Total Solubility Research Articles

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of anthocyanin extracts and powders from purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the food commodities that contain anthocyanin. This research aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of anthocyanin extracts and powders from purple sweet potato. Purple sweet potato anthocyanin was extracted using a water solvent with the addition of citric acid in different concentrations (0, 2, 4, and 6 g/100 mL). Ethanol solvent was used as a control. Foam mat drying was performed using variations of egg white composition (10 and 20 mg/100 mL). The result showed that extraction using a water solvent with 2 g/100 mL of citric acid was the most effective condition to obtain the highest total anthocyanin content (p < 0.05). However, its total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity were lower compared to others. Total anthocyanin content of foam mat dried purple sweet potato powder made from the citric acid-water extract was significantly higher than the powder made from the citric acid-ethanol extract (p < 0.05). There was no effect in the total phenolic, flavonoid, viscosity, and yellowish-red color of the powder obtained from citric acid-water extract as the increase of egg white concentration. The use of 20 g/100 mL egg white in both powders produced from citric acid-water and ethanol extracts resulted in higher total anthocyanins and solubilities than powders using 10 g/100 mL egg white. The color of the powder obtained from citric acid-water extract had a lower brightness level and higher yellowish-red color intensity compared to the powder made from citric acidethanol extract.

Study on Colour Stability and Microencapsulation of Anthocyanin Pigment Extracted from Dragon Fruit Peel by Spray and Freeze Drying

Dragon fruit is a popular fruit grown in Malaysia. It is well known for the rich nutrient contents, and it is commercially available worldwide. It is rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants. Dragon fruit is also an essential source of betacyanin, which serves as a red/purple pigment with antioxidative properties. The objective of the present work is to study the stability of natural colorant from dragon fruit peel. The crushed peel and water were taken in the ratio of 1:10 and was subjected to seven different types of extraction techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction, ohmic heating, ultrahigh-pressure homogenization, sonicator, supercritical fluid extraction, aqueous extraction, Soxhlet extraction. Out of the microwave-assisted extraction had the most Anthocyanin content, and it was used for further studies. The selected extract was filtered, and the stability of anthocyanin was examined at varying pH (2…10) and temperature (60…100⁰C). In addition to this, thermal stability (80…100 ⁰C for 150 min) was checked at a deferent time interval (80 to 100⁰C…150 min.). The microwave extract was used for the encapsulation process using maltodextrin, and soy protein isolate as carrier material with 1:4, 1:5 core to wall ratio by spray drying and freeze-drying techniques. The quality analysis, such as total anthocyanin content, encapsulation efficiency, color, water activity, bulk density, solubility, and moisture content, were analyzed of microencapsulated anthocyanin extract. This result showed that encapsulated dragon fruit peel (pitaya) powder could be used as a natural colorant in food applications.

Predictability of drug encapsulation and release from propylene carbonate/PLGA microparticles.

Key parameters for microparticle-based parenteral depot formulation development are entrapment efficiency and sustained drug release, which both depend on the intermolecular affinity of the components. Here, partial solubility parameters were evaluated as descriptors for 21 drug substances and 3 polymers in propylene carbonate (PC). Out of these 21 drug substances, eight BCS class II substances (celecoxib, clotrimazole, erythromycin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, itraconazole, lopinavir and ritonavir) were encapsulated using PLGA (Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)) as polymer matrix and PC as a polar aprotic solvent in order to assign microparticle properties to potential affinity-related interactions using partial solubility parameters. Microparticle morphology was highly dependant on the specific glass transition temperature (Tg) of the encapsulated drug substance. A strong correlation (R=0.912) between the encapsulation efficiency and the difference in total solubility parameter (Δδt API-PLGA) underlined the encapsulation predictability. Moreover, in drug release, a significant impact of Δδt API-PLGA on initial burst was observed and even more pronounced on the release rate of the encapsulated drug substance. The possibility to predict these important microparticle properties underline the value of including solubility descriptors such as partial solubility parameters into microparticle formulation development.

Corrosion Resistance and Ion Release of Dental Prosthesis of CoCr Obtained by CAD-CAM Milling, Casting and Laser Sintering

Corrosion resistance and ion release behavior have been evaluated for thirty dental restoration samples obtained by three different manufacturing systems: computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM), traditional casting and laser sintering. The alloy used was the CoCr alloy (same batch) generally used in clinical dentistry. Corrosion resistance has been evaluated by electrochemical testing in an artificial saliva medium at 37 °C. Corrosion parameters such as critical current density (icr), corrosion potential (Ecorr), and passive current density (ip), have been determined. Cobalt and Chromium ions released from the different samples have also been analyzed in an artificial saliva medium at 37 °C by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) at different immersion times. The casted samples showed higher corrosion rates and ion-release levels. The CAD-CAM milled samples presented lower ion-release levels and better corrosion resistance due to the total solubility of the chemical elements in only one phase with the same chemical composition. This homogeneity avoids the formation of electrochemical corrosion. Moreover, the absence of defects and residual stresses increases the corrosion resistance. Casted and laser sintered prostheses have shown the presence of Cr, W, and Nb rich-precipitates which are detrimental to the corrosion resistance. These precipitates produce a decrease in the Cr content on the surface. It is well known that the corrosion resistance increases with the Cr content by the formation of Chromium oxide on the surface that increases passivation. Consequently, the decrease in Cr induces an increase in corrosion and ion release.

Changes in Physical Meat Traits, Protein Solubility, and the Microstructure of Different Beef Muscles during Post-Mortem Aging.

This study was performed to compare the differences in pH, myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), total protein solubility (TPS), sarcoplasmic protein solubility (SPS), myofibrillar protein solubility (MPS), and the microstructure of seven beef muscles during aging. From the six beef carcasses of Xinjiang brown cattle, a total of 252 samples from semitendinosus (ST), longissimus thoracis (LT), rhomboideus (RH), gastrocnemius (GN), infraspinatus (IN), psoas major (PM), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were collected, portioned, and assigned to six aging periods (1, 3, 7, 9, 11, and 14 day/s) and 42 samples were used per storage period. IN muscle showed the highest pH (p < 0.05) from 1 to 14 days and the lowest TPS (p < 0.01) from 9 to 14 days with respect to the other muscles. Moreover, the changes in IN were further supported by transmission electron microscopy due to the destruction of the myofibril structure. The highest value of MFI was tested in ST muscle from 7 to 14 days. The total protein solubility in PM, RH, and GN muscles were not affected (p > 0.05) as the aging period increased. The lowest TPS was found in the RH muscle on day 1, 3, and 7 and in the IN muscle on day 9, 11, and 14. The pH showed negative correlations with the MFI, TPS, and MPS (p < 0.01). The results suggest that changes in protein solubility and muscle fiber structure are related to muscle location in the carcass during aging. These results provide new insights to optimize the processing and storage of different beef muscles and enhance our understanding of the biological characteristics of Xinjiang brown cattle muscles.

Evaluation of NaCl and KCl Salting Effects on Technological Properties of Pre- and Post-Rigor Chicken Breasts at Various Ionic Strengths.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of NaCl and KCl salting on technological properties of pre- and post-rigor chicken breasts at various ionic strengths. The following factorial arrangement was used: 2 salt types (NaCl and KCl) × 2 rigor statuses (pre- and post-rigor) × 4 ionic strengths (0.086, 0.171, 0.257, and 0.342). Hot-boned and ground chicken breasts were salted within 30 min postmortem after slaughter (pre-rigor salting) or 24 h postmortem (post-rigor salting) with varying concentrations of NaCl (0.50%, 1.00%, 1.50%, and 2.00%) or KCl (0.64%, 1.28%, 1.91%, and 2.55%) corresponding to the four ionic strengths. KCl caused higher pH value in salted chicken breasts than NaCl (p < 0.05). However, KCl decreased total and myofibrillar protein solubilities in post-rigor salted chicken breasts compared to NaCl (p < 0.05), but those were similar to pre-rigor chicken breasts, regardless of the salt type (p > 0.05). Different salt types had no significant impact on cooking loss and textural properties. This study shows that NaCl and KCl had similar effects on technological properties at the same ionic strength (within 0.342), but the use of KCl may have the possibility to decrease protein solubility, depending on rigor status of raw meat at the different salting time.

Analysis of Instant Fruitghurt Quality Based on Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana L) Skin with Various Concentrations of Maltodextrin and Dry Temperature Level

Instant fruitghurt made from mangosteen peel is a mangosteen peel extract that is fermented by lactic acid bacteria then coated, dried and mashed. This study aims to determine the effect of maltodextrin concentration, drying temperature and the interaction of both of them on the quality of instant fruitghurt. The results showed that the concentration of maltodextrin gave a significant effect on total solids, total lactic acid, pH, solubility and water content, even lactic acid. and organoleptic test (color and aroma) but has no effect on protein content and organoleptic test (taste and appearance) instant fruitghurt. Drying temperature gives a significant effect on protein content, total lactic acid, pH, solubility and water content, total lactic acid bacteria, and organoleptic (color, aroma) but has no effect on total solid and organoleptic test (taste and appearance) fruitghurt instant. The interaction of the two had a significant effect on total solids, total protein content of lactic acid, pH, water content, and solubility, even lactic acid, and organoleptic tests (color and aroma). The best mactodectrin concentration and drying temperature in the production of instant fruitghut from mangosteen peel extract powder is maltodextrin at a concentration of 15% with a drying temperature of 60 °C resulting in a total solid of 30.89%, protein content 6.22%, total lactic acid 1.28%, pH 4,22, water content 4,18%, solubility 96.4%, lactic acid bacteria 2.3 x 107 with antioxidant activity (%) inhibition 1000 ppm to 50 μM DPPH) 64.34% and organoleptically with numerical assessment for color 4.55 (preferred) and aroma 4.62 (preferred) for taste 3.42 (neutral) and appearance 3.23 (neutral).

Specific features of the formation, catalytic activity, and corrosion stability of PdCu electrolytic co-deposit

A mixed electrolytic deposit (ED) of PdCu (~20 at.% Cu) is synthesized from a solution of 1 mМ PdSO4 + 5 mМ CuSO4 + 0.5 M H2SO4 in the region of copper underpotential deposition (+400 mV vs. RHE). The incorporation of copper into the Pd deposit increases its true surface area (Strue) by a factor of ~20 and changes its hydrogen sorption characteristics. The ED PdCu demonstrates higher specific activity in FAOR as compared with individual Pd deposit (Еdep = 0.4 V). The specific solubility of Pd from ED PdCu is shown to be 2–3 times lower than the solubility of ED Pd; however, its total solubility from PdCu increases due to the strong increase in Strue.

Functional/physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of ground meat from broilers reared under different photoperiods

Long photoperiods are used in the broiler industry to maximize animal performance, though the impact on meat quality remains poorly understood. The current study evaluated the impact of photoperiod on functional/physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of meat through broiler processing. Ross 308 broilers (n = 432) were randomly assigned to 4 photoperiod treatments (hours in L = light, D = dark): 20L:4D, 18L:6D, 16L:8D, or 12L:12D with 6 pens per treatment. At 42 D of age, 2 broilers per pen (n = 12 per treatment) were harvested under standard conditions. Broiler tenderloin (M. Pectoralis minor) and leg muscles were removed at 1 D postmortem and frozen/stored at −40°C. After 24 h thawing at 2°C, the samples were deboned, ground, and formed into patties in 3 independent batches. Photoperiod had no impact on pH, water-holding capacity, textural profile, meat emulsion activity index, and thiol content (P > 0.05). The patties from 12L:12D and 16L:8D had lower CIE b∗ (yellowness) values than 18L:6D and 20L:4D (P < 0.05), whereas 12L:12D had lower chroma (color intensity) values than other treatments (P < 0.05). The meat from 20L:4D exhibited lower sarcoplasmic protein solubility than other treatments (P < 0.05), whereas both 20L:4D and 18L:6D exhibited lower total protein solubility than 12L:12D (P < 0.05). Higher transmission values (indication of protein denaturation) were observed in 20L:4D than in other treatments (P < 0.05), whereas 12L:12D also maintained lower values than both 18L:6D and 16L:8D (P < 0.05). There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between photoperiod and display storage on 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values, where the patties from 12L:12D maintained less lipid oxidation compared with the patties from other treatments. Results of this study suggest photoperiod has limited impact on meat quality attributes, though rearing broilers with a 12L:12D lighting schedule may be beneficial in reducing protein denaturation and improving lipid stability.

Microwave‐assisted extraction of bioactive compounds fromAraucaria angustifoliabracts followed by encapsulation

The aqueous extract of Araucaria angustifolia bracts was obtained by microwave-assisted extraction and encapsulated by spray-drying and freeze-drying using pectin/hydrolyzed collagen (PEC-HC) and polydextrose/partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PD-PHGG) dispersions, added to the extract in the proportions of 0.25:0.75:9 and 0.5:0.5:9 (wt/wt/wt), respectively. The powders encapsulated with the PD-PHGG mixture by spray-drying and freeze-drying showed the highest retention rates for total phenolic compounds (80.57% and 89.94%) and solubility (98.00 and 97.69 g 100 g−1), respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images presented spherical forms on the spray-dried powders, while the freeze-dried powders exhibited irregular forms. The results obtained by FTIR suggested that the encapsulation occurred in all samples by physical interactions, whereas the thermogravimetric analysis showed that the PEC-HC powders demonstrated greater thermal stability. Accelerated storage tests indicated that the PD-PHGG freeze-dried powders had lower decrease in the antioxidant capacity. Practical applications The industrial use of Araucaria angustifolia bracts (sterile seeds) is currently considered a type of waste. However, the bracts present bioactive compounds, including condensed tannins, considered among phenolic compounds, the most important natural antioxidants. The phenolic compounds of the bracts were extracted by microwave, using exclusively water as a solvent. The application of green technologies is an interesting alternative for the food industry since the use of organic solvents is completely replaced, as well shorter exposure times to high temperatures are obtained and, consequently, lower energy expenditure and lower antioxidant capacity loss. For the encapsulation of phenolic compounds, dietary fibers and protein were used as wall materials, which resulted in a powder containing natural antioxidants, fibers, and essential amino acids, which can be applied in several food formulations.

Development of sago (Metroxylon sagu)‐based colorimetric indicator incorporated with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) anthocyanin for intelligent food packaging

AbstractInnovation in colorimetric sensors to detect early signs of food spoilage is a growing interest in food safety and quality control. Currently available chemical dyes for sensor applications have concern because of their possible migration into food packaging and food in contact. In this study, a colorimetric indicator was developed using natural butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) anthocyanin with Sago (Metroxylon sagu) as polymeric film. The principle was based on pH shift due to chemical processes produced by microorganism causing anthocyanin color to change. The film was fabricated by solvent casting method and characterized by color change at different pH values, total water solubility, swelling rate, and morphological structure. Trials on chicken breast samples in various conditions exhibited that the film indicator responded well according to pH variation enabling a real‐time monitoring due to spoilage. Thus, our natural pH indicator with visible color variation allows for simple, economic and safe monitoring of perishable foods.

Effect of organic manure amended sulphur on transformation of different fractions in calcareous soil of Bihar

A laboratory investigation was conducted with seven levels of sulphur alone and along with organic manure to study changes in different fractions in the post-harvest soil after Mustard crop. The added Sulphur was dominantly transformed into organic-sulphur in soils and it constituted 40.5-53.1 per cent of the total sulphur present in post-harvest soils. Application of organic manures were able to restrict the leaching loss of S to a great extent. All the fractions of S were in a dynamic equilibrium as evident from correlation studies. All the forms of sulphur except non-sulphate-S were found to be significantly correlated with most of the plant parameters of mustard like S-concentration in seed and straw, S-uptake by seed and straw, total sulphur uptake and available S-content in post-harvest soil, the higher correlation coefficient values being in case of sulphate -S, total water soluble-S and heat soluble-S. Similar correlation was obtained in case of rice crop also. In addition, the rice grain and straw yields also significantly correlated with different S pools. The stepdown multiple regression indicated the importance of sulphate-S, total water soluble-S and organic-S in explaining the variation in mustard and rice yield and yield parameters satisfactorily.

Microvessel density, lipid chemistry and N2 solubility in human and pig adipose tissue

Decompression sickness (DCS) occurs when nitrogen gas (N2) comes out of solution too quickly, forming bubbles in the blood and tissues. These bubbles can be a serious condition; thus it is of extreme interest in the dive community to model DCS risk. Diving models use tissue compartments to calculate tissue partial pressures, often using data obtained from other mammalian species (i.e., pigs). Adipose tissue is an important compartment in these models because N2 is five times more soluble in fat than in blood; at any blood/ tissue interface N2 will diffuse into the fat and can lead to bubble formation on ascent. Little is known about many characteristics of adipose tissue relevant to diving physiology. Therefore, we measured microvessel density and morphology, lipid composition, and N2 solubility in adipose tissue from humans and pigs. Human adipose tissue has significantly higher microvascular density (1.79 ± 0.04 vs. 1.21 ± 0.30%), vessel diameter (10.25 ± 0.28 vs. 6.72 ± 0.60 μm), total monounsaturated fatty acids (50.1 vs. 41.2 mol%) and N2 solubility (0.061 ± 0.003 vs. 0.054 ± 0.004 mL N2 mL-1 oil) compared to pig tissue. Pig adipose tissue has significantly higher lipid content (76.1 ± 4.9 vs. 64.6 ± 5.1%) and total saturated fatty acids (38.8 vs. 29.5 mol%). Though two important components in gas kinetics within adipose tissue during diving (blood flow rates and degree of perfusion) are not well understood, our results indicate differences between the adipose tissue of humans and pigs. This suggests data from swine may not exactly predict gas dynamics for estimating DCS in humans.

Interaction of Yttrium, Lanthanum, and Samarium Oxides at 1600°C

Phase equilibria and structural transformations in the La2O3–Y2O3–Sm2O3 system at 1600°C were studied by X-ray diffraction and petrography over the entire composition range. Solid solutions based on the hexagonal (A) modification of La2O3, cubic (C) modification of Y2O3, and monoclinic (B) modification of La2O3 (Sm2O3) were found to form in the system. The starting materials were La2O3, Sm2O3, and Y2O3 (99.99 %) powders. The samples were prepared from nitrate solutions with subsequent evaporation and decomposition at 800oC for 2 h. The samples were subjected to heat treatment in three stages: at 1100°C (for 2464 h), at 1500°C (for 50 h), and then at 1600°C (for 10 h) in furnaces with Fechral (H23U5T) and Superkanthal (MoSi2) heating elements, respectively. The isothermal section of the La2O3–Y2O3–Sm2O3 phase diagram at 1600°C is characterized by three single-phase (A-La2O3, B-La2O3 (Sm2O3), C-Y2O3) and two-phase (A + B, B + C) regions. The ordered phase of perovskite-type was not found at 1600°C in this system. An infinite series of solid solutions based on the monoclinic modification of B-La2O3 (Sm2O3), which occupies the largest area of the isothermal section, forms in the system. Yttrium oxide stabilizes the total mutual solubility of lanthanum and samarium oxides. The lattice parameters of the B phase decrease, the lattice volume increases with the addition of a heavier ion, and the lattice of solid solutions based on the B modification of rare earth metal oxides becomes more densely packed with higher yttrium oxide. The lattice parameters of the B phase lattice vary from a = 1.3988 nm, b = 0.3774 nm, and c = 0.8427 nm in the single-phase sample containing 15 mol.% Y2O3–42.5 mol.% La2O3– 42.5 mol.% Sm2O3 to a = 1.3806 nm, b = 0.3709 nm, and c = 0.8312 nm in the two-phase sample containing 45 mol.% Y2O3–27.5 mol.% La2O3–27.5 mol.% Sm2O3.

The effect of extended post-mortem ageing on the Warner–Brazler shear force of longissimus thoracis from beef heifers from two sire breeds, slaughtered at 20 or 25 mo of age

The effects on tenderness of extended ageing of longissimus thoracis (LT, striploin) muscle that differed in structure and composition were examined. Spring-born Angus × Holstein-Friesian heifers (n = 48) and Belgian Blue × Holstein-Friesian heifers (n = 48) were slaughtered, within sire breed, at 20 or 25 mo of age. Approximately 48 h post-mortem, LT steaks (2.5 cm) were removed, and either stored at −20°C for chemical analysis or vacuum-packed, stored at 2°C for 7, 14 or 28 d post-mortem and then at −20°C pending Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) analysis. Muscle from Angus-sired heifers had higher (P &lt; 0.001) intramuscular fat (IMF) concentration, lower (P &lt; 0.001) proportion of type IIX muscle fibres and higher (P &lt; 0.001) proportion of type IIA and type I muscle fibres compared to muscle from Belgian Blue-sired heifers. Collagen characteristics did not differ between sire breeds. Later slaughter increased (P &lt; 0.001) IMF concentration and decreased (P &lt; 0.001) total and insoluble concentrations and collagen solubility. There were no interactions between the main effects for WBSF and no difference between sire breeds. Later slaughter and increasing the duration of ageing decreased (P &lt; 0.05) WBSF. Based on threshold WBSF values in the literature, all samples would be considered tender (&lt;39 N) after 7 d ageing. Untrained consumers are likely to detect the decrease in WBSF from 7 to 14 d ageing but not due to further ageing. Within the production system examined and based on WBSF data, extending LT ageing to 28 d is not necessary to ensure consumer satisfaction.

Effects of Breed Type, Residual Feed Intake and Post-Mortem Aging on Physio-Chemical Properties of Triceps Brachii Muscle and Their Relationships With Beef Toughness

ObjectivesThe influence of breed type, residual feed intake (RFI) and post-mortem aging on meat and carcass quality attributes and intramuscular connective tissue characteristics were examined in the bovine Triceps brachii, a high connective tissue muscle from the chuck. The hypothesis that selection for low RFI in beef cattle increases beef toughness, increases collagen content and reduces collagen heat solubility of the Triceps brachii was tested.Materials and MethodsSeventy-one beef steers from Angus (n = 23), Charolais (n = 24) and Angus crossbred (n = 24)) genetics were used. Each breed had high RFI and low RFI steers (n = 12). Muscles collected were aged for 3- and 13-days post-mortem (dpm). Final animal live weight, grade marbling, intramuscular pH, water holding capacity (WHC), intramuscular fat, cooking loss, drip loss, protein, temperature, moisture, color, RFI, and Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) data were collected for carcass and meat quality measurements. Total collagen, collagen heat solubility, and collagen cross-link Ehrlich’s chromogen (EC) of the isolated perimysium were quantified. Data were analyzed using a split-plot experimental design procedure (R software 3.4.1) with breed and RFI as main effects in the whole plot and postmortem aging included at the subplot level.ResultsFinal weight was significantly greater for Charolais (683 ± 9.58 kg) than Angus (554 ± 9.65 kg) and Angus crossbred (568 kg ± 9.58 kg) steers (P = 0.017), and grade marbling score was higher for high RFI (421 ± 19.85) than for low RFI steer carcasses (385 ± 19.82) (P = 0.001). No significant effects of breed type and RFI (P &gt; 0.05) were observed on meat quality attributes. WBSF value at 3 dpm (3.72 kg) was significantly higher than at 13dpm (3.21 kg) (P &lt; 0.005). Collagen solubility was significantly higher at 13 dpm (25.88%) than at 3 dpm (18.03%) (P &lt; 0.005). Total collagen and wet endomysium were positively correlated (r = 0.44) as were total collagen and EC in raw muscle (r = 0.76), EC and wet perimysium (r = 0.42) and WBSF and EC at 13 dpm (r = 0.27) (P &lt; 0.005). Total collagen and collagen solubility at 3dpm (r = –0.36) and 13 dpm (r = –0.63) were negatively correlated, as were EC and solubility at 3 dpm (r = –0.38) (P &lt; 0.005).ConclusionIncreasing postmortem aging periods reduced WBSF and increased collagen heat solubility of the Triceps brachii muscle. With no effect of RFI on meat quality measurements, the production cost can be reduced by selecting for low RFI animals without sacrificing product quality.Table 7.Least square means (± standard error of the mean) for WBSF, soluble collagen, and collagen solubility of Triceps brachii muscles at 3 and 13 d post-mortem aging (dpm)

Solubility of Nd3+ and Ce4+ in co-doped simulated radioactive contaminated soil after microwave vitrification

In order to rapidly inhibit the migration of nuclides in heavily contaminated soil, microwave sintering technology was used to vitrify the soil without other additive agents. In this study, Nd2O3 and CeO2 in different mass ratio were simultaneously doped into soil to simulate An3+ and An4+ radioactive contaminated soil. These simulative contaminated soil were sintered by microwave at 1300 °C for 30 min to achieve vitrification. It was found that the total solid solubility could reach to 30 wt%, and slight crystallization appeared when the total solid solubility was 31 wt%. The FT-IR analysis disclosed the modification of the glass network structure with increased doping content and found that the tetrahedral SiO4 units existed mainly in a sheet form.

Highly Stable Microparticles of Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) Juice with Maltodextrin and Chemically Modified Starch

The cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) is rich in antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, in addition to the macronutrients. In recent years, there has been a growing demand of “easy to prepare” fruit products for the general population. This work aimed to evaluate the microencapsulation of cashew apple juice by spray drying using different ratios of encapsulating matrices and different concentrations of total solids. The formed microparticles were evaluated by the retention of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, moisture, yield, solubility, and particle size and morphology. Three samples formulated with 15% total solids and three encapsulating matrices (40:60% of maltodextrin: starch octenylsuccinate, 100% of maltodextrin, and 100% starch octenylsuccinate) were selected for the stability study. All microparticles were 100% soluble, and the best results were obtained using the microparticles with the highest total solids ratios (15%). When using a single encapsulant, starch octenyl succinate was superior to maltodextrin in terms of ascorbic acid and total phenolics retention, moisture, yield, solubility, and particle size. The microparticles with 40:60% of maltodextrin: octenylsuccinate and 15% total solid showed the highest ascorbic acid and total phenolics retention as well as good physical properties and better performance when compared to other encapsulating matrix compositions. The microencapsulated cashew apple juice using such a formulation can be used in the food industry to produce functional and special-purpose foods to promote human health.

Microencapsulation of Garlic Extract by Complex Coacervation Using Whey Protein Isolate/Chitosan and Gum Arabic/Chitosan as Wall Materials: Influence of Anionic Biopolymers on the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Microparticles

The aim of this study was to encapsulate garlic extract by complex coacervation method using whey protein isolate (WPI)/chitosan (CH) and gum Arabic (GA)/CH as wall materials. Two anionic biopolymers (GA and WPI) were used to find the most suitable wall materials to interact electrostatically with cationic CH. The complex coacervates were freeze-dried to obtain microparticles powders. The microparticles were examined for the nitrogen adsorption/desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), sorption isotherms, zeta potential, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, solubility, moisture content, hygroscopicity, size distribution, and water activity. X-ray diffractograms evidenced microparticles with amorphous structure. WPI/CH and GA/CH microparticles showed surface area of 2.23 and 2.40 m2 g−1 and mean pore diameter of 5.20 and 5.37 nm, respectively. The nitrogen adsorption/desorption assay showed that microparticles presented mesopores and macropores that resulted in quick completion of microparticles surface monolayer with nitrogen. The sorption characteristics of microparticles followed the type II isotherm and Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model was the best model to fit the experimental data. FTIR spectrum of microparticles reveals physical interactions between garlic compounds and functional groups of wall materials, indicating that garlic compounds were intact and encapsulated. TGA results indicated that the wall materials were effective in protecting the garlic sensitive compounds. The negative carboxyl groups (–COO−) of GA were better than WPI for coacervation with positive amino groups (NH3+) of chitosan in terms of less hygroscopicity, smaller particle size, and higher retention of garlic phenolic compounds.

A quaternary ammonium modified fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide detection in living cells

Azide-reduction based fluorescent probes are one of the most important methods for H2S detection. However, low water solubility and low sensitivity are common problems encountered by such probes. Herein, five azide-reduction based probes with corresponding hydrophilic moieties (hydroxyl, tertiary amine, and quaternary ammonium) attached were rationally designed and synthesized. After a comparative study of their spectral properties, we found that the quaternary ammonium modified probe H3 showed the total solubility in water and the best reactivity to H2S as well as the lowest detection limit, indicating that the quaternary ammonium moiety not only improved the solubility of the probe, but also had a significant sequestration effect for HS−. A further application of H3 in HeLa cells was also carried out and validated its potential for biological imaging.