Removal Of Sugars Research Articles

3D Printing of New Foods Using Cellulose-Based Gels Obtained from Cerotonia siliqua L. Byproducts

Carob pulp is a valuable source of cellulose-rich fraction (CRF) for many food applications. This study aimed to obtain and characterize a CRF derived from carob pulp waste after sugar removal and to evaluate its potential use in the 3D printing of cellulose-rich foods. Thus, the extraction of the CRF present in carob pulp (by obtaining the alcohol-insoluble residue) was carried out, accounting for nearly 45% dm (dry matter) of this byproduct. The CRF contained about 24% dm of cellulose. The functional properties (swelling capacity, water retention, and fat adsorption) related to this fraction were determined, showing a value of 5.9 mL/g of CRF and 4.0 and 6.5 g/g of CRF, respectively. Different gels were formulated with a total solids content of 15% wm (wet matter), using potato peel flour as a base and partially substituting with CRF (0% to 8% wm). The cellulose-based gels were characterized in terms of viscosity, water distribution (low-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and printability, while the 3D printed samples were assessed for their textural properties. As the percentage of added CRF increased, the viscosity decreased while the water retention increased. Printability improved when small proportions of CRF (2% to 4%) were used, while it deteriorated for higher percentages (6% to 8%). The textural properties (hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and gumminess) showed significant changes caused by the addition of CRF, with gels containing 3% to 4% CRF exhibiting the most suitable printing values. In summary, this study demonstrates the significant potential of carob cellulose-based gel as an ingredient in the 3D printing of novel fiber-rich foods, contributing to reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices within the framework of the circular economy.

The effects of Mitragyna speciosa extracts on intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in vitro fecal fermentation.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a long history of traditional use. It contains various alkaloids and polyphenols. The properties of kratom's alkaloids have been well-documented. However, the property of kratom's polyphenols in water-soluble phase have been less frequently reported. This study assessed the effects of water-soluble Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) extract (MSE) on gut microbiota and their metabolite production in fecal batch culture. The water-soluble kratom extract (MSE0) and the water-soluble kratom extract after partial sugar removal (MSE50) both contained polyphenols, with total phenolic levels of 2037.91 ± 51.13 and 3997.95 ± 27.90 mg GAE/g extract, respectively and total flavonoids of 81.10 ± 1.00 and 84.60 ± 1.43 mg CEQ/g extract. The gut microbiota in fecal batch culture was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing at 0 and 24 h of fermentation. After fermentation, MSE50 stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium more than MSE0. MSE0 gave the highest total fatty acids level among the treatments. The phenolic metabolites produced by some intestinal microbiota during fecal fermentation at 24 h were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The major metabolite of biotransformation of both water-soluble MSEs by intestinal microbiota was pyrocatechol (9.85-11.53%). The water-soluble MSEs and their produced metabolites could potentially be used as ingredients for functional and medicinal food production that supports specific gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessing the Ability to Reverse High Fat High Sugar Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Dietary Modification

Background: Metabolic syndrome includes a plethora of symptoms ultimately leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Increased consumption of ‘Western diets’ rich in fat and sugar increase the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetic obesity and furthermore increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We aimed to better understand the influence of chronic consumption of a ‘western-type’ high fat-high sugar diet (HFS) on hepatic health and moreover we assessed the ability of dietary modifications (i.e., removal of fat and sugar from the diet) to reverse these detrimental hepatic effects. This would represent what is seen clinically, advocated by a provider in a clinical setting as a first line treatment for diabetic obese patients. Methods: Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into the following groups: 12-weeks HFS then 12-weeks of standard diet and water (Std), control groups were fed standard chow and water for the entire 24-weeks (lean control) or fed HFS diet for the entire 24-weeks (HFS). At the end of the 24-week diet study, livers were removed and fixed (for sectioning and staining with Oil-Red-O or trichrome and quantified with Image J) or frozen and kept at -80°C (for PCR studies and assays). Serum was collected for assays. Results: At the end of the diet study, body weight was significantly increased 1.5-fold by HFS and reduced 34% (p<0.05) in the Std group. Liver weight/body weight ratio followed the same trend as body weight. Percent fat area, total number of lipid droplets and average total lipid area were all significantly increased in the HFS group versus lean controls and were all significantly reduced by Std (p<0.05). Serum ALT activity was increased 3-fold by HFS and then reduced to lean levels by Std. Serum TNF-α and MCP1 levels followed the same trend. Serum TBARS were significantly increased 1.6-fold, but unchanged with Std. Trichrome analysis demonstrated deposition of collagen in liver from HFS fed mice (15.53% area), which was significantly reversed by the switch to Std (4.58% area). This data will be complemented with mRNA levels currently being run for collagens 1, 3, 4. Preliminary findings indicate that HFS fed mice have a significant increase in expression of collagen-1 but not collagen-3. We aim to further explore the metabolic mechanisms involved in the reversal of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis between the three diet groups. Conclusions: We conclude that removal of the HFS diet and switching to standard chow and water (Std) is an effective treatment regimen and results in robust reversal of hepatic steatosis along with reversal of collagen deposition, with concomitant beneficial changes in key serum markers of hepatic health, systemic inflammatory profile, and body/liver weight. The mechanistic pathways triggering these effects are being explored. Midwestern-Arizona Alzheimer’s consortium and Midwestern University Intramural Grant. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Textural, rheological, melting properties, particle size distribution, and NMR relaxometry of cocoa hazelnut spread with inulin-stevia addition as sugar replacer.

This study investigated the influence of substituting 60, 80, and 100% of the sugar in traditional cocoa hazelnut paste (control) formulation with inulin-stevia (90:10, w/w) mixture on textural and rheological characteristics, melting behavior, water activity (aw), particle size distribution (PSD), and color. Textural, rheological, melting properties, and color of samples were analyzed after 1, 2, and 3 months of storage at 11°C. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry experiments were also performed to understand the interaction of new ingredients with oil. Replacement of sugar with inulin-stevia gave darker color, reduced Casson yield stress, and changed the textural parameters and melting profile of the samples depending on the level but did not create a remarkable effect on PSD and Casson plastic viscosity. Increasing inulin-stevia content yielded lower aw and higher T2a values indicating decreased mobility of water. Complete removal of sugar caused low spreadability. The results showed that an 80% replacement level yielded a product with similar textural parameters and fat-melting mouth feeling compared to control sample. Cocoa hazelnut spreads prepared with inulin and stevia showed good textural stability during storage.

Extraction and separation of anthocyanins from Kushui rose by ethanol-(NH4)2SO4 aqueous two-phase system.

Simultaneous extraction of anthocyanins and removal of sugars from Kushui rose was performed using an ethanol-ammonium sulphate aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). The effects of different parameters, such as type of salt, concentrations of salt and ethanol, temperature and pH on the partition coefficient and recovery of anthocyanins in the top system and sugars in the bottom system were studied. Furthermore, an experimental design of a three-level three-factor Box-Behnken design response surface methodology (RSM) was used to obtain optimal extraction conditions. The maximum partition coefficient (5.64) and recovery (78%) of anthocyanins in the top system within the investigated range were obtained at 22% (w/w) concentration of ammonium sulphate, 25% (w/w) concentration of ethanol, pH 5 and 33.5 °C. During the discussion of the main factors, the maximum recovery of sugars reached 70.09%. The HPLC profile of anthocyanins obtained from the ATPS top phase was similar to that of anthocyanins extracted by ethanol, which indicated that the ethanol-ammonium sulphate ATPS was suitable for the extraction of anthocyanins. On the basis of the anthocyanin stability experiment, anthocyanins extracted from Kushui rose should be stored at low pH and temperature.

Excess dietary sugar impairs Drosophila adult stem cells via elevated reactive oxygen species-induced JNK signaling.

High-sugar diets (HSDs) often lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes, both metabolic syndromes associated with stem cell dysfunction. However, it is unclear whether excess dietary sugar affects stem cells. Here, we report that HSD impairs stem cell function in the intestine and ovaries of female Drosophila prior to the onset of insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Although 1 week of HSD leads to obesity, impaired oogenesis and altered lipid metabolism, insulin resistance does not occur. HSD increases glucose uptake by germline stem cells (GSCs) and triggers reactive oxygen species-induced JNK signaling, which reduces GSC proliferation. Removal of excess sugar from the diet reverses these HSD-induced phenomena. A similar phenomenon is found in intestinal stem cells (ISCs), except that HSD disrupts ISC maintenance and differentiation. Interestingly, tumor-like GSCs and ISCs are less responsive to HSD, which may be because of their dependence on glycolytic metabolism and high energy demand, respectively. This study suggests that excess dietary sugar induces oxidative stress and damages stem cells before insulin resistance develops, a mechanism that may also occur in higher organisms.

The Use of Crude Alpha-Galactosidase in the Removal of Semi-Complex Raffinose Sugars from some Types of Legumes

The study measured the proportions of the semi-complex raffinose group in selected types of legumes using active yeast Saccharomyces as a source to obtain the enzyme alpha-galactosidase in its raw form and adding this enzyme to different levels of legumes soaked under different soaking conditions of temperature, pH, and soaking period. The rates of removal of semi-complex raffinose sugars were estimated. The study aims to remove the group of semi-complex raffinose sugars (which is one of the most important anti-nutritional compounds in legumes) to obtain some types of legumes that are largely free of these compounds in order to be ready for consumption by humans, especially children. The results of the table show that the amount of semi-complex sugars of the family of RFOs, represented by raffinose. It was 0.03 gm in chickpeas, and 0.03 gm in beans, and it was concluded that the best result was obtained when using the pure enzyme α-galactosidase at a temperature of 30 ° C and a concentration of 20 mg of enzyme during 8 hours of treatment with the enzyme pH = 4 in chickpeas. As for white beans, the best result was reached when using the pure enzyme α-galactosidase at a temperature of 40°C and at a concentration of 20 mg of enzyme during 8 hours of treatment with enzyme pH = 4.

Conversion of residual sugars from vinasses to 5-Hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) and phenolic compounds using ion exchange resins and thermal treatment

Due to its physicochemical composition, the final disposal of vinasses denotes a severe environmental problem. This work passed vinasses at 2.4 and 7.0 pH through ion exchange Amberlite FPX66 and Dowex Optipore SD2 resins and two thermal treatments (130 °C, 40 min, and 0.5% H2O2). Furanic and phenolic compounds increased, and sugar removal was determined using UPLC, HPLC, and FTIR analysis. The highest increase for 5-HMF was found using SD2 resin to 7.0 pH vinasses and two thermal treatments (494.87 mg/L). The resins did not adsorb in the case of furfural. The highest increase in phenolic compounds was observed in 3-hydroxybenzoic (9.22 mg/L), vanillic (5.02 mg/L), syringic (1.68 mg/L), and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (1.23 mg/L). The highest values were found at pH 7.0 and after a second thermal treatment. The highest removal of sugars and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) occurred in FPX66 resin using vinasses to 2.4 pH and two thermal treatments, with 66.9 and 54%, respectively. Xylose was reduced between 74.5 and 88% with the SD2 in both pH and with two thermal treatments, and FPX66 resin with vinasses to 7.0 pH and two thermal treatments. At the same time, sucrose was removed 99.5% after the FPX66 resins with two treatments and 2.4 pH. Inulin is reported in this work for the first time in tequila vinasse (4530 mg/L). Using vinasses to obtain compounds of economic importance helps to valorize this residue.

Aqueous two‐phase anthocyanins partitioning from açai – laboratory scale‐up

SummaryAçai, a fruit typical of Amazonia in Brazil, is consumed due to beneficial health effects. Aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) based on ethanol (28% w/w) and ammonium sulfate (17.5% w/w) were employed in the partitioning of anthocyanins from açai. Experiments, applying 50 mL equilibrium cells and a 1‐L glass vessel reactor, evaluated anthocyanin partition feasibility on a laboratory scale‐up. The anthocyanin preferentially moved to the top (ethanol‐rich phase) and sugars to the bottom (ammonium sulfate‐rich phase). Scale‐up effects were compared with the equilibrium cell experiments with anthocyanin extraction yielding more than 64% w/w, the yield of sugars in the bottom phase (>61% w/w) and removal of sugars (97%), showing the feasibility for the scale‐up process. The anthocyanin profile from açai, ATPS partition on the bench scale and laboratory scale‐up evaluated by UPLC‐QTOF‐MS identified cyanidin, peonidin and pelargonidin derivatives.

Enhanced fermentable sugar production in lignocellulosic biorefinery by exploring a novel corn stover and configuring high-solid pretreatment conditions

This study aimed to produce enhanced fermentable sugars from a novel stover system through the bioprocessing of its soluble sugars and insoluble carbohydrates. The pretreatment conditions were optimized for this high sugar-containing stover (HSS) to control inhibitor formation and obtain enhanced fermentable sugar concentrations. The optimum temperature, acid loading, and reaction time for the pretreatment were 155 °C, 0.5%, and 30 min, respectively, providing up to 97.15% sugar yield and 76.51 g/L total sugars at 10% solid-load. Sugar concentration further increased to 126.9 g/L at 20% solid-load, generating 3.89 g/L acetate, 0.92 g/L 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, 0.82 g/L furfural, and 3.75 g/L total phenolics as inhibitors. To determine the effects of soluble sugars in HSS on fermentable sugar yield and inhibitor formation, sugar-removed HSS was further studied under the optimum conditions. Although prior removal of sugars exhibited a reduction in inhibitor generation, it also decreased total fermentable sugar production to 115.45 g/L.

The role of O-GlcNAcylation mediated by OGT during tooth development.

To understand the mechanisms underlying tooth morphogenesis, we examined the developmental roles of important posttranslational modification, O-GlcNAcylation, which regulates protein stability and activity by the addition and removal of a single sugar (O-GlcNAc) to the serine or threonine residue of the intracellular proteins. Tissue and developmental stage-specific immunostaining results against O-GlcNAc and O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) in developing tooth germs would suggest that O-GlcNAcylation is involved in tooth morphogenesis, particularly in the cap and secretory stage. To evaluate the developmental function of OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation, we employed an in vitro tooth germ culture method at E14.5, cap stage before secretory stage, for 1 and 2 days, with or without OSMI-1, a small molecule OGT inhibitor. To examine the mineralization levels and morphological changes, we performed renal capsule transplantation for one and three weeks after 2 days of in vitro culture at E14.5 with OSMI-1 treatment. After OGT inhibition, morphological and molecular alterations were examined using histology, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, scanning electron microscopy, and ground sectioning. Overall, inhibition of OGT resulted in altered cellular physiology, including proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial rearrangements, with significant changes in the expression patterns of β-catenin, fibroblast growth factor 4 (fgf4), and sonic hedgehog (Shh). Moreover, renal capsule transplantation and immunolocalizations of Amelogenin and Nestin results revealed that OGT-inhibited tooth germs at cap stage exhibited with structural changes in cuspal morphogenesis, amelogenesis, and dentinogenesis of the mineralized tooth. Overall, we suggest that OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation regulates cell signaling and physiology in primary enamel knot during tooth development, thus playing an important role in mouse molar morphogenesis.

The Performance of Ultrafiltration Process to Further Refine Lactic Acid from the Pre-Microfiltered Broth of Kitchen Waste Fermentation

Lactic acid (LA) is an important chemical material facing rapid demand in recent years. The oriented fermentation of kitchen waste is a promising route for economic LA production. However, the refinement of LA from fermentation broth is a spiny issue. In this study, the performance of ultrafiltration (UF) process for the refinement of LA from the pre-microfiltered broth of kitchen waste fermentation was first investigated. The results showed that with 50 KDa polyethersulfone membrane, under the optimum pressure of 120 KPa, the pH of 6.0, and the backflushing mode with the deionized water for 3 min, the best performance was achieved with the chroma removal efficiency, turbidity removal efficiency, protein removal efficiency and total sugar removal efficiency of 54.3%, 89.8%, 71.7% and 58.5%, respectively, and LA recovery efficiency was 93.6%. The results indicated that the UF process could further effectively refine the pre-microfiltered broth of kitchen waste fermentation, and the combination of microfiltration and UF process is ideal for achieving desirable LA refinement performance. This study verified the feasibility of UF process in LA refinement from pre-microfiltered broth of kitchen waste fermentation, and based on the results, the further exploration of proper post-process to treat UF filtrate for obtaining LA product with higher quality should be explored in the future.

The Performance of Microfiltration Process for Purifying Lactic Acid in the Fermented Broth of Kitchen Waste

Fermentation broth is plentiful with lactic acid, an important chemical applied in many fields, such as food processing, the chemical industry, and cosmetics. However, the purification of the lactic acid from the broth is still troublesome, when considering the economy. This study first investigated the purification performance of microfiltration (MF) membrane technology for a fermentation broth from kitchen waste. The effect of operation pressure, broth pH, and membrane flushing mode on the membrane filtration performance were investigated. In addition, the change in filtration performance over the increase in cycle time was also investigated. The results showed that under the optimum pressure of 100 KPa, pH of 6.0, and a backflushing mode with deionized water for 3 min, the best performance was achieved, with chroma removal, turbidity removal, protein removal and total sugar removal efficiencies of 60, 92.8, 57.64 and 32.93%, respectively. The results indicated that the MF process could be a desirable broth purification process to some extent, and it is promising in actual application. The MF process combined with other post-purification processes will form the ideal process system, which should be explored in future research.

Thermal Treatment to Obtain 5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural (5-HMF), Furfural and Phenolic Compounds from Vinasse Waste from Agave.

Vinasses represent important final disposal problems due to their physical-chemical composition. This work analyzed the composition of tequila vinasses and increased 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, and phenolic compounds using thermal hydrolysis with hydrogen peroxide as a catalyst. A statistical Taguchi design was used, and a UPLC-MS (XEVO TQS Micro) analysis determined the presence and increase of the components. The treatment at 130 °C, 40 min, and 0.5% of catalyst presented the highest increase for 5-HMF (127 mg/L), furfural (3.07 mg/L), and phenol compounds as chlorogenic (0.36 mg/L), and vanillic acid (2.75 mg/L). Additionally, the highest removal of total sugars (57.3%), sucrose (99.3%), and COD (32.9%). For the treatment T130:30m:0P the syringic (0.74 mg/L) and coumaric (0.013 mg/L) acids obtained the highest increase, and the treatment T120:30m:1P increased 3-hydroxybenzoic (1.30 mg/L) and sinapic (0.06 mg/L) acid. The revaluation of vinasses through thermal treatments provides guidelines to reduce the impact generated on the environment.

MORTAR: a rich client application for in silico molecule fragmentation

Developing and implementing computational algorithms for the extraction of specific substructures from molecular graphs (in silico molecule fragmentation) is an iterative process. It involves repeated sequences of implementing a rule set, applying it to relevant structural data, checking the results, and adjusting the rules. This requires a computational workflow with data import, fragmentation algorithm integration, and result visualisation. The described workflow is normally unavailable for a new algorithm and must be set up individually. This work presents an open Java rich client Graphical User Interface (GUI) application to support the development of new in silico molecule fragmentation algorithms and make them readily available upon release. The MORTAR (MOlecule fRagmenTAtion fRamework) application visualises fragmentation results of a set of molecules in various ways and provides basic analysis features. Fragmentation algorithms can be integrated and developed within MORTAR by using a specific wrapper class. In addition, fragmentation pipelines with any combination of the available fragmentation methods can be executed. Upon release, three fragmentation algorithms are already integrated: ErtlFunctionalGroupsFinder, Sugar Removal Utility, and Scaffold Generator. These algorithms, as well as all cheminformatics functionalities in MORTAR, are implemented based on the Chemistry Development Kit (CDK).Graphical

The potential effects of nutrients and light on autophagy-mediated visual function and clearance of retinal aggregates.

Increasing findings indicate that a dysfunction in the autophagy machinery is common during retinal degeneration. The present article provides evidence showing that an autophagy defect in the outer retinal layers is commonly described at the onset of retinal degeneration. These findings involve a number of structures placed at the border between the inner choroid and the outer retina encompassing the choriocapillaris, the Bruch's membrane, photoreceptors and Mueller cells. At the center of these anatomical substrates are placed cells forming the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where autophagy seems to play most of its effects. In fact, a failure of the autophagy flux is mostly severe at the level of RPE. Among various retinal degenerative disorders, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is mostly affected by a damage to RPE, which can be reproduced by inhibiting the autophagy machinery and it can be counteracted by the activation of the autophagy pathway. In the present manuscript evidence is provided that such a severe impairment of retinal autophagy may be counteracted by administration of a number of phytochemicals, which possess a strong stimulatory activity on autophagy. Likewise, natural light stimulation administered in the form of pulsatile specific wavelengths is capable of inducing autophagy within the retina. This dual approach to stimulate autophagy is further strengthened by the interaction of light with phytochemicals which is shown to activate the chemical properties of these natural molecules in sustaining retinal integrity. The beneficial effects of photo-biomodulation combined with phytochemicals is based on the removal of toxic lipid, sugar and protein species along with the stimulation of mitochondrial turn-over. Additional effects of autophagy stimulation under the combined effects of nutraceuticals and light pulses are discussed concerning stimulation of retinal stem cells which partly correspond to a subpopulation of RPE cells.

Chemical Composition and Functional Properties of Dietary Fiber Concentrates Obtained from Peach Palm By-Product

The aim of this study was to produce and to characterize dietary fiber concentrates (DFCs) obtained from the peach palm by-product (PPB). Subcritical water extraction (SWE) and aqueous extractions at low pressure in magnetic (LPMS) and orbital (LPOS) stirring were carried out to DFCs production. DFCs and the untreated PPB were analyzed for composition, functional properties, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The aqueous extraction treatments increased the total dietary fiber content, due to the removal of sugars (88.7-99.6%) and the partial leaching of proteins and ashes. The DFC obtained by SWE had the highest content of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The methods of aqueous extraction changed the structure of fiber components, that becomes more porous and fragmented, improving the functional properties, as water and oil absorption. Cellulose was the most abundant component of the samples and the alteration in its conformation was observed in the infrared spectra. The principal component analysis showed that the changes on the composition and functional properties were associated with the treatments applied. DFCs produced in this work, specially by SWE, are considered interesting alternatives to promote the utilization of peach palm by-product as a fiber-rich component.

Evaluation of the feasibility application of Malva fibers in cement-based composites

The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in cementitious composites has been explored as an alternative to the development of new materials for civil construction. Research that explores macro and microstructural parameters in a combined way in composites reinforced with natural fibers are still poorly explored. In this work, the compatibility effect of Malva (Urena lobata L.) on fiber-reinforced cement composites was evaluated dosages (0, 2 and 5%) with untreated and treated fibers (30 min in 5% of NaOH solution) were mixture with Portland cement and lime to application as coating mortars. Reaction rate by isothermal conduction calorimetry and 28 days reaction products of pastes were characterized with XRD, SEM, and MIP, as well as technological properties of mortars, such as mechanical strength, water absorption, and consistency were investigated in all dosages. The findings showed an increase in the cross-compatibility index of treated fibers (around 5%), resulting in a denser microstructure with reduced portlandite and calcite formation when compared with untreated Malva, due to the removal of sugar and impurities obtained with the NaOH treatment. MIP results exhibited a reduction on total porosity from ∼12% to ∼6%. Mechanical strength was lower in the untreated fibers (∼35% less than reference) with no significant difference with higher content, nonetheless, fiber treatment presented similar results to the reference. Water absorption were 8% lower to treated fibers. The incorporation of 2% by weight of treated Malva fibers in cement-based mortars presented better efficiency, offering a promising new material for cladding walls in building materials.

Immunological Compatibility of Novel Enzyme-Converted Universal Blood Donor Cells

Introduction: In transfusion, unintentional mismatching of blood groups remains one of the most common causes of serious and sometimes fatal adverse reactions. Scarcity of certain blood types is another major transfusion challenge. The ABO blood group specificity is determined by the terminal monosaccharides, N-acetylgalactosamine on A and galactose on B RBCs. To create a universal blood supply, cell surface engineering has been studied as a method to minimize the immunological rejection of donor cells. Enzymatic removal of immunodominant sugars would uncover universally acceptable H-antigen (O group RBC). However, enzymatic conversion of A-type RBCs was lagging due to a lack of very active and specific glycosidases and the complex nature of the A blood group antigen. In this research, the performance of two novel enzymes that act together extremely efficiently to convert A-type RBCs to universal donor O RBCs, with high specificity for A antigen, is evaluated. Optimal conversion conditions are explored, as well as the immunological compatibility of the converted RBCs. Materials & Methods: Whole blood samples are collected from consenting A donors (with approval from the University of British Columbia clinical research ethics board), washed and diluted to 10 % hematocrit in PBS buffer (pH7.4). The washed RBCs were treated with the newly developed glycosidases for 1 h at 37 oC. The efficiency of the newly developed glycosidases and the characterization of enzyme converted O (ECO)-RBCs were evaluated by gel-column based micro typing system (MTS) cards against A antigen and flow cytometry using anti A and H antibodies. Safety and compatibility of ECO-RBCs were assessed by blood group serology studies. In brief, ECO-RBCs were incubated in Rh-matched sera collected from diverse donors and any serum reactivity against ECO-RBCs was assessed using anti IgG MTS cards and flow cytometry using anti C3d (complement protein) antibody. To further confirm the cross-matching of ECO-RBCs, the monocyte monolayer assay (MMA), a clinically used method, was performed using monocytes collected from B and O blood donors to assess the phagocytic activity against ECO-RBCs pre-incubated with serum samples. Phagocytic activity against ECO-RBCs was calculated using the monocyte index (MI). Results: Anti A MTS cards and flow cytometry analysis of antigen A and H expression, after enzymatic treatment, confirmed successful conversion of A blood group to universal O group. Our studies showed no significant hemolysis and no complement protein (C3d) deposition on ECO-RBCs pre-incubated with diverse sera, demonstrating the compatibility. Serology studies showed that ECO-RBCs are compatible with most sera (~50 donors) studied under transfusion conditions, though serum reactivity was shown by some O and B sera. A MI value of ≤ 6 % was obtained for all ECO-RBCs indicating minimal risk of an acute hemolytic reaction associated with ECO-RBC transfusion. Conclusions: We have developed novel glycosidases that efficiently remove immunodominant A antigen from RBC surfaces with high specificity to create universal blood donor cells at neutral pH and at enzyme concentrations that are much lower than those previously required. Based on preliminary results, ECO-RBCs have the potential to increase donor blood supply and thereby greatly advance the field of transfusion.

A Study on Acid Hydrolysis and Composition of Polysaccharides Concentrated from Coconut Kernel

Defatted dehydrated coconut kernel powder (DDCP) is the by-product obtained from virgin coconut oil production through dry process. The aim of the study was to concentrate polysaccharides from DDCP and to investigate their acid hydrolysis capacity and the monosaccharides composition. Residual fat, protein and soluble sugars of DDCP were removed to concentrate coconut kernel Insoluble polysaccharides (CKIP) while water extract of DDCP was used to concentrate coconut kernel soluble polysaccharides (CKSP). Neutral detergent solution (NDS) was used to concentrate neutral detergent soluble polysaccharides (NDSP) and neutral detergent insoluble polysaccharides (NDIP) from CKIP. The acid detergent solution (ADS) was used to concentrate acid detergent soluble polysaccharides (ADSP) and acid detergent insoluble polysaccharides (ADIP) from CKIP. Results indicated fresh coconut kernel contained 7.2±1.5% carbohydrates and the content increased to 78.1±1.3% with the removal of residual fat, protein and sugars. The yields of the polysaccharide fractions were 46.0±3.1% (CKIP) and 9.2± 0.1% (CKSP), 10.2±0.3% (NDSP) and 78.3±4.2% (NDIP), 25.1±0.3% (ADSP) and 45.2±2.9% (ADIP). Trifluoracetic acid had a higher hydrolyzing capacity than sulphuric acid except for hydrolyzing of ADIP. The monosaccharides composition of the polysaccharides was significantly different (p<0.05) among the polysaccharide concentrates. The main monosaccharides in NDSP were glucose (73.86%) and xylose (19.7%) and, in ADSP were rhamnose (33.45%) and glucose (46.91%). Rhamnose (29.95%) arabinose (26.38%), xylose (21.56%) and mannose (12.87%) were present in CKSP while mannose (68.46%), galactose (20.59%) and xylose (10.59%) were present in CKIP. Results indicated that soluble polysaccharides of coconut kernel were hydrolyzed into monosaccharides readily compared to the insoluble polysaccharides.