Particle Size Analysis Research Articles

Flecking of fat-filled milk powders.

Flecking is an insolubility issue in fat-containing milk powders. The undissolved particles (flecks) are of different shapes and structures, primarily composed of fat and/or protein. The occurrence of flecking in reconstituted milk powders negatively impacts the visual appearance and overall quality of the final product, thereby influencing consumer acceptance and brand trust. Standard quality control measures, like wettability or insolubility, and analysis including rehydration testing are important but not sufficient in predicting, identifying and/or quantifying flecking, often necessitating additional measures to be implemented. Suitable additional analyses for flecking include confocal laser scanning microscopy, electron microscopy, particle size, and density analysis. However, it is crucial to highlight that merely tightening quality control parameters is insufficient to combat flecking. This approach does not allow for the implementation of rapid solutions when the issue is detected at the final stages of quality assessment. To effectively address fleck formation, it is necessary to scrutinize unit operations and identify precisely where, and how, in the process flecks are formed. The issue often requires reformulation and/or engineering interventions, making the final product more robust and resilient to fleck formation. To date, protein denaturation/aggregation and emulsion instability are proposed as major mechanisms governing fleck formation. Additionally, the effect of seasonality of milk chemical composition and reconstitution medium (water/coffee/tea) are other important factors. This work aims to review flecking in reconstituted fat-filled milk powder solutions by interrogating the production process, including the skim milk base wet and dry processing, alongside the powder storage conditions and reconstitution methods, and thereby identify strategies for the control of flecking.

Synthesis of a Novel Supermagnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and their Congo Red Dye Removal, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities

Abstract Plantago lanceolata is a traditional medicinal plant that has attracted significant interest from researchers due to the use of its physiologically active components, particularly polyphenolics (flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids), in various fields. The aim of this study is to synthesize iron oxide (PLE@FeNPs) nanoparticles using a green synthesis approach with Plantago lanceolata (P. lanceolata) leaf extracts, characterize them, evaluate their in vitro effects, and assess their use in the removal of Congo red (CR) from wastewater. We carried out the physicochemical characterization of the nanoparticles using UV–Vis, FT-IR, and XRD spectroscopies; TEM and SEM microscopy; and Zetasizer particle size analysis. While the distinct peaks in XRD confirm the crystalline structure, TEM has determined an average particle size (8 nm) for PLE@NPs with deformed spherical nanoparticles. The FT-IR spectra showed that bioactive compounds from P. lanceolata were involved in the participation of PLE@FeNPs. EDX confirmed the presence of iron in the designed PLE@FeNPs. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer analyses of the studied PLE@FeNPs revealed significant activities. We investigated the adsorption kinetics of CR on PLE@FeNPs, taking into account initial dye concentration, different pH levels, adsorbent dosages, and temperature. At optimal conditions (concentration, 50 ppm; dosage, 15 mg; pH, 8), the degradation of CR dye in sunlight was found to be 99%. The small size of PLE@NPs (8 nm) and the more negative zeta potential (− 12.2 mV) support this situation. The equilibrium data demonstrated a good fit to the Langmuir isotherm model, outperforming the Freundlich isotherm model. The results showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model accurately described the kinetic data. PLE@NPs exhibited significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This situation suggests that the nanocomposition of PLE@NPs obtained through the green route may have improved efficiency due to various synergistic effects. Overall, these results pave the way for further applications in dye removal and biological applications of environmentally friendly PLE@FeNPs. Graphical Abstract

Highly efficient recovery of total components from spent hydroprocessing catalysts (HPCs) with minimal CO2 & SO2 emissions.

It is imperative to recover the valuable components of spent HPCs. We have proposed a hydrometallurgical process and recovered 99.9% of V, 99.9% of Mo, and 95% of Al in our previous work. In this study, we focused on the Co and Ni recovery from the alkaline leaching residue of spent HPCs. We characterized the leaching residue by SEM-EDS, XPS, TGA, Laser Particle Size Analyzer, and ICP-OES. The Ni and Co leaching rates both reached around 95% with 2.0mol/L H2SO4 at 120°C for 75min. The impurity of Al in the leachate was removed via solvent extraction with 30% P204 at A/O of 1 and pHequilibrium of 2.0. The Co and Ni in the raffinate was separated via two stages of counter-current extraction with 20% Cyanex 272atA/O of 1 and pHequilibrium of 5.7. The CoSO4 and NiO products were characterized by XRD, and there are no impurity peaks. We also did DFT calculations, which show the binding energies of Al3+ with extractants are in the order of Al3+-P204>Al3+-P507>Al3+-Cyanex 272, and Cyanex 272 exhibits the highest difference in binding energies of Ni2+ and Co2+. The process of Ni and Co recovery from the alkaline leaching residue of spent HPCs was proposed. Only 8t CO2 and 120kg SO2 emissions were generated during all the component recovery per ton of the spent HPCs using our proposed process. They are much less than pyro-hydrometallurgical processes.

THE EFFECT OF SEWAGE EFFLUENCE ON THE PERMEABILITY OF SOIL

Sewage is water-carried wastes, in either solution or suspension that flow away from a community. Soil permeability is the ability of the soil to pass water under saturated conditions. This study addressed a critical environmental concern surrounding the potential impact of sewage discharge on soil permeability with a view to providing insights into the potential threats posed by sewage effluent on soil ecosystems, informing sustainable wastewater management practices and contributing to the broader discourse on environmental protection and resource conservation. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of sewage effluence on the permeability of soil. The samples collected for this study were soil, test specimen (laterite) and sewage effluence (collected from excavating up to depth of one meter below the ground surface in Federal polytechnic Offa and the disposal site at Owode market in abattoir, Offa, Kwara State). The lateritic soil samples were evaluated using standard analytical methods for moisture content, particle size analysis, Atterberg limit, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, compaction test and permeability test. The results of the varying analysis conducted on the lateritic soil showed that the lateritic soil has high water retention capacity, good particle size distribution which are suitable for use in road construction, plasticity index of the soil reduce when mixed with the clean water but increased when mixed with the waste water while the permeability of the soil sample decreased with increase in the percentage of sewage effluent used for the test. The study therefore concluded that permeability of any soil sample depended on the void ratio of the soil since water passed through only the voids present in a soil sample, the effect of pollution on permeability of soil should depend on the effect of the pollution on the void ratio of the sample, permeability of the soil sample was hindered by pollution. The study recommended that the research should be carried out using pollution of higher pollutant strength.

Preparation of Mesocarbon Microbeads (MCMBs) by the Copolycondensation of High‐Temperature Coal Tar Pitch and Ethylene Tar Pitch

ABSTRACTMesocarbon microbeads (MCMBs) are a kind of typical spherical functional synthetic carbon materials widely used in various fields. However, MCMBs produced through thermal polycondensation using high coal tar pitch exhibit certain defects that limit their further development. These include challenges in controlling particle size, low yield, and difficulties in regulating their internal microstructure and surface morphology. In this study, MCMBs were prepared via the copolycondensation of high‐temperature coal tar pitch (HCTP) and ethylene tar pitch (ETP). The effect of ETP addition on the formation process, microstructure, and electrochemical properties of the resulting MCMBs was investigated. Polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser particle size analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to analyze the MCMBs. The addition of ETP was found to modify the molecular structure of the blended pitch and promote the formation of MCMBs during the copolymerization process. Furthermore, the MCMBs obtained via this method exhibited excellent sphericity, uniform particle size distribution, reduced structural defects, and lower charge transfer resistance (Rct). Notably, when the ETP content was 7%, the MCMBs achieved an average particle size of 19.65 μm, a particle size uniformity index (U) of 1.12, and the lowest charge transfer resistance of 2.947 Ω after carbonization.

Mathematical Modeling to Predict the Formation of Micrometer-Scale Crystals Using Reverse Anti-Solvent Crystallization

The reverse addition process in anti-solvent crystallization is safer and more efficient than sieving when dealing with energetic compounds. A new mathematical model has been developed to understand the crystal size mechanism during the reverse addition of solvent in a binary system. This model incorporates droplet dynamics, distribution moments, and mass balance constraints. It can be used to predict the appropriate crystal size for designing explosive recipes with a desired particle size distribution to maximize energy output. The model was validated by conducting reverse-addition crystallization of sodium chloride in a deionized water/ethanol binary system at temperatures ranging from 10 to 50 degrees Celsius. The predicted results closely matched the experimental findings, which were confirmed using a Laser Particle Size Analyzer and Electron Microscope Scanning.

Mangifera indica–driven CuO nanoparticles: properties for sensing and optoelectronics

This study reports biological synthesis of Mangifera indica leaf extract–mediated copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). CuO NPs are characterized for crystal structure and crystallite size determination, absorption peak, particle size and morphological analysis, elemental composition, and functional groups’ identification using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). NPs show an absorption peak ∼338 nm and Tauc’s plot gives band gap energy ∼2.2 eV. XRD pattern depicts monoclinic phase ∼18 nm average crystallite size NPs. FESEM and HRTEM micrographs confirm the needle-shaped NPs having 5:40 nm aspect ratio. The EDS spectrum, depicting the Cu and O peaks, shows that the particles are free from any type of impurity. FTIR analysis elucidates the role of bioactive chemicals in the extract in the successful formation of NPs. The photoluminescence study reveals the existence of violet, green, orange, yellow, and red emission bands. Also, NPs exhibit an electrical conductivity of 1.37 × 10–7 S/m and 5. 31 × 10–7 S/m at 100°C and 200°C. Thus, environmentally friendly, non-toxic, green-synthesized CuO NPs hold significant potential for applications in resistive sensors, solar cells, and optoelectronics devices.

The role of homogenization cycles and Poloxamer 188 on the quality of mitochondria isolated for use in mitochondrial transplantation therapy

Mitochondrial transplantation (MTx) offers a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions such as ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. The quality and viability of donor mitochondria are critical to MTx success, necessitating the optimization of isolation protocols. This study aimed to assess a rapid mitochondrial isolation method, examine the relationship between mitochondrial size and membrane potential, and evaluate the potential benefits of Poloxamer 188 (P-188) in improving mitochondrial quality during the isolation process. Mitochondria were isolated from pectoral muscle biopsies of adult male Sprague–Dawley rats using an automated homogenizer. MitoTracker Deep Red (MTDR) staining and flow cytometry were used to assess mitochondrial purity, while the JC-1 assay evaluated membrane potential. Mitochondrial size groups were compared for membrane potential differences. Homogenization frequency and P-188 supplementation (1 mM) were assessed for their effects on mitochondrial membrane potential and particle size, and particle counts. The rapid isolation method yielded mitochondria that retained sufficient membrane potential to be effectively inhibited by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a disruptor of mitochondrial membrane potential. Larger mitochondria exhibited significantly higher JC-1 ratios, indicating greater membrane potential. Excessive homogenization (10 cycles) reduced membrane potential compared to 3 cycles homogenization (P = 0.026). P-188 significantly increased the JC-1 ratio from 10.26 ± 2.57 to 33.78 ± 17.78 (P = 0.023). Particle size and count analysis revealed that 10 cycles homogenization significantly increased particle count compared to 3 cycles homogenization (P = 0.0001), but was associated with smaller particle sizes (P = 0.0031). The rapid mitochondrial isolation method produced viable mitochondria, with larger mitochondria exhibiting superior membrane potential. Reducing homogenization frequency and incorporating P-188 improved mitochondrial quality and preserved particle size. These strategies offer promising strategies for optimizing MTx protocols. Further refinement of these techniques is necessary for their clinical application in MTx therapy.

Development of natural sporopollenin microcapsules: from bee pollen to versatile biomaterials

Abstract The outer layer of the pollen grain, which plays a crucial role in the continuity of terrestrial plant life, has received significant attention due to its robustness, chemical inertness, and biocompatible structure made of sporopollenin. Herein, we present a straightforward method for producing high-purity (up to 97%) polymeric sporopollenin biocapsules (S-BioCaps) from bee pollen, exploring new plant sources for S-BioCaps, and diversifying the available morphologies to broaden the applications of pollen-based microcapsules. Following a purification process involving defatting, acidolysis, and several washing steps, we removed the inner components of the pollen grains and reduced the protein content to 2%. Confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy images showed that the hollow and 3D S-BioCaps microstructure were preserved, while laser diffraction particle size analysis validated their monodisperse distribution across each pollen type within the size range of 15 to 24 μm. S-BioCaps tended to exhibit hydrophobic behavior when assessed through water dispersion and water marble analysis. Moreover, we sought to figure out the chemical changes occurring in specimens through Fourier-transform infrared analysis, and findings were consistent with simultaneous thermal analysis, where the thermal decomposition of sporopollenin biopolymer reached up to 457 °C. Overall, this work demonstrates a straightforward approach for utilizing pollen grains from Echium sp., Jasione sp., Papaver sp., Amaranthaceae, and Helianthemum sp., collected with the assistance of honeybees, to produce stable S-BioCaps with diverse morphologies, thereby broadening their potential applications as drug delivery microcarriers. Graphical abstract

Characterization of solid particles with different particle sizes in high-temperature coal tar pitch

ABSTRACT High-temperature coal tar pitch (HCTP) serves as a crucial precursor for high-quality carbon materials, while solid particle (SP) characteristics significantly influence the properties of the pitch. This study explores the compositional differences of SPs across various sizes to facilitate their effective separation. We employed ultrasonic graded centrifugation to isolate seven SP types of different sizes and analyzed their properties using SEM, SEM-EDS plane scanning, laser particle size analysis (LPSA), organic element analysis (EA), FT-IR, ICP-MS, and XRD. Our results reveal distinct variations in the SP distribution by particle size. As the particle size decreases, the proportion of particles in the 1–100 μm range decreases, while ultrafine particles (0.01–0.1 μm) become more prevalent. The carbon content in SPs initially increases and then decreases with smaller particle sizes, reaching a peak in medium-sized particles. Non-carbon impurities such as Si, S, Zn, Pb, Ca, Fe, and inorganic ash are concentrated in larger particles (SP1–SP2) and smaller particles (SP6–SP7). Notable inorganic compounds like PbS, ZnS, and FeS are found across all sizes, whereas SiO2 and CaCO3 are restricted to larger particles (SP1–SP2). Furthermore, smaller particles exhibit greater specific surface areas and pore volumes.

Preparation and characterization of chickpea protein isolate-grape seed proanthocyanidin-konjac gum ternary complex: Focusing on structure, gel properties, stability and functional properties.

The ternary complex effectively prevents droplet aggregation, Ostwald ripening, and phase separation through its gel network, thereby demonstrating its capability in bioactive compound delivery. In this work, the influence of varying chickpea protein isolate (CPI) levels on the microstructure, gel characteristics, stability and functional properties of grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) and konjac gum (KGM) stabilized ternary complexes was investigated. Visual appearance indicated the formation of a non-stratified ternary complex as the CPI enhanced to 3-4 %. Ternary complexes containing 4 % CPI exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (94.75 %), which was attributed to the formation of the smallest droplets, as confirmed by particle size analysis and microscopy. At the same time, the inclusion of CPI enhanced the color, pH, texture characteristics and water holding capacity (WHC) of ternary complexes. Moreover, rheological analysis further demonstrated that the ternary complexes exhibited solid-like behavior, with the storage modulus (G') exceeding the loss modulus (G"). Meanwhile, thermal stability improved from 77.97 % to 93.54 %, while the thawing loss rate decreased from 20.13 % to 15.03 %. The incorporation of 3 %-4 % CPI also enhanced the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions within the ternary complexes, resulting in more compact gel network structures. In addition, CPI increased the antioxidant properties of the ternary complex, with 4 % CPI increasing the 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrohydrazide (DPPH) radical scavenging rate by 18.69 % compared to the ternary complex containing 1 % CPI. The results demonstrated that CPI improved the stability and functional characterizations of ternary complexes, positioning it as a promising additive and fat substitute. Additionally, CPI showed potential as an effective carrier for functional bioactive compounds.

Green Synthesis of Nickel Oxide (Nio) Nanoparticles with Brassica oleracea Var. Capitata F. Rubra, Its Characterisation and Phytochemical Investigation

Most nanoparticles have diameters that lie within 1 to 100 nm. A variety of metal oxide nanoparticles can be synthesised chemically as well as biologically. NiO nanoparticles, which are synthesised chemically, tend to be highly toxic in their effects. In contrast, synthesis by the route of biogenesis or biomimetics is much more favourable than chemical synthesis. The pre-existing properties of purple cabbage are remarkably enhanced by NiO nanoparticles. Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were synthesised from the leaves of Brassica oleracea var. capitata. f. rubra (purple cabbage) by reducing Nickel nitrate hexahydrate solution for the formation of NiO nanoparticles. The analysis done using a Particle size analyser reveals the spherical morphology and the size of the NiO nanoparticles. The size and shape were studied under a Scanning Electron Microscope, which shows that the nanoparticle ranges from 34.5 nm to 89.6 nm. The formation of NiO nanoparticles was confirmed by the peaks obtained in Raman spectroscopy and UV-DRS analyser. The peaks that ensure the formation of NiO nanoparticles in Raman spectroscopy are 568.40 cm-1, 1129.46 cm-1 and 1379.07 cm-1 and UV-DRS are 265.60 nm and 339.69 nm. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of purple cabbage leaves shows that there is an abundance of phytochemical content present in purple cabbage. From the preliminary phytochemical analysis of purple cabbage, it was observed that the aqueous purple cabbage leaf extract contains alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, coumarin, tannins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, saponins, quinones, and carbohydrates.

Enhanced delivery of anti-inflammatory therapeutics using pH-responsive histidine-modified poly-L-lysine on mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are effective platforms for drug delivery due to their high surface area, adjustable pore sizes, and biocompatibility. The aim of this study was to explore the application of histidine-modified poly-L-lysine (PLL-His) as a pH-responsive gatekeeper to control the release of an anti-inflammatory agent, celecoxib, from MSNs. MSNs were synthesized through a sol-gel process using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template and were functionalized with amine groups using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). Drug loading was achieved via adsorption in ethanol. Subsequently, poly-L-lysine (PLL) and PLL-His were conjugated to the MSNs using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDAC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to form MSN-NH2-Drug-PLL and MSN-NH2-Drug-PLL-His constructs. Characterization of these particles was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and particle size analysis. Results showed that the particle size of MSN-NH2-drug-PLL and MSN-NH2-drug-PLL-His was 237.10±6.56 nm and 234.03±14.65 nm, respectively, indicating suitability for cellular uptake. BET analysis confirmed the increased surface area and pore volume after the removal of CTAB, demonstrating successful mesopore formation. Drug release tests were performed in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and physiological (pH 7.4) conditions, showing that PLL-His-modified MSNs exhibited minimal release in acidic conditions and sustained release at physiological pH. The PLL-His effectively functioned as a pH-responsive gatekeeper, enhancing drug targeting and reducing premature release. This study highlights the potential of PLL-His-modified MSNs as a promising model for pH-sensitive, targeted drug delivery, with potential applications across various therapeutic areas requiring precise release profiles. This approach could significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance, particularly in disease contexts where pH variability is a critical factor. Overall, the integration of PLL-His as a pH-responsive gatekeeper represents a significant advancement in the design of smart drug delivery systems.

Development and application of a time-temperature hydroxyethyl cellulose ink based on Clitoria ternatea L. blue petals anthocyanin and N-Hydroxyphthalimide for food freshness monitoring.

A novel, sustainable time-temperature indicator (TTI) ink based on natural pigments is introduced for food freshness monitoring. The ink, composed of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), Clitoria ternatea anthocyanin, and N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI), was applied to art paper using screen printing. The inks were characterized through FT-IR, particle size analysis, and rheological measurements, with optimal performance achieved at Clitoria ternatea anthocyanin to NHPI ratios of 9:1 and 7:1. The color change of the ink followed the Arrhenius equation, correlating with food degradation activation energies ranging from 0 to 75 kJ/mol. The ink was applied to monitor pork freshness, demonstrating high sensitivity and accuracy in tracking food quality. This TTI ink offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for food freshness assessment, with potential applications in reducing food waste and enhancing consumer confidence in food safety.

Synthesis and Application of a Temperature Sensitive Poly(Acrylamide‐Co‐N‐Isopropylacrylamide‐Co‐Sodium P‐Styrene Sulfonate) as a New Water‐Based Drilling Fluid Plugging Agent

ABSTRACTIn the process of oil and gas production, the failure of drilling fluid caused it to invade the formation, leading to wellbore instability. N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), acrylamide (AM), and sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (SSS) were used as raw materials, and the P(NIPAM/AM/SSS) (abbreviated as NAS) temperature‐sensitive plugging agent was synthesized by inverse emulsion polymerization. The optimum synthesis conditions were obtained using a redox initiation system. Infrared measurements and UV–visible analysis showed that the target product was successfully prepared, and NAS exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 55°C, with sensitive temperature‐responsive behavior. Rheological and filtration tests, along with high‐temperature and high‐pressure (HTHP) sand tray tests, demonstrated that the temperature‐sensitive plugging agent effectively plugged the formation. Particle size analysis and Zeta potential analysis indicated that the addition of the temperature‐sensitive plugging agent increased the electrostatic stability of bentonite‐based slurry and polymer. Contact angle measurements and micro‐morphology of the mud cake revealed that a hydrophilic‐hydrophobic transition occurred at high temperatures in NAS, forming a dense hydrophobic film on the surface of the mud cake. This film effectively sealed cracks and micropores, reduced the invasion of free water, and improved wellbore stability.

Valorization of Bauxite Residue for Use as Adsorbent for Reactive Blue Removal: Regeneration Evaluation

In recent years, there has been increasing concern regarding the widespread occurrence of dyes in aquatic environments, due to their harmful effects on both water quality and human health. This investigation uses bauxite residue as a cost-effective sorbent to eradicate the hazardous reactive blue (RB) dye from aqueous solutions. The reusability potential of bauxite residue was also evaluated. The bauxite residue was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Cation Exchange Capacity, Chemical analysis, FTIR, and Analysis of particle size and particle distribution. The RB dye adsorption parameters revealed that the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of bauxite residue was 100% and 186.01 mg/g, respectively, under the following adsorption conditions: adsorbent dosage of 0.5 mg/L, initial pH of 2, dye concentration of 50 mg/g, and reaction temperature of 25 °C. Furthermore, the adsorption of RB dye on bauxite residue followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models. After one adsorption cycle, the adsorption capacity of bauxite residue for reactive RB removal reached 186.01 mg/g. The regeneration study revealed that the bauxite residue remained 99% of its original condition following the water regeneration cycle.

Improving measurement system fidelity through the optimization of preventive maintenance and operating conditions: a comparative study of measurement system analysis approaches

Abstract This study focused on measurement system analysis MSA through gage of Repeatability and Reproducibility R&R methods (Average and Range Xbar/R, Analysis Of Variance ANOVA, Evaluating Measurement Process EMP III) to verify the accuracy and precision of a laser diffraction particle size analyser used to monitor particles’ size in wet grinding process, this device gained great faith in many researches without checking its fidelity. The initial evaluation demonstrates the measurement system’s unacceptability, driving to establish an improvement plan including preventive maintenance scheduling for the instrument to maintain it in good working conditions and anticipate futures anomalies that could affect the measurement system fidelity, standardization of measuring process by the instrument to reduce repeatability, which was found to be the largest source of variation in the gage R&R analysis affecting measurement accuracy and precision, along with unifying the method of calculating solid rate percentage of samples before measurements because it is a significant factor that can affect the measurement results, finally, operators training to conduct measurements in the same way and following unified procedures in the purpose of minimizing reproducibility and increasing the measurement system fidelity, which is proven by the final results. Along this evaluation, a critical comparison between these techniques is conducted in terms of calculations, result’s interpretation and acceptability requirements to evaluate the efficiency of each method. Xbar/R and ANOVA demonstrate a similarities in interpretation and acceptability criteria but ANOVA surpassed Xbar/R by adding new factors in the calculations, while EMP III, which is not widely addressed in the literature, shows a great difference with a distinguished methodology, distinct metrics and acceptability guidelines. Therefore, a combination of ANOVA and EMP III in measurement system analysis would be very effective by extracting comprehensive informations about the studied instrument. 

The Effect of Lipids on the Structure and Function of Egg Proteins in Response to Pasteurization.

In recent years, the consumption of liquid eggs has failed to meet the expectations of the public due to growing concerns regarding food safety and health. It is well known that there are interactions between the components in liquid eggs, and the interaction effect on the structure and functional properties of the proteins and antigenicity remains unclear. To investigate egg component interactions, we focused on four major egg lipids, namely phosphatidylcholine, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, as well as four major egg proteins, including ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, ovomucoid, and lysozyme. The protein structural changes were analyzed using polypropylene gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism, ultraviolet absorption spectra, and exogenous fluorescence spectra, and the functional properties were assessed through solubility measurements and particle size analysis, while protein antigenicity was evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All the results revealed that oleic acid had the most significant effect on proteins' secondary and tertiary structures, particularly affecting ovalbumin and ovotransferrin. Linoleic acid substantially increased the solubility of ovalbumin and ovomucoid, while palmitic acid significantly influenced the particle size of ovalbumin and lysozyme. Thus, we found that different lipids exhibit distinct effects on egg protein properties during pasteurization conditions, with oleic acid showing the most substantial impact on protein structure and antigenicity.

Effects of a chemical dispersant on the dispersibility of Moso bamboo phytoliths in a particle-size analysis

ABSTRACT Phytoliths produced by higher plants are biogenic minerals with a wide range of particle sizes that correspond to clay, silt, and sand in mineral soil. Phytoliths supplied to soils through plants’ death function as soil particles and affect soil physicochemical properties. Investigations of the functions of phytolith particles as a subset of soil particles are facilitated by fractionation and quantification of the phytoliths based on soil particle-size distribution. Fractionation is typically conducted through particle-size analysis (PSA) methods developed for soil texture analyses. However, the effects of chemicals used to achieve particle dispersion in these methods on phytolith dispersibility remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of chemical dispersants on phytolith dispersibility. Based on the results, several recommendations are provided with respect to the dispersal conditions. The phytoliths used in this study were extracted from Moso bamboo leaf litter through wet digestion and dispersed by ultrasound followed by two chemical procedures: pH control using hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide and the addition of sodium hexametaphosphate as a dispersant. The extent of dispersion was determined by quantifying the clay-sized fraction (<2 µm) through gravity sedimentation and the pipette method. The results showed that the content of clay-sized phytoliths in dispersions remained constant from pH 3 to 9, then increased significantly at pH 10–11, likely due to phytolith dissolution, which also led to overestimation of the clay-sized fraction. This finding demonstrated that dispersion at higher pH (>10), as is often the case in PSA methods for soils, is unsuitable for phytoliths; instead, soil particles should be dispersed at pH < 9 to avoid phytolith dissolution.

Recombinant Production of Bovine αS1-Casein in Genome-Reduced Bacillus subtilis Strain IIG-Bs-20-5-1.

Cow's milk represents an important protein source. Here, especially casein proteins are important components, which might be a promising source of alternative protein production by microbial expression systems. Nevertheless, caseins are difficult-to-produce proteins, making heterologous production challenging. However, the potential of genome-reduced Bacillus subtilis was applied for the recombinant production of bovine αS1-casein protein. A plasmid-based gene expression system was established in B. subtilis allowing the production of his-tagged codon-optimized bovine αS1-casein. Upscaling in a fed-batch bioreactor system for high cell-density fermentation processes allowed for efficient recombinant αS1-casein production. After increasing the molecular abundance of the recombinant αS1-casein protein using immobilized metal affinity chromatography, zeta potential and particle size distribution were determined in comparison to native bovine αS1-casein. Non-sporulating B. subtilis strain BMV9 and genome-reduced B. subtilis strain IIG-Bs-20-5-1 were applied for recombinant αS1-casein production. Casein was detectable only in the insoluble protein fraction of the genome-reduced B. subtilis strain. Subsequent high cell-density fed-batch bioreactor cultivations using strain IIG-Bs-20-5-1 resulted in a volumetric casein titer of 56.9 mg/L and a yield of 1.6 mgcasein/gCDW after reducing the B. subtilis protein content. Comparative analyses of zeta potential and particle size between pre-cleaned recombinant and native αS1-casein showed pH-mediated differences in aggregation behavior. The study demonstrates the potential of B. subtilis for the recombinant production of bovine αS1-casein and underlines the potential of genome reduction for the bioproduction of difficult-to-produce proteins.