Sonication Research Articles

Application of central composite face centered design for the optimization of multiple-pass ultrasonication with mechanical homogenization (MPUMH) for carrot puree processing

Multiple-pass ultrasonication with mechanical homogenization was used as a novel method for the processing of carrot puree. The experimental design was based on the face centered composite design using response surface methodology. The carrot puree was assessed for its physical, chemical and nutraceutical properties. Significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was recorded for bostwick consistency, sedimentation index, phase volume, color, particle size distribution and β-carotene content. Process optimization was based on the selected responses through a desirability function. Ultrasonication for 9 min followed by mechanical homogenization for 1 min, subjected to 3 passes, gave the optimum results with d (0.1), d (0.5) as 142.19 and 327.89 μm; β-carotene (1471.58 μg/g) and “a” value (21.42) with a composite desirability (0.85). The variation between the predicted and experimental values was <12%. This study is the first attempt towards using a combination of ultrasonication and mechanical homogenization for carrot puree processing.

균질처리와 건조방법에 따른 유자 분말의 이화학적 특성과 향기 함량 비교

We prepared various types of yuja powders from yuja juice, fruit, and seed (to maintain the unique yuja flavor) by using different homogenization and drying methods and investigated their physicochemical properties. To this end, ultrasonic homogenization and high-pressure homogenization, were carried out to obtain the yuja mixtures. These mixtures were subjected to via spray-drying, freeze-drying, and microwave vacuum-drying to obtain spray-dried, freeze-dried, and microwave vacuum-dried yuja powders, respectively. The moisture content of the spray-dried yuja powder was lower than that of the other two types: however, this powder had the smallest particle size, with the average particle size ranging from 4.11 μm to 15.19 μm. The freeze-dried and microwave vacuum-dried yuja powders exhibited irregular amorphous structures, whereas the spray-dried yuja powder exhibited a spherical shape, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Moreover, the maximum electron-donating ability indicated by the DPPH test was 80% for the microwave vacuum-dried yuja powder, and the maximum ABTS radical scavenging ability was 74% for the freeze-dried yuja powder. The D-limonene content of the yuja powders ranged from 4.67 μg/g to 4.82 μg/g, with the maximum amount present in the freeze-dried yuja powder treated by ultrasonic homogenization.

O1/W/O2 nanoemulsions and emulsions based on extra virgin olive oil produced by ultrasound-assisted homogenization process: Characterization of structure, physical and encapsulation efficiency

Oil-in-water-in-oil (O1/W/O2) emulsions and nanoemulsions based on extra virgin olive oil were produced combining high-speed and ultrasonic homogenizer. Droplet size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, kinetic stability, and their structure were studied as a function of homogenization time, dispersed volume fraction, emulsifier type, and composition of the inner O1/W nanoemulsion. The ultrasonic-assisted homogenization was beneficial for the formation of O1/W/O2 nanoemulsion, as the intensity of the ultrasound did not destroy the double structure. The inner O1/W nanoemulsion with the lowest droplet size, surface tension, and viscosity resulted in double nanoemulsion with the minimum droplet size (432 ± 5 nm). Increasing the dispersed volume fraction resulted in higher particle size, gravitational separation, and high oiling off values. The DSC thermograms showed samples with the low droplet size presented also low encapsulation yield. The microscopic analysis demonstrated that all O1/W/O2 samples showed similar structures with distinctly visible phases and spherical aqueous droplets with a broad distribution.

The Effects of MWCNT Addition to Physical Properties of ZTA-MgO Cutting Tool

The purpose of this study is to develop ZTA-MgO-MWCNT cutting insert with enhanced properties and excellent tool performance that is suitable for high-speed machining. The effects of MWCNT addition on the physical properties of ZTA-MgO composites were investigated. The samples were fabricated using 80:20 composition (80 wt.% of Al2O3: 20 wt.% of YSZ) with fixed amount of MgO at 1.1 wt.% and MWCNT ranging from (0.1 – 0.5 wt.%) as secondary additives. The CNT was pre-treated in ethanol for 1 hour using an ultrasonic homogenizer before mixing and ball milled with Al2O3, YSZ and MgO compositions for 24 hours. The mixture is then pressed at 100 MPa into round-shaped cutting inserts mold after being dried at 100°C for 24 hours. The pressed samples were sintered at 1600 oC for 4 hour soaking time. XRD, density, porosity and shrinkage analysis performed on the samples. The XRD analyses indicate the presence of major phases were α-Al2O3, ZrO2, Zr0.963Y0.037O1.982 and MgAl2O4. The effect of MWNT addition on density, porosity and shrinkage of ZTA-MgO shows that density (4.210 g/cm3) and percentage of shrinkage (8.05%) obtained the highest value by 0.2 wt.% MWCNT compared with samples without CNT additives which is only 4.020 g/cm3 and 7.05% respectively. High density value indicates that the shrinkage percentage is also high, which corresponds to the densification of the composites. Poor dispersion of MWCNT within the matrix is highly accounted for agglomeration around Al2O3 grain boundaries and decreases in densification.

Preparation of Water-in-Oil Nanoemulsions Loaded with Phenolic-Rich Olive Cake Extract Using Response Surface Methodology Approach.

In this study, we aimed to prepare stable water-in-oil (W/O) nanoemulsions loaded with a phenolic-rich aqueous phase from olive cake extract by applying the response surface methodology and using two methods: rotor-stator mixing and ultrasonic homogenization. The optimal nanoemulsion formulation was 7.4% (w/w) of olive cake extract as the dispersed phase, and 11.2% (w/w) of a surfactant mixture of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (97%) and Tween 80 (3%) in Miglyol oil as the continuous phase. Optimum results were obtained by ultrasonication for 15 min at 20% amplitude, yielding W/O nanoemulsion droplets of 104.9 ± 6.7 nm in diameter and with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.156 ± 0.085. Furthermore, an optimal nanoemulsion with a droplet size of 105.8 ± 10.3 nm and a PDI of 0.255 ± 0.045 was prepared using a rotor-stator mixer for 10.1 min at 20,000 rpm. High levels of retention of antioxidant activity (90.2%) and phenolics (83.1–87.2%) were reached after 30 days of storage at room temperature. Both W/O nanoemulsions showed good physical stability during this storage period.

In Vitro Effect of Instrumentation Using Ultrasonication with and without Hydrogen Peroxide on the Removal of Biofilms and Spread of Viable Microorganisms in Aerosols.

To evaluate the use of hydrogen peroxide as an adjunct to ultrasonication (US) in biofilm removal and whether it can limit the spread of viable microorganisms in the aerosol. Multi-species biofilms were formed on dentin disks and titanium disks fixed on a plastic surface. After placing the specimens in a periodontal pocket model, an ultrasonic scaler was applied for 30 s, in part combined with 0.25% or 0.5% H2O2. After treatment, the remaining biofilm was analysed for bacterial counts (colony forming units [CFU]), biofilm quantity and metabolic activity. Further, the cytotoxic effect of hydrogen peroxide on periodontal ligament fibroblasts was assessed and the spread of bacteria in aerosol was quantified. Ultrasonication reduced bacterial counts in biofilm, biofilm mass and metabolic activity on both dentin and titanium disks. Adjunctive use of 0.25% and 0.5% H2O2 more effectively reduced the viable bacteria in biofilm than ultrasonication alone; this was also found on both dentin and titanium. The different concentrations of H2O2 did not lead to corresponding differences in bacterial mass and metabolic activity. The spread of bacteria through aerosols was statistically significantly reduced when adjunctive H2O2 was used. However, a certain cytotoxic effect on periodontal ligament fibroblasts by H2O2 could not be ruled out. Irrigating with H2O2 during periodontal instrumentation with an ultrasonic scaler increases the reduction of viable bacteria within biofilms. It might limit bacterial spreading via aerosols.

The Effects of Using Pretreated Cotton Gin Trash on the Production of Biogas from Anaerobic Co-Digestion with Cow Manure and Sludge

Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) has been practiced for decades to convert waste into value-added energy products, especially biogas. This study aimed to assess the potential of biogenic methane (CH4) production from the co-digestion of pretreated cotton gin trash (CGT), cow manure, and sludge. CGT contains high cellulosic content, making it a reliable feedstock for biogenic methane production. To further improve the biogas quantity and quality, the CGT was subjected to physical pretreatments, i.e., hot water (HW), ultra-sonication (US), and a combination of both (HW+US). After 91 days of AcoD, 79–110 L of biogas was produced by the treatments. Among the treatments, HW+US-pretreated CGT presented maximum biogas production capacity, at 110 L. Besides, this treatment showed the high-quality biogenic CH4 content, 52.4% of the total biogas volume, with an improved conversion rate of 0.37 L/g of volatile suspended solids consumed. In addition, this study discussed the structural changes in feedstock due to pretreatments and correlated them with the corresponding biogenic methane production. The study reports the potential of pretreated CGT conversion to CH4. It will impact the circular economy by contributing to on-farm energy requirements and reducing the financial expenditures incurred in this regard.

Combination of salicylic acid and ultrasonication for alleviating chilling injury symptoms of longkong

Abstract Objectives Chilling injury is a prominent physiological disorder in longkong fruit pericarp when stored under 13 °C for a prolonged period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of individual salicylic acid (SA) and ultrasonication (US) treatments and of the combination salicylic acid and ultrasonication (SA-US) on alleviating the chilling injury symptoms in longkong fruit pericarp when in prolonged cold storage. Materials and methods SA (1 mmol/L) and US (40 kHz, 10 min at 90% amplitude, 350 W) were used as individual and combined (SA-US) treatments to control the chilling injury in longkong pericarp. The various quality measures were checked every 2 days in longkong for up to 18 days of cold storage (13 °C, 90% relative humidity). Results The results revealed that the control fruits treated with water exhibited severe chilling injury symptoms followed in rank order by US, SA, and SA-US cases. Treatments such as US and SA alone were more effective in controlling chilling injuries than control, while only minimal significant differences were noticed between them. On the other hand, the longkong pericarp treated with the SA-US combination had significantly increased antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities and decreased levels of membrane lytic (phospholipase D and lipoxygenase) enzymes and browning-inducing enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase and polyphenol oxidase). Consequently, in the longkong pericarp, the chilling injury index, electrolytic leakage, respiration rate, weight loss, firmness, malondialdehyde content, changes in unsaturated and saturated fatty acid contents, and reactive oxygen species were significantly controlled by this treatment. Conclusions The present study concludes that longkong fruit treatment with a combination of US and SA is an excellent alternative for controlling the chilling injury symptoms and extending the shelf-life.

Characterization of Water Droplets Size Distribution in Aviation Turbine Fuel: Ultrasonic Homogeniser vs. High Shear Speed Mixer

Characterization of Water Droplets Size Distribution in Aviation Turbine Fuel: Ultrasonic Homogeniser vs. High Shear Speed Mixer

Combined method of grinding and homogenization of fine powders rubbers and other polymers

This study presents data on the development and research of cryogenic-vibration grinding process modes which would ensure an efficient grinding process of complex composite systems with a high degree of heterogeneity of components in their composition of products such as fluoroplast, bismuth oxide and tungsten carbide. The general regularities of low-temperature processing and grinding of non-degassed elastomers are established. A method has been tested that establishes the regularities of cryogenic grinding and ultrasonic homogenization of a complex mechanical system, the microstructure and dispersed compositions of the ground material have been determined.

Investigation of the process of structure formation during ultrasonic homogenization of milk

The article studies the processes of structure formation of milk during homogenization carried out on various equipment. A comparative analysis of the distribution of the sizes of fat globules before and after homogenization is given. The formulation of the probability mathematical model of milk and milk mixture homogenization give the opportunity to identify the real variabilities of the textural composition of milk and milk mixture in optimum performance with the use of statistics facts about dynamics of the fat globules size. The foundation for developing such model was used for experimental results of fat globules within the ultrasound process. The dependences of the density distribution of the sizes of fat globules after ultrasonic treatment are given. Obtained dependences allow conducting statistics analysis of the homogenization of food mass for the evaluation of its total effectiveness and determination of defects.

Efficacy of a pilot-scale ultrasonication system for pasteurization of milk

This study aimed to test a pilot-scale continuous ultrasonication (US) system to pasteurize whole milk in terms of physical properties, energy consumption, and inactivation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), total coliform (TC), total enterobactericeae (TE), and Escherichia coli. Except for those treated by 90% amplitude for 20 and 30 min, the samples were found negative for ALP activity. Inactivation of TC, TMAB, TE, and E. coli rose with an increased amplitude and temperature. The maximum cost was estimated at 2.778,00 € for the system and at 3.624,00 € for plate heat exchanger to pasteurize 20.000 L of milk. 96.52% amplitude, 40 min, and 53.50 °C were determined jointly as the optimal operational settings.

Improvement in Tensile Quasi-Static and Fatigue Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates with Matrices Modified by Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoplatelets Hybrid Nanofillers.

The monotonic and cyclic properties of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (CFEP) laminate specimens with matrices modified by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were experimentally studied. The laminate specimens were fabricated by the hand lay-up procedure and six MWCNT:GNP weight ratios, i.e., 0:0, 10:0, 0:10, 5:5, 9:1, and 1:9, were considered to prepare the nanoparticle-modified epoxy resin by using an ultrasonic homogenizer and a planetary centrifugal mixer. Then, these laminate specimens with their matrices modified under various nanofiller ratios were employed to investigate the influence of the number of nanofiller types and hybrid nanofiller ratios on the quasi-static strength, fatigue strength, and mode I fracture toughness. The experimental results show that adding individual types of nanoparticles has a slight influence on the quasi-static and fatigue strengths of the CFEP laminates. However, the remarkable synergistic effect of MWCNTs and GNPs on the studied mechanical properties of the CFEP laminates with matrices reinforced by hybrid nanoparticles has been observed. Examining the evolution of stiffness-based degradation indicates that adding hybrid nanoparticles to the matrix can reduce the degradation effectively. The high experimental data of the mode I fracture toughness of hybrid nano-CFEP laminates demonstrate that embedding hybrid nanoparticles in the matrix is beneficial to the interlaminar properties, further improving the fatigue strength. The pushout mechanism of the MWCNTs and the crack deflection effect of the GNPs suppress the growth and linkage of microcracks in the matrix. Furthermore, the bridging effect of the nanoparticles at the fiber/matrix interface retards the interfacial debonding, further improving the resistance to delamination propagation.

Antibacterial mechanisms of thyme essential oil nanoemulsions against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus: Alterations in membrane compositions and characteristics

In this study, the antibacterial activities of thyme essential oil nanoemulsions (TEON) prepared by ultrasonication (US) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) were evaluated via minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-killing curve analyses. TEON-US presented superior bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects, which was found to be correlated with its better physicochemical characteristics (including smaller droplet size and higher zeta potential) compared to TEON-HPH. The underlying antibacterial mechanisms were specifically investigated targeting cell membranes of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (Gram-negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacterium). Thereinto, membrane disintegrations were observed followed by massive leakage of cytoplasmic inclusions. Furthermore, the membrane dysfunctions (involving membrane potential depolarization and fluidity reduction) were likely associated with the modifications seen in the fatty acid composition upon TEONs exposure, and ultimately causing bacterial death. These results deciphered the mode of antibacterial action of TEONs, providing a critical theoretical basis for their future application in food matrix.

Impact of FeO3 on the AC breakdown voltage and acidity index of a palm kernel oil methyl ester based nanofluid

This paper focuses on the analysis of the impact of Magnetic (FeO 3) nanoparticles (NPs) on the Breakdown Voltage (BDV) and Acidity Index (AI) of Palm Kernel Oil Methyl Esters (PKOME). Several nanofluid samples with different concentrations of FeO 3 nanoparticles were developed by dispersing them through an ultrasonic homogenizer. In this work, three concentrations based on the weight of the samples are considered 0.10 wt%, 0.15 wt% and 0.20 wt% . The measurement of the breakdown voltage of the samples are done in AC according to the protocol of ASTM D1816; while that of the acid number is done by titration according to IEC 296. The different values of BDV and AI of the samples are obtained before and after addition of the nanoparticles. The results obtained shows a 40% improvement in breakdown voltage for the 0.10 wt% concentration, 20% and 37.3% respectively for the 0.15 wt% and 0.20 wt% FeO3 concentrations. The Acidity Index, for the concentration of 0.10 wt%, we have an increase of 356%; the concentrations of 0.15 wt% and 0.20 wt% experience a growth of 317% and 265% respectively. It should be noted here that the increase in AI value is rather detrimental to our PKOME.

Comparative Study of Chitosan and Oligochitosan Coatings on Mucoadhesion of Curcumin Nanosuspensions.

Curcumin nanosuspensions (Cur-NSs), chitosan-coated Cur-NSs (CS-Cur-NSs), and oligochitosan-coated Cur-NSs (OCS-Cur-NSs) were prepared by using an ultrasonic homogenization technique. The mean particle size of Cur-NSs was 210.9 nm and significantly (p < 0.05) increased to 368.8 nm by CS coating and decreased to 172.8 nm by OCS coating. Encapsulation efficiencies of Cur-NSs, CS-Cur-NSs, and OCS-Cur-NSs were 80.6%, 91.4%, and 88.5%, respectively. The mucin adsorption of Cur-NSs was steeply increased about 3–4 times by CS and OCS coating. Morphological changes of these NSs were studied using circular dichroism spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thus, CS-Cur-NSs and OCS-Cur-NSs showed great potential as mucoadhesive nano-carriers for the efficient delivery of water insoluble compounds like curcumin to the gastrointestinal system.

A Proteomic Approach to Identify Zein Proteins upon Eco-Friendly Ultrasound-Based Extraction.

Zein is a type of prolamin storage protein that has a variety of biomedical and industrial applications. Due to the considerable genetic variability and polyploidity of the starting material, as well as the extraction methods used, the characterization of the protein composition of zein requires a combination of different analytical processes. Therefore, we combined modern analytical methods such as mass spectrometry (MS), Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), atomic force microscopy (AFM), or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) for a better characterization of the extracted zein. In this study, we present an enhanced eco-friendly extraction method, including grinding and sieving corn seeds, for prolamins proteins using an ultrasonic extraction methodology. The use of an ultrasonic homogenizer, 65% ethanol extraction buffer, and 710 µm maize granulation yielded the highest protein extraction from all experimental conditions we employed. An SDS PAGE analysis of the extracted zein protein mainly revealed two intense bands of approximatively 20 and 23 kDa, suggesting that the extracted zein was mostly α-zein monomer. Additionally, MS analysis revealed as a main component the α-zein PMS2 (Uniprot accession no. P24450) type protein in the maize flour extract. Moreover, AFM studies show that extracting zein with a 65% ethanol and a 710 µm granulation yields a homogeneous content that could allow these proteins to be employed in future medical applications. This research leads to a better understanding of zeins content critical for developing new applications of zein in food and pharmaceutical industries, such as biocompatible medical vehicles based on polyplexes complex nanoparticles of zein with antimicrobial or drug delivery properties.

Characterization of Bacterial Nanocellulose - Graphite Nanoplatelets Composite Films

Bacterial cellulose (BC) was synthesized from pineapple peel extract media with addition of fermentation agent bacteria Acetobacter xylinum. BC was disintegrated from the pellicle into bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) by using a high-pressure homogenizer (hph) machine, which has a three-dimensional woven nanofibrous network. The synthesis of composite films started when BNC, graphite nanoplatelets, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were homogenized using an ultrasonic homogenizer then baked on a glass mold at a temperature of 80 degrees Celcius for 14h. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze its morphology. X-Ray diffraction spectra were used to analyze the composite films structure. The functional groups of the composite films were analyzed using the FTIR spectrum. SEM micrograph shows that GNP was evenly distributed into BNC matrix after CTAB addition. GNPs are shown as flat and smooth flakes with sharp corners. Some peak corresponds O-H, C-H, C≡C, and CH3 stretching was identified by using FTIR spectroscopy at wavenumber 3379, 2893, 2135, and 1340 cm-1, respectively. XRD analysis shows that Crystalline Index (C.I) of BNC increases after 2.5 wt% addition of GNP. The presence of CTAB decreases C.I value of composite films. BNC/GNP composite films have the best mechanical properties with Young’s modulus about 77.01 ± 8.564.

Soybean okara: Effect of ultrasound on compositional and emulsifying properties

AbstractHigh‐intensity ultrasound is widely used to modify the functional properties of macromolecules (proteins, polysaccharides, etc.) and to expand their range of potential applications. This work is aimed at studying the effects of ultrasound treatments on the composition of different soybean okara samples and their potential as an emulsifying agent. Defatted solvent‐free soybean flour (DSF) was extracted by adjusting dispersion to pH 9.0. Insoluble residues obtained after centrifugation were dried, and an unsonicated okara sample (UOK) was obtained. Furthermore, the soybean flour dispersion was subjected to treatment in a probe‐type ultrasonic homogeniser before or after the alkaline extraction process, thus producing SOK and OKS samples, respectively. The sonication process generated compositional and structural changes in okara soybeans. SOK had higher yield and protein content than UOK and OKS due to the insolubilisation of the glycinin (11S) fraction of soybean storage proteins. Due to these characteristics, the SOK sample showed the best emulsifying activity.

Preparation and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Cinnacalcet HCl

Objective: The objective of the present research is to formulate solid lipid nanoparticles of cinnacalcet HCl to improve its oral bioavailability.&#x0D; Methods: Cinnacalcet hydrochloride exhibits poor oral bioavailability of 20 to 25 % because of low aqueous solubility and first pass metabolism. The formulations were optimised using Box-Behnken Design. Solid lipid nanoparticles formulation was prepared using hot homogenization and ultra sonication method.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: Precirol ATO 05, Soya lecithin and poloxamer 407 were selected as lipid, surfactant and co-surfactant respectively. For optimistaion the desirable goal was fixed for various responses entrapment efficiency, particle size and (time taken for diffusion of 85% drug) T85%. The optimized single dose of solid lipid nanoparticle obtained using box behnken design consisting of 30 mg of cinnacalcet HCl, 200 mg of precirol ATO 05, 250 mg of soya lecithin and 0.2% w/v of poloxamer. 407. The pharmacokinetic study revealed that optimized formulation was found to increase the oral bioavailability nearly 3 times compared to aqueous suspension of pure drug.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus optimized solid lipid nanoparticle explicated the potential of lipid-based nanoparticles as a potential carrier in improving the oral delivery.