High-pressure Homogenization Research Articles

Evaluation of high-pressure homogenization as a pretreatment for the extraction and drying of 6-gingerol from ginger

6-Gingerol is the major biologically active component found in the ginger rhizome, and this study investigated the effect of high-pressure homogenization pretreatment on the recovery of 6-gingerol.

High-pressure homogenizer valve design modifications allowing intensified drop breakup without increasing power consumption. I. Optimization of current design-principle

This study uses a model-based design approach (CFD coupled to well-established emulsification correlations) to investigate how to choose the valve dimensions of a high-pressure homogenizer so as to achieve intensified drop breakup without increasing the power consumption. Results show how design modifications influence the thermodynamic efficiency of the homogenizer via two effects, a friction factor and a factor related to how high a dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy that the design delivers in the centre of the jet. By simple design modifications, thermodynamic efficiency can be increased by 4 % (compared to a representative contemporary valve design) by decreasing the inlet chamber angle, and an additional 5 % by carefully adjusting the outlet chamber angles so as to ensure that the jet exits the gap free of the wall, but then bends and re-attaches to the wall further downstream. The modifications are predicted to allow for achieving the same resulting drop size but with a 17 % lower power draw, compared to a standard contemporary valve, or alternatively a smaller resulting drop diameter at constant power draw.

The preparation, characterization, and antibacterial activity evaluation of nanoliposomes incorporated with terebinth extract

Nanoliposomes are drug release systems that increase bioavailability and are used for encapsulation of therapeutic active ingredients. Terebinth, which is a medicinal plant that grows in many parts of Türkiye, has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. The antibacterial activity of nanoliposomes incorporated with ethanol extract of terebinth leaves (TLE) was investigated to determine the effects of formulation. The nanoliposome formulation was prepared in two steps which were high pressure and high intensity homogenization techniques. Characterization parameters (zeta potential, particle size and distribution, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficiency) were determined. After third cycle of microfluidization, the zeta potential charge of nanoliposome dispersion was measured -66.6 mV and 91.13 nm in size. The PDI was 0.231. Also, the nanoliposome encapsulation efficiency was calculated as 91.90%. The TLE was encapsulated with nanoliposomes and their antibacterial activity was examined by disk diffusion and minimum inhibition concentration tests against Escherichia coli ATTC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 25923. Nanoliposome encapsulated TLE (NLTLE) has antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATTC 25923. While NLTLE has less active substance, it displays the same antibacterial activity as TLE.

Effect of High-Pressure Homogenization and Fat Content on Yogurt Fermentation Process

Effect of High-Pressure Homogenization and Fat Content on Yogurt Fermentation Process

Methods for Making a Nanosuspension of Poorly Soluble Medications

Class II prescriptions are known to dissolve ineffectively in both natural and fluid solvents, making them a significantly more challenging challenge. When it comes to these kinds of high log P synthetic compounds that are insoluble in water, the nanosuspension structure is desired. The overall bioavailability of nanosuspensions is influenced by an increase in surface area and a decrease in molecule size. Sometimes the oral dosage forms of water-soluble drugs that are slowly absorbed and inefficient show insufficient bioavailability. A drug's permeability and solubility have a significant impact on how bioavailable it is. To create sub-micron-sized particles, a suitable emulsifier and a pharmaceutical mixture are fed through a high-pressure homogenization or milling procedure. Both classic milling and precipitation processes are commonly used to create particles larger than one millimetre. In this investigation, the techniques was used to prepare the nanosuspension for improving the solubility of poorly soluble drugs.

Relaxation temperature and storage stability of the functionalized cell wall material residue from lemon peel

Lemon peel cell wall material (CWM) residue obtained after acid pectin extraction can be functionalized into a texturizing ingredient using mechanical treatments such as high-pressure homogenization. The application of CWM as a texturizing ingredient is most likely through a dry powder and thus the stability of its functionality (rheological property) during storage becomes an obvious question. However, studies on the glass transition properties of this CWM residue and it's relation to storage stability are largely lacking. This study aims to first evaluate the potential of two methods, i.e. DSC analysis and combined TMCT-DMTA (thermal mechanical compression test – dynamic mechanical thermal analysis) to measure the Tg and relaxation temperature of lemon peel CWM and subsequently relate the results to the stability of the material's rheological property. The results showed that DSC-based Tg measurements may not be the most appropriate indicator for storage stability of the lemon peel CWM residue, despite being the most commonly used method to explain state transition in materials. On the other hand, the structural relaxation phenomena elucidated by the change in mechanical properties measured by TMCT-DMTA correlated with the results of storage stability of the material. To ensure the stability of the CWM residue, storage should be carried out at conditions (temperature and moisture content) before the onset of tan δ curve change. In conclusion, relaxation phenomena observed through the measurement of mechanical properties, in particular the tan δ curve from DMTA, provides a suitable starting point for inferring the stability of the functionalized CWM residue.

High-pressure homogenization combined with alcohol treatment is effective in improving the sensory and techno-functional characteristics of Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CP) is a microalga that has been used as a sustainable protein and food source. However, its green color from chlorophyll and low processability have limited its broad application in food. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) in conjunction with alcohol treatment in removing chlorophyll from CP and its impact on the quality and techno-functionality of the resulting decolorized CP meal. The method was found to be efficient, eco-friendly, and allowed easy recovery of CP components and solvents. It removed chlorophyll effectively and increased CP whiteness from 43.5 ± 1.26 to 86.6 ± 0.55. The combination processing strategy also significantly (p < 0.05) improved the protein quality (e.g., essential amino acid ratio) and functionality (e.g., foaming, emulsification, and gelation) of CP. The results of morphological and electrophoretic analyses indicated that the aggregation behavior of CP molecules was altered in the decolorized sample. Thermochemical and infrared analyses revealed that the decolorization processing reduced CP's heating enthalpy and disrupted hydrophilic β-turns on its globulin surface, causing more random coils. These findings suggest that HPH combined with alcohol treatment can enhance CP sensory characteristics and functionality, which would facilitate its application in the food industry.

Microwave-assisted DES fabrication of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils and its derived composite conductive hydrogel

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been regarded as green solvents in the biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass, but long duration time has severely limited efficiency. The microwave-assisted DES pretreatment along with enzymatic hydrolysis and high-pressure homogenization process was proposed to produce lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) from corncob. Benefiting from microwave-assisted DES pretreatment, the duration time was greatly shortened; meanwhile the effects of different kinds of DES on the resultant LCNF were investigated. The results showed that, the microwave-assisted DES fabricated LCNF (M-LCNF) was successfully obtained, exhibiting good nano size, thermal stability, colloidal stability, and fluorescence. M-LCNF was further introduced into phytic acid (PA) enhanced poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (P(AM-co-AA)) network and constructed composite conductive hydrogels (PLP). The obtained hydrogels exhibited good mechanical strength, UV blocking ability, fluorescence, and conductivity. A simple battery assembled with the resultant PLP as electrolyte had an out voltage of 2.41 V. The composite conductive hydrogel showed good sensing performance towards different stimuli (e.g., stretching and compression) and human motions in real time. It is expected that this research would provide an alternative way for green fabrication of LCNF and potential application of LCNF in flexible sensors.

The profiles of free, esterified and insoluble-bound phenolics in peach juice after high pressure homogenization and evaluation of their antioxidant capacities, cytoprotective effect, and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-Ⅳ

The phenolic profiles, antioxidant capacities, cytoprotective effect, and α-glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibitory capacity of free (FP), esterified (EP) and insoluble-bound (IBP) phenolic fractions in ‘Lijiang snow’ peach juice after high pressure homogenization (HPH) were investigated, and the molecular docking was used to explore the enzyme inhibition mechanism. HPH increased total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in three fractions without changing compositions. The IC50 of radicals scavenged by three fractions were all reduced by HPH. The best inhibition on intracellular ROS production were found for phenolic fractions after HPH at 300 MPa, with ROS levels ranged within 95.26–119.16 %. HPH at 300 MPa reduced the apoptosis rates of FP and EP by 16.52 % and 9.33 %, respectively. All phenolic fractions showed effective inhibition on α-glucosidase and DPP-IV by formation of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. This study explored the feasibility of HPH to enhance the phenolics and bioactivity of peach juice.

Impact of using high-pressure homogenization on the chemical profile, quality stability and bioactivity of hydrosol obtain from rose flower

Hydrosol is a byproduct of plant essential oil extraction during water distillation, also known as hydrolate or aromatic water, significant bioactivity. In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on the chemical composition, stability and antioxidant properties of rose hydrosols. GC-MS analysis along with Raman spectroscopy were utilized to determine the chemical composition of hydrosols. The result revealed citronellol, nerol, phenylethyl alcohol and linalool were predominant compounds in hydrosol samples, and volatile constituents varied with different homogenization pressures. Micro-morphological analysis showed more heterogeneous structures in HPH-treated samples compared to untreated hydrosols (UH). Stability measurements, including average particle size, Zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI) and turbidity, showed that HPH-treated samples were more stable than UH under different temperature, pH value and storage period. The antioxidant activity of hydrosols was significantly enhanced with higher homogenizing pressure. The result imply that the high-pressure energy input could critically influence the chemical profiles and final quality of hydrosols. Furthermore, it can be stated that HPH could be an efficient approach to obtain the hydrosols with strengthening stability and biological activity, which could be used as potential food supplement or ingredient in cosmetics industry.

Manothermosonication, high-pressure homogenization, and their combinations with pH-shifting improve the techno-functionality and digestibility of hemp protein

The growing interest in plant-based proteins, particularly hemp protein, has driven the exploration of new methods to address the limitations of its industrial utilization, such as its poor functional properties. This study examined how manothermosonication (MTS) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) techniques, along with pH-shifting, could enhance the techno-functionality of hemp protein isolate (HPI) and produce functionalized hemp protein nanoaggregates. Optimal processing conditions of MTS were 50 °C, 200 kPa, and 90 s, as determined by response surface methodology. The pH-shifting + MTS and pH-shifting + HPH treatments reduced the size of hemp protein nanoaggregates by 3.2- and 1.9-fold, respectively, compared to the untreated HPI. The changes in secondary (FTIR, CD), tertiary (SH group, fluorescence intensity), and 3D structures (XRD) confirmed modifications of treated hemp proteins. The XRD patterns showed an increase in the %crystallinity values from 21% to 29% upon the pH-shifting + MTS treatment. The combination of pH-shifting + MTS resulted in the highest solubility and digestibility, 2.1- and 1.3-fold higher than the untreated HPI, respectively, followed by the MTS-alone and HPH treatments. In addition, the emulsion properties (emulsion activity, stability, creaming index, and droplet sizes) exhibited the highest values in HPI treated by pH-shifting + MTS and + HPH. The MTS and HPH technologies provide a promising viewpoint for producing protein nanoaggregates with enhanced functional properties for microencapsulation, edible film, and other applications.

The Effect of High-Pressure Homogenization Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties and Stability of Designed Fluconazole-Loaded Ocular Nanoemulsions.

The growing interest in high-energy emulsification is a result of its scalability, which is important from an industrial perspective and allows for a more reproducible and efficient production of pharmaceutical formulations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of composition, mainly a fixed surfactant/cosurfactant (Smix) ratio, their concentration, and the parameters of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) processing on the quality and stability of ophthalmic fluconazole-loaded nanoemulsions. After a physicochemical analysis of nanoemulsions containing 20% w/w of oil, as optimal conditions for the HPH process, three cycles at a pressure of 1000 bar were established, obtaining formulations with an average droplet diameter size in the range of 80.63-129.68 nm and PDI values below 0.25. While it was expected that an increasing cosurfactant concentration decreased the droplet size, in the case of formulations containing Tween 20 and 10% w/w of cosurfactants, "over-processing" was observed, identified by the droplet size and polydispersity index increase. Consecutively, the selected formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug release in Franz's cell, antifungal activity, and 30-day stability using NMR spectroscopy. An antifungal activity test showed no significant difference in the antifungal activity between optimal fluconazole-loaded nanoemulsions and a 0.3% aqueous drug solution, but previously, research showed that prepared formulations were characterized by a higher viscosity and satisfactory prolonged release compared to a control. In a 30-day stability study, it was observed that higher HLB values of the used surfactants decreased the stability of the formulations in the following order: Kolliphor EL, Tween 80, Tween 20. The NMR spectra confirmed that Kolliphor EL-based formulations ensured the higher stability of the nanoemulsion composition in comparison to Tween 80 and a better stabilizing effect of propylene glycol as a cosurfactant in comparison to PEG 200. Therefore, the optimization of HPH technology should be focused on the selection of Smix and the Smix:oil ratio in order to prepare stable formulations of high quality.

Effects of High-Pressure Homogenization Treatment on the Development of Antioxidant Zanthoxylum bungeanum Leaf Powder Films for Preservation of Fresh-Cut Apple.

This study determined that Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaves (ZBLs) are rich in functional components such as cellulose, protein, flavone, and polyphenols. Therefore, they were used as the main raw material, with sodium alginate as a thickener and glycerol as a plasticizer, to investigate the preparation of active films from ZBL powder through high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The physical, optical, mechanical, and antioxidant properties of the films were evaluated, and their application in preserving fresh-cut apples was examined. The results showed that the optimal concentration of ZBL powder was 1.5% under a 30 MPa HPH treatment. The resulting HPH-treated films exhibited a denser microstructure and improved water vapor barrier properties and mechanical strength. Compared to the films without HPH treatment, the tensile strength increased from 4.61 MPa to 12.13 MPa, the elongation at break increased from 21.25% to 42.86%, the water vapor permeability decreased from 9.9 × 10-9 g/m·s·Pa to 8.0 × 10-9 g/m·s·Pa, and the transparency increased from 25.36% to 38.5%. Compared to the control group, the fresh-cut apples packaged with the HPH-treated ZBL active films exhibited effective preservation of apple quality during a five-day period at 4 °C and 70% humidity, showing better preservation effects than the other groups. In conclusion, the use of HPH treatment in developing novel biopolymer active films from ZBL powders with enhanced properties holds potential for various applications.

The impact of drying and storage in the semi-dry state on the texturizing potential of partially pectin-depleted tomato cell wall material functionalised by high-pressure homogenisation

The current study assesses the impact of air-drying at 22 °C after water-alcohol exchange (and potentially also of the preceding freezing step) and storage in the semi-dry state on the texturizing potential of cell wall material (CWM) functionalised by high-pressure homogenisation (HPH). Reconstitution of the suspension was performed using overnight stirring only or combined with high-intensity mixing. Partially pectin-depleted CWM of tomato was used as study material, as both the network forming capacity (evaluated by the storage modulus of the suspension, G′) and water binding capacity (WBC) could be largely improved by HPH at 20 MPa. The functionalisation of the CWM was followed by the drying step and storage of the dried CWM at different relative humidities at 30 °C. Drying, even after water-alcohol exchange, resulted already in an extensive decrease (approximately 60%) in the G′ of the suspension when reconstituted. When the dried material was regenerated using high-intensity mixing reverting the aggregation induced by drying, the decrease in G′ was 50% and 33%, with and without preceding freezing, respectively. The impact of drying on the WBC was limited and a higher WBC was observed after high-intensity mixing. Based on the glass transition line of the alcohol-insoluble residue of tomato, it was anticipated that only some of the CWM systems were in the rubbery state during storage. A decrease in the G’ during storage was only observed at the two highest relative humidities studied and only upon reconstitution using high-intensity mixing. Overall, the major impact on the functionality was linked with the drying phase.

Intravenous Injection of PEI-Decorated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Impacts NF-kappaB Protein Expression in Immunologically Stressed Mice.

Nanoparticle-based formulations are considered valuable tools for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The surface decoration of nanoparticles with polyethyleneimine (PEI) is often used to enhance their targeting and functional properties. Here, we aimed at addressing the long-term fate in vivo and the potential "off-target" effects of PEI decorated iron oxide nanoparticles (PEI-MNPs) in individuals with low-grade and persistent systemic inflammation. For this purpose, we synthesized PEI-MNPs (core-shell method, PEI coating under high pressure homogenization). Further on, we induced a low-grade and persistent inflammation in mice through regular subcutaneous injection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, from zymosan). PEI-MNPs were injected intravenously. Up to 7 weeks thereafter, the blood parameters were determined via automated fluorescence flow cytometry, animals were euthanized, and the organs analyzed for iron contents (atomic absorption spectrometry) and for expression of NF-κB associated proteins (p65, IκBα, p105/50, p100/52, COX-2, Bcl-2, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting). We observed that the PEI-MNPs had a diameter of 136 nm and a zeta-potential 56.9 mV. After injection in mice, the blood parameters were modified and the iron levels were increased in different organs. Moreover, the liver of animals showed an increased protein expression of canonical NF-κB signaling pathway members early after PEI-MNP application, whereas at the later post-observation time, members of the non-canonical signaling pathway were prominent. We conclude that the synergistic effect between PEI-MNPs and the low-grade and persistent inflammatory state is mainly due to the hepatocytes sensing infection (PAMPs), to immune responses resulting from the intracellular metabolism of the uptaken PEI-MNPs, or to hepatocyte and immune cell communications. Therefore, we suggest a careful assessment of the safety and toxicity of PEI-MNP-based carriers for gene therapy, chemotherapy, and other medical applications not only in healthy individuals but also in those suffering from chronic inflammation.

A Novel Handrub Tablet Loaded with Pre- and Post-Biotic Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Combining Virucidal Activity and Maintenance of the Skin Barrier and Microbiome.

This study aimed to develop a holobiont tablet with rapid dispersibility to provide regulation of the microbiota, virucidal activity, and skin barrier protection. A 23 factorial experiment was planned to define the best formulation for the development of the base tablet, using average weight, hardness, dimensions, swelling rate, and disintegration time as parameters to be analyzed. To produce holobiont tablets, the chosen base formulation was fabricated by direct compression of prebiotics, postbiotics, and excipients. The tablets also incorporated solid lipid nanoparticles containing postbiotics that were obtained by high-pressure homogenization and freeze-drying. The in vitro virucidal activity against alpha-coronavirus particles (CCoV-VR809) was determined in VERO cell culture. In vitro analysis, using monolayer cells and human equivalent skin, was performed by rRTq-PCR to determine the expression of interleukins 1, 6, 8, and 17, aquaporin-3, involucrin, filaggrin, FoxO3, and SIRT-1. Antioxidant activity and collagen-1 synthesis were also performed in fibroblast cells. Metagenomic analysis of the skin microbiome was determined in vivo before and after application of the holobiont tablet, during one week of continuous use, and compared to the use of alcohol gel. Samples were analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. A handrub tablet with rapid dispersibility was developed for topical use and rinse off. After being defined as safe, the virucidal activity was found to be equal to or greater than that of 70% alcohol, with a reduction in interleukins and maintenance or improvement of skin barrier gene markers, in addition to the reestablishment of the skin microbiota after use. The holobiont tablets were able to improve the genetic markers related to the skin barrier and also its microbiota, thereby being more favorable for use as a hand sanitizer than 70% alcohol.

Amylose content controls the V-type structural formation and in vitro digestibility of maize starch-resveratrol complexes and their effect on human gut microbiota

The chain structure of starch affects its interaction with polyphenol molecules which in turn determines the nutritional function of starch. In this study, starch with different amylose content including waxy maize starch (WMS), normal maize starch (NMS) and G50 high-amylose maize starch (G50) were selected to complex with resveratrol (RA) in high-pressure homogenization (HPH) environment, and structural changes of the complexes, together with their effects on in vitro digestibility and gut microbiota were discussed. The results showed that with increasing amylose content, RA could form more inclusion complex with starch through non-covalent bonds accompanied by the increased single helix structure, V-type crystalline structure, compact nano-aggregates and total ordered structure content, which thus endowed the complex lower digestibility and intestinal probiotic function. Notably, when RA addition reached 3 %, the resistant starch (RS) content of HP-G50–3 % rose to 29.2 %, correspondingly increased the relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota such as Megamonas and Bifidobacterium, as well as the total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content. Correlation analysis showed that V-type crystalline structure positively correlated with the growth of Pediococcu and Blautia (p < 0.05) for producing SCFAs. These findings provided feasible ideas for the development of personalized nutritional starch-based foods.

Application of Microfluidization in the Food Industry

Microfluidization is a high-pressure homogenization technique that applies a number of forces such as high impact force, shear force, sudden pressure drop, and cavitation force in order to subdivide the particles into smaller sizes. The technology of micro fluidization is based on a double-acting intensifier pump and an interaction chamber. The intensifier pump creates the pressure required to force the raw material into the interaction chamber. It is widely used in the food industry for a variety of applications, including the formation of micro- and nano-sized emulsions, the encapsulation of easily degradable bioactive compounds, and the enhancement of functional properties of proteins, polysaccharides, and dietary fibers. It was first used to emulsify milk products before being used in other food products such as fruit juices, proteins, gums, cereals, and cereal by-products.

Preparation, physicochemical characterisation and assessment of liquid and vapour phase antimicrobial activity of essential oil loaded lipid nanoparticles

Many essential oils have garnered attention as promising antimicrobials; however, their inherent volatility and susceptibility to degradation limit their effective utilisation. Encapsulation can address these limitations by entrapping the essential oils within protective matrices. In the current study, native Australian essential oils, Tasmanian mountain pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) and lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) and non-native thyme (Thymus vulgaris) were encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNs) using high-pressure homogenisation. The morphology, size, stability and release properties of the LNs was assessed using cryo-TEM, DLS, turbiscanning and dialysis, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of the LNs was determined using ultrafiltration and GC-FID analysis. The liquid and vapour phase antimicrobial activity and mode of action were determined using microdilution, inverted petri plate assays, and TEM, respectively. Stable spherical LNs (<200 nm size) with encapsulation efficiencies <88% and polydispersity index <0.2 were formulated. LNs generally showed higher antimicrobial activity than unencapsulated oils except for vapour phase activity which varied amongst the oils. Time-dependent cell membrane damage was confirmed using TEM. Essential oils exhibited a bi-phasic release profile from LNs characterised by initial burst release, followed by sustained release. In summary, encapsulation stabilised, promoted sustained release and enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oils.

Enhancing pea protein isolate functionality: A comparative study of high-pressure homogenization, ultrasonic treatment, and combined processing techniques

Pea protein has attracted widespread attention due to its high nutritional value, low allergenicity, non-GMO status, and broad availability. However, compared to animal proteins, pea protein has inferior functional properties, which limits its application in the food industry. This study used pea protein isolate (PPI) as the main raw material and investigated the effects of high-pressure homogenization (HPH), ultrasonic treatment (US), and the combination of the two in different orders on the structure and function of PPI. The results showed that HPH or US promoted the transformation of PPI insoluble suspension into a uniform protein dispersion, significantly reducing particle size, unfolding the spatial structure, exposing more amino acid residues. These structural changes resulted in a substantial increase in the solubility, foaming capacity and emulsifying activity of PPI. Moreover, the combined treatments further impacted the properties of PPI, largely depending on the order of the processing steps; the combination of HPH-US exhibited the best functional characteristics.