Industrial Use Research Articles

Comprehensive Secondary Metabolite Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser Fruits.

Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) is a well-recognized medicinal plant with recorded therapeutical attributes. However, a thorough assessment of active compounds in its fruits is lacking, limiting their use and valorization in pharmacological industries. Thus, this study investigated variations in the fruits' secondary metabolite (SM) profiles, as well as antioxidant activities in aqueous (WA) and ethanol (ET) extracts. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry identified 541 SMs, of which 14 and 1 (di-O-glucosylquinic acid) were specifically detected in ET and WA, respectively. Phenolic acids (36.97%), flavonoids (28.10%), terpenoids (12.20%), and alkaloids (9.98%) were the dominant SMs. The SM profiles of the fruits in WA and ET were quite different. We revealed 198 differentially extracted (DE) metabolites between WA and ET, including 62 flavonoids, 57 phenolic acids, 45 terpenoids, 14 alkaloids, etc. Most DE flavones (36 out of 40), terpenoids (45 out of 45), and alkaloids (12 out of 14) had higher content in ET. Catechin and its derivatives, procyanidins, and tannins had higher content in WA. ABTS and DPPH assays showed that the antioxidant activity of ET was significantly higher than that of WA. Our findings will facilitate the efficient extraction and evaluation of specific active compounds in N. cadamba.

Large Eddy Simulation of Ammonia-Hydrogen Non-Premixed Flames Stabilized on a Bluff Body Burner

Abstract The demand for carbon-free fuels such as NH3 and H2 has been growing due to stricter environmental policies on carbon emissions. Since ammonia is easier to store and transport, it is considered an alternative fuel for marine, aviation, and gas turbine industries. However, the narrow flammability, low reactivity, and potential emissions of NOx are important challenges that need to be overcome if ammonia is to be used as a practical fuel for industrial use. Recent works have provided experimental data on the characteristics of NH3 flames under premixed and non-premixed combustion, focusing on flame speed, turbulence-chemistry interaction, and especially the dissociation/cracking of NH3 into H2 and N2. These measurements have encouraged the use of CFD for the simulation and scaling of practical ammonia systems, evaluating the performance of different numerical models for NH3 combustion. In this study, LES is utilized to predict a series of NH3/H2/N2 non-premixed flames stabilized on a bluff body burner. The accuracy of the FGM combustion model combined with LES has been examined, using a commercial CFD solver. The different cracking levels of NH3 into H2 and N2 lead to simulation cases ranging from an H2/N2 flame (i.e., “fully cracked”), to a flame with 50% NH3 (i.e., “half cracked”). The different flame shapes, temperature distributions, and NOx emissions have been simulated, generally matching well experimental data. The developed numerical settings and workflows may be applied to simulating more complex combustors which use NH3 as a fuel.

A Comparative Analysis of Flavonoid and Phenolic concentration from Diverse Varieties of Moringa oleifera Leaves Utilizing Methanol and Ethanol

Having its leaves abundant in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, the moringa plant is highly regarded because of its nutritious and industrial usefulness. Despite its widespread utilisation, little is understood concerning the way various Moringa oleifera cultivars vary with regard to their phenolic and flavonoid concentration, particularly when extracting the compound utilising various solvents. To attempt to throw insight into the ways that various solvent types and environment variables affects the phytochemical compounds of Moringa oleifera leaves, this research investigation compared the efficacy of ethanol and methanol in removing phenolics as well as flavonoids from the leaves. The information gathered through this research could assist to identify the most appropriate methods for extraction that will maximize the medical and nutritional advantages associated with Moringa oleifera. New leaves of five different types of Moringa oleifera had been bought from the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station in Alabama A&M University. Upon being pulverised and dried, the resulting leaves had been preserved at room temperature. The leaves were immersed in a mixture of 70% ethanol as the solvent and 80% methanol all through the extraction method. The extracted samples had been then stirred, filtered, and freeze-dried. Following that, High-performance liquid chromatography was the technique employed to know the overall concentration of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Descriptive and statistical analysis were performed using box plots, scatter plots, bar plots, and t-tests to evaluate the extent or degree to which both solvents removed phenolic and flavonoid compounds and estimated the total quantity of phenolic and flavonoids in the different cultivars. The findings from the descriptive study revealed the Nigerian variety had an increased phenolic content when extracted using methanol—roughly 822.3 µg/ml—than when removed using ethanol (80.6 µg/ml). The Indian type, on the contrary, had phenolic concentrations of 814.3 µg/ml as compared with 647.3 µg/ml in ethanol, revealing an important distinction in preference for methanol. The Nigerian cultivar possessed an increased extraction effectiveness of 1253.12 µg/ml using ethanol as opposed to methanol (1083.52 µg/ml) for flavonoids. The t-test results proved that though the difference was not statistically significant (t(28) = 0.608, p = 0.382), the average phenolic content obtained with methanol (M = 798.60, SD = 23.567) was slightly more than that obtained via ethanol (M = 790.60, SD = 45.183). In a similar vein extraction with methanol showed a smaller average flavonoid concentration (M = 1068.40, SD = 128.641) compared to the extraction with ethanol (M = 1129.40, SD = 166.018); nonetheless, this difference was not statistically significant (t(28) = 1.125, p = 0.334). The scatter diagram revealed a significant linear connection with both phenolic and flavonoid content, having a significant positive correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.95). Although some modifications depending on the variety, the research reveals that methanol and ethanol serve as suitable solvents for phenolic and flavonoid compound extraction from Moringa oleifera leaves. The usefulness of these developments in enhancing methods of extraction in manufacturing industries needs to be explored deeper.

Meat and Blood Spots as a Quality Trait on Table Eggs: Causes and Solutions

Eggs are considered one of the most complete foods in the human diet, with their composition particularly rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and excellent biological value proteins. With widespread use in the food industry due to both its nutritional value and functional properties, the production of quality eggs is critical in terms of food safety and therefore consumer health. However, egg quality has different meanings for consumers and consumers' perception of quality varies depending on the purpose of use and their own preferences. One of the most important defects affecting consumer preferences in terms of internal quality characteristics in eggs is meat and/or blood spots. Although the formation of meat and blood spots depends on factors such as the hen age, health status, feeding and management, it also emerges as a hereditary trait, especially in brown layers. According to different breeding systems, producers try to reduce the formation of meat-blood spots in eggs with care and feeding measures to alleviate environmental stress. In addition, thanks to the developments in genetics and biotechnology, researchers and breeding companies have started to focus on the genetic background of meat-blood spot inclusions and to identify the genes affecting their formation. In this review, the occurrence and causes of meat-blood spots, one of the internal quality characteristics affecting consumer preferences in table eggs, were explained and suggestions to reduce the incidence were presented.

Nanofiber aerogel with layered array with structure coupled photothermal/magnetothermal effect for continuous seawater desalination

The solar evaporation is susceptible to intermittent solar irradiation as well as salt crystallization deposition on the surface severely limits the evaporation efficiency. In this work, subject to inspiration of the transpiration, groove array structure and antifouling performance of banana leaves, a multifunctional photothermal/ magnetothermal coupled three-dimensional(3D) aerogel evaporator with layer-by-layer array structure was prepared by blow-spun technology which can achieve mass produced. The unique super hydrophilic vertical array structure has multi-scale high-efficiency water transport channels and the SnSe-Fe3O4 evaporation layer realizes super hydrophobic self-cleaning and excellent photothermal and magnetothermal conversion performance, which can achieve all-weather seawater desalination. The vertical array structures facilitate the reflection and refraction of light and promote the seawater convection and salt crystals absorption coupling. It could improve the photothermal conversion efficiency and salt resistance of the evaporator. Which resulted in an evaporation rate of 2.53 kg m−2h−1 under 1 sun, with solar energy conversion efficiency of 105 % and the evaporation rate is about 4.54 kg m−2h−1 at a magnetic field. Furthermore, it could purify organic pollutants in industrial wastewater and use waste heat to generate electricity. This evaporator provides a new economical and environmentally friendly solution for seawater desalination and sewage treatment.

Ambient volatile organic compounds in a typical industrial city in southern China: Impacts of aromatic hydrocarbons from new industry

New industrial parks, including fine chemical, medical manufacturers, etc., are emerging in modern cities in China, whereas their emissions and impacts have not been fully illuminated. In this study, ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Huizhou were measured in three functional zones, namely new industrial, roadside, and residential zones. The average mixing ratios of total VOCs were as follow: industrial (56.22 ± 15.06 ppbv) > roadside (39.30 ± 12.96 ppbv) > residential (26.03 ± 7.31 ppbv). The ozone formation potential (OFP) and secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAP) of VOCs in the industrial zone were 1.5–2.3 and 1.7–3.1 times those in the other zones, respectively. Aromatics contributed the most to OFP (39.8 % - 44.8 %) and SOAP (78.9 % - 91.0 %), with much less contributions to VOCs mixing ratios (18.3 % - 21.2 %). Naphthalene was the most abundant aromatic species across the three zones and ranked among the top contributors to OFP and SOAP among all VOCs species. Source apportionment identified that new industrial emissions and solvent use was the largest VOCs contributor in the industrial zone (53.9 %), traffic-related emissions dominated in the roadside zone (40.7 %), while new industrial and traffic-related emissions contributed similar in the residential zone (32.9 % and 34.7 %, respectively). The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of hazardous VOCs were above the acceptable threshold, primarily due to new industrial and traffic-related emissions. Our results suggested to strengthen the control of new industrial emissions and aromatics sources in Huizhou city to improve air quality and protect human health.

Perfluoroalkyl substances: a risk for the aquatifc environment? A 1-year case study in river waters of central Italy.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large class of persistent emerging pollutants, ubiquitous in different environmental compartments. In this study, twenty-one PFASs were determined in seventy-eight water samples collected from six different rivers in the Umbria region (central Italy) during a 13-month monitoring campaign. The sum of the twenty-one target analytes (Σ21PFASs) ranged from 2.0 to 68.5ng L-1, with a mean value of 22.0ng L-1. The highest concentrations of Σ21PFASs were recorded in the warmest months (from June to September) due to reduced river streamflow caused by low rainfall and high temperatures. PFASs with a number of carbon atoms between four and nine prevail over C10-C18 congeners due to their higher water solubility and to their increased use in industry. PFBA, followed by PFPeA, PFHxA, and PFOA, was the most abundant congeners detected in the analyzed river water samples. Finally, the calculation of risk quotients (∑RQs) has allowed to assess the risk for three aquatic organisms (fish, algae, and daphnid) deriving from the exposure to PFASs. The survey showed that the risk for the three aquatic organisms during the four seasons and throughout the year was always negligible. The only exception was a low risk for fish and daphnid in GEN river considering the annual exposure.

HumanEnerg Hotspot: Conceptual Design of an Agile Toolkit for Human Energy Reinforcement in Industry 5.0

This paper presents the conceptual design of the HumanEnerg Hotspot, an agile toolkit aimed at addressing the human energy crisis in the context of Industry 5.0. The toolkit has been developed using a blend of Design Science Research (DSR) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies, enabling a comprehensive human-centered problem identification and solution-seeking approach. The toolkit includes a variety of strategies, techniques, frameworks, and resource recommendations for industry use and has been designed to be easily adaptable for use in diverse industry settings. The toolkit is intended to support the European Union’s goal for industry to influence society through a human-centric approach to Industry 5.0 by prioritizing human energy reinforcement and creating a more resilient and productive workforce. The toolkit provides a valuable resource for employees and managers alike and offers a promising solution for addressing the human energy crisis in the era of Industry 5.0.

Hydrodynamic solar-driven interfacial evaporation - Gone with the flow

Evaporation has been one of the most classic desalination processes on the Earth. When we try to use the power of water flow itself, the evaporation process can perform even better. Here, we report a hydrodynamic solar-driven interfacial evaporation process which water evaporation rate can achieve 6.58 kg·m-2·h-1 (over 100 times higher than natural evaporation). A waterwheel-structure solar interfacial evaporator was designed and assembled by printed filter papers. The evaporator can both rapidly distribute solution on the evaporation interface and be hydraulically driven to rotate continuously to improve the evaporation rate by water flow. The hydrodynamic solar-driven interfacial evaporation process successfully overcomes the problem of slow diffusion of water vapor, but also realizes the day-and-night operation of process and the self-cleaning of salt fouling. Apart from the application in solar desalination, the developed evaporator has great potentials in vapor production and salt recovery for industrial use.

Optimizing the Die-Sink EDM Machinability of AISI 316L Using Ti-6Al-4V-SiCp Electrodes: A Computational Approach

Die-sink electric discharge machining (EDM) is essential for shaping complex geometries in hard-to-machine materials. This study aimed to optimize key input parameters, such as the discharge current, gap voltage, pulse-on time, and pulse-off time, to enhance the EDM performance by maximizing the material removal rate while minimizing the surface roughness, residual stress, microhardness, and recast layer thickness. AISI 316L stainless steel was chosen due to its industrial relevance and machining challenges, while a Ti-6Al-4V-SiCp composite electrode was selected for its thermal resistance and low wear. Using Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array, this study minimized the trial numbers, with analysis of the variance-quantifying parameter contributions. The results showed a maximum material removal rate of 0.405 g/min and minimal values for the surface roughness (1.95 µm), residual stress (1063.74 MPa), microhardness (244.8 Hv), and recast layer thickness (0.47 µm). A second-order model, developed through a response surface methodology, and a feed-forward artificial neural network enhanced the prediction accuracy. Multi-response optimization using desirability function analysis yielded an optimal set of conditions: discharge current of 5.78 amperes, gap voltage of 90 volts, pulse-on time of 100 microseconds, and pulse-off time of 15 microseconds. This setup achieved a material removal rate of 0.13 g/min, with reduced surface roughness (2.46 µm), residual stress (1518.46 MPa), microhardness (259.01 Hv), and recast layer thickness (0.87 µm). Scanning electron microscopy further analyzed the surface morphology and recast layer characteristics, providing insights into the material behavior under EDM. These findings enhance the understanding and optimization of the EDM processes for challenging materials, offering valuable guidance for future research and industrial use.

High-quality chromosome-level genomic insights into molecular adaptation to low-temperature stress in Madhuca longifolia in southern subtropical China

BackgroundMadhuca longifolia, the energy-producing and medicinal tropical tree originally from southern India, faces difficulties in adapting to the low temperatures of late autumn and early winter in subtropical southern China, impacting its usability. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling the ability of this species to adapt to environmental challenges is essential for optimising horticulture efforts. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate the molecular responses of M. longifolia to low-temperature stress through genomic and transcriptomic analyses to inform strategies for its effective cultivation and utilisation in colder climates.ResultsHerein, the high-quality reference genome and genomic assembly for M. longifolia are presented for the first time. Using Illumina sequencing, Hi-C technology, and PacBio HiFi sequencing, we assembled a chromosome-level genome approximately 737.92 Mb in size, investigated its genomic features, and conducted an evolutionary analysis of the genus Madhuca. Additionally, using transcriptome sequencing, we identified 17,941 differentially expressed genes related to low-temperature response. Through bioinformatics analysis of the WRKY gene family, 15 genes crucial for M. longifolia low-temperature resistance were identified.ConclusionsThis research not only lays the groundwork for the successful ecological adaptation and cultivation of M. longifolia in China’s southern subtropical regions but also offers valuable insights for the genetic enhancement of cold tolerance in tropical species, contributing to their sustainable horticulture and broader industrial, medicinal, and agricultural use.

Developments in world motor vehicle production and the future of hydrogen use in the automotive industry

This article provides an overview of World motor vehicle production and hydrogen utilization technologies for current and future use in the Automotive Industry. Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the Universe; however it is always combined with other elements. Still, the costs of hydrogen production from its combined elements remain high compared to other energy sources; it is extremely difficult to store onboard, the use of natural gas as a feedstock emits CO2, and there are many technical challenges to overcome with these systems. Many years of research and development, as well as changes to the energy infrastructure, may be required before hydrogen can have a significant impact on Earth energy use. In the very long term, electricity and hydrogen are likely to become the preferred complementary energy vectors. Hydrogen and the fuel cell are complementary and each enables the other. Nowadays, due to their low production costs, hydrogen engines are becoming more and more advantageous over fuel cells and are be-coming more widespread. Ammonia has the potential to be used as a hydrogen carrier, mainly due to its high hydrogen capacity. A significant effort would be needed to develop onboard ammonia cracker systems or direct ammonia fuel cells for vehicles.

Photocatalytic water splitting and charge carrier dynamics of Janus PtSSe/ζ-phosphorene heterostructure

On the basis of first-principles calculations and non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulations, we explore the photocatalytic water splitting properties of PtSSe/ζ-Phosphorene heterostructure. This heterostructure possess semiconducting nature with high carrier mobility (≈ 103 cm2V− 1s− 1). The calculated high value of electron-hole recombination rate as compared to electron transfer rate and hole transfer rate, establish the Type-II mechanism more favorable for PtSSe/ζ-Phosphorene heterostructure. Further, the calculated value of solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of PtSSe/ζ-Phosphorene exceeds to 10%, which makes it the potential candidate for commercial production of hydrogen for industrial use. STH conversion efficiency is further tunable on rotating one monolayer over other with specific angles in the heterostructure. Our study demonstrates PtSSe/ζ-Phosphorene heterostructure to be efficient Type II-scheme photocatalyst for water splitting.

Chemical characterization of heat‐treated kraft lignin after fractionation with organic solvents and pH effect

AbstractLignin, the main source of renewable aromatics, has a complex structure, high polydispersity, and low reactivity, which hinders its large‐scale use. This study aims to improve lignin reactivity through heat treatment combined with fractionation by organic solvents or the pH effect. Heat treatment of commercial hardwood black liquor was performed at 225 °C for 150 min. The samples were then fractionated either by using organic solvents (ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and acetone) or by lowering pH using hydrochloric acid (HCl) (pH values 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9). The fractionation was carried out in one step and in sequential mode. The fractionated samples were characterized chemically by the content of acid‐soluble and acid‐insoluble lignin, carbohydrates, ash, inorganic compounds (metals), elemental analysis, and by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py‐GC–MS). The highest mass yields were obtained using the one‐step mode for both fractionations, with yields as high as 53.3% for organic solvents and 47.8% for the pH effect. Solvent fractionation reduced ash content by up to 75.4% and increased calorific value, carbon content, and total lignin content. Fractionation by pH effect showed an ash reduction of up to 55.9% and an increase in calorific value and carbon content of up to 8.7 MJ kg−1 and 49.7%, respectively. The Hansen solubility parameters were also calculated to address lignin's solubility in each of the tested solvents. These findings indicate that combining heat treatment and fractionation techniques improves lignin's chemical properties significantly, making it a more viable raw material for industrial use. This approach supports the circular economy by transforming lignin into a high‐value product, thereby promoting sustainable and efficient resource utilization across industries.

Injectable and 3D Extrusion Printable Hydrophilic Silicone-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Ocular Delivery of Ophthalmic Drugs.

While silicone elastomers have found widespread use in the biomedical industry, 3D printing them has proven to be difficult due to the material's slow drying time, low viscosity, and hydrophobicity. Herein, we arrested the hydrophilic silicone (HS) macrochains into a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) via an in situ photogelation-assisted 3D microextrusion printing technique. The flow behavior of the pregel solutions and the mechanical properties of the printed HS hydrogels were tested, showing a high elastic modulus (approximately 15 kPa), a low tan δ, high elasticity, and delayed network rupturing. The uniaxial compression tests demonstrated a nearly negligible permanent deformation, suggesting that the printed hybrid hydrogel maintained its elastic properties. Drug loading and diffusion in the microporous hydrogel are shown via the non-Fickian anomalous transport mechanism, leading to highly tunable loading/releasing profiles (approximately 20% cumulative release) depending on the HS concentration. The drug encapsulation exhibits exceptional stability, remaining intact without any degradation even after a storage period of 1 month. As far as we know, this is the first soft biomaterial based on HS that functions as an exceptional controlled drug delivery device.

Perception, Knowledge, and Consumption Potential of Crude and Refined Palm Oil in Brazilian Regions.

Crude palm oil (CPO) is the most produced vegetable oil globally, with Brazil contributing only 0.74% of global production. Pará and Bahia account for more than 82% of Brazil's output. Despite its widespread use in the food industry after refining, there is little research on CPO consumption and perception in Brazil, particularly regarding its nutritional aspects. This study, conducted between March and July 2022, explored Brazilians' perceptions and the potential for CPO consumption. The results show that most participants are unfamiliar with CPO but view its nutrients favorably. Less than half regularly purchase CPO. Refined palm oil (RPO) is even less known, with many unaware that refining CPO can produce carcinogenic substances. The respondents showed little concern about RPO in their foods, rarely noticing its presence on labels. Despite limited knowledge, participants understand that refining reduces CPO's health benefits, leading to a greater preference for crude oil over refined oil. This study highlights the need for better dissemination of information about CPO in Brazil, emphasizing its nutritional benefits and the importance of adhering to daily lipid intake limits. Adding CPO at the end of cooking or consuming it raw to preserve thermosensitive compounds is also recommended.

Unaddressed non-energy use in the chemical industry can undermine fossil fuels phase-out

Around 13% of fossil fuels globally are used for non-combustion purposes. Fossil fuel processing plants, such as petroleum refineries, exhibit interdependent material and energy system dynamics, making the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems more challenging without addressing the non-energy outputs. This study explores the future role of fossil fuels for non-energy purposes in climate-stringent scenarios with restrictions on alternative feedstock availability, focusing on the primary chemicals sector. Using a global integrated assessment model with detailed refining and primary chemicals sectors, findings across various scenarios reveal that up to 62% of total feedstock use in the chemical sector could be provided by alternative sources by 2050. This would require significant scale-up in biomass utilisation and carbon capture technologies. Annual CO2 emissions from the chemical sector could be reduced to as low as −1Gt CO2 by the same year if carbon storage in non-recycled and non-incinerated bioplastics is accounted for.

Информационные свойства частотных характеристик динамической системы резания при диагностике износа инструментов

Introduction. One of the directions for increasing the efficiency of cutting is related to the creation of tool wear diagnostic systems. Algorithms and devices have been developed that evaluate wear based on analysis of the vibroacoustic emission signal. These algorithms, as a rule, do not reveal the nature of its formation and the reasons for the change as wear develops. Subject. The paper is devoted to the analysis of the reasons for changes in vibration properties with the development of tool wear. The aim of the work is to study the changes in the frequency characteristics of a dynamic cutting system caused by the development of wear, and to build diagnostic information models on this basis, as well as its use in industry. Method and methodology. The results of mathematical simulation of a perturbed dynamic cutting system are presented, in which the observed vibration sequences are a consequence of disturbances transformed by a dynamic system, the parameters of which depend on wear. Two frequency ranges are considered. Results and discussions. The first range includes frequencies that lie within the bandwidth of the instrument subsystem. The second is outside of it. In the first frequency range, it has been analytically and experimentally proven that the development of wear leads to fundamental changes in the frequency properties of the cutting system as a converter of disturbances into tool vibrations. There is a shift in the natural frequencies of the oscillatory circuits formed by the cutting system, a decrease in its quality factor, and as wear develops, some identified features of the vibration spectra appear, including the ratio of the low-frequency and high-frequency parts of the spectrum, etc. In the second frequency range, a model of force emission in the form of a random pulse sequence is considered and wear is displayed in it. The results of studying the coherence function between the forces acting on the tool and vibrational displacement are presented. Information models of wear are proposed, an example of an information model of wear and the results of its use in industry are given.

Characterization and processing of kaolin from southern Brazil for potential strategic application in the porcelain stoneware tiles manufacturing

The ceramic industry in the productive hub of Santa Catarina needs some raw materials with specific characteristics such as kaolin to manufacture its products. This clay mineral with a naturally variable chemical composition in relation to its geolocation (in extraction area composed by rock and combined with sediment materials), attributes significant increases in transport costs due to its distance from the main productive areas in southern Brazil. Thus, as a strategic alternative, the improvement of kaolin with a high quartz content (69.9%) from the northern region of the state of Santa Catarina (∼400 km from ceramic hub in the south of the state), more precisely from the municipality of Garuva, was sought. Unit processing operations by classifying this mineral for suitability for use in industry, resulted in an increase in the concentration of kaolinite. The results indicated that the proposed method reduced the amount of quartz and consequently increased the kaolinite content, resulting in an aluminum oxide content of approximately 28.20%, a value higher than the normal natural content of ∼19%.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE HORMONAL STATUS OF THE CULTURE MEDIUM FOR H. RHAMNOIDES IN VITRO CULTIVATION

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an ancient crop that has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant, health promotion agent and dietary supplement. The fruits of sea buckthorn, which are a source of carotenoids, which had been collected since ancient times and was introduced into cultivation only at the beginning of the 20th century. Currently, sea buckthorn berries are harvested on an industrial scale, as due to the high content of biologically active substances in them, consumer interest in sea buckthorn products has increased significantly, and their use in the food industry and medicine is expanding. Due to its biologically active compounds, high content of vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and tocopherols, sea buckthorn is an excellent raw material for functional foods. The purpose of this work is to select conditions for cultivating explants of H. rhamnoides L. plants and obtaining micro-shoots for subsequent microclonal reproduction. The material for initiating a sterile culture was the seeds H. rhamnoides. The samples were introduced from natural populations in the RSE “Altai Botanical Garden” of the SC of MoES of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Ridder). Solutions of 0.1% sulema, 34% hydrogen peroxide, and 10% Domestos solution were used for seed sterilization, the exposure period was 20 minutes. Next, the seeds were planted on the surface of the WPM and ½ MS nutrient medium with the addition of phytohormones 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) in various concentrations. Activated carbon in an amount of 2 g/l was used to reduce the accumulation of polyphenols in the medium. The beginning of germination was noted on days 7-8, depending on the genotype of sea buckthorn. The minimum number of infected seeds was observed in the variant using 0.1% sulema. When using hydrogen peroxide, the contamination of seeds with fungal and bacterial infections was at the level of 40.8-45.5%. The largest number of germinated seeds were observed when using WPM medium. The maximum values of seedling length were noted on WPM media with the addition of 1 mg/l BA + 1 mg/l GA3, where the average shoot length was 8.6±0.9 cm. In this variant, sterile seedlings were characterized by an intense green color and well-developed cotyledon leaves. In some genotypes, intensive growth and the appearance of a second internode were noted. In other variants, height indicators varied from 3.2 cm. up to 4.2 cm. Thus, we have found that WPM medium supplemented with 1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 1 mg/l gibberellic acid is better suited for obtaining sterile shoots from H. rhamnoides seeds. The obtained sterile seedlings of H. rhamnoides will be used in vitro culture for subsequent microclonal reproduction.