Composition Of Pulp Research Articles

Viabilitas mikroba selulolitik pada media pod dan pulp kakao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Cocoa production in Indonesia is increasing from year to year. Cocoa production increased has an impact on increasing waste cocoa pod and pulp. Cocoa pod contains lignocellulose, while cocoa pulp contains many sugars. The composition of cocoa pod and pulp allows the cellulolytic microbe to grow. This study aims to perform microbial selection from fermented cocoa and sugar cane can grow in cocoa pod and pulp (Theobroma cacao). The selection method using the CMC 1%, pod 1%, pulp 1%, and pod 0,5%+pulp 0,5% media. Then, the analysis of reducing sugar using DNS method, while the total sugar analysis using phenol-H2SO4 method. Sugars of hydrolisis result were analyzed quantitatively using TLC. The results of microbial selection on CMC 1%, pod %, pulp 1%, and pod 0,5%+pulp 0,5% media obtained TBT 3.2 have the largest cellulolytic index on the pod 1% media. Isolates TBT 3.2 grown on pod 1% medium produce reducing sugar is 4,965 mg/mL at 30 hours sampling with highest total sugar at 6 hours sampling is 9,789 mg/mL. The types of sugars identified using the TLC are mannose, galactose, glucose, and selobiose.

Effect of the Carbohydrate Composition of Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp on Its Dissolution and Regeneration Using [mTBN-H][OAc

Effect of the Carbohydrate Composition of Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp on Its Dissolution and Regeneration Using [mTBN-H][OAc

Effect of a Baobab Powder Diet on Growth and Digestive Balance in Growing Rats

Introduction: The fight against malnutrition (over- and undernutrition) requires knowledge of the fruits we eat. Baobab is a fruit from the north of Côte d'Ivoire whose consumption can help improve nutrition. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of baobab pulp and evaluate its nutritional impact after consumption in growing rats. Methodology: To achieve this objective, the physicochemical parameters and macronutrient contents of baobab flour were determined. Then, 3 batches of 5 rats were fed separately with three diets: RFB (baobab pulp), RM (baobab pulp + cornstarch) and RFM (cornstarch). Regular weighing was carried out to determine growth and digestibility parameters. Results: At the end of the work, it was found that baobab pulp is an acidic food (pH = 3.2), composed mainly of carbohydrates (92.47), mainly energy. It has a high starch content (56.34), a high sugar content (21.37), hence its sweet taste; with a considerable fiber content (7.82), in terms of dry matter (DM). Baobab flour contains very low levels of protein (2.08) and lipids (0.37). From a nutritional point of view, the baobab pulp diet (RFB) does not promote rat growth, and therefore the utilization of dietary protein. In addition, the RFB diet results in negative digestibility of dietary proteins and very low digestibility of the dry matter in the food consumed. On the other hand, rat growth and the digestibility of dietary protein and dry matter increased with the reduction (RM) or elimination (RFM) of baobab flour from the diet. Conclusion: Ultimately, these results enable us to assess the nutritional quality of baobab flour. Its consumption, which does not promote weight gain despite its high carbohydrate content, can therefore be used in the fight against obesity.

Resource recovery and reduction of tidal waste to produce cellulose through sulphur-free pulping

AbstractThe transition towards a sustainable cellulose industry needs more environmentally friendly technologies, including the use of lignocellulosic waste as alternative raw materials. This work shows the potential of dead biomass from the Andalusian Mediterranean coastline to obtain cellulosic pulp. With this purpose, predominant species in onshore residues (mainly Posidonia oceanica) were prepared, characterized, and subjected to a soda-anthraquinone pulping process. A central composite design was defined in order to relate the process conditions to the composition and characteristics of the cellulose pulp. It was concluded that polynomial models encompassing linear, quadratic, and binary effect parameters reproduce the experimental results satisfactorily. Results allowed to choose high anthraquinone dosage, alkali charge and temperature, low liquid/solid ratio and short time as a compromise solution, by which the brightness, ethanol–benzene extractives content, kappa number, lignin content and viscosity were near their optimal. Low values of liquid/solid ratio reduce water consumption, which is of utmost importance in cellulose industries likewise short time treatments to save energy.

Influence of cocoa varieties on carbohydrate composition and enzymatic activity of cocoa pulp

In Brazil, after the witch's broom disease incidence, diverse cocoa hybrids were developed, and variations were reported on their composition and characteristics. Based on this, the present study aimed to evaluate the pulp composition of several cocoa hybrids in order to better understand these variations. Results show that cocoa pulp is composed, on average, of 76 % sugar, and a wide variation (20 %) was observed in sugar content between hybrids. Regarding the sugar profile, a prevalence of reducing sugars was observed. Pod origin also plays an important role in pulp composition, with variations between hybrids from Espírito Santo and Bahia states. In relation to the degree of ripeness, ripe pods showed higher fructose and glucose content, while unripe pods presented mainly sucrose. Similar to sugars, the cello-oligossacharides profile was influenced by the degree of pod ripeness and origin and most ripe samples presented mainly cellobiose, cellotriose and cellotetrose. In addition, the prebiotic potential of cocoa pulp was highlighted by cello-oligossacharides digestion assay which exhibited low rates of degradation. Varying enzymatic activity was observed amongst different pulp hybrids, with polyphenol oxidase showing a higher variation when compared to invertase and polygalacturonase ranging. This study shows that the pod hybrid, origin and ripening degree may change the cocoa pulp composition. Therefore, it is very important to understand and evaluate these variations, in order to obtain better results in pulp utilization either in cocoa fermentation or as a coproduct.

Treatment of Eucalyptus chemical-mechanical pulp wastewater by coupling system of advanced catalytic oxidation and biodegradation: Synergistic effect of ozonation photocatalytic-microbial

In addressing the issues concerning the challenging treatment, extensive discharge, substantial organic pollution load, and the intricate composition of chemical-mechanical pulp (CMP) wastewater in the pulp and paper industry, an innovative coupled advanced oxidation and biodegradation techniques known as the intimate coupling of ozone oxidation and photocatalysis-biological treatment (ICOPB) was developed for CMP wastewater remediation. The focus of the present research was to explore the optimization of this system, to comprehend the degradation mechanisms, and to understand microbial reaction behavior. Moreover, the study evaluated the degradation efficiency of four potential mechanisms inherent to ICOPB, which include adsorption, photocatalysis, biological treatment, and coupled photocatalytic-biological indirect wastewater treatment. Under the optimal conditions, wherein the O3 concentration was maintained at 35 mg/min, the carrier filling rate was kept at 5 %, pH was held at 7, and aeration was kept at 0.6 L/min, the degradation efficiencies for COD, BOD, and TOC reached 80.7 %, 91.6 %, and 84.6 %, respectively. When compared with the ICOP (intimate coupling of ozone oxidation and photocatalysis) procedure, the ICOPB demonstrates a superior removal efficiency and more comprehensive mineralization. Microbial diversity results indicated that Proteobacteria actively contribute to the subsequent biodegradation of CMP wastewater treated with the ICOPB system. As revealed by the GC–MS analysis and toxicity assessments of intermediate products, ICOPB notably amplified the rate of organic matter degradation and concurrently reduced the toxicity of the effluents. In conclusion, the findings of this research offer an innovative method for the effective degradation of CMP wastewater, thereby addressing a significant environmental concern in the pulp and paper industry.

Synergistic Improvement Earthen Mortars with Tung Oil, Sticky Rice Pulp, and Aerial Lime: Application for the Conservation of Rammed Earth Structures Damaged by Exfoliation

ABSTRACT Earthen sites are mainly made of earth and are widely located in the moist regions of south-eastern China; however, they suffer from serious damage. Sticky rice-lime mortar, one of the most important technological inventions in the ancient Chinese architectural history, are insufficient for earthen site conservation under adverse humid conditions. In this study, tung oil was used in conjunction with sticky rice pulp and aerial lime composites to evaluate the feasibility of protecting earthen sites damaged by exfoliation in moist environments. Several important experiments were conducted on a test soil as a substitute for the scarce site earth. The cohesion of the test soil with addition of tung oil (T), sticky rice pulp (R), and aerial lime (L) after 180 d was 16 times that of the untreated soil. The addition of these three materials to lean clay formed a double structure of aggregates, as determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The unique relationship depicting the hydraulic conductivity between TRL-treated soil and clay was uniform. Using SEM/EDS, and XRD analysis, the synergistic mechanism was primarily achieved through a TRL triangular interrelation, in which tung oil is indispensable for lean clay improvement. This study provided an effective technique for restoring deteriorated rammed earth remains made of lean clay. Two in situ pilot applications of rammed earth technology were performed on anomalous parts by multi-layer compaction to restore earth remains with potential exfoliation risk. This earth-based mortar was proved to be temporarily effective within one year of conservation.

An aggregated understanding of the influence of aqueous ammonia pretreatment on the physical deconstruction of cell walls in sugar beet pulp.

The underlying interplay between physicochemical property and enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose still remains unclear. The impacts of matrix glycan composition of sugar beet pulp (SBP) on physical structure and saccharification efficiency were emphasized. The results showed that aqueous ammonia (AA) pretreatment could remove the non-cellulosic polysaccharides and destroy the linkage between the pectin and lignin. The cellulose supramolecule was changed significantly after AA pretreatment, in terms of the decline in hardness, gumminess, springiness, thickness and degree of polymerization. Furthermore, vascular cell was exposed and degraded. The highest reducing sugar yield of 355.06mg/g was obtained from the pretreated SBP (80°C) with enzyme loading of 30 U/g, which was 1.01 times higher than that of the untreated SBP. This research also supported the idea that recognizing and precisely removing the primary epitopes in cell walls might be an ideal strategy to accomplish the improved enzymatic hydrolysis through mild pretreatment.

Carotenoid biosynthesis in durian pulp

AbstractDurian (Durio zibethinus Murray) is an important economic crop in Southeast Asian countries. Analysis of the composition of durian pulp indicates that it has high nutraceutical value that is related to the presence of bioactive antioxidant compounds, with carotenoids being one of the important constituents. The major carotenoids are β‐ and α‐carotene, with the minor carotenoids being lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoid biosynthesis in durian pulp involves the coordinated expression of many genes with at least nine genes encoding enzymes having been identified. Carotenoid accumulation increases as fruit maturity advances and is highest in ripe fruit. The concentration of carotenoids in ripe durian pulp varies among cultivars. Ripening‐induced carotenoid accumulation is regulated by endogenous ethylene that controls the expression of key genes.

Effect of activated coal waste and treated Pinus fibers on the physico-mechanical properties and durability of fibercement composites

The constant environmental and social pressure on the search for alternative and clean technologies has strongly influenced the construction industry, which is considered as one of the main contributors to global warming due to the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of cement by activated coal waste on cement-based composites reinforced by unbleached pine pulps. The results showed that the hornification treatment reduces the water absorption capacity and increases the dimensional stability of the cellulosic pulp. In addition, the thermal treatment preserves the original chemical composition of the vegetable pulp. Moreover, the partial replacement of cement by activated coal waste (ACW) increased the mechanical performance. The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that composites with ACW present a decrease of the calcium hydroxide content compared to composites containing limestone. After accelerated aging tests, a decrease in the reinforcement capacity of the fiber and densification of the material is observed. However, composites with treated pulps and activated coal waste showed higher mechanical properties and a greater durability. According to the results, the combination of the hornification treatment and the partial replacement of cement by ACW can be used to improve the eco-efficiency of the fiber cement industry. The combination of both approaches allows to a reduction the carbon dioxide emissions (reduction of cement consumption) and an increase of the durability of the material.

Bioactivity and nutritional quality of nutgall (Rhus semialata Murray), an underutilized fruit of Manipur.

Underutilized fruits plays a significant role in socio economic, cultural, nutritional and ethnomedicinal status of tribal people. However, scientific studies on the nutritional and other pharmaceuticals/biological activities of these fruits are meagre. Hence, the present study dealt with the quantification of nutritional quality and deciphering the bioactivity of nutgall (Rhus semialata Murray syn. Rhus chinensis Mill.), an underutilized fruit crop mainly found in foothill tracks of Eastern Himalaya, India, China, Japan, Korea and other South East Asian countries. The Rhus semialata Murray fruits were collected from five different locations in Purul sub-division, Senapati district, Manipur, India. The nutritional composition of the fruit pulp was analysed. Further the fruit pulp was extracted in methanol and water. The methanol and water extracts were studied for bioactivity properties such as antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, antihyperuricemia, anti-tyrosinase, and antimicrobial activity. The fruit was rich in essential fatty acids. The presence of linoleic and oleic acids, along with traces of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapantaenoic acid, revealed the potential food value of the fruit. 59.18% of the total amino acid composition of the protein present was constituted by essential amino acids. The IC50 value of methanolic extract (MExt) and Water extract (WExt) of the fruit were recorded as 4.05 ± 0.22 and 4.45 ± 0.16 μg/mL, respectively, in the DPPH assay and 5.43 ± 0.37 and 11.36 ± 2.9 μg/mL, respectively, in the ABTS assay as compared to Ascorbic acid (3 and 5.4 μg/mL in DPPH and ABTS assay, respectively). The CUPRAC assay also showed a high antioxidant potential of MExt and WExt (1143.84 ± 88.34 and 456.53 ± 30.02 mg Ascorbic Acid Equivalent/g, respectively). MExt and WExt of the fruit were more active against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 1.61 ± 0.34 and 7.74 ± 0.54 μg/ mL, respectively) than α-amylase enzyme (IC50 14.15 ± 0.57 and 123.33 ± 14.7 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, the methanolic fruit extract showed low to moderate pharmacological potential in terms of antihypertensive (Angiotensin converting enzyme-I inhibition), antihyperuricemia (xanthine oxidase inhibition), anti-tyrosinase, and antimicrobial activity. The IC50 values of angiotensin-converting enzyme I inhibition, xanthine oxidase inhibition and tyrosinase inhibition were recorded as 13.35 ± 1.21 mg/mL, 93.16 ± 4.65 mg/mL, and 862.7 ± 12.62 μg/mL, respectively. The study evidently indicates that nutgall fruit is a potential source of phytonutrients, bestowed with commercially exploitable, multifaceted health benefits.

Antioxidant activity and physicochemical composition of coffee pulp obtained from three coffee varieties in Aceh, Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the antioxidant activity and physicochemical composition of coffee pulp from the three coffee varieties in Aceh Province. This research is exploratory. The pulp of arabica, robusta, and liberica coffee was sun-dried to produce cascara. The properties of cascara including antioxidants, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, pH, moisture content, ash content, fat content, protein content, crude fiber, and total phenol were evaluated. The results showed that the pulp of arabica, robusta, and liberica coffee could reduce free radicals using the DPPH method with a very strong intensity, where the IC50 produced was ranged 33.95 to 44.94 ppm (very strong category ≤ 50 ppm). The results of the physicochemical analysis included for total soluble solids (TSS) at 0.83 − 16.00°Brix; total titratable acidity 0.001− 0.160%; pH 4.68 − 5.59; moisture content 67.61−79.49%; ash content 1.39 − 3.74%; fat content 0.3 − 1.01%; protein content 4.08 − 7.88%; crude fiber content 13.79 − 38.51% and total phenol 21.99 − 80.00 mg GAE/100g sample. These results can be the basis for diversifying the utilization of coffee pulp waste into useful products such as functional drinks like cascara and kombucha.

Intercellular crosstalk in adult dental pulp is mediated by heparin-binding growth factors Pleiotrophin and Midkine

BackgroundIn-depth knowledge of the cellular and molecular composition of dental pulp (DP) and the crosstalk between DP cells that drive tissue homeostasis are not well understood. To address these questions, we performed a comparative analysis of publicly available single-cell transcriptomes of healthy adult human DP to 5 other reference tissues: peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, adipose tissue, lung, and skin.ResultsOur analysis revealed that DP resident cells have a unique gene expression profile when compared to the reference tissues, and that DP fibroblasts are the main cell type contributing to this expression profile. Genes coding for pleiotrophin (PTN) and midkine (MDK), homologous heparin-binding growth-factors, possessed the highest differential expression levels in DP fibroblasts. In addition, we identified extensive crosstalk between DP fibroblasts and several other DP resident cells, including Schwann cells, mesenchymal stem cells and odontoblasts, mediated by PTN and MDK.ConclusionsDP fibroblasts emerge as unappreciated players in DP homeostasis, mainly through their crosstalk with glial cells. These findings suggest that fibroblast-derived growth factors possess major regulatory functions and thus have a potential role as dental therapeutic targets.

Nutritional composition and cytotoxicity studies of black monkey (Strychnos madagascariensis) ripe fruit

Strychnos madagascariensis also known as black monkey orange is found in tropical and subtropical Africa including South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland. The fruit is consumed traditionally as food in the northern coastal region of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa and the Southern part of Zimbabwe. This study investigated the nutritional, anti-nutritional composition, and cytotoxicity of S. madagascariensis ripe fruit. Fruits were randomly selected, and the parameters of each experiment were measured in triplicates. The seed coat and fruit pulp were analysed for proximate, mineral and anti-nutrients (phytic and oxalic acid) composition using standard protocols. The cytotoxic effect of methanolic extracts from the fruit parts of S. madagascariensis was tested on human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide] cell proliferation assay. The fruit pulp’s moisture (6%), ash (11%), protein (5%), fat (1%), fibre (12%), and carbohydrate (12%) contents were significantly different (P<0.05) from the compositions of the fruit pulp (5% moisture, 5% ash, 4% protein, 33% fat, 8% fibre and 11% carbohydrate). The minerals analysed were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the fruit pulp compared to the seed coat (testa). The fruit's seed coat and fruit pulp's methanolic extracts did not show any significant toxicity in the HEK293 cell line. The seed coat's methanolic extract exhibited moderate toxicity in the HeLa cell line. The methanolic extracts from both fruit parts showed a dose-dependent effect in HEK293 and HeLa cell lines. The results of the cytotoxicity analysis revealed the safe nature of the fruit pulp while caution needs to be taken when consuming the seed coat. The seed coat contained 1.39±0.01% phytic acid, but oxalic acid and phytic acid were not detected in the fruit pulp. This study suggests that the fruit parts could serve as a source of potassium, magnesium, and nitrogen, but poor sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fat (pulp). Key words: Anti-nutrients, Cytotoxicity, Extracts, Fruit, Minerals, Proximate, Pulp, Seed

Combined Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Unveil the Molecular Mechanisms of Fruit Acidity Variation in Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.).

Fruit acidity determines the organoleptic quality and nutritive value of most fruits. In litchi, although the organic acid composition of pulps is known, the molecular mechanisms and genes underlying variation in fruit acidity remain elusive. Herein, developing pulps of two contrasting litchi varieties, Huaizhi (HZ, low-acidity) and Boye_No.8 (B8, high-acidity), were subjected to metabolomics and transcriptomics, and the dynamic metabolome and transcriptional changes were determined. Measurements revealed that the dominant acidity-related organic acid in litchi pulps is malate, followed in low levels by citrate and tartrate. Variation in litchi pulps' acidity is mainly associated with significant differences in malate and citrate metabolisms during fruit development. Malic acid content decreased by 91.43% and 72.28% during fruit ripening in HZ and B8, respectively. The content of citric acid increased significantly in B8, while in HZ it was reduced considerably. Differentially accumulated metabolites and differentially expressed genes analyses unveiled fumarate, succinate, 2-oxoglutarate, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), phosphoenolpyruvate, and citrate metabolisms as the key driving pathways of litchi fruits' acidity variation. The drastic malate and citrate degradation in HZ was linked to higher induction of fumarate and GABA biosynthesis, respectively. Thirty candidate genes, including three key genes (LITCHI026501.m2, fumarase; LITCHI020148.m5, glutamate decarboxylase; and LITCHI003343.m3, glutamate dehydrogenase), were identified for functional studies toward genetic modulation of litchi fruit acidity. Our findings provide insights into the molecular basis of acidity variation in litchi and provide valuable resources for fruit quality improvement.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF TAMARIND (TAMARINDUS INDICA L.) EXTRACT AND SYNTHETIC VITAMIN AS FEED ADDITIVES IN BROILER CHICKEN PRODUCTION

This study analyzed the comparative effect of T. indica L. extract and synthetic vitamin (probiotics) as feed additives in broiler chicken production. Forty (40) birds were used for the experimental trial; and divided into two treatments, T1 and T2, each replicated. Analytical techniques adopted include proximate and photochemical analyses, descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Proximate composition of dry tamarind pulp indicated the presence of moisture (15.20% ± 5. 79%), ash (3.95 ± 0.38%), protein (1.90% ± 0.15%), crude fiber (5.6% ± 0.35%), carbohydrate (70.9% ± 5. 98) and ascorbic acid (0.35% ± 0.13%). Phytochemical screening of the T. indica L. extract indicated seven positive chemical constituents (alkaloid, steroidal ring, flavoids, tannin, saponin, glycosides, protein and amino acids); with significant interactive effects. The survival rate of broilers for the duration of the feeding trial was significant for T1 (97%). Further, the average weight gain was significant for T1 in weeks 2 (1.15kg) to 3 (1.5kg); and significant for T2 (0.74kg) in week 1. Feed conversion ratio was significant for T2 in weeks 2 (2.27) to 3 (1.85); and significant for T1 (2.05) in week 1. Furthermore, both feed additives indicated progressive increase in the broilers growth parameters during the experimental trial. This study recommends cultivation of T. indica L. at commercial scale and intensifying utilization of its extract as a replacement or alternative to synthetic vitamin (probiotics) in broiler production. Improved extension services; and additional research on T. indica L. and other related plant parts as feed additives and their effects on carcass yield are required.

Production of Biomodified Bleached Kraft Pulp by Catalytic Conversion Using Penicillium verruculosum Enzymes: Composition, Properties, Structure, and Application

The global development of the bioeconomy is impossible without technologies for comprehensive processing of plant renewable resources. The use of proven pretreatment technologies raises the possibility of the industrial implementation of the enzymatic conversion of polysaccharides from lignocellulose considering the process’s complexity. For instance, a well-tuned kraft pulping produces a substrate easily degraded by cellulases and hemicelulases. Enzymatic hydrolysis of bleached hardwood kraft pulp was carried out using an enzyme complex of endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, β-glucosidases, and xylanases produced by recombinant strains of Penicillium verruculosum at a 10 FPU/g mixture rate and a 10% substrate concentration. As a result of biocatalysis, the following products were obtained: sugar solution, mainly glucose, xylobiose, xylose, as well as other minor reducing sugars; a modified complex based on cellulose and xylan. The composition of the biomodified kraft pulp was determined by HPLC. The method for determining the crystallinity on an X-ray diffractometer was used to characterize the properties. The article shows the possibility of producing biomodified cellulose cryogels by amorphization with concentrated 85% H3PO4 followed by precipitation with water and supercritical drying. The analysis of the enzymatic hydrolysate composition revealed the predominance of glucose (55–67%) among the reducing sugars with a maximum content in the solution up to 6% after 72 h. The properties and structure of the modified kraft pulp were shown to change during biocatalysis; in particular, the crystallinity increased by 5% after 3 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. We obtained cryogels based on the initial and biomodified kraft pulp with conversion rates of 35, 50, and 70%. The properties of these cryogels are not inferior to those of cryogels based on industrial microcrystalline cellulose, as confirmed by the specific surface area, degree of swelling, porosity, and SEM images. Thus, kraft pulp enzymatic hydrolysis offers prospects not only for producing sugar-rich hydrolysates for microbiological synthesis, but also cellulose powders and cryogels with specified properties.

Graphene oxide as a multi-functional additive for compatilizer, enhancer, and barrier in ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer/aramid pulp composites.

To improve the thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH)/aramid pulp (AP), graphene oxide (GO) was used as a compatilizer, enhancer, and barrier to fabricate EVOH-based composites. The results showed that graphene oxide serves as an ideal compatilizer to reinforce the interfacial action between the EVOH matrix and aramid pulp. The EVOH/AP/GO composite presented the best combination of thermal stability, tensile strength, oxygen barrier, and heat deformation temperature by adding only 1 wt% graphene oxide, compared to those of pure EVOH. Moreover, both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) photographs demonstrated that the aramid pulp dispersed homogeneously into the EVOH resin with the addition of 1 wt% graphene oxide. Our work provides a novel and facile way for producing a prominent EVOH-based composite, which can be potentially used in packaging fields in the future.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds of Bael (<i>Aegle marmelos</i>) and Development of Functional Food Products

Aegle marmelos, widely known as bael, belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is one of the most inexpensive and appealing fruits, considered to be an essential source of natural antioxidants and bioactive components. The major purpose of the research study was to investigate the nutritional composition and bioactive constituents of bael pulp, as well as to develop new value-added products that maintain the maximum quantity of nutrients. The developed food products were subjected to evaluate sensory attributes according to a nine-point hedonic scale. It was found that the moisture, protein, fat, crude fiber, and total ash content of bael fruit pulp were 61.20%, 2.48%, 0.47%, 3.04%, and 1.29%, respectively. When compared to the catechin standard, the antioxidant activity of such extract indicated good antioxidant capacity, with an IC50 value of 75.68 μg/ml for methanol extract. Vitamin C content was about 10.21 mg/100g. Besides, total flavonoid and phenolic contents were found as 140 mg of Quercetin Equivalent (QE)/g and 106.65 mg of Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/g, respectively. Results of sensory attributes revealed that there was a significant difference (P ba and bael bar. The overall acceptability of bael murabba (6.7) and bael bar (7.1) is acceptable in quality, but their specific characteristics were found slightly different by the test panelists. These products might be applicable for the treatment of several diseases like atherosclerosis, diabetes, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, tumor, and osteoporosis.

Chemical composition and prebiotic activity of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) pulp on probiotic strains and human colonic microbiota

Little knowledge is available in literature regarding the chemical composition and health-promoting effects of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) pulp, a by-product usually discarded by the agro-industry during the processing of baru fruit. This study evaluated the chemical composition of baru pulp and investigated its prebiotic activity on distinct probiotic strains and human colonic microbiota with in vitro assays. Baru pulp had high contents of insoluble dietary fibers and phenolic compounds (mainly hesperidin). Baru pulp stimulated the growth and metabolism of the probiotics Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, and Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26. In addition, digested baru pulp induced significant benefits on the human colonic microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus-Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides-Prevotella, as well as the production of lactate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The results show that baru pulp has potential prebiotic properties to be explored in the formulation of new health-promoting foods.