Product Formulation Research Articles

Development of a technological solution aimed at improving the consumer properties of a new fish culinary product enriched with chondroitin sulfate of thorny skate

The paper presents the results of developing a fish culinary product (thorny skate meat mixed with Atlantic cod meat, baked with potatoes and mushrooms in a cream sauce) enriched with chondroitin sulfate contained in the meat and cartilage of the wings of thorny skate. Atlantic cod, more familiar to the Russian consumer and successfully complementing the skate's meat with amino acid composition, has been chosen as an additional fish raw material. Thorny skate belongs to the underutilized fishing facilities of the Northern Basin. The meat of its wings contains up to 1.5 % urea, which worsens its organoleptic properties. To solve this problem, it was previously proposed to use short-term preliminary heat treatment (PHT) of skate's wings by blanching them in water at a temperature from 93 to 96 °C for 1–3 minutes, which guarantees a fourfold decrease in the mass fraction of urea in the meat, relative to the initial content, below the organoleptic perception of the consumer. PHT also facilitates the cutting of the skate's meat. The formulation and technology of a combined fish culinary product is proposed, packaged and completely ready for consumer's use. To prolong the shelf life up to 120 days, it is proposed to subject the product to shock freezing with subsequent storage at a temperature no higher than minus 18 °C. To solve the problem of delamination of cream sauce during storage and to improve the consumer properties of the product, an experimentally based technological solution is proposed – the introduction of oat flour in the composition of the sauce formulation as a thickener and structure-forming agent in an amount of 3.5 % per total mass of sauce.

EXPLOITING ECO-FRIENDLY NATURAL DYES FROM PLANT SOURCES: EXTRACTION AND DIVERSE APPLICATIONS

Natural pigments extracted from plant sources offer eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. In this study, pigment samples were obtained through aqueous extraction from beetroot (S1), red cabbage (S2), and turmeric (S3). Their physicochemical properties and potential applications were thoroughly evaluated. The research problem addressed in this study is the need to overcome the limitations of natural dyes, such a slower color fastness, reduced reproducibility, and limited color range, in order to promote their wider adoption in various industries as sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. The pigment extracts were assessed for their suitability in textile dyeing, paper pH indicators, food coloring, ink production, and natural stamp pad formulations. Cotton and wool fabrics were dyed by adding traditional mordants, and the pigment-treated textiles exhibited distinctive color changes and varying levels of color fastness. The pigment samples demonstrated the ability to act as effective acid-base indicators, displaying characteristic color transitions in response to varying pH levels. When used as natural food colorants, the extracts imparted attractive hues to rice and cream without altering their flavor profiles. The feasibility of incorporating these plant-derived pigments in ink manufacturing and stamp pad production was also explored. Beetroot pigment exhibited superior color retention and fastness properties, while red cabbage and turmeric extracts displayed effectiveness in selected applications. The findings of this comprehensive study highlight the viability of these plant sources as natural substitutes for synthetic colorants in diverse fields. The observed performance characteristics and the eco-friendly nature of the pigments underscore their potential to serve as sustainable alternatives in various industries.

Chemometrics analysis of the flow and thermal properties of cardaba banana starch.

Starch from a non-conventional source such as cardaba banana is relatively underexplored compared to conventional sources such as potato, maize or tapioca. Its high amylose content, however, suggests its suitability for specific industrial uses. Understanding the flowability, rheology and thermal properties of cardaba banana starch could lead to its novel application in food product formulation and pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of modification on the bulk material characterization (powder flowability), granule size and shape (measured by light microscope), rheology and thermal properties of cardaba banana starch. The flowability of cross-linked starch was affected significantly by the granule size (105 892.7 μm), shape (circularity 0.78) and compressibility (0.20), making it a more free-flowing powder than other starch powders. The rheological behavior of the starch paste revealed that the Herschel-Bulkley model best predicts the rheological behavior with the highest coefficient of determinant (R2 > 0.9). Cross-linked Cardaba banana starch with an excellent characteristic will find good application in food products that require free-flowing behavior. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Flux and fouling behavior during constant pressure sterile filtration of nanoemulsions

Nanoemulsions with droplet diameters from 20 to 200 nm have emerged as attractive adjuvants in the development of novel vaccines and as an advanced method of drug delivery for hydrophobic drugs. However, the large size of the nanoemulsion droplets leads to very low capacities during the final sterile filtration step used to ensure sterility of parenteral drug products. The objective of this study was to examine the sterile filtration of a model nanoemulsion made using squalene as the oil and Tween 20 and Span 85 as stabilizing surfactants. Data were obtained with different commercial sterile filters with different morphology and chemistry during constant pressure filtration. In each case, there was essentially no filtration until the transmembrane pressure exceeded a critical value related to the force required to push the deformable nanoemulsion droplets through the membrane pores. The filter capacity increased with increasing pressure, going from 700 g/m2 at 140 kPa to 1300 g/m2 at 280 kPa for a dual layer polyethersulfone sterile filter, with the flux decline well described by the complete pore blockage model. The dual layer asymmetric membranes showed much higher capacities than corresponding single layer filters due to the effectiveness of the upper layer in removing larger nanoemulsion droplets that would otherwise block the pores of the sterile filter. The capacity of the different sterile filters was also well-correlated with the initial filtrate flux, with both of these parameters governed by the pore size distribution and surface chemistry of the filters. These results provide important insights into factors controlling the sterile filtration of highly concentrated nanoemulsions used in the formulation of vaccines and drug products.

In-vivo Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Venlafaxine HCl Sustained Release Tablet Formulation.

An optimized Venlafaxine SR tablets formulation, was chosen for in‐vivo study against the commercial marketed Venlafaxine SR formulation. The non-compartmental pharmacokinetic specifications of both reference and standard were determined, after dosing via oral route. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of optimized Venlafaxine SR tablets was found as 964.66 ± 53.15ng/ml in 5 hr, while Cmax of marketed Venlafaxine SR tablets formulation was found as 872.33 ± 28.43 ng/ml in same time i.e. 5 hr. The Cmax data suggests that absorption of drug in plasma from was in sustained manner from both the formulations, showing typical absorption pattern of SR product. The AUC0-t for optimized and marketed Venlafaxine SR tablets was found to be 12981.63 ± 505.25 and 12023.83 ± 668.29 ng/ml*h, while AUC0-∞ was found to be 13921.51 ± 417.40 and 13099.63 ± 742.21 ng/ml*h, respectively. The PK parameter showed the Tmax and AUC for optimized Venlafaxine SR tablets as compared to its marketed product formulation. Pharmacokinetic parameter clearly suggested prolong release and availability of Venlafaxine in plasma from SR tablets formulation. Overall, the results suggest that the optimized SR formulation of Venlafaxine provides effective extended and controlled drug delivery, highlighting its potential clinical relevance in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

Development and in vitro Evaluation of Nanoemulsion-based Polyherbal Hair Serum Formulations for Leave-in Hair Treatments

Background: Hair is a prominent physical feature that is found in all mammals. Different hair types will display different hair physicochemical properties (colour and appearance), mechanical resistance and reactivity to chemical agents and surface properties. Objectives: This study aims to prepare polyherbal-based hair serum to conduct stability tests and in-vitro evaluation tests to assess the efficacy of hair serum on different types of human hair tresses for the purpose of leave-in hair treatments Methods and Material: The hair care formulations, such as hair serum, were prepared and their stability was evaluated through a series of tests. The stability tests were conducted by evaluating the organoleptic properties of the formulations, such as colour, odour, surface appearance, consistency, and clarity, under various environmental conditions over a period of four weeks. Results: The relative viscosity of the hair serum is 7.84mPa/s, relative density is 0.997g/ml, and an average particle size is 1079 ± 21.22 μm. Over the course of 4 weeks, the nanoemulsion-based hair serum was stable between 25 – 40 °C and away from direct sunlight exposure. Conclusion: The formulated polyherbal hair serum can be used as a leave-in treatment to maintain hair’s moisture balance while improving hair combability. Further improvements in the hair product formulation can be made in the future to increase their potential for commercialisation

A Review on Herbal Components used for Polyherbal Facewash

Cosmetics, derived from the Greek word "kosmetikos," are substances used to enhance, cleanse, and promote attractiveness. Face wash has evolved to address various skin concerns, including acne and aging. Herbal cosmetics, utilizing plant-based products, offer aesthetically pleasing physiological effects such as skin healing and smoothening. Their mild and non-toxic nature, along with natural ingredients like oils and extracts, contribute to their benefits. They are rich in nutrients, environmentally friendly, and economically viable, making them a preferred choice for consumers seeking natural alternatives The skin's multi-layered structure, including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, plays a crucial role in protecting against external threats, regulating body temperature, and preserving moisture. Face wash products serve therapeutic purposes, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and antioxidant properties. Herbal face wash products, derived from various botanical families, contribute to their therapeutic and aesthetic properties. The integration of various herbs such as Aloe vera, Rosemary, Buckwheat seeds, Betel-nut palm, Calendula, Babchi, Burdock root, Chia, Sacha inchi, and Jojoba oil into face wash formulations further enriches the landscape. In summary, this literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of herbal cosmetics, the formulation of face wash products, their benefits, and therapeutic applications.

The role of duel hydrolysis of soybean on functional properties and protein digestibility: a sustainable approach.

Protein hydrolysates derived from food sources contains enormous number of peptides which are composed of amino acid possessess various bioactive properties. However, the use of protein hydrolysates as a nutraceutical is hindered due to their unpleasant flavour. The study aims to enhance the biological activity and palatability of protein hydrolysates. In the present study, soybean protein hydrolysate (SPH) was prepared using alcalase for 4 h (control). Modification of hydrolysis (MPH) was carried out by reiterating the hydrolysis of the supernatant obtained after 2 h of hydrolysis using an enzyme to 50% of alcalase during each successive hydrolysis. Samples were characterised by their physio-chemical and functional properties. Furthermore, the effect of modification on the protein digestibility and bitterness intensity using e-tongue was studied. The suppressive effect on retrogradation of corn starch was analysed using texture profile analysis. The results demonstrated increased protein content by 1.6 and 1.9% in MPH compared to SPH and UNH, respectively. MPH showed 1.5- and 1.6-fold higher DH% than SPH before and after gastrointestinal digestion (p < 0.05). A decrease in molecular weight was found in the order of UNH > SPH > MPH. Nevertheless, MPH displayed significantly higher functional properties (p ≤ 0.05). The hardness of retrograded corn starch was significantly reduced in the MPH (1.21N) than SPH (1.55 N) and UNH (1.81N) compared to control (1.71N) during 7-day storage at 4°C (p ≤ 0.05). E-tongue analysis of MPH showed a 4-fold reduction in bitterness than SPH. Modification of hydrolysis of soybean has demonstrated its significance in improved DH% functional properties and palatability. In addition, improved protein digestibility with promising benefits in deferral action on retrogradation of starch over the traditional process of hydrolysis was observed. The outcome of this study contributes to the potential utilisation of MPH as an ingredient in the formulation of nutraceutical products.

Probing the relevance of synergistic lipid membrane disruption to the eye irritation of binary mixed nonionic surfactants

Nonionic surfactant aerosols play a crucial role in many industries, but they can cause acute irritation to users’ eyes during spraying. This cytotoxic process is associated with corneal cell necrosis causing cell membrane disruption. Industrial grade surfactants are typically polydisperse mixtures described by their nominal chemical structure but how the polydispersity affects their interactions with cell membrane, remains largely unexplored. A better understanding could benefit product formulations to maximise their efficiency whilst minimising their toxicity to the users. In this study, poly-oxyethylene glycol monododecyl ethers (C12E4, C12E23) were used to form ideal binary surfactant mixtures. The cytotoxicities of mono and polydispersed surfactants towards human corneal epithelial cells were examined, followed by a series of biophysical characterisations of interactions between surfactants and model cell membranes. Notably, to probe the journey of individual C12E4 and C12E23 surfactant molecules across the cell membrane from a binary surfactant mixture, “two-colour” neutron reflection measurements were achieved via Hydrogen/Deuterium substitution. The relative distributions of C12E4 and C12E23 across cell membranes and their nanostructural conformations revealed a synergistic membrane-lytic ability initiated by surfactant mixing, with the more hydrophobic C12E4 exhibiting stronger membrane binding potency than the hydrophilic C12E23. The exact molar ratio of C12E4 against C12E23 in the mixture determined how the mixed surfactant interacted with the cell membrane, and how the process directly impacted cytotoxicity and eye irritation. Thus, the cytotoxicity of polydisperse surfactants is not the same as monodisperse surfactant of the same average structure. This work provides a useful basis for the assessment of surfactant mixing by balancing their efficiency and toxicity.

The functional attributes of protein hydrolysates from horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum)

SummaryThe functional attributes of enzymatically derived horsegram protein hydrolysates from dehulled horsegram were investigated in this study. Hydrolysates were produced using commercial proteases, namely Alcalase® 2.4L and Protex 6L, at varying degrees of hydrolysis (DH) – specifically, 5%, 8%, and 10%. Maximum DH reached 11% with Alcalase® 2.4L and 11.5% with Protex 6L. Optimal hydrolysis conditions entailed a dehulled horsegram concentration of 2.5% (w/v), an enzyme–substrate ratio (E/S) of 0.001% for Alcalase® 2.4L and 0.002% for Protex 6L, at 55 °C and 60 °C, respectively, for 5 h, maintaining a pH of 7.5. Enhanced solubility was observed across a wide pH range (2–10), with HG‐PH exhibiting an increase from 21% to 56%. Analysis of functional properties revealed a significant elevation (P &lt; 0.05) in both water holding and oil holding capacities with increasing DH. Emulsion activity decreased from 0.5 to 0.1 in proportion to DH increase. Conversely, foaming capacity (FC) showed a positive correlation with the hydrolysis extent, rising from 24% to 98%. However, foam stability decreased across all samples, declining from 84% to 12%. These findings underscore the potential of incorporating these hydrolysates into diverse food applications, capitalising on their heightened solubility, water and oil holding capacities, and foam‐forming characteristics. The comprehensive array of functional properties exhibited by HG‐PH renders it a promising ingredient for integration into food product formulations.

Quantifying rheology and texture of chocolate products with oleogels using fractional calculus

Oleogels, a novel technology for structuring fats, show great potential for partially or completely replacing solid fats in chocolate products containing unhealthy saturated fatty acids. However, how to maintain similar rheological properties and sensory texture attributes is a major challenge. Given the lack of a concise and effective mathematical framework, simulating the rheological response and quantifying the textural parameters of the hybrid oleogel-dispersed chocolate products, is complicated. In this work, the rheological power law behavior of hybrid oleogel-dispersed chocolate products is accurately captured by using a fractional constitutive mathematical framework with few constitutive parameters. The sensory texture parameter firmness is quantified on the basis of creep response. The rheological response and firmness index are linked together on the basis of the fractional derivative model. This work helps provide heuristic insights into the structure-texture engineering of this food type. Such insights may, in turn, guide the formulation and design of food products.

Linking the chemical profile with the biological activities of Reaumuria alternifolia from Turkish flora

The chemical composition and in vitro bioactivity of five Reaumuria alternifolia extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities (hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, and water) were investigated. LC-MSn analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins as bioactive molecules in the examined plant material, the majority identified in the methanol extract. Bioactivity was evaluated in vitro through antioxidant, enzyme inhibitor, and cytotoxic assays. Extracts presented a significant biological potential, with the methanol extract being the most effective. The analyzed extracts showed that this readily available raw material is a rich source of phytonutrients, primarily antioxidant compounds. This research raises curiosity about the future perspective of Turkish Reaumuria alternifolia extracts, for the formulation of new products as nutritional supplements or improving the quality of existing products. These potential applications inspire hope for the future of natural product development and its impact on human health.

Effect of Nitrite-Embedded Packaging Film on Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in Nitrite-free and Conventionally-cured Bologna Sausage

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen frequently associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products. Nitrite is a key antimicrobial additive that can offer some degree of protection against L. monocytogenes when included in meat product formulations. The objectives of this study were to determine the potential of nitrite-embedded film to affect the growth of L. monocytogenes following postthermal processing of conventionally-cured and nitrite-free bologna. Two bologna treatment formulations, a conventionally-cured control formulation (CON) and a nitrite-free formulation (UCC), were manufactured, packaged in conventional (CF) or nitrite-embedded (NEF) film, inoculated with 3.5 log CFU/cm2 of a cocktail of L. monocytogenes strains, and stored at 10 ± 1 °C. CON-NEF and UCC-NEF treatments had significantly slower (P < 0.05) growth of L. monocytogenes than CON-CF and UCC-CF, with populations in UCC-CF (which contained no nitrite) increasing by 3.4 logs after 10 d of storage in UCC-CF and 3.6 logs after 50 d in CON-CF (which had formulated nitrite only), while in the NEF-packaged samples, with or without formulated nitrite, they did not exceed the inoculum level until after day 40. Initial (day 0) residual nitrite was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the control formulation. Packaging in NEF, however, resulted in an increase of 27–28 ppm by day 3, regardless of formulation, after which it decreased rapidly. Results suggest NEF can be used as a post-lethality antimicrobial intervention in food safety intervention strategies, in both cured and uncured processed meat products.

NDSRIs Crisis in Pharmaceuticals; Insights on Formation Pathways, Root Causes, Risk Management, and Novel Analytical Techniques.

The discovery of a new class of nitrosamine impurities called N-nitroso drug substance related impurities (NDSRIs) in pharmaceuticals has emerged as a significant challenge for the pharmaceutical sector due to their significant genotoxic and mutagenic effects. Regulatory bodies globally in active collaboration with all the concerned stake holders, are taking effective measures to prevent and control NDSRIs. This comprehensive review on NDSRIs discusses formation pathways, root cause analysis, acceptable intake limits, case studies, control strategies and regulatory responses pertaining to recent NDSRI incidents. This review discusses the novel liquid chromatographic techniques (LC- MS/MS, GC-MS/MS) used to identify and quantify of NDSRIs. This review would aid pharmaceutical professionals, R&D analytical and formulation scientists, and regulatory bodies in gaining deeper insights into the NDSRIs crisis, facilitating formulation of NDSRI-free drug products, and ensuring their sensitive detection with accurate risk evaluation.

An Overview of Biotechnological Drug’s Various Techniques of Downstream Process, Guideline’s And Different Chromatographic Analysis

Abstract: Biotechnology, a field discovered in 1919, unites biology and engineering to harness living organisms for medical purposes. Fueled by using DNA's discovery in the 1950s, biotechnology has converted through genetic engineering, yielding impactful merchandise regulated by means of entities like the FDA. The manufacturing involves upstream and downstream processing including the various techniques involved in the downstream processing of biotechnological drugs, along with relevant guidelines and chromatographic analysis methods. The biotechnological industry, which integrates biological science with engineering, has significantly advanced since the discovery of DNA's structure, leading to the development of biopharmaceuticals. These drugs, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and gene therapies, are produced using living organisms and hold the potential for treating complex diseases. The downstream process, a crucial phase in biopharmaceutical production, involves the purification and formulation of drug products to meet stringent regulatory standards. Traditional techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, and chromatography are employed to extract and purify biopharmaceuticals. Chromatographic techniques, including ion exchange, affinity, and size exclusion chromatography, play a pivotal role in achieving the desired purity levels. However, these methods are often time-- consuming and expensive, necessitating continuous advancements in the field. The paper highlights the importance of regulatory guidelines, including cGMP, in ensuring the quality and safety of biopharmaceuticals. It also discusses the significant role of organizations such as the FDA and EMA in regulating biotechnological drug production. The evolution of downstream processing techniques and the development of novel methods promise greater efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in biopharmaceutical production. Understanding these advancements is essential for continued growth and innovation in the industry, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and pharmaceutical innovation.

Towards more sustainable, nutritious, and affordable plant‐based milk alternatives: A critical review

AbstractThe consumer market has seen a surge in various types of plant‐based milk alternatives (PBMAs), driven by factors such as sustainability, ethics, and the availability of diverse options. However, the global adoption of PBMAs is still hindered by potential nutritional concerns and cost‐ineffectiveness. It is therefore paramount to understand the status and challenges of these alternatives, encompassing production, stabilization strategies, nutrition and health, digestion, and environmental impacts. This review provides a comprehensive examination of these aspects. We begin by scrutinizing the production processes and formulation strategies of PBMAs, followed by an exploration of fundamental stabilization aspects, including homogenization, emulsification, thickening, and quantitative measurements of stabilization. Additionally, we discuss their nutrition facts and potential health benefits, as well as potential differences in the digestion of nutrients from PBMAs. Importantly, their challenges and future directions are discussed individually, highlighting the need for a fundamental understanding and effective food technologies to develop sustainable, nutritious, tasty, and affordable PBMAs. For example, several critical aspects involve maximizing the use of plant materials (e.g., proteins, fibers, and bioactive compounds) and using reliable and unified life cycle analyses to guide the development. This review offers valuable insights for researchers, food technologists, and consumers seeking to navigate and develop the landscape of PBMAs effectively.

Manhaj al-Lugah al-‘Arabiyyah fi Madāris al-Ṡānawiyyah al-Islamiyyah: Taqwīm al-Taṭbīq Binaan ‘ala Qarar Wazīr al-Syuūn al-Dīniyyah

The formulation of evaluation tools needed to apply the curriculum in the process of evaluating the application of the curriculum at the practical level in education units. The objectives of this scientific research are: 1) Describe the curriculum application evaluation model with specifications for the formulation of components, aspects, context indicators, inputs, process, product, and outputs (CIPPO). Based on the decision of the Minister of Religious Affairs No. 183, 184, 189 and the theory of linguistic performance. 2) Analyzing the evaluation results of the implementation of the Arabic language curriculum. This scientific research utilized a research and development (R&amp;D) design) with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). Data collection tools using interview, questionnaire, and documents. The data collection techniques are Dhelpi techniques; consultative discussions with experts as validators in preparing the instruments, group discussion forum; discussions with Arabic language teachers to analyze the needs and formulate the components, aspects, and indicators to achieve Arabic language curriculum application. And qualitative data analysis using triangulation method; data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results of the research indicated that; 1) Implementing the evaluation of the Arabic language education curriculum in the Islamic high school using the CIPPO evaluation model with representative formulas and criteria from KMA 2019 No. 183, 84, and 189 with Dell Hymess' language performance theory Furthermore, CIPPO becomes an evaluation model in the form of curriculum achievement evaluation tools that include components on; context, inputs, process, outcomes, and learning outcomes with all aspects and indicators. The results of the evaluation of the implementation of the Arabic language curriculum for Ma'arif Islamic Secondary Schools Jepara are as follows; 1) Context aspects are at a very good level. 2) Aspects of the input components of the curriculum at a good level. 3) Aspects of the process components of the curriculum at a very good level. 4) The product component aspects of the curriculum are at a good level. 5) The learning outcomes aspects of language performance are at a poor level.

Food and beverage manufacturing and retailing company policies and commitments to improve the healthfulness of Canadian food environments

BackgroundFood and beverage companies play a central role in shaping the healthfulness of food environments.MethodsThe BIA-Obesity tool was used to evaluate and benchmark the specificity, comprehensiveness and transparency of the food environment-related policies and commitments of leading food and beverage manufacturing and retailing companies in Canada. Policies and commitments related to the healthfulness of food environments within 6 action areas were assessed: 1) corporate nutrition strategy; 2) product (re)formulation; 3) nutrition information and labelling; 4) product and brand promotion; 5) product accessibility; and 6) disclosure of relationships with external organizations. Data were collected from publicly available sources, and companies were invited to supplement and validate information collected by the research team. Each company was then assigned a score out of 100 for each action area, and an overall BIA-Obesity score out of 100.ResultsOverall BIA-Obesity scores for manufacturers ranged from 18 to 75 out of 100 (median = 49), while scores for retailers ranged from 21 to 25 (median = 22). Scores were highest within the product (re)formulation (median = 60) followed by the corporate nutrition strategy (median = 59) domain for manufacturers, while retailers performed best within the corporate nutrition strategy (median = 53), followed by the disclosure of relationships with external organizations (median = 47) domain. Companies within both sectors performed worst within the product accessibility domain (medians = 8 and 0 for manufacturers and retailers, respectively).ConclusionsThis study highlights important limitations to self-regulatory approaches of the food and beverage industry to improve the healthfulness of food environments. Although some companies had specific, comprehensive, and transparent policies and commitments to address the healthfulness of food environments in Canada, most fell short of recommended best-practice. Additional mandatory government policies and regulations may be warranted to effectively transform Canadian food environments to promote healthier diets and prevent related non-communicable diseases.

Particle formation: Promise and challenges

Particle formation establishes fundamental particle attributes at the initiation of an overall particle production process. These attributes include particle size distribution, particle morphology, crystal form, and defect level. These fundamental properties, in turn, affect downstream particle processing and product performance properties, including rate of drying, filterability, flowability, caking tendency, rate of dissolution, and for biologically active products bioavailability. Almost always, the goal is that the properties established at formation will provide excellent performance all the way through downstream processing, product formulation, and ultimate use of the product. However, meeting this goal is often not possible for a variety of reasons. First, it may be difficult, prohibitively expensive, or even impossible to achieve the desired properties during formation. Second, there are often conflicting requirements at different stages of production and use. For example, large equant particles may be desired for good filterability and flowability through downstream process steps, but very small particles may be required in the ultimate product application. Examples from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries are presented: both cases successfully producing particles with properties meeting the needs throughout the chain of downstream processing and final application, as well as cases where it was impossible to meet those requirements. For the latter, the additional processing or adaptations required for the product to succeed are outlined. The focus here is on additive particle formation, e.g. crystallization and precipitation from solution, and not subtractive particle formation, e.g. milling. Legacy of Reg DaviesI was fortunate enough, as a budding industrial crystallization engineer, to be invited by Reg to join the newly formed PARticle Science And Technology PARSAT group at DuPont. Reg recognized and documented the importance of particle technology to a large, diverse chemical and materials company like DuPont and PARSAT was to become a leading industrial particle technology group. Reg's vision was to combine the fundamental particle unit operations into a unified, comprehensive technology organization that would address the formation and processing of particles from process concept through end use.This paper describes the first step in many particle processes: particle formation. Reg's legacy vis a vis particle formation is the recognition that particle formation is a critical, foundational process in an overall process train that ultimately produces useful particulate products and intermediates, but that particle formation is nonetheless but one part of the overall process. It may be able to produce particles exactly as needed for end use performance, or additional processes may be needed to tailor particles for their ultimate use. In addition, intermediate processes may be required to preserve useful properties developed during formation but subject to degradation in subsequent operations.Finally, Reg served as inspiration and mentor for everyone in his orbit, and we are far better scientists and engineers for it.

Extraction, Characterization and Evaluation of Health Applications of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil

In this study, the seeds of Moringa oleifera (MO) plant grown in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon were valorized by extracting their oil using mechanical expression. The oil was allowed to clarify through by gravity and an oil yield of 26.07% was obtained. The extracted MO oil was subjected to physicochemical characterization giving the following results; the density of the oil was 0.896 g/mL, a refractive index of 1.468, a viscosity of 49.80± 0.30 mPa.s, an acid value of 2.69%, a peroxide value of 3.7 meq of O2/kg of oil, a saponification value of 189.34 mg of KOH/g of oil and an iodine index of 67.79g/100g of oil. The determination of relevant secondary metabolites by titration revealed a flavonoid content of 0.66 mg GAE/g, total phenol content of 9.7 mg QE/g, carotenoid content of 0.25 mg beta-caro/g and antioxidant activity gave an IC50 concentration of 17.5 mg/mL. Determination of the fatty acid profile revealed that oleic acid (78.45%) makes up the predominant component in the MO seed oil. The chemical composition of the MO seed oil was further verified by IR spectroscopy whose spectral interpretation revealed a predominance of fatty acid moieties in the oil. From these results, it appears that Moringa oleifera seed oil has moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties and therefore the oil is a potent raw material or bioactive substance in the formulation of cosmetic products like creams for body lotion to combat skin infections and the MO seed can find pharmaceutical applications amongst others.