Soluble Fraction Research Articles

Interactions between Salivary Proteins and Apple Polyphenols and the Fate of Complexes during Gastric Digestion.

Beneficial polyphenols in apples can reach the stomach as complexes formed with salivary proteins. The present study aimed at documenting the interactions between salivary proteins and cider apple polyphenols and the fate of complexes during gastric digestion. A polyphenolic extract was mixed with human saliva, and interactions were characterized by analyzing proteins and polyphenols in the insoluble and soluble fractions of the mixtures, before and after in vitro gastric digestion. Results confirmed that proline-rich proteins can efficiently precipitate polyphenols and suggested that two zinc-binding proteins can also form insoluble complexes with polyphenols. The classes of polyphenols involved in such complexes depended on the polyphenol-to-protein ratio. In vitro gastric digestion led to extensive proteolysis of salivary proteins, and we formulate the hypothesis that the resulting peptides can interact with and precipitate some procyanidins. Saliva may therefore partly modulate the bioaccessibility of at least procyanidins in the gastric compartment.

Feed costs and indicators of reproductive capacity of high-yielding cows at different levels of Bypass soybeans in rations

The article presents the results of a scientific and economic experiment to study the influence of different levels of Bypass soybeans in the diets of high-yielding cows on feed costs per kilogram of milk and reproductive functions of cows. Provision of the rations of the experimental cows with an unequal amount of the difficult-to-dissolve fraction of crude protein, at the expense of Bypass soybeans, affected their consumption of bulk feed. The experimental cows consumed 4.1–4.8 kg from the specified 5 kg of alfalfa hay, 20.8–24.6 kg from 25 kg of corn silage, and 8.4–9.7 kg from 10 kg of alfalfa hay. The consumed feed provided cows with crude protein at the level of 16.0–16.5 % of the dry matter, its poorly soluble fraction at the level of 27.3 % of the crude protein in the 1st control group, 31.1 % in the 2nd experimental group, 35.2 % – in the 3rd experimental group and 40.0 % – in the 4th experimental group. The sugar-starch-protein ratio was normal and ranged from 2.20 to 2.28 : 1 with a norm of 2.1 : 1. The micronutrient rations were balanced due to micronutrients of organic origin. On the basis of the obtained data, it was proved that the lowest feed consumption per 1 kg of milk was observed in cows of the 4th experimental group, which were fed rations with 2 kg of Bypass soybeans, where the level of insoluble protein was 40 % of crude protein and these consumptions were 6.5 MJ against 7.4 MJ in the 1st control group. Cows of the 4th experimental group also had the best insemination and service period indicators. The duration of the service period in the experimental groups was less in percentage compared to the animals of the 1st control group by: 15.0 in the 2nd; 25.6 in the 3rd and 32.9 in the 4th. Partial and complete replacement in the diets of cows of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups of soybean meal with Vypass soybeans at the level of 1.0; 1.7 and 2 kg of compound feed concentrate in the first 100 days of lactation has a positive effect on the physiological state, stimulates appetite and provides normal conditions for fertilization and embryo development.

Hot-water soluble fraction of starch as particle-stabilizers of oil-in-water emulsions: Effect of dry heat modification

Dry heat treatment (DHT) ranging from 130 to 190 °C was employed to modify corn starch. The hot-water soluble fraction (HWS) of the DHT-modified starch was isolated, and its capacity and mechanism for stabilizing O/W emulsions were investigated. Corn starch underwent a significant structural transformation by DHT at 190 °C, characterized by a 7.3 % reduction in relative crystallinity, a tenfold decrease in weight-average molecular weight from 95.21 to 8.11 × 106 g/mol, and a degradation of over one-third of the extra-long chains of amylopectin (DP > 36) into short chains (DP 6–12). These structural modifications resulted in a substantial formation of soluble amylopectin, leading to a sharp increase in the HWS content of corn starch from 3.16 % to 85.06 %. This augmented HWS content surpassed the critical macromolecule concentration, prompting the formation of HWS nanoaggregates. These nanoaggregates, with an average particle size of 33 nm, functioned as particle stabilizers, ensuring the stability of the O/W emulsion through the Pickering mechanism. The O/W emulsion stabilized by HWS nanoaggregates exhibited noteworthy centrifugal and storage stability, with rheological properties remaining nearly unchanged over a storage period of 180 days. Given its straightforward preparation process, the HWS of DHT-modified starch could be a promising natural emulsifier.

Atractylodin, β-eudesmol, and (+)-hinesol in Atractylodes chinensis rhizomes improve glomerular injuries in high immunoglobulin A mice

Background: The rhizome of Atractylodes chinensis (Asteraceae), a crude drug of Japanese Kampo medicines, has been administered to patients with edema, nephrotic syndrome, and gastrointestinal disorders. Essential oils, such as sesquiterpenoids (e.g., β-eudesmol and hinesol) and atractylodin, are rich in the rhizomes. Previously, we discovered that atractylodin, a polyacetylene compound, found in an ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble fraction from a methanol extract of A. chinensis rhizomes, possessed marked anti-inflammatory activities. Oral administration of the EtOAc-soluble fraction reduced immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposition in the renal glomeruli of high immunoglobulin A (HIGA) mice, a model of human IgA nephropathy. An increased serum IgA forms immune complexes and causes the deposition on renal glomeruli, leading to inflammation by the complement-mediated pathway. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the compounds that reduce IgA deposition in an EtOAc-soluble fraction of A. chinensis rhizomes. Methods: Metabolites in the serum of HIGA and control BALB/c mice were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A standard diet including each compound was fed to HIGA and BALB/c mice for 20 weeks to evaluate the improvement of glomerular IgA deposition. Results: Metabolomic analysis of serum suggested that the HIGA mice exhibit a state near the early stage of chronic kidney disease, compared with the BALB/c mice. When mice were orally administered each hydrophobic compound of A. chinensis rhizomes, it was revealed that atractylodin, as well as β-eudesmol and (+)-hinesol, efficiently inhibited glomerular IgA deposition. Furthermore, the renal levels of complement component 3 (C3) and proinflammatory cytokine mRNAs were decreased, when the hydrophobic compounds were orally administered to HIGA mice. Conclusion: Atractylodin, β-eudesmol, and (+)-hinesol may inhibit glomerular IgA deposition, probably by attenuating complement-mediated injuries and suppressing proliferation of mesangial cells in the renal glomeruli. These compounds might improve the pathological findings of human IgA nephropathy. Keywords: Atractylodes chinensis; Crude drug; Immunoglobulin A nephropathy; Metabolomics; Complement

Fabrication of textured functional ingredient based on apple: Sesame by-product

The search for new sources of fortified components from low-cost and sustainable sources has become a trend in the last decade. Food byproducts containing valuable bioactive compounds such as dietary fiber, protein, and phytochemicals are being used as substrates for obtaining beneficial components that can promote health. Extrusion is an efficient technology for converting food by-products into nutrient-rich food ingredients. The objective of this work was to optimize the extrusion process to obtain the best combination of moisture content (14, 18 and 22%) and screw speed (SS) (120,150 and180 rpm), apple pomace (AP): semi-defatted sesame cake (SDSC) blends (25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 w/w) to fabricate textured functional ingredients (TFI) with high values of expansion ratio (ER), water absorption index (WAI), brightness level, total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) and lower hardness based on a central composite design. The optimal treatment was determined at 176 rpm SS, 18% moisture content and a ratio of (75:25) AP: SDSC. The desirability value has indicated an appropriate match between the predicted and the observed response. TFI exhibited higher soluble dietary fiber fraction (WAI) values and lower plate count values during 30 days of storage compared to the unprocessed by-product, suggesting that TFI could be successfully used for the manufacture of innovative, high quality products such as porridge, beverages, cookies, soups and others that could provide health benefits based on the values obtained.

Protective effects of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. extract against UVB‐induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats (Rattus novergicus Berkenhout, 1769)

Protecting the skin from the effects of UVB radiation using natural products is crucial in the cosmeceutical industry. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Bangle (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) against UVB‐induced skin damage in Wistar albino rats. The rhizomes were macerated using 70% ethanol v/v, followed by n‐hexane to obtain n‐hexane soluble and n‐hexane insoluble fraction. The antioxidant properties of the ethanol extracts and n‐hexane soluble fraction were evaluated using a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The study also examined the antiphotoaging properties through reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging assay, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) expression, and tyrosinase expression against UVB radiation in Wistar albino rats. The results demonstrated that the Z. cassumunar extract and fraction effectively converted DPPH radicals into a more stable compound. Analysis revealed the presence of Benzene, 4‐(1Z)‐1,3‐butadien‐1‐yl‐1,2‐dimethoxy‐ and (E)‐4‐(3,4‐Dimethoxyphenyl) but‐3‐en‐1‐ol as the primary compounds in both the extract and fraction, suggesting their contribution to the observed activity. Furthermore, Z. cassumunar compounds could reduce UVB‐induced ROS production and may protect against skin photoaging by changing the expression of MMP‐1 and tyrosinase levels in Wistar albino rats. These findings suggest that Z. cassumunar holds promise for preventing skin aging.

Experimental and molecular simulation analysis of the dissolution behavior of Musk ambrette in organic solvents

The solubility of Musk ambrette in i-propanol (IPA), i-butanol (IBA), n-heptane (HPT), n-hexane (HX), cyclohexane (CYH), methyl acetate (MAC), ethyl acetate (EAC), acetone (ACE), IPA + ACE at 278.15 K to 318.15 K was determined. The mole fraction solubility of Musk ambrette in pure IPA at the temperature of 298.15 K were found to be 0.9492 × 10-2 mol·mol−1. The difference is that the solubility of Musk ambrette in ACE reaches 0.2257 mol·mol−1, which is much higher than the solvent mentioned above. The strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding formed by IPA resulted in its lowest solvation capacity for Musk ambrette. In addition, to further investigate the solubility pattern of Musk ambrette, we used 8 models (Van’t Hoff, modified Apelblat, Buchowski-Ksiazczak, Yaws, NRTL, Wilson, Jouyban-Acree and Sun model) to fit and obtain a general equation for solubility versus temperature. These results yielded a large amount of statistically significant data. Comparisons revealed that the modified Apelblat and Yaws equation showed the least deviation in forecasting solubility variations with temperature. Meanwhile, we proved that the dissolution of Musk ambrette is a heat-absorbing entropy increasing process by Van't Hoff equation calculation. ΔsolGo for the 12 solvents is in the following order: ACE < MAC < EAC < w = 0.2007 < w = 0.4025 < w = 0.6076 < CYH < w = 0.8070 < HPT < HX < IBA < IPA. ΔsolGo is smaller the easier it dissolves, which is consistent with the law of dissolution. Secondly, we performed thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction tests on Musk ambrette crystals prepared in different solvents, which showed that none of the several systems investigated led to the creation of new crystalline forms or solvatoids, further confirming the suitability of the solvents. Besides, we discuss the correspondence between solubility and the HSP, π, α, β, and CED of the solvents and thus tentatively confirm the significant influence of the solvent properties on solubility. The principle of similarity and compatibility is satisfied for most of the solvents. In particular, the CED values of the larger solvents were not favorable for the solubilization of Musk ambrette. We also analyzed the molecular surface electrostatic potential of Musk ambrette by visualization techniques. Finally, IPA and ACE and their binary solution systems were analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of solvent intermolecular interactions on the solubilization pattern was discussed. It was further confirmed that weak interactions of solvent molecules contribute more to the dissolution of Musk ambrette. These findings suggest that the prediction of solvent solubility can be initially achieved by molecular simulation techniques. Undoubtedly, this study will furnish a valuable information for the purification of Musk ambrette.

Abstract 1848: The Cellular Thermal Shift assay and its applications in Target ID, MoA determination and biomarker discovery

Abstract With the Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) celebrating its first decade since the PoC publication, the method has gained much interest in the basic science field as well as become an industry standard in applied drug discovery setting. In the last few years it has become apparent that in addition to providing information about drug-protein interaction, CETSA based thermal profiling of cells can help describe additional aspects of cell biology as it gives insight into the activating and rewiring of protein-protein interaction networks inside the cell upon stimuli. In the work presented here, we have used CETSA coupled to high resolution mass spectrometric readout to profile the response patterns of about 8000 proteins to several hundred molecular probes and marketed drugs. The goal has been to provide a map of wanted and unwanted effects following treatment and to correlate it to alternative readouts, by for example cellular imaging and cell death assays. We have applied the CETSA protocol for close to five hundred compounds, many in several cell-lines (HepG2, U87MG and K562). The experimental setup includes the step of treating the cells with a certain compound at a fixed concentration. After incubation for an hour, we heated the cells to a range of temperatures, followed by a lysis protocol and pooling of the samples. After this, the samples have been centrifuged to separate the soluble from insoluble fraction. The soluble fraction has then been prepared for MS acquisition using TMT based multiplexing. Typically, this allowed us to monitor changes in thermal stability among more than 8,000 proteins, as a consequence of compound treatment. This data reveals specific compound “fingerprints” that can be used to decipher mode of action and identify biomarkers. Despite the short incubation time, proteins with compound-induced thermal stability shifts are not only targets/off-targets (direct binders), but also downstream, and sometimes upstream, pathway members and general cellular responses. All data combined makes the basis of the Target Engagement Atlas. Here we can see clusters of compounds, sharing similar protein binding profiles. Among the most prominent ones are mTOR inhibitors, NSAIDs, as well as tubulin binders. Alternatively, one can use this resource to reveal clusters of “pharmacologically” associated protein networks. We show that pharmacological perturbation allows identification of clusters representing tight protein complexes (for example ribosomes), known metabolic pathways (folate biosynthesis), molecular functions (kinases), as well as networks of proteins linked only by ligand binding specificity. CETSA MS allows for unbiased, cellular, and molecular profiling of compound effects. Together with data from clinical settings, as well as in vivo/in vitro end point assays it is possible to correlate the CETSA patterns to wanted but also unwanted responses. Citation Format: Tomas Friman, Alexey Chernobrovkin, Tuomas Tolvanen, Erin Gilson, Stina Lundgren, Victoria Brehmer, Daniel Martinez Molina. The Cellular Thermal Shift assay and its applications in Target ID, MoA determination and biomarker discovery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1848.

Effect of Nonprotein Components for Lipid Oxidation in Emulsions Stabilized by Plant Protein Extracts.

Plant protein ingredients are rich in non-protein components of which the antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects are expected to be considerable. In this paper, commercial soy and pea protein isolates and concentrates were selected by using their soluble fractions to prepare oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. Emulsions stabilized with soy protein isolates were more prone to lipid oxidation than those with soy protein concentrate or pea protein isolate. Compositional analysis revealed that the soluble fraction of soy protein isolates contained higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and metals (iron and copper) but lower mineral and ash contents than those of soy protein concentrate and pea protein isolate. Correlating the composition to oxidation in emulsions highlighted the significant role of non-protein components, alongside the protein's oxidative state. These findings are relevant for the use of alternative proteins in food formulation, a practice often promoted as sustainable yet that may come with repercussions for oxidative stability.

Environmental impact assessment due to the intake of uranium contained in surface waters in a semi-arid region in Brazil.

In Santa Quitéria City, part of the population uses surface water for potation. These waters do not undergo any treatment before consumption. As the region has a deposit of uranium, assessing water quality becomes important. In the present study, the uranium activity concentration (AC) in becquerels per liter was determined in water samples from six points. Univariate statistics showed differences between the soluble and the particulate fraction (soluble AC > particulate AC). The particulate fraction showed no variation in AC among the six points. On the other hand, the soluble fraction and the total fraction presented different ACs between them. The multivariate statistics allowed to separate the soluble from the particulate fraction of the points. The same tools applied to the total fraction made it possible to differentiate the sampling points, grouping them ((#1, #2); (#3, #4), and (#5, #6)). The maximum mean value of AC found was 0.177Bq∙L-1, corresponding to 25% of the chemical toxicity limit (0.72Bq∙L-1). The maximum mean dose rate, 2.25 µSv∙year-1, is lower than the considered negligible dose rate (> 10 µSv∙year-1). The excess lifetime cancer risk was 10-6, two orders of magnitude smaller than the threshold considered for taking action. The assessment parameters used in this work indicate that the risk due to the uranium intake by the local population is negligible.

Improving emulsifying properties of okara-derived insoluble soybean fiber (ISF): contribution of steam-cooking processing and various fractions of ISF

In response to the low utilization and poor emulsifying properties of insoluble soybean fiber (ISF) derived from okara, this work aimed to improve the structural-physicochemical properties of ISF by steam-cooking process through adjusting the pH, temperature and duration. The effects of soluble and insoluble fractions of ISF on its emulsifying properties were investigated. Increased temperature to 120 °C and prolonged durations of steam-cooking at pH 3 disintegrated the ISF matrix and reduced the aggregation, while notable aggregation was observed at pH 11 and 120 °C. The heightened steam-cooking intensity led to stronger hydrogen bonding within ISF, accompanied by the increase in crystallinity index from 26.7%–30.8% to 40.1%–44.2%. Additionally, there was a notable enhancement in gel-like properties, as evidenced by the elastic modulus of ISF suspensions increasing from 0.3–247.2 Pa to 1048.0–1355.0 Pa. The steam-cooking positively influenced the surface wettability and emulsifying properties of ISF, particularly evident by the near-neutral contact angle of ISF steam-cooked at 120 °C, resulting in emulsions with finer droplets. The microstructure and apparent viscosity of the emulsions were primarily influenced by the insoluble fractions, despite the higher capability of soluble fractions to reduce interfacial tension. The insoluble fractions prevented droplet aggregation by facilitating the formation of droplet clusters. Overall, steam-cooking improved the emulsifying properties of ISF by modulating composition and physicochemical properties, providing promising applications for ISF as food ingredients in emulsions and gels.

FAM20A is a golgi-localized Type II transmembrane protein.

Family with sequence similarity 20, member A (FAM20A) is a pseudo-kinase in the secretory pathway and is essential for enamel formation in humans. Here we examine if FAM20A is a membrane-associated protein. We show that the full-length FAM20A can be purified from HEK293 cells transfected with a FAM20A-expresing construct. Further, it is only found in the membrane fraction, but not in the soluble fraction, of cell lysate. Consistently, it is not secreted out of the expressing cells. Moreover, it is co-localized with GM130, a cis-Golgi network marker, and membrane topology analysis indicates that it has its C-terminus oriented towards the lumen of the organelle. Our results support that FAM20A is a Type II transmembrane protein within the secretory compartments.

Extraction, recovery, and characterization of lignin from industrial corn stover lignin cake

Lignin utilization in value-added co-products is an important component of enabling cellulosic biorefinery economics. However, aqueous dilute acid pretreatments yield lignins with limited applications due to significant modification during pretreatment, low solubility in many solvents, and high content of impurities (ash, insoluble polysaccharides). This work addresses these challenges and investigates the extraction and recovery of lignins from lignin-rich insoluble residue following dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover using three extraction approaches: ethanol organosolv, NaOH, and an ionic liquid. The recovered lignins exhibited recovery yields ranging from 30% for the ionic liquid, 44% for the most severe acid ethanol organosolv condition tested, and up to 86% for the most severe NaOH extraction condition. Finally, the fractional solubilities of different recovered lignins were assessed in a range of solvents and these solubilities were used to estimate distributions of Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters using a novel approach.

GC/GC-MS analysis and biological activities of Lantana Camara Linn.

Medicinal plants have been a part of human history for thousands of years and are still used as healthcare throughout the world. The current research aims to explore the chemical constituents of the methanol soluble extract (LC-Me) and petroleum ether soluble fraction (LCM-PES) from the leaves of Lantana camara Linn by GC/ GC-MS. This chemical analysis revealed the existence of 16 and 23 phytoconstituents in LC-Me and LCM-PES respectively. The major constituents in LC-Me were found to beethyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate (31.9%), hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (12.6%), n-hexadecanoic acid (11.1%), linoleic acid ethyl ester (9.1%), squalene (8.7%), di-n-octyl phthalate (6.2%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (4.2%), (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (2.7%) andcyclopropanebutanoicacid,2-[[2-[[2-[(2-pentylcyclopropyl)methyl]cyclopropyl]methyl]cyclopropyl]methyl]-, methyl ester (2.3%). The chief bioactive compounds in petroleum ether soluble fraction were found to beandrost-8-en-3-ol, 4,4,14α-trimethyl-17-(2-bromo-1-methylethyl (57.9%), 14,17-nor-3,21-dioxo-β-amyrin, 17,18-didehydro-3-dehydroxy- (13.0%), barringtogenol B (2.5%), olean-12-ene-3,16,21,22,28-pentol, 21-(2-methyl-2-butenoate), [3β,16α,21β(Z),22α]-(1.7%),perhydrocyclopropa[e]azulene-4,5,6-triol, 1,1,4,6-tetramethyl (1.7%), ethyl iso-allocholate (1.6%) and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (1.6%). Both the extract and its fraction have exhibited very significant antibacterial, antifungal,mosquito repellent and larvicidal propertiesoriginated by numerous bioactive metabolites. Twenty eight (20 Gram-positive and 8 Gram-negative) bacteria were tested against LC.Me and LCM-PESwith noteworthy zone of inhibition.The significant in vitro antifungal activity was observed against fifteen fungi in LC-Me and LCM-PES. Very robust initial repellency was observed for LC-Me and LCM-PES (94% and 80% respectively) against the dengue-carrying mosquito (Aedes aegypti) at 2% concentration. The extract and its fraction were also found to be an efficient larvicidal agent against fourth-stage larvae of Aedes aegypti. The effective larvicidal property was noted in methanol soluble extract as compared topetroleum ether soluble fraction and standard with LC50value of 20 and 400 ppm respectively.

Ultrafine grinding improves the nutritional, physicochemical, and antioxidant activities of two varieties of whole-grain highland barley.

Effects of ultrafine grinding on the nutritional profile, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activities of whole-grain highland barley (HB) including white highland barley (WHB) and black highland barley (BHB) were studied. Whole-grain HB was regularly ground and sieved through 80 mesh get 80 M powder, and HB was ultrafine grounded and sieved through 80 mesh, 150 mesh, and 200 mesh get 80UMM, 150UMM, and 200UMM samples. Particle size of WHB and BHB reduced significantly after ultrafine grinding. As the particle size decreased, moisture content of WHB and BHB decreased significantly, whereas fat content increased significantly. Redistribution of fiber components in WHB and BHB from insoluble to soluble fractions was also observed. Wherein, content of soluble pentosan of WHB and BHB increased significantly from 0.56% and 0.78% (80M) to 0.91% and 1.14% (200UMM), respectively. Damaged starch of WHB and BHB increased significantly from 8.16% and 8.21% (80M) to 10.29% and 10.07% (200UMM), respectively. Content of phenolic acid and flavonoid of WHB and BHB and associated antioxidant capacity were increased after ultrafine grinding. Color of L* value increased significantly, a* and b* values decreased significantly, indicating the whiteness of WHB and BHB was increased after ultrafine grinding. Pasting temperature of WHB and BHB decreased, whereas peak viscosity increased. X-ray diffraction patterns of HB showed typical A- and V-style polymorphs and the relative crystallinity of HB decreased as the particle size decreased. Taken together, ultrafine grinding has shown great potential in improving the nutritional, physiochemical, and antioxidant properties of whole-grain HB. Our research findings could help better understand the ultrafine grinded whole grain HB in food industry.

A Multi-Streamline Approach for Upcycling PET into a Biodiesel and Asphalt Modifier.

The non-degradable nature of petroleum-based plastics and the dependence on petroleum-based products in daily life and production are dilemmas of human development today. We hereby developed a plastic waste upcycling process to address these challenges. A multi-stream fraction strategy was developed to process poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastics into soluble and insoluble fractions. The soluble fraction was used as a sole carbon source for microbial fermentation to produce biodiesel precursor lipids with an appreciable bioconversion yield. The insoluble fraction containing fractionated polymers was used as the asphalt binder modifiers. The downsized PET additive improved the high-temperature performance of the asphalt binder by 1 performance grade (PG) without decreasing the low-temperature PG. Subsequent SEM imaging unveiled alterations in the micromorphology induced by PET incorporation. Further FTIR and 1H NMR analysis highlighted the aromatic groups of PET polymers as a crucial factor influencing performance enhancement. The results demonstrated the multi-stream fraction as a promising approach for repurposing plastic waste to produce biodiesel and modify asphalt. This approach holds the potential to tackle challenges in fuel supply and enhance infrastructure resilience to global warming.

Effect soluble organic fraction mass fraction on emission characteristics of carbon black

AbstractAccording to China's latest emission regulations for the year 2021, diesel vehicles are required to be equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in accordance with emission standards. To comprehensively understand the regeneration and emission performance of the DPF, an externally heated regeneration performance test bench was established. This study aims to investigate the influence of the soluble organic fraction (SOF) and types of carbon black on particle emissions from the outlet of the DPF. The experimental results indicate that both SOF and carbon black structure can affect DPF regeneration. When the SOF mass fraction increases to 20%, SOF plays a dominant role. The regeneration efficiency of Printex‐U and FW200 carbon black is 62.4% and 60.6%, respectively, with total mass concentrations of 21.8 and 14.9 mg/m3 at the DPF outlet. Compared to conditions without SOF, the regeneration efficiency and total mass concentration at the DPF outlet increase by 1.3 times and 6.6 times for Printex‐U carbon black, and 1.8 times and 440 times for FW200 carbon black, respectively. Additionally, when SOF mass fraction is 0%, the highest proportion of the average particle diameter for both Printex‐U and FW200 carbon black is in the [10, 20] nm range, at 20% and 95%, respectively. When the SOF mass fraction is increased to 20%, the proportions of the average particle diameter for both types of carbon black in the [10, 20] nm range rise to above 99%. This study provides a relevant experimental foundation for the emission control of DPF.

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen management improves soil soluble nitrogen pools and reduces nitrate residues in a drip-fertigated apple orchard on the Loess Plateau

Appropriate water and nitrogen fertilizer management is crucial for achieving sustainable development in the apple industry. However, the soil nitrogen supply capacity and residual nitrate characteristics under drip fertigation remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to (1) investigate the coupling effects of irrigation and nitrogen levels on the concentrations and distribution characteristics of soil soluble nitrogen fractions and residual soil nitrate; (2) explore the relationships between Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU) of soil nitrate and apple yield, water productivity (WPc) and nitrogen use efficiency (nitrogen agronomic efficiency, AEn). The field experiment was conducted in a drip-fertigated apple orchard starting in 2017, which included two irrigation levels, 85% (W1) and 100% (W2) of field capacity (FC), and four nitrogen rates, 0 (N1), 120 (N2), 240 (N3) and 360 (N4) kg ha–1. The results showed that nitrogen inputs significantly increased soil soluble inorganic nitrogen and soluble organic nitrogen (SON) contents. However, the SON content significantly decreased when 360 kg N ha–1 was applied, particularly at W1. The maximum nitrate accumulation in the 0–3 m soil layer at N4 reached 2540.97 kg ha–1 in 2021, but the maximum value decreased to 1251.62 kg ha–1 in 2022 due to extreme rainfall. The average CU of residual nitrate across irrigation levels in the 0–3 m soil layer was highest at N3, with values of 0.68 and 0.57 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. High irrigation level increased the diffusion distances of nitrate both vertically and horizontally, resulting in a significant effect on CU. Apple yield and WPc first increased and then decreased with increasing nitrogen rates, while AEn consistently decreased, but they were all greater with a higher CU. The recommended combination of irrigation and nitrogen application was 85% FC and 240 kg N ha–1, which can achieve the dual goals of enhancing soil nitrogen supply capacity and minimizing environmental risks while improving orchard productivity.

Influence of conditioner and straw on the herbaceous plant-based phytoremediation copper tailings: a field trial at Liujiagou tailings pond, China.

A field trial was performed to carry out an enhanced phytoremediation technique for multi-metal contaminated copper tailings by Sudan grass (Sorghum Sudanese), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), using conditioner (TH-LZ01) and straw combination into composite amendments as soil amendments, aimed to obtain the maximum of phytoremediation effect. The results showed that compared with untreated herbaceous plants, the application of conditioner and straw planted with herbaceous plants reduced the pH and conductivity and increased the organic matter and water content of the copper tailings to different degrees. With the addition of conditioner and straw, the DTPA-Cd, DTPA-Cu, DTPA-Pb, and DTPA-Zn contents in the copper tailings showed a decreasing trend compared with the untreated group. The herbaceous plants were promoted to reduce the percentage contents of acid soluble fractions Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn and to increase the percentage contents of reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the copper tailings to different degrees. The contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the underground part of herbaceous plants were higher than those in the aboveground part, and the contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the aboveground part and underground part decreased after adding conditioner and straw, which indicated that the conditioner and straw inhibited the transport of heavy metals in the plant. Furthermore, the principal component analysis showed that the application of conditioner and straw with planting ryegrass had more potential for improving the physicochemical properties of copper tailings and reducing heavy metal toxicity, followed by Bermuda grass and Sudan grass.

Efficacy of a Maillard-type conjugate of whey protein isolate with chitosan as a carrier for a liposomal form of a combination of curcumin and balanced amounts of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. Part I. structure – Functionality relationships

The Maillard-type WPI–chitosan conjugate was prepared through dry heating at 60 °C and 75% relative humidity for 72 h at a weight excess of WPI (8.7-fold) relative to CHIT (75% of deacetylation). The focus of the study was the soluble fraction (68% w/w) of the WPI–CHIT conjugate in the pI range of WPI (pH 4.5). SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that 16% of the total WPI was covalently bonded to CHIT. SDS-PAGE and SEC identified a 29% degree of binding for α-lactalbumin. DSC, fluorimetry, and FTIR detected unfolding of globular whey proteins in the conjugate. The conjugate encapsulated 94% of phosphatidylcholine liposomes loaded with fish oil and curcumin, resulting in complex particles. EPRS, DSC, fluorimetry, laser light scattering, tensiometry, and TEM provided insights into the structural and thermodynamic parameters underlying the functionality of the latter: water solubility, protective ability for encapsulated nutraceuticals, and lower foaming ability compared to that of the WPI–CHIT conjugate.