Vacuum Dehydration Research Articles

Silicate-lunar regolith composite: A vacuum self-hardened and comprehensively durable extraterrestrial construction material

Extraterrestrial exploration, represented by Lunar base construction, has been promoted worldwide as a multi-disciplinary, cutting-edge and strategic issue. Herein we proposed a novel extraterrestrial construction material composed of Lunar/Martian regolith simulants and only 4 wt% of silicate adhesive. This silicate-regolith composite can be directly self-hardened in vacuum within 4.5 h without any curing to achieve 29 MPa of hardening strength. Meanwhile, it shows comprehensive durability with stable microstructures and >70 % of residual strength against long-term vacuum exposure, huge temperature difference and intense γ-ray and proton radiations. Its in-situ solidification and durability originate from vacuum dehydration, where silica clusters in solution spontaneously cohere into a solid network with strong connections of silica tetrahedra and bound water. A moderate silicate modulus around 2.5 and appropriate modifications can disperse finer silica clusters to increase oligomer silica units in solution and enhance hardening strength. Compared with lunar geopolymer and other existing extraterrestrial construction materials, this vacuum self-hardening composite allows a cryogenic preparation even below −40 ℃ using diverse regolith with a wide range of compositions and sizes, proposing a facile, durable and versatile solution towards in-situ extraterrestrial constructions.

Selective recovery of vanadium from chloride titanium dioxide effluent and preparation of high-purity thermotropic vanadium dioxide(M): An ammonia-free process

Vanadium recovery is critical for the hazard-free treatment and resourceful utilization of chloride titanium dioxide effluent (CTDE). Traditional ammonia precipitation vanadium recovery process from chloride titanium dioxide effluent suffered issues of the long process, high cost, and severe ammonia pollution risk. To solve these issues, an ammonia-free method consisting of V extraction from chloride titanium dioxide effluent by D2EHPA, direct VO2+ hydrolysis precipitation, and vacuum calcination was designed to produce VO2(M). The effect of conditions on V recovery, impurities behaviors, and vacuum dehydration mechanisms in each step was systematically investigated. Experimental results demonstrated that over 96.50% of vanadium was precipitated in the form of VO2∙xH2O by mixing CaO powder at 25 °C for 5 min until pH reached 4.20. And then, high purity VO2(M) (VO2 >99.50%) was prepared by vacuum calcined at 500 °C for 2 h in the tube furnace. Further characterizations revealed that the crystal structure of the calcined product was a monoclinic crystal structure with the space group of P21/c (VO2(M)), and the phase transition temperature was 57.8 °C. This demonstrated that the produced VO2(M) had met the established market standards and exhibited stable thermotropic degeneration, making it suitable for use in thermistors and other related fields. Compared with the conventional ammonia precipitation V recovery process, the proposed process exhibits a promising industrial application due to the short flow, near-zero wastes, higher economic efficiency, and superior product performance. In conclusion, it provides a clean and efficient vanadium recovery strategy from chloride titanium dioxide effluent.

Native surface oxidation phenomena of DC-Sputtered molybdenum thin film in tropical environment

Molybdenum (Mo) is a versatile refractory metal that has been widely used as back contact in thin film photovoltaic cells. However, Mo tends to react with oxygen in ambient environment which influences its original properties. In this study, Mo thin films were stored in different environments (in vacuum desiccator and open air) for 8760 h. Subsequently, these films were characterized and analyzed by Grazing Incidence X-Ray Diffractometer (GIXRD), Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C-AFM), and Hall Effect measurement system. It was found that Mo thin film kept in open air at room temperature undergoes surface oxidation which results in random growth of nanostructured MoOx. Formation of these observed oxide compounds on the surface is correlated with decrement in the electrical conductivity mainly through lower carrier mobility. Preliminary results highlighted from this study can serve as general guideline for handling, storage and transportation requirements forMo thin film in tropical environment.

Dehydration Impact on Antioxidant Potential and Phenolic content of Backhousia citrodora leaves

The most popular method for food preservation is dehydration. In order to enhance the overall quality and prolong the longevity of herbal products, it is imperative to carefully choose optimal dehydration conditions. The dehydration of Backhousia citriodora, also known as lemon myrtle leaves (LML), was conducted via three distinct techniques: conventional dehydration at temperatures of 40, 50, and 60°C (referred to as CD40, CD50, and CD60, respectively); vacuum dehydration at the same temperature as conventional dehydration with a pressure of 50 mbar; and heat pump dehydration at a constant temperature of 45°C. The antioxidant capacities, specifically the radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), along with the total phenolic content (TPC), were evaluated. HPD samples came up second to VD samples in terms of TPC retention, DPPH activity, and FRAP test, whereas CD samples had the lowest biochemical content across all dehydration conditions. The TPC and antioxidant activity in the CD sample exhibited a substantial reduction as the dehydration temperature increased. After dehydration, the CD60 sample had the largest reduction in TPC, DPPH, and FRAP values. Maximising the retention of biochemical content is of utmost importance in post-harvest processing as it serves as an indicator of greater retention. Therefore, the selection of appropriate dehydration techniques and conditions is critical in achieving this objective.

Numerical and analytical solution of temperature distribution in foamed soy suspension during vacuum microwave drying

Objective. Technologies of vacuum dehydration of solutions in the microwave field are constantly developing in the direction of increasing the energy efficiency of the drying process and reducing the cost of target products. This scientific direction fully applies to vacuum microwave drying of soy suspension in a foamed state. In this regard, the most important task is to improve mathematical modeling, which provides significant assistance in the study of heat and mass transfer processes occurring in vacuum dryers with microwave power supply; in the design of new installations and the development of effective modes of their operation; the development of optimal modes of vacuum drying foamed soy suspension, taking into account thermophysical and electrophysical characteristics. Method. The research is based on computer simulation methods. Result. Using the results of previous studies, a mathematical apparatus was obtained for finding the temperature in a foamy product during vacuum microwave drying. Its difference from existing mathematical models lies in the possibility of using simple methods for analyzing differential equations with fewer unknown variables. A method of numerical and analytical solution of a mathematical model of the process of vacuum microwave drying of foamed suspension is proposed. Experimental verification showed quite satisfactory convergence of the simulation results with an error of 10-12%. Conclusion. The study of numerical methods for solving the formulated problem makes it possible to determine the temperature at any point of the soybean suspension, taking into account the thermophysical and electrical characteristics of the suspension in a wide range of operating parameters.

Toxicity Test of Flavonoid Compounds from Ethyl Acetate Extract of Malacca Leaves with Brine Shrimp Lethality Test

Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds produced in plants as secondary metabolites. Flavonoids have favorable biochemical effects on multiple diseases and other bioactivities. This study aimed to isolate the active compounds contained in malacca (Phyllanthus emblica) leaves and analyze toxic properties using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method in Artemia salina leach shrimp larvae. This study used malacca leaf powder with ethyl acetate solvent then macerated. Ethyl acetate extract was concentrated and fractionated, then toxicity tests were carried out. Extracts from the evaporation results were further fractionated using solvent petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate. Then the ethyl acetate fraction was hydrolyzed using reflagged with 7% sulfuric acid for two hours, then the filtrate was extracted with ethanol solvent. The obtained fraction washed with aquades and dried using a vacuum desiccator. The toxicity test results showed that the flavonoid compound of malacca leaves was not toxic with a value of LC50 > 1000 ppm, an increase in the concentration of the extract was followed by an increase in the average mortality of larvae.

Efficient Formation of N-(1-Deoxy-d-ribulos-1-yl)-Glutathione via Limited Oxidation and Degradation of Glutathione during the Atmospheric-Vacuum Thermal Reaction.

The efficient preparation of the ribose-glutathione (Rib-GSH) Amadori rearrangement product (RG-ARP) as a potent precursor of meaty flavor was studied through the atmospheric-vacuum thermal reaction. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed that the oxidation and degradation of GSH occurred during the preparation of RG-ARP via the atmospheric thermal reaction, especially at a low molar ratio of Rib to GSH and high reaction temperature. The RG-ARP and the ARPs derived from the products of GSH oxidation and degradation with the participation of Rib were identified by MS/MS as N-(1-deoxy-d-ribulos-1-yl)-glutathione, N-(1-deoxy-d-ribulos-1-yl)-cysteinylglycine, and N-(1-deoxy-d-ribulos-1-yl)-glutathione disulfide. The selective formation of RG-ARP was disrupted due to the multiple consumption pathways of GSH and Rib. The removal of water and the reduction of oxygen content during vacuum dehydration exhibited an obvious inhibitory effect on the oxidation of cysteinyl and the cleavage of glutamyl, limiting the oxidation and degradation of GSH. Meanwhile, the rapid evaporation of water promoted the molecular collision between the reactants, which allowed the glycation reaction of GSH to be advanced and fragmentation of RG-ARP to be inhibited at a mild dehydration temperature. Accordingly, the atmospheric-vacuum thermal reaction was proposed to limit the generation of secondary byproducts and enhance the yield of RG-ARP, enabling the RG-ARP yield to reach 49.23% at 80 °C and a molar ratio of 2:1 (Rib/GSH) for 20 min.

Evaluation of fermentative activity of lactic cultures for dehydrated yogurt with the use of different additives

Objective: To evaluate the fermentative activity of dehydrated lactic cultures with the use of different additives and vacuum desiccation, using yogurt as model system. Design/methodology/approach: The yogurt was elaborated with commercial lactic cultures (YF-L705 Yo-Flex CHR HANSEN) and whole milk incubated at 42 °C for 4 h. Yogurt was centrifuged at 6,000 rpm/15 min/4 °C. The supernatant was eliminated and with the precipitate, 6 treatments were established by addition of additives: T1, Without additive, T2, Glycerol, T3, Calcium carbonate, T4, Yeast extract, T5, Glycerol, and T6, Glycerol, Calcium carbonate and Yeast extract; non-dehydrated and freeze-dried yogurt was used as control: T7 and T8, respectively. The precipitate of the treatments with additives was dehydrated in a silica gel in a desiccator and under vacuum conditions. The weight loss was recorded at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The precipitate with dehydrated additives was used as milk inoculates for yogurt elaboration. The change of pH was recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 24 h. With the pH and the fermentation time, a model was established to present the change curve in fermentation pH and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: The drying time to constant weight was 3 days. The fermentation pH change curve was a Boltzman sigmoidal function and analysis of variance was conducted with its parameters to assess the different fermentation speeds of the different treatments. The dehydrated cultures with Yeast Extract and Calcium Carbonate are associated with a higher fermentation activity of the milk (p < 0.05). The yogurts manufactured with fresh cultures take 4 to 5 h to ferment and the dehydrated ones take more than 10 h. The infrared spectra showed that the quality of the yogurts produced with fresh or dry cultures are similar, which agrees with other studies. Limitations on study/implications: The dehydrated inoculated with the additives can be used to make yogurt with similar quality as to when inoculate with fresh culture is used, with the disadvantage of the fermentation time being longer. It is possible that this methodology can be used to dehydrate other inoculates based on lactic bacteria, but their effectiveness would have to be assessed experimentally. Findings/conclusions: This study shows an alternative method to dehydrate lactic bacteria in the laboratory with equipment of relatively easy access for any laboratory

Measurement of Mass Gain Behavior due to Hydration and Reduction of Uncertainty Induced by Time Lag of Weighing on Pristine Kapton Film after Heating in Vacuum

To simulate material degradations in space environments, materials are exposed to various space environment factors in vacuum. In vacuum, low-molecular-weight component, moisture, and etc. desorb from the materials, and it follows the mass loss. The vacuum-desorbed materials, however, adsorb the moisture due to retrieval from vacuum chamber into the atmosphere condition. The mass gain due to hydration disturb the accuracy of an atomic oxygen fluence measurement and an outgassing test. In this study, we have evaluated the mass gain behaviour of vacuum-desorbed material due to hydration. To desorb the moisture, the test specimens were heated in vacuum. After dehydration in vacuum, the mass of test specimen was measured by using an ultra-micro balance inside the low-humidity controlled globe box to evaluate the mass equivalent to that in vacuum condition and then the mass was measured under controlled condition of 50% relative humidity to evaluate the mass gain in atmosphere. From the experimental results, we have evaluated the uncertainties due to hydration occurring during the time lag between sample retrieval from a vacuum chamber to sample weighing, quantitatively. The back extrapolation using the regression curve based on the solution of diffusion equation is effective on the reduction of uncertainties.

SERS performance of silver nanoparticle/reduced graphene oxide-coated filter membranes

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyamide (Nylon) and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) filter membranes were coated with in-situ synthesized silver nanoparticle/reduced graphene oxide (AgNP/rGO) nanocomposite by vacuum filtration, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of the prepared substrates was investigated using Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a probe molecule. Analyte solutions were applied by drop casting and penetrated into the flexible PVDF and Nylon-based substrates within minutes, enabling very fast SERS measurements; however, this step took up to 2 hrs in the rigid AAO-based substrate. Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping results showed that filter membrane surfaces were completely covered with AgNP/rGO nanocomposite at which AgNPs were uniformly distributed on rGO flakes; however, some large, partially reduced or unreduced GO flakes decorated with AgNP agglomerates (AgNP/GO) were also observed. Higher SERS signals were generally obtained from these AgNP/GO flakes compared to the AgNP/rGO coated regions, since they contain higher amount of oxygen-rich functional groups which enabled a higher chemical and electromagnetic enhancement in SERS signals. All the substrates could detect 10−7 M R6G even after being stored in a vacuum desiccator for 3 months, indicating that AgNP/rGO coated filter membranes are promising as stable SERS substrates thanks to their long shelf life.

A Comprehensive Study of Gemfibrozil Complexation with β-Cyclodextrins in Aqueous Solution Using Different Analytical Techniques

Gemfibrozil (GEM) is a hypolipidemic agent, which is effective in reducing serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Complexation of GEM with native β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and with the derivatives hydroxypropyl-β- and randomly methylated β-CD (HPβ-CD and Meβ-CD) was studied in aqueous solution of pH 2.8 and 7.0. The stability constants were determined by spectrofluorimetry, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and solubility assays. Considering the well-known difficulties to obtain similar stability constants by different techniques, the agreement of the values obtained supports the reliability of the results presented. The advantages and drawbacks of each analytical technique for the study of inclusion complexation were discussed as well. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters of complexation, enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS), were determined and related to the type of molecular interactions that take place between GEM and the different cyclodextrins. Finally, solid dispersions were prepared by co-evaporation, kneading, vacuum desiccation, and coprecipitation, and complexation was evaluated by X-ray diffraction.

Effects of dehydrofreezing conditions on tomato lycopene and kinetics of lycopene change in dehydrofrozen tomatoes during storage

AbstractIn the study, the change in lycopene content of tomatoes, which were frozen either fresh or after being partially dehydrated with different methods (convective, osmotic, and vacuum dehydration) during the 6‐month storage at −20°C was investigated. In the freezing process, tomatoes were frozen at 2 m/s air flow velocity by convective method and at different freezing temperatures (−30, −35, −40°C) and cryogenic method up to the thermal center temperature of the samples reaches to −20°C. It was determined that the reaction representing the lycopene change during the storage process occurred in accordance with the first‐order kinetic model. The reaction rate constants (k) determined for the lycopene change during the storage process of the tomatoes frozen by the convective method were found to be affected by freezing conditions and the results revealed that the k value decreased with reducing temperature. It was found that the half‐life time of the lycopene change reaction during the storage period increased as the freezing temperature decreased in the tomatoes frozen by the convective method. In general, it was seen that in terms of lycopene preservation of tomatoes, freezing of tomatoes with cryogenic method after being dehydrated by vacuum and osmotic treatment gave better results The lycopene loss at the end of the 6‐month storage was determined to be 46.4% in the tomatoes frozen by the cryogenic method after being dehydrated by the osmotic treatment, whereas it was 64% in the samples that were freshly frozen at −30°C.Practical applicationsDehydrofreezing is a food freezing method in which the foods are partially dehydrated and then frozen. Traditional freezing methods cause serious damage to the vegetal products. Reducing the water that will be frozen in the dehydrofreezing process allows to form ice crystals without damaging the cellular structure of vegetables. Because of the reduction of tissue damage, sensitive nutrients are less affected by process conditions. As a result; for food producers, dehydrofreezing technology seems to be more advantageous as it means less processing time, more weight product for unit volume and high quality products. In conclusion, according to the results, freezing the tomatoes by dehydrofreezing method gives better results to protect the tomato lycopene during storage.

Sterilization effects on poly(glycerol dodecanedioate): A biodegradable shape memory elastomer for biomedical applications.

Biodegradable shape memory polymers provide unique regenerative medicine approaches in minimally invasive surgeries. Once heated, thermally responsive shape memory polymer devices can be compressed, programmed to fit within a small profile, delivered in the cold programmed state, and expanded when heated to body temperature. We have previously developed a biodegradable shape memory elastomer (SME), poly(glycerol dodecanedioate) (PGD), with transition temperatures near 37°C exhibiting nonlinear elastic properties like numerous soft tissues. Using SMEs in the clinic requires disinfection and sterilization methods that conserve physiochemical, thermomechanical, and shape recovery properties. We evaluated disinfection protocols using 70% ethanol and UV254 nm for research applications and ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization for clinical applications. Samples disinfected with ethanol for 0.5 and 1 min showed no changes in physiochemical material properties, but after 15 min showed slower recovery rates than controls (p < .05). EtO sterilization at 54.4°C decreased transition temperatures and shape recovery rate compared to EtO sterilization at 37.8°C (p < .01) and controls (p < .05). Aging samples for 9 months in a vacuum desiccator significantly reduced shape recovery, and the recovery rate in EtO sterilized samples compared to controls (p < .001). Cytotoxicity testing (ISO-10993.5C:2012) revealed media extractions from EtO sterilized samples, sterilized at 37.8°C, and high-density polyethylene negative control samples exhibit lower cytotoxicity (IC50) than Ethanol 1min, UV 2h, and EtO 54.4°C. Cell viability of NIH3T3 fibroblasts on sterilized surfaces was equivalent on EtO 37.7°C, EtO 54.4°C and Ethanol sterilized substrates. Finally, chromogenic bacterial endotoxin testing showed endotoxin levels were below the FDA prescribed levels for devices contacting blood and lymphatic tissues for ethanol 1min, UV 120 min, EtO 37.7°C, EtO 54.4°C. These findings outline various disinfection and sterilization processes for research and pre-clinical application and provide a pathway for developing custom sterilization cycles for the translation of biomedical devices utilizing PGD shape memory polymers.

New process solutions in the manufacture of thermochemically resistant ceramic molds for casting titanium alloys

The paper provides the results of studies on interaction between titanium melts and silica-containing investment molds. Pure silicon, compounds of titanium oxides and silicides were detected by X-ray diffraction analysis in the contact zone. The problem of the negative impact exerted by the mold on the casting is solved by using thermally stable and chemically resistant monocorundum molds based on an alumina sol binder. A refractory suspension was developed for investment casting containing special additives to improve wax mold wetting with the suspension, and to increase the mold shell strength. The article studies sedimentation properties of suspension. A method was developed for accelerated curing of sequentially applied refractory suspension layers by vacuum drying and subsequent chemical curing with a gaseous reagent. The formation time is reduced from 3–5 h to 20–30 min per layer. Comparative studies of kinetics of alumina sol binder convective drying and vacuum dehydration were conducted. The process of moisture removal per unit surface of the applied refractory layer in a vacuum of 5–10 kPa increases by 2–6 times. X-ray phase analysis was used to study the alumina sol conversion during high-temperature heating. The solid gel of the α-Al2O3 stable phase is obtained in the alumina sol mold shell when the calcination temperature rises to 1300–1350 °C with a sufficient strength of 9–12 MPa provided by sintering additives added to the suspension. Recommendations are given for additional protection of refractory ceramic layers after vacuuming and drying: treatment of the last layer with gaseous curing agents and application of a polyvinylacetal solution with a density of 1100–1200 kg/m3. The process solutions proposed will make it possible to increase both the efficiency of titanium alloy forming and casting processes and the quality of castings.

Effects of various treatment methods on decay resistance and dimensional stability of nano-silver-treated Persian/Shiraz inlay (Khatam)

Four types of Shiraz inlay (Khatam) samples were impregnated with nano-silver solution via spraying (S), a vacuum desiccator (VD), and immersion/dipping (I/D) for 2 h and 24 h techniques. The decay resistance and dimensional stability were evaluated after each treatment. The impregnated specimens were exposed to white-rot fungus for 10 weeks by the agar-plate method, and the weight loss was determined to assess decay. The dimensional stability of samples after 2 and 24 h soaking in water were measured. According to the results, the highest weight loss (13.1%) was observed in the Shesh-Pareh Khatam (SPK)-untreated samples and the lowest weight loss (1.5%) occurred in the Ostokhani Khatam (OK)-VD-treated samples. The highest volumetric shrinkage (39.0%) was observed in the Haft Shamseh Alam-Zar Khatam (HSAZK)-untreated samples after 24 h soaking, and the lowest volumetric shrinkage (3.8%) was noted in the OK-S-treated samples after 2 h soaking. The highest volumetric swelling (64.1%) was observed in the HSAZK-untreated samples after 24 h soaking, and the lowest volumetric swelling (4%) was found in the OK-S-treated samples after 2 h soaking in water. Generally, the highest anti-shrinkage-efficiency (111.0%) and anti-swelling-efficiency (145.4%) after 24 h soaking in water were observed in the OK-S-treated and SPK-VD-treated samples, respectively.

Effect of a novel press washing mode on appearance and mechanical properties of silk garments: comparison with hand washing and front-loading machine washing

Silk garments with its unique luster, softness and glamour has always occupied an important position in the fashion market. However, such fabrics present difficulties in daily care and tend to deteriorate in visual perception after laundering. Panasonic in 2021 has therefore launched a novel washing mode characterized by up-and-down soft pressure and vacuum dehydration to address the mechanical damage of common household washing methods to the silk garments. In this study, the effect of the press washing mode on the appearance and mechanical properties of silk garments based on common household laundering scenarios was investigated by comparing with hand washing, gentle machine washing and normal machine washing. The experimental results demonstrated that press washing had the best performance in terms of appearance indicators and elastic recovery, especially in the case of repeated laundering, due to the minimum fiber damage and surface degradation during washing. The laundered samples were also subjected to sensory evaluation by taking into account the personal feelings of consumers, which further verified the instrumental test results to a certain extent. The results obtained in this study can provide scientific care guidance and optimization ideas for subsequent research and applications.

Influence of temperature and pressure in vacuum drying of Crinum latifolium flower bulb

Crinum latifolium flower bulb has excellent medicinal value due to its phytochemical components, especially alkaloids. These alkaloids have attracted considerable attention due to their interesting pharmacological properties. Vacuum drying is an important process for dehydration of highly heat-sensitive materials. This research was conducted at STNanotech laboratory, Soc Trang province, Vietnam in 2021 to evaluate the influence of drying temperature and vacuum pressure to the phenolic composition and the antioxidant capacity of Crinum latifolium flower bulb. Raw flower bulbs were dried under vacuum dryer at different temperature (40oC, 45oC, 50oC, 55oC, 60oC) and pressure (−0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0 bar) for 4 hours and were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), diphenyl picrylhydrazyl content (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) content (ABTS). Results showed that vacuum drying at 40oC at a vacuum pressure -0.8 bar would retain retained the highest total phenolic content (244 mg gae/100 g), flavonoid content (123 mg QE/100 g), DPPH free radical scavenging (109 |ug/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (1.96 mM TE/g) of the dried flower bulb. From vacuum dehydration, the fresh Crinum latifolium could be converted into one kind of herbal tea with numerous health benefits.

Evaluation of the Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Laurus Nobilis Leaves on Blood Biochemical Parameters and Histological Changes in the Liver and Kidney among Female Wistar Rats Treated with Depakene (Sodium Valproate).

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Laurus Nobilis (Bay leaves) alcoholic extract on glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea levels; moreover, it was attempted to examine the histological changes induced in the liver and kidney among female albino rats treated with Depakene (Sodium Valproate). The L. nobilis leaves were dried in the shade, and they were then ground in mechanical processing. The resulting substance (250 gm) was processed in 70% ethanol for 24 h using a Soxhlet extractor at 45°C. Before being measured, the extract was concentrated in vacuo and stored in a vacuum desiccator until the elimination of all the solvents. In total, 20 female adult Wistar rats (230-250 g) were bred in the Animal House Lab at the University of Kufa, Faculty of Education for Girls, Kufa, Iraq. These animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=5), housed in a typical laboratory setting, and given a standard diet and water. Each animal received the treatments intraperitoneally for 30 days. The experimental groups were designed as follows: group 1 (the control) was given only physiological saline solution; group 2 received alcoholic extract of L. nobilis leaves at a dose of 150 mg/kg BW; group 3 received Depakene (Sodium Valproate) at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW; and group 4 received alcoholic extract+Depakene at a dose of 150 mg/kg BW and 500 mg/kg BW. The animals were euthanized following anaesthesia 24 h after the last day of the experiment. Heart blood samples were gathered in gel tubes, the serum was then centrifuged for 15 min at 3000 rpm to measure the biochemical parameter levels, which included glucose, HbA1C, ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea. The liver and kidney organs were removed and placed in a 10% formaldehyde solution instantly. Following fixation, they were processed as usual before being embedded in paraffin for histological analysis. Morphological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. The recorded data showed a major drop (P<0.05) in blood glucose and HbA1c levels in group 2 which was given ethanol extract, compared to the other groups. Interestingly, the level of blood glucose and HbA1c levels reduced significantly in group 4, which was given L. nobilis+Depakene, compared to the control and the animals treated with only Depakene. Moreover, the results showed a major rise (P<0.05) in the liver enzyme among the animals treated with Depakene, compared to other groups. On the other hand, the recorded data showed a substantial drop (P<0.05) in creatinine levels in the animals treated with L. nobilis leaves extract (group 2) and group 4, compared to group 3 and the control group, respectively. However, no changes were recorded in the case of urea levels among the groups. Finally, the findings of this study showed that the ethanol extract of L. nobilis leaves was effectively reduced the adverse effects of Depakene. On the other hand, it had a significant effect on the reduction of blood glucose.

Evaluation of in vitro Free Radical Scavenging and Antidiabetic Activities of Polyherbal formulations

Diabetes mellitus is a group of disorder that raise up the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein. In recent years, it has a prediction of increases in incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Traditionally various plant parts are used to treat against the diabetes mellitus. The plant Artemisia nilgirica (Asteraceae) is used in the treatment of insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiasthmatic and antiparasitic. Borreria hispida (Rubiaceae) is used as Anti hyperlipidemia, antifungal, anticancer, anti inflammatory. Sida acuta (Malvaceae) is used in the treatment of analgesic, antipyretic, woundhealing antiulcer and antibacterial activity. Artemisia nilgirica, Borreria hispida, Sida acuta were processed, powdered and extracted with hydroalcoholic solvent. Maceration was processed for 72hrs, 48 hrs and 24hrs. Solvents were filtered, distilled and dried in a vacuum desiccator. Formulation SAB, ABS, BSA were made by taking required proportion of each powdered drugs. The in vitro anti- diabetic potential of plant was determined by α - amylase and α – glucosidase inhibition assay. The activity reported that hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia nilagrica, Borreria hispida, and sida acuta exhibits in dose – dependent manner. The polyherbal formulation will lead to the treatment of diabetic from the natural source with lesser side effect.

Ultra-flexible flame-retardant wood composites with resistance to extreme temperatures and mildew

Low-cost wood materials exhibit excellent physical properties owing to their smart porous structure design. These materials have advantages over nonrenewable or hard-to-degrade plastics, polymers, and metals in some specific fields. Here, we report ultra-flexible wood composites prepared through coupling delignification and in situ polymerization. The polyacrylamide (PAM)-lignocellulosic and PAM-water bonds are broken and re-formed during the folding process. The PAM chains of the hydrogel unfold and slide, resulting in full dispersion of the stress in the wood composites. Hydrated calcium ions (Ca 2+ (H 2 O) 1–6 ), derived from polyacrylamide-based hydrogel, can further allow the wood composites to lock in the liquid water. Therefore, the wood composites exhibit good flexibility at −40°C and 50°C. Their ultra-flexibility can withstand evaluation in extreme environments, such as 1,000 folds with a 180° bending angle or vacuum dehydration for 24 h. Good flexibility provides great application potential for the wood composite materials. • Ultra-flexible wood can withstand thousands of folds • The composite maintains long-term flexibility at −40°C and 50°C • Wood composite cannot be ignited by an open flame at 400°C–500°C • Its anti-bacterial activity remains at 100% for 75 days in a humid environment Mai et al. develop a multifunctional wood composite. It maintains long-term super-flexibility at −40°C and 50°C. Moreover, the wood composite is flame-retardant and resistant to mold growth in a humid environment.