Pectin Ratio Research Articles

Characterization and potential application of microspheres from sodium alginate cross-linked with pectin from Citrus depressa Hayata’s peels

BackgroundPectin from Taiwan Citrus depressa Hayata’s peels (CDH pectin) and sodium alginate (Na alginate) were mixed in neutral acidity to produce microhydrogel beads or microspheres. The potential use of the microspheres such as encapsulation materials for quercetin and nobiletin, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity, toxic elements absorption ability, and thermal characteristics were explored.ResultsDifferent ratios of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced microspheres of varying sizes and shapes. The highest yield (47.59%) with the broadest diameter was obtained at a Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 2:1, while the smallest yield was obtained from Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 1:3 (24.13%). Increasing the amount of Na alginate resulted in more spherical microspheres, higher heavy metals (cobalt and nickel) removal rates, yet a lower swelling ratio. A high pectin concentration also increased the encapsulation efficiency of quercetin and nobiletin, reaching 91.5% and 86.74%, respectively. Quercetin and nobiletin release analysis (in vitro) showed a slow release of drugs from the microspheres. Less than 20% quercetin and nobiletin were released from the microspheres in SGF (simulated gastric fluid) pH 1.2 solution after 2 h and more than 40% of the encapsulated drug was released in SIF (simulated intestinal fluid) pH 6.8 after 4 h. The strong DPPH scavenging activity of quercetin (99%) was not hindered by encapsulation materials. ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry) analysis demonstrated that the biopolymer can absorb cobalt and nickel from water. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result showed that the combination of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced a biopolymer that exhibited a weight loss of only 1.86–4.33% at 100 °C.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that microspheres produced from CDH pectin cross-linked with sodium alginate had potential in nobiletin and quercetin encapsulation. Moreover, the polymer could absorb heavy metals and exhibit an important characteristic for hot food and beverage packaging applications.

Enhanced water absorption in pectin-chitosan hydrogel via modification with deep eutectic solvent: Optimisation and characterisation

Natural polymers are widely available, nontoxic, and biodegradable but have lower absorption when used to create hydrogels. Thus, a new modification of hydrogel combining pectin and chitosan was developed using choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with ethylene glycol (DES1), glycerol (DES2), and acetic acid (DES3) called eutectogel. DES was added due to the hydrophilic site, which can increase water absorption. The eutectogel with each DES, including control (without DES), were optimized in their ratio of pectin to chitosan (0.5:1, 1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1) and DES concentration (10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) to obtain the highest water absorption capacity (WAC). All developed gels showed the highest WAC at a ratio 0.5:1 of pectin to chitosan, with 20 % each of DES1, DES2, and DES3 labeled as E20, G20, and A20 having WAC values of 16.02, 13.50, and 12.50 g/g, respectively, owing to the existence of additional hydrophilic sites from DES within the gel for water binding. While the WAC value for the control was 6.2 g/g, this study proves the ability of DES to increase the WAC of E20, G20, and A20 more than two times compared to the control. E20 showed the highest water sorption because of the shorter and smaller size of ethylene glycol in DES1, with two less hindered hydroxyl groups efficiently binding with water molecules compared to glycerol and acetic acid. The interactions were observed through FTIR analysis, specifically in the amino groups of chitosan and carboxyl groups of pectin at the peak of 1636 to 1642 cm−1, which served as indicators of the electrostatic interaction with the modified DES and peak 3335 to 3350 cm−1 indicated of hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen bonding was also confirmed via DSC thermal analysis at 164.06°C to 188.44 °C. Characterization with FTIR, UV–Vis, and DSC confirmed the successful integration of DES, and it revealed that the new hydrogels had better transparency and thermal stability, with E20 showing the best overall performance in enhanced water absorption.

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial susceptibility assessment of a newly developed pectin–chitosan polyelectrolyte composite for dental implants

Biopolymers such as chitosan and pectin are currently attracting significant attention because of their unique properties, which are valuable in the food industry and pharmaceutical applications. These properties include non-toxicity, compatibility with biological systems, natural decomposition ability, and structural adaptability. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of two different ratios of pectin–chitosan polyelectrolyte composite (PCPC) after applying them as a coating to commercially pure titanium (CpTi) substrates using electrospraying. The PCPC was studied in ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, while the control group consisted of CpTi substrates without any coating. The pull-off adhesion strength, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial susceptibility tests were utilized to evaluate the PCPC coatings. In order to determine whether the composite coating was the result of physical blending or chemical bonding, the topographic surface parameters were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PCPC (1:3) had the highest average cell viability of 93.42, 89.88, and 86.85% after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, as determined by the cytotoxicity assay, when compared to the other groups. According to the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method for testing antibacterial susceptibility, PCPC (1:3) showed the highest average diameter of the zone of inhibition, measuring 14.88, 14.43, and 11.03 mm after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation, respectively. This difference was highly significant compared to Group 3 at all three time periods. PCPC (1:3) exhibited a significantly higher mean pull-off adhesion strength (521.6 psi) compared to PCPC (1:2), which revealed 419.5 psi. PCPC (1:3) coated substrates exhibited better surface roughness parameters compared to other groups based on the findings of the AFM. The FTIR measurement indicated that both PCPC groups exhibited a purely physical blending in the composite coating. Based on the extent of these successful in vitro experiments, PCPC (1:3) demonstrates its potential as an effective coating layer. Therefore, the findings of this study pave the way for using newly developed PCPC after electrospraying coating on CpTi for dental implants.

Effects of Adding Pectin to Milk in Varying Amounts on the Rheological Properties of Milk

Pectin, which is used as an additive in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and health sectors due to its safety, non-toxicity, low production cost, and high availability, is used as a thickener, gelling agent, brightener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and fat and sugar replacer in low-calorie foods. It is also used in milk and dairy products as a stabilizer to prevent proteins from clumping. In this study, the rheological properties of pectin and milk mixtures with pectin/milk powder (w/w) ratios of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.5 were examined. First, a flow curve test was applied in the range of 0,01-1000 s-1 to obtain the viscosity curves and yield stress values of the samples. Then, an amplitude sweep test was performed at a fixed frequency of 10 rad/s and in the strain range of 0.01-100% to determine the linear viscoelastic range (LVR) of the samples and the solid and liquid structure of the samples. To determine the time-dependent behavior of the samples in non-destructive deformation, frequency sweep tests were performed at constant strain (0.01%) in the LVR range obtained from the amplitude sweep test and in the range of 0.1-100 rad/s. Finally, three interval thixotropy tests (3ITT) were performed to observe the structural recovery of the samples. As a result of rheological tests, it was determined that pectin-free milk showed Newtonian properties, other samples showed shear thinning properties, and viscosity values increased as the pectin rate increased. While all samples are solid at low strains, the liquid feature becomes dominant at high strains. It has been observed that as the pectin ratio in milk increases, the strain values at the yield point, where the liquid feature becomes dominant, also increase. Except for the sample with the highest pectin content, it was observed that the dominance of the storage modulus over the loss modulus was greater at low frequencies than at high frequencies. As a result of 3ITT, it was determined that the percentage of recovery at the 600th second increased as the pectin rate increased.

Development, optimization, and in-vivo bioavailability study of erlotinib hydrochloride loaded microsponge for colon targeting

The present investigation aimed to develop as well as optimize microsponge containing erlotinib hydrochloride (ETB) that was composed of ethyl cellulose (EC) and pectin. The water solubility and enzymatic susceptibility make it easier to fabricate the microsponge formulation. The ETB loaded microsponge was manufactured using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion process. By this technique, organic solution of the primary component is emulsified with stabilizing agents that are soluble in water. To design the formation of the microsponge, 32 factorial design was implemented. It was investigated how the response variables like particle dimension, entrapment efficiency, ETB diffusion at 12 ​h were influenced by independent variables such as rotation speed and the pectin to ethyl cellulose ratio. The optimal microsponge formulation loaded with ETB (F0) composed of 1:2.8 ratio of pectin to ethyl cellulose (EC) with stirring rate at 478 ​rpm. Particle dimension, entrapment efficiency, and ETB release at 12 ​h from optimized formulation were shown 104.89 ​± ​0.62 ​nm, 82.36 ​± ​2.85 ​%, and 85.49 ​± ​1.84 ​% respectively. The In-vivo pharmacokinetic study conducted on rabbit model shows a significant improvement in bioavailability. The optimized microsponge formulation has been found to have a higher Cmax than the ETB aqueous suspension. The stability of the formulation has been determined by the accelerated stability study of optimized microsponge formulation. This study indicated that the optimized formulation retained its stability even after 90days. In general, the present investigation demonstrated that drug loaded microsponge based formulation is a suitable method to improve the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of ETB.

Enhancing the oral bioavailability of fisetin: polysaccharide-based self nano-emulsifying spheroids for colon-targeted delivery.

Fisetin (FS) is a flavonoid that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against ulcerative colitis. FS shows poor dissolution rate and permeability. An attempt has been made to develop colon-targeted solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDS) of FS. Initially, liquid (L) SNEDDS were prepared by loading FS into isotropic mixture of L-SNEDDS was prepared using Labrafil M 1944 CS, Transcutol P, and Tween 80. These L-SNEDDS were further converted into solid (S) SNEDDS by mixing the isotropic mixture with 1:1:1 ratio of guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG) and pectin (PC) [GG:XG:PC (1:1:1)]. Aerosil-200 (A-200) was added to enhance their flow characteristics. Further, they were converted into spheroids by extrusion-spheronization technique. The solid-state characterization of S-SNEDDS was done by SEM, DSC, and PXRD, which revealed that the crystalline form of FS was converted into the amorphous form. In the dissolution study, S-SNEDDS spheroids [GG:XG:PC (1:1:1)] exhibited less than 20% drug release within the first 5 h, followed by rapid release of the drug between the 5th and 10th h, indicating its release at colonic site. The site-specific delivery of FS to colon via FS-S-SNEDDS spheroids was confirmed by conducting pharmacokinetic studies on rats. Wherein, results showed delay in absorption of FS loaded in spheroids up to 5 h and achievement of Cmax at 7h, whereas L-SNEDDS showed rapid absorption of FS. Furthermore, FS-L-SNEDDS and FS-S-SNEDDS spheroids [GG:XG:PC (1:1:1)] increased oral bioavailability of FS by 6.86-fold and 4.44-fold, respectively, as compared to unprocessed FS.

Effect of zein-pectin composite particles on the stability and rheological properties of gelatin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose water-water systems

To improve the compatibility of gelatin (GA) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), we investigated the effects of zein-pectin composite particles (ZCPs) with various zein/pectin ratios (1:0, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2) on the physical stability, microstructure, and rheological properties of the GA/HPMC water-water systems. With increasing pectin ratio, the particle size of the composite particles increased from 234.53 ± 1.48 nm to 1111.00 ± 26.91 nm, and their zeta potential decreased from 20.60 mV to below −34.77 mV. Macroscopic and microstructure observations indicated that pectin-modified ZCPs could effectively inhibit phase separation behavior between GA and HPMC. Compared to pure HPMC, the GA/HPMC water-water systems possessed a higher viscosity and dynamic modulus at room temperatures but lower gel temperatures (reduction of about 11 %). The viscosity and modulus of the water-water systems increased with increasing pectin ratio in ZCPs. However, the ratio had no impact on the gel-sol (sol-gel) transition temperatures (not statistically significant (P < 0.05)). This study may serve as a reference for advancing the processability of HPMC.

Porous pectin particle formation utilizing spray drying with a three-fluid nozzle

The development of advanced porous particles with a high surface area and interconnected porosity is pivotal in material science for various applications. Pectin, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, has shown promise for the synthesis of porous particles, especially in the biomedical and food industries. The high viscosity of pectin and CaCO3 nanoparticle (NP) solutions has been a significant challenge for producing these particles. This study introduces a novel spray drying technique with a three-fluid nozzle, designed to handle high-viscosity solutions and to increase production rates by 30-fold over the conventional two-fluid nozzle. Using the proposed technique, notable improvements are achieved in particle surface areas and pore volumes by controlling the distribution of CaCO3 NPs within the pectin particles, especially at a CaCO3 NPs to pectin ratio of 15. This resulted in porous pectin particles with sizes of 3.4 to 6.2 μm, surface areas of up to 261 m2/g, and enhanced lysozyme adsorption capacities are obtained by varying types of precursor solutions. Thus, this approach facilitates the synthesis of multifunctional composites and porous particles.

Encapsulation of iron within whey protein-pectin nanocomplexes: Fabrication, characterization, and optimization

Iron is an important micronutrient that cannot be added directly into food products due to potential reactions with the food matrix, impact on color, and taste. Complexed biopolymeric nanocarriers can overcome these challenges particularly for oral delivery of iron, but selecting appropriate biopolymers, their ratio and pH of complexation is very important. In this study, whey protein concentrate (WPC)-pectin nanocomplexes were prepared at different concentrations (WPC 4, 6 and 8%; pectin 0.5, 0.75 and 1%), and pH (3, 6 and 9) to encapsulate iron. The smallest carriers were observed at pH 3; higher pH led to higher zeta potential (zero to −32.5 mV). Encapsulation efficiency of iron in nanocarriers formulated at pH = 3, 6 and 9 were 87.83, 75.92 and 20%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the spherical particles at pH 3. To conclude, a WPC to pectin ratio of 4: 1 at pH 3 was the best conditions for loading iron.

Improved stability and mechanical properties of citrus pectin-zein emulsion gels by double crosslinking with calcium and transglutaminase

The low water solubility of zein severely limits its industrial application. In this study, the emulsifying performance and stability of zein were improved by electrostatically compounding different ratios of citrus pectin (CP) with zein to obtain zein-CP composite particles (ZCPs). When the mass ratio of CP to zein was 1: 2 (C1Z2), the composite particles showed the smallest particle size, and the C1Z2 stabilized Pickering emulsion (C1Z2-PE) exhibited excellent physical and environmental stability. The ZCPs stabilized emulsions were further cross-linked by transglutaminase (TGase) and Ca2+, resulting in the formation of emulsion gels with increased mechanical properties. Macroscopic and microscopic morphology analysis demonstrated the successful preparation of the emulsion gels. Through the rheological study and texture analysis, it was observed that the double cross-linked emulsion gels exhibited a remarkable improvement in apparent viscosity and gel hardness. This research offers a new strategy and technical reference for the development of new gel-based products.

Evaluation of antimicrobial photodynamic action of a pluronic and pectin based film loaded with methylene blue against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Antimicrobial wound dressings play a crucial role in treatment of wound infections. However, existing commercial options fall short due to antibiotic resistance and the limited spectrum of activity of newly emerging antimicrobials against bacteria that are frequently encountered in wound infections. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is very promising alternative therapeutic approach against antibiotic resistant microbes such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, delivery of the photosensitizer (PS) homogeneously to the wound site is a challenge. Though polymeric wound dressings based on synthetic and biopolymers are being explored for aPDT, there is paucity of data regarding their in vivo efficacy. Moreover, there are no studies on use of PS loaded, pluoronic (PL) and pectin (PC) based films for aPDT. We report development of a polymeric film for potential use in aPDT. The film was prepared using PL and PC via solvent casting approach and impregnated with methylene blue (MB) for photodynamic inactivation of MRSA in vitro and in vivo. Atomic force microscopic imaging of the films yielded vivid pictures of surface topography, with rough surfaces, pores, and furrows. The PL:PC ratio (2:3) was optimized that would result in an intact film but exhibit rapid release of MB in time scale suitable for aPDT. The film showed good antibacterial activity against planktonic suspension, biofilm of MRSA upon exposure to red light. Investigations on MRSA infected excisional wounds of mice reveal that topical application of MB loaded film for 30 min followed by red light exposure for 5 min (fluence; ∼30 J cm−2) or 10 min (fluence; ∼60 J cm−2) reduces ∼80% or ∼92% of bioburden, respectively. Importantly, the film elicits no significant cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that PS-loaded PL-PC based films are a promising new tool for treatment of MRSA infected wounds.

Stability of electrostatically stabilized emulsions and its encapsulation of astaxanthin against environmental stresses: Effect of sodium caseinate-sugar beet pectin addition order

Two addition orders, i.e., the layer-by-layer (L) and mixed biopolymer (M) orders, were used to generate sodium caseinate - sugar beet pectin electrostatically stabilized o/w emulsions with 0.5% oil and varying sodium caseinate: sugar beet pectin ratios (3:1–1:3) at pH 4.5. Emulsion stability against environmental stresses (i.e., pH, salt addition, thermal treatment, storage and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion) and its astaxanthin encapsulation against degradation during storage and in vitro digestion were evaluated. Results indicated that a total biopolymer concentration of 0.5% was optimal, with the preferred sodium caseinate-sugar beet pectin ratios for L and M emulsions being 1:1 and 1:3, respectively. L emulsions generally exhibited smaller droplet diameters than M emulsions across all ratios, except at 1:3. Lowering the pH to 1.5 substantially reduced the net negative charge of all emulsions, with only L emulsions precipitating at pH 3. M emulsions showed greater tolerance to salt addition, remaining stable up to 500 mM sodium and calcium concentrations, whereas L emulsions destabilized at levels exceeding 50 mM and 30 mM, respectively. All emulsions were stable when heated at 37 °C or 90 °C for 30 min. Astaxanthin degradation rates increased with prolonged storage, reaching 61.66% and 54.08% by day 7 for L and M emulsions, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin in freshly prepared M emulsions (86.85%) was significantly higher compared to L emulsions (72.82%). M emulsions had 30% and 25% higher encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin than L emulsions after in vitro digestion for 120 min and 240 min respectively. This study offers suggestions for interface design and process optimization to improve the performance of protein-polysaccharide emulsion systems, such as in beverages and dairy products, as well as their delivery effect of bioactives.

OPTIMIZATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING ON THE QUALITY OF LUCUMA (Pouteria lucuma) JAM

This research aims to survey the factors in the process of quality of lucuma jam (Pouteria lucuma). The main contents included (i) Investigating the effects of added water (v/w) (60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, 140%); (ii) Optimizethe ratio of sugar (50%, 60%, 70%), acid citric (0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%) and pectin (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%). The results showed that by adding 100% water, the jam product achieved the highest sensory score and attractive color for L*, b* of 30.12 , and 30.96, respectively. The ratio of sugar (70%), citric acid (0.2%) and pectin (1.0%) in the supplementary mixture resulted in a total polyphenol of 21.53 mgGAE/L and 62.67oBx of the final product and gained the highest scores from the sensory panel, which evaluated the jam by perceptive color, flavor, taste , and texture.

Zein-Induced Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Encapsulating Triterpenoid Phytochemicals.

The hydrophobicity and aggregation of zein, a biopolymer, limit its application as an effective drug delivery carrier. Here, we developed a zein-induced polyelectrolyte (ZiP) complex and investigated its efficiency in delivering 1% hydrolyzed ginseng saponin, a compound K-rich fraction derived from the root of Panax ginseng. The ZiP complex was formulated by incorporating the self-assembled amphiphilic prolamin zein into the aqueous phase. The physical properties, encapsulation efficiency, and stability of the encapsulation system at room temperature (25 °C) and 45 °C were assessed. The effects of different ratios of zein, pullulan, and pectin on the formation of the ZiP complex, the encapsulation stability, and the cellular efficacy of ZiP complexes were also assessed. The ZiP complex was surface-modified with hydrophilic pullulan and pectin polysaccharides in a mass ratio of 1:2:0.2 through electrostatic interactions. The primary hydrophilic modification of the ZiP complex was formed by the adsorption of pullulan, which enhanced the encapsulation stability. The outermost hydrophilic layer comprised the gelling polysaccharide pectin, which further improved the stability of the macro-sized oil-encapsulated complex, reaching sizes over 50 μm. The size of the ZiP complex increased when the concentration of pectin or the total content of the ZiP complex increased to 2:4:0.2. Compound K was successfully encapsulated with a particle size of 294.8 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 99.6%. The ZiP complex demonstrated stability at high temperatures and long-term stability of the encapsulated saponin over 24 weeks. These results revealed the potency of ZiP complexes that enhance the in vivo absorption of phytochemicals as effective drug delivery carriers that can overcome the limitations in industrial formulation development as a delivery system.

Enhanced viability of probiotics in composite hydrogel beads

Composite hydrogel is common way to protect probiotics from harsh environment. The study designed and optimized double-saccharide composite hydrogel beads for the encapsulation of Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047 (C. crustorum MN047) by adjusting the combination ratios of low methoxyl pectin (LMP) and sodium alginate (SAG) and the concentrations of calcium chloride (CaCl2). Encapsulation efficiency of hydrogel beads ranged from 87.69% to 99.98%. Hydrogel beads significantly increased the viability of C. crustorum MN047 in the simulated gastrointestinal (the number of viable probiotics was more than 7 log CFU/g at simulated SIF for 4 h) and storage environments (the number of viable probiotics was more than 7 log CFU/g at 25 °C at day30). Rheological tests proved pectin-based hydrogel possessed stronger crosslinking degree than alginate-based hydrogel. FT-IR and SEM indicated C. crustorum MN047 was encapsulated successfully, and polyelectrolyte polymers along with Ca-crosslinking play an important role in the formation mechanism. These results are attributed to the design of probiotic encapsulation systems and the promotion of the exploitation of probiotic functional products.

Fabrication and characterization of a novel zein/pectin/pumpkin seed oil Pickering emulsion and the effects of myricetin on oxidation stability

In this study, zein/pectin/pumpkin seed oil (PSO) Pickering emulsions (ZPPEs) were fabricated loading with myricetin (MYT), and the quality control methods of oxidation stability were innovatively investigated. The microstructure and particle properties of zein-pectin particles were determined. The zein to pectin ratio of 5:3 and oil phase fraction (φ = 50 %) turned out as the most optimal conditions for the stabilization of myricetin-loaded ZPPEs. The expected oil-in-water emulsion-type structure was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The internal 3D structure of Pickering emulsions (Lugol's solution improved the water-phase contrast) was imaged by micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) for the first time. Results showed a sponge like structure of water phase in emulsion with 42 μm as mean droplet size. Light-induced oxidation was evaluated with the PetroOxy method and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays. Encapsuling ZPPEs with MYT could prevent the light induced oxidation, especially, loading of MYT at the core of the emulsion. The analysis of Electronic nose (E-nose) was used to analyze the odor before and after UV-induced oxidation, and showed a good discrimination. This study provided a new approach to prepare ZPPEs with high oxidation stability. Micro-CT, PetroOxy and E-nose could be new methods for characterization and quality assessment of Pickering emulsions.

Optimization of LDO-Pectin Synthesis Conditions for the Removal of Metals from Wastewater: A Comparison of Response Surface Methods and Taguchi Approaches.

With the continuous growth of industrialization, the presence of heavy metals (HMs) in the environment has become a critical issue, necessitating cost-effective and efficient techniques for their removal. The present study aimed to determine the optimal preparation conditions for synthesizing pectin (PC) as a polymer sorbent, combined with Magnesium (Mg) Aluminum (Al) layered double oxides (LDOs), using a fast and facile co-precipitation method. Both the response surface method (RSM) and the Taguchi method were employed to optimize the influence of key independent variables, including the molar ratio of cations Mg:Al, the ratio of pectin to LDO, and the temperature for removing multiple elements from wastewater. The results indicated that RSM is more accurate and examines more interactions, while Taguchi reduces the number of tests and is more economical than RSM. However, both statistical methods showed good potential for predicting the adsorption capacity (Qe) of HMs. The optimal preparation conditions were identified as a molar ratio of 3:1, a ratio of pectin to LDO of 7% w/w, and a temperature of approximately 600 °C. In conclusion, the application of RSM and Taguchi approaches was found to be feasible and effective in optimizing the preparation conditions of modified LDO, which can be utilized as a potential adsorbent for removing multiple elements from wastewater.

Novel Double Hybrid-Type Bone Cements Based on Calcium Phosphates, Chitosan and Citrus Pectin.

In this work, the influence of the liquid phase composition on the physicochemical properties of double hybrid-type bone substitutes was investigated. The solid phase of obtained biomicroconcretes was composed of highly reactive α-tricalcium phosphate powder (α-TCP) and hybrid hydroxyapatite/chitosan granules (HA/CTS). Various combinations of disodium phosphate (Na2HPO4) solution and citrus pectin gel were used as liquid phases. The novelty of this study is the development of double-hybrid materials with a dual setting system. The double hybrid phenomenon is due to the interactions between polycationic polymer (chitosan in hybrid granules) and polyanionic polymer (citrus pectin). The chemical and phase composition (FTIR, XRD), setting times (Gillmore needles), injectability, mechanical strength, microstructure (SEM) and chemical stability in vitro were studied. The setting times of obtained materials ranged from 4.5 to 30.5 min for initial and from 7.5 to 55.5 min for final setting times. The compressive strength varied from 5.75 to 13.24 MPa. By incorporating citrus pectin into the liquid phase of the materials, not only did it enhance their physicochemical properties, but it also resulted in the development of fully injectable materials featuring a dual setting system. It has been shown that the properties of materials can be controlled by using the appropriate ratio of citrus pectin in the liquid phase.

Application of nanoencapsulated Mofarrah (Nepeta crispa) essential oil as a natural preservative in yogurt drink (doogh)

This study aimed to nanoencapsulate the essential oil of the Nepeta crispa and its application in yogurt drink (doogh) to investigate the product's physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties. N. crispa essential oil was nanoencapsulated with the different ratios of pectin:whey protein concentrate (25:75, 50:50, 75:25 w/w) using spray drying. The highest nanoencapsulation efficiency and the lowest nanoencapsulated phenolic compounds release were obtained in the 75:25 pectin: whey protein concentrate ratio. The nanoparticles had a semi-spherical structure and a size of about 400 nm. FT-IR confirmed the presence of hydroxyl bonds related to phenolic compounds in the essential oil. Different concentrations (0.075, 0.15, and 0.20 mg/mL) of free and encapsulated essential oil were added to the doogh. With the increase in essential oil concentration, acidity had an upward trend. The sample containing 0.20 mg/mL of encapsulated essential oil showed the highest percentage of DPPH radical inhibition and the lowest IC50. The addition of nanoencapsulated essential oil positively affected on the doogh sensory quality. Doogh containing 0.20 mg/mL of nanoencapsulated essential oil had a greater inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Since this sample had an acceptable sensory quality, it was chosen as the best sample.

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma delayed the textural hardening of bamboo shoots by regulating cell wall metabolism

Postharvest bamboo shoots may undergo a hardening process even under low-temperature storage. Dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBDP) is a promising non-thermal preservation technology, which reportedly delays senescence and improves the texture of plants. The influences of DBDP treatment on the changes of quality attributes, cell wall components, and cell wall modifying enzymes in Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) shoots were investigated. DBDP treatment improved the shelf life, texture, and energy level while decreasing the cell membrane permeability, malondialdehyde content, and hydrogen peroxide contents of bamboo shoots. DBDP treatment obtained a higher ratio of water-soluble pectin to CDTA-soluble pectin contents as well as lower levels of cellulose and hemicellulose contents by regulating the cell wall modifying enzymes, inhibiting the self-assembly of pectin gels and cellulose-xyloglucan networks. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that DBDP treatment slightly destabilized the cell wall and inhibited secondary cell wall formation. The results showed that DBDP treatment inhibited the hardening process and maintained a better texture of bamboo shoots under low-temperature storage.