Small-sized Particles Research Articles

Co‐encapsulation of vitamins B6 and B12 using zein/gum arabic nanocarriers for enhanced stability, bioaccessibility, and oral bioavailability

AbstractThe present study aimed to fabricate a co‐deliver system using zein/gum arabic (GA) polymers for enhanced stability and bioavailability of vitamins (B6 and B12). The anti‐solvent evaporation method was used for the preparation of PC–ZG NPs (pyridoxine–cyanocobalamin zein–GA nanoparticles). The process conditions were statistically optimized using the design of Box–Behnken. The optimized conditions produced small‐sized particles (∼170 nm) with high zeta potential (−31 mV) and efficient encapsulation for pyridoxine (61.6%) and cyanocobalamin (56.3%). Scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffractometry, and Thermogravimetric analysis results confirmed that the developed formulation had a roughly spherical shape and an amorphous character with better thermal stability compared to free‐forms of the vitamins. The results of the storage study showed no significant changes in nanoparticle size at 4, 25, and 37°C over a 90‐day period. However, a slight variation in retention of the vitamins was observed during the initial period. The bioaccessibility of both the vitamins from PC–ZG NPs ranged between 56% and 62% post 6 h simulated digestion. In Caco‐2 cells, the cellular uptake of vitamins was higher from nanoforms compared to the free‐forms. Further, oral administration of PC–ZG NPs in rats exhibited 4.8‐ and 2.2‐fold increases in relative bioavailability of vitamins B6 and B12, respectively. A significant reduction of plasma homocysteine level (p ˂ 0.05) in the treated group was also observed. Together, these results suggest that the developed nanoformulation has improved physicochemical properties with enhanced bioavailability and, hence, could be used as an effective delivery system for the vitamins in food and nutraceutical products.

Hot spot volcano emissions as a source of natural iron fertilization in the ocean

Dust deposition, river runoff and glacial melt are the main sources of trace metals to the surface ocean. In the Canary Islands, deposition is dominated by dry dust deposition from the Saharan desert. However, during 85 days, from 19 September to 13 December 2021, the main source of trace metals on the island of La Palma changed drastically. The eruption of the Tajogaite volcano released tonnes of volcanic ash. Concurrently, several lava flows reached the coastal waters. Volcanic activity on land became the main source of iron (Fe) into the coastal waters. Fe concentrations in seawater reached over 1900 nmol L−1. ∼99 % of the iron was found in the particulate phase (particles >0.2 μm wide; 1920 ± 50 nmol L−1). Colloids, smaller size particles (0.02 μm < colloids < 0.2 μm) represented ∼0.7 % of the iron pool (14.5 ± 0.5 nmol L−1). While the truly soluble phase represented ∼0.03 %. However, the soluble phase presented concentrations reaching 0.66 ± 0.05 nmol L−1, which is ∼10 times higher than generally found in open Atlantic Ocean waters. The results show how the Fe size fractionation evolved during the eruption, from a dominance of large particle phases to smaller-sized compounds.

Inter riverine variability in microplastic distribution among two tropical rivers – Chalakudy and Periyar, Southwest India

ABSTRACT The study intends to bridge the lack of baseline information on microplastic (MPs) contamination in two river systems (Periyar: the longest river, lifeline of the Kerala State and Chalakudy: the fifth longest river) and hence is highly relevant. Sampling was carried out twice during December 2020 and January 2021. Elevated level of contamination was recorded at midstream sites in Chalakudy and downstream sites at Periyar. Small-sized particles (<100 µm) constituted the majority (>45%) in both river systems resulting from the disintegration of larger particles or direct release of primary MPs. Prevalence of fragment shape, accounting for ≈48–71% across all sites in both rivers, resulted from the disintegration of meso or macro plastics. Preponderance of blue-coloured particles (≈33–67%) inferred potential risk to aquatic organisms. Low-density polyethylene emerged as the dominant polymer group, originated from packaging materials and bottles. Overall abundance and recovery rate in both rivers indicate that MPs occur at all sites, irrespective of land use patterns, sourced to the degradation of abandoned fishing gears, shipping, tourism activities, and untreated waste disposal. The high risk of microplastic pollution in the study area was endorsed by polymer hazard index and coefficient of microplastic impact index.

Operando on-line monitoring of nanoplastics in real environmental water samples enabling an optical microfiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer

Nanoplastics pose a great threat to ecological water environments, especially for ocean water, lake water. Small-sized nanoplastic particles can enter into animal and plant bodies easily. Therefore, operando on-line quantification of nanoplastics in real environmental samples can bring a big challenge for early-stage water pollution testing and warning. Conventional nanoplastic particles detection technologies didn’t provide enough high sensitivity and accuracy due to their complicated and time-consuming sample pre-treatment procedures. To overcome these limitations, an optical microfiber was applied to detect nanoplastics in some real environmental samples. Owing to high sensitivity and superior specificity of the sensor, it could detect target polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics with sizes of 150 nm and 100 nm in pure water and mixture solution, realizing ultra-low limit-of-detections (LODs) of 1.23×10−6 mg/mL, 1.41×10−6 mg/mL and 2.31×10−6 mg/mL, 2.96×10−6 mg/mL, respectively. More importantly, such an optical device could also successfully recognize PS nanoplastics in collected lake, ocean, and wastewater samples. Thus, our proposed approach could open up a novel and advantageous way for operando on-line monitoring of nanoplastics in real water samples.

Analysis of the influence of different drying processes on the quality attributes of orange peel

The present research aimed to assess the effect of different drying processes on kinetics, antioxidant content and activity, texture, colour, morphology, and β-carotene content of orange peel (OP). The utilization of microwave drying resulted in a notable increase in the rate of evaporation of water present in the orange peel. This process facilitated the release of bound polyphenols. The OP dried at 600 W exhibited the highest total phenolic compound (24.65 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid compound (11.73 mg QE/g), as observed in the recorded data. The total antioxidant value exhibited a decrease at both elevated and reduced levels of microwave power compared to raw OP. The study found that the drying model proposed by the Weibull model exhibited the most optimal fit, as evidenced by a low SSerror (1.6 × 10−3-16.12 × 10−3), RMSE (0.02–0.05) and high R2 (0.99–1.00). Among dried products, high hardness (30.92 ± 1.26 N), fracturability (28.31 ± 1.22 N), and lightness (74.01 ± 0.38) were observed in freeze-dried (FD) OP. The browning index was high in microwave drying at 180 W (MWD 180 W), and tray drying (TD) which also produced more vibrant colours, as observed in their high chroma value. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the retention of β-carotene was observed highest in FD (0.057 ± 0.003 mg/g) and lowest in TD (0.032 ± 0.002 mg/g). The morphological study revealed small-sized particles in high-temperature drying methods (MWD 900 W and TD). Large pores and frequent cracking were observed in microwave drying compared to FD. Four clusters are formed in Principal component analysis (PCA) loading of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra based on their similar characteristics as found in FTIR. Antioxidant content and texture are closely related to the chemical moieties, as observed in PCA.

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of barium slag and ecological risks associated with heavy metals

Barium slag (BS) is a typical chemical hazardous waste, and its ecological risks cannot be ignored. Herein, the chemical composition, mineral composition and morphological characteristics of BS were investigated. In addition, the geochemical behaviour was investigated in terms of heavy-metal-leaching toxicity as well as the bioavailability, bioaccessibility and migration of these metals. The ecological risks associated with the release of heavy metals from BS driven by its geochemical behaviour were also evaluated. The BS displayed irregular particle morphologies and distinct surface structures, with heavy metal ions predominantly present in the smaller-sized BS particles. Zn, Ni, Mn and Ba exhibited a stronger potential for migration in plants than other heavy metals. This migration potential was influenced by their total amount and occurrence form as well as the pH conditions of the surrounding environment. The findings indicated that crops should not be planted around BS yards. The bioaccessible risks associated with heavy metals in BS were low. Mn, Ba, Fe and Ni primarily existed in the form of a weak-acid soluble fraction, thereby posing a high migration risk. Thus, attention should be paid to the ecological risks that may arise from Mn, Ba, Fe and Ni during storage.

Precipitation prediction and strengthening investigation of the non-equimolar TiVNbMoCr high entropy alloys

This study designed a series of TiVNbMoCr alloys under the VEC constraint. Based on the thermodynamic calculation, the precipitation behavior was predicted, and the precipitation strengthening was experimentally investigated and discussed. The results showed that below 600 °C, the designed alloys with VEC from 4.30 to 4.60 are metastable at a single β phase state. With low VEC, the HCP-structured α phase precipitates from the BCC-structured β phase with a coherent interface between them. With high VEC, TiCr2 (C15-Laves phase) precipitates from the β phase companying with the α phase. The prediction results are well consistent with the experimental results. Aged at 400 °C for 60 h, the alloys with VEC of 4.30 and 4.35 contained large volume fraction of the large-sized α phase, playing a great role in strengthening. The alloys with VEC of 4.55 and 4.60 exhibited small-sized precipitation particles acting in strengthening in terms of the Orowan mechanism, and the yield strength depends mainly on the volume fraction and size of precipitation particles, as well as the intrinsic strength of the β matrix that can be predicted by the Varvenne model based on the MD calculation. To some extent, the intrinsic ductility of the β matrix determines the tensile plasticity of the alloys with high VEC. Although favoring for strengthening, more TiCr2 precipitates are not conducive to tensile plasticity.

Numerical simulations on non-reactive multiphase flow during the transition from vent activation to venting with vent cap fragments in 18650 lithium-ion batteries

Mandatory safety devices, prevalent in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), enable current interrupt device (CID)-and vent-activated power-off protection by sensing the electrochemical gas production boost triggered by thermal runaway (TR). For an in-depth understanding of the early warning of safety devices, the thermodynamic and multiphase flow behaviour of gases-vent particles interaction under the non-combustion venting phase is numerically investigated. From the gas phase simulation results, the flow field structure of the counter-rotating vortex pairs (CVPs) bounded by vent cap fragments enhances the heat transfer between ambient air and the venting gas, and the local venting gas temperature can reach a drop of >100 K. The transient three-dimensional spatial evolution characteristics of vent particles interacting with vent cap fragments at the early stage of the venting process after 18650 thermal runaway-induced vent-activation is originally demonstrated, including gas temperature and velocity as well as particle size and temperature. The spatial distributions of polydisperse particle size and temperature under the process of non-combustion venting are used to characterize the ejected particles' behaviour, which reveals the particle trajectories in particle-laden streams and their heat-transfer characteristics. The results show that ejected particles with relatively high temperatures and large sizes are mainly clustered within the cell diameters, and possible thermal runaway propagation inside the module can be triggered by the smaller-size particles of higher temperature sprayed in the periphery when the blocking effect of the vent cap fragment is weakened.

Pilot-scale study of turbid particle evolutional/removal characteristics during coagulation-sedimentation-filtration (CSF): Effects of coagulant dosage and secondary dosing after breakage

Considering the limitations of treated water turbidity, a thorough understanding of the changes in turbid particle size distribution during coagulation-sedimentation-filtration (CSF) is crucial for enhancing the removal efficiency of particulate and dissolved contaminants from raw water. In this study, a pilot-scale experimental system was utilized to track the evolution of turbid particles and assess how the characteristics of these turbid particles affected the quality of treated water in the CSF processes under varying cases of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) coagulant dosage and secondary coagulant dosage after breakage. It was found that differently from the role of PAC coagulant dosage (without high-shear breakage), different levels of secondary coagulant dosing after breakage had minimal influence on the aggregate structure produced by mechanical stirring flocculation. During the overall CSF processes, the changing trend in the total particle number for the filtered water appeared to be more consistent with the corresponding changing trend for the settled water, as the PAC coagulant dosage increased. In addition, the combined effects of shear-induced breakage and secondary dosing could not only improve the removal efficiency of organic matter after inclined-tube sedimentation following mechanical stirring flocculation, but also enhance the removal efficiencies of water turbidity and particulate matter through sand filtration. In order to reduce the frequency of backwashing and extend the service life of the filter media, greater emphasis should be placed on detecting and removing the number of smaller-sized particles existing in the sixth unit of the flocculation tank together with the effluent of the sedimentation tank.

Comparative pharmaceutical evaluation of different samples of Yellow orpiment (Haratala) and Ayurvedic mineral formulation (Rasamanikya)

Background: The present work aimed to study the Physical and Physico-chemical Properties of raw Haratala (Yellow Orpiment), processed Haratala, and its self-prepared formulation Rasamanikya with different market preparations of Rasamanikya by using advance methods such as ICP-AES (qualitative and quantitative analysis), XRD and FEGSEM so that the particle size and elemental content can be estimated and compared in all the samples. This is an attempt to study the classical method of preparation as well as effect of purification process on the constituents of the drug and their size. Methods: Raw Patra Haratala (Orpiment) and three different samples of Rasamanikya were procured from authentic sources. Shodhana (purification) of Haratala was conducted by two different methods. Rasamanikya was prepared from the Haratala processed by two different methods. All the eight samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis, ICPAES, XRD and FEGSEM. Results: Arsenic content is decreased in all the samples except CSH in comparison with ASH. In ICPAES, number of elements is reduced in CSH, KSH and RMCSH in comparison with ASH whereas it is increased in RMKSH, RMMSA, RMMSB, and RMMSC. XRD analysis reveals that Average Crystal Size is minimum in RMMSA and maximum in RMMSC. Average Lattice Strain is minimum in ASH and maximum in RMMSC. Orpiment was detected in all the samples except RMKSH, RMMSB and RMMSC. FEG SEM indicates that the gross particle size of all the samples varies from 1um to 100nm at resolution ranging from 200 to 100000 magnifications. The nanoparticles are visualized at 50000 to 100000 magnifications. Conclusion: Advanced techniques like ICPAES, XRD and FEGSEM are very helpful in estimating the heavy metal content and particle size in Ayurvedic medicine. It is necessary from safety point of view. Small size particles increase the absorption of the drug in the body which causes increase in the bioavailability and potency of the drug. Hence the dose of the formulation may be reduced. Thereby the untoward effects of the high doses can be avoided.

Ternary ZnS/ZnO/Graphitic Carbon Nitride Heterojunction for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Ternary ZnS/ZnO/graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) photocatalysts were prepared by coupling gCN sheets with ZnO nanorods under solvothermal conditions followed by sulfurization using Na2S. SEM and TEM analyses show that small-sized ZnS particles (ca. 7.2 nm) deposit homogeneously on the surface of ZnO/gCN nanohybrids. Photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy show that ZnS allows for an enhanced charge separation efficiency as well as prolonged lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers, leading to improved hydrogen photoproduction under UV light irradiation compared to ZnO/gCN. Moreover, the deposition of ZnS nanoparticles improves the photostability of the ZnS/ZnO/gCN catalyst for hydrogen production. A double Z-scheme mechanism is proposed for hydrogen photoproduction using the ZnS/ZnO/gCN heterojunction.

Effect of magnetic field on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of CdS nanoparticles in distilled water by using pulsed laser ablation

In this study, we investigated the impact that the incorporation of a magnetic field has on the properties of cadmium sulfide CdS nanoparticles as well as the performance of an n-CdS/p-Si heterojunction photodetector that was developed by the use of the pulsed laser ablation in a liquid method. Nd:YAG laser pulses (1.064 μm, 550 mJ) were utilized to ablate cadmium sulfide CdS nanoparticles in water. The synthesized nanoparticles were shown to have a polycrystalline hexagonal structure, as evidenced by the findings of the X-ray diffraction experiment, the crystallite size for cadmium sulfide CdS decreased from 4.611 nm to 4.518 nm. The lattice constants of cadmium sulfide CdS nanostructures were determined to be a = 4.1302, c = 6.702, and c/a=1.622. The strain and dislocation density of cadmium sulfide CdS exhibited an increase. Images taken from a field emission scanning electron microscope demonstrated the formation of spherical nanoparticles on the surface. A magnetic field was applied, increasing the CdS film's crystallinity. As a consequence of this enhancement, the particle size of the CdS decreased from 25.18 nm to 12.17 nm. A comparison was made between this and the size of the crystallites that appeared when no magnetic field was present. The EDS spectrum of magnetically prepared cadmium sulfide CdS films indicates the presence of Cd and S, and the weight percentage ratios [Cd]/[S], increase from 3.72 to 3.80. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures of CdS samples that were generated using a magnetic field contained particles of small size with a mean of 10.10 nanometers. From the FT-IR spectra of cadmium sulfide CdS prepared using a magnetic field within 400–4000 cm−1, the peaks (bands) of cadmium sulfide CdS at 617 cm−1 represent the bending vibration of Cd-S. As a result of the influence of a magnetic field, the optical energy gap of CdS nanoparticles increased from 2.30 eV to 2.72 eV, as indicated by the UV-Vis study. From PL emission spectra the values of the energy band gap of cadmium sulfide CdS increased from 2.45 eV at 505.7 to 2.47 eV when a magnetic field was applied. CdS NP films produced under the influence of a magnetic field were identified as having n-type characteristics by Hall effect assessments, Particle mobility was influenced by particle size. The effect of applying a magnetic field on the efficiency of the n-CdS/p-Si photodetector was investigated and analyzed. When a magnetic field was applied during ablation, the responsivity of n-CdS/p-Si heterojunction photodetectors increased from 0.498 A/W to 0.830 A/W at 510 nm. This was the result of the application of the magnetic field.

Chitosan enriched with ZnO[sbnd]nanoparticles fabricated using Synadenium glaucescens (Pax) aqueous leaf extract maintains postharvest quality of banana

Applications of edible coatings containing metallic nanoparticles for the preservation of post-harvest fruit quality have emerged as one of the most preferable strategies because of their enhanced antimicrobial properties. In the current study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Synadenium glaucescens leaf extract and added to chitosan for the post-harvest quality preservation of banana. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOSydlNPs) were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental dispersive x-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The nanoparticles were found to form large particles due to aggregations of small particles of an average size of 11 ± 4 nm. The coating solution containing a mixture of chitosan and zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited higher antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Puccinia asparagi and Candida albicans compared to chitosan. The inhibition diameters of chitosan and chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs against E. coli were 6 and 15 mm, respectively. Similarly, the average inhibition diameters of chitosan, chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs (0.1%) and chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs (0.3%) against Staphylococcus aureus, Puccinia asparagi and Candida albicans were 10 ± 2, 15 ± 0.5 and 16 ± 3 mm, respectively. The banana coated with chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs solutions exhibited higher titratable acid (maleic) than control and chitosan-coated samples. Additionally, banana coated with chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs films showed lower total soluble solids, weight loss and ripening index compared to chitosan-coated and control samples. The findings from the current study indicated that ZnOSydlNPs incorporated in polymeric materials (chitosan) could serve as a potential preservative of post-harvest qualities for banana and related fruits.

Characterizing sliding wear behavior of A1100/AlFe (p) composites produced via repeated fold-forging and annealing

Abstract Aluminum matrix/aluminum-iron intermetallic composite materials pose challenges in plastic processing due to the susceptibility of hard intermetallic compound particles to fracture. This study introduces a novel fabrication method involving pure iron mesh, hot-dip aluminum plating, and solidification. Through ten consecutive folding, forging, and intermediate annealing cycles, aluminum matrix and iron undergo diffusion, leading to the formation of Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 interface reaction layers, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Subsequent forging cycles cause the breakage or detachment of Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 particles from the interface, resulting in the formation of large-sized Fe2Al5 and small-sized Fe2Al5 intermetallic particles. FeAl3 intermetallic particles are observed via microscopic examination. These particles can be uniformly dispersed within the aluminum matrix through plastic flow, enabling the successful fabrication of A1100/Fe2Al5 and AlFe3 composite sheets. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of intermetallic compound content, sliding speed, and forward load on the dry sliding wear of A1100/FeAl composites. It is found that Fe2Al5 and AlFe3 intermetallic compound particles effectively mitigate adhesive wear, plowing, and oxidative wear of the composites. With an AlFe intermetallic compound content of 4.3 wt.%, the volume wear rate remains low under conditions corresponding to PV = 56.652 (equivalent to a normal load of 19.6 kPa and a sliding speed of 2.87 m s−1).

Cationic Amphiphilic Comb-Shaped Polymer Emulsifier for Fabricating Avermectin Nanoemulsion with Exceptional Leaf Behaviors and Multidimensional Controlled Release.

The development of intelligent multifunctional nanopesticides featuring enhanced foliage affinity and hierarchical target release is increasingly pivotal in modern agriculture. In this study, a novel cationic amphiphilic comb-shaped polymer, termed PEI-TA, was prepared via a one-step Michael addition between low-molecular-weight biodegradable polyethylenimine (PEI) and tetradecyl acrylate (TA), followed by neutralization with acetic acid. Using the emulsifier PEI-TA, a positively charged avermectin (AVM) nanoemulsion was prepared via a phase inversion emulsification process. Under optimal formulation, the obtained AVM nanoemulsion (defined as AVM@PEI-TA) demonstrated exceptional properties, including small size (as low as 67.6 nm), high encapsulation efficiency (up to 87.96%), and high stability toward shearing, storage, dilution, and UV irradiation. The emulsifier endowed AVM@PEI-TA with a pronounced thixotropy, so that the droplets exhibited no splash and bounce when they were sprayed on the cabbage leaf. Owing to the electrostatic attraction between the emulsifier and the leaf, AVM@PEI-TA showed improved leaf adhesion, better deposition, and higher washing resistance in contrast to both its negatively charged counterpart and AVM emulsifiable concentrate (AVM-EC). Compared to the large-sized particles, the small-sized particles of the AVM nanoemulsion more effectively traveled long distances through the vascular system of veins after entering the leaf apoplast. Moreover, the nanoparticles lost stability when exposed to multidimensional stimuli, including pH, temperature, esterase, and ursolic acid individually or simultaneously, thereby promoting the release of AVM. The release mechanisms were discussed for understanding the important role of the emulsifier in nanopesticides.

Experimental investigation of erosion and transport of binary sediment in sewer pipes

ABSTRACT Understanding sediment transport in storm sewer systems is essential to prevent pipe blockages, associated flooding, and maintenance. In this research, a laboratory study was conducted in a pipe to investigate the erosion and transport process of a binary sediment, i.e., a material with two different particle sizes. The sediment used in this study was a mixture of two sizes of spherical glass beads (0.8 and 4 mm) and two sizes of natural soil (sand and gravel), with different amounts of small size particles. The results show that the critical velocities for the initiation of sediment transport increase linearly with a decrease in the fine particle content of the mixture. A method to predict the critical velocity of a binary mixture is proposed based on the fine content and the critical velocity of single-size large particle and single-size small particle sediments. The transport rate of the mixture lies between that of the single-size large sediment and single-size small sediment. The transport rate is increased with an increase in the fine content, which means that mixing small particles with large particles can significantly increase the transport rate of large particles and the total transport rate.

Enhanced Marangoni flow to fabricate uniform and porous SiO2 films: Toward superior high transparency, antifogging, and self- cleaning properties

Fogging on transparent substrate greatly impacts transmittance, causing inconvenience and potential hazards. Increasing surface roughness to enhance hydrophilicity often reduces transmittance. Here, by enhancing the Marangoni flow to inhibit the coffee-ring effect during SiO2 droplet drying, we propose for the first time to manufacture superhydrophilic and high-transmittance coatings with porous structures on various substrates, including glass and resin. This approach relies on a simple, potentially large-scale ultrasonic spray method to enhance the Marangoni flow of SiO2 dispersion with different particle sizes by adding multiple surfactants to reduce the surface tension of the dispersion. The water contact angle of the SiO2 film decreases to below 5° within 0.5 s, imparting anti-fogging properties to the substrate. The film exhibits a transmittance of 93.1 % at 580 nm, surpassing the inherent 90.8 % transmittance of the bare glass. Notably, the film shows remarkable self-cleaning properties due to potent hydration from eco-friendly SiO2 nanoparticles and the porous structure. Owing to the hydrogen bonding between tightly packed small-sized SiO2 particles as well as between the particles and substrate, the surface morphology of the film on glass remains intact even after washing, and soaking. The porous SiO2 film, with a contact angle dropping to below 5° within 0.5 s, maintains its superhydrophilicity even after being exposed to high temperatures, UV irradiation, and humidity conditions. The simple production process of the porous SiO2 films offers a promising method for preparing high-transmittance anti-fogging films with significant industrial potential.

Dietary starch, non-starch polysaccharides and their interactions affect nutrient digestibility, faecal waste production and characteristics differentially in three salmonids: Rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr

Waste management has emerged as a critical issue in aquaculture. In this study, we examined the impact of dietary starch and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) content on nutrient digestibility, faecal waste production, faecal removal efficiency and the faecal characteristics in three salmonid species, namely rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Four diets were formulated according to a 2 × 2 factorial design. The first factor, starch, was tested by including 0% gelatinised wheat flour (low starch) or 20% gelatinised wheat flour (high starch) in a plant-based basal diet. The second factor, NSP, was tested by adding 0% NSP source (low NSP) or 10% NSP source (high NSP). High NSP level was achieved by adding an equal mixture of soya hull (5%) and wheat bran (5%). Diets were tested in triplicates for each species and feeding was done restrictively. Experimental duration was 42 days for rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon and 49 days for Arctic charr. Among the three species investigated, Arctic charr had the lowest digestibility values for most nutrients, whereas rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon values were comparable. High starch level in the diet reduced the macronutrient (protein, fat and ash) digestibility in all three species. High starch and high NSP levels in the diet increased faecal waste production, with the effect being more pronounced for the NSP content of the diet. High dietary starch levels increased the proportion of smaller-sized particles, while high NSP content increased the ability of faecal particles to withstand mechanical stress. The high starch level in the diet lowered faecal removal efficiency but increased by high NSP content. The highest and lowest faecal removal efficiency was recorded for Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr, respectively. The amount of non-removed faeces accumulating in the system was increased by the high starch levels in rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon but remained unaffected by the NSP content of the diet across the species. No interaction effect between starch and NSP content of diets was observed for faecal removal efficiency and non-removed faeces. Among the three species investigated, Arctic charr had the maximum amount of non-removed faeces per kilogram of dry matter feed.

Impact of freeze-thaw cycles on the physicochemical properties and structure-function relationship of potato starch with varying granule sizes in frozen dough

Starch, as a critical component of dough, significantly influences quality preservation during the freezing process. In particular, the fine structure of potato (B-type) starch in frozen processing is a subject of considerable interest. This study aims to investigate the intrinsic differences of B-type starch and the impact of freeze-thaw (F/T) treatment on its molecular structure and physicochemical properties. Chain length distribution and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were utilized to examine the structural characteristics of natural potato starch with different granule sizes. Furthermore, the fine structure, thermal properties, and rheological properties of the isolated starches after F/T treatment were analyzed. The results indicate that potato starch with smaller particle sizes exhibits higher surface CC and PO content along with a higher proportion of very short chains (DP < 6, 8.17 %) and long B chains (DP > 25, 20.68 %). The study found that after F/T treatment, the surface of small-sized starch granules was initially damaged, exhibiting threads on the surface centered on the umbilical point. Following F/T treatment, both the crystallinity (very large (VL): 24.52–18.36 %; small (S): 17.03–16.69 %) and short-range order (VL: 2.97–2.61; S: 2.71–2.35) of starch particle size decreased. Both the amylose content (20.88–14.57 %) and ΔH (10.15–8.62 J/g) of isolated starch after freeze-thaw-treated dough exhibited a decrease to varying degrees. With the exception of the fifth cycle, small-size starch particles exhibited relatively higher G' and G" values and showed significant changes as a result of F/T treatment, demonstrating high hardness and complex viscosity. Clarifying the physicochemical properties of potato starches with different granule sizes is expected to expand their applications in frozen dough.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Testicular Toxicity Through Inflammation and Reducing Testosterone and Cell Viability in Adult Male Rats.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have wide applications in daily life. Therefore, there is growing interest in the potential harmful impacts of these particles on human health. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential toxic effects of ZnO NPs (40 and 70nm) compared to ZnO on the testes of rats. ZnO NPs were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): Group I (control), Group II (ZnO) received daily oral administration of ZnO (50mg/kg), and Groups III and IV received daily oral administration of ZnO NPs of 40nm or 70nm at 50mg/kg, respectively. All treatments continued for 50 consecutive days. ZnO and ZnO NPs reduced body and testis weights, sperm count and motility, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, testicular cytochrome p450 17A1 (CYP17A1) and cytochrome p450 1B1 (CYP1B1) concentrations, and the expression of p53 and cdk1. These treatments elevated testicular myeloperoxidase and serum acid phosphatase activities as well as sperm abnormalities. ZnO NPs reduced LH levels, which decreased CYP17A1 and CYP1B1, resulting in reduced synthesis of testosterone. ZnO NPs enhanced testicular inflammation and reduced cell viability. All these effects were manifested as reduced sperm motility and increased sperm deformities. Compared to macromolecules, nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher toxicity. The larger diameter ZnO NPs had more profound toxicity than the smaller-sized particles.