Min Sonication Research Articles

Optimization of lignin extraction from bamboo by ultrasound-assisted organosolv pretreatment

For a sustainable biorefinery, reduction in the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass is very crucial for the efficient utilization of each fraction. The present work investigated an integrated pretreatment method to recover high-quality lignin along with the cellulose-rich pulp. An optimization study employing response surface methodology investigated the synergistic effects of ultrasound and organosolv pretreatment from Bambusa tulda (bamboo). The optimal condition (180 °C, 55 min, and 30 min sonication) resulted in 65.81 ± 2.40% of lignin yield with 95.37 ± 1.17% purity. A reduction in 7.85% yield and 1.54% purity of lignin with organosolv pretreatment highlighted the efficacy of sonication in lignin extraction. Ultrasound resulted in homolytic cleavage of the lignin-carbohydrate bond that enhanced delignification and increase the cellulose crystallinity. NMR, FTIR, GPC, and TGA of lignin suggested the superiority of sonication in maintaining lignin quality. A significant amount of β-O-4 linkages in extracted lignin is favorable for its subsequent valorization.

Colloidal network oleogels structured by sonothermal conjugates of sodium caseinate and anionic gums

Food-grade colloidal network oleogels prepared by high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templates are innovative systems in the field of solid fat mimetics. However, finding a colloidal stabilizer with outstanding interfacial activity that can stabilize the oleogels throughout storage (without oil-off) is still an uphill task. Herein, conjugates were prepared via sonothermal glycation of sodium caseinate (SC) with κappa-carrageenan (kC) or Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) and then successfully utilized in the stabilization of HIPEs. Emulsions were then oven-dried to obtain the oleogels. It was observed that HIPE stabilized by SC-AHSG conjugate prepared by 30 min sonication pretreatment (SC-AHSG30) resulted in the lowest mean droplet size (1.75 ± 0.01 μm) and polydispersity (0.47 ± 0.04) as well as the highest zeta potential (−33.43 ± 0.12 mV), centrifugal stability (82.20 ± 0.43%) and storage stability. This was justified by the highest glycation degree and interfacial activity of SC-AHSG30 conjugate. Likewise, the HIPE-templated oleogel stabilized by SC-AHSG30 conjugate revealed the highest apparent viscosity, gel strength (complex modulus = 621.80 ± 4.68 kPa), melting temperature (115.45 ± 0.65 °C), induction period of oxidation (25.14 ± 0.05 days) and was ultra-stable throughout 30-days of storage (no oil-off was noticed). This research confirms that sonothermally-glycated food hydrocolloids can be utilized as superb liquid oil structurants.

Synthesis of ZnO Nanorods at Very Low Temperatures Using Ultrasonically Pre-Treated Growth Solution

This paper investigates how the pre-treatment of the growth solution with ultrasonic energy affects the annealing temperatures and the growth temperatures of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods. The ultrasonic pre-treatment of the growth solution resulted in the successful growth of ZnO nanorods at a very low annealing temperature of 40 °C. The size and density of ZnO nanorods were found to increase proportionally with the increasing duration of pre-ultrasonic treatment, as indicated by characterisations performed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). At an annealing temperature of 40 °C, coupled with ultrasonic waves, the SEM results showed that ZnO nanorods’ length and diameter increased by 37 and 25%. A similar pattern was also observed at an annealing temperature of 60 and 80 °C, where the length and diameter of ZnO nanorods increased. In addition, the conductivity and acidity of the aqueous solution that had been sonicated were measured. The results showed that solution conductivity and acidity increased as the ultrasonic treatment continued for longer periods. After 3 min of sonication, the final conductivity and acidity of the solutions were found to be 9164 µS/cm and 6.64, respectively. The results also indicated that the ultrasonic pre-treatment of the growth solution increased the zinc nutrient concentration, which would affect the formation of ZnO nanorods. In addition to the ultrasonic effect, the annealing temperature influenced the active nucleation sites essential to the ZnO nanorods’ expansion.

Multiclass ultrasound-assisted extraction, clean-up and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantification of steroid hormone residues in compost

An analytical method for multiclass determination of steroid hormones in compost has been developed to fill the lack of methods for steroid residuals monitoring in this waste-derived product, increasingly produced and recycled in the circular-economy approach. The procedure simply entails an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on 300 mg compost by 3 × 2.5 mL methanol × 5 min sonication steps followed by a quick clean-up by solid-phase extraction (SPE) on the silica-based Supelclean™ LC-NH2 that avoids use of organic solvents. The clean extract is analysed by HPLC-MS/MS achieving firm identification and quantitation of the 16 steroids, i.e., glucocorticoids, progestins, androgens, oestrogens. The analytical figures of merits were assessed, viz. selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, matrix effect, trueness, precision, carry-over and robustness, in line with updated guidelines. Recovery was investigated in the concentration range 15–800 ng g−1, and at the quality control levels (15, 50, 200 and 400 ng g−1) was in the range 60–120%, with inter-day precision RSDs < 20% (n = 3). The experimental quantification limit was 15 ng g−1 for all the hormones. The method was applied to analysis of different compost samples proving to be functional to environmental monitoring.

Optimization of thiamine chitosan nanoemulsion production using sonication treatment

The production of thiamine chitosan nanoemulsion via sonication treatment has been optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). This study examines the effect of sonication treatment on thiamine chitosan formulation and variations in time, amplitude, and surfactant concentration to distinguish optimum production conditions. Chitosan thiamine nanoemulsion was prepared using the central composite design (CCD) with 3 independent variables (time, amplitude, and surfactant concentration), which generated 20 experimental points. The optimum condition was determined by analyzing the response variable, which, in this study, is viscosity. The analysis was carried out using the Minitab 18 software. The sample as formulated using the optimum conditions derived were then tested for particle size using a Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). The results showed that the 3-factorial design and response surface methodology could determine the optimum conditions for the formulation process of chitosan thiamine nanoemulsion. The optimum viscosity of the thiamine chitosan nanoemulsion determined was 10.5 mPa s which was obtained with 55.2 min sonication time, Tween 80 surfactant concentration of 3.4%, and amplitude of 56.8 m. The chitosan thiamine nanoemulsion produced with these conditions had a particle size of 20.1 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.446, which indicated that it was stable and homogeneous.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration as a pretreatment for microwave drying of beetroot (Beta vulgaris).

The aim of this study was to optimize drying conditions during ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration and subsequent microwave drying of red beetroot using the Box-Behnken design. For this purpose, ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration was performed at different ultrasonic powers (50, 75, and 100 W), sonication times (20, 40, and 60 min), and salt concentrations (0%, 15%, and 30%). The subsequent drying procedures were conducted with 231, 518, and 805 W microwave power. The best condition was selected as 5.15% salt concentration, 20 min sonication time, 50 W ultrasonic power, and 716.45 W microwave power. The responses obtained under optimum conditions were determined as 68.06%, 9.54 mg GAE/g dm, 28.23, 42.66, and 3.08 for DPPH• % inhibition, total phenolic content, L*, a*, and b* values, respectively. While favorable impacts on color were detected for the applied pretreatments, the DPPH• scavenging activities of the dried beetroot were determined to be more significant after ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration. Furthermore, the drying kinetics of beetroot were evaluated according to the Midilli et al. model. When the fit to the model was investigated, it was compatible at R2 > 0.90 level. As a result, the ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment performed before the microwave drying method preserved the quality characteristics of beetroot samples and was successfully applied.

High-intensity ultrasonication impact on the chlorothalonil fungicide and its reduction pathway in spinach juice

Among different novel technologies, sonochemistry is a sustainable emerging technology for food processing, preservation, and pesticide removal. The study aimed to probe the impact of high-intensity ultrasonication on chlorothalonil fungicide degradation, reduction pathway, and bioactive availability of spinach juice. The chlorothalonil fungicide-immersed spinach juice was treated with sonication at 360 W, 480 W, and 600 W, 40 kHz, for 30 and 40 min at 30 ± 1 °C. The highest reduction of chlorothalonil fungicide residues was observed at 40 min sonication at 600 W. HPLC-MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy) analysis revealed the degradation pathway of chlorothalonil and the formation of m-phthalonitrile, 3-cyno-2,4,5,6-tetrachlorobenamide, 4-dichloroisophthalonitrile, trichloroisophtalonitrile, 4-hydoxychlorothalonil, and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorochlorobenzonitrile as degradation products. High-intensity sonication treatments also significantly increased the bioavailability of phenolic, chlorophyll, and anthocyanins and the antioxidant activity of spinach juice. Our results proposed that sonication technology has excellent potential in degrading pesticides through free radical reactions formation and pyrolysis. Considering future perspectives, ultrasonication could be employed industrially to reduce pesticide residues from agricultural products and enhance the quality of spinach juice.

Microcracking monitoring and damage detection of graphene nanoplatelets-cement composites based on acoustic emission technology

This study aims to identify the micro-cracking pattern and structural applications of cement composites replaced with 0 wt%, 0.04 wt%, and 0.08 wt% contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) over cement weight through acoustic emission (AE) monitoring under mechanical degradation. The ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) results showed that at 60 min sonication period, GNP-4 showed maximum absorbance rate of 16.15% compared to the GNP-8. The microstructural characteristics revealed that during hydration of cement there was no apparent cracks appeared in GNPs-cement composites compared to the reference specimen (GNP-0) which was 1.44 mm. The cracking mode and damaged detection of the tested specimens resulted in three distinct stages i.e., (I) pre-peak, (II) peak, and (III) post-peak under mechanical degradation. GNP-4 achieved 780 N flexural capacity which was increased by 30% and 21.87% compared to the GNP-0 and GNP-8. Similarly, a compressive strength of 63.12 MPa, 57.5 MPa, and 56 MPa at 28 days was obtained by GNP-4, GNP-8, and GNP-0, respectively. Based on AE hits and amplitude analysis, the resistance to fracture, damping capacity, and ductility of GNP-4 was improved by 25.30%, 25.1%, and 22.47% respectively, to that of GNP-0. Shear failure (>35 kHz) was observed in GNP-0, while GNPs cement composites recorded tensile failure (<35 kHz) through RA-AF parameters. The cracking pattern through Ib value with a warning sign of 1.5 between micro and macro-cracks and severity of damages through historical index (HI) and severity index (Sr) of GNPs cement composites was determined. Lastly, it was concluded that GNPs contents can significantly improve bending strength and delay the cracks initiation in cement composites.

Magnetic layered double hydroxide composite as new adsorbent for efficient Cu (II) and Ni (II) ions removal from aqueous samples: Adsorption mechanism investigation and parameters optimization

In this work, the magnetic layered double hydroxide composite as a new adsorbent was synthesized and applied for efficient copper (II) and nickel (II) ions removal from aqueous samples. After fabrication, the adsorbent was identified and characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), while FE-SEM reveals and denote layered structure of present adsorbent. The magnetic strength of 20.34 emu g−1 supplies sufficient magnetic property which leads to a solution fast separation of the adsorbent from the sample solution by an external magnet. Then, central composite design (CCD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the effects of various parameters on the removal process and accordingly best operational conditions was fixed at: 0.039 g of adsorbent, 6.31 min sonication, pH (8) and 17 mgl−1 of both copper (II) and nickel (II) ions concentrations, respectively. Moreover, the “Lack of Fit p-values” of analysis of variance were obtained to be 0.3758 and 0.8750 for nickel (II) and copper (II) ions, respectively which is not significant value denoting suitability of the current model. Amongst different isotherm and kinetic models, the current adsorption process followed the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order models, while the criterion for judgment is based on their higher correlation coefficients (more than 0.9) compared to other models. Kinetic judgment is based on the closeness of experimental and theoretical adsorption capacity and higher R2 values. The Freundlich model based on the multilayer process occurs owing to the adsorption of ions onto the heterogeneous surface of the adsorbent. The adsorbent showed the maximum adsorption capacities of 200.00 mg g−1 and 109.92 mg g−1 for Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions, respectively. Experimental results explore that the chemical and electrostatic interactions were responsible for the under-study model ions. The relative standard deviations assign to both metal ions adsorption was 1.63–3.78% representing the applicability of the composite for practical purposes.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis Sativa for Medicinal Purpose.

Over the past 20 years, the interest in Cannabis oily extracts for medicinal use compounded in pharmacy has consistently grown, along with the need to have preparations of adequate quality. Hot maceration (M) is the most frequently used method to compound oily solutions. In this work, we systematically studied the possibility of using an ultrasonic homogenizer and a sonotrode (US) as an alternative extraction method. Oily solutions were prepared using two available varieties of Cannabis for medicinal use, called FM2 and Bedrocan. All preparations resulted with an equivalent content in CBD and THC, with the advantage of a faster process using US. In particular, 10 min sonication at the amplitude optimized for the sonotrode used (2 or 7 mm) provides not statistically different total Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (M-FM2: 0.26 ± 0.02 % w/w; US-FM2: 0.19 ± 0.004 % w/w; M-Bedrocan: 1.83 ± 0.17 % w/w; US-Bedrocan: 1.98 ± 0.01 % w/w) and total cannabidiol (M-FM2: 0.59 ± 0.04 % w/w; US-FM2: 0.58 ± 0.01 % w/w) amounts extracted in refined olive oil. It can therefore be confirmed that sonotrode is an efficient and fast extraction technique and its use is without negative consequence on the solvent properties. Despite DSC evidencing that both maceration and sonication modify the Tonset and enthalpy of the event at about -10 °C, the qualitative characteristics of the oil remained constant for the two treatments and similar to the starting material.

Withdrawal Statement: Effect of ultrasound treatment on meat quality and connective tissue collagen of Oula Tibetan sheep meat

The effects of the treatment for low-frequency high-intensity ultrasound (US) on the meat quality and connective tissue collagen of Oula Tibetan sheep meat was investigated in this study. The longissimus dorsi muscles of ten Oula Tibetan sheep were selected for US treatment (40 kHz, 500 W/cm2). The results demonstrated that with the extension of the US treatment time, the water-loss rate of the meat samples increased, the cooking loss exhibited no significant difference, and the shear force value decreased. The total collagen content was highest at 30 min sonication sample, and the collagen solubility reached the maximum value at 45 min. The mechanical strength of samples was reduced. The muscle fibers shrank, the endomysium was destroyed, and the perimysium thickness was decreased after 15 min. The results revealed that the US treatment (40 kHz, 500 W/m2) improved meat texture and the properties of connective tissue of Oula Tibetan sheep meat.

Optimization of Influential Parameters for the Degradation of Metronidazole Contained in Aquaculture Effluent via Sonocatalytic Process: Kinetics and Mechanism

This study examined the synthesis of a viable catalyst for the degradation of metronidazole contained in aquaculture effluent. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (n-ZnO) were synthesized via the precipitation method and calcined at 500oC in a muffle furnace to enhance the degradability properties. The morphology showed a hexagonal structure with an average particle size of 71.48 nm and the elemental composition showed a higher weight percent of 59.15% for zinc and 21.65% for oxygen. The FTIR confirms the vibrational characteristic mode of the Zn-O band at 427.21cm-1. The XRD showed a good crystallinity and the BET surface area was 8.58 m2.g-1 which showed that the n-ZnO possesses more active sites that can remove pollutants from wastewater. However, no studies have been done on the removal of MNZ in aquaculture effluent. The kinetics followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model best fit the degradation process with R2, Kc, and KLH values of 0.96781, 1.486 × 10-1 mg. Lmin-1) and 8.790 × 10-2 (L.mg-1). Under the influential parameters, the percentage COD removal achieved for MNZ in aquaculture effluent was 62.6%, 89.8%, and 98.5% of MNZ at 20% ultrasonic amplitude, 5 mL 2% H2O2 and 0.02g n-ZnO within 60 min sonication time for US only, US/n-ZnO and US/n-ZnO/H2O2 systems. Hence, MNZ contained in aquaculture effluent can best be degraded with the synergetic effect of the US/n-ZnO/ H2O2 system.

Effect of ultrasound‐assisted extraction of dietary fiber from the sweetest variety Queen pineapple waste of Tripura (India)

AbstractThe study aimed to assess the functional attributes of dietary fiber (DF) from the sweetest variety of Queen pineapple of Tripura Region (India) having high pleasant aroma and flavor. Queen pineapple peel waste was used to extract DF, which is one of the important bioactive compounds in the human diet and health. The ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) method was used to compare the traditional alkali extraction method for extracting DF from Queen pineapple peel waste. The extracted DF was further examined for its functional attributes. The parameters used for UAE of DF were optimized using response surface methodology. The results showed that Queen pineapple peel waste was having a significant amount of DF and had a high potential in food processing. The conventional alkaline extraction yielded 64.43% DF, whereas the UAE method yielded 86.67% after 22.35 min of sonication with a solid: liquid ratio of 27.5 g/ml and a 46.9% ultrasonic amplitude. UAE improved the functional attributes of DF by significantly increasing the water holding and swelling capacities while decreasing the oil holding capacity. The cation exchange capacity, glucose adsorption capacity, and glucose dialysis retardation index were enhanced considerably by UAE, whereas the emulsifying capacity decreased. Results of the present investigation corroborate that Queen pineapple waste extracted DF could be used as a potential hypoglycemic agent for functional food ingredients in bread and bakery‐based products, meat‐based products, dairy‐based beverages, and other products of food application.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of pectin from Citrus limetta peels: Optimization, characterization, and its comparison with commercial pectin

With an aim of complete reuse and recycling of citrus by-products, this study investigated the pectin extraction from Citrus limetta peels employing the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique. The extraction process was optimized using Box-Behnken Design and a maximum pectin yield of 28.82% was obtained under the optimal conditions of 40 °C temperature, 37% amplitude, and 1.9 pH after 24 min sonication time, which was validated by the experimental results (28.73 ± 0.12%). The pectin extracted under optimum conditions was characterized for its physicochemical, antioxidant, functional, structural, thermal, apparent viscosity and was compared with commercial pectin. Both commercial (CP) and ultrasound extracted pectin (UAEP) were highly esterified with degree of esterification of 59.71 ± 0.12% and 55.29 ± 0.51%, respectively and methoxyl content of 7.06 ± 0.10% and 7.19 ± 0.15%, respectively. In addition, UAEP exhibited high antioxidant and similar water/oil holding capacities and emulsifying properties as compared to CP. XRD patterns of pectin samples suggested high crystallinity of UAEP than CP, SEM exhibited smoother surface of UAEP as compared to CP, and FT-IR spectra proved the presence of GalA units in both samples. The thermal analysis by DSC and TGA showed high thermal stability of UAEP than CP. A detailed comparative study on properties of ultrasound extracted pectin from C. limetta peels and commercial pectin confirmed that the extracted pectin was of good quality as can be potentially utilized as food ingredient in food sector.

Effect of surface modification of printed electrodes on the performance of supercapacitors

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), one of the 3D printing techniques is a low-cost method to print electrodes using conductive polymer composite filaments. In this study, electrochemical performance of EDLC supercapacitor assembled with 3D printed electrodes and two different electrolyte salts (KCl and (NH4)2SO4) in a PVA gel has been analysed. The electrodes are printed using graphene/carbon nanofiber incorporated PLA composite filaments. It is found that post-processing of printed electrodes is necessary to improve the electrochemical performance. Therefore, printed electrodes are sonicated in Dimethylformamide (DMF) solution, which modifies the electrode surface and increases the exposure of conducting materials with electrolyte. Effect of sonication time has been studied by exposing electrodes for 2 min and 10 min. The specific capacitance increases by two orders with 2 min sonication in both KCl and (NH4)2SO4. Also, increasing the sonication time to 10 min decreases the specific capacitance by 43 % for KCl and 23 % for (NH4)2SO4, respectively. This is due to loss of structural integrity of the printed electrode with prolonged sonication time. This study provides a foundation to design more efficient electrodes for EDLC supercapacitors.

PEG-mediated hybrid hemostatic gauze with in-situ growth and tightly-bound mesoporous silicon

Pre-hospital control of bleeding is critical to save lives, however the development of hemostatic agents with efficient and safe performance is still a challenge. In this study, a hybrid hemostatic gauze (MG-PEG) with in-situ growth and tightly bound mesoporous silicon (MSN) was prepared by template method for hemorrhage control. This material integrated meso-porosity, blood coagulation and stability into flexible gauze fiber. The PEG in MG-PEG was not only used as template for the in-suit MSN growth, but also acted as joint connection between the gauze fibers and MSN. The MSN particles were firmly bound to the surface of gauze fibers with extremely low leakage after 3 min of sonication and displayed a comparable coagulant activity to untreated sample. The results of animal experiments confirmed that MG-PEG possessed superior hemostatic performance over silicates-based inorganic hemostasis-Combat Gauze, in terms of higher coagulant activity (in vivo clotting time <200 s), minimized loss of active components (liquids OD was only 3 % of CG), well biocompatibility (hemolysis ratio < 5 %, no cytotoxicity) and wider indications range for practical application.

Mn-1,4-BDC MOF based a COF for ultrafast and simultaneous removal of cationic dyes

We utilized the benefits of two promising classes of porous hybrid materials via the combination of Mn-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (Mn-1,4-BDC) metal–organic framework (MOF) and imine-linked melamine and terephthaldehyde covalent organic framework (COF) using the solvothermal method. The resultant hybrid material (Mn-1,4-BDC/COF) was analyzed by variant methodology inclusive of FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, STA, and BET. The synthesized Mn-1,4-BDC/COF was used as a robust adsorbent to quick simultaneous removal of auramine O (AO) and rhodamine B (RB) via hydrogen bonding, electrostatic communication, π-π piling and Lewis acid-base association from aqueous media. The effective operational variables which include pH, Mn-1,4-BDC/COF mass, sonication time, and initial dyes concentration were cross-examined and optimized. The optimum conditions were found to be at pH = 8, 0.016 g Mn-1,4-BDC/COF dosage, and 8 min sonication time. Mn-1,4-BDC/COF adsorbent exhibited the adsorption capacity of 21.53 and 25.13 mg/g for AO and RB, respectively. The isotherm and kinetic studies reveal a suitable fit for the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetics models, respectively.

Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on tocochromanol and carotenoid biofortification in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings.

Maize is a sought-after food crop because it is micronutrient-rich and affordable. It is an excellent source of carotenoids and tocochromanols. To investigate ways to enhance the micronutrients in maize, we grew maize seedlings with ultrasonic pretreatment to study the effect of ultrasound pretreatment on the biofortification of tocochromanols and carotenoids using high-performance liquid chromatography and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Four tocopherol isomers, three tocotrienol isomers and six carotenoid components were measured in maize seedlings. Compared with the untreated maize seedlings, carotenoid content increased and reached the highest level at 8min ultrasonic pretreatment (19.21 ± 0.44 μg g-1 fresh weight (FW)), but tocotrienol content evidently decreased. Tocopherol dropped at first but began to rise after 8min ultrasonic pretreatment (258.1 ± 6.4μg g-1 FW). In particular, zeaxanthin in maize seedlings doubled after pre-sonication, while lutein was boosted to 11.81 ± 0.20 μg g-1 FW. Ultrasonic pretreatment changed the predominant component of tocochromanols in maize seedlings from γ-tocotrienol to α-tocopherol, with the latter content being 1.3 times higher than in the untreated group. Up-regulation of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of tocopherols and carotenoids in maize seedlings occurred as a result of both 2min and 6min sonication pretreatment. In particular, Zm HPPD, Zm ZE, Zm ZDS and Zm MPBQ-MT could partly explain the changes in these phytochemicals. Wet ultrasonic pretreatment could increase tocopherol and carotenoid accumulation in maize seedlings but decrease tocotrienol synthesis. Some up-regulating genes are related to relevant syntheses, such as Zm HPPD, Zm ZE, Zm ZDS and Zm MPBQ-MT, which could influence the accumulation of tocopherols and carotenoids after ultrasonic pretreatment. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of high-intensity ultrasound and oil types on the physicochemical properties of egg white protein emulsions

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) and types of oil on the emulsion of egg white proteins (EWPs). Dispersions (2%, w/v) of (EWPs) with (corn, sunflower, and soybean) oils were homogenized and then sonicated at 320 -watts for 4, 12 and 20 min. Emulsions were described by microscopy, ζ-potential, particle size, rheology, viscosity, and interfacial tension. The results showed that extending the time of sonication considerably reduced particle size and interfacial tensions in emulsions. Additionally, increasing the sonication period reduced the viscosity and increased the elasticity of EWP emulsions. Moreover, results indicated sunflower oil had better emulsion stability than all oils. Ultrasound improved the microstructural of EWP emulsions. The droplet sizes of emulsions increased after heat treatment. Meanwhile, after 4 min of sonication, emulsions produced showed better stability against ionic strengths. The results confirmed that HIUS showed promising stabilized EWPs emulsions with different oils.

Determination of Curcuminoids, Piperine, Boswellic Acids and Andrographolides in Food and Dietary Supplements by HPLC.

As use of functional food and herbal combination products is ever increasing, methods for quality control of such preparations are necessary. Moreover, low quality of products can cause either lack of benefit or harm to the consumer. In this work, determination of three curcuminoids, piperine, six boswellic acids and three andrographolides, often used in combination products, was carried out in raw materials and dietary supplements. After extraction optimization using Box-Behnken design, maximum active substance yields were obtained using 81.5% ethanol in hydroethanolic extraction solvent, 30 min sonication time and 60 °C extraction temperature. Afterwards, a high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated, with special attention paid to selectivity, precision and robustness of the method. Lastly, 54 food and dietary supplement samples were analyzed. Most products were bought locally, from credible vendors and they all complied with relevant regulatory requirements. However, products obtained on the Internet contained little to no active substances (24% of samples contained less than 20% declared content), presumably showing no efficacy, or were either found to be likely adulterated or contained very high amounts of active substances, compromising safety in terms of dose-dependent adverse effects (one sample containing andrographolides) and pharmacokinetic interactions (one sample containing piperine). In conclusion, consumers should refrain from purchasing such products from the Internet and obtain them only from verified suppliers such as local pharmacies or health stores. This work demonstrates the first developed method for the analysis of aforementioned combination products, which are on the rise today. The method is simple and robust and can be adapted by most laboratories for routine quality control of the said products. Moreover, the work sheds light on the low quality of several products and signifies the need for increased consumer awareness of dangers of taking such products.