Seed Husk Research Articles

Isolation of Cellulose Nanofibers From Sunflower Seed Husks via Formic Acid Hydrolysis

ABSTRACTNanocellulose has garnered great interest among researchers because of its biodegradability, renewability, biocompatibility, high strength and versatile functionality. The present study focuses on the development of an eco‐friendly, benign method to extract cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from waste sunflower husks (SFHs) using formic acid hydrolysis. Both CNFs and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were obtained in high yields from SFHs. The enhanced colloidal stability of CNFs was evident from the ζ potential values, which ranged from −11.8 to −19.6 mV. Varying yields of CNFs were obtained by differing reaction times, though all were found to be thermally stable. SEM and TEM were used for the morphological analysis. The removal of non‐cellulose constituents was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The enhancement of crystallinity upon treatment was examined using XRD analysis. The thermal stability of the cellulose extracted was checked via TGA. The present method of extraction of CNFs and MCC from waste SFHs using formic acid could open a new way of bulk production of nanocellulose fibers for the manufacture of green, value‐added products in high‐end fields, including electronics, agriculture and biomedicine, among others.

Phytochemical Study and Clinical Evaluation of Herbal Formula as Obesity Management

Objective: Obesity is a significant global public health issue, affecting 39% of overweight and 13% of obese adults, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective of this study was included preliminary screening of main active compounds with clinical evaluation of herbal formula used in traditional medicine for obesity management. Methods. The methods for this study were included investigation of main active compounds in extracts of line seeds (Linum usitatissimum L.), Celery seeds (Apium graveoleus L.) Husk seeds (Plantago ovata L.) and marshmallow flower (Althea officinalis L.) Also this study contained the clinical evaluation of effects of herbal formula for obesity. The study involved two groups of participants who were given a herbal formula capsule for a duration of 8 weeks. The dosage consisted of one capsule (500mg) taken three times a day after meals. The second group was simultaneously treated with metformin, with a dosage of one tablet (500mg) provided twice daily after meals. Results: The results were referred to flavonoids glycosides which presented in all plants extracts, while other active compounds distributed differently among plants. The results of clinical study were referred to significant reduction in weight, BMI, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL – C and VLDL with significant increasing of HDL. Conclusion: The herbal mixture may exert beneficial effects on both body mass index and serum lipids profile in humans, which can be linked to its flavonoids and antioxidant components.

Lactoferrin and/or Psyllium Seed Husk as Potential Therapeutics for Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Lactoferrin and/or Psyllium Seed Husk as Potential Therapeutics for Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Silica Nanoparticles from Melon Seed Husk Abrogated Binary Metal(loid) Mediated Cerebellar Dysfunction by Attenuation of Oxido-inflammatory Response and Upregulation of Neurotrophic Factors in Male Albino Rats.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been touted for their role in the management of non-communicable diseases. Their neuroprotective benefits against heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity remain largely unexplored. This is a comparative evaluation of the oxido-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects of Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture on the cerebellum of male albino rats with or without treatment with SiNPs generated from melon seed husk. The study complied with the ARRIVE guidelines for reporting in vivo experiments. A total of 91, 7-9 week-old weight-matched male Sprague rats (to avoid sex bias) were randomly divided into 13 different dosing groups where Group 1 served as the control. Other groups received 0.2mg/kg Ni, 1mg/kg Al, and 0.2mg/kg Ni + 1mg/kg Al mixture with or without different doses of SiNP for 90 days. Rotarod performance was carried out. Oxidative stress markers, Ni, Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, neurotrophic factors, amyloid beta (Aβ-42), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were determined in the cerebellum. SiNPs from melon seed husk caused a significant decrease in Aβ-42 level and activities of AChE and COX-2 and a significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) mediated by Ni, Al, and Ni/Al mixture exposure in rats. Neurotoxicity of the Ni/Al mixture is via heightened neuronal lipoperoxidative damage, decreased Mg, and increased Fe, and co-administration of SiNPs from melon seed husk with the Ni/Al mixture attenuated some of these biochemical changes in the cerebellum.

Cheungsam Seed Husk Extract Reduces Skin Inflammation through Regulation of Inflammatory Mediator in TNF-α/IFN-γ-Induced HaCaT Cells

Cannabis contains numerous natural components and has several effects such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Cheungsam is a variety of non-drug-type hemp, developed in Korea and is used for fiber (stem) and oil (seed). The efficacy of Cheungsam on skin is not yet known, and although there are previous studies on Cheungsam seed oil, there are no studies on Cheungsam seed husk. In this study, we investigated the potential of Cheungsam seed husk ethanol extract (CSSH) to alleviate skin inflammation through evaluating the gene and protein expression levels of inflammatory mediators. The results showed that CSSH reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and CXCL10) and atopic dermatitis-related cytokines (IL-4, CCL17, MDC and RANTES) in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells. Furthermore, ERK, JNK and p38 phosphorylation were decreased and p-p65, p-IκBα, NLRP3, caspase-1, p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 were suppressed after CSSH treatment. CSSH significantly increased the level of the skin barrier factors filaggrin and involucrin. These results suggest that Cheungsam seed husk ethanol extract regulates the mechanism of skin inflammation and can be used as a new treatment for skin inflammatory diseases.

Pellets Obtained from the Husks of Sunflower Seeds and Beech Sawdust for Comparison

The energetic fossil resources of the world have decreased drastically in recent decades, and the quick and efficient solution to replace them is to use renewable biomass resources. This category also includes vegetable biomass, and within it, sunflower seed shells have an important contribution. The present work aimed to analyze the pellets obtained from the husks of sunflower seeds, as lignocellulosic biomass resulting from the production of edible oil, and for comparison, some pellets from beech sawdust were used. The main physical properties (such as moisture content, density, coefficient of densification, etc.), mechanical properties (such as shear strength) and calorific properties (high and low calorific value, calorific density, volatile content and ash content) were determined and statistically analyzed. As the main element of comparison of these types of pellets, the pellets obtained from beech sawdust were used. For the comparison of the pellets obtained from the husks of sunflower seeds, especially to observe their differences compared to the torrefied pellets, charcoal was chosen. The conclusions highlighted the fact that sunflower seed husks are an important source of biomass that can be used to obtain lignocellulosic pellets, and the torrefied pellets obtained from these husks are comparable with the energetic value of charcoal.

Influence of Sunflower Seed Husks Ash on the Structure Formation and Properties of Cement Concrete

The limitation of the application of non-renewable materials is one of the solutions to the problem of the sustainable evolution of civilization in the 21st century. Using additional binders in concrete obtained from plant waste will be economically and environmentally beneficial and will also allow us to move closer to achieving sustainable development goals. This study searches for rational composition components and a methodological approach regarding the technological characteristics to get the highest quality elements and prime concrete properties on the basis of sunflower seed husk ash (SSHA). Experimental concrete specimens were manufactured with partial Portland cement substitution with SSHA amounts ranging from 2% to 16% by weight in increments of 2%. This study focuses on investigating the density and workability of the concrete mixture, along with the compressive strength, concrete density, and water absorption. This article used granulometric, microscopic, and X-ray phase analysis methods. Including SSHA in all considered ranges reduces the slump in concrete mixtures. The optimal SSHA content in concrete is up to 12%. An 8% SSHA content has been found to deliver the most favorable mechanical characteristics of the concrete studied. The compressive strength of the investigated concrete has increased by 14.89%, and water absorption has decreased by 15.78%. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-05-08 Full Text: PDF

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Melon Seed Husk

Activated carbon, known for its remarkable adsorption properties, is widely used in various applications, including wastewater treatment, air purification, gas and vapour purification. This study explored the production and physicochemical characterization of activated carbon derived from melon seed husks, a readily available agricultural waste product in Nigeria. The process involved carbonization of the husks followed by impregnation with calcium chloride. Physicochemical analysis was performed on the resulting melon seed husk activated carbon (MHSAC) to assess its properties. The analysis revealed favourable characteristics with a pH level of 6.52, ash content of 5.13%, moisture content of 11.36%, density of 0.453g/ml, and an iodine number of 1759.18mg/g, meeting the criteria for an effective adsorbent. These findings demonstrate the potential of melon seed husk an agricultural byproduct, as a valuable source for generating high-quality activated carbon.

Sequestration of Lead Ion in Aqueous Solution onto Chemically Pretreated Pycnanthus angolensis Seed Husk: Implications for Wastewater Treatment

This novel study investigated and proposes the use of Pycnanthus angolensis seed husk for the sequestration of Pb(II) from contaminated solutions, with the aim of contributing to the urgent need for accessibility to quality water, sustainable management of water and the environment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activated Pycnanthus angolensis seed husk was developed by modifying the pure sample (P-PA) with ethylene-glycol (E-PA) and Iso-butanol (I-PA). Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyzer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were used to characterize the adsorbents before and after adsorption. The batch adsorption studies carried out revealed the highest adsorption of Pb(II) at pH 6 and 180 min for all the adsorbents. The functional groups, as well as the shifts in peaks after modification, were confirmed using FTIR analysis. In addition, SEM images show a heterogeneous, rough surface with sufficient cavities of the adsorbent after modification. The physiochemical characteristics indicated that BET pore volume and pore diameter increased for E-PA and I-PA compared to P-PA. The experimental data obtained indicated that Langmuir and pseudo-first-order (PFO) best described the isotherm and kinetic models, respectively. The adsorption mechanism revealed that the adsorption of Pb(II) was controlled mainly by pore filling, while electrostatic interaction, surface complexation, and ionic exchange also occurred minimally. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH° and ΔG°, suggest an endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process, respectively. The findings in this study indicate that Pycnanthus angolensis seed husks offer cost-effective and sustainable solutions that are readily accessible for wastewater treatment.

Bismuth-Nanoparticles-Embedded Porous Carbon Derived from Seed Husks as High-Performance for Anode Energy Electrode.

In energy application technology, the anode part of the electrode is typically composed of carbon-coated materials that exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. The carbon-coated electrodes facilitate electrochemical reactions involving the fuel and the oxidant. Energy electrodes are used in stationary power plants to generate electricity for the grid. These large-scale installations are known as distributed generation systems and contribute to grid stability and reliability. Understanding the practical applications of energy materials remains a significant hurdle in the way of commercialization. An anode electrode has one key limitation, specifically with alloy-type candidates, as they tend to exhibit rapid capacity degradation during cycling due to volume expansion. Herein, biomass-derived carbon from sunflowers (seeds husks) via pyrolysis and then bismuth nanoparticles are treated with carbon via a simple wet-chemical method. The electrode Bi@C offers several structural advantages, such as high capacity, good cycling stability, and exceptional capability at the current rate of 500 mA g-1, delivering a capacity of 731.8 mAh g-1 for 200 cycles. The biomass-derived carbon coating protects the bismuth nanoparticles and contributes to enhanced electronic conductivity. Additionally, we anticipate the use of low-cost biomass with hybrid composition has the potential to foster environment-friendly practices in the development of next-generation advanced fuel cell technology.

Endophytic Seed-Associated Bacteria as Plant Growth Promoters of Cuban Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Cuban rice cultivars INCA LP-5 and INCA LP-7 are widely distributed in Cuba and Caribbean countries. Although there are studies about rhizospheric bacteria associated with these cultivars, there are no reports about their seed-associated bacteria. This study aimed to isolate endophytic bacteria from rice seeds and select those with the greatest plant growth-promoting traits. A total of nineteen bacterial strains from the genera Pantoea, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Pseudomonas were isolated from the husk and endosperm of rice seeds. The strains Pantoea sp. S5-1, Pseudomonas sp. S5-38, and Pseudomonas sp. S7-1 were classified as the most promissory to increase rice growth as they demonstrated the presence of multiple plant growth-promoting traits such as the production of auxins, phosphate, and potassium solubilization, the production of siderophores, and the inhibition of the phytopathogen Pyricularia oryzae. The inoculation of strains of Pantoea sp. and Pseudomonas spp. in rice improves the height, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of the shoot and root after 21 days post-inoculation in hydroponic assays. This study constitutes the first report on Cuban rice cultivars about the presence of endophytes in seeds and their potential to promote seedling growth. Pantoea sp. S5-1, Pseudomonas sp. S5-38, and Pseudomonas sp. S7-1 were selected as the more promising strains for the development of bio-stimulators or bio-inoculants for Cuban rice crops.

Composition and Textural Characteristics of Char Powders Produced by Thermomechanical Processing of Sunflower Seed Husks

The paper presents the results of experimental studies on the production of fine char powder from sunflower seed husks by a novel method of thermomechanical treatment with pulsed shock waves and supersonic jets of the mixture of ultra-superheated (above 2000 °C) steam and carbon dioxide, as well as the results of examination of the produced char powder in terms of its chemical, phase, and granulometric composition and structural, morphological, and texture characteristics. The objective of the research is to explore the possibility of using the resulting char powder as a sorption-active material for organic substances. It is shown that the obtained char particles and their agglomerates have an average size of 20–30 nm and 12–24 µm, respectively, have the shape of disks and ellipsoids, consist mainly of amorphous carbon (up to 56 wt%) and oxygen (up to 42 wt%), and have a specific surface area of 1.1–1.7 m2/g. It is concluded that such a char powder can be used as an absorbent for organic substances when dried and deagglomerated.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of Sodium-Ion Battery Anode Carbon Biomassa Based on Sunflower Seed Husk (Helianthus annuus)

This study aimed to synthesize materials from the carbon biomass of sunflower seed husk (Helianthus annuus) for sodium ion battery anode. A simple carbonization process was carried out by roasting. The chemical activation process was conducted by adding KOH as much as 4 M in 100 mL water solution for 20 hours. Then drying was done in the oven at a temperature of 100°C for 20 hours, and then continued with the sintering process at a temperature of 900°C for 2 hours. The sintered results were washed and hydrothermal for 20 hours at 200°C with 4 mL H2O2 and 1 mL EG in 50 mL Teflon. The resulting acid degree was neutralized (pH ~ 7) with distilled water and then dried at 100°C for 20 hours. The hydrothermal powder was pulverized using a mortar and pestle and then sieved on a 325 mesh sieve. Anode sheets were prepared by mixing active ingredients : PVDF : Super-P with a composition of 85 : 10 : 5 by adding 2 mL of DMAC solvent. Electrochemical characterization testing was carried out to see the resulting performance. The results obtained from EIS, CV, and CD show that commercial hard carbon is better.

The Removal Performance of Bio-Sorption on Sunflower Seed Husk for Copper and Lead Ions from Aqueous Solutions

The Removal Performance of Bio-Sorption on Sunflower Seed Husk for Copper and Lead Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Removal of Heavy Crude Oil from Wastewater Using Activated Carbon Obtained from Oak Seed Husk Biodegradable Lignocellulosic Biomass

Removal of Heavy Crude Oil from Wastewater Using Activated Carbon Obtained from Oak Seed Husk Biodegradable Lignocellulosic Biomass

Activated carbon from H3PO4 -activated Moringa Stenopetale Seed Husk for removal of methylene blue: Optimization using the response surface method (RSM)

In this study, an alternative precursor for production of activated carbon was introduced using Moringa Stenopetale Seed Husk (MSSH). Moreover, H 3 PO 4 was used as a chemical activator in the thermal carbonization process to convert MSSH into activated carbon. The prepared adsorbent was characterized using proximate analysis and Instrumental like FT-IR, SEM/EDX, and XRD. The optimization process was developed using the Box-Behnken methodology (BBM) and the response surface method (RSM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a good agreement between experimental and predicted value. Investigation of the processing parameters was done using the batch adsorption method. The optimal conditions for removing methylene blue were found to be the initial dye concentration (316 mg/L), contact duration (19.3 min), adsorbent dosage (0.055 g), and shaking speed (176 rpm). Maximum efficacy was found to be 99.4%, and the highest adsorption capacity was 436.68 mg/g. The experimental results have been best fitted well by the Langmuir isotherm model with the higher correlation coefficients of R 2 = 0.954 rather than Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherm. This indicates that the process followed homogenous adsorption of adsorbate on the surface of adsorbent. The adsorption kinetics was best fitted with pseudo-second order kinetics. The result of thermodynamic parameters showed that a negative value of ΔG o and positive ΔH o confirms the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption of MB onto the adsorbents. The positive values of ΔS o indicate the increase in randomness of at the solid-liquid interface during the adsorption process. Generally, the results indicate that activated carbon prepared from MSSH can be used as a low cost, easily applicable and eco-friendly alternative adsorbent for treatment of effluents containing MB dye. • Activated Carbon was prepared form Moringa stenopetale seed husk. • The Activated carbon prepared was characterized by proximate value and analytical instruments. • The Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken approach were used to create the optimization procedure. • Different Adsorption parameters and Adsorption models was Conducted. • The highest adsorption capacity was 436.68 mg/g, and maximum efficacy was found to be 99.4%

Comparing the Effect of Polyethylene Glycol, Psyllium Seed Husk Powder, and Probiotics on Constipation in Children

Background: One of the most common childhood abnormalities is constipation, typically affecting about 1 - 30% of children worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of psyllium seed husk powder versus polyethylene glycol with and without probiotics on constipation in children. Methods: A total of 144 children in the age range of 2 - 12 years with acute functional constipation who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 36 each). The first group received polyethylene glycol (A), the second group received polyethylene glycol with probiotics (B), the third group received psyllium (C), and the fourth group received psyllium with probiotics (D). Finally, the number of bowel movements and painless bowel movements were examined after three weeks. Results: After three weeks, the effects of polyethylene glycol with and without probiotics on the number of bowel movements and painless bowel movements were significantly different than psyllium with and without probiotics (P = 0.001). While no significant difference was observed between treatment groups A and B (P = 0.9), there was a significant difference between treatment groups C and D (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Polyethylene glycol had a greater effect on improving the symptoms of constipation in children compared to psyllium. Although fortification of polyethylene glycol with probiotics had no significant effect, fortification of psyllium with probiotics improved the symptoms of constipation in children compared to psyllium alone.

Sunflower Seed Husk as Promising By-Product for Soil Biodisinfestation Treatments and Fertility Improvement in Protected Lettuce Crop

One of the major challenges in biodisinfestation treatments against soilborne pathogens is the selection of the proper organic amendments and mixture features. The use of agro-industrial by-products is a sustainable alternative with proven efficacy, but the availability has to be considered in terms of location and quantity. Sunflower seed is one of the five major oil crops widely cultivated and the husk constitutes a significant part that is discarded. This by-product brings together the features to be considered an interesting organic amendment in agricultural soils because of its lignocellulose content, but no references have been found in this field. In this study, sunflower seed husk was used with fresh cow manure in biodisinfestation treatments, alone or combined with other by-products (rapeseed cake, beer bagasse and wheat bran). The assay was performed in summer in a commercial greenhouse with significant yield losses in lettuce crops caused by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Four different amendment mixtures were applied which included 3kg/m2 cow manure, as common waste, and 1 kg/m2 of by-products (dry weight), considering 6mgC/g soil in all treatments but different C/N ratio (23, 29, 31, 34) and by-products. Data was collected in three moments: (i) before and (ii) after biodisinfestation treatments and (iii) after harvesting the first crop after biodisinfestations. Crop damage was assessed through root galling index and the number of eggs in roots. The effects on the pathogen population and the whole soil nematode community were assessed along with some physicochemical and soil microbiological variables (respiration rate, microbial organic C, water-soluble organic C and physiological profile of heterotrophic bacteria through Biolog Ecoplates™). All treatments reported effectiveness in disease control without significant differences among them, but among times. However, soil temperatures during biodisinfestations were higher at higher C/N ratios and fertility variables also increased in these cases, mainly in the treatment with husk as the only by-product. Sunflower seed husk proved to be an interesting source of organic C to improve both biodisinfestation treatments and soil fertility in humid temperate climate zones.

Composition of Phenolic Compounds in South African Schinus molle L. Berries.

The Schinus molle tree is notoriously invasive in most parts of the world, and yet as a pseudospice, its berries potentially possess some significant health benefits which need to be explored. Therefore, polar metabolome of seed + husks (SH), husks (H), and de-hulled (DH) berries were profiled and quantified by untargeted metabolomics approach using UPLC-QTOF-MS. A total of 13 gallotannins, three phenolic acids, a phenolic acid glucoside, three phenolic acid esters, an organic acid, a gallotannin derivative, and nine flavonoids were detected and quantified. Phenolic acids ranged between 12.2–295.7; 4.9–77; and 89.7–1613.1 mg/kg in SH, DH seeds and H respectively. Flavonoids ranged between 1.8–267.5; 73.4–80.4; and 124–564.3 mg/kg in SH, DH seeds and H respectively. Gallotannins ranged between 1.1–146.6; 14.8–21.8; and 48.1–664.8 mg/kg in SH, DH seeds and H respectively. Feruloyltartaric A, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, catechin digalloylshikimic acid B as well as digalloyl quinic acid were some of the dominant secondary metabolites revealed. These results indicate that S. molle berries are a rich source of secondary metabolites with elevated concentrations in the husks, while DH seeds possess lower concentrations to none. These findings open important insights into the potential of S. molle berries as a natural source of antioxidants for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Augmentation of Soil-Moisture Retention with Natural Hydrogel Extracted from Fenugreek Seed Husk for Loamy Soil with Real-Time Monitoring Using FC-28 Sensors

In the industrial era, agriculture continues to be a strong force capable of altering any nation’s economy. In this context, the inflation will strive heavily upon its agricultural produce. In the looming threat of climate change induced draughts, the issue of water scarcity and consequent depreciation of soil-moisture levels continues to haunt farmers impacting both quantity and quality of produce. The present measures which are being employed to enhance retention levels of soil-moisture are chemical-based, and could lead to environmental consequences and health hazards. This research strives for a sustainable natural solution by studying the potential of Fenugreek seed husk extract as an alternative replacement. The study strives to take advantage of the presence of mucilage with hydrophilic galactomannan within fenugreek seeds. Soil-moisture sensors enabled with Wi-Fi modules and RTC timers were employed to facilitate smart monitoring and real-time determination in the lab-scale studies for loamy soil. The comparative performance analysis with synthetic hydrogel concludes the research highlighting benevolence of natural hydrogel in enhancing soil-moisture levels.