extreme conditions such handling under water. After these assays, modified‐NWFs have a minimum water absorption capacity of 5.8 g/cm2. It means that 0.25 m2 of modified‐NWF has at least similar absorption capacity than 5 g of silica gel. These modified‐NWFs, obtained from an easy process during NWF fabrication, favor the beneficiation of the raw zeolitized vitreous breccia, leading to a new hydrophilic cloth.