Gelatin Particles Research Articles

Development of a Cost-Effective Plasma Thawer: A Potential Game-Changer in Blood Transfusion Technology

Plasma thawers are vital in healthcare, ensuring safe thawing of frozen plasma for life-saving transfusions. To address challenges such as specialized operator training and high initial costs in low-resource settings, we developed a cost-effective and efficient plasma thawer in Pakistan. The device consisted of two compartments: one dedicated to thawing plasma and equipped with a water-filled heater, a continuous temperature sensor, and an agitating frame for plasma bags, and the other housing the control box. Optimized thawing conditions were defined. The regulation of temperature and control of motors were coordinated through an Arduino microcontroller and relays which allowed users to set temperature limits through push buttons. Our device was able to thaw frozen plasma, accurately maintaining water temperature between 37-40°C. The samples were clear of solid and gelatinous particles, indicating no protein denaturation or overheating. A buzzer signaled the completion of each cycle. The microcontroller cut off power to the heater if the temperature exceeded the upper limit. Relays activated heater to maintain water temperature above the lower limit and activated DC motor which converted rotational motion into linear motion through gears. The device was 10 times more cost-effective compared to commercially available alternatives. We demonstrated that plasma can be thawed using our prototype without any negative influence on the plasma quality, presupposed that optimized settings defined for this plasma product are used. We plan to further assess plasma coagulation, inhibition activity and hemostatic potency.

Synergistic and simultaneous removal of heavy metal ions over waste bamboo shoot particles encapsulated carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin composite hydrogel

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogels are commonly used for heavy metal removal due to their abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. However, pristine CMC hydrogels always suffer from low gel strength and limited adsorption properties in large-scale applications. In this study, to improve the gel strength and heavy metal ions removal capacity, fish gelatin and bamboo shoot particle (BSP) were introduced to CMC hydrogels, respectively. The formation of the composite hydrogel with enhanced gel strength was primarily driven by hydrogen bonding, which exhibited an increase strain resistance with a critical strain value up to 214.68 %. As expected, the composite hydrogel can effectively remove Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions simultaneously. The physical adsorption process of heavy metals by the composite hydrogel was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, while the Langmuir model indicated maximum adsorption capacities of 147.7 mg/g for Cd2+, 88.62 mg/g for Hg2+, and 163.89 mg/g for Pb2+. Notably, the composite hydrogel exhibited enhanced recyclability, maintaining its efficacy for up to at least five cycles. This study underscores the potential of using naturally occurring biodegradable materials for the removal of heavy metals, and paved ways for heavy metal removal at industrial levels.

Validation of current commercially-available devices to thaw pooled, solvent/detergent-treated human plasma.

Proper thawing procedures are required to preserve the quality of human fresh frozen plasma (FFP). octaplasLG (Octapharma AG, Switzerland) is a frozen solution of solvent/detergent (S/D)-treated human plasma, produced to improve pathogen safety. This study aimed to validate the S/D plasma thawing process using the latest-generation of commercially-available thawing devices and to determine S/D plasma quality after thawing. Thawing of S/D plasma units was investigated using a microwave oven (Transfusio-therm 3000) and dry tempering systems (SAHARA 4 and Plasmatherm V). Times to defrost plasma and reach 30°C product temperature, using the 37°C thawing programmes, were defined for all devices. Thawed S/D plasma units were tested against product release parameters, as well as for hemostatic capacity tested indirectly via global coagulation parameters, coagulation factors, protease inhibitors and markers of activated coagulation. The fastest thawing was observed using the microwave oven; S/D plasma units were defrosted after 2-3 min. All S/D plasma units thawed by the different devices using optimised thawing conditions were clear and free of solid and gelatinous particles, indicating no local overheating or protein denaturation. Coagulation factor and inhibitor activities and hemostatic capacity of S/D plasma were comparable when thawed by the three different devices. With each device, all product parameters were within product release specification levels after thawing. S/D plasma can be thawed using the Transfusio-therm 3000, SAHARA 4 or Plasmatherm V thawing devices using the optimised settings defined for this plasma product, with no negative influence on plasma quality.

Chemical composition, functional properties, physico-chemical properties, and techno-functional characteristics of Satureja protein hydrolysate stabilized in a gelatin matrix.

The current evaluation was conducted to investigate the chemical composition and functional properties of protein hydrolysates from different Satureja species. The major amino acids (mg/100 g protein) in the protein from different Satureja species were arginine (6.06-14.37), asparagine (1.39-17.06), glutamine (2.42-11.60), glutamic acid (6.34-9.32), beta-aminoisobutyric acid (3.31-10.29), alanine (4.64-9.59), aspartic acid (5.73-9.54), proline (4.25-8.14), leucine (3.63-5.69), serine (2.64-4.83), lysine (1.89-4.56), glycine (0.96-5.27), valine (2.76-4.83), and phenylalanine (2.86-3.75). Protein hydrolysates from Satureja species exhibited comparable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.270-0.328 mg/mL), anti-linoleic acid oxidation (IC50 = 0.231-0.301 mg/mL), anti-lecithin oxidation (IC50 = 0.198-0.258 mg/mL), anti-starch oxidation (IC50 = 0.201-0.277 mg/mL), anti-amylase activity (IC50 = 0.314-0.337 mg/mL), and anti-lipase activity (IC50 = 0.309-0.369 mg/mL). The physico-chemical properties of gelatin dispersion were electrical conductivity (1197 microsiemens/cm), osmolarity (190 milliosmol/kg), surface tension (45 mN/m), particle size (179 nm), zeta potential (-48 mV), and viscosity (4.92 mPa.s). Techno-functional characteristics of freeze-dried gelatin particles were as follows: water content (7.68%), water solubility (84.57%), water swelling (151.33%), hygroscopicity (38.20%), hydrophobicity (6.50 μg/g), emulsification activity (68.54%), emulsification stability (57.86%), foam expansion activity (56.08%), foam stability (41.84%), oil-holding capacity (1.96 g/g), and water-holding capacity (4.45 g/g). Protein hydrolysate causes minor changes in the physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of gelatin. The current investigation introduces Satureja protein hydrolysate as a possible functional and techno-functional ingredient for bioactive food products for treating diabetes and oxidative stress and as a natural preservative for the food industry.

Magnetodielectric and Rheological Effects in Magnetorheological Suspensions Based on Lard, Gelatin and Carbonyl Iron Microparticles.

This study aims to develop low-cost, eco-friendly, and circular economy-compliant composite materials by creating three types of magnetorheological suspensions (MRSs) utilizing lard, carbonyl iron (CI) microparticles, and varying quantities of gelatin particles (GP). These MRSs serve as dielectric materials in cylindrical cells used to fabricate electric capacitors. The equivalent electrical capacitance (C) of these capacitors is measured under different magnetic flux densities (B≤160 mT) superimposed on a medium-frequency electric field (f = 1 kHz) over a period of 120 s. The results indicate that at high values of B, increasing the GP content to 20 vol.% decreases the capacitance C up to about one order of magnitude compared to MRS without GP. From the measured data, the average values of capacitance Cm are derived, enabling the calculation of relative dielectric permittivities (ϵr') and the dynamic viscosities (η) of the MRSs. It is demonstrated that ϵr' and η can be adjusted by modifying the MRS composition and fine-tuned through the magnetic flux density B. A theoretical model based on the theory of dipolar approximations is used to show that ϵr', η, and the magnetodielectric effect can be coarsely adjusted through the composition of MRSs and finely adjusted through the values B of the magnetic flux density. The ability to fine-tune these properties highlights the versatility of these materials, making them suitable for applications in various industries, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace.

No lipiodol, no beads-another transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with fine cisplatin powder and porous gelatin particles for TACE-naïve, multifocal, up-to-seven out hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Japanese Interventional oncology group (JIVROSG) showed the efficacy and safety of nonselective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with fine cisplatin powder (diamminedichloroplatinum; DDP-H) (65 mg/m2) and porous gelatin particles (DDP-H TACE) without lipiodol for extensive multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are no studies on this method following the JIVROSG study. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this new DDP-H TACE and its effect on liver function. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of TACE-naïve patients with multifocal HCC (Child-Pugh class A, up-to-seven out, no prior history of systemic therapy) who underwent whole-liver DDP-H TACE between January 2006 and December 2019. Sixty patients were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 71 (range, 35-88) years. The median maximum size of tumors was 26 (range, 8-184) mm; 86.7% of patients met the up-to-11 criteria out. The overall survival duration was 30.3 months. At the time of initial evaluation (median, 45 days), the overall response rate was 65.0%; the disease control rate was 86.7% based on the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors guideline. Although nine patients' liver function had deteriorated to Child-Pugh class B at initial evaluation, six of them recovered to Child-Pugh class A. Only three patients (5%) showed permanently impaired liver function. Whole-liver DDP-H TACE without lipiodol or beads effectively reduced tumors and preserved liver function.

Active intruder motion in a two-dimensional granular medium

We studied an active intruder traversing a two-dimensional granular medium. First, we conducted experiments to analyze the motion of the active intruder within a bed of soft particles distributed throughout a horizontal container. Our observations revealed that the intruder preferentially moved along regions characterized by higher disorder. As a consequence of its motion, and as the intruder repeatedly traversed specific regions, the structure in the vicinity of the path, but also in more distant regions, gradually became more ordered. Additionally, the motion of the intruder tended to be localized in closed paths, with this effect becoming more pronounced at higher particle concentrations. Secondly, we analyzed the behavior of the active intruder within a slightly tilted container and under vibration and shearing conditions, which served to fluidize the granular bed. Our findings indicated that the trajectory of the intruder tended to intersect regions of the granular medium with lower structural order. The overall order and fluidization degrees were found to be the primary influences on the intruder’s penetration length. We used the sixth-bond-orientational order parameter to characterize the local structural aspects of the medium and the mean squared displacement to describe the dynamics of both the intruder and the medium. We conducted an experimental analysis of the ordering of the medium and motion of the intruder using network contact forces in a similar system based on soft gelatin particles. The results of this experimental analysis are consistent with the general results, showing that media with an ordered configuration exhibit more resistance than disordered media.

Development of porous hydroxyapatite/PVA/gelatin/alginate hybrid flexible scaffolds with improved mechanical properties for bone tissue engineering

Porous scaffolds based on gelatin and hydroxyapatite particles (HAp) are promising for applications in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, they are not ideal for stress and shock protection due to low compressive strength, brittleness, and poor toughness. Herein, we developed porous hybrid scaffolds by combining multiple components into a single bone scaffold, including hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp NPs), alginate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and gelatin with different gelatin/PVA composition ratios. HAp NPs were synthesized in situ in PVA solution and scaffolds were fabricated using a freeze-drying method. The results showed good physicochemical properties of the scaffolds: formation of pure HAp NPs phase, high porosity, large pore sizes, large swelling capacity depending on varying gelatin/PVA ratios, as well as a long-term degradation rate up to 28 days. The porous scaffolds exhibited compressive strength close to the cancellous bone with stress-strain behavior exhibiting three-stage flexible behavior indicating improved fracture resistance with an energy absorbing capability up to 1.9 MJ/m3. The scaffolds have a yield strength of 70–403 kPa, a compressive strength at 65 % strain of 0.96–1.80 MPa, a nonporous elastic modulus of 10.44–12.40 GPa, and a densification strain of approximately 0.92 %. This work develops three-dimensional (3D) porous hybrid bone scaffolds with mechanical strength within the minimum compressive strength of cancellous bone and mechanical energy absorption capacity favor for cancellous bone repair, bone tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine applications.

Backflow reduction in local injection therapy with gelatin formulations

The local injection of therapeutic drugs, including cells, oncolytic viruses and nucleic acids, into different organs is an administrative route used to achieve high drug exposure at the site of action. However, after local injection, material backflow and side effect reactions can occur. Hence, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of gelatin on backflow reduction in local injection. Gelatin particles (GPs) and hydrolyzed gelatin (HG) were injected into tissue models, including versatile training tissue (VTT), versatile training tissue tumor-in type (VTT-T), and broiler chicken muscles (BCM), using needle gauges between 23 G and 33 G. The backflow material fluid was collected with filter paper, and the backflow fluid rate was determined. The backflow rate was significantly reduced with 35 μm GPs (p value < .0001) at different concentrations up to 5% and with 75 μm GPs (p value < .01) up to 2% in the tissue models. The reduction in backflow with HG of different molecular weights showed that lower-molecular-weight HG required a higher-concentration dose (5% to 30%) and that higher-molecular-weight HG required a lower-concentration dose (7% to 8%). The backflow rate was significantly reduced with the gelatin-based formulation, in regard to the injection volumes, which varied from 10 μL to 100 μL with VTT or VTT-T and from 10 μL to 200 μL with BCM. The 35 μm GPs were injectable with needles of small gauges, which included 33 G, and the 75 μm GPs and HG were injectable with 27 G needles. The backflow rate was dependent on an optimal viscosity of the gelatin solutions. An optimal concentration of GPs or HG can prevent material backflow in local injection, and further studies with active drugs are necessary to investigate the applicability in tumor and organ injections.

Functional properties and anti‐hyperglycaemia capacity of Satureja essential oil: stabilisation of essential oil in gelatin and physico‐chemical properties characterisation

SummaryThis work presents the impact of Satureja essential oil (SEO) on the mRNA generation of NFR2, NF‐kB, and NOX (NADH oxidase) in the macrophage stimulated with hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, SEO incorporated into gelatin particles and physico‐chemical properties were investigated. The major variation between different constituents of SEO was found in carvacrol (35.9%–87.6%) and γ‐terpinene (0.43%–33.9%). Different SEO with different constituents exhibited comparable antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.170–0.215 mg mL−1), anti‐linoleic acid oxidation (IC50 = 0.137–0.195 mg mL−1), anti‐lecithin oxidation (IC50 = 0.126–0.134 mg mL−1), anti‐starch oxidation (IC50 = 0.155–0.199 mg mL−1), anti‐protein oxidation (IC50 = 0.166–0.211 mg mL−1), anti‐amylase capacity (IC50 = 0.202–0.230 mg mL−1), and anti‐lipase capacity (IC50 = 0.24–0.260 mg mL−1). Hyperglycaemia stimulates NOX, NFR2, NF‐kB, and hydrogen peroxide in macrophages. SEO (at 0.03 and 0.06 mg mL−1) decreased NOX and NF‐kB activity and hydrogen peroxide and increased NFR2 in hyperglycaemia‐stimulated macrophages. The physio‐chemical parameters of gelatin dispersion were electrical conductivity (1095 microsiemens cm−1), osmolarity (176 milliosmol kg−1), surface tension (42 mN m−1), zeta potential (−40 mV), particle size (123 nm), particle size distribution (0.18), and viscosity (3.47 mPa.s). The techno‐functional parameters of gelatin particles were water content (10.4%), water solubility (83%), water swelling (138%), hygroscopicity (35%), hydrophobicity (6.8 μg g−1), emulsification activity (62%), emulsification stability (52%), foam activity (49%), foam stability (42%), water‐holding capacity (4.5 g g−1), and oil‐holding capacity (2.4 g g−1). SEO causes minor changes in the techno‐functional and physico‐chemical properties of gelatin. The current investigation introduces gelatin/SEO as a possible functional ingredient for bioactive food products for the treatment of diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Preparation and Characterisation of Nanolignin-Gelatine-Glycerol Composite (NLGGCs) Thin Film for Food Coating Application

Recognising the importance of preventing rapid food deterioration and prolonging the shelf life of fruits and vegetables from oxidation, we successfully created thin films composed of Nanolignin-Gelatine-Glycerol Composites (NLGGCs) through a traditional blending technique. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful preparation of nanolignin structures, with characteristic peaks observed at 513 cm-1 (C-C stretching in aromatic), 1222 cm-1 (phenolic OH), and 1107 cm-1 (Ar-H and syringyl group). Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) revealed an absorption capacity within the 280 to 300 nm range. Film opacity increased with a greater nanolignin composition in the thin film, attributed to the presence of chromophore structures. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) demonstrated a thermal degradation temperature exceeding 300°C. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis unveiled two distinct glass transition temperatures (Tg) at approximately 60°C and 80°C, indicating microphase separation and immiscibility between gelatine and nanolignin particles. The nanolignin content significantly influenced solubility and water uptake, with higher nanolignin content leading to reduced solubility and water absorption. The application of NLGGCs film coatings on banana surfaces extended their shelf life compared to control samples after 10 days. Furthermore, NLGGCs underscore the pivotal role in enhancing the performance as a promising bio-based food coating alternative for future applications.

True Costs of Uterine Artery Embolization: Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing in Interventional Radiology Over a 3-Year Period

PurposeThe aim of this study is to uncover potential areas for cost savings in uterine artery embolization (UAE) using time-driven activity-based costing, the most accurate costing methodology for direct health care system costs. MethodsOne hundred twenty-three patients who underwent outpatient UAE for fibroids or adenomyosis between January 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Utilization times were captured from electronic health record time stamps and staff interviews using validated techniques. Capacity cost rates were estimated using institutional data and manufacturer proxy prices. Costs were calculated using time-driven activity-based costing for personnel, equipment, and consumables. Differences in time utilization and costs between procedures by an interventional radiology attending physician only versus an interventional radiology attending physician and trainee were additionally performed. ResultsThe mean total cost of UAE was $4,267 ± $1,770, the greatest contributor being consumables (51%; $2,162 ± $811), followed by personnel (33%; $1,388 ± $340) and equipment (7%; $309 ± $96). Embolic agents accounted for the greatest proportion of consumable costs, accounting for 51% ($1,273 ± $789), followed by vascular devices (15%; $630 ± $143). The cost of embolic agents was highly variable, driven mainly by the number of vials (range 1-19) of tris-acryl gelatin particles used. Interventional radiology attending physician only cases had significantly lower personnel costs ($1,091 versus $1,425, P = .007) and equipment costs ($268 versus $317, P = .007) compared with interventional radiology attending physician and trainee cases, although there was no significant difference in mean overall costs ($3,640 versus $4,386; P = .061). ConclusionsConsumables accounted for the majority of total cost of UAE, driven by the cost of embolic agents and vascular devices.

Embolization of pseudoaneurysms in the ureteral branch of the renal artery

BackgroundAlthough transcatheter arterial embolization for pseudoaneurysms is already well-established, ureteral artery pseudoaneurysm embolization is extremely rare. The present case shows a successful transcatheter arterial embolization for pseudoaneurysms in the ureteral branch of the renal artery due to ureteral invasion from gastric cancer.Case presentationA 57-year-old female presented with gross hematuria after treatments for poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed pseudoaneurysms around the right ureter with a massive hematoma in the right ureter and bladder. The diagnosis was ureteral branch pseudoaneurysms resulting from possible retroperitoneal invasion due to pelvic lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed using gelatin particles, successfully controlling her hematuria without complications.ConclusionsUreteral branch artery embolization, although extremely rare, may be an effective and safe treatment option.

Ionizing Radiation Synthesis of Hydrogel Nanoparticles of Gelatin and Polyethylene Glycol at High Temperature.

Nanohydrogel particles of polyethylene glycol (PEG), gelatin (GEL), and PEG-GEL mixtures (MIXs) were synthesized with a high electron beam and 60Co gamma-ray radiation. The relatively novel technique of Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation (AF4 or AFFFF) coupled to a Multi-Angle Laser Light Scattering (MALLS) detector was mainly used to determine the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of the radiation-synthesized PEG, GEL, and PEG-GEL nanohydrogel particles. Our approach to achieving nanohydrogel particles is to enhance the intracrosslinking reactions and decrease the intercrosslinking reactions of the C-centered radicals of the PEG and GEL. The intracrosslinking reactions of these free radicals were enhanced via irradiation at temperatures of 77-80 °C and using a high dose rate and pulsed irradiation. The shorter average distance between the C-centered free radicals on the backbone of the thermally collapsed PEG and GEL chain, due to the destruction of hydrogen bonds, enhances the intracrosslinking reactions. It was observed that increasing the dose and dose rate decreased the Dh. DLS results lined up with AF4 measurements. This study provides researchers with a clean method to produce GEL-PEG hydrogels without the use of toxic reagents. Particle size can be tuned with dose, dose rate, and temperature as demonstrated in this work. This is ideal for medical applications as the use of ionizing radiation eliminates toxicity concerns and provides simultaneous sterilization of the material.

High internal phase emulsions of ω-3 fatty acids stabilized by fish scale gelatin particles: Application to lipid-enhanced surimi 3D printing

This study explores the use of exogenous lipid fortification and 3D printing technologies in the production of innovative surimi products. Specifically, the study focuses on stabilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids using microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) cross-linked fish scale gelatin particles (FSG). The addition of FSG significantly increased the HIPEs' thermal and freeze-thaw stability. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) demonstrated that cross-linking between FSG particles further stabilized the network structure of the HIPEs. An attempt was made to prepare food inks for 3D printing by incorporating the obtained HIPEs into surimi to investigate the effects of HIPEs on the mechanical properties, rheological behavior, moisture distribution and printing performance of HIPEs-surimi system. The mechanical properties of surimi were enhanced by including HIPEs, which allowed for finer print nozzles (1.2 mm) and produced finer textures. The incorporation of HIPEs in surimi products resulted in an increase in the amount of healthy lipids, which is beneficial for meeting the nutritional needs of consumers and addressing the technical challenges in producing high-end surimi products.

Development, testing, and molecular dynamics simulation of a membrane that resists fouling by gel pollutants for humidification–dehumidification–type seawater desalination

Humidification-dehumidification-type seawater desalination is an effective technology for solving the ongoing water shortage issue. As organic acid-rich seawater contains many amphiphilic gel pollutants, it is necessary to develop a membrane with anti-gel-fouling characteristics. Most of the previous studies have focused on the hydrophobic functionalisation of the membrane surface or the introduction of certain anti-fouling components to remove contaminants, such as salts or proteins, from membranes. In contrast, the contamination of membranes with gels has rarely been investigated. In this study, a commercial membrane was modified with citric acid to overcome the contamination of the membrane surface with gel during organic acid-rich seawater desalination. A novel functional membrane was prepared by introducing citric acid into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane. Then, SiO2 was loaded onto the membrane surface to form an electronegative layer and also improve its hydrophobicity by increasing the surface roughness. The SiO2-loaded membrane was further modified with low-surface-energy fluoroalkylsilane to render the membrane surface hydrophobic. During water treatment, citric acid combined with Ca2+ to form soluble complexes on the membrane surface, preventing the formation of gel. Preferential selection and steric hindrance prevented the aggregation of gelatinous particles on the membrane surface. The formation of the hydration layer prevents the partial adsorption of the hydrophobic gel on the membrane surface. Further, the highly electronegative layer on the membrane surface synergistically reduced the adsorption of the most electronegative gel. The so-modified PVDF membrane was used to treat brine with a high gel content, and the structural parameters, moisture permeability, and resistance to gel fouling of the new functional membrane were evaluated. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to clarify the mechanism through which the modified membrane resists gel fouling. The new functional membrane could satisfactorily prevent gel pollution during seawater desalination.

Mitigating soil salinity stress with titanium gypsum and biochar composite materials: Improvement effects and mechanism

Titanium gypsum and biochar are considered effective amendments for mitigating soil salinity stress. However, the knowledge is inadequate regarding their efficiency and application as an improvement. In this study, TG-B composite was prepared by using industrial by-products titanium gypsum and biochar as raw materials and then modified by ball milling method, to characterize its microscopic characteristics and explore the improvement effect on saline-alkali soil and plant growth. Besides, we explored the mechanism of TG-B in improving saline-alkali soil and the dynamic balance of the solution reaction process. Our results showed that the CaSO4·2H2O particles in TG-B were finer, dispersed evenly, and contacted fully with soil gelatinous particles, which was more conducive to the improvement of saline-alkali soil. The results of TG-B with different ball milling ratios and different materials dosages indicated that the application rate of TG-B was 5%, and the optimum ratio of TG-B was TG: B (mass ratio) = 10:1, with the best soil improvement effect. The pot experiment proved that the indicators of indicating soil salinity such as pH, EC, SAR, and soluble Na+ decreased by 20.74%, 77.24%, 68.77%, and 44.70%, respectively, thus playing a good role in improving saline-alkali soil. In addition, pot experiments demonstrated that compared with the control group, the soil porosity and soil moisture content in the TG-B group increased by 15.95% and 38.71%, respectively, and further improve the structure and diversity of soil bacterial community when compared with titanium gypsum and biochar alone. Finally, the application of TG-B promoted the germination and growth of rice significantly through the synergistic effects of composite material components. These results all suggested that the application of TG-B was an effective strategy to improve soil salinity and promote plant growth. Therefore, it might provide new insights into the utilization of solid waste resources to improve saline-alkali lands.

Hydrophobically Modified Gelatin Particles for Production of Liquid Marbles.

The unique properties and morphology of liquid marbles (LMs) make them potentially useful for various applications. Non-edible hydrophobic organic polymer particles are widely used to prepare LMs. It is necessary to increase the variety of LM particles to extend their use into food and pharmaceuticals. Herein, we focus on hydrophobically modified gelatin (HMG) as a base material for the particles. The surface tension of HMG decreased as the length of alkyl chains incorporated into the gelatin and the degree of substitution (DS) of the alkyl chains increased. HMG with a surface tension of less than 37.5 mN/m (determined using equations based on the Young-Dupré equation and Kaelble-Uy theory) successfully formed LMs of water. The minimum surface tension of a liquid in which it was possible to form LMs using HMG particles was approximately 53 mN/m. We also showed that the liquid-over-solid spreading coefficient SL/S is a potential new factor for predicting if particles can form LMs. The HMG particles and the new system for predicting LM formation could expand the use of LMs in food and pharmaceuticals.

S2180 Strongyloides-Associated Eosinophilic Colitis: Implications for Managing Renal Transplant Patients

Introduction: Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic intestinal nematode that is often asymptomatic but can cause life threatening hyperinfection syndrome (HIS) and disseminated disease (DD). Solid organ transplant patients require careful evaluation. Diagnostic challenges may allow patients to proceed to transplantation, increasing risk for HIS. These infections prove difficult to identify and treat, with high mortality rates. Case Description/Methods: A 57-year-old man with CKD on peritoneal dialysis and chronic pancreatitis complicated by pseudocyst formation with cyst gastrostomy undergoing renal transplant evaluation presented for chronic abdominal pain, daily diarrhea, postprandial dyspepsia and 35lb weight loss over 2 years. He required multiple hospitalizations and endoscopic evaluation without clear diagnosis. He was clinically stable on pancrelipase for presumed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Labs showed lipase 41, triglycerides 173, IgG4 32, WBC 9.6 with eosinophils 100/µL, Iron 79. Colonoscopy showed granular transverse colonic mucosa that was biopsied. Pathology showed intraepithelial and lamina propria eosinophils. Immunohistochemical staining for CD117 did not show increased mast cells. Follow up tryptase was 12.9 and eosinophils 660/µL. IgA 147, IgG 2253 and IgM 50. IgE was not assessed. Stool studies and allergy skin testing were negative. Strongyloides IgG antibody returned positive. He was treated with Ivermectin 15mg (200mcg/kg/day) induction for 2 days followed by Ivermectin 15mg for 2 days, 14 days later. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed resolution with improvement in peripheral eosinophilia and with resolution of his diarrhea (Figure). Discussion: Strongyloides infection is well described in solid organ transplant patients. Larvae introduce enteric bacteria or fungi into the blood causing electrolyte disturbances, colonic ulceration, alveolar hemorrhage, severe sepsis and death. Morbidity and mortality, reaches 50% for HIS and 70% for DD. Diagnosis requires larvae identification but false negatives are high. Duodenal aspirates have better sensitivity at 76%. Serologic testing cannot distinguish between prior or active infection. A gelatin particle indirect agglutination test may be more reliable. First line treatment with Ivermectin induction with later treatment effectively eradicates organisms with cure rates between 94-100%. In our case, early detection may have prevented HIS and highlights the significance of early detection, particularly in pre-transplant patients.Figure 1.: Colonic eosinophilia (A) Increase in eosinophils within the mucosa and submucosa with preserved crypt architecture (H&E stain; 200X) (B) Intense focus of lamina propria eosinophilia accompanied by intraepithelial eosinophils (H&E stain; 400x) (C) Immunostaining for CD117 highlights rare mast cells (IHC stain; 200X).

Transects in the deep: Opportunities with tele-operated resident seafloor robots

Scientific, industrial and societal needs call urgently for the development and establishment of intelligent, cost-effective and ecologically sustainable monitoring protocols and robotic platforms for the continuous exploration of marine ecosystems. Internet Operated Vehicles (IOVs) such as crawlers, provide a versatile alternative to conventional observing and sampling tools, being tele-operated, (semi-) permanent mobile platforms capable of operating on the deep and coastal seafloor. Here we present outstanding observations made by the crawler “Wally” in the last decade at the Barkley Canyon (BC, Canada, NE Pacific) methane hydrates site, as a part of the NEPTUNE cabled observatory. The crawler followed the evolution of microhabitats formed on and around biotic and/or abiotic structural features of the site (e.g., a field of egg towers of buccinid snails, and a colonized boulder). Furthermore, episodic events of fresh biomass input were observed (i.e., the mass transport of large gelatinous particles, the scavenging of a dead jellyfish and the arrival of macroalgae from shallower depths). Moreover, we report numerous faunal behaviors (i.e., sablefish rheo- and phototaxis, the behavioral reactions and swimming or resting patterns of further fish species, encounters with octopuses and various crab intra- and interspecific interactions). We report on the observed animal reactions to both natural and artificial stimuli (i.e., crawler’s movement and crawler light systems). These diverse observations showcase different capabilities of the crawler as a modern robotic monitoring platform for marine science and offshore industry. Its long deployments and mobility enable its efficiency in combining the repeatability of long-term studies with the versatility to opportunistically observe rarely seen incidents when they occur, as highlighted here. Finally, we critically assess the empirically recorded ecological footprint and the potential impacts of crawler operations on the benthic ecosystem of the Barkley Canyon hydrates site, together with potential solutions to mitigate them into the future.