Low Content Research Articles

Microscopic mineralogy of zoned pyroxene in NWA 12522: Implications for the crystallization histories of the shergottites

AbstractBasaltic shergottites are the most abundant rock type of Martian meteorites, and pyroxene grains within shergottites commonly show a zoned structure. Here, the detailed microscopic mineralogical characteristics of patchy zoned pyroxene in basaltic shergottite NWA 12522 were investigated by a combination of scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the cores of zoned pyroxene in NWA 12522 have a homogeneous Mg# value and consist mainly of augite and pigeonite. By contrast, the rim of zoned pyroxene is extremely ferroan and can be further divided into two regions based on quite distinct mineralogy and textures (i.e., far‐core and near‐core pyroxene rims). The near‐core rim shows narrow exsolution lamellae (~35 nm) that were cross‐cut by thin pigeonite veinlets and contain abundant nano‐sized particles of metastable pyroxferroite and pigeonite. Only relatively coarse exsolution lamellae (~80 nm) were observed in the far‐core pyroxene rim regions. The distinct mineralogical characteristics of the pyroxene rims and cores in NWA 12522 imply different crystallization conditions, and the homogeneous Mg‐rich pyroxene cores should have slowly crystallized from magma within a deep‐seated chamber, followed by an overgrown evolved melt on these pyroxene cores during their ascent to the Martian surface, and disequilibrium crystallization of nano‐sized metastable phase (pyroxferroite) occurred in the near‐core region. The abnormally low ΣREE contents and steep REE pattern (high Yb/La ratio) of the pyroxene rims in NWA 12522 imply that merrillite should have crystallized prior to the pyroxene rims, making the residual melt become REE‐depleted and HREE‐enriched.

Characterization and Selection of Potential Starters of Bacillus Sp. Involved in the Fermentation of Néré Seeds (Parkia biglobosa) in Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: The present study highlights about Bacillus sp. starter strains to control fermentation of Parkia biglobosa (néré) seeds. Place and Duration of Study: Between February and August 2023, this work was performed at Laboratory of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Valorization of Agroresources, of the Agropastoral Management Institute, which is part of Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University (Korhogo, Côte d'ivoire). Methodology: Fermented néré seeds were collected from soumbara producers in the Korhogo region in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Néré seeds were subjected to a physicochemical analysis to determine the pH, titrable acidity, moisture, dry matter and ash content. These fermented seeds were used for the isolation and enumeration of Bacillus bacteria. Production of extracellular enzymes and the influence of stress conditions were carried out on these strains to select potential starters. Results: The study of the physicochemical analysis of fermented néré seeds showed that these seeds have a pH of 6.59 ± 0.04, close to neutrality, with a very low titrable acidity of 0.06 ± 0.00%. The moisture content of the néré seeds is 38.76 ± 0.13% with a high dry matter content of 61.24 ± 0.22% coupled with a low ash content of 3.18 ± 0.05%. Thirty-three (33) Gram-positive bacilli were isolated from néré seeds with a microbial load of 7.1 log10 cfu/g. The production of extracellular enzymes and the influence of stress conditions led to the selection of five Bacillus strains (BS 08, BS 14, BS 19, BS 22 and BS 31) as potential starters. Conclusion: The control of the fermentation of néré seeds involves selecting strains with the best potential. Thus, five Bacillus sp. Isolates (BS 08, BS 14, BS 19, BS 22 and BS 31) were selected as potential starters for obtaining a soumbara of exceptional nutritional and organoleptic quality.

Improving the morphology of terrace-like transfer film to reduce wear rate of graphite/PTFE composites via filling low content silica

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to fill low content of silica to improve the wear resistance of graphite/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites, and to discuss the effect of low content of silica on the morphology of terrace-like transfer film. Design/methodology/approach The tribological properties of silica/graphite/PTFE composites were tested by rotating pin-on-disk friction and wear tester, and the morphology of terrace-like transfer film was observed by 3D laser scanning microscope and quantitatively analyzed through the multi-Gaussian function linear combination model. Findings The results showed that adding 3 wt.% silica in graphite/PTFE composites can reduce the wear rate by 87%. More importantly, the morphology of terrace-like transfer film changed significantly after filling a small amount of silica, including the increase of the number of layers and the coverage rate of transfer film. Originality/value This work is of great significance for further understanding the transfer film and achieving its morphology control to optimize the wear of high performance PTFE composites.

Conspicuous parasite modifies appearance and energetics of a marine copepod

Abstract Parasitism is an important driver of ecosystem processes. Copepods are fundamental trophic links in marine food webs and harbour many microeukaryotic parasites, but unreliable access to infected individuals limits quantitative studies of parasite infection costs. Calanus spp., (helgolandicus or finmarchicus), infected with the Yellow-Hyphal Parasite become pigmented and are found near the surface, suggesting predator-mediated dispersal. Conventional markers prevented phylogenetic inference but confirmed that the parasite is not Ichthyophonus hoferi, as previously thought. We identified the pigments, quantified the pigment content and respiration rate, and derived stable isotope signatures of infected and uninfected Calanus spp. to examine costs of infection. We found that the pigments were astaxanthin and β-carotene, associated with the host and parasite, respectively. Parasitized hosts had increased astaxanthin content, reduced respiration rate, and lower lipid content. Ultrastructure imaging revealed parasitic cells associated with lipids in the haemocoel. The changes to host phenotype have detrimental impacts on energetics and the ecology of Calanus. We discuss the role of pigments in parasite-host interactions and suggest that the parasite produces β-carotene pigment for its physiological benefits. The trade-off between physiological benefits of pigments and conspicuousness for parasites is relevant in zooplankton-host systems, as zooplankton rely heavily on transparency for survival.

Grazing disturbance reduces biocrust-related cyanobacteria and N-fixer abundance but increases bacterial diversity: Implications for biocrust restoration in degraded drylands

Overgrazing is a major driver of dryland degradation, however, so far, there is limited understanding on how this process affects biocrust-related microbial community, and especially how the key groups respond to grazing disturbance. In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high throughout sequencing technologies were used to investigate the bacterial community abundance and diversity in the Horqin Sandland (China) experiencing different livestock grazing disturbances, in order to examine whether a shift in bacterial community (in particular the key biocrust components, cyanobacteria) was involved, and how this was related to biocrust development and altered soil carbon and nitrogen level. Our results revealed that a clear heterogeneous soil bacterial community was associated with grazing disturbance, which inhibited biocrust development. The decreased photosynthetic cyanobacterial abundance (81.81 % in relative abundance and 98.83 % in absolute abundance) and nitrogen-fixing genes (87.72 %), associated with the lower total carbon and nitrogen content (P<0.05), illustrated a low soil carbon and nitrogen-fixing capability and nutrient level in the grazing-disturbed soils. In particular, a switch of nitrogen-fixing dominance from cyanobacteria to proteobacteria was induced by the grazing disturbance. Compared to the grazing-disturbed soils, higher dominant cyanobacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (especially the species of Nostoc and Scytonema) and lower bacterial diversity (e.g., Shannon, Ace, and Chao index) were observed in the undisturbed biocrust soils, highlighting that the dominants rather than diversity played more important roles in biocrust development. Collectively, our results demonstrate that cyanobacteria are very sensitive (even more than others, e.g., proteobacteria and actinobacteria) to grazing disturbance, therefore, we propose that cyanobacterial inoculation is likely an effective approach to supplement soil cyanobacterial abundance, which is expected to induce biocrust development and increase carbon and nitrogen level in the disturbed drylands.

A novel polyurethane-based silver foam dressing with superior antimicrobial action for management of infected chronic wounds.

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process supported by several cellular events. Around 13 million individuals globally suffer from chronic wounds yearly, for which dressings with excellent antimicrobial activity and cell viability (>70%, as per ISO 10993) are needed. Excessive use of silver can cause cytotoxicity and has been linked to increasing antimicrobial resistance.In this study, HDI Ag foam was synthesized using a safer hexamethylene diisocyanate-based prepolymer (HDI prepolymer) instead of commonly used diisocyanates like TDI and MDI and substantially lower Ag content than that incorporated in other Ag foams. In vitro characteristics of the HDI Ag foam were evaluated in comparison with leading clinically-used foam-based dressings. All dressings underwent a detailed characterization in accordance with industrially accepted BS EN 13726 standards. The HDI Ag foam exhibited highest antimicrobial efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (static condition), with the lowest amount of Ag (0.2 wt%) on the wound contact surface. The extracts from HDI Ag foam showed superior cell viability (>70%), when tested on the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. Measurements of moisture vapour transmission, fluid handling, physico-chemical and mechanical properties ensured that the HDI foam was clinically acceptable for chronic wound patients.&#xD.

Differences in physicochemical properties and proteomics analysis of spray- and freeze-dried milk powders from bovine, goat, and horse sources

Milk powder, a nutrient-rich dairy product, lacks comprehensive information summarizing its specific properties when produced by spray- and freeze-dried technologies from different sources. Therefore, this study investigated the differences in physicochemical properties, microstructure, and proteome of spray- and freeze-dried milk powders from bovine, goat, and horse sources. The results revealed that spray-dried milk powder exhibited a smaller particle size, lower air content within the powder particles, inferior reconstitution properties, and lower lactose crystallinity compared with freeze-dried milk powder. Additionally, among the studied varieties, horse milk powder showed the lowest flowability but the most effective reconstitution properties. Proteomic analysis indicated that freeze-dried milk powder exhibited higher levels of immune-related proteins, including complement C3, C7, and complement factor B, and antimicrobial enzymes such as lysozyme and lactoperoxidase compared with spray-dried milk powder. Furthermore, specific milk powders contained more immune-related proteins such as serum amyloid A, myeloid antimicrobial peptide-28, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, and mucin-1 compared with bovine milk powder. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the differences in the physical-chemical properties and potential biological functions of spray- and freeze-dried milk powders from various sources, which may help in further optimizing specific milk powder processing technologies.

OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR ENHANCING THE SKIN PERMEATION EFFICIENCY OF NISOLDIPINE LOADED ULTRA DEFORMABLE VESICLES IN TRANSDERMAL PATCHES

Objective: The study aimed to address the limitations of oral delivery and enhance the bioavailability of nisoldipine (NSD) through the development of transferosomal transdermal patches containing ultra-deformable transferosomes. Methods: NSD, known for its low oral bioavailability and adverse effects, was encapsulated in transferosomes using a thin film hydration method. 17 formulations were made using Box Behnken Design, varying Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), span-80, and stirring speed, and were evaluated for vesicle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), and Entrapment Efficiency (EE%). The optimal formulation, selected based on these parameters, was combined into Transdermal Patches (TPs). The patches underwent extensive testing for physicochemical properties, in vitro and ex-vivo permeation, and skin irritancy. Results: The results showed transferosomes with Vesicle Sizes (VS) ranging from 124±2.25 to 400±1.55 nm and EE% from 52.88±0.23 to 90.01±1.58%, with Zeta Potentials (ZP) between-48 to-20 mV. The patch thickness (0.66±0.02 mm) and weight per square inch (382.1±1.69 mg) showed consistent manufacturing, while the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVT) (1.54±0.01g/m²/24h), low moisture content (1.07±0.01%), and regulated moisture absorption (3.78±0.01%) maintained formulation stability. In vitro and ex-vivo permeation indicated superior drug permeation for transferosomal patches (NP) compared to plain nisoldipine patches (NP-N), with permeation directly proportional to PEG-400 concentration. Additionally, the transferosomal patches were found to be free from skin irritation. Conclusion: The optimized Niosoldipine transferosomal patch (NP-3) composition displays good folding endurance (FE) 97.67±0.47, required for transdermal systems, and successfully allows drug permeation (DP) at 86.39±2.64% in a short timescale. Hence, the study concludes that transferosomal patches of NSD offer a promising approach for effective transdermal delivery, potentially improving hypertension management by providing a controlled and prolonged drug release.

Whispering Gallery Mode Micro/Nanolasers for Intracellular Probing at Single Cell Resolution.

Intracellular probing at single cell resolution is key to revealing the heterogeneity of cells, learning new cell subtypes and functions, understanding the pathophysiology of disease, and ensuring precise diagnosis and treatment. Despite the best efforts, an enormous challenge remains due to the very small size, extremely low content, and dynamic microenvironment of a single cell. Whispering gallery mode (WGM) micro/nanolasers (active WGM) offer unique advantages of small mode volume, high quality factors, bright and low threshold laser emission, and narrow line width, particularly suitable for integration within a single cell. In this review, we provide a focused overview of WGM micro/nanolasers for intracellular probing. We deliver information on WGM micro/nanolaser concepts, sensing mechanism, and biocompatibility, as well as recent progress in intracellular probing applications mainly covering cellular-level sensing, molecular-level detection, and feasibility for cellular imaging. At the end, challenges and prospects of WGM micro/nanolasers for intracellular applications are discussed.

Mechanisms of calcium-induced protection against lead toxicity in Ulmus umbraculifera L.: a physiological and biochemical perspective.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic stressor in the soil, which affects plant morphological and physiological events differently. A pot study was initiated to characterize the effect of calcium (Ca) application (20 and 40 mM) on Ulmus umbraculifera L. under Pb treatment (200 and 400 µM). The results revealed that higher levels of Pb significantly reduced plant height (48.3%), total dry weight (44.7%), leaf area index (45%), chlorophyll a (53.7%), chlorophyll b (51.4%), carotenoids (37.8%), and Fv/Fm ratio (20.4%) compared to untreated plants. However, the Ca application improved the aforementioned physiological features. Additionally, Pb toxicity disrupted oxidative status in the plants by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA), methylglyoxal, superoxide anion, and H₂O₂, which also induced the activities of SOD, GR, APX, and CAT. In contrast, Ca decreased MDA, methylglyoxal, superoxide anion, and H₂O₂ by enhancing SOD, CAT, GR, and APX activities compared to the control. Notably, ascorbate (AsA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, and AsA-DHA and GSH-GSSG ratios changed significantly with Pb and Pb + Ca treatments. According to our findings, monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glyoxalase (Gly) I, and Gly II activities increased with Pb treatment; however, Ca application further promoted their activities. Furthermore, Pb treatment significantly suppressed the uptake of mineral nutrients and increased Pb accumulation, whereas Ca application improved the uptake of these elements and lowered Pb content. These observations confirmed that the positive effects of Ca application on photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient absorption, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants enhanced plant tolerance under Pb toxicity.

New grape varieties descending from Monastrell characterised by their low sugar and high polyphenolic content

New grape varieties descending from Monastrell characterised by their low sugar and high polyphenolic content

How to Keep Lactose Avoiders Healthy

A large portion of the world’s population has lactose intolerance. Fundamentally, this condition occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of the lactase enzyme, which digests the disaccharide lactose in milk. Lactose avoiders might unconsciously decide to limit or exclude milk and dairy products from their diets. This group includes people with lactose intolerance, people with an allergy to milk protein, vegans, and those expressing personal preferences. Lactose avoiders are often self-reported as being milk intolerant. In this review, specific amounts of lactose in different types of milk and milk products are presented. The amounts of micro- and macronutrients in them are compared with the daily requirements established by accepted sources. Foods are suggested that can play vital roles in permanently avoiding lactose-containing dairy products, for example, brussels sprouts, as a good source of vitamin B1; kale, as a source of vitamin K; and cereals at breakfast for vitamin B6. Attention is paid to mature cheeses as they are extremely beneficial for health due to their rich vitamin and elemental compositions, and they are also suitable for people with lactose intolerance due to their low lactose content. This information is rarely provided on packaging. In addition, the current state of labeling for the presence of lactose in food and pharmaceutical products is discussed. The term “hidden lactose” is introduced to include added lactose in unexpected foods, drinks, and even medicines.

Synthesis of a sustainable material based on pecan nutshell for the elimination of diclofenac in aqueous solution: Characterization and adsorption studies

In the present study, activated carbons were synthesized from pecan nutshells (Carya illinoinensis) using two physicochemical methods: steam (CAVA) and phosphoric acid (CAAF). Their capacity to remove diclofenac from aqueous solution, as well as their textural, morphological, and physicochemical properties, were evaluated. N2 physisorption analysis revealed the microporous nature of the carbons, with specific surface areas of 1123.5 and 375.6 m2 g−1 for CAAF and CAVA, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed a heterogeneous morphology, with evident roughness caused by the irregularity of the surfaces resulting from the activation method used. The point of zero charge was 2.9 for CAAF and 8.9 for CAVA. Surface charge distribution analysis indicated that the surface of CAAF is predominantly negative, while that of CAVA is predominantly positive, which reflects the difference in active sites between the two materials. Infrared spectroscopy allowed for the identification of the functional groups present on the surfaces of the materials generated by the activation methods. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that CAAF is more hydrophilic than CAVA, and both carbons exhibited low ash content (7 % for CAVA and 6 % for CAAF). The maximum adsorption capacity for DCF was achieved at a pH of 7, with values of 49.0 mg g−1 for CAVA and 230.8 mg g−1 for CAAF, decreasing as the pH increased from 7 to 10. Increasing the solution temperature from 15 to 35 °C, the adsorption capacity of CAVA and CAAF increased 1.2 and 1.5 times, respectively. Adsorption increased by 1.7 times for CAVA and 1.2 times for CAAF when the ionic strength was raised with a NaCl concentration from 0.001 to 0.01 M. The proposed mechanism for diclofenac adsorption on CAVA involved electrostatic interactions (pH < pHPZC), whereas the predominant mechanism in CAAF was π-π interactions (pH > pHPZC).

Assessment of the use of biochar from the slow pyrolysis of walnut and almond shells as an energy carrier

ABSTRACT This study explores the energy applications and combustion kinetics of biochar produced from walnut and almond shells through pyrolysis. Using macro-thermogravimetric analysis at heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 K min−1, a multi-step mechanism involving two parallel reactions was used to model thermal decomposition. Bioenergy indices revealed that walnut shell-based biochar (WSB) produced at 773 K and 873 K displayed superior biofuel potential due to its high energy density and low ash content, while almond shell-based biochar (ASB) at 673 K demonstrated the best overall bioenergy performance. Among the tested heating rates, 15 K min−1 provided optimal results for ignition, combustion, and burnout indices, with WSB showing the highest overall combustion performance. Kinetic analysis using the Coats-Redfern method demonstrated the highest R2 values and minimized RMSE and SSE. The activation energy for the first pseudo-component ranged from 54.91 to 129.84 kJ mol−1 for ASB and from 61.71 to 141.85 kJ mol−1 for WSB. For the second pseudo-component, the activation energy ranged from 25.21 to 159.32 kJ mol−1 for ASB and 25.63 to 96.25 kJ mol−1 for WSB. These findings emphasize the potential of WSB and ASB biochar for bioenergy applications, with WSB exhibiting the best combustion characteristics.

Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Industrially Pre-carbonated Recycled Concrete Aggregates and Low Clinker Content

Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Industrially Pre-carbonated Recycled Concrete Aggregates and Low Clinker Content

Improving the biodiesel production in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana cultivated in nutrient deficiency and sewage water.

The use of microalgae as a feedstock in biofuel production is highly encouraging. The marine diatom in this study, Thalassiosira pseudonana, was used as a test organism to evaluate the impact of nitrogen or phosphorus limitation and sewage water on improving biodiesel production. The growth rate is more affected in cultures without phosphorus by 41.8% lower than in control and the highest dry weight estimated in control. The cellular dry weight significantly increased in cultures treated with mix1 and mix2 wastewater compared to the control cultures. Chlorophyll a content decreased in the absence of nitrogen and phosphorous and in sewage water cultures. Lipid content in algal cultures without nitrogen or phosphorus and in sewage water accumulated nearly twice as much lipid content in synthetic medium. T. pseudonana showed high FAME contents; the two most abundant fatty acids, stearic acid (C18:0) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1), in the algal extracts revealed that T. pseudonana was predominantly composed of these fatty acids. T. pseudonana grown in nitrogen or phosphorus-deficient conditions exhibited an extreme percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) by 87.38% and 85.47%, respectively, of the total fatty acids (TFAs). More importantly, the low polyunsaturated fatty acid content in oils indicates a high cetane number, low iodine value, and low corrosion for biodiesel quality indicators. Producing biodiesel that closely meets worldwide biodiesel requirements (ASTM D6751 and EN 14214) is the goal of this work, which shows that growing T. pseudonana under nutrient limitations leads to algal metabolism in that direction.

Occurrence, transformation, and transport of PFAS entering, leaving, and flowing past wastewater treatment plants with diverse land uses

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected ubiquitously throughout the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as potential hotspots for the introduction of PFAS into the environment. Therefore, the occurrence, transformation, and transport of 18 PFAS in two WWTPs with varying treatment processes, prevailing land uses, and during two distinct time periods were investigated. Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS) were installed at two WWTPs in Central Kentucky during April and July of 2022. PFAS concentrations typically increased from influent to effluent at both WWTPs, regardless of wastewater treatment processes, but changes in surface water concentrations from upstream to downstream of the effluent mixing zones varied. Both WWTPs discharged the 18 PFAS at higher loads than received, indicating prevalent transformation of PFAS precursors and non-measured PFAS analytes into measurable PFAS. Nearly all measured PFAS persisted in aqueous (86–98%) compartments rather than sediment or biosolids (2–14%). All biosolids had low content of PFAS with the dominant compound being PFOS (1.59–2.60 ng/g). Based on recent US EPA proposed maximum contaminant levels, hazard indexes for drinking water were exceeded in effluent and downstream surface waters at both WWTPs. The WWTP located in a heavily developed area and downstream from a firefighting training facility, had significantly higher concentrations of most PFAS species at most monitoring sites and was less impacted by sampling period compared to the WWTP located in a moderately developed, pastured area. Findings support the importance of WWTPs and land use practices as contributing to PFAS impact to downstream ecosystems along with potentially increasing strains on downstream drinking water source waters in regions that are surface water dependent.

Ethyl biodiesel production from crude soybean oil using enzymatic degumming-transesterification associated process

Brazil is one of the largest soybean producers in the world. Biodiesel production in Brazil (specially soybean oil biodiesel) has been growing every year and demanding more effective and sustainable technologies, which is the case of enzymatic processes. Enzymatic degumming could be an alternative to provide better quality products, before biodiesel production but also, in a one reaction step as a proposal to reduce time and costs. Therefore, this work was aimed at evaluating enzymatic degumming (previously optimized) of crude soybean oil using a phospholipase cocktail associated with transesterification using lipase from Aspergillus oryzae for ethyl biodiesel production. For this, transesterification was optimized for ethanol:oil (E:O) ratio, water and lipase % through a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). Optimal conditions were used to evaluate two degumming-transesterification associated processes: i) a one-pot reaction (OPR) where degumming and transesterification were performed at the same reactor; and ii) a two-pot reaction (TPR) where oil was first degummed, followed by transesterification. The optimal transesterification condition were achieved for E:O = 4.48:1, water = 3.41 % and lipase = 2.43 %, where 97 % fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) were obtained. Both OPR and TPR provided biodiesels with FAEE > 94 %: TPR was the best with 97.5 % and 99.98 % before and after biodiesel purification. Mineral elements (including phosphorus) and other impurities (anions) were low, and within quality standards. Glycerol produced also presented very low content of impurities which is quite advantageous. Although lipase achieves good conversion to FAEE (95.7 ± 0.29 %) using crude oil (Control), the final biodiesel carries many impurities (P=80.07 ± 0.1 mg/kg), thus requiring subsequent biodiesel purification steps. In addition, the high impurity content generates a biodiesel that does not comply with ANP legislative standards, P<10 mg/kg. The use of enzymatic degumming in the biodiesel production process generates a biodiesel with low impurities and higher final quality, in addition to being a process that generates less effluent. Enzymatic degumming was essential for obtaining high quality biodiesel and its association with transesterification showed to be a great option for decreasing time and costs for biodiesel production.

Magnesium Stearate Fatty Acid Composition, Lubrication Performance and Tablet Properties

Magnesium stearate (MgSt) is a common tablet lubricant. As variations in MgSt properties are known to influence tablet attributes, the impact of MgSt fatty acid composition, particularly the significance of the stearate and palmitate contents, and its effects on tablet properties warrant further investigation. This study investigated the effect of MgSt with different stearate and palmitate contents but comparable physical properties (e.g. particle size, crystallinity, specific surface area and morphology) on lubrication performance and resulting tablet quality attributes, including mechanical strength, disintegratability and drug release. The influence of MgSt concentration and blending duration on the resulting tablet properties was also examined. Tablets produced using the lower stearate content MgSt had slightly higher tensile strength. The effect of MgSt stearate content was more apparent in the disintegration time and drug release, whereby MgSt of lower stearate content resulted in tablets with longer disintegration time and slower drug release. The lower stearate content also resulted in a lower lubrication performance, leading to a lesser reduction in tablet ejection force. As expected, a longer blending time of the tablet formulation blend with MgSt yielded tablets with reduced tensile strength, shorter disintegration time and slower drug release. Tablets with higher MgSt concentration showed a greater reduction in tensile strength, longer disintegration time and faster drug release. The study findings reinforced observations by other researchers and provided a better understanding of the fatty acid composition effects of MgSt on lubrication performance and the resulting tablet properties.Graphical

Effect of patulin on the growth and nutrient composition of black soldier fly larvae

Abstract Black solider fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) is a common insect in most part of North America, Europe, and Asia, and it is one of the most promising alternative protein sources for animal consumption. BSF can be fed on food waste and agricultural byproducts, which are usually contaminated with mycotoxins. Therefore, it is important to study the fate of mycotoxins in BSF and how mycotoxins will affect the growth and nutrient composition of BSF. Patulin is one of the major mycotoxins found in rotten fruits and consumption of patulin contaminated food can cause both long term and short-term health problems in both human and livestock. In this study clean and patulin spiked apple puree were provided to 50 three days old black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for 3, 6, 9 and 17 days. Patulin bioaccumulation and degradation by BSFL, survival rate, weight gain and nutrient composition of BSFL were evaluated. During the treatment period, no patulin bioaccumulation was found in BSFL. BSFL was able to degrade patulin and convert patulin into (E)-ascladiol. By day 17, BSFL degraded 89.7% of patulin, 5.7% of patulin was converted into (E)-ascladiol, and 10.3% of patulin remained in its original form. While patulin treatment led to lower biomass and growth rate in BSFL, greater protein content and lower lipid content was observed in patulin treated BSFL. Thus, we conclude that BSFL do not accumulate patulin, and it is able to degrade patulin and converts patulin into its derivatives. The applied patulin negatively affects the development of BSLF resulting in lower biomass, growth rate and lipid content, but it induces higher protein content in BSFL.