Min In Distilled Water Research Articles

First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on Hibiscus mutabilis in China.

Hibiscus mutabilis L. is a deciduous shrub native to China. Because of its ornamental value and ecological value, it has been widely cultivated in many provinces of China (Shang et al. 2020). In October 2021, leaf spot on Cotton rose with about 80% disease incidence was observed in Jinan (116.9408° N, 36.6688° E), Shandong, China. Symptoms first appear on leaves with small dark brown spots surrounded by yellow halos, then become irregular necrotic spots with yellow halos. The diseased leaf samples were packed in paper bags and transferred to the laboratory for isolation. The infected leaves were firstly surface-sterilized for 45 seconds in 75% ethanol, 1 min in 1% sodium hypochlorite, and 1 min in 75% ethanol, then rinsed for 2 min in distilled water and blotted on dry sterile filter paper. Then samples were cut into 5 × 5 mm pieces using a double-edge blade, and transferred onto the surface of potato dextrose agar (PDA; 200 g potatoes, 20 g dextrose, 20 g agar per L) and malt extract agar (MEA; 30 g malt extract, 5 g mycological peptone, 15 g agar per L), and incubated at 25 ◦C to obtain the pure culture. After 7 days of incubation, greyish fungal colonies appeared on PDA. Single-spore isolation method was employed to recover the pure cultures for six isolates. The colonies initially produce light gray aerial hyphae, which turn dark gray as they mature. Conidiophores (n=50) single or in small groups, straight or curved, sometime geniculate, 20-50 nm long, with scars. Conidia (n=50) were obclavate to pyriform and measured 15 to 60 μm long, 4 to 16 μm wide with 0 to 3 longitudinal, and 1 to 6 transverse septa with short beak (2-30 μm). The morphological characters matched those of Alternaria alternata (Simmons 2007). DNA was extracted from the fungal colonies using a Ezup Column Fungi Genomic DNA Purification Kit. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) were amplified with the primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), gpd1/gpd2 (Berbee et al. 1999) and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone & Kohn 1999). The obtained sequences were deposited in the GenBank (ITS: OM759881 and OM759882, GAPDH: ON376732 and ON376733, tef1: ON376730 and ON376731). The morphological characteristics and molecular analyses of the isolate matched the descriptin of A. alternata. To perform pathogenicity test, The seedlings of twenty 2-year-old potted H. mutabilis plants were inoculated by spraying conidial suspension at the concentration of 1 × 106 conidia/ml on both sides of leaves and ten plants sprayed with sterile water served as control. The test was repeated three times. All plants were covered with polyethylene covers and kept under the greenhouse at 26 ± 1 ℃. After six days, the inoculated plants showed the same symptoms as the original diseased plants and the controls remained asymptomatic. The fungal pathogen was reisolated from the artificially infected plants and confirmed as A. alternata based on morphocultural characteristics and PCR assays. The results indicated that A. alternata is a causal agent of the disease. The leaf spot disease of cotton rose caused by Nigrospora oryzae has already been reported from Sichuan, China (Han et al. 2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of A. alternata affecting H. mutabilis plants. The identification could provide relevant information for adopting appropriate management strategies to control the disease.

Synthesis and property of superabsorbent polymer based on cellulose grafted 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid

An eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer (SAP) was prepared by grafting 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid onto microcrystalline cellulose in lithium chloride/N, N-dimethylacetamide system. The synthesized SAP (cellulose-g-PAMPS) was characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and XRD. The water absorption equilibrium of cellulose-g-PAMPS could be achieved within 10 min in distilled water. Moreover, the maximum water absorption capacities of cellulose-g-PAMPS in distilled water, 0.9 wt% NaCl solution and 3.2 wt% Na2CO3 solution were 648.9, 298.4 and 207.3 g·g−1, respectively. The water absorption behavior of cellulose-g-PAMPS was interpreted by the pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, cellulose-g-PAMPS could be used in some extreme conditions due to its high acid and alkali resistance. The water retention rate of cellulose-g-PAMPS could be maintained above 90 % at 25 °C for 6 h. As a consequence, the synthesized SAP can be applied to increase the plant growth and survival time under drought conditions, even under saline alkali conditions.

Effect of Fe on the Hydrogen Production Properties of Al-Bi-Sn Composite Powders.

Fe additives may play an important role in the preparation of aluminum-based hydrolysis hydrogen powder, with high hydrogen yield, low cost, and good oxidation resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to ascertain the effect of Fe on the hydrogen production performance of Al-Bi-Sn composite powders. According to the calculated vertical cross-section of the Al-10Bi-7Sn-(0~6)Fe (wt.%) quasi-binary system, Al-10Bi-7Sn-xFe (x = 0, 0.5, 1.5, 3) wt.% composite powders for hydrogen production were prepared by the gas-atomization method. The results showed that the Al-10Bi-7Sn-1.5Fe (wt.%) powder exhibited an extremely fast hydrogen generation rate at 50 °C, which reached 1105 mL·g−1 in 27 min in distilled water, 1086 mL·g−1 in 15 min in 0.1 mol·L−1 NaCl solution, and 1086 mL·g−1 in 15 min in 0.1 mol·L−1 CaCl2 solution. In addition, the antioxidant properties of these powders were also investigated. The results showed that the hydrogen production performance of the Al-10Bi-7Sn-1.5Fe (wt.%) powder could retain 91% of its hydrogen production activity, even though the powder was exposed to 25 °C and 60 RH% for 72 h. The addition of Fe not only promoted the hydrogen generation rate of the Al-Bi-Sn composite powders, but also improved their oxidation resistance. The Al-10Bi-7Sn-1.5Fe (wt.%) composite powder shows great potential for mobile hydrogen source scenarios with rapid hydrogen production.

Formulation Development of Fluconazole-Loaded Lactose Agglomerate Tablets as a Disinfectant for Candida-Associated Dentures.

Denture stomatitis is induced by irritation or an inflammatory response when wearing a denture for a long time. Candida species are the leading cause of biofilm formation on the surfaces and fissures of dentures. Thus, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate fluconazole tablets for use in preparing a disinfectant mixture with anticandidal activity. For size enlargement of lactose, a tablet diluent, using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an agglomerating agent, was developed to enhance the flowability and compactability of the tablet preparation using direct compression. Lactose agglomerates with 6% PVP were used as a diluent for the fluconazole tablets. Furthermore, other excipients were used, such as a buffering agent, disintegrant, surfactant, and lubricant. The fluconazole tablets obtained could be dispersed and dissolved within 10 min in distilled water to achieve a clear mixture, providing a neutral pH and 96% transmittance. Furthermore, the fluconazole mixtures displayed anticandidal efficiency against C. albicans with a similar effect to the standard fluconazole solution. These findings suggest that the fluconazole-loaded lactose agglomerate tablets show strong potential when prepared using direct compression. The fluconazole mixtures made by dispersing the tablets can be used as a disinfectant for Candida-associated dentures, particularly in patients with oral candidiasis.

Pharmaceutical quality evaluation of marketed vildagliptin tablets in Bangladesh based on the United States Pharmacopeia specifications.

Continuous monitoring of pharmaceutical products is vital because it matters to human health. Here we aimed to assess the quality parameters of commercially available vildagliptin tablets in Bangladesh. We tested the tablets for the content uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration, dissolution, and potency. Then, we fitted the dissolution data with kinetic models to investigate the release pattern of the studied brands. Moreover, we applied a mathematical model-independent approach to compare the dissolution profiles of the brands. The interchangeability was determined using difference and similarity factors. Weight variation, friability, and hardness were between 150.35±1.26 to 230.8±1.98 mg, 0 to 0.88%, and 47.3±5.09 to 108.1±1.92 N, respectively. All tablets disintegrated within 0.54±2.85 to 7.69±2.14 min in distilled water. The potency of tablets in 0.1 N HCl and PBS (pH 6.8) were between 97.67±2.58 to 105±0.95% and 99±4.63 to 105±1.65%, respectively. The drug release (%) in 0.1 N HCl and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 6.8) after 60 min were between 99.37±1.80 to 111.09±0.64% and 96.59±3.52 to 109.57±0.53%, respectively. All the brands complied with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specification for physicochemical properties. Also, we observed the drug release patterns of vildagliptin tablets matched with different kinetic models. We found only one substitutable brand with the standard product regardless of the dissolution medium. In-vitro chemical equivalence is not always consistent with bioequivalence. Therefore, continuous evaluation of marketed products is essential to ensure the desired quality.

Effect of chitosan-gelatin coating fortified with papaya leaves and thyme extract on quality and shelf life of chicken breast fillet and Kareish cheese during chilled storage

A novel antimicrobial chitosan-gelatin based edible coating fortified with papaya leaves and thyme extract was prepared for improving the quality and shelf-life of chicken breast fillet and Kareish cheese during chilled storage at 4 ± 1 °C. The samples were dipped for 10 min in distilled water (control), chitosan-gelatin (CG), chitosan-gelatin +2% papaya leaves extract (CG + P) and chitosan-gelatin +2% thyme extract (CG + Th). The coated and uncoated samples were examined periodically for sensory attributes, pH, TBARs, total aerobic mesophilic (TAM), total Enterobacteriaceae (TE), and total yeasts and molds counts (TYM). Sensory evaluation revealed that chicken breast fillet and Kareish cheese samples coated with CG + P were the best in terms of tenderness, juiciness, body & texture and flavor. CG + Th exhibited the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant effect, followed by CG + P. The results of microbiological, physicochemical and sensory analysis of this study demonstrated that the application of CG + P or CG + Th could be a promising method for increasing the shelf life and improving the quality of chicken breast fillet and Kareish cheese.

Preparation and anti-leakage performances of superabsorbent composite based on ablmoschus manihot gum and microcrystalline cellulose

Superabsorbent composites (SACs) have great significance in environmental protection and agricultural production. However, it still remains a huge challenge to prepare SACs with the low-cost, strong water and nutrient retention capacity, slow evaporative loss and low water leakage. Herein, ablmoschus manihot gum-g-poly (acrylic acid-co-2-acrylamide-2- methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid)/microcrystalline cellulose (AMG-g-P(AA-co-AMPS)/MCC) SACs was prepared by radical polymerization method and further applied to prevent deep leakage of water in the soil. In which, the MCC extracted from wheat straw was selected as the skeleton to enhance the porous structure of SACs, and the AMG was used as the main moisture absorption material. Because the uniform distribution and abundant pore structure in AMG-g-P(AA-co-AMPS)/MCC, the water absorption of the SACs under the optimum synthetic conditions reached the equilibrium at 30 min in distilled water, and the optimum water absorption of SACs was 1240 g/g, 248 g/g and 80 g/g in distilled water, tap water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. In addition, SACs has good salt tolerance and pH stability. More importantly, the application of SACs in the soil can help improving the soil water retention and water holding capacity, and can reduce the water permeability in the soil effectively. Therefore, the SACs has broad application potential in agriculture.

Inclusion Complexes of Daidzein with Cyclodextrin-Based Metal-Organic Framework-1 Enhance Its Solubility and Antioxidant Capacity.

Daidzein, an aglycone-type isoflavone, is useful in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, the solubility of daidzein remains relatively low even with pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., γ-cyclodextrin inclusion complex). In the present study, daidzein-cyclodextrin-metal organic framework solid dispersion complexes were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The physicochemical properties of the complex and its effect on the solubility of daidzein were evaluated. The enhancement effect of a cyclodextrin-metal organic framework on the antioxidant properties of daidzein was verified using a diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging test. Powder X-ray diffraction results showed that the characteristic diffraction peaks of daidzein and cyclodextrin-metal organic framework disappeared and new peaks (2θ = 7.1°, 16.5°) were observed. FT-IR measurements showed that the peak derived from the carbonyl group of daidzein shifted to the lower wavenumber. NOESY 1H-1H NMR showed cross peaks at the proton on the resorcinol side of daidzein and the proton (H-5, H-6) in a cyclodextrin-metal organic framework. Dissolution rate of daidzein at 5min in distilled water was 0.06% for daidzein alone while the daidzein inclusion complex was about 100%. When fasted state simulated intestinal fluid was used, the dissolution rate of the daidzein complex was about 71% compared with that of daidzein alone (~ 3.0%) at 5min. The daidzein inclusion complex improved the antioxidant capacity to ~ 1.3 times (17.8µg/mL) compared to the IC50 of daidzein alone (22.9µg/mL). Preparations of cyclodextrin-metal organic framework inclusion complexes will be a platform in developing pharmaceutical formulations to enhance the bioavailability and activity of drugs.

Can UV-C laser pulsed irradiation be used for the removal of organic micropollutants from water? Case study with ibuprofen

A novel approach based on the direct pulsed irradiation of UV-C light onto ibuprofen (IBP) solutions was evaluated in this work, as proof of concept for the direct removal of micropollutants. The experiments confirmed that laser irradiation is able to completely degrade IBP in 15 min in distilled water, with a DOC depletion of ca. 25% and with transformation products (TPs) remaining in solution and estimated to represent ca. 10% of the initial IBP concentration. In wastewater spiked samples, removal efficiency is slightly lower but still significant (ca. 5% IBP remaining after 15 min). Hence, this work suggests that low power solid state pulsed lasers, emitting at 266 nm wavelength, show promise for the removal of these type of micropollutants from water. These results open new opportunities towards the development of chemical-free water treatment methods based on direct, selective irradiation using state of the art, miniaturized laser devices.

Chewable Antacid Tablets: Are Disintegration Tests Relevant?

A recently published FDA guidance on chewable tablets has addressed the quality attributes of this class of dosage forms. This study evaluated disintegration as a quality attribute for a number of commercially available chewable antacid tablets. Additionally, acid-neutralizing-capacity values were evaluated. A number of the products exhibited prolonged disintegration times-which were far longer than those of conventional immediate-release tablets. The mean disintegration times ranged from 6 to more than 60min in distilled water and from 9 to over 60min in 0.1N HCl. The products with longer disintegration times had higher breaking force and tensile strength values. Despite the range in disintegration times, all products met the criteria for acid-neutralizing capacity. These results indicate a need for patients to be aware of the need to thoroughly chew antacid tablets upon administration. Given these considerations, disintegration testing would be a useful quality control test in evaluating these dosage forms as the implicit assumption by the manufacturer that patients will chew the product sufficiently may not be met in every case.

Effect of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa) Seed Extract on Quality of Chicken Breast Fillets

Chicken (Broiler) breast fillets were dipped separately for 10 min in distilled water, 100 ppm solution of BHT and 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5% aqueous solutions of custard apple (Annona squamosa) seed extract (CSE), stored under refrigeration (4±1oC) and analyzed on 0th, 3rd, 6th and 9th day of storage. Ascorbic acid content, Total Phenolic content, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power and DPPH radical scavenging assay of CSE were respectively 645.07±0.32 µgAA/mg, 234.30±0.44 µgGAE/mg, 882.95±0.34 µMFe(II)equi/g and 78.35±0.49%. The fillets treated with 0.5% solution of CSE had significantly (p 0.01) lower score than the control on 5 point hedonic scale on zero day of storage. However, they were acceptable till ninth day with significantly (p 0.01) higher scores than the controls. The ERV, WHC, pH, TBARS value, Tyrosine value, Total plate count and Psychrophillic count of the ninth day samples treated with 0.5% CSE were respectively 18.06±0.14ml, 63.63±0.46%, 5.72±0.01, 0.490±0.002 mgMDA/Kg, 9.78±0.20 mg/100g, 5.07±0.01 log10CFU/g and 3.83±0.01 log10CFU/g.

Effect of Grain Moisture Content on Popping Yield of Sorghum Genotypes

This paper aimed at providing popping characteristics of different red and white sorghum genotypes according to different moisture content at traditional methods of popping using high temperature for a short time (HTST). To increasing grain moisture level, seven sorghum genotypes - mutant and hybrid lines (M1(6282), 16113, 16121, 1641, 1643, 1651, 1673) were soaked to 0, 60, 120 and 180 min in distilled water. The popping rate and expansion ratio were recorded. The results showed that conventional method of popping is a good main to produce pops sorghum after increasing moisture of grains. Moistening of grains from 13-16 % increased 5.3-10.2% popping rate of all sorghum genotypes. The mutant line M1(6282) with red coloration of pericarp had the highest popping rate and expansion ratio at 16% moisture i.e. 85% and 3.88 %, respectively. There was correlation between diameter of grains and parameters expansion ratio (from 0.604 to 0.724), popping rate (from 0.815 to 0.878) and moisture grains (from 0.815 to 0.878).

Preparation of superabsorbent resin with fast water absorption rate based on hydroxymethyl cellulose sodium and its application

To study the application of superabsorbent resin (SAR) in preventing water evaporation in soil, hydroxymethyl cellulose sodium-g-poly (acrylic acid-co-2- acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid)/laterite (NaHMC-g-P (AA-co-AMPS)/ laterite) was prepared by radical polymerization. The structure and morphology of SAR were characterized by FTIR, SEM and TGA. The factors affecting the water absorbency of SAR were studied and the water absorption of the resin under the optimum synthetic conditions reached the equilibrium at 15 min in distilled water, and the optimum water absorption of SAR was 1329 g/g, 269 g/g and 140 g/g in distilled water, tap water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. The swelling kinetic mechanism of the SAR was explained by the pseudo-second-order swelling kinetics model and Ritger-Peppas model. The effects of soil type, particle size and content of SAR on water evaporation rate in soil were studied.

Preparation of the recycled and regenerated mesocarbon microbeads-based solid acid and its catalytic behaviors for hydrolysis of cellulose

Mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) from coal tar pitch have excellent mechanical strength, high density, and good thermal stability. Moreover, a great deal of aromatic constituents occur on its surface, favoring the substitution reaction of sulfonic group. Results showed that the total acid and –SO3H amount was 4.36 mmol/g and 2.18 mmol/g, respectively. Moreover, the yield of total reducing sugar (TRS) and conversion ratio (Cr) for pretreated cellulose (DP = 101.5) can reach 66.7% and 68.8% at 140 °C for 240 min in distilled water, respectively. After four recycles, the TRS and Cr decreased by 12.6% and 10.2%, respectively. Through the secondary and third regeneration for the catalyst, acid density still reached 88.1% and 87.2% of the initial R1–MCMB–SO3H, demonstrating excellent regeneration ability and recyclability of the solid acid. Therefore, MCMB-based solid acid exhibits an attractive potential in the conversion of cellulose into platform chemical compounds.

Analysis of six aromatic amines stability in workplace measurement

For aromatic amine determination in workplaces, stabilities of six types of carcinogenic aromatic amines (2,4-diaminotoluene, 4,4'-diamino-3,3'-dimethyldiphenylmethane, o-tolidine, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), and o-dianisidine) were evaluated with air or argon gas bubbling for 45 min in aqueous solution under light irradiation (desk lamp) and heating conditions. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify and quantify the aromatic amines. The following conditions were selected: temperature program 70°C (1 min), 7 grad/min up to 120°C (1 min), 10 grad/min up to 300°C (5 min), carrier gas flow rate 1.0 mL/min. 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine concentration decreased by approximately 10% after irradiation with a desk lamp for 45 min in distilled water, and a monochloro compound was detected by GC–MS. The other aromatic amines were rarely different from the 0-min concentration. The shielding prevented the decomposition of 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine in distilled water.

Nano-ZnO/carboxymethyl cellulose-based active coating impact on ready-to-use pomegranate during cold storage

Minimally processed pomegranate rapidly loses its overall quality because of high water loss and microbial contamination. Nano-ZnO in combination with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coating was used on pomegranate arils. Arils were dipped for 4min in distilled water (control), 0.1 or 0.2% (w/v) nano-ZnO suspension and then ZnO treated arils were coated with 0.5% (w/v) CMC and stored for 12days at 4°C. Coatings decreased total yeast+mold during 12days of storage while total mesophilic bacteria was decreased during 6days of storage. Coatings decreased weight loss and also the greatest juice percent was in coated arils. Soluble solids content decreased during storage with no significant difference between treatments. CMC+0.2% nano-ZnO suppressed total phenol changes. Total anthocyanin, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity were higher in coated arils. These findings suggest that nano-ZnO+CMC coating has the potential to extend minimally processed pomegranate storage life.

Effect of Processing on Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Potentials of Leafy Vegetables

Blanching is a primary step in processing of Green Leafy Vegetables. Despite of its preserving advantage, it leads to partial destruction of some nutrients like vitamin C which is heat liable and sensitive to light, oxygen and oxidizing agents. The study was carried out to identify a suitable blanching temperature, time and chemical media for the green leafy vegetables namely, Alternanthera sessilis, Cardiospermum helicacabum and Celosia argentea that ensures enzyme inactivation and maximum nutrient retention. The leaves were processed by the following methods (i) Blanched at 80°C, 90°C and 100°C for 5 min in distilled water (ii) Blanched in water containing chemical media (potassium metabisulphite (KMS), sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride) at 80°C for the 1 min, 2 min and 4 min respectively. Blanching time and temperature increased, there is a reduction in the retention of Vitamin C in all the greens. The statistical analysis (P≤0.05) showed significant retention of vitamin C on blanching the leaves at 80°C for 1 min in potassium metabisulphite. Reduction in the moisture content, fiber, Iron was also found to be statistically significant. Blanching at 80°C for 1 min in potassium metabisulphite was sufficient to inactivate peroxidase in leafy vegetables. The antioxidant properties of the fresh and blanched green leafy vegetables were subsequently determined. The study revealed the presence of phenolics (gallic acid equivalents 3.89-8.55 mg/g), flavonoids (quercetin equivalents 9.47-37.66 mg/g) and tannins (tannic acid equivalents 10.47-13.58 mg/g). Three of the samples were exhibited remarkable DPPH radical scavenging activities (>70%) with significant IC50 values of 653.10 and 760.34 μg/ml respectively. The result showed that blanching at 80°C for 1 min with potassium metabisulphite as a chemical media had a good retention of Vitamin C and least effect on other nutritional content. Hence it is found that blanching is the best method of preserving GLV without compromising its nutritional quality and antioxidant potentials.

Sonolytic degradation of naphthol blue black at 1700 kHz: Effects of salts, complex matrices and persulfate

In the present work, the effect of salts (NaCl and Na2SO4), complex matrices (natural water and seawater) and persulfate ions on the sonochemical degradation of an acidic diazo dye, naphthol blue black (NBB), in water at 1700kHz was clarified. Additionally, the influence of initial dye concentration and liquid temperature on the extent of NBB sonolytic removal was investigated. It was found that the NBB degradation rate increased with increasing the initial substrate concentration in the range 3–15mgL−1. Significant enhancements in the NBB degradation rates were observed at high liquid temperatures: 96.5% of NBB was removed at 65°C after 45min of sonication while only 51% was reached at 25°C. The presence of salts (NaCl or Na2SO4) has a beneficial effect on NBB degradation. The degradation rate of NBB in the presence of 0.5 and 1M NaCl was 3–6 times higher than that obtained without salt. Interestingly, faster degradation rates of NBB were observed in complex matrices. The complete destruction of NBB required 40min in seawater and 60min in natural water instead of 210min in distilled water. The addition of persulfate (PS) ions improved substantially the sonochemical degradation of NBB through the ultrasonic (US) generation of sulfate radical (SO4–), which is more efficient toward the degradation of NBB. The system US/PS resulted in 100% NBB removal within only 60min of ultrasonic treatment.

Combination of carboxymethyl cellulose-based coatings with calcium and ascorbic acid impacts in browning and quality of fresh-cut apples

Fresh cut apples have a short shelf-life due to their high rate of deterioration, water loss and cut-surface browning that can rapidly reduce fruit quality. In this study the effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coatings in combination with CaCl2 and ascorbic acid (AA) has been studied. Apple slices were dipped for 5 min in distilled water (uncoated), CMC (1% w/v) + CaCl2 (0.5%), or CMC (1%) + CaCl2 (0.5%) + AA (2%), and then stored at 4 °C, 90–95% (RH). The treatments suppressed browning, retained flesh firmness, and reduced soluble solid content, titratable acidity and pH changes of the slices. Browning incidence with CMC in combination with AA was lower than that of CMC solely. Vitamin C and antioxidant capacity in treatments was higher than that of uncoated. Coating treatments generally reduced total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations and polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity changes of slices during storage. These findings suggest that the combination use of CMC + AA may be useful for maintaining quality and reducing surface browning of fresh cut apples.

A curcumin activated carboxymethyl cellulose–montmorillonite clay nanocomposite having enhanced curcumin release in aqueous media

A novel curcumin activated carboxymethylcellulose–montmorillonite nanocomposite is reported. A superabsorbent biopolymer; carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used as an emulsifier for curcuminwhich is a turmeric derived water insoluble polyphenolic compound with antibacterial/anti-cancer properties. Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay was incorporated in the formulation as a matrix material which also plays a role in release kinetics. It was observed that water solubility of curcumin in the nanocomposite has significantly increased (60% release within 2h and 30min in distilled water at pH 5.4) compared to pure curcumin. The prepared curcumin activated carboxymethylcellulose–montmorillonite nanocomposite is suitable as a curcumin carrier having enhanced release and structural properties.