Small Granules Research Articles

Experimental simulation of the ancient production of gold granules

Granulation is an ancient and sophisticated decorative technique. The production of granules is a crucial part of this process but has rarely been studied. The present study employed three techniques—pouring method, heating method, and crucible method—to produce gold granules. The success ratio of granule formation, granule surface morphology, microstructure, and formation were analyzed to identify the techniques used in archaeological objects. The cooling medium significantly influenced small granule formation, microstructure, and grain size. Both heating and crucible methods could control the granule formation, but these methods produced distinct microstructures. Based on these experimental granules, the probable production methods of ancient gold balls were identified. The present study provided microscopic information for determining ancient gold granule production techniques.

STUDY OF THE ENDOMETRIAL GLANDULAR COMPONENT IN WOMEN WITH FERTILITY AND POST-COVID SYNDROME IN ANAMNESIS

The aim. To increase the effectiveness of the endometrial endometrial glandular component study in women with infertility and post-COVID syndrome. Materials and methods. A study was conducted at the State institution "Carpathian Human Reproduction Centre" of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in the period from 2022 to the end of the first half-year of 2024. There were included 80 women in the experimental group and 40 women in the control group. The selection criterion for the study group was the presence of documented post-COVID syndrome (COVID-19 symptoms lasted longer than 12 weeks). The selection criterion for the control group was the absence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 virus in the anamnesis. The following characteristics were common for both groups: diagnosed infertility, age – 25-42 years, written informed consent of the patient to participate in the study. The criteria for exclusion from the study for patients of both groups were: detection of human immunodeficiency virus, viral hepatitis, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis of the genitourinary system, malignant diseases, mental disorders that make communication with person impossible or the awareness of written consent is questioned. General clinical and laboratory examinations and transvaginal sonographic examination of the pelvic organs were performed in the middle stage of proliferation and the middle stage of secretion according to the calendar calculation the menstrual cycle. A visually guided diagnostic office hysteroscopy was performed with the collection of biological material from the most changed areas (biopsies were collected in the middle stage of proliferation and the middle stage of secretion in different menstrual cycles). A routine staining of samples with hematoxylin-eosin, morphometry of the endometrial glandular component, optical determination of the number of glands and measurement of the diameter of the lumen of the studied glands, considering the possible measurement error, glandular-stromal ratio, functional activity of the glands, were performed. A histochemical PAS-reaction to identify the glycoproteins of gland secretions and immunohistochemical staining of the glandular epithelium to express the receptivity of the glands to estrogen and progesterone were carried out. The results. After conducting the PAS-reaction, a higher secretion was noted in the glands than in the stroma of the endometrium during the period of the implantation window in both cohorts. No statistically significant difference between the groups in the amount of glycogen of the middle proliferative phase in the glands (p=0.315) or stroma (p=0.486). Glycogen in this phase was visualized of very small granules and coarse granules, without their formation in clusters. A decrease in secretion was established in 16 (40%) patients of the control group and 49 (61.3%) women of the experimental group in the middle secretory phase, which was statistically significant (p=0.028). A decrease in the expression level of the progesterone receptor in the middle secretory phase was found to be significantly more pronounced in the experimental group than in the control group (р=0.044). Conclusions. In the middle secretory phase, a decrease in the secretion of glycogen by the endometrial glands and a decrease in the level of expression of the progesterone receptor in endometrial biopsies were detected by the routine histological, histochemical techniques and immunohistochemical stude in women with infertility and a history of post-COVID syndrome.

Ultrasonography for non-invasive sex identification and reproductive assessment in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Sex identification and the selection of monosex male tilapia are crucial for tilapia aquaculture. In this study, we evaluated the application of ultrasonography as an alternative procedure for sex identification and reproductive assessment in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Ultrasonography was performed on 23 fish weighing 232-1,281 g to capture longitudinal and transverse images of the ovaries and testes. Female tilapia were identified by the presence of numerous small egg granules and gray or light gray ovarian tissue and male tilapia by the homogeneous echogenicity and uniform gray tubular appearance of the testes. These distinct echogenic patterns allowed for accurate differentiation between the female and male fish. Ultrasonography achieved a 95% accuracy in sex identification, with minimal stress to the fish during the procedure, compared to manual sex sorting, which demonstrated an accuracy of 87%. Furthermore, the method facilitated the assessment of the reproductive status of the fish, including the maturation stages and fecundity potential. The use of ultrasonography offers significant advantages over traditional methods, such as animal welfare enhancements and improved breeding program efficiency. Our findings support the integration of ultrasonography into aquaculture practices and will promote sustainable and humane fish farming while optimizing reproductive management and productivity.

MICROSCOPIC ARCHITECTURE OF THE RESPIRATORY AND CONDUCTING SYSTEM OF THE LUNG OF NILE MONITOR

Using semi-thin sections, the present investigation examined the microscopic characteristics of the lungs of the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus). The lungs were composed of Intrapulmonary conducting airways and respiratory faveoli. Intrapulmonary airways originate from the terminal portion of the bronchus, which extends into the lung to create the bronchial tree. The bronchus was lined with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium composed of both ciliated and non-ciliated cells, and it was supported by plates of hyaline cartilage. The central lumen is surrounded by contractile fibers that contain smooth muscle cell bundles and are covered by ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The central lumen communicates with the faveoli. Separating adjacent faveoli are pulmonary trabeculae covered with various cell types, including type I pneumocytes, type II pneumocytes, and pulmonary macrophages. Some substantial pulmonary bronchi were also supported by small cartilage plate granules and lined with ciliated epithelium. Type I pneumocytes were flat cells, whereas type II pneumocytes had cuboidal cells with vacuolated cytoplasm. Surface irregularity and vacuolated cytoplasm were features of pulmonary macrophages. In addition, the connective tissue of the pulmonary septa contained immune cells, such as Mast and Eosinophils. In conclusion, the microstructure of the lung of the Nile monitor closely resembles that of other reptile species. However, the distinction between intrapulmonary cartilage palates and pulmonary septa raises the concept of species differentiation. In addition, the discovery of various types of pulmonary immune cells enhances the Nile monitor's ability to persist in a variety of environments by enhancing its pulmonary immunity.

Editing of the soluble starch synthase gene MeSSIII-1 enhanced the amylose and resistant starch contents in cassava

Foods with high amylose and resistant starch (RS) contents have great potential to enhance human health. In this study, cassava soluble starch synthase MeSSIII-1 gene mutants were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 system. The results showed that the storage roots of messiii-1 mutants had higher contents of amylose, RS, and total starch than those in CK. The rates of small and large-sized starch granules were increased. Additionally, amylopectin starch in messiii-1 mutants had a higher proportion of medium- and long- chains, and a lower proportion of short-chains than those in CK. The onset, peak, and conclusion temperatures of starch gelatinization in messiii-1 mutants were significantly lower than those in CK, and the peak viscosity, trough viscosity and final viscosity all increased. MeSSIII-1 mutation could increase the contents of sucrose, glucose, and fructose in cassava storage roots. We hypothesize that these soluble sugars serve a dual role: they provide the necessary carbon source for starch synthesis and act as sugar signals to trigger the transcriptional reprogramming of genes involved in starch biosynthesis. This process results in a collective enhancement of amylose, RS, and total starch contents, accompanied by changes in starch granule morphology, fine structure, and physicochemical properties.

Acid Hydrolysis of Quinoa Starch to Stabilize High Internal Phase Emulsion Gels.

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to stabilize high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) always suffer low production efficiency from acid hydrolysis. Due to its small granule size, Quinoa starch (QS) was selected to produce SNCs as a function of acid hydrolysis time (0-4 days), and their structural changes and potential application as HIPEs' stabilizers were further explored. With increasing the acid hydrolysis time from 1 day to 4 days, the yield of QS nanocrystals decreased from 30.4% to 10.8%, with the corresponding degree of hydrolysis increasing from 51.2% to 87.8%. The occurrence of QS nanocrystals was evidenced from the Tyndall effect and scanning electron microscopy with particle size distribution. The relative crystallinity of QS subjected to different hydrolysis times (0-4 days) increased from 22.27% to 26.18%. When the acid hydrolysis time of QS was 3 and 4 days, their HIPEs showed self-standing after inversion, known as high internal phase emulsion gels (HIPE gels), closely related to their densely packed interfacial architecture around oil droplets, seen on an optical microscope, and relatively high apparent viscosity. This study could provide a theoretical guidance for the efficient production and novel emulsification of SNCs from QS to HIPE gels.

Effects of nitrogen fertilizer application on the physicochemical properties of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) starch

The use of nitrogen fertilizer is a crucial agronomic practice to increase crop output and quality. This study investigated the impact of five nitrogen application levels (0, 60, 135, 210, and 285 kg N/hm2) on the physicochemical properties of foxtail millet (FM) starch. Optimal nitrogen application (210 kg N/hm2) significantly increased L*, a*, and b* values, water and oil absorption capacity, water solubility, and swelling power of starch. The number of small starch granules increased as the nitrogen application rate increased, but the granule morphology and typical A-type pattern did not change among the treatments. Nitrogen application increased the relative crystallinity and ordered structure, resulting in a higher gelatinization enthalpy. Compared to the control group (7.02 J/g), the enthalpy increased by 21.94 %, 66.38 %, 73.50 %, and 103.28 % under the nitrogen application rates, respectively. Moreover, nitrogen application greatly increased the percentage of A and B3 chains while it lowered the apparent amylose content, peak viscosity, and final viscosity. The effects of 210 and 285 kg N/hm2 treatments on the water solubility and swelling power, water and oil absorption, and light transmission of starch were greater compared to the 60 and 135 kg N/hm2 treatments. These results indicate that nitrogen fertilization significantly affects the physicochemical properties of FM starch.

Effect of particle size on gastric emptying of enteric-coated granules in fasted beagle dogs: Relationship with interdigestive migrating motor complex

This study investigates the particle size threshold at which the interdigestive migrating motor complex (IMMC) becomes active in gastric emptying for fasted beagle dogs. Enteric-coated granules containing cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) were prepared in three particle sizes, 200, 660, and 1,200 µm (D50). To mark IMMC timing and water movement from the stomach, enteric-coated aspirin tablets and acetaminophen solution were used. To six fasted beagle dogs with 50 mL of acetaminophen solution was administered each granule size as a multiple-unit and a single enteric-coated aspirin tablet (3-period crossover study). No significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters of CET after oral administration of different particle sizes was observed. However, the appearance time of CET in plasma with smaller granules (200 and 660 µm) was significantly faster than that of salicylic acid (a major metabolite of aspirin) in all dogs. In the case of the largest granules (1,200 µm), no significant time difference was observed in the appearance of both compounds in plasma. Furthermore, in two dogs, both compounds appeared at the same time, implying IMMC-regulated gastric emptying for the largest CET granules. These results support a particle size threshold between 660 and 1,200 µm for gastric emptying without IMMC action in fasted beagle dogs.

Environment found to explain the largest variance in physical and compositional traits in malting barley grain.

Starch is the most abundant constituent (dry weight) in the barley endosperm, followed by protein. Variability of compositional and potentially related physical traits due to genotype and environment can have important implications for the malting and brewing industry. This was the first study to assess the effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction (G × E) on endosperm texture, protein content, and starch traits corresponding to granule size, gelatinization, content, and composition, using a multi-environment variety trial in California, USA. Overall, environment explained the largest variance for all traits (ranging from 23.2% to 76.5%), except the endosperm texture traits wherein the G × E term explained the largest variance (45.0-86.5%). Our unique method to quantify the proportion of fine and coarse milled barley particles using laser diffraction showed a binomial distribution of endosperm texture. The number of small starch granules varied significantly (P-value < 0.05) across genotypes and environments. We observed negative correlations between total protein content and each of enthalpy (-0.70), total starch content (-0.54), and difference between offset and onset gelatinization temperature (-0.52). Furthermore, amylose to amylopectin ratio was positively correlated to volume of small starch granules (0.36). Our findings indicate that environment played a larger role in influencing the majority of starch-related physical and compositional traits. In contrast, variance in endosperm texture was largely explained by G × E. Maltsters would benefit from accounting for environmental contributions in addition to solely genotype when making sourcing decisions, especially with regards to total protein, total starch, enthalpy, and difference between offset and onset gelatinization temperature. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Actumnus ngankeeae sp. nov. and Pilumnus swajayai Ng &amp; Rahayu, 2021, pilumnid crabs from Japan (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)

New and rare crab species of the family Pilumnidae, Actumnus ngankeeae sp. nov. and Pilumnus swajayai Ng &amp; Rahayu, 2021, are reported from Japan. Actumnus ngankeeae from the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands is characterized by the following features: the carapace is transversely ovate and strongly convex longitudinally and transversely; the dorsal surface is uniformly covered with small granules and sparse short setae, with the regions defined by narrow furrows; the anterolateral margin is narrowly crested along its whole length and separated into four convex lobes by three V-shaped notches. Both chelipeds are stout, with short, strongly curved fingers. Its specific affinity to A. obesus Dana, 1852, is briefly discussed. Pilumnus swajayai from the Ryukyu Islands is wholly covered with tomentum; the carapace anterolateral margin is armed with three sharp teeth directed obliquely forwards, the second of which is the largest; the subhepatic tooth is distinct, but smaller than the carapace anterolateral teeth; the hepatic region is armed with a dentiform lobe; both chelipeds are armed with scattered conical granules on the carpi and palms; and the ambulatory legs are armed with some spinules on the dorsal margins of the carpi and propodi. The generic affiliation to Pilumnus is acceded to the original description after discussion on the related genera. The present record of P. swajayai from the Ryukyu Islands is the second since the original description from Indonesian waters.

Changes of crystalline structure and physicochemical properties of Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii starch under water deficit.

Crystal type is an important physicochemical property of starch. However, it is currently unclear whether changes in crystal type affect other properties of starch. This study discovered that water deficit resulted in an increase in small starch granules and transparency in Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii, while causing a decrease in amylose content and swelling power. Additionally, the crystal type of P. Thomsonii starch changed from CB-type to CA-type under water deficit, without significantly altering the short-range ordered structure and chain length distribution of starch. This transformation in crystal type led to peak splitting in the DSC heat flow curve of starch, alterations in gelatinization behavior, and an increase in resistant starch content. These changes in crystalline structure and physicochemical properties of starch granules are considered as adaptive strategies employed by P. Thomsonii to cope with water deficit.

Study on dynamic mechanism of granular flow erosion and entrainment based on DEM theory

BackgroundGranular flows are common on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains in China, and their dynamic process processes have obvious erosional and entrainment effects. On the one hand, the volume of the granular flow increases by a factor of several or ten, which significantly increases its ability to cause a catastrophe; on the other hand, the eroded loose material affects the granular flow dynamics process and changes its state of motion.MethodsIn this paper, the dynamic mechanism of granular flow erosion and entrainment is investigated by DEM simulation.Purpose The effects of different substrate materials and substrate boundary conditions on granular flow erosion and entrainment are analyzed, and the effects of material mixing caused by erosion and entrainment on the state of motion of granular flow are discussed. It was verified that the kinetic mechanisms of granular flow erosion and entrainment includes impact erosion, ploughing, and shear abrasion.ResultsAnd discovered that small matrix particle size, small matrix boundary friction, and small matrix thickness lead to stronger ploughing and shear abrasion; Large matrix fractal dimensions result in stronger ploughing and weaker shear abrasion, and the granular flow does not entrain large amounts of material to the accumulation zone. Meanwhile, the dynamics of erosion and entrainment of granular flow were investigated, and the results showed that: 1. The greater the erosion rate, the greater the velocity and kinetic energy of the granular flow, the greater the distance traveled, and the smaller the apparent friction angle (i.e., the greater the mobility). 2. The amount of small granules in a granular flow changes its fluidity, the more small granules there are, the more fluid it is. 3. The fit reveals that the substrate fractal dimension has the strongest effect on the velocity and kinetic energy of granular flow, followed by substrate thickness and substrate boundary friction.

Impact of Deformability and Rigidity of Starch Granules on Linear and Non-Linear Rheological Behavior of Waxy Rice Starch Gels and Applicability for Food End Uses.

The objective of this study was to investigate granule size and distribution and deformability of granules and their effect on the rheological properties of waxy starch gels. Native (granular) waxy rice gels (10%) were prepared, and their response in oscillatory shear was investigated in the linear and non-linear viscoelastic regime. The results show the gels were mainly composed of aggregated and deformed swollen granules. Significance of granule size and its distribution, deformability of granules, and the molecular characteristics of amylopectin (AP) on storage modulus of those gels was demonstrated. A low degree of deformability of granules, typical for small granules with a broad size distribution and small molecular size of AP with short external chains, resulted in rigid and brittle gels. Highly deformed granules and high AP leachates, however, yielded soft gels. It was found that the transition of elastic to plastic behavior in the non-linear regime (LAOS) was gradual when AP had long external chains, but an abrupt transition was observed with the gel with short exterior chains of AP. Differences in rheological properties of cohesive waxy starch gels appear to be mainly impacted by the varying degrees of granule deformability and rigidity, which is further attributed to a combination of factors, including granule size, particle size distribution, molecular size, the external chain length of amylopectin (AP), and lipid content. The significance of this study is that it will assist the food industry in selecting suitable waxy rice starches to gain desired textural properties of end products.

Onset of penumbra formation

Context. Fully fledged penumbrae have been widely studied both observationally and theoretically. Yet the relatively fast process of penumbra formation has not been studied closely with high spatial resolution. Aims. We investigate the stages previous to and during the formation of penumbral filaments in a developing sunspot. Methods. We analysed Milne-Eddington inversions from spectro-polarimetric data of the leading sunspot of NOAA 11024 during the development of its penumbra. We focused on selected areas of this protospot in which segments of penumbra develop. Results. We find that few types of distinctive flow patterns develop at the protospot limb and centre sides previous to penumbra formation. The flow in the centre side is often characterised by a persistent (&gt; 20 min) inflow-outflow pattern extending radially over 4 arcsec at the direct periphery of the protospot umbra. This inflow-outflow system often correlates with elongated granules, as seen in continuum intensity maps, and is also coupled with magnetic bipolar patches at its edges, as seen in magnetograms. The field is close to horizontal between the bipolar patches, which is indicative of its possible loop configuration. All of these aspects are analogous to observations of magnetic flux emergence. In the protospot limb side, however, we observed a mostly regular pattern associated with small granules located near the protospot intensity boundary. Locally, an inflow develops adjacent to an existing penumbral segment, and this inflow is correlated with a single bright penumbral filament that is brighter than filaments containing the Evershed flow. All investigated areas at the centre and limb side eventually develop penumbral filaments with an actual Evershed flow that starts at the umbral boundary and grows outwards radially as the penumbral filaments become longer in time.

From raw microalgae to bioplastics: Conversion of Chlorella vulgaris starch granules into thermoplastic starch

Microalgae are emerging as a promising feedstock for bioplastics, with Chlorella vulgaris yielding significant amounts of starch. This polysaccharide is convertible into thermoplastic starch (TPS), a biodegradable plastic of industrial relevance. In this study, we developed a pilot-scale protocol for extracting and purifying starch from 430 g (dry weight – DW) of starch-enriched Chlorella vulgaris biomass. More than 200 gDW of starch were recovered, with an extraction yield and starch purity degree reaching 98 and 87 %, respectively. We have characterized this extracted starch and processed it into TPS using twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. Microalgal starch showed similar properties to those of native plant starch, but with smaller granules. We compared the mechanical properties of microalgal TPS with two controls, namely a commercial TPS and a TPS prepared from commercial potato starch granules. TPS prepared from microalgal starch showed a softer and more ductile behavior compared to the reference materials. This study demonstrates the feasibility of recovering high-purity microalgal starch at pilot scale with high yields, and highlights the potential of microalgal starch for the production of TPS using industrially relevant processes.

Molecular Basis of the Granular Characteristics of Small-Granule Starch: A Comparative Study.

Small-granule starches (SGSs) have technological advantages over starches of conventional sizes for many applications. The study compared the granular characteristics of three SGSs (from amaranth, quinoa, and taro) with those of maize and potato starches and revealed their molecular basis. The results indicated that the supramolecular architecture of starch granules was not necessarily correlated with granule size. Acid hydrolysis of amaranth and quinoa starches was fast due to not only their small granule sizes but also the defects in the supramolecular structure, to which short external and internal chain lengths of amaranth and quinoa amylopectins contributed. By comparison, the granular architecture of taro starch granules was more stable partly due to the longer external chain length of taro amylopectin. Comparison of the molecular composition of branched subunits (released by using α-amylase of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) in amylopectins and that in lintnerized starches suggested a significant heterogeneous degradation of amaranth and quinoa starches at supramolecular levels.

Relationship between Chalkiness and the Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Rice Starch at Different Nighttime Temperatures during the Early Grain-Filling Stage.

The chalkiness, starch fine structure, and physiochemical properties of rice starch were analyzed and their correlations were investigated under different nighttime temperatures during the early grain-filling stage. Compared to MT, medium temperature (MT) and low (LNT) and high (HNT) nighttime temperatures resulted in an increased chalky grain rate (CGR) and chalkiness degree (CD). LNT mainly affected the chalkiness by increasing peak1 (short branch chains of amylopectin), the branching degree, and the proportion of small starch granules but decreasing peak2 (long branch chains of amylopectin) and peak3 (amylose branches). This altered the pasting properties, such as by increasing the peak viscosity and final viscosity. However, HNT mainly affected the chalkiness by increasing peak2 and the crystallinity degree but decreasing peak1 and peak3. Regarding the thermal properties, HNT also elevated peak and conclusion temperatures. The CGR and CD were significantly and positively correlated with the proportions of small and medium starch granules, peak1, branching degree, gelatinization enthalpy, setback viscosity, and pasting time but markedly and negatively correlated with the proportion of large starch granules, amylose content, peak3, peak viscosity, and breakdown viscosity. These findings suggest that LNT and HNT disrupted the starch structure, resulting in increased chalkiness. However, their mechanisms of action differ.

Chemical, structural, and techno-functional characterization of yam (Dioscorea) flour from South West Ethiopia

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a versatile tuber crop that holds nutritional, cultural, and economic values. Yam is a major source of carbohydrates for tropical Countries and provides various nutrients and health benefits. This study aims to characterize the chemical, structural, and thermal properties of yam flour using various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis. Additionally, the pasting and rheological properties of yam flour were evaluated, as they are crucial for product development and enhancing the value of this unconventional vegetable. D. cayenensis complex had the highest total starch (64.63 ± 1.61 %) and soluble sugar (4.95 ± 0.46 %) content, which was significantly higher than other yam species. The amylose content of yam flours showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among the yam species. D. cayenensis flour exhibited significantly the highest peak (2923.66 cP) and steak back viscosity (2097.66 cP) among the yam species associated with their greater amylose content. There were notable variations in pasting and gelatinization parameters among the species. The peak temperatures of D. bulbifera and D. cayenensis complex were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than D. cayenensis and D. rotundata flours. The rheological measurements of yam flours demonstrated solid-like behavior with varying intensities. Furthermore, the morphology of tuber yam flour particles was oval to ellipsoidal shaped, with some appearing ovoid, and the smaller granules appearing spherical. The X-ray diffraction showed that all yam flours exhibit a B-type pattern. This study provide a better understanding of this unconventional vegetable's potential applications in the food industry and contribute to its value addition.

A Brief Discussion on Weighing Medicine in Ounces: An Innovative Quantitative Medicine Capsule Device

According to the main data bulletin of the seventh national census released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the proportion of China’s population aged 60 and above reached 18.7%, while the proportion of the population aged 65 and above reached 13.5%. This aging of the society in China continues to exacerbate. Currently, most pharmaceutical packaging bottles are only used to package and store medicines. The existing medicine bottles containing tablets or small granules of Chinese patent medicines have larger lids and do not consider the convenience for patients when taking out medicine pills. Excessive pills will be expelled when pouring out from existing medicine bottles due to the large lids. The pills that exceed the dose need to be put back into the medicine bottle, which poses a risk of contamination and brings inconvenience to life. Hence, a quantitative medicine dispensing device is proposed to solve this issue.

Effect of starch granule size on the properties of dough and the oil absorption of fried potato crisps

Starch is a key element in fried potato crisps, however, the effect of starch granule size on oil absorption of the product have yet to be fully investigated. The study explored the impact of starch granule size on both the dough characteristics and oil absorption in potato crisps. The dough composed of small-sized potato granules showed more compact and uniform network system. Additionally, X-ray Microscope analysis showed that potato crisps prepared with small-sized potato granules had limited matrix expansion and fewer pores, cracks, and voids. The small-sized potato and small-sized wheat starches granule addition crisps displayed a significantly greater average cell thickness (52.05 and 53.44 μm) than other samples, while exhibiting notably lower average porosity (61.37 % and 60.28 %) compared to other samples. Results revealed that potato crisps with medium and small potato granules had 12.91 % and 21.92 % lower oil content than those containing large potato starch. Potato crisps with B-type wheat starch showed 16.36 % less oil absorption than those with A-type wheat starch. Small-sized starches significantly influence the dough structure and contribute to the reduction of oil absorption in fried products. The generated insights may provide monitoring indexes for cultivating potato varieties with low oil absorption.