Potential Applications In Various Industries Research Articles

A Review of Investigations and Applications of Biocides in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies

In recent years, the development of nanomaterials with biocidal properties has received considerable attention due to their potential applications in various industries, including food, medicine, and cultural heritage preservation. The growing demand for coatings with antibacterial properties has sparked interest from industrial sectors in exploring the incorporation of biocides into these materials. Coatings are prone to microbial growth, which can cause damage such as cracking, discoloration, and staining. To combat these problems, the integration of biocides into coatings is a crucial strategy. Biocide-embedded nanomaterials offer numerous advantages, including high efficiency in small quantities, ease of application, good chemical stability, low toxicity, and non-bioaccumulation. Encapsulated nanobiocides are particularly attractive to the agro-industry, because they can be less toxic than traditional biocides while still effectively controlling microbial contamination. To fully exploit the benefits of nanobiocides, future research should focus on optimizing their synthesis, formulation, and delivery methods. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current status of biocide nanomaterials, discuss potential future research directions, and highlight research methods, the development of new forms of nanomaterials, and studies of their physico-chemical properties. Biocide nanocapsules of DCOIT (4,5-Dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one) are chosen as an example to illustrate the research pathways.

Fabrication of mechanical durable novolac matrix composites with recycled and cost-effective candle-soot nano particles

Novolac matrix composites are crucial due to their exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress. These advanced materials find applications in aerospace, electronics, and automotive industries, providing high-performance solutions for components requiring superior durability and reliability. In this context, the microstructure, thermal, phase, and mechanical properties of the composites obtained as a result of the recycling-oriented reinforcement of the waste candle-soot (CS) reinforcement at the rate of 1 wt% to the pure novolac (PN) and shaping with the hot press method were examined in detail at first time in the literature. While microstructural properties and fracture mechanisms were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained provided critical findings as the composite hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength values were 3.28, 2.47, and 3.21 times higher than PN, respectively. CS-reinforced novolac composites made a significant contribution to the literature by introducing a novel and eco-friendly approach to enhance material properties. Their use as a filler material provided insights into sustainable novolac composites, offering potential applications in various industries, such as electronics and aerospace, with improved mechanical and thermal properties.

Laws and policy initiatives in regulating blockchain and digital currencies

Purpose Despite the unique features and potential applications in various industries, widespread blockchain adoption is hindered for several reasons. One of them is the lack of government regulations regarding blockchain and cryptocurrencies. However, a deliberate preliminary analysis of the policy initiatives by various jurisdictions proved otherwise, and a lack of sound academic literature on the policy initiatives on blockchain worldwide was evident. Addressing this gap, this study aims to summarize the policy initiatives of jurisdictions around the world, assessing if governments do not enact many regulations. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was adopted in this study, in which the authors shortlisted a set of research papers and policy reports using several selection criteria and a screening process. Findings It was found that numerous policy initiatives have been enacted by governments worldwide, and blockchain applications are also being piloted or practiced successfully in several nations. It was also evident that governments are reluctant to accept cryptocurrencies as legal tender while embracing their underlying technology, blockchain. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper appears to be one of the first attempts to summarize the blockchain policy initiatives contributing to the body of knowledge on blockchain adoption.

Investigation on structural, optical, thermal, and dielectric properties of nanocomposite films based on chitosan containing vanadium pentoxide/zinc oxide and their potential for optoelectronics devices

Chitosan (Cs), zinc oxide (ZnO), and vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to create ternary nanocomposite materials to improve their optical and electrical characterization. Physical methods have been used to investigate the effects of varying vanadium pentoxide nanoparticle contents on the optical and electrical characterization of the prepared films. In XRD results obtained, the characteristic peaks of pure chitosan are seen to be broken and vanished (especially at 15 wt.% V2O5 NPs). This means that when chitosan is filled with different concentrations of V2O5 nanoparticles, chitosan is very weak and simply broken, and only characteristic peaks of V2O5 appear. The average crystal size of V2O5 has been determined to be 25.4 nm. FTIR spectra approve the strong complexation between the nanoparticles and hydrogen bonds in the composite. The study suggests that the addition of zinc and vanadium nanoparticles to chitosan-based films can improve their thermal stability, which has potential applications in various industries, including packaging, biomedical, and environmental. Electrical studies indicate that as the content of embedded zinc/vanadium-filled-in chitosan rises, the ε′ value decreases. The observed decrease in the insulating behavior of chitosan aligns with the notion that doping reduces its insulating properties. This aligns with the enhanced electrical conductivity evident from the DC conductivity measurements. The study demonstrates that incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) and vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles effectively influences the dielectric properties and relaxation behavior of chitosan. The given results suggest Ternary nano-composite chitosan-ZnO/V2O5 films for specific requirements in optical, optoelectronic applications.

Elemental Influence on Oxidation Behaviour of Cantor‐Based and Refractory High Entropy Alloys: A Critical Review

This article reviews the oxidation behaviour of the two most significant high entropy alloy systems (HEAs) namely Cantor‐based and refractory HEAs. HEAs have been extensively researched and show potential applications in various industries, including marine engine manufacturing, chemical industry, furnaces, ducting, heat exchangers, jet engines, steam turbines, nuclear reactors and electronic devices, among others. Effect of the presence of elements such as aluminium, manganese, chromium, silicon, tantalum, vanadium etc. is studied for catalysing the oxidation of HEAs. Aluminium, chromium, and silicon are reportedly found to considerably impact the oxidation kinetics and enhance the oxidation resistance. However, silicon can positively or adversely affect the oxidation resistance depending on its concentration and alloy composition. Other elements like manganese tend to adversely impact the oxidation resistance of FeCoNi‐based HEAs. Refractory elements are typically found to be not suitable for oxidation studies due to the formation of non‐protective oxide layers. However, refractory HEAs offer interesting trends both in terms of enhancing or reducing oxidation resistance depending on the alloying elements. Similarly, findings related to other elements are also presented and elaborated.

Acrylic modification as an environmentally acceptable supporter for improving peroxidase enzyme: stability and reusability

This study focuses on the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on modified acrylic fabrics incorporating gold and silver nanoparticles. The process involves treating the acrylic fabrics with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and then coating them with silver and gold nanoparticles. Both obtained materials, treated acrylic fabrics-coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@TA-HAC) and treated acrylic fabrics-coated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@TA-HAC), were utilized as supporters for HRP. The physicochemical properties of modified acrylic fabrics were investigated using FTIR, SEM, and zeta potential. HRP immobilized on AgNPs@TA-HAC displayed an activity of 69 units/g support with a specific activity of 4.55 units/mg protein, whereas HRP immobilized on AuNPs@TA-HAC demonstrated an activity of 76 units/g support with a specific activity of 4.75 units/mg protein. After the 15 repetitive cycles, the immobilized HRP on AuNPs@TA-HAC and AgNPs@TA-HAC retained 75 and 59% of their enzymatic activity, respectively. The immobilized HRP on both material supporters retained its activity better compared to the free HRP when exposed to all tested organic solvents. The Michaelis constant (Km) for free HRP and HRP immobilized on AuNPs@TA-HAC and AgNPs@TA-HAC were determined to be 6.23, 8.65, and 9.11 mM, respectively. The maximum reaction rates (V max) for the immobilized HRP on both supports were slightly reduced at 0.71 and 0.69 U/mL, compared to 0.74 U/mL for free HRP. This approach of utilizing acrylic fabrics and metal nanoparticles provides a promising method for enzyme immobilization, with potential applications in various industries.

Physicochemical and Morphological Properties of Litchi Seed Starch Oxidized by Different Levels of Sodium Hypochlorite

AbstractNon‐conventional starch sources have emerged as an interest due to their inherent physicochemical properties similar to conventional starches. This study aimed to enhance the value of non‐conventional litchi seed starch by employing anoxidizing process using different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)(0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5%). The carbonyl and carboxyl content of oxidized starch was in the range of (0.019 – 0.323%) and (0.044 – 0.425%) showing an increase with the increasing concentration of NaOCl. The native and oxidized starches were further characterized for their functional and structural properties. The amylose content of native starch was 21.52% which was reduced to (19.34 – 13.43%) upon oxidation. The water and oil absorption capacities increased with theoxidation level. The swelling power(g/g) and solubility (g/100g) for native starch were 16.17 and 16.20 and 9.5 and 31.40 for modified starch. The oxidized starch produced clearer pastes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed surface erosion and cavities in oxidized starch granulesat higher concentrations. The oxidized starch showed higher relative crystallinity. FTIR was further used to assess structural changes in starches. Therefore, it can be concluded that oxidation significantly altered the characteristics of litchi seed starch, expanding its potential applications in various industries.

Enhancing Wear Resistance of UHMWPE Composites with Micro MoS2 and Nano Graphite: A Taguchi-DOE Approach.

This study presents an in-depth investigation into the wear characteristics of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites reinforced with microsized MoS2 and nanosized graphite particles. The objective is to enhance the wear resistance of the UHMWPE by examining the effects of various parameters and optimizing the wear performance. To achieve this goal, wet wear tests were conducted under controlled conditions, and the results were compared between composites with micro MoS2 and nano graphite reinforcements. The Taguchi method was employed to design the experiments (DOE) using an L9 orthogonal array. Four key parameters, namely, reinforcement percentage, load, speed, and track radius, were varied systematically to analyze their impact on wear characteristics, including wear rate, frictional forces, and the coefficient of friction (COF). The data obtained from the experiments were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the significant factors affecting wear behavior. Subsequently, the optimal wear parameters were determined through regression analysis, allowing for the prediction of wear characteristics under the optimum conditions. This research not only provides insights into the comparative performance of micro MoS2 and nano graphite reinforcements in UHMWPE composites but also offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing wear resistance by employing advanced statistical and experimental techniques. The findings contribute to the development of more durable and wear-resistant materials with potential applications in various industries, such as those investigated in the study, which are commonly employed, such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, or manufacturing.

A Review on Composite Materials Reinforcing with Organic/ Natural Materials

The utilization of natural and fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites as a sustainable solution in the industries. The composite consists of sugarcane bagasse and mesquite fibers. which offers a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative with potential applications in various industries. epoxy resin known for its cost-effectiveness and resilience, serves as the matrix material. Types of fabrication methods are Vacuum Bag Molding, Hand Lay-Up, Filament Winding, and Hydraulic compression molding from the literature we collected Hydraulic compression molding technique with varying fiber orientations (uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial) is selected for its versatility and reduced material waste. The study involved alkaline, potassium permanganate, and potassium dichromate treatments. The overall study concludes the promising potential of using bagasse and mesquite fibers as sustainable alternatives for reinforcement in epoxy resin composites, offering a viable solution for valorizing agricultural waste and promoting environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. Chemical treatments and fiber processing play a crucial role in enhancing the properties of the fibers, making them suitable for composite applications.

Thermal and mechanical analysis of the influence of changing the amount of cobalt octoate accelerator in isophthalic polyester resin

The importance of searching for more efficient and cost-effective polymeric materials with potential applications in various industries has led this research to investigate the influence of varying the amount of cobalt octoate in the production of isophthalic polyester resin, examining both the thermal behaviour and mechanical properties of these materials. The primary objective is to understand how the concentration of cobalt octoate mechanically and thermally affects the resin curing process. Experiments were conducted involving the production of isophthalic polyester resins with different concentrations of cobalt octoate (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%). The curing time, temperature, and mechanical strength of the resulting materials were monitored. Statistical analyses were also carried out to assess the relationship between these variables. Based on the analyses conducted, it was observed that increasing the accelerator's quantity did not prove effective in linearly accelerating the curing process. It was also observed that a higher temperature during the curing process could result in superior mechanical strength of this material. Additionally, it was revealed that higher concentrations of octoate resulted in thinner test specimens due to volumetric contraction during the curing process. Furthermore, it was noticed that greater mechanical strength was achieved with the lower concentration of cobalt octoate (0.5%) at a higher temperature, demonstrating that optimising the concentration of cobalt octoate can result in materials with better mechanical performance and lower production costs. Therefore, this research provides valuable insights into how the amount of cobalt octoate influences the thermal and mechanical properties of isophthalic polyester resins, emphasising, above all, the importance of finding a precise balance between the accelerator's concentration, curing temperature, and the final properties of the material.

Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of poly(3-hydroxy butyrate) nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing method

Abstract This research focuses on the preparation of poly (3-hydroxy butyrate) (PHB) nanocomposites using the melt mixing method. Two types of organically modified nanoclay, Cloisite 93A (C93A), and Cloisite 30B (C30B), were incorporated at various weight percentages into the PHB matrix to create the nanocomposites. Comparative analyses were conducted between PHB/C93A and PHB/C30B to assess their tensile and impact properties in relation to the matrix polymer. Between the nanocomposites, the PHB/C93A nanocomposites shows an optimum tensile modulus of 949 Mpa with a 3 wt% clay loading, while PHB/C30B nanocomposites demonstrated improved percentage elongation at break of 5.33 % and enhanced Izod impact strength of 39.67 J/m at 3 wt% of clay load. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) signifies the thermal behavior of both the matrix and nanocomposite. The degree of crystallinity is observed to be 47 % in case of the PHB/C30B nanocomposites as compared to the PHB/C93A nanocomposites as 38 %. Again in case of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the maximum % char of 5.198 is observed for the PHB/C30B nanocomposites. The enhanced viscoelastic behavior of the PHB/C93A nanocomposites was attributed at a peak of approx. 55–60 °C due to the incorporation of C93A nanoclay into the matrix in the study of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The morphological investigation using WAXD analysis showcased particle clay intercalation and dispersion within the PHB matrix, indicating effective clay-matrix interactions. Overall, this study sheds light on the enhanced properties of PHB nanocomposites with the incorporation of organoclay, offering potential applications in various industries.

Enhanced Heat Resistance in Morchella eximia by Atmospheric and Room Temperature Plasma.

This study focuses on optimizing the mutagenesis process for Morchella eximia (Mel-7) mycelia through atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutation and explores the resultant thermal adaptability and physiological responses of mutant strains. This research demonstrated a clear relationship between ARTP mutagenesis exposure duration and lethality rate, indicating that an exposure time of 40 s resulted in the optimal balance of inducing mutations without causing excessive mortality. Additionally, this study established 43 °C as the ideal screening temperature for identifying mutant strains with enhanced heat resistance, as this temperature significantly challenges the mycelia while allowing thermotolerant strains to be distinguishable. Among the screened mutants, strains L21, L23, L44, and L47 exhibited superior growth and high-temperature tolerance, with notable resilience at 30 °C, highlighting their enhanced adaptability to above-optimal temperatures. Furthermore, this research delved into biochemical responses, including lipid peroxidation and non-enzymatic antioxidant content, highlighting the diverse mechanisms, such as enhanced lipid peroxidation resistance and increased antioxidant content, employed by mutant strains to adapt to temperature fluctuations. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were shown to be significantly influenced by temperature elevations, illustrating their critical roles in the thermal adaptation of mutant strains. These findings shed light on the importance of considering mutation duration and temperature screening in the development of thermotolerant fungal strains with potential applications in various industries. This study's breakthrough lies in its comprehensive understanding of the thermal adaptability of Mel-7 mycelia and the identification of promising mutant strains, offering valuable insights for both academic and industrial purposes.

Effect of physicochemical parameters on the growth of two microalgae strains, the Chlorella vulgaris and Skeletonema costatum isolated from different sites in the nador lagoon

Microalgae have become a major focus of scientific research in recent years, due to their use in food human and animal, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy production.The main objective of our study was to identify the phytoplankton of the Nador lagoon and to study the effect of physico-chemical parameters such as nitrogen, phosphorus and pH on the growth of two strains isolated from different sites in the Nador lagoon: Chlorella vulgaris and Skeletonema costatum, in order to optimize culture medium compositions and achieve good phytoplankton growth.Morphological studies using inverted optical microscopy revealed the important morphological distinguishing features of the two phytoplankton species studied, originated from the six different sampling stations.The results of the optimization protocols for medium composition and culture conditions (the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, pH and vitamins) allow us to conclude that the two strains tested are growing well.In fact, the results of the physico-chemical parameters in our study show pH values of 7.5, 7 and 6.5 and nitrate and orthophosphate concentrations during the bloom period of 1.5 g/l and 0.31 g/l respectively. And for the quantitative study, we can conclude that Chlorella vulgaris was dominant with a density of 2840 cells/l, and that Skeletonema costatum was dominant with a density of 2160 cells/l.The study provides crucial insights into the growth patterns of these microalgae under different physico-chemical conditions, contributing to the optimization of culture practices for potential applications in various industries.

Low-temperature preparation of nanostructured porous sol-gel anti-reflective coating for near-infrared wavelengths

Anti-reflective coatings are crucial in minimizing reflection between different optical media at the interfaces. This study aims to develop an anti-reflective layer for the near-infrared region using a sol-gel coating method combined with a low-temperature plasma-jet-assisted surfactant extraction. For the deposition of the sol-gel layer on glass and polycarbonate substrates, dip-coating and spray-coating techniques were used. Surfactant removal was carried out using a plasma-jet and solvent exchange. Some of the samples were also annealed at 450 °C. The samples were characterized through light transmission measurements, haze percentage determination, 3D laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that the anti-reflective coating layer treated with a plasma-jet and solvent exchange at room temperature demonstrated broadband anti-reflective properties with high transmission in near-infrared regions (up to 7.6% relative improvements in transmission for two sides). Annealing, performed only on the glass substrate, also showed the maximum relative improvement in transmission up to 8% for two sides. Moreover, in the case of polymer-based substrates, a low-temperature process is essential, which is implemented successfully by a plasma-jet method. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed method for fabricating anti-reflective layers on both glass and polycarbonate substrates, offering potential applications in various industries, e.g. where either low-temperature fabrication or cost-cutting, quick and “simple” production methods play a major role for the feasibility of products as in mass markets.

A Novel Strategy for Further Enhancing Superior Properties of Thermophilic Endoglucanase from Acidomyces richmondensis

Thermophilic β-1,4-endoglucanases (Cel5A) have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in various industries, particularly in biofuel production and biorefineries. However, despite inherent stability, thermophilic Cel5A still face challenges in terms of further enhancing their catalytic efficiency and thermostability. In this study, a novel B-factor analysis method was used to predict beneficial amino acid substitutions within a 4 Å radius of the catalytic site in the tunnel of thermophilic Cel5A from Acidomyces richmondensis (ArCel5A). A combined strategy involving site-saturation mutagenesis and high-throughput screening was employed to identify the variants with the highest endoglucanase activity. Genomic sequencing revealed a mutation at position 299 in the starting strain T. reesei A2H, where the nucleotide sequence changed from TAC to TGC, resulting in a corresponding amino acid substitution from Tyrosine(Y) to Cystine(C). The endoglucanase activity of the mutant ArCel5A reached 3251 IU/mL, representing an 85.2% increase compared to wild-type ArCel5A at the fermentation time of 94 h. Significantly, the ArCel5A-Y299C mutant showed superior thermostability, retaining 93.8% of its initial activity after 30 min at 70 °C, and 91.5% after 10 min at 80 °C. Various computational simulation methods confirmed that the Y299C mutation enhanced the stability of the catalytic pocket, thereby improving the overall stability and catalytic efficiency of ArCel5A. This study offers an effective strategy for mining target sites for rational mutagenesis based on highly conserved sequences, which simultaneously improves both the thermostability and catalytic efficiency of thermophilic Cel5A.

Modeling of permeability impairment dynamics in porous media: A machine learning approach

The prediction of clogging and permeability impairment dynamics in porous media is crucial for the optimization of various industrial and natural processes. This paper presents a novel machine learning-based approach for predicting the dynamics of throat clogging and permeability impairment due to fine migration within realistic porous media under varying hydro-physical conditions. A Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) numerical framework, employing a four-way coupling scheme, was used to generate the data for training and validation of the Machine Learning Model (MLM). One hundred and twenty distinct CFD-DEM simulations were performed to generate over 190,000 data points, at throat level, for the training of the MLM. Simulation cases encompassing ranges of porous media geometry, fine particle size, flow velocity, fine particle concentration, grains surface roughness, and fines and grains zeta potential. Geometries of porous media were extracted from high-resolution 3D images of natural sand obtained using micro-computed tomography imaging. The developed MLM predicts the temporal evolution of clogged throats and permeability impairment. The MLM was established by connecting three Machine Learning Sub-Models (MLSMs). The first is a throat-classification MLSM; which classifies the throats based on their location and size to identify clogged throats. Subsequently, a pore volume regression MLSM is implemented to identify the pore volume at which each clogged throat becomes clogged. Finally, the permeability impairment regression MLSM predicts the permeability reduction based on the clogged throat's information and pore volumes associated with clogging. The throats classification in the final MLM showed an accuracy of 95% in predicting clogged throats when compared to direct CFD-DEM simulations whereas the prediction of the permeability impairment had an R-squared value of 0.99. The MLM developed in this study stands as a robust framework for precisely quantifying key microscale parameters; where its predictions were used to quantify the significance of altering the hydro-physical parameters on the microscale parameters of the clogging dynamics. The proposed MLM provides an accurate and fast prediction of porous media clogging and permeability impairment dynamics, with potential applications in various industries, including oil and gas, environmental engineering, and material science.

Enhanced Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato Industry Waste Using Menthol/Fatty Acid Deep Eutectic Solvent

This study aimed to explore the efficiency of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) composed of menthol and fatty acids for extracting carotenoids from tomato by-products. A selection of nine different HDESs and fatty acid mixtures were prepared and evaluated for their carotenoid extraction potential. The highest extraction yield was obtained with menthol/hexanoic acid 2:1 (94.5 ± 3.3 μg CtE/g dm), demonstrating the influence of the specific composition of DES components on extraction efficiency. An optimization process employing a Box–Behnken design was conducted to identify the optimal extraction conditions. The solvent-to-solid ratio, extraction time, and temperature were studied, resulting in an extraction yield increase of up to 48.5% under optimized conditions (solvent-to-solid ratio of 25:1, extraction time of 90 min, and temperature of 50 °C). Furthermore, potent antioxidant properties, including antiradical activity (63.7 ± 4 μmol AAE/g dm) and reducing power (26.7 ± 1.8 μmol AAE/g dm), were recorded. Comparative analyses with conventional organic solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetone) highlighted the superiority of HDES in both carotenoid extraction and antioxidant capacity. A color analysis of the extracts showed distinctive color profiles, with the HDES extract displaying higher redness and reduced yellowness compared to organic solvent extracts. Principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate correlation analysis (MCA) revealed strong correlations between total carotenoid content and antioxidant parameters, underscoring the relationship between carotenoid extraction and antioxidant potential. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of HDESs, particularly Men/Hex 2:1, as efficient and sustainable solvents for carotenoid extraction. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of innovative and environmentally friendly methods for extracting carotenoids with potential applications in various industries.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of Korean mint (Agastache rugosa)

Agastache rugosa, also known as Korean mint, is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family that is traditionally used for various ailments and contains antioxidant and antibacterial phenolic compounds. Molecular breeding of A. rugosa can enhance secondary metabolite production and improve agricultural traits, but progress in this field has been delayed due to the lack of chromosome-scale genome information. Herein, we constructed a chromosome-level reference genome using Nanopore sequencing and Hi-C technology, resulting in a final genome assembly with a scaffold N50 of 52.15 Mbp and a total size of 410.67 Mbp. Nine pseudochromosomes accounted for 89.1% of the predicted genome. The BUSCO analysis indicated a high level of completeness in the assembly. Repeat annotation revealed 561,061 repeat elements, accounting for 61.65% of the genome, with Copia and Gypsy long terminal repeats being the most abundant. A total of 26,430 protein-coding genes were predicted, with an average length of 1,184 bp. The availability of this chromosome-scale genome will advance our understanding of A. rugosa’s genetic makeup and its potential applications in various industries.

Acid Hydrolyzed Pearl Millet Starch Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization

AbstractThe amylose content in native starch is reduced through hydrolysis, impacting its physicochemical properties. Starch nanoparticles exhibit enhanced water and oil absorption capacities, attributed to increased hydrolysis and subsequently higher solubility. Moreover, the swelling power of starch nanoparticles is notably higher, indicating improved functionality. Pasting properties are altered, with reduced peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, and setback viscosity in modified starches. Dynamic light scattering reveals a significant reduction in particle size for starch nanoparticles compared to native starch. Morphological analysis using field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) highlights distinct granule shapes and surfaces between the two starch types. The X‐ray diffraction patterns confirm an A‐type crystalline structure in both native and modified starches. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy verifies no significant difference in functional groups due to extraction or hydrolysis methods. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the chemical modification of pearl millet starch, shedding light on its potential applications in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals.

Biological Activities of Citrus aurantium Leaf Extract by Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Several studies have explored the biological activities of Citrus aurantium flowers, fruits, and seeds, but the bioactivity of C. aurantium leaves, which are treated as waste, remains unclear. Thus, this study developed a pilot-scale ultrasonic-assisted extraction process using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) for the optimized extraction of active compounds from C. aurantium leaves, and their antityrosinase, antioxidant, antiaging, and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. Under optimal conditions in a 150× scaleup configuration (a 30 L ultrasonic machine) of a pilot plant, the total phenolic content was 69.09 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, which was slightly lower (3.17%) than the theoretical value. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of C. aurantium leaf extract (CALE) for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl–scavenging, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)–scavenging, antityrosinase, anticollagenase, antielastase and anti-matrix metalloprotein-1 activities were 123.5, 58.5, 181.3, 196.4, 216.3, and 326.4 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the minimal inhibitory concentrations for bacteria and fungi were 150–350 and 500 mg/L, respectively. In total, 17 active compounds were detected in CALE—with linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, and α-terpineol having the highest concentrations. Finally, the overall transdermal absorption and permeation efficiency of CALE was 95.9%. In conclusion, our CALE demonstrated potential whitening, antioxidant, antiaging, and antimicrobial activities; it was also nontoxic and easily absorbed into the skin as well as inexpensive to produce. Therefore, it has potential applications in various industries.