Lauric Acid Research Articles

Development of bio-based flexible phase change materials utilizing lauric acid for battery thermal management systems

Lithium-ion batteries, serving as the cornerstone of electric vehicles, generate significant thermal output during their operation. This underscores the imperative need for the implementation of an appropriate battery thermal management system (BTMS). Extensive attention has been directed towards thermal-induced flexible phase change material (FPCM) within the domain of BTMS. However, it is notable that the predominant choice in contemporary practice for FPCM in BTMS remains paraffin (PA)-based, sourced from petroleum origins. This study utilizes an environmentally friendly bio-based phase change material (PCM), lauric acid (LA), to fabricate FPCM. The FPCM is skillfully crafted through the incorporation of styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS) and expanded graphite (EG) as supporting materials, forming the LA/SEPS/EG composite phase change material (CPCM). The addition of EG increases the thermal conductivity of CPCM by 4.97 times and enhances the leakage resistance. Furthermore, comprehensive assessments were conducted to evaluate the thermal performance, thermally induced flexibility, heat storage, release characteristics, and cyclic stability of the fabricated FPCM. In the battery discharge tests conducted at 2C/3C/4C rates, the battery containing FPCM consistently maintained its maximum temperature below 50 °C, with a minimal temperature difference of <1 °C, showcasing excellent thermal management performance.

Association of Human Milk Fatty Acid Composition with Maternal Cardiometabolic Diseases: An Exploratory Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Human milk fatty acids derive from maternal diet, body stores, and mammary synthesis and may reflect women's underlying cardiometabolic health. We explored whether human milk fatty acid composition was associated with maternal cardiometabolic disease (CMD) during pregnancy and up to 5 years postpartum. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from the prospective CHILD Cohort Study on 1,018 women with no preexisting CMD who provided breast milk samples at 3-4 months postpartum. Milk fatty acid composition was measured using gas-liquid chromatography. Maternal CMD (diabetes or hypertension) was classified using questionnaires and birth records as no CMD (reference outcome group; 81.1%), perinatal CMD (developed and resolved during the perinatal period; 14.9%), persistent CMD (developed during, and persisted beyond, the perinatal period; 2.9%), and incident CMD (developed after the perinatal period; 1.1%). Multinomial logistic regression was used to model associations between milk fatty acid composition (individual, summary, ratios, and patterns identified using principal component analysis) and maternal CMD, adjusting for pre-pregnancy anthropometry and race/ethnicity. Results: Medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MC-SFA), lauric (C12:0; odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.60-0.89) and myristic acid (C14:0; OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66-0.97), and the high MC-SFA principal component pattern (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76-0.96) were inversely associated with perinatal CMD. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids adrenic acid (C22:4n-6) was positively associated with perinatal (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01-1.44) and persistent CMD (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.08-2.25). The arachidonic (C20:4n-6)-to-docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) ratio was inversely associated with incident CMD (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.28-0.96). Conclusions: These exploratory findings highlight a potential novel utility of breast milk for understanding women's cardiometabolic health.

Supercritical fluid and pressurized liquid extraction of spent tucumã-do-Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum) almonds

Supercritical fluid (SFE) and pressurized liquid (PLE) extraction were applied to tucumã-do-Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum) almonds (TAA). SFE was performed with CO2 at different pressures and temperatures, and the extracts were characterized for global yield, fatty acid and triacylglycerol profile, carotenoids, tocols concentration and thermal behavior. PLE was applied to the SFE-defatted almond at different temperatures and ethanol:water mixtures. The PLE extracts were characterized for global yield, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity. SFE global yield was 33 g extract/100 g dry TAA at 25 MPa and 40 °C, containing mainly triacylglycerols from lauric and myristic acids. Regarding tocols, SFE at 25 MPa and 50 °C resulted in 58 µg/g extract. PLE from defatted TAA achieved 24 g extract/100 g defatted TAA and the greatest phenolic content and antioxidant capacities with 75% ethanol at 110 °C. Therefore, TAA is a potential source of valuable compounds to be extracted by SFE and/or PLE.

All-Natural Plant-Derived Polyurethane as a Substitute of a Petroleum-Based Polymer Coating Material.

The development of efficient, biobased polyurethane controlled-release fertilizers from sustainable and eco-friendly biomaterials has received increased research attention, owing to concerns regarding global food security and environmental sustainability. Most previous studies focused on replacing petroleum-based polyols with biopolyols; however, the other main raw material, isocyanate, remained a petrochemical product. Herein, all-natural, plant-derived polyurethane-coated urea was successfully developed using castor oil and biobased isocyanate, and the performance of the coating shell before and after modification was compared. The results showed that the incorporation of a low dose of lauric acid copper into the coating material simultaneously enhanced the hydrophobicity and elasticity of the all-biobased polyurethane membrane, which prolonged the nitrogen release longevity from 3 to 112 days. In addition, the modified membrane showed excellent biodegradability in a soil environment. The novel all-biobased polyurethane coating material and modification technique provide insight for developing sustainable and eco-friendly controlled-release fertilizers.

An inverse method for the estimation of the vapor and liquid diffusivity coefficient of conventional and phase change material based hemp concrete

This study proposes a method for fast estimation of the hydric properties, including liquid and vapor diffusivities, of three distinct materials: a conventional biosourced insulating material (hemp concrete) and two innovative hybrid composites (hemp concrete with capric acid and hemp concrete with lauric acid). To estimate these parameters, an approach based on an inverse method has been developed. It involves minimizing the quadratic difference between numerical and experimental values of relative humidity, using the Nelder-Mead algorithm by assuming an exponential evolution of the liquid and vapor diffusivities. An unsteady-state experiment has been conducted in a climatic chamber during 18 days to provide experimental data for parameters’ estimation. The obtained maximum root mean square error (RMSE) for all the samples is 4.4% that is a satisfactory approximation given the model assumptions and the experimental uncertainties (±2%). The estimated parameters allow calculating all investigated materials’ liquid and vapor diffusivities. The validation of the approach is achieved by comparing its results with those from the existing literature.

A metabolomics study on carcinogenesis of ground-glass nodules.

This study aimed to identify differential metabolites and key metabolic pathways between lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues and normal lung (NL) tissues using metabolomics techniques, to discover potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Forty-five patients with primary ground-glass nodules (GGN) identified on computed tomography imaging and who were willing to undergo surgery at Shanghai General Hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were recruited to the study. All participants underwent video thoracoscopy surgery with segmental or wedge resection of the lung. Tissue samples for pathological examination were collected from the site of ground-glass nodules (GGN) lesion and 3 cm away from the lesion (NL). The pathology results were 35 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cases (13 invasive adenocarcinoma, 14 minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, and eight adenocarcinoma in situ), 10 benign samples, and 45 NL tissues. For the untargeted metabolomics technique, 25 LUAD samples were assigned as the case group and 30 NL tissues as the control group. For the targeted metabolomics technique, ten LUAD samples were assigned as the case group and 15 NL tissues as the control group. Samples were analyzed by untargeted and targeted metabolomics, with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection used as part of the experimental procedure. Untargeted metabolomics revealed 164 differential metabolites between the case and control groups, comprising 110 up regulations and 54 down regulations. The main metabolic differences found by the untargeted method were organic acids and their derivatives. Targeted metabolomics revealed 77 differential metabolites between the case and control groups, comprising 69 up regulations and eight down regulations. The main metabolic changes found by the targeted method were fatty acids, amino acids, and organic acids. The levels of organic acids such as lactic acid, fumaric acid, and malic acid were significantly increased in LUAD tissue compared to NL. Specifically, an increased level of L-lactic acid was found by both untargeted (variable importance in projection [VIP] = 1.332, fold-change [FC] = 1.678, q = 0.000) and targeted metabolomics (VIP = 1.240, FC = 1.451, q = 0.043). Targeted metabolomics also revealed increased levels of fumaric acid (VIP = 1.481, FC = 1.764, q = 0.106) and L-malic acid (VIP = 1.376, FC = 1.562, q = 0.012). Most of the 20 differential fatty acids identified were downregulated, including dodecanoic acid (VIP = 1.416, FC = 0.378, q = 0.043) and tridecane acid (VIP = 0.880, FC = 0.780, q = 0.106). Furthermore, increased levels of differential amino acids were found in LUAD samples. Lung cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease with diverse genetic alterations. The study of metabolic profiles is a promising research field in this cancer type. Targeted and untargeted metabolomics revealed significant differences in metabolites between LUAD and NL tissues, including elevated levels of organic acids, decreased levels of fatty acids, and increased levels of amino acids. These metabolic features provide valuable insights into LUAD pathogenesis and can potentially serve as biomarkers for prognosis and therapy response.

The use of the principal component analysis in ranking hemp (&lt;i&gt;Cannabis sativa&lt;/i&gt; L.) accessions according to the seed oil fatty acid composition for crop improvement

The use of modern methods for assessing the genotypic diversity of breeding material is effective in crop improvement. Interpretation of the results of a study of the fatty acid biochemical composition in seeds of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) accessions is one of important stages in breeding oilseed varieties, since hemp possesses a unique fatty acid composition (FAC) among other oilseed crops in Russia. Studies of regularities in formation of seed oil FAC and the principal component analysis (PCA) of fatty acid contents have scientific significance and practical value for ensuring the acceleration of oilseed variety breeding aimed at improving quality and biological activity of oil. The use of PCA can be an effective in achieving this goal. The fatty acid profile of oil has been evaluated at the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources in 25 hemp accessions from the VIR hemp collection. Local and industrial hemp varieties and breeding material of the Middle Russian ecotype were grown in Penza Province with a temperate continental climate on meadow-black soils of the Middle Volga Region of Russia. The seed oil FAC was studied using gas-liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry on an Agilent 6850 chromatograph. The results were processed using the UniChrom and AMDIS software. High content of omega-3 stearidonic fatty acid was found in accessions k-205 from Ukraine (1.23%) and k-168 from Russia (0.87%); that of α-linolenic acid in k-168 from Russia (0.82%) and k-224 from GDR (0.39%); of linoleic acid in k-154 (67.29%), k-360 (66.24%), and k-150 (64.58%) (all three from Russia); of γ-linolenic acid in k-88 from Russia (2.43%) and k-211 from GDR (1.92%). It has been established that the formation of hemp seed oil FAC is a multifactorial process. The main factor determined 27.8% of the variability. The presence of both positive and negative factor loadings was revealed. The highest factor loading for the variance of a complex of characters of the oil FAC is on the main factor, i.e. linoleic acid (+0.73). In relation to this acid, negative loadings were detected for myristic acid (−0.81), lauric acid (−0.78), palmitoleic acid (−0.72), and oleic acid (−0.72). The content of bioactive omega-6 diunsaturated linoleic acid was negatively associated with the content of omega-9 monounsaturated oleic acid, as well as with the content of polyunsaturated omega-6 γ-linolenic, omega-3 stearidonic, and omega-3 α-linoleic acids. The obtained information can be used for identifying accessions with the optimal FAC for their involvement in breeding oilseed hemp varieties.

Acceleration of heat discharge of composite lauric acid using magnetic dopant

Composite phase-change materials (PCMs), consisting of nanoparticle metal or metal oxide suspended in an organic PCM, are considered promising for overcoming the significant drawbacks of organic PCM, particularly their relatively low thermal conductivity. This paper presents an experimental study of the performance of composite PCMs in terms of chemical stability, thermal stability, phase transition temperature, latent heat, thermal conductivity, and viscosity related to freezing characteristics. The composite PCM consists of an organic PCM of lauric acid (LA) and magnetic dopants of Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 at concentrations of 2, 5, and 10 wt%. The freezing data revealed the time and temperature characteristics related to the beginning of freezing, the end of the solidification process, and the total crystallisation period. For dopant concentrations below 5 wt%, the dopant increased the heat transfer rate and accelerated the solidification process. However, its effectiveness at the highest dopant concentration of 10 wt% was highly dependent on the microstructure of the dopant particles and its effect on viscosity and thermal conductivity. Based on the data analysis, we proposed a maximum dopant concentration of 5 wt% for the optimum performance of the composite LA using a magnetic dopant—dependent on the particle size that determined the interparticle magnetic dipolar interaction. However, compared with previous experimental findings for non-magnetic dopant particles, the composite FA using a magnetic dopant showed a lower thermal conductivity enhancement and lower time savings for solidification.

Solar to thermal energy storage performance of composite phase change material supported by copper foam loaded with graphite and boron nitride

Phase Change Materials (PCM) have emerged as one of the potential candidates for solar Thermal Energy Storage (TES) because of their high energy density, low volume change, and easy availability in varying temperature ranges. However, PCM suffers from a few critical drawbacks such as leakage during phase transformation, low thermal conductivity, and poor photothermal energy conversion performance. In this study, shape-stable composite PCM loaded with varying percentages of Graphite (GR) and Boron Nitride (BN) were prepared. Copper foam of 96 PPI was used as 3-dimensional skeleton support to provide shape stability to the eutectic mixture of Lauric Acid (LA)-Myristic Acid (MA). Shape stable composite PCM CF/LA-MA/GR with 0 %, 5 %, 15 %, 25 %, and 35 % of GR and CF/LA-MA/BN with 0 %, 5 %, 15 %, 25 %, and 35 % of BN were prepared and characterized for thermal, physical, and photothermal energy conversion performance. A maximum loading percentage of 67 % of LA-MA in CF without leakage was obtained. The PCM composites show excellent thermal stability at elevated temperatures and suitable TES parameters for solar thermal storage applications. Among all the prepared samples, CF/LA-MA/GR35% shows a maximum rise of 76.1 % in heating rate and 81.2 % in photothermal energy conversion efficiency in comparison with CF/LA-MA/GR0%. In addition, CF/LA-MA/GR35% shows a maximum of 1.08 W/m-K of thermal conductivity at a melting enthalpy of 95.36 J/g. The shape-stable composite PCM shows a stable physical structure along with good surface morphology.

Interaction between amylose, fatty acid, and β‐lactoglobulin to study multiple biomacromolecules self‐assembly and application

AbstractNew concept for the development of supramolecular assemblies from intricate interactions between different classes of biomacromolecules (polysaccharides, proteins and lipids) is yet to come, due to their intrinsic chemical and structural complexity and incompatibility. Herein, we report an interaction mechanism among multiple biomacromolecules, and the structural and digestive properties of their assemblies using amylose (AM), lauric acid (LA), and β‐lactoglobulin (βLG) as exemplars. AM, LA, and βLG interact to form a water‐soluble ternary complex through van der Waals forces between AM and LA and high affinity binding between AM and βLG, which can further assemble into uniform‐sized, semi‐crystalline nanospheres under certain thermodynamic conditions. These nanospheres are substantially resistant to amylolysis, thus can be well utilized by gut microbiota, including increasing short‐chain fatty acid levels and shaping bacterial communities. Illustrating the complexation of AM, LA, and βLG and their assemblies from disorder to order, this work offers potential rationale of assemblies for multiple biomacromolecules driven by non‐covalent interactions and substantial potentials for supramolecular biomaterials development.

Molecular, Crystalline, and Microstructures of Lipids from Astrocaryum Species in Guyana and Their Thermal and Flow Behavior

The phase behavior of lipids extracted from Astrocaryum vulgare (AV) and Astrocaryum aculeatum (AA) pulp and kernels and their microstructural, thermal and flow properties were studied. The lipid profiles, crystal structures, microstructures, thermal stabilities and flow behaviors of these lipids provided important structure–function information that are useful to assess potential applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. AV and AA fruits were sourced from the lowlands and rainforests, respectively, of Guyana. AV and AA pulp oils (AVP and AAP) were distinguished from each other in composition and unsaturation, with AVP oils being predominated by a di-unsaturated TAG (2-(palmitoyloxy)propane-1,3-diyl dioleate (POO)) and AAP oils predominated by propane-1,2,3-triyl trioleate (OOO); there were unsaturation levels of 65% and 80%, respectively. The main fatty acids in AVP oils were oleic, palmitic and stearic; for AAP, these were oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic. The kernel fats of AV and AA were similar in composition and had saturation levels of 80%, being mainly comprised of tri-saturated TAGs propane-1,2,3-triyl tridodecanoate (LLL) and 3-(tetradecanoyloxy)propane-1,2-diyl didodecanoate (LML). The onset of mass loss (T5%on) of AV and AA pulp oils were similar at 328 ± 6 °C, which were 31 °C ± 9 higher compared to that of the kernel fats, which demonstrated similar T5%on = 293 ± 7 °C. AA and AV pulp oils were liquid at room temperature, with melting points of −5 ± 1 °C and 3 ± 1 °C, respectively; both kernel fats were solid at room temperature, packing in β′ (90% of crystals) and β (10% of crystals) polymorphic forms and melting almost identically at 30 ± 1 °C. Pulp oils demonstrated sporadic nucleation at the onset of crystallization with slow growth into rod-shaped crystallites, leading to an approximately 50% degree of crystallization at undercooling of approximately 40K. Nucleation for kernel fats was instantaneous at undercooling of approximately 23K, demonstrating a spherulitic growth pattern incorporating crystalline lamella and a 90% degree of crystallization. Kernel fats and pulp oils demonstrated Newtonian flow behavior and similar dynamic viscosity in the melt, approximately 28.5 mPa·s at 40 °C. The lipid profiles of AVP and AAP oils were dominated by unsaturated TAGs, suggesting potential nutrition and health benefits, particularly compared to other tropical oils with higher saturation levels, such as palm oil. AAP oil in particular is as unsaturated as olive oil, contains high levels of beta carotene and provides a unique flavor profile. The AAK and AVK lipid profiles and phase transformation indicate potential for applications where a high solid fat content and medium-chain fatty acids are required. Their high lauric and myristic acid content makes them similar to industrially important tropical oils (coconut and palm kernel), suggesting their use in similar formulations. The melting point and plasticity of the kernel fats are similar to that of cocoa and shea butters, suggesting use as replacements in cosmetics, foods and confections. There is, however, the need to better understand their nutritional status and effects on health.

Desert date seed extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorate hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency through the reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation

Plants represents a huge source of bioactive materials that have been used since the old times in the treatment of many diseases. Balanites aegyptiaca, known as desert date, has been used in treatment of fever, diabetes and bacterial infection. Desert dates contains a hard seed that resembles 50–60% of the fruit. The seed extract contains many fatty acids, amino acids and other bioactive materials that gives the extract its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study aimed to use Balanites seed extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SeEx-C NPs) for the treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in male Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were divided into two main divisions (healthy and diabetic rats). Each division contained seven groups (5 rats/group): control untreated group I, SeEx treated group II and group III (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w., respectively), C NPs treated group IV and group V (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w., respectively) and SeEx-C NPs treated group VI and group VII (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w., respectively). The therapeutical effects of SeEx-C NPs were evaluated through biochemical and immunological assessments in rats’ pancreases. The results showed that SeEx-C NPs (10 and 20 mg/kg b.w.) reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation in rats’ pancreases allowing the islets neogenesis. The loading of SeEx on C NPs allowed the delivery of fatty acids (oleic, lauric and myristic acid), amino acids (lysine, leucine, phenylalanine and valine) and minerals to pancreatic beta-cells in a sustainable manner. SeEx-C NPs administration successfully increased insulin secretion, allowed pancreatic islets neogenesis and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Cocoa butter and replacement in compound coatings and effect on the coatings rheological profile

Cocoa butter is a crucial component in chocolate and compound coatings, significantly influencing their physicochemical properties, which, in turn, affect the viscosity and cooling rate of the coatings. This impact is vital in the formulation and storage of coatings, affecting their flow behavior, texture, and stability. Research has shown that the inclusion of coconut oil as a cocoa butter substitute in chocolate results in a reduction in the chocolates viscosity. This is attributed to the lower viscosity of coconut oil, primarily due to its lauric acid content. This experiment utilized the Brookfield viscometer to measure the viscosity of chocolate. Three representative types of chocolate were selected: milk chocolate, white chocolate, and dark chocolate, all containing the same ingredient: coconut oil. The analysis of the measurement results allows the determination of the viscosity characteristics of chocolate, providing insights into which type of chocolate exhibits the most significant improvement in viscosity due to the presence of coconut oil. Experimental results indicate that milk chocolate with the addition of 4.5% coconut oil exhibits optimal physical characteristics, including gloss, texture, and overall acceptance by participants. In contrast, dark chocolate with coconut oil has higher viscosity and slower cooling rates, requiring more time to complete the coating or product preparation, which may affect production efficiency. White chocolate with coconut oil typically falls between milk chocolate and dark chocolate in terms of viscosity. This study delves deep into the impact of cocoa butter substitutes on various chocolate coatings, offering valuable insights into the application of coconut oil as a cocoa butter alternative in chocolate production.

Phase Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Modeling of 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one, Carbon Dioxide, and Lauric Acid Systems

Phase Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Modeling of 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one, Carbon Dioxide, and Lauric Acid Systems

Multiscale identification of the inorganic shell of core (Co)/shell‐assembled nanoparticles

AbstractCore (Co)/shell (Co‐oxide) nanoparticles assembly exhibits interesting magnetic properties that depend on the inorganic shell characteristic (composition and crystalline structure). Assemblies of pure and partially oxidized cobalt (core/shell) nanoparticles, ~9 nm in diameter, were prepared and analyzed by techniques probing the matter at macroscale to nanoscale: UV–visible‐near‐infrared (NIR) transmission, FTIR, Raman microspectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Attention is paid to compare nonoxidized and (partially) oxidized Co nanoparticles, coated with lauric acid as stabilizing agent (ligands). The approximately 1 nm disordered inorganic coating is perfectly detected by transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible–NIR, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum is sensitive to laser wavelength and power due to the local heating induced by the laser, which modifies the interaction between the organic chains and the nanoparticle inorganic shell. For comparison, nanoparticle films were analyzed under heating from room temperature to 300°C. The “fusion” (dynamic disorder) of lauric (dodecanoic) chains is observed concomitantly with the merging of very low wavenumber Lambs' modes into a Rayleigh wing, which is consistent with an increase in the topological nanoparticle disorder. Hydroxylation or water adsorption is observed for Co film. The UV–visible–NIR and Raman spectra of the Co‐oxide shell do not correspond to that of CoO (rock salt) nor to that of Co3O4 (spinel) but has some similarity to that of 2D delafossite (CoOOH) phase.

Particle correlations in concentrated aqueous ferrofluids upon dilution by small-angle X-ray scattering

Small-angle X-ray scattering is applied to study particle correlations in concentrated (up to 7.5 vol% magnetite) aqueous magnetic fluids with double-layer coating by either oleic or lauric acids. The structure of aggregates in these fluids is analyzed when diluting samples with the goal of finding out a concentration threshold at which the aggregates can be considered weakly interacting independent formations. For dilute systems, suitable models fitting experimental scattering curves are proposed, which take into account the polydispersity of both particles and aggregates. It is shown that particle correlations found in aggregates are dependent on the surfactant coating.

Integrative metabolomics highlights gut microbiota metabolites as novel NAFLD-related candidate biomarkers in children.

Altered gut microbiota and metabolites are a major cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. This study demonstrated a complete gut metabolic map of children with NAFLD, containing 318 increased and 123 decreased metabolites by untargeted metabolomic. Multiple validation approaches (machine learning and targeted metabolomic) selected five novel gut metabolites for targeted metabolomics, which can distinguish NAFLD status and severity. The gut microbiota (Butyricicoccus and Alistipes) and metabolites (creatinine and dodecanoic acid) were novel biomarkers associated with impaired liver function and inflammation and validated by experiments of hepatocyte cell lines. The data provide a better understanding of the importance of gut microbiota and metabolite alterations in NAFLD, which implies that the altered gut microbiota and metabolites may represent a potential target to prevent NAFLD development.

The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analysis of an Ayurvedic Formulation Amruthadi Kashaya

Amruthadi Kashaya is a Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in the book Arogya Kalpadruma for the treatment of Pandu (anaemic syndrome), Kamala (jaundice) and Raktapitha (bleeding disorders). The Yoga contains six drugs namely Amrutha (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Tiktha (Solanum anguivi), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Pichumantha (Azadirachta indica). This Kashaya is rich in phytoconstituents, such as phenolics, terpenoids, and lipids, which are known for their many biological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects. The purpose of the current study is to use Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis to identify the different types of bio molecules that are present in this Kashaya. Kashaya was prepared according to standard protocol. It was concentrated in the rotary vacuum evaporator, and the total soluble solid (TSS) obtained was used for GCMS analysis. The GCMS of Kashaya showed the presence of bio molecules such as 7 Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Methyl tetradecanoate, Diethyl Phthalate, Dodecanoic acid, methyl ester, Methyl stearate, à-Terpineol, Methyl 8-methylnonanoate, 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, à, à,4-trimethyl-, acetate, Decanoic acid, methyl ester, 1,6,10-Dodecatrien-3-ol,3,7,11-trimethyl-, (E)-, Ethyl iso-allocholate, Spiro [2,4] hepta-4,6-diene, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, 9-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (Z) etc. à-Terpineol, 7-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Nerolidyl acetate have antioxidant activity likewise some of the bio molecules have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer activity. It is concluded that Ayurvedic formulation Amruthadi Kashaya contains many bio molecules having therapeutic actions.

Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of Solar Dryer Equipped with Different Phase Change Materials

A phase change material (PCM) is an organic (or inorganic) chemical that may store and release thermal energy in latent form as it changes physical states. This investigation aims to see how phase transition materials influence the thermal efficiency of the solar dryer. For the performance analysis, three PCMs were used: paraffin wax, lauric acid, and palmitic acid. As drying material, 5 mm thick potato slices were employed. According to the computational results, the total input thermal energy for the dryer for paraffin wax, lauric acid, and palmitic acid was about 17.36 MJ, 18.46 MJ, and 17.76 MJ, respectively, for 2 kg drying mass. When paraffin wax, lauric acid, and palmitic acid were utilized, the overall efficiency of the dryer increased by about 87%, 40.2%, and 12.4%, respectively, compared to the conventional dryer. By comparing the results of simulations and predictions, it is concluded that paraffin wax is the best-performing PCM for solar dryers as the energy storage material.

Physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Background and Aim: Hermetia illucens, a black soldier fly, is widely recognized for sustainable recycling of organic waste. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFLs) can consume various types of biowastes and convert them into nutrient-rich biomass, including proteins, lipids, chitin, and minerals. This study investigated the best extraction method by comparing the fatty acid profiles, percentage yield, and antioxidant properties of BSFL oil extracted using different extraction methods. Materials and Methods: The physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and free radical scavenging ability of BSFL oil were analyzed using six extraction methods. Results: Ultrasonic extraction with hexane resulted in the highest yields compared with different extraction methods. Lauric acid (28%–37%) was the most abundant fatty acid in all extracts, followed by palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Compared with other methods, aqueous extraction showed the highest lauric acid composition and free radical scavenging activities. In addition, high-temperature aqueous extraction resulted in higher oil yield and free radical scavenging activities than low-temperature extraction. Conclusion: High-temperature aqueous extraction is the best extraction method because it is rich in lauric acid, has antioxidant ability, and can be further developed to produce novel sustainable biomaterials for humans and animals. Keywords: black soldier fly, extraction method, fatty acid, Hermetia illucens.