Mixed Emulsion Research Articles

Soy and whey protein isolate mixture/calcium chloride thermally induced emulsion gels: Rheological properties and digestive characteristics

We present the preparation and physicochemical properties of thermally induced emulsion gels of a soy protein isolate–whey protein isolate (SPI–WPI)/calcium chloride composite, and the analysis of their nutrient release behaviors using fat-soluble vitamin E as a model system by simulating its digestion in vitro. In general, the SPI–WPI composite emulsion gel was found to have better water-holding capacity and texture than the emulsion gels formed by the single protein. The microstructure and rheological properties of the gel suggested that the CaCl2 concentration significantly influences the fundamental structure and mechanical properties of the SPI–WPI gel. The in vitro digestion experiments revealed that the mixed protein emulsion gel improves the bioavailability of vitamin E. This study is of great significance in the utilization of these natural emulsifiers, as they can be used in the development of emulsion delivery systems for lipophilic nutrients and other health products.

Physicochemical properties and stability of nanoemulsions containing Clinacanthus nutans extract for postherpetic neuralgia

The leaf extract of Clinacanthus nutans (CNE), a medicinal plant widely distributed in South East Asia, has long been used in traditional medicine by applying topically for treatment of herpes zoster. Besides, it has an analgesic effects that could help relieve suffering from postherpetic neuralgia. The aims of this study were to develop nanoemulsions containing CNE obtained from extraction of dried leaves and evaluate their physicochemical properties, stability, and permeability. Forty formulations of oil-in-water emulsion bases containing various concentrations of sunflower oil and mixed emulsifiers were prepared by spontaneous emulsification and screened for further preparation of nanoemulsion bases by high presure homogenization. The results showed that particle sizes and viscosities of nanoemulsion bases were in the range of 85.9 – 120.9 nm and 339.4 – 1,362.0 cP, respectively. The content of vitexin, which was used as a marker in this study, in CNE and 4 %w/w CNE nanoemulsions were 0.130 and 0.005 %w/w, respectively. The 4 %w/w CNE nanoemulsions was found to be stable based on vitexin content under storage at 5 °C and 30 °C. The amount permeated of vitexin after 24-h permeation from 4 %w/w CNE nanoemulsion across Strat-M® membrane was 61.1 ± 1.95%. In conclusion, the promising formulation of nanoemulsions according to stability and permeability results was composed of 4 %w/w CNE, 20 %w/w sun flower oil, and 20 %w/w mixed emulsifiers of Span®80 and Brij®721 (weight ratio of 1.0:0.32), which could be a candidate as a herbal topical dosage form for postherpetic neuralgia.

Analysing multivariate storage data of seafood spreads. A case study based on combining split-plot design, principal component analysis and partial least squares predictions

As part of an extended fish product (mixed salmon spread) value chain involving multiple treatment procedures and mixing processes, oxidation and microbial spoilage can be initiated at any number of steps and go on to accelerate product deterioration. This may occur, for example, when salmon rest raw materials are processed to form mixed emulsion products. To investigate the effect of selected variables in the value chain, a model experiment was designed and implemented, consisting of a chain divided into four steps involving fish feed composition, fish processing, fish spread production and storage. By using this case, the objectives of the paper are to 1) show how a complex split-plot design can be analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate statistical analyses, 2) show how an interplay of the methodologies can contribute to improvement in the interpretation and validation of results, and 3) identify the quality markers most affected by the design variables, and then use these to optimise response measurements for different raw material properties. We also propose some new monitoring and control strategies based on the PCA and results obtained. The analysis has indicated in this case that it may be beneficial for the long shelf-life of the spread to use fresh and lean salmon cuts, to store the product under superchilled conditions and to avoid the addition of secondary seafood ingredients. Salmon feed variables do not affect the eating quality of the spreads. The early addition of a smoke component and the rigor status of the salmon at the time of processing had little effect on eating quality. The variables that did not affect eating quality or shelf-life can be optimised based on aspects such as nutritional or health benefits, or production costs. This article demonstrates that PCA is a useful method both for the monitoring of eating quality with storage time, the definition of control limits for product acceptability, and the statistical validation of split-plot ANOVA results. • Identification of significant variables along the mixed salmon spread value chain. • Inability to predict eating quality using measurements taken early in the value chain. • PCA identified as a useful tool for monitoring eating quality development. • PCA identified as a useful tool for validating split-plot ANOVA results.

Fat soluble vitamin status in children on home parenteral nutrition in a tertiary paediatric intestinal rehabilitation unit.

Children with intestinal failure on home parenteral nutrition are at risk of fat malabsorption and fat soluble vitamin deficiency. Fish oil containing mixed lipid emulsions (SMOFlipid®) with higher vitamin E content, have a theoretical risk of exceeding current recommendations for vitamin E dosing and, may influence other fat soluble vitamin status in these children. The aim of this study was to assess for fat soluble vitamin status in children on long-term home parental nutrition receiving a mixed lipid emulsion (SMOFlipid®) compared with those receiving traditional soy or soy/olive oil based (non- SMOFlipid®) lipid emulsions and whether this is influenced by the underlying cause of intestinal failure. Retrospective longitudinal study in a tertiary referral paediatric hospital of children on home parental nutrition during the period January 2000 to June 2019. Data was retrieved using medical and pharmacy records, laboratory database, and summarised using inferential statistics. 111 patients (n=58 female) received home parental nutrition in 121 discrete episodes (range 45-5329 days). N=61 (55%) were diagnosed with anatomical short bowel syndrome, of which necrotising enterocolitis was the most common cause (n=14). SMOFlipid® was used exclusively in n=79 patients, non-SMOFlipid® exclusively in n=19, and n=13 changed from non-SMOFlipid® to SMOFlipid® during the study period. The median vitamin E level and vitamin E:lipid ratio were significantly higher for patients on SMOFlipid® compared to non-SMOFlipid® (27.9 vs 18.3μmol/L respectively, p<0.001; 7.10 vs 4.00μmol/mmol; p<0.001). Median vitamin A level was comparable (1.19 vs 1.12μmol/L, p=0.241), while median vitamin D level was significantly lower in the non-SMOFlipid® group consistent with mild deficiency (63.7 vs 43.0nmol/L, p<0.001). The use of SMOFlipid® correlated with higher Vitamin E level in paediatric home parental nutrition patients. Lower vitamin D level appears to correlate with the use of non-SMOFlipid®. A larger prospective cohort is required to delineate any clinical significance from these findings.

Influence of Number of Collisions Towards Asphalt Emulsion Mixture Stability Using Marshall Method (SNI 06-2489-1991)

The development of road construction in Indonesia recently increased. This resulted in demand of asphalt, which is one of the materials used in the pavement mix has also increased. Aspalt emulsion in Indonesia have been applied, but only to the adhesive layer and the absorption layer. The Public Works Department of the Directorate General Bina Marga has issued several guidelines to guide the implementation of cold mix asphalt work. The use of emulsion asphalt mixture technology which has a low temperature will reduce emissions, reduce the amount of energy consumption, and avoid oxidation. This study aims to analyze the value of the optimum asphalt content (KAO) mixture of emulsion asphalt CSS-1h and to analyze the effect of the number of collisions on the stability of the emulsion asphalt mixture. The results show that based on the relationship between the emulsion asphalt content and all Marshall and volumetric parameters, the optimum residual asphalt content is obtained. The emulsion is 5.5%. The impact of the collision on the stability value increases with the number of collisions. This test results in stability values of 1223.5 kg, 1373 kg and 1401.1 kg for normal specimens while for immersed test objects the remaining stability values are 51.7 kg, 59 kg, 68.2 kg. Based on the values obtained, this test is declared to meet the specifications for the cold mix emulsion asphalt.

Physical and Chemical Compatibility of Etomidate and Propofol Injectable Emulsions

Introduction: The mixture of etomidate and propofol is widely used in clinical practice to improve efficacy of general anesthesia and to minimize side effects. As a thermodynamically unstable system, emulsion is prone to destabilization through mechanisms including coalescence, flocculation, and creaming. Such unwanted phenomenon can induce fat embolism after intravenous administration. This study was aimed to investigate the physical and chemical stability of the mixture of etomidate and propofol in the dosage form of emulsion. Methods: This compatibility study focused on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of drug-containing emulsions, such as appearance, pH, particle size and distribution, zeta potential, the observation under centrifugation, and drug content and impurity. Results: As the results, there were no significant changes in the CQAs of the mixed emulsions up to 24 h after mixing at refrigeration temperature (4°C), room temperature (25°C), and body temperature (37°C). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that etomidate emulsion is physically and chemically compatible with propofol emulsions up to 24 h at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C, suggesting that etomidate and propofol can be administrated in mixture without adversely affecting product characteristics, at least in vitro.

Trends in liver profile and nutrition outcomes in children undergoing intestinal rehabilitation using a mixed lipid injectable emulsion.

Pediatric patients undergoing intestinal rehabilitation (IR) using parenteral nutrition (PN) are at higher risk for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Nutrition support, growth, and liver enzymes must be closely monitored while incorporating hepatoprotective lipid injectable emulsions for optimal patient outcomes. Describe trends of liver profile and nutrition outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing IR using SMOFlipid[SO,MCT,OO,FO-ILE]). After IRB approval, patients undergoing IR using SO,MCT,OO,FO-ILE were observed prospectively from January 1, 2017, through December 1, 2019. The following values were documented monthly: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), triene/tetraene ratio (TTR), micronutrient and trace element levels, z-scores for growth, and nutrition support regimen. Values were compared. The group involved 16 pediatric patients for an average of 16.4 months on SO,MCT,OO,FO-ILE. By the end of the study, mean PN hours per day decreased by 34.7%, P < 0.0001. Mean PN calories per kilogram decreased from 60.4 to 48.3, P = 0.004. SO,MCT,OO,FO-ILE calories met the recommended dietary intake goal of 30% at the average 1.6 g/kg. Growth z-scores increased in those <2 YOA , although the body mass index decreased in our >2 YOA cohort. Total nutrition received from PN decreased to 62%: a 32% change, P = 0.001. There were no statistically significant changes in AST or ALT. TB decreased by 67.08%, P <0.05. No essential fatty acid deficiency was reported (TTR < 0.02). There were no changes in micronutrient and trace element deficiencies. There was zero new incidences of IFALD. SO,MCT,OO,FO-ILE may be used long term in pediatric patients while promoting growth and development.

Preparation and characterization of self-crosslinking acrylic emulsion with different fluorocarbon chain lengths

PurposeFluorine materials have received the keen attention of many researchers because of their water repellency and low surface free energy. The purpose of this paper is to prepare self-crosslinking fluorocarbon polyacrylate latexes containing different fluorocarbon chain lengths by semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization technology.Design/methodology/approachMethyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and fluorine-containing monomers were used as main monomers. The fluorine-containing monomers included hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFMA), dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) and trifluorooctyl methacrylate (TFMA). Potassium persulfate (KPS) was used as thermal decomposition initiator, non-ionic surfactant alkyl alcohol polyoxyethylene (25) ether (DNS-2500) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) as mixed emulsifier.FindingsThrough optimizing the reaction conditions, the uniform and stable latex is gained. The polymer of structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contact angle (CA) were tested on latex films. The particle size and distribution range of emulsion were tested with nano particle size analyzer. After comprehensively comparing the latexes and films prepared by HFMA, DFMA and TFMA, the performance of DFMA monomer modified is better.Originality/valueThe self-crosslinking acrylic emulsion is prepared via semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization, which methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and fluorine-containing monomers were used as main monomers. The fluorine-containing monomers were composed of hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFMA), dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) and trifluorooctyl methacrylate (TFMA). Potassium persulfate (KPS) was used as thermal decomposition initiator, non-ionic surfactant alkyl alcohol polyoxyethylene (25) ether (DNS-2500) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) as mixed emulsifier. There are two main innovations. One is that the self-crosslinking acrylic emulsion is prepared successfully. The other is that the effects of monomers containing different fluorocarbon chain lengths on polyacrylate, such as monomer conversion rate, coagulation rate, mechanical stability, chemical stability, emulsion particle size and storage stability, are studied in detail.

'All-natural' anti-wrinkle emulsion serum with Acmella oleracea extract: A design of experiments (DoE) formulation approach, rheology and in vivo skin performance/efficacy evaluation.

The growing consumers' preferences and concerns regarding healthy ageing, youthful skin appearance, environmental protection and sustainability have triggered an ever-increasing trend towards natural, eco-friendly and ethically sourced anti-ageing products. Accordingly, this paper describes design and evaluation of novel, safe, effective and high-quality emulsion serums, completely based on ingredients of natural origin, intended for improving facial fine lines and wrinkles. Model formulations, stabilized by an innovative glycolipid mixed emulsifier (lauryl glucoside/myristyl glucoside/polyglyceryl-6 laurate) and containing Acmella oleracea extract as a model anti-ageing active, were prepared by cold process and fully assessed regarding their rheological behaviour (continuous rotational and oscillatory tests) and physical stability (dynamic-mechanical thermoanalysis - DMTA test). To study and optimize the simultaneous influence of varied formulation factors (emollients and emulsifier concentrations) on critical rheological attributes of the developed serums, a central composite design within 'design of experiments' approach was employed. The general skin performance - preliminary safety and anti-wrinkle efficacy of selected model serum, was evaluated in human volunteers, by employing several objective, non-invasive bioengineering techniques. Rheological characterization revealed favourable shear-thinning flow behaviour with yield point, and dominating elastic character (storage modulus G' > loss modulus G") in both amplitude and frequency sweeps, which together with relatively small structural change obtained in DMTA test indicated overall satisfying rheological and stability properties of formulated serums. From the established design space, and taking into account formulation cost and carbon footprint, promising model serum (desired/optimal apparent viscosity, yield point and loss factor, rather small and constant structural change), containing 15% of emollients and 1% of emulsifier, was chosen for in vivo evaluations. Screening of skin irritation effects revealed the absence of potential irritancy of investigated serum, suggesting overall satisfying skin tolerability/preliminary safety. Silicone skin replica image analysis demonstrated noticeable reduction/improvement in all measured skin wrinkle parameters after only 2weeks of test serum application in periorbital and perioral areas, indicating its rapid and beneficial effects on the facial expression lines and wrinkles. Altogether, the results corroborate the promising potential of the developed Acmella oleracea extract-loaded emulsion serum as safe, effective and non-invasive natural anti-wrinkle product.

Home parenteral nutrition patients on mixed oil lipid emulsion have a higher rate of hospitalizations compare to those on soybean oil– a prospective 2-year cohort study

Mixed oil intravenous lipid emulsion (MO ILE) that contains 30% soybean oil (SO), 30% medium chain triglycerides, 25% olive oil and 15% fish oil can benefit hospitalized patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) but there are very few studies on its long-term use. Our goal was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of adults receiving home PN (HPN) with MO versus those receiving SO ILE over a 2-year period. This is a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively from a cohort of patients recorded in the Canadian HPN Registry over a 2-year period. HPN patients from academic programs across Canada were entered in the Registry according to a validated protocol. For this study, demographic, nutritional, laboratory and clinical data were extracted from January 1st 2015, when MO lipid emulsion became available in Canada, to July 24th 2019. Clinical data for each patient included: number of hospitalizations, number of hospitalizations related to HPN and number of hospitalization days related to HPN, over a year; incidence of line sepsis per 1000 catheter days and mortality. Data are presented as median (1st, 3rd quartile) for continuous variables and frequency (percentage) for categorical variables. Comparisons between groups were performed using two sample t-test or Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests for continuous variables and Chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. Univariate and multiple linear regressions were also carried out. Statistical significance is set at a p-value <0.05. A total of 120 patients were included (MO n=68, SO n=52). Significant differences at baseline between the two groups were a higher use of Hickman line (62.12% vs 42%, p=0.038) and more western Canada based hospital care with MO (75% vs 42.31%, p=0.0002). The MO group had significantly more hospitalizations (p=0.001), more hospitalizations related to HPN (p=0.012) and more hospitalization days related to HPN (p=0.016) per patient per year compared to SO patients. There was no significant difference between groups for line sepsis per 1000 catheter days (MO: 0.05 (0.0, 1.0) vs SO: 0.0 (0.0, 0.22), p=0.053) or mortality. All other variables, including biochemical variables, were similar between groups. In a multiple regression analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with a greater number of hospitalizations per patient per year: use of MO, high blood glucose from the last recorded value and having died by the end of the study period. This 2-year prospective cohort study suggests an increased risk of hospitalization in HPN patients receiving MO lipid emulsion. The long-term effect of using MO lipid emulsion in HPN patients should be further evaluated using a large randomized controlled trial. THE STUDY WAS REGISTERED IN CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: (NCT02299466).

The Use of Bitumen in the Stabilization of Lead Contaminated Iraqi Soil

Iraq is one of the biggest countries in oil production and its processes. Bitumen is a by-product material that remains after the process of crude oil. This study is designed to investigate the role of bitumen in the stabilization of lead contaminated Iraqi soil; as measured by a newly developed “mini” Jet Device and the dispersion ratio method (DR,%).&#x0D; The results revealed that both bitumen amount and its method of mixing with soil, as a direct or as emulsion mixing, can significantly improve the stability of lead contaminated soil. Hence, only 3% bitumen as emulsion mixing was required to get the optimum soil stabilization, compared with 9% in direct mixing. A 3% bitumen emulsion has reduced both the scouring depth (SD, from 24.5 to1.6 mm; R= -0.90) and the erodibility coefficient (Kd, from 1.09 to 0.14; R= -0.86) as a result of improving soil engineering properties related to soil stabilization. However, the 3% of bitumen emulsion has also improved the soil chemical properties that have an important role in soil aggregation and lead mobility; such as pH, EC and SAR. Therefore, 3% of bitumen emulsion has successfully decreased both the dispersion ratio (DR, % from 7.03 to 4.48; R= -0.90) and the lead solubility (Pb from 48.8 to 4.9ppm; R= -0.96) in the solutions of lead contaminated soil.

Parenteral nutrition with fish oil-based lipid emulsion reduces the risk of cholestasis in preterm infants.

ObjectivePreterm infants receive long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) for gastrointestinal immaturity. This study aimed to determine if mixed lipid emulsions containing fish oil decrease the incidence of PN-associated cholestasis by reducing oxidative stress and providing an anti-inflammatory effect.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled 399 very low birth weight premature infants (gestational age ≤32 weeks) between January 2009 and November 2017 at a single neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm infants received total PN with either mixed lipid emulsion including fish oil (SMOFlipid®, n = 195) or soybean oil-based lipid emulsion (Lipovenoes®, n = 204) for at least 7 days. We compared the outcomes of PN-associated cholestasis, comorbidities, and mortality between the groups.ResultsThe incidence of PN-associated cholestasis was significantly lower in the SMOFlipid group than in the Lipovenoes group. The duration to full feeding days was significantly shorter in the SMOFlipid group compared with the Lipovenoes group. Relevant complications, such as severe retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, were also significantly reduced in the SMOFlipid group compared with the Lipovenoes group.ConclusionIn premature infants, PN with fish oil-based lipid emulsions is associated with a lower incidence of PN-associated cholestasis compared with soybean oil-based lipid emulsions.

Imaging Diagnosis and Interventional Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Combined with Arteriovenous Fistula.

In order to explore the imaging diagnosis methods and interventional treatment effects of hepatocellular carcinoma combined with hepatic arteriovenous fistula (HAVF), a total of 120 patients, who were diagnosed as hepatic carcinoma with arteriovenous shunting and underwent medical imaging diagnosis and interventional surgery therapy at a designated hospital by this study from December 2014 to December 2018, were chosen as study subjects. Digital subtraction angiography was performed to analyze the imaging features of hepatocellular carcinoma combined with HAVF in each patient; then, according to these imaging diagnosis results, gelatin sponge or coil was used to block the fistula; mitomycin, carboplatin powder, and lipiodol mixed emulsion was combined or separately utilized for hepatic tumor embolization, in which iodized oil embolization chemotherapy was used for patients with mild paralysis; gelatin sponge granule embolization chemotherapy was used for moderate paralysis patients at their first intervention, and, after about 1 month, if the sputum disappeared, iodized oil embolization was used again; and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy was used only for patients with severe paralysis. The results show that the central type of HAVF is characterized by early angiography of portal vein and large branches and tumor staining after portal vein's angiography; the peripheral type of HAVF is characterized by portal vein branching in hepatic tumor and double rail sign accompanied by the arterial branch; 112 cases of patients completed embolization chemotherapy; 8 cases of patients only received chemotherapy perfusion; in 109 cases of patients sputum disappeared or shunt decreased at first treatment; and in 113 cases of patients iodine oil was well deposited or the tumor was stably reduced; most of the symptoms of refractory ascites, diarrhea, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding were controlled or improved, and there were no complications such as pulmonary embolism and hepatic failure. Therefore, HAVF increases the difficulty of interventional therapy, but, as long as the positive and appropriate treatment measures are taken, it can still achieve better curative effect without serious complications, which can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients and improve the quality of life of patients. The results of this study provide a reference for the further researches on imaging diagnosis and interventional treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma combined with arteriovenous fistula.

Effect of homogenisation in foam and emulsion mix beverage colloidal system: A case in Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik is a frothed milk tea consisting of Ceylon Tea, condensed milk, sugar, where it is traditionally prepared by pulling motion to get aerated. High-shear homogenisation through rotor-stator homogeniser was explored in this study as an alternative method to produce Teh Tarik at a larger scale and at the same time enhancing the stability of the Teh Tarik emulsion and foam. Varying speeds (11,000 rpm, 18,000 rpm and 25,000 rpm) of homogenisation resulted in size reduction of milk fat globules to various degrees. This reduction in particle size by at least 0.4 μm consequently increased the stability of the milk tea emulsion, which is the most significant (α = 0.05) at the speed of 18,000 rpm. At the same time, increasing speed of homogenisation from 11,000 rpm to 18,000 rpm and 25,000 rpm also reduces dynamic surface tension through the increased protein adsorption rate at the water-air interphase and ultimately reducing foam drainage. Subsequently, the improved physical stability of emulsion and foam could be made use to develop satiety- and satiation-enhanced beverage as a modus operandi to reduce calorie intake among Malaysians.

Time Evolution and Effect of Dispersant on the Morphology and Viscosity of Water-In-Crude-Oil Emulsions.

This study examines the time evolution and effects of adding dispersant (Corexit 9500A) at varying concentrations on the microscopic morphology and bulk viscosity of saltwater-in-crude-oil (Louisiana) mechanically mixed emulsions. Rheology is used for measuring the viscoelastic properties and viscosity, the latter at varying shear rates. Microscopy, followed by machine-learning-based analysis, is used for characterizing the size and spatial distribution of the water droplets in the emulsions. Initially, the water droplets appear as a multiscale lattice with a Sauter diameter of 5.3 μm and a polydispersity of 0.43, with small droplets aggregating around large ones. The corresponding bulk viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate from 2 orders of magnitude to 5 times higher than that of the weathered crude oil. After 7 days, the number of submicron droplets increases, the nearest-neighbor distance decreases, indicating preferential aggregation, and the viscosity increases by 56-112% at high shear rates (5-100 s-1). After 14 and 21 days, some droplets coalesce resulting in loss of clusters and a decrease in viscosity. These trends suggest that changes in the aggregation contribute to the variations in viscosity. Subsequent analysis applies previously developed models for the effect of aggregation on the properties of the emulsion. While the reduction in viscosity is predicted by this model, matching of rates requires modification to the assumed relationship between yield stress and interdroplet forces. Adding dispersant without mixing generates Marangoni-driven flows as the water droplets coalesce. In time, part of the water separates, a fraction forms clouds of submicron droplets, and the rest remains unchanged. Mixing dispersant at low concentration with the emulsion accelerates the coalescence and phase separation. The removed water fraction increases with dispersant concentration, reaching 99.6% for a dispersant-to-emulsion concentration of 10-3. The remaining emulsion consists of fine droplets with Newtonian viscosity that is still 4 times higher than that of the fresh crude oil but only 14% higher than that of the weathered oil.

Research on the Properties of Mineral-Cement Emulsion Mixtures Using Recycled Road Pavement Materials.

The reduction in natural resources and aspects of environmental protection necessitate alternative uses of waste materials in the area of construction. Recycling is also observed in road construction where mineral–cement emulsion (MCE) mixtures are applied. The MCE mix is a conglomerate that can be used to make the base layer in road pavement structures. MCE mixes contain reclaimed asphalt from old, degraded road surfaces, aggregate improving the gradation, asphalt emulsion, and cement as a binder. The use of these ingredients, especially cement, can cause shrinkage and cracks in road layers. The article presents selected issues related to the problem of cracking in MCE mixtures. The authors of the study focused on reducing the cracking phenomenon in MCE mixes by using an innovative cement binder with recycled materials. The innovative cement binder based on dusty by-products from cement plants also contributes to the optimization of the recycling process in road surfaces. The research was carried out in the field of stiffness, fatigue life, crack resistance, and shrinkage analysis of mineral–cement emulsion mixes. It was found that it was possible to reduce the stiffness and the cracking in MCE mixes. The use of innovative binders will positively affect the durability of road pavements.

Parenteral Fish-Oil Containing Lipid Emulsions Limit Initial Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Host Immune Responses in Preterm Pigs.

Multicomponent lipid emulsions are available for critical care of preterm infants. We sought to determine the impact of different lipid emulsions on early priming of the host and its response to an acute stimulus. Pigs delivered 7d preterm (n = 59) were randomized to receive different lipid emulsions for 11 days: 100% soybean oil (SO), mixed oil emulsion (SO, medium chain olive oil and fish oil) including 15% fish oil (MO15), or 100% fish oil (FO100). On day 11, pigs received an 8-h continuous intravenous infusion of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS—lyophilized Escherichia coli) or saline. Plasma was collected for fatty acid, oxylipin, metabolomic, and cytokine analyses. At day 11, plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels in the FO100 groups showed the highest increase in eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA (0.1 ± 0.0 to 9.7 ± 1.9, p < 0.001), docosahexaenoic acid, DHA (day 0 = 2.5 ± 0.7 to 13.6 ± 2.9, p < 0.001), EPA and DHA-derived oxylipins, and sphingomyelin metabolites. In the SO group, levels of cytokine IL1β increased at the first hour of LPS infusion (296.6 ± 308 pg/mL) but was undetectable in MO15, FO100, or in the animals receiving saline instead of LPS. Pigs in the SO group showed a significant increase in arachidonic acid (AA)-derived prostaglandins and thromboxanes in the first hour (p < 0.05). No significant changes in oxylipins were observed with either fish-oil containing group during LPS infusion. Host priming with soybean oil in the early postnatal period preserves a higher AA:DHA ratio and the ability to acutely respond to an external stimulus. In contrast, fish-oil containing lipid emulsions increase DHA, exacerbate a deficit in AA, and limit the initial LPS-induced inflammatory responses in preterm pigs.

Preparation of TiO2 Nanoparticle Aggregates and Capsules by the ‘Two-Emulsion Method’

TiO2-based materials are of great practical interest in several technological areas. Both the size and the morphology of the TiO2 particles are of critical importance for their applications. The current study explores the effect of several factors on the outcome of the TiO2 particle synthesis via the so-called ‘two-emulsion method’. In this technique, two water-in-oil emulsions—each of them containing different reactant in the dispersed water drops—are mixed under well controlled conditions. Upon such mixing, partial coalescence of the water drops from the two emulsions leads to mixing of the drop content, with chemical reaction occurring within the drops, and to synthesis of Ti(OH)4 particles. Afterwards, the latter are transformed by emulsion heating into TiO2 particles and aggregates of predominantly anatase structure. Our results show that—depending on the precursor and surfactant concentrations, oil viscosity, emulsification time, and mixing speed—the obtained nanoparticles could aggregate either on the drop surface, forming capsules with a very smooth surface, or inside the water droplets, thus leading to hierarchically structured aggregates of micrometer size. The spherical smooth capsules are constructed of very small monodisperse TiO2 nanoparticles with size below 5 nm. The hierarchical bulk aggregates, on the other hand, are formed from bigger primary particles of sub-micrometer size. The obtained results show that one can obtain various TiO2 structures by controlling the conditions during the emulsion preparation and mixing

Plasma and Red Blood Cell PUFAs in Home Parenteral Nutrition Paediatric Patients-Effects of Lipid Emulsions.

Background: Mixed lipid emulsions (LE) containing fish oil present several advantages compared to the sole soybean oil LE, but little is known about the safety of essential fatty acids (EFA) profile in paediatric patients on long-term Parenteral Nutrition (PN). Aim of the study: to assess glycerophosfolipid polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) membrane of children on long term PN with composite LE containing fish oil (SMOF), and to compare it with a group receiving olive oil LE (Clinoleic®) and to the reference range for age, previously determined on a group of healthy children. Results: A total of 38 patients were enrolled, median age 5.56 (0.9–21.86) years, 15 receiving Clinoleic®, 23 receiving SMOF. Patients on SMOF showed significantly higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), lower levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) and Mead acid (MEAD)/ARA ratio in plasma and RBC compared with patients on Clinoleic® and with healthy children. Triene:tetraene (T:T) ratio of both groups of patients did not differ from that of healthy children-median plasma (MEAD/ARA: 0.01, interquartile rage (IQR) 0.01, p = 0.61 and 0.02, IQR 0.02, p = 0.6 in SMOF and Clinoleic® patients, respectively), and was considerably lower than Holman index (>0.21). SMOF patients showed no statistically significant differences in growth parameters compared with Clinoleic® patients. Patients of both groups showed stiffness class F0-F1 of liver stiffness measure (LSM) 5.6 (IQR 0.85) in SMOF patients and 5.3 (IQR 0.90) in Clinoleic® patients, p = 0.58), indicating absence of liver fibrosis. Conclusions: Fatty acids, measured as concentrations (mg/L), revealed specific PUFA profile of PN patients and could be an accurate method to evaluate nutritional status and eventually to detect essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). SMOF patients showed significantly higher EPA, DHA and lower ARA concentrations compared to Clinoleic® patients. Both LEs showed similar hepatic evolution and growth.

Fat soluble vitamin status in children on home parenteral nutrition- a retrospective longitudinal study

Rationale: Fat soluble vitamin (FSV) status in children with intestinal failure (IF) on Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) is affected by malabsorption with or without liver disease. Use of fish oil containing mixed lipid emulsions (SMOF®) with higher vitamin E content has a theoretical risk of overall vitamin E dosage exceeding current recommendations1, however literature on FSV status and its long term clinical effect in children with IF is limited. We sought to assess FSV levels in children on HPN and compare patients receiving SMOF® with soy or olive oil based lipid emulsions.