Physicochemical Characteristics Research Articles

Preparation of functional supplement powder using nanoliposome‐containing marine bioactive compounds

AbstractThe demand for marine bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents in supplements or functional foods has increased. However, their instability, bitter taste, and potential degradation during digestion have hindered their widespread use. To overcome these problems, a functional supplement powder was produced using the encapsulation technique of nanoliposomes containing shrimp lipid extract, fish oil (FO), and fish protein hydrolysate. Chitosan and whey protein concentrate (WPC) were used to coat the nanoliposomes in mono/bilayer and composite forms, followed by freeze‐drying for 72 h. The physicochemical characteristics, nutritional, in vitro release, and sensory evaluation were investigated. The WPC‐monolayer treatment exhibited the highest solubility (28.83 mg/100 g), encapsulation efficiency (97.67%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Although the mono/bilayer treatments of whey protein showed lower docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid than FO, they presented a favorable amino acid profile. Compared to acidic stomach conditions, the release in the intestine was higher. Incorporating 1.5 g of the supplement powder per 100 g of milk can meet an individual's daily nutritional needs for essential amino acids and PUFAs. Therefore, encapsulating marine bioactive compounds in liposomal carriers could be a beneficial approach to their direct use as a nutritious powder.

Experimental Study and Prospects of Valorization of Jatropha Curcas Seeds into Biodiesel

Jatropha curcas L. is a promising oilseed plant for biodiesel given its oil content and its tendency to grow in harsh environmental conditions. In this study, we conducted experiments on the valorization of jatropha seeds into biodiesel in order to estimate the key parameters of the process and the properties of the obtained biodiesel. The results revealed that the molar ratio between triglycerides and methanol, catalyst concentration, and reaction temperature played an important role in the diesel yield. The biodiesel produced had physicochemical characteristics in line with international standards for diesel fuels, with combustion properties comparable to those of conventional diesel. This study shed light on the optimization of the process of valorization of jatropha curcas seeds into biodiesel and on the support of the potential as a renewable fuel source.

Formulation and Evaluation of Weaning Foods Prepared from Multigrain Flour and Powdered Milk

Aims: Children after 6 months need to shift from breast milk to weaning food. The present study aims to develop low cost nutritious weaning foods to fulfil the increased nutritional requirements during this phase of growth. Study Design: The present study involved development of three different samples of low cost weaning foods prepared with multigrain flour (combination of rice flour, wheat flour and gram flour in the ratio of 2:1:0.5) mixed with milk powder (5%, 7.5% and 10% of the total flour mixture). Sensory, physicochemical and cost analyses were performed for the samples. Place and Duration of Study: University Polytechnic (Boys), Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, between January 2016 and July 2016. Methodology: Sensory evaluation was done on a 9 point hedonic scale after preparing the samples for consumption by adding either water or milk. Physicochemical properties of the developed samples such as moisture content, ash content and protein content were assessed during storage at room temperature (25-32˚C) for 2 months in airtight laminated aluminium film packing material. Results: In sensory of samples prepared with water, sample 3 was found to be the most preferred sample while in case of samples prepared with milk, sample 1 was found to be the best in sensory quality. All the developed weaning food samples were found to be stable during 50 days of storage. Moisture content, Protein content and Ash content of the samples ranged from 4.84 to 10.38%, 13.23 and 16.29% and 1.22 to 1.54% respectively. Samples with more milk powder showed higher protein content and fat content. Conclusion: The prepared weaning food samples had comparable physicochemical and sensory characteristics and lower cost than the commercially available weaning foods. They will be helpful in fulfilling the nutritional requirement of the vulnerable sections of society including middle-income groups (MIG) and low-income groups (LIG) consumers and overcoming malnutrition.

Bioinformatics analysis to design a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine againstS. agalactiaeexploiting pathogenic proteins.

Antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogen infections is a growing global issue that occurs due to their adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Therefore, producing an efficient vaccine as an alternative approach can improve the immune system, eradicate related pathogens, and overcome this growing problem.Streptococcus agalactiaebelongs to group B Streptococcus (GBS). Colonization of GBS during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for infants and young children. S. agalactiae infected population exhibits resistance to beta-lactams, including penicillin and the second-line antibiotics erythromycin and clindamycin.On the other hand, there are currently no commercial vaccines against this pathogen. Vaccination of pregnant women is a highly effective method to protect newborns and infants from S. agalactiaeinfection, and it has been identified as an urgent demand by the World Health Organization. This study employed various immunoinformatic tools to develop an effective vaccine that could trigger both humoral and cell-mediated immunity and prevent disease. For this purpose, three conserved antigenic proteins of the main pathogenic strains ofS. agalactiaewere utilized to predict CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes for producing an mRNA vaccine against different strains ofS. agalactiae. The selected epitopes were fused using proper linkers. The Resuscitation promoting factor E (RpfE) sequence was incorporated in the designed vaccine construct as an adjuvant to boost its immune response. Different physicochemical characteristics of the final designed vaccine, modeling of the three-dimensional structure, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and immunological response simulation were screened following vaccine administration in an in vivo model.Computational immune simulation data identified that IgG1, IgM, INF γ, IL-2, T helper, and B-cell populations increased significantly after vaccination. These findings suggested that the vaccine candidate may provide good protection againstS. agalactiaeinfection. However,experimental and animal model studies are required for additional validation and implementation in human vaccination programs.

Physicochemical Characteristics of 'Wushan Plum' Subjected to Three Drying Methods.

In this study, the effects of hot air drying (HAD), freeze-drying (FD), and air-impingement jet drying (JD) on the physicochemical characteristics of 'Wushan plum' were analyzed. The results indicated three drying methods affected the browning, ascorbic acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities. The ascorbic acid content in HAD, FD, and JD samples was1.75±0.38, 5.88±0.56, and 4.73±0.75 mg/100 g, respectively, and the content of total phenolic compounds was 2.76±0.10, 3.05±0.04, and 2.83±0.24 mg/g, respectively. HAD samples had the lowest antioxidant activities as determined by DPPH·, ABTS+·, and FRAP assays. In addition, 11 phenolic compounds in 'Wushan plum' were quantified by UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS. The results showed that quercetin glycoside was the main compound, and its content was significantly reduced by these three drying methods. In all, this result indicated that JD would be a good choice for dying 'Wushan plum' considering the drying time, drying efficiency, and the integrated quality of the dried sample.

Toxicological assessment of the effects of CuCl2 and CuO nanoparticles on early developmental stages of the South American toad, Rhinella arenarum by standardized bioassays.

The release in aquatic environments of emergent contaminants such as copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) has generated concerns on their short- and long-term toxicity and the potential risk for more vulnerable animal groups, such as amphibians. In this sense, the aim of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of CuO-NPs in comparison with its respective salt (CuCl2) in embryos and larvae of a native amphibian, Rhinella arenarum, by acute (96h) and chronic (504h) standardized bioassays. Lethality and sublethal effects such as developmental, morphological, and ethological alterations were assessed in a wide range of concentrations (0.001-100mg/L). Neurotoxic effects by acetyl (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity levels and changes in the lipid content were also assessed at sublethal concentrations. Results showed that CuCl2 caused higher lethality than CuO-NPs in both developmental periods. Embryos were more sensitive than larvae with LC50-96h = 0.080mg CuCl2/L and 1.26mg CuO-NPs/L and 0.21mg CuCl2/L and 20.17mg CuO-NPs/L, respectively. At acute exposure, embryos exhibited several developmental abnormalities such as developmental delay, edema, axial flexure, and microcephaly. Larvae presented spasmodic contractions and weak movements. Regarding neurotoxicity, a significant increase in AChE activity at low concentrations as well as an inhibition of BChE activity at all tested concentrations was evidenced for both substances at acute exposure. Moreover, an increment in phospholipid and triglyceride levels was observed at the highest concentration of CuO-NPs (10mg/L) at chronic exposure. The chromatographic separation of lipids showed no apparent differences in acylglycerols and free fatty acid bands, between the treatments and the control. The differences in toxicity between CuO-NPs and CuCl2 could be due to structural and physicochemical characteristics that influence their bioavailability and toxicity. Considering the exponential growth in the production and use of these substances, it is expected that the levels of contamination will rise considerably in the future, so that wildlife, particularly aquatic organisms, will be more increasingly exposed, representing a potential risk for their populations.

Effects of different starches on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of extruded fish snacks

The market for snack foods is currently heading for healthier choices. Extrusion-based snacks made of starch are widespread but less nutrient-dense. Therefore, an effort to produce expanded snacks with higher protein was attempted. However, the physical properties of high protein extrudates are less desirable. Hence, different kind of starches were used in attempt to improve the physical properties of extrudates with high protein from scad fish. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of types and percentages of three starches, namely tapioca, sago and corn (50, 67, 75% db); on the physicochemical properties of extrudates from round scad fish powder (Decaptus madruasi). The formulations were extruded using a single screw extruder with a 3 mm circular die. The feeder and screw speed were maintained at 150 and 50 rpm, respectively. The barrel temperatures for each zone were 80°C (zone 1), 120°C (zone 2), 140°C (zone 3) and 160°C (zone 4). The results of the study revealed that all starch types at 75% increased the expansion ratio of extrudates to 47-56% compared with the inclusion of starches at 50%. All starch types at 75% also decreased the bulk density to 21-24% and hardness to 23-50% as compared to extrudates with the lowest amount of starch. The improvements in the physical properties were more prominent in the addition of tapioca starch. The highest amount of protein was found in extrudates with tapioca starch (20.8 to 30.4%). The sensory analysis and colour indicated similar results for all extrudates. The best formulation for the production of fish snacks was extrudates with 75% tapioca starch and 25% fish powder. The finding of this study is relevant and applicable in the production of high protein extrudates for children or health-conscious consumers, with the usage of tapioca starch to assist better expansion that improves the physical properties

Precipitation Patterns and Their Role in Modulating Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Arid Desert Soil

Nitrous oxide (N2O) ranks as the third most significant greenhouse gas, capable of depleting the ozone layer and posing threats to terrestrial ecosystems. Climate change alters precipitation variability, notably in terms of frequency and magnitude. However, the implications of precipitation variability on N2O emissions and the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. In this study, employing laboratory incubation methods on three representative sandy soil types (sandy soil, shrub soil, and crust soil), we examined the impacts of diverse precipitation levels (5 mm and 10 mm) and frequencies (7 days and 14 days) on N2O emissions from these soil types. This study aims to clarify the complex connections between soil N2O emission fluxes and soil physicochemical properties in the soil environment. Our findings reveal that the N2O emission flux exhibits heightened responsiveness to 5 mm precipitation events and a 14-day precipitation frequency, and compared to other treatments, the 5 mm precipitation and 14-day precipitation frequency treatment resulted in a 20% increase in cumulative nitrous oxide emissions. Consequently, cumulative N2O emissions were notably elevated under the 5 mm precipitation and 14-day precipitation frequency treatments compared to the other experimental conditions. The N2O emission flux in sandy soil displayed a positive correlation with available phosphorus (AP) and a negative correlation with pH, primarily attributed to the exceedingly low AP content in sandy soil. In shrub soil, the soil N2O emission flux exhibited a significant positive correlation with NH4+-N and a negative correlation with NO3−-N. Conversely, no significant correlations were observed between soil N2O emission flux and soil physicochemical properties in crust soil, underscoring the importance of considering plant–soil microbial interactions. Our findings suggest that soil nitrous oxide emissions in arid and semi-arid regions will be particularly responsive to small and frequent rainfall events as precipitation patterns change in the future, primarily due to their soil physicochemical characteristics.

Effect of kefir grain concentration on rheological, microbiological, and physicochemical characteristics of bovine colostrum kefir

Bovine colostrum has high nutrition content such as protein, fat, peptide, micro-nutrients, antimicrobial components and bioactive compounds that benefit the body. Kefir is one way of diversifying food products as fermented beverage products to increase the utilization and functional properties of bovine colostrum, which has a unique taste. Production of colostrum kefir requires the right concentration of kefir grains to obtain high-quality characteristics. Evaluating the effect of kefir grain concentration on the rheological, microbiological, and physicochemical characteristics of bovine colostrum kefir was the purpose of this research. This study used one factorial design with the variation of kefir grain concentrations 10% (T1), 20% (T2), and 30% (T3) (w/v) with seven replications. Rheological analysis was conducted, followed by total lactic acid bacteria, yeast, microbes, protein, fat, ash, water content, carbohydrate, pH, total dissolved solids and alcohol content. Based on the result, different kefir grain concentrations significantly decreased total LAB, yeast, microbes, protein, ash, pH, and total dissolved solids but increased carbohydrate and water content with the addition of kefir grain concentration. Rheology behavior, fats, and alcohol content had no significant difference. Treatment of 10% of kefir grain concentration is the most suitable as it contains the highest total LAB and yeast.

Microbial communities during the composting process of Agaricus subrufescens and their effects on mushroom agronomic and nutritional qualities

IntroductionTunnel composting technology for preparing Agaricus subrufescens cultivation media can achieve a higher biological efficiency (BE) and a lower contamination rate (CR). However, this technology lacks in-depth and systematic study.MethodsIn the present study, the changes in the microbiome and microbial metabolic functions were surveyed using metagenomic analysis. The physicochemical parameters, agronomic properties and nutritional qualities were also evaluated.Results and discussionResults showed that the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin dropped to 10.18, 11.58, 27.53%, respectively at the end of composting. The tunnel composting technology led to significant increases in crude protein content (32.56%) and crude fiber content (13.68%). Variations of physicochemical characteristics led to different successions of microbial communities. Bacteria manifested significantly higher abundance than fungi. Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Chloroffexi and Deinococcota were the predominant bacterial phyla. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungal phyla in the thermophilic phase. Pseudonocardia, Truepera, and Thermopolyspora were positively correlated with the yield of A. subrufescens. In addition to TN, most of the physicochemical properties were significantly correlated with fungal communities in the thermophilic phase. The metabolisms of carbohydrate, amino acid and energy were the primary enrichment pathways. These findings deepen the understanding of microbial communities composition during the composting of A. subrufescens substrates. Moreover, this study provides a basis for improving tunnel composting technology.

Revealing the impact of CO2 exposure during calcination on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2.

The synthesis atmosphere plays a fundamental role in determining the physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance of NMC811 cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. This study investigates the effect of carbonate impurities generated during synthesis by comparing three distinct samples: NMC811 calcined in ambient air, NMC811 calcined in synthetic air to mitigate carbonate formation, and NMC811 initially calcined in ambient air followed by annealing in synthetic air to eliminate carbonate species. Physicochemical characterization through XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TGA techniques revealed noticeable differences in the structural and chemical properties among the samples. Electrochemical assessments conducted via coin-cell testing demonstrate superior performance for materials synthesized in synthetic air, exhibiting an enhanced discharge capacity of 145.4 ± 4.8 mA h g-1 compared to materials synthesized in normal air (109.4 ± 4.3 mA h g-1) at C/10. More importantly, sample annealing in synthetic air after air calcination partially recovers the electrochemical performance of the cathode (142.1 ± 4.6 mA h g-1 at C/10) and this is related to the elimination of carbonate species from the ceramic powder. These findings highlight the importance of controlling synthesis conditions, particularly the atmosphere, to tailor the properties of NMC811 cathode materials for optimal lithium-ion battery performance.

Influence of Phase Composition and Morphology on the Calcium Ion Release of Several Classical and Hybrid Endodontic Cements

The ability of the cement to release calcium ions, which participate in the remineralization of dentin by forming apatite which improves root canal sealing with time, is of particular importance. Five recently introduced calcium-silicate commercial dental cements were investigated with a view to the influence of the physicochemical characteristics on the possibility of releasing calcium ions in an aqueous medium. Two hybrid calcium-silicate cements in the form of a paste-like ready mix (BioCal® Cap and TheraCal LC) and three calcium-silicate cements consisting of two components—powder and liquid (Harvard MTA Universal, Rootdent, and BioFactor) were subjected to powder XRD, SEM, and EDS for detailed examination. The cements were immersed in water for 28 days and the phase composition and morphology of the cements before and after soaking were studied. The total calcium release for each cement was determined by ICP-OES. BioFactor and BioCal® Cap release the highest amount of calcium ions, while the lowest release is registered with Rootdent and TheraCal LC. The PDT treatment of BioFactor does not influence substantially the calcium release. The impact of the elemental and phase composition on the calcium release and calcium carbonate formation was discussed. A reciprocal relation between the aluminum content and the quantity of the released calcium has been found.

Navigating the intricate in-vivo journey of lipid nanoparticles tailored for the targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics: a quality-by-design approach.

RNA therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9, present exciting avenues for treating diverse diseases. However, their potential is commonly hindered by vulnerability to degradation and poor cellular uptake, requiring effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a leading choice for in vivo RNA delivery, offering protection against degradation, enhanced cellular uptake, and facilitation of endosomal escape. However, LNPs encounter numerous challenges for targeted RNA delivery in vivo, demanding advanced particle engineering, surface functionalization with targeting ligands, and a profound comprehension of the biological milieu in which they function. This review explores the structural and physicochemical characteristics of LNPs, in-vivo fate, and customization for RNA therapeutics. We highlight the quality-by-design (QbD) approach for targeted delivery beyond the liver, focusing on biodistribution, immunogenicity, and toxicity. In addition, we explored the current challenges and strategies associated with LNPs for in-vivo RNA delivery, such as ensuring repeated-dose efficacy, safety, and tissue-specific gene delivery. Furthermore, we provide insights into the current clinical applications in various classes of diseases and finally prospects of LNPs in RNA therapeutics.

Improvement of construction and technological properties of cement hardening systems for building composites

The article provides information on the formation of hardening systems of building composites (STSC) as a result of directional structure formation and the involvement of the active component of metallurgical slags. It is shown that the structures of the STSC can be represented as a consequence of formation (design and synthesis) of the structures of the particle addition system of the raw material mixture, and for more complex technologies – as a growth system. The main physico-chemical properties and characteristics of modifying additives for STSC are considered. The influence of slag additives on the main construction and technological properties of hardening systems based on man-made raw materials has been established. Special attention is paid to the kinetics of the grinding capacity of the designed hardening systems of building composites.

Exploitation of red beet peel powder as a natural food ingredient in whey-fruit based beverage

ABSTRACT Scientists and food producers are studying the potential of utilizing different by-products as highly nutritious food components to meet consumers’ growing demand for healthier and natural goods. Beetroot belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is highly rich in antioxidants, specifically phenolics and betalains with excellent health properties. The peel of red beetroot, which is generally discarded, has a high concentration of bioactive phytochemicals (betalains, dietary fibers). These compounds are well-known for their strong antioxidant effects, improving cardiovascular health, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing immunological function. Incorporating red beetroot peel (RBP) powder into whey-fruit-based beverages is a promising method to improve nutritional content and sensory attractiveness. This study investigated the influence of adding RBP to whey-fruit-based beverages, specifically examining its effects on physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, color, microbiological, and rheological attributes, and consumer preference. The RBP extract exhibited high amounts of total polyphenols (1239.35 ± 0.51 mg GAE/100 g dw) and antioxidant activity (90.02 ± 0.22%). The findings indicated that RBP had a notable impact on the antioxidant capacity (16.38 ± 0.37 μmol TE/g dw for BRBP1, 26.69 ± 0.10 μmol TE/g dw for BRBP3, 36.75 ± 0.31 μmol TE/g dw for BRBP6) of the beverages and enhanced their color without negatively impacting their sensory characteristics. The dynamic oscillatory rheological measurements revealed that beverage supplementation with increasing amounts of RBP obtained stronger networks with solid-like viscoelastic behavior. Using RBP powder as a natural food ingredient in whey-fruit-based beverages enhances their nutritional value and promotes sustainable food processing by making use of by-products from the food industry into innovative food options.

Long-term garlic‒maize rotation maintains the stable garlic rhizosphere microecology.

Crop rotation is a sophisticated agricultural practice that can modify the demographic structure and abundance of microorganisms in the soil, stimulate the growth and proliferation of beneficial microorganisms, and inhibit the development of harmful microorganisms. The stability of the rhizosphere microbiome is crucial for maintaining both soil ecosystem vitality and crop prosperity. However, the effects of extended garlic‒maize rotation on the physicochemical characteristics of garlic rhizosphere soil and the stability of its microbiome remain unclear. To investigate this phenomenon, soil samples from the garlic rhizosphere were collected across four different lengths of rotation in a garlic-maize rotation. There were notable positive associations between the total nitrogen and total phosphorus contents in the soil and the duration of rotation. Prolonged rotation could increase the maintenance of microbiome α diversity. The number of years of rotation and the soil organic carbon (SOC) content emerged as principal determinants impacting the evolution of the bacterial community structure, with the SOC content playing a pivotal role in sculpting the species diversity within the garlic rhizosphere bacterial community. Additionally, SOC remains predominant in shaping the root-associated bacterial community's β-nearest taxon index. However, these factors do not have a notable effect on the fungal community inhabiting the garlic rhizosphere. In comparison with monoculture, rotation can amplify the interconnectivity and intricacy of microbial ecological networks. Long-term rotation can further maintain the stability of both microbial ecological networks and interactions between bacterial and fungal communities. It can enlist a plethora of beneficial Bacillus species microorganisms within the garlic rhizosphere to form a biological barricade that aids in safeguarding garlic against encroachment by the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, consequently diminishing disease incidence. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the sustainable development of garlic through long-term crop rotation with maize. Our research results indicate that long-term garlic‒maize rotation maintains stable garlic rhizosphere microecology. Our study provides compelling evidence for the role of long-term crop rotation in maintaining microbiota and community stability, emphasizing the importance of cultivating specific beneficial microorganisms to enhance rotation strategies for garlic farming, thereby promoting sustainability in agriculture.

Laser-Induced Graphene on Novel Crosslinked Poly(dimethylsiloxane)/Triton X-100 Composites for Improving Mechanical, Electrical and Hydrophobic Properties

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has become a highly promising material for flexible functional devices due to its robust mechanical stability, excellent electrical properties, and ease of fabrication. Most research has been focused on LIG production on rigid or flexible substrates, with an obvious gap in laser induction of graphene on elastic, stretchable substrates, which limits the scope of application of LIG in flexible electronics. We demonstrate laser induction of graphene on a novel, cross-linked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/Triton X-100 composite substrates. The effect of varying Triton content (1–30 wt.%) on the structural, thermal, surface, nanomechanical, and electrical properties of LIG was systematically studied. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful induction of LIG on the surface of PDMS/Triton composites. A higher content of Triton in the PDMS matrix improves the quality of LIG, increases stiffness and hydrophobicity, and somewhat decreases sheet resistance. Similar thermal properties and super-hydrophobicity were observed for LIG/PDMS/Triton materials as compared to their counterparts without LIG. Direct laser irradiation of graphene on the surface of PDMS/Triton composites results in the formation of extremely promising materials, which have great potential for use in flexible electronic devices.

Interfacial Engineering‐Assisted Energy Level Modulation Enhances the Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Performance of Bismuth Vanadate Photoanodes

AbstractBiVO4 faces significant challenges for widespread application in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation due to its poor hole transport ability, high surface defect density, and sluggish water oxidation reaction kinetics. Employing interfacial engineering to assist in energy level modulation is an effective strategy to address these challenges. Herein, a CuCrO2 hole transport layer (HTL) is coupled and further grew NiCo‐MOF in situ to prepare a NiCo‐MOF‐CuCrO2‐BiVO4 composite photoanode. The novel composite photoanode not only achieves a photocurrent density of 5.75 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE) but also maintains stable operation for over 24 h. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization and density‐functional theory calculations confirm that the built‐in electric field generated by the p–n heterojunction formed between the CuCrO2 HTL and BiVO4 photoanode enhances the hole transport ability. Moreover, the NiCo‐MOF chelated on the photoanode surface not only passivates the surface defect states but also accelerates the kinetics of the water oxidation reaction. Under the synergistic effect of dual modification, the PEC water oxidation performance of the BiVO4 photoanode is dramatically improved. This pioneering work presents a MOF/HTL/BiVO4 configuration that provides a blueprint for the future development of integrated photoanodes for efficient solar energy conversion.

Physicochemical characteristics and inhibition effect of curcumin-based Schiff bases on industrially important mild steel corrosion in acidic medium

Physicochemical characteristics and inhibition effect of curcumin-based Schiff bases on industrially important mild steel corrosion in acidic medium

Physicochemical Characterization and Kinetics Study of Polymer Carriers with Vitamin C for Controlled Release Applications

This study focuses on the selection and evaluation of a kinetic model for the release of vitamin C from different delivery systems, including microcapsules, hydrogels, and a hybrid system combining both. The microcapsules were synthesized from a 2% sodium alginate solution and with vitamin C incorporated in selected formulations. Hydrogels were obtained through photopolymerization using poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol, with and without the addition of vitamin C. The hybrid system incorporated the vitamin C-containing microcapsules within the hydrogel matrix. Physicochemical properties, such as density, porosity, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), were evaluated. Kinetic studies of vitamin C release were conducted under dynamic and static conditions, and the experimental data were fitted to six different kinetic models: zero-order, first-order, second-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas, and Hixson–Crowell. The Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models provided the best fit for most systems, indicating that the release is predominantly controlled by diffusion and, in dynamic conditions, swelling of the matrix. The hybrid system, while exhibiting slower release than the microcapsules and hydrogel alone, demonstrated more controlled and sustained release, which is advantageous for applications requiring prolonged action.