Laser Diffraction Analysis Research Articles

Micro- and nano-encapsulation of limonene and permethrin for mosquito repellent finishing of cotton textiles

The aim of this study was to prepare mosquito repellent textiles. To compare bio-based and synthetic mosquito repellent agents, limonene and permethrin were encapsulated with ethyl cellulose shell. Coacervation was employed, which is a simple and reproducible method for the encapsulation with high production efficiency. Morphological assessment showed that the capsules had smooth surfaces and their shape was spherical. The homogenous size distribution of the capsules was supported by laser diffraction analysis. The capsules showed narrow size distribution and the mean particle size of the optimum formulations for limonene and permethrin was 1 and 1.3 μm, respectively. The size of the produced capsules was considered suitable for textile applications. The FTIR spectra revealed the similarity of the chemical structure of capsules with shell material. Cotton fabrics were treated separately with limonene and permethrin capsules by padding method. The presence of capsules on the fabrics was determined after 20 washing cycles. Insecticide activity was evaluated against common house mosquitoes (Culex pipiens), with respect to cone bioassay of World Health Organization (WHO). Mosquitoes were tended to stay away from treated fabrics, and mortality rates of mosquitos were noted as 41% and 54% for limonene and permethrin, respectively. Although efficacy of fabrics decreased with increasing washing, the fabrics still showed repellency after 20 washing cycles. This study showed that the developed product might be used as an alternative to the other products in the market for avoiding mosquito-borne diseases.

Identification of cement in atmospheric particulate matter using the hybrid method of laser diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy

The production of cement is associated with the emissions of dust and particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds into the environment. People living near cement production facilities are potentially exposed to these pollutants, including carcinogens, although at lower doses than the factory workers. In this study we focused on the distribution of fine particulate matter, the composition, size patterns, and spatial distribution of the emissions from Spassk cement plant in Primorsky Krai, Russian Federation. The particulate matter was studied in wash-out from vegetation (conifer needles) using a hybrid method of laser diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that fine particulate matter (PM10 fraction) extended to the entire town and its neighbourhood. The percentage of PM10 in different areas of the town and over the course of two seasons ranged from 34.8% to 65% relative to other size fractions of particulate matter. It was further shown that up to 80% of the atmospheric PM content at some sampling points was composed of cement-containing particles. This links the cement production in Spassk-Dalny with overall morbidity of the town population and pollution of the environment.

Particle Size Distribution of Natural Clayey Soils: A Discussion on the Use of Laser Diffraction Analysis (LDA)

Particle size distribution is one of the most significant factors determining physical soil properties. Laser diffraction analysis (LDA) is an alternative method to the traditional hydrometric methods (HM) used to determine particle size distribution in soils. However, significant differences in fraction content are found in relation to the applied methods of a particle size test. Above all, measurements performed by LDA for clayey soils usually produce different results to those based on Stokes’ equation. Methodical problems, such as an appropriate method of dispersing the sample and the selection of LDA calculation theory, also play a significant role in fine soils. This paper contains the results of analyses of Neogene clays from Poland, which are characterized by differentiation with regard to the content of clay fraction particles. In this article, the validity of using laser diffraction analysis (LDA) for the identification and characterization of clayey sediments with common genesis is assessed. The possibility of finding reliable pedotransfer functions to the convert LDA results to a hydrometric analysis is discussed.

An Efficient and Cost-Effective Nose-Only Inhalational Chamber for Rodents: Design, Optimization and Validation.

The mainstay treatment of pulmonary disorders lies around the direct drug targeting to the lungs using a nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, or dry powder inhaler. Only few inhalers are available in the market that could be used for inhalational drug delivery in rodents. However, the available rodent inhalers invariably require high cost and maintenance, which limits their use at laboratory scale. The present work, therefore, was undertaken to develop a simple, reliable, and cost-effective nose-only inhalation chamber with holding capacity of three mice at a time. The nebulized air passes directly and continuously from the central chamber to mouthpiece and maintains an aerosol cloud for rodents to inhale. Laser diffraction analysis indicated volume mean diameter of 4.02 ± 0.30μm, and the next-generation impactor studies, however, revealed mean mass aerodynamic diameter of 3.40 ± 0.27μm, respectively. An amount of 2.05 ± 0.20mg of voriconazole (VRC) was available for inhalation at each delivery port of the inhaler. In vivo studies indicated the deposition of 76.12 ± 19.50μg of VRC in the mice lungs when nebulized for a period of 20min. Overall, the developed nose-only inhalation chamber offers a reliable means of generating aerosols and successfully exposing mice to nebulization.

Poorly crystallized hydroxyapatite and calcium silicate hydrate composites: Synthesis, characterization and soaking in simulated body fluid

Development of the composites based on substances with a high bioactivity potential is of current interest to medical materials science because composites' properties can be modified by varying the components ratios. Weakly crystallized calcium phosphates and calcium silicate hydrates, possessing higher chemical reactivity than their crystalline forms, are promising salts to be studied as biomaterials' constituents. In this study, precipitation from aqueous solutions was employed to obtain apatite and calcium silicate hydrate composites. Synthesized solids were examined without high-temperature thermal pretreatment using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), laser diffraction, physical adsorption (BET method) and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with the mass spectrometry (TGA/MS). Compositions containing poorly crystallized carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite, calcium silicate hydrate and calcite as an admixture were obtained by varying concentrations of the reagents. Soaking of the composite ceramics formed from freshly precipitated synthetic solids in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C for 14 days lead to formation of the surface layer of amorphous calcium phosphate. As the calcium silicate content in the composites increases, the coating's density and thickness also increase, because silicate ions act as active sites in the process of new phase nucleation. Furthermore, prismatic calcite crystals were identified to form on the lower side of ceramics. This may be caused by an increasing of local supersaturation with respect to calcium carbonate in small-volume confinement conditions during the experiment.

Получение микродисперсного тканеспецифического децеллюляризованного матрикса из суставного хряща свиньи

A method for obtaining a microdispersed tissue-specific matrix from decellularized porcine articular cartilage while maintaining morphological and functional properties of the extracellular matrix with no signs of cytotoxicity was developed. The cartilage particle size distribution in suspension after cryogenic grinding was determined using laser diffraction analysis. The range of sizes of the obtained cartilage microparticles suggests the possibility of their administration by injection (<220 μm). The combination of stages, including three freeze/thaw cycles (–196/37°C) followed by treatment with solutions of surface-active substances (surfactants), sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100, and DNase resulted in the complete removal of non-decellularized microparticles. The residual DNA content was 9.11 ± 1.13 ng/mg of tissue. The effectiveness of surfactant washing was assessed by the cytotoxicity of the matrix on the culture of human adipose derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hADSCs). To assess the hemocompatibility of the obtained samples, their hemolytic activity was studied in vitro. The adhesion and proliferation of hADSCs on the matrix surface were studied on day 21 of cultivation. The matrix did not exhibit hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity with respect to hADSCs. hADSCs in the samples were actively proliferating on the matrix surface. The biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the obtained matrix in vitro indicate its potential for application in cartilage regenerative medicine.

Evaluation of essential powder properties through complementary particle size analysis methods for laser powder bed fusion of polymers

The resolution of complex parts produced by laser powder bed fusion of polymers (PBF-LB/P) is defined significantly by the shape and size distribution of the feedstock powder. Its analysis is usually performed by optical measurement systems such as laser diffraction or image analysis. In this study, the most relevant particle size parameters will be extracted from a set of different measuring methods, as well as the Hausner ratio and finally discussed regarding safe and successful processability. Extracted data include the sphericity, fine fraction, volume- and number-weighted diameter distributions, and statistical significance analysis, including comparison of PA12 and carbon-black-additivated PA12. The presented results should give researchers a first impression about the suitability of polymer powders for PBF-LB/P, based on powder feedstock characterization.

Laser diffraction analysis of purified Descurainia Sophia seeds by a tribo-aero-electrostatic system

In order to separate the impurities in vegetable seeds, a tribo-aero-electrostatic separator was designed and manufactured. The data analysis of the pure Descurainia Sophia seed shows that the interaction of the voltage, distance and angle was significant on the weight of the D. Sophia at the level of 1%. To determine and compare the size of the separated seeds, a laser diffraction device with the possibility of analysing the size distribution of the particles was used. The results showed that the best purity (99.5%) with the highest percentage of the relative frequency of the D. Sophia seeds size was obtained for box 1 (the first box) with a seed size of 680 μm. By moving from box 1 towards box 4, the amount of the impurities due to the variation of the electrical properties of the materials increases, although the value of the impurities for the samples is acceptable.

OPTIMIZATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL MODES OF SYNTHESIS OF SILICON DIOXIDE WITH NANOMETER PARTICLE SIZE

As a result of research carried out the authors have developed the technology for the synthesis of silicon dioxide based on the use of opal – cristobalite diatomite rocks. Two methods have been proposed for preparing a silica sol. In the first method the crushed diatomite has been fused with an alkali and then acid was isolated by leaching the alloy with distilled water. In the second method the crushed diatomite has been kept in caustic soda solution in order to obtain a silica sol. Further after precipitation coagulates the silica sol precipitates silica particles with a mineral acid solution. It has been shown that the percentage and particle size of sedimentation of microsilica particles can be adjusted by changing the concentration and temperature of caustic soda solution and the duration of the synthesis reaction, while achieving the particle size of nanoscale level and porosity of over 90%.The optimal synthesis mode with the maximum yield of silica particles with a particle size of 60–200 nm in diameter is recommended to be carried out at a temperature and electrolyte concentration of 90–50 °C, 10 %, and the reaction time of 1–2 hours, which in turn is an economical option in terms of energy costs. Analytical dependences of the yield (in %) of silicon dioxide on the concentration and temperature of sodium hydroxide solution have been obtained.The particle size of the synthesized silica particles previously dispersed in an ultrasonic field at a frequency of 42 kHz and a source power of 40 W has been determined by laser diffraction analysis using Shimadzu SALD-3101 with a measurement range from 50 nm to 3 mm. The percentage of silicon dioxide in the synthesized product was determined using Quanta 200 electron microscope and ARLPerform`X 4200 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, which allow local analysis of the elemental composition of the material.Synthesized silicon dioxide in the form of powder is among the most promising materials of the future in terms of solving problems of energy efficiency and energy saving, which is recommended for the use in the manufacture of vacuum insulation panels, high-strength cement concretes, UV glass, filter powders.

Mechanistic understanding regarding the functionality of microcrystalline cellulose and powdered cellulose as pelletization aids in wet-extrusion/spheronization

Powdered cellulose (PC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) show considerable different behavior during wet-extrusion and spheronization. While MCC is an appropriate pelletization aid, PC is not suitable. The differences were explained by either the “molecular-sponge” or the “crystallite-gel” hypothesis. To elucidate the differences in functionality, the effect of several polar solvents on liquid–solid interaction with PC and MCC was investigated. In addition, PC was homogenized via high pressure homogenization to reduce particle size without affecting the degree of polymerization. Mixer torque rheometry (MTR), laser diffraction and texture analysis were used to characterize the behavior of PC and MCC in wet pastes, suspensions and pellets. PC and MCC interacted differently with solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide and several glycols during MTR experiments. While PC mainly swells in appropriate solvents, MCC showed a particle size reduction, partly into colloidal dimensions. Solvents that induced liberation of colloidal fibers, also enabled a wet-extrusion/spheronization process. The quantity of colloidal cellulose only had minor effect on the resulting pellet quality. Also, the properties of the used solvent had only minor impact on the pellet size, shape and mechanical stability. PC contained small amounts of colloidal fibers after high pressure homogenization. With this pre-treated PC, wet-extrusion/spheronization process was also possible although the pellet quality is inferior to MCC pellets. Colloidal cellulose fibers have a major impact on the behavior of wet mass and on the feasibility for pellet production via wet-extrusion/spheronization. These insights provide new evidence for the “crystallite-gel” model.

The state of cognitive functions after angioreconstructive operations on the carotid arteries

The use of nanostructured components in drug manufacturing and, more specifically, targeted drug delivery has recently become a major trend in the pharmaceutical industry. Nanodrugs encompass a wide range of pharmaceutical agents containing dendrimers, nanocrystals, micelles, liposomes, and polymer nanoparticles. Liposomes are the most well-studied nanoparticles and effective drug carriers. However, the more complex their structure is, the more process controls are needed and the more quality attributes have to be monitored, including the chemical properties of the liposomal fraction such as the shape, size and charge of the nanoparticle, conjugation efficacy, and distribution of the active ingredient. We believe that quality control of key liposome characteristics should rely on dynamic and laser light scattering coupled with electrophoresis, differential scanning calorimetry, cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, laser diffraction analysis, and gel filtration chromatography.

Quantification of residual cement paste on recycled concrete aggregates containing limestone by selective dissolution

This study proposes a new method of selective dissolution of calcium from C-S-H and CH phases by deionized water to evaluate the cement paste content in recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). The selective dissolution tests were carried out in standard phases of hydrated cement paste (HCP), calcite, dolomite and quartzite sand, and mixtures simulating RCA containing 1,5,10,20% HCP. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, thermal analysis, Raman and infrared spectroscopic analyzes, chemical analysis and laser diffraction analysis. Materials characterization indicates good selectivity of the deionized water in the calcium dissolution of the CH and C-S-H compared to limestone.

Analysis of the densification of a composite obtained by sintering process of aluminum bronze powders with different carbides

Abstract Aluminum bronze alloy is applied in environments that require materials of high mechanical resistance and wear, such as marine, oil & gas and aerospace ones. This study analyzes the densification of composites based on aluminum bronze with additions of the vanadium (VC) and niobium (NbC) carbides, and the influence of these carbides in the milling efficiency and improvement of the diffusion process between particles to obtain better results for density and porosity. The composites were produced by powder metallurgy from aluminum bronze powders obtained from the mechanical milling process of discarded scraps. The efficiency of the sintering process depends on parameters, such as the time and temperature of sintering, together with the size of the particles obtained from the milling process. This study aimed to obtain and characterize the composites produced by the powder metallurgy route, with NbC and VC addition and to analyze physical properties, such as density and porosity. The powder morphologies, particle sizes and samples sintered were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X ray diffraction (XRD), laser diffraction analysis and optical microscopy (OM). The results indicate that addition of VC improves the milling efficiency, when compared to NbC addition, since it promotes a greater reduction of the particle size, directly favoring the sintering process. In this case, to achieve similar particle size, twice the milling time was required when NbC was used. The density values achieve ~ 73% of reference material for VC addition and ~ 68% for NbC and porosities varying between 27% and 38%.

EVALUATION OF DROPLET SPECTRA OF THE SPRAY TIP AD 11002 USING DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

ABSTRACT Knowledge of droplet spectra generated by spray nozzle tips is important to ensure the quality of applications of plant protection products. However, there are different methods for this evaluation, which can cause difficulty in interpreting the results. This study aimed to evaluate the droplet spectra produced by the flat fan spray tip AD 11002 operated under different pressures and using different techniques and equipment. The volume median diameter (VMD), percentage of spray volume in droplets smaller than 100 µm diameter and relative spam (RS), considering pressures of 200, 300, and 400 kPa were determined using two direct measurement equipment (Spraytec and Shadow Sizer), based on laser diffraction and image analysis, respectively, and a measure based on indirect analysis, through the digitization of water-sensitive paper. Thus, the use of different analysis techniques led to variations of the analyzed parameters. Among the direct measurement equipment, a difference of up to 58% was observed in VMD. The use of water-sensitive paper to characterize droplet spectra must be carried out with great discretion because there is an underestimation of fine droplets. Pressure variations of 200 to 400 kPa did not influence VMD and RS.

Impact of iron oxides and soil organic matter on the surface physicochemical properties and aggregation of Terra Rossa and Calcocambisol subsoil horizons from Istria (Croatia)

We investigated the influence of Fe oxides and soil organic matter (SOM) on the surface physicochemical properties of mineral particles involved in the formation of nanostructured and micron-sized mineral aggregates of two Terra Rossa and one Calcocambisol soils developed on limestone. We determined the mineral composition and particle-size distribution (PSD) by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser diffraction (LD), respectively. The morphologies of the mineral particles were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), while soil organic matter (SOM) was characterized by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT). The electrophoretic mobility (EPM), specific surface area (SSA) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the samples were also examined. We analysed surface physicochemical properties on soil prior and after selective removal of SOM and Fe oxides. The soils were characterized by their relatively simple bulk and clay mineral compositions, distinctly different contents of SOM and diverse Fe oxides. The EPM data showed that the removal of the SOM did not significantly affect the negative charge of particles, but the removal of Fe oxides shifted the EPM to more negative values, indicating an increase in permanently negatively charged clay surfaces. The removal of SOM did not affect the SSA of the Terra Rossa soils, but doubled the SSA in the Calcocambisol. The SSA of the Terra Rossas were exceptionally high, up to 130–145 m2 g−1, probably because of nano-sized authigenic (pedogenic) kaolinite. The presence of larger clay mineral particles in the Calcocambisol samples resulted in lower SSA (32–76 m2 g−1). The LD analyses showed that the removal of the SOM did not influence the PSD of the Terra Rossa soils, while the removal of the Fe oxides, mainly nanosized hematite, governed the disintegration of the micron-sized soil aggregates and induced a significant increase of the submicron-sized mineral fraction. In contrast, the removal of the SOM significantly influenced the PSD of the Calcocambisol, causing the disintegration of the native, micron-sized aggregates and an increase in the clay fraction. This study demonstrated the important role of the SOM in the aggregation processes for the Calcocambisol and the Fe oxides, especially hematite, in the Terra Rossa subsoil horizons. It was also shown that the surface properties of the Terra Rossa, particularly EPM and SSA, were determined by the presence of a nano-sized mineral fraction that mostly contains authigenic kaolinite.

Temperature-dependent interactions between hydrophobically modified ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose and methyl nanocellulose

The temperature-dependent association between methyl nanocellulose and hydrophobically modified ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose (EHEC) was determined. Methyl nanocellulose was mixed under different concentrations with EHEC in aqueous media. The hydrophobic association, cloud point and temperature-dependent flocculation were studied using turbidity, rheometry and laser diffraction analysis. The phase separation of EHEC samples containing different amounts of methyl nanocellulose in 1.0 wt% solution was measured between 20 and 70 °C, showing that the cloud point of the solutions increased with increasing nanocellulose content. An increase in the low shear viscosity and gelation behavior of the mixture with the highest methyl nanocellulose content in conjunction with changes in cloud point indicated that the hydrophobic nanocellulose strengthened the hydrophobic association and the gel network. A bimodal particle size distribution was observed for both the pure EHEC and hydrophobically modified nanocellulose reference solutions, whereas the mixture had a trimodal particle size distribution when being diluted. The colloidal stability and re-structuring mechanism of the dilute methyl nanocellulose suspension after shear and the role of birefringence are discussed.

Template-Free Synthesis and Properties of Mesoporous Calcium Titanate

X-ray amorphous powder was obtained via template-free synthesis, including the sol–gel process and coprecipitation. We showed that mesoporous calcium titanate is formed during the calcination of a powder up to 800°C. The structure and morphology of the samples thermally processed at 200, 400, 600, and 800°C are studied with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Low-temperature adsorption–desorption of nitrogen vapors and laser diffraction analysis showed that calcium titanate powder has a highly developed surface of over 100 m2/g with average particle size from 99 to 290 nm and significant pore volume.

Evaluation of aggregate packing based on thickness distribution of asphalt binder, mastic and mortar within asphalt mixtures using multiscale methods

Aggregate packing is a key factor controlling the durability of asphalt mixtures. Considering the complex system of the aggregate structures, multiscale method was utilized by dividing asphalt mixtures into four scales, including asphalt binder, mastic, mortar and asphalt mixtures. Six asphalt mixtures with different gradation types and nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) were prepared and the corresponding mastics or mortars were also designed. Comprehensive image analysis methods, including high-resolution scanning, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Laser Diffraction Analyzer (LDA), were utilized to obtain the 2D images of asphalt mixtures, mortars and mastics. Then, the distribution curves of the binder within mastics, mastic within mortars, and mortar within asphalt mixtures were calculated and compared. New packing indexes were proposed, such as: expected value (Ebinder) and peak value (Pbinder) of the binder distribution at mastic scale, expected value (Emastic) and peak value (Pmastic) of the mastic distribution at mortar scale, expected value (Emortar) and peak value (Pmortar) of the mortar distribution at mixture scale. By comparing with volumetric parameters, it was found that Ebinder and Pbinder could correlate well with the volume ratio of filler to mastic. Emastic could correlate with the volume fraction of fine aggregate within the mortar, but the Pmastic may also influence by the fine aggregate gradation. The void filled with asphalt (VFA) has weak correlation with both packing indexes, Emortar and Pmortar, which indicates that VFA has limitation for evaluation of the packing properties of asphalt mixtures, and more indexes from the internal structure need to be considered.

Experimental Methods in Chemical Engineering: Particle Size Distribution by Laser Diffraction—PSD

Particle size is the top cited physical property researchers report in The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering and among the top properties in all science disciplines. [1] Techniques to measure particle size distribution (PSD) include physical operations like sieving and sedimentation, and spectroscopic techniques like laser diffraction image analysis based on optical and electron microscopy, and elecro‐zone instruments. Here we concentrate on laser diffraction analysis (LDA) and review its basic principles, operations, limitations, uncertainties, and mention how it compares to other techniques. LDA is an instantaneous, user‐friendly, convenient, and non‐destructive method to assess PSD of inorganic powders. It measures the scattering angle and intensity of light after it passes through diluted particle dispersions suspended in either a gas or liquid. The Mie theory is an exact solution to resolve the diffraction intensity of light caused by particles that applies to while the Fraunhoffer approximation applies only to particles greater than 20 m. The 95 % confidence interval of five measurements of 56 m and 0.1 m irregularly shaped polyhedrons was . Based on a bibliometric analysis of LDA of the top 10 000 cited articles in 2016 and 2017, the major research clusters are: particle measurement, powder behaviour, pharmacy, comminution, and adsorption. Future work will continue to introduce more laser sources, combine multiple technologies, implement mobile light sources (dynamic light scattering), and better define characterize irregularly shaped particles.

Peroxidase as indicator enzyme of blanching in bottle gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria ): Changes in enzyme activity, color, and morphological properties during blanching

This study investigated the effect of ohmic and conventional blanching on different characteristics of bottle gourd. The varying temperature–time combinations (60–90°C for 1–5 min) were used and optimum temperature–time of blanching was selected according to peroxidase activity and color retention. Residual peroxidase activity reached a level of no detection at 80°C for 4 min in ohmic blanching and 90°C for 5 min in conventional blanching. Ohmic blanching (80°C—4 min) was more effective than conventional blanching (90°C—5 min) at lesser temperature–time combinations. The temperature dependence of enzyme inactivation followed first-order reaction with R2 ranging from 0.955 to 0.997 in all temperature ranges. Increase in blanching temperature led to increase in rate constant, k from 0.26 to 2.6 at 60 to 90○C in conventional blanching and 0.30–1.6 at 60 to 80○C, respectively, in ohmic blanching. Color of blanched samples was well retained in both conventional and ohmic blanched samples as compared to control sample. Hue angle (h○) and (−a*) values of blanched samples increased with increasing temperature and time of blanching. Minimum browning index was observed in ohmically blanched (BO) samples. Microstructural and textural study of bottle gourd cubes blanched under optimized conditions (80°C—4 min; 90°C—5 min) were studied. Ohmic blanching was found more pronounced in faster degradation of residual enzyme activity and retention of color. Laser diffraction analysis of BO samples of bottle gourd showed highest decrease in particle size. Losses in functional properties were more pronounced in conventional blanched samples. Practical applications Consumer demand for bottle gourd juice (BGJ) owing to its high nutritional value and pharmacological benefits has led emphasis on improving its quality and market value. However, due to high enzymatic activity BGJ turn brown that appears to be unacceptable and leads to loss of market value. Peroxidases being high heat-resistant enzymes can act as potential trace markers for complete enzyme inactivation. Moreover, retention of color without much degradation to nutritional quality need to be assessed for increasing benefits and maximum returns.