Water Absorption Capacity Research Articles

Seedling size affects the strategy of dune seedlings responding to rainfall variation.

Climate change poses a growing threat to population maintenance in harsh desert habitats with high precipitation variability. Desert seeds may germinate at different times as a bet-hedging strategy to cope with increased rainfall fluctuation. As a result, a population may consist of seedlings of various sizes. However, it remains unknown how the variation in seedling sizes affects their capacity to cope with different rainfall scenarios, thus impairing our capacity to manage population under climate change. To fill this gap in knowledge, we examined how seedling size (large seedlings with an average height of 14.30cm vs. small seedlings with an average height of 5.85cm) affects the strategy seedlings use to cope with a gradient of rainfall treatments (-75%, -50%, -25%, 0%, +25%, +50%, +75%) for Artemisia ordosica Krasch., a dominant shrub widely used for ecological restoration in the Mu Us Sandland. We found that seedling performance was affected both by rainfall intensity and seedling size. Seedling survival and growth declined with reduction in rainfall. Moreover, large seedlings allocated more biomass to roots, thus increasing their capacity for water absorption, resulting in relatively less reduction in their total biomass under water stress. In contrast, small seedlings invested more in aboveground growth, likely to compete for light. Our study demonstrates that seedling size may strongly affect the responses of seedlings to rainfall variation. As a result, populations having recruitment of seedlings with different sizes may better spread mortality risk under variable rainfall conditions. Therefore, our results suggest that species with flexible germination time may be highly suitable for desert vegetation restoration under climate change.

Comparative Study on the Functional, Pasting and Physicochemical Properties of Native and Pregelatinized Cocoyam Starch (Xanthosoma sagittifolium)

This study sought to extract and modify cocoyam starch for industrial use, as it is an underutilized tuber in Nigeria. Pregelatinization was employed to change cocoyam starch, and the functional, physicochemical, and pasting properties and proximate composition were evaluated using standard methods. The results show that pregelatinization improved the starch’s water absorption capacity (164.333-249.333%), oil absorption capacity (97-106.333%), bulk density (0732-0769g/ml), and solubility index (8.667-14.667%), but swelling power dropped (9.553-7.147g.g-1). Native cocoyam starch had the lowest gelation capacity (8%), while pregelatinized cocoyam starch had a gelation capacity of 6%. Native cocoyam starch outperformed pregelatinized cocoyam starch in terms of peak viscosity (3724.5-944.5 RVU), trough viscosity (3041-822 RVU), breakdown viscosity (683.5-162.5 RVU), and final viscosity (5516.5-1923 RVU). After pregelatinization, cocoyam starch had a higher pasting temperature (83.05-84.4oC) and peak time (5.03-7.0 min). The proximate composition indicates a small increase in carbohydrate and protein concentrations while moisture levels fall.

Suitability of calcined clay and ground granulated blast furnace slag geopolymer binder for hempcrete applications

PurposeHempcrete has the potential to reduce both CO2 emissions and energy usage in buildings. Hempcrete has a high sound absorption capacity, excellent moisture regulator and outstanding thermal insulation properties. However, hempcrete traditionally uses lime-based binders, which are carbon-intensive materials. The low-carbon binders to increase the sustainability of hempcrete are the current research gap. Geopolymer binders are low-carbon binders composed of aluminosilicate precursors dissolved in a high alkalinity solution. This study investigated the suitability of calcined clay and ground granulated blast furnace slag geopolymer binder as a low-carbon binder for hempcrete applications.Design/methodology/approachTwo types of hemp hurds with different water absorption capacity and particle size distributions were used. Hempcrete properties tested were compressive strength, bulk density, sound absorption coefficient by a two-microphone impedance tube and thermal conductivity by a Hot Disk system.FindingsThe particle size distribution and water absorption capacity of hemp hurds did not affect the compressive strength of hempcrete when following a mixing procedure, ensuring the hurds in a saturated surface dry condition. The geopolymer hempcrete achieved a compressive strength about four times higher than the reference hydrated lime hempcrete. All hempcrete specimens achieved outstanding acoustic performance. The increase in bulk density led to the decrease in the maximum sound absorption coefficient. The geopolymer hempcrete achieved the lowest thermal conductivity.Originality/valueThe outcomes of this paper reveal that the low-carbon geopolymer binder appears to be a promising option for manufacturing hempcrete, achieving significantly higher compressive strength and lower thermal conductivity than the reference hydrated lime-based hempcrete.

Preparation of hydrogels from hydrochloric acid modified attapulgite for environmentally responsive fertilizers

ABSTRACT The inefficiency of traditional fertilizers in nutrient utilization has led to various ecological and environmental problems. Green agriculture requires environmentally friendly fertilizers that can respond to environmental changes to regulate nutrient release. In this study, N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and sodium alginate (SA) were utilized as monomers sensitive to temperature and pH variations, while hydrochloric acid-modified attapulgite (ATP) served as an inorganic filler to prepare composite hydrogels (SPAA) with environmentally responsive properties, and these composite hydrogels were used as carriers for the preparation of hydrogel fertilizers for urea. The results showed that the compositing of modified ATP could enhance the swelling properties of hydrogels. Compared with the blank sample, the maximum water absorption capacity of the ATP-composite hydrogel was enhanced by about 75.4%, and the water preserved by the ATP-composite hydrogel was about 2.75 times of that of the blank sample under drying condition of 30°C for 6 h. Meanwhile, hydrogel fertilizers SPAA-U(S) and SPAA-U(P) were prepared by solubilization adsorption and polymerization embedding in this study, and both fertilizers possessed slow-release characteristics, with nutrient release time in water exceeding 30 h. The nutrient release behavior of the fertilizers responded to the environment, and the slow-release effect was optimal under the conditions of 20°C and pH = 7. Under acidic, alkaline and high temperature conditions, the ability of the hydrogel to immobilize water molecules decreases, which also leads to easier release of urea from the hydrogel matrix along with water molecules. The hydrogel fertilizer developed in this work can improve the utilization of fertilizer and promote the high quality and sustainable development development of agriculture.

The Influence of the Nutritional and Mineral Composition of Vegetable Protein Concentrates on Their Functional Properties

Vegetable proteins derived from legumes, cereals or pseudocereals have increased in popularity in recent years, becoming very interesting for the food industry. In addition to their nutritional interest, these products have techno-functional properties that allow them to be used in the production of a wide variety of foods. This research has studied the nutritional and mineral composition of 12 samples of rice, pea and soy concentrates. The objective was to investigate the influence of this nutritional composition, mainly mineral components, on the techno-functional properties (water- and oil-binding capacity, swelling, emulsifying, gelling and foaming capacities) of these concentrates. For this purpose, a Pearson correlation matrix and a GH biplot method were applied. The results showed that there is a correlation between mineral content and functional properties. Mg, K and Ca were positively correlated with protein solubility index, oil absorption capacity and swelling capacity. Na and P contents were positively related to water absorption capacity and emulsifying capacity. Gelling capacity was positively correlated with Mg contents and negatively correlated with Cu and Fe contents. The preliminary results reported in this study highlight the necessity to further assess the influence of non-protein components on the techno-functionality of protein concentrates.

FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Plant Proteins and Correlation with Functional Properties.

Development of plant-based products faces challenges like raw material standardization and time-consuming functionality measurements. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides a quick, non-destructive way to analyze protein molecular characteristics. This study explored the classification capability of FTIR in analyzing five plant protein isolates-soy, mung bean, pea, fava bean, and lentil-and assessed its predictive ability for functional property measurement such as water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), Solubility (SOL), foaming, and emulsification. Functional properties were calculated using traditional methods of measurements. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square (PLS) Regression Analysis were used to study FTIR spectra and its correlation with functional properties. PCA revealed distinct clusters for each protein source based on their FTIR spectra, indicating molecular differences. WAC and OAC prediction models showed strong correlations, with prediction correlation coefficients (Rp) of more than 0.99 and cross-validation correlation coefficients (Rcv) ranging from 0.85 to 0.92. As sample size increases, SOL, emulsifying, and foaming properties display promising potential. Moreover, WAC and OAC predictions exhibited robust results with protein blends of various ratios. The expanded WAC model predicted with an Rp of 0.99 and an Rcv of 0.95, while the expanded OAC model had an Rp of 0.99 and an Rcv of 0.84. The results underscore FTIR has the potential to identify plant proteins aiding in raw material verification and quality control as well as being an alternative to analyzing functional properties of plant proteins.

Investigating the Influence of Crospovidone's Manufacturer Variability on Dissolution Profiles of Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets.

This study examines the influence of crospovidone (CP) manufacturer variability on the dissolution profiles of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) tablets. Four CP batches from different manufacturers were characterized using pharmacopeial and physicochemical tests, including infrared absorption, loss on drying, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant differences were observed in the particle size distribution, wetting time, and water absorption capacities of the CP batches. Tablets were formulated using both direct compression and wet granulation methods. For the latter, the superdisintegrant was either added to the binder solution or incorporated intra- or extra-granularly. Disintegration and dissolution tests revealed that both CP concentration and the method of incorporation significantly affected tablet performance. Poly Kovidone and Max-Povidon exhibited superior performance at lower concentrations, while differences between brands became less pronounced at higher concentrations. The extra-granular method notably enhanced drug release profiles. Statistical analyses, including f2 similarity factors and MANOVA with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), highlighted significant differences in dissolution behavior among the formulations. These findings emphasize the importance of controlling excipient variability to ensure consistent product performance. The study concludes that a 2% CP concentration is optimal for mitigating source variability and that the extra-granular addition of CP in wet granulation is recommended for enhancing its functional properties.

Effect of ultrasonication on OSA esterified surface modification of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) starch.

The present study investigates the effect of ultrasonication (US) amplitude (30 %, 50 %, and 70 %, time- 45 min) followed by octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA, 3 %) esterification on morphological, structural, functional, and rheological properties of sorghum starch. The increase in US amplitudes significantly (p < 0.05) increased the degree of substitution (DS) of esterified starch (0.0094 to 0.0170). US treatment promotes the fragmentation of starch granules, resulting in smaller particle sizes with higher surface roughness that was further enhanced with dual modification (USOSA). The contact angle (35.681° to 79.377°) increased with both DS and surface roughness. Dual modification decreased the pasting properties, gelatinization temperature ranges, swelling power (13.11-12.17 g/g), and relative crystallinity (29.88 to 21.58 %) of starch, whereas the increase in solubility (10.06 to 13.81 %), water absorption capacity (0.92 to 1.62 g/g), and oil absorption capacity (2.17 to 3.17 g/g) were observed. The rheological assessment demonstrated a shear-thinning behavior (n < 1), with decreasing consistency indices as amplitude increased. The storage modulus (G') consistently exceeded the loss modulus (G") and damping factor (tanδ <1), indicating elastic behavior. Overall, the findings suggest that the combined US and OSA modification techniques significantly improve the properties of sorghum starch which can be used for various food applications.

Nutritional and Functional Characterization of Edible Insects in Nigeria: A Sustainable Protein Source

Introduction: Food insecurity in Africa persists due to extreme poverty, water scarcity, land degradation, and climate change. Many African countries continue to experience chronic hunger and malnutrition. To meet people’s nutritional needs, it’s important to use economical natural food sources, including edible insects. In Nigeria, edible insects play a vital role in human nutrition. Aim: This study investigated the nutritional value and functional properties of four commonly consumed insects: Rhynchophorus phoenicis larva, Oryctes rhinoceros larva, Acheta domesticus, and Macrotermes bellicosus. Method: Proximate composition, vitamin content, and functional properties were determined using standard analytical methods. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in lipid (8.3% - 28.7%), crude protein (31.9% - 38.2%), carbohydrate (3.1% - 31.9%), moisture (9.2% - 58.9%), and ash content (2.9% - 14.1%) among the insects. Vitamin A values ranged from 2.2 to 4.2 µM, while vitamin C values were between 11.5 and 56.8 µM. Functional properties showed variability in water and oil absorption capacity, emulsion activity, foaming capacity, and stability. Conclusion: These results indicate that these insects have potential as nutrient-rich food sources and could form the basis for new food products with considerable nutritional value.

Synthesis of potential adsorbent for removal of malachite green dye using alginate hydrogel nanocomposites.

Hydrogels are highly porous, hydrophilic, insoluble, 3D networks with a large capacity for water absorption. The goal of this research was to formulate sodium alginate/silica (SA/SiO2) hydrogel and hydrogel nanocomposite (SA/SiO2/ZnO-NPs) by impregnating the ZnO-NPs and cross-linking was furnished with siloxane network making use of the sol-gel method. The synthesized hydrogel/hydrogel nanocomposite was analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta-sizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA). Using the batch adsorption method, the hydrogel/hydrogel nanocomposite was examined for the ability to adsorb malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous media under different conditions like adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH and temperature. MG's maximum removal (97.31%) was achieved by SA/SiO2/ZnO-NPs adsorbent at pH=8; the temperature was recorded as 333K, utilizing 25min at a dose level of 0.09g. Langmuir and Temkin's models were utilized to assess the adsorption mechanism, and the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 227.27mg/g for SA/SiO2 hydrogel and 322.58mg/g for SA/SiO2/ZnO-NPs hydrogel nanocomposite was obtained. At pH8, the optimal adsorption was taken place in 25min. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model deals with the adsorption process, and thermodynamic data reveals the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. The presence of -COOH groups in the synthesized hydrogel/hydrogel nanocomposite improved the cationic dye affinity towards hydrogel/hydrogel nanocomposite through H-bonding and electrostatic interactions. Thus, SA/SiO2 hydrogel and SA/SiO2/ZnO hydrogel nanocomposite could be efficient and promising adsorbents to deal with organic dye pollutants for a sustainable environment. Moreover, addressing the limitations such as SA and ZnO exhibit sensitivity to alterations in pH which could potentially influence the performance in practical scenarios where pH regulation is not maintained.

Effects of the green cross-linking agent tannic acid and its oxidation on the properties of porcine plasma protein superabsorbent materials.

Tannic acid is a natural polyphenol capable of strongly interacting with proteins, with good antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Thus, tannic acid (TA) or oxidized tannic acid (oxTA) may be used as cross-linking agents in the development of reinforced and fully protein-based superabsorbent materials (SAMs). oxTA was produced so that reactive quinone groups were generated, which are expected to increase its reactivity. In this study, porcine plasma protein (PPP) and glycerol (gly) were used in a 50/50 PPP/gly ratio to obtain SAMs through twin screw mixing and injection molding. The results showed that both TA and oxTA increased the storage modulus and the loss tangent of blends and bioplastics due to the physical interactions established between TA or oxTA and PPP. The mechanical properties, particularly the Young's modulus and tensile strength, were generally enhanced as well. Water absorption was strongly influenced by the addition of TA, resulting in a decrease in the amount of water absorbed. However, samples containing oxTA resulted in a greater water absorption capacity, retaining a higher proportion of the superabsorbent properties of the reference composition. Moreover, systems containing oxTA generally possess better mechanical properties than those of equivalent TA formulations, especially those containing 5 % and 10 % oxTA.

Strategies for Improving the Techno-Functional and Sensory Properties of Bean Protein

This review aims to understand the techno-functional and structural properties of bean proteins, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses while presenting them as a robust alternative protein source with high potential to become a competitive ingredient in the protein market. For this purpose, ScienceDirect and Scopus were used as databases with the keywords “bean proteins”, “protein modifications + beans”, and “techno-functional properties + beans” to consult the relevant literature. This could reduce global dependence on soy and pea proteins. The study compiles various current articles that address desirable techno-functional properties and potential modifications for a wide range of food industry applications. Based on the gathered findings, bean-derived proteins exhibit a more hydrophobic nature and a more compact structure compared to soy and pea proteins. Consequently, they demonstrate superior emulsifying properties and an excellent oil absorption capacity, making them promising ingredients for emulsified products and baked goods. On the other hand, soy and pea proteins perform better in meat-based products and confectionery due to their higher water absorption capacity and good stability.

The Effects of Malting and Extrusion on the Functional and Physical Properties of Extrudates from Malted Brown Rice and Pigeon Pea Flour Blends

Malted grains subjected to extrusion technology could have better quality indices than non-malted grains. The effects of malting and extrusion on the functional and physical qualities of foods extruded from malted brown rice and pigeon pea flour blends were investigated. Malted pigeon pea and brown rice flours were processed into blends, extruded under various conditions of feed moisture levels (15–20), feed compositions (8–30%), and barrel temperatures (100–130 °C), and analyzed using Response Surface Methodology with a Box–Behnken design. The impacts of malting and extrusion were assessed on the following functional qualities: bulk density, rheology, swelling capacity, water absorption capacity, and solubility. The physical quality assessment included a 2-D photographic representation of the extrudates, a microscopic assessment of their internal structure, expansion index, color parameters (L*, a*, b*), and alterations in the color index. Increased feed moisture, malted pigeon pea, and decreased barrel temperature resulted in a higher bulk density (0.72 to 0.84 g/cm3) of the extrudates. There was a decrease in water absorption capacity (6.82–4.49%) with an increase in barrel temperature above 100 °C. All the samples showed a decrease in viscosity with increasing shear rate. At low barrel temperatures, feed compositions, and feed moistures, extrusion led to increases in the expansion index (3.5 to 12.94) and the color lightness (66.83–81.71) of the extrudates. Samples with a higher proportion of malted brown rice showed a higher expansion index, lower bulk density, and lighter color of the extrudates.

Assembling Carbon Nanotube and Graphene in Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Hydrogels for Ion Removal Applications

Hydrogels have emerged as a promising material for the removal of heavy metal ions from contaminated water owing to their high water absorption capacity and biocompatibility. Despite notable advancements in improving the adsorptive capacity of hydrogels, the demand for a more efficient structure persists. Here, we explore the ion adsorption performance of crosslinked hydrogels based on chitosan and sodium alginate with various ratios of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene platelets (GNP). This study highlights the adsorption of chromium ions and the thermal stability of hydrogels for pure, single-particle, and hybrid nanocomposites. The results depict a uniform microstructure attained when CNT, GNP, or both are implemented into the hydrogel due to the strong interaction of functional moieties. The incorporation of CNT and GNP manipulates the crystalline structure of the hydrogels, lowering their crystallinity by around 28% and 13%, respectively. The synergistic effect of CNT and GNP in hybrid hydrogels raises the decomposition temperature by 16%, indicating a favorable interplay interaction between nanoparticles and polymers. Calculations of the adsorption capacity accentuate such a mutual effect between CNT and GNP in various loads of ion capture from aqueous solutions. Kinetic models fitted to the hydrogel nanocomposites reveal that the pseudo-second-order model aligns better with the experimental data in comparison to the pseudo-first-order and intraparticle diffusion models, addressing the adsorption mechanisms while capturing chromium ions.

Physicochemical characterization of sprouted cowpea starch by varieties

This current work explored the physicochemical characteristics of sprouted cowpea starch across different varieties. Specifically, cowpea varieties (IR48B, IT89KD-288, IT82D-716W, and TV32-36WS) were sprouted (steeping = 36 h; germinating = 72 h), then, milling to slurry, followed by starch extraction. Physicochemical characterization involved the measurements of starch yield, moisture, protein, pH, amylose, water absorption capacity, gelation, solubility index, bulk density and swelling power , and pasting attributes. Results showed sprouting significantly enhanced the protein, water absorption capacity, total titratable acidity, swelling power, solubility index, and emulsion capacity of cowpea starch. However, sprouting significantly reduced starch yield, pH, bulk density, gelation capacity, and amylose content. Comparative analysis revealed sprouted cowpea starch with superior pasting properties, including higher peak viscosity and setback viscosity, especially when compared to other starch sources. A direct correlation between amylose content and setback viscosity seemed apparent, although the quality of fit for sprouted cowpea starch suggested additional factors might have some influence on the pasting behaviour. Sprouted cowpea starch appears functionally positioned as a nutritional and versatile alternative in food formulations particularly for health-conscious consumers.

Effects of various physical pretreatments and dextranase on the structure and physicochemical properties of porous sweet potato starch: a comparative study

Abstract Porous starch is a type of modified starch that contains a high number of tiny micropores. Due to its natural absorbent properties, porous starch has broad application prospects. Currently, enzymatic hydrolysis is predominantly used for production of porous starch, however, the hydrolysis efficiency is relatively low. In this study, sweet potato porous starch was prepared by combining physical pretreatments with dextranase, and then its adsorption properties were investigated. Ultrasonic, moist heat, and microwave pretreatment methods were used, and the structure, physicochemical properties, and adsorption capacity of resulting porous starches were detected. The microwave-combined enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in a porous starch with more compact pore structure in a shorter time. Additionally, no new chemical groups were observed in the porous starch. The treatment not only increased the solubility of starch to 5.22%, but likewise reduced the swelling power to 6.92%. Furthermore, adsorption capacity of the starch improved remarkably due to increased porosity and specific surface area. Specifically, the oil absorption improved from 51.02 to 102.79%, while the water absorption improved from 58.63 to 120.40%. This study provides an efficient method to produce porous starch from sweet potato with enhanced water and oil absorption capacity, which has promising applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Case Study of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete with Urban Sludge Gasification Slag

This article, for the first time, investigates the potential of Sludge Gasification Slag (SGS), a byproduct of urban sewage sludge gasification, as a lightweight aggregate in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), proposing a novel sustainable solution for the utilization of SGS. The UHPC mix design followed the modified Andreasen and Andersen model, incorporating pretreated SGS, cement, silica fume (SF), river sand, and a high-efficiency water-reducing agent. A total of eight experimental groups were developed, including five pre-wetted groups (I1–I5) and three dry groups (N1–N3), to evaluate the rheological and mechanical properties of UHPC. For the first time, this study combines scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption techniques to investigate the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and porosity of SGS-UHPC, providing insights into the influence of SGS on the matrix. The results show that SGS, due to its irregular particle shape and high water absorption capacity, negatively impacts the flowability of the fresh mix. However, when the SGS content reached 7.5%, the plastic viscosity of the UHPC mix peaked. Notably, after 28 days of curing, the compressive strength of the 5% pre-wetted SGS group exceeded that of the control group by 5%, indicating a time-dependent strength improvement. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the water release effect of SGS, which optimizes the ITZ and strengthens the overall matrix. The findings suggest that SGS, when used at dosages below 7.5%, can be effectively incorporated into UHPC, offering a promising, environmentally friendly alternative for sustainable construction applications.

Improving the Nutritional, Antioxidant, and Sensory Characteristics of Ready-to-use Yellow Sauce Condiments

Objectives: The study aimed to improve the nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory attributes of yellow sauce spice blends. Methods: A qualitative survey among housewives, traders, and restaurant owners identified commonly used spice blends for yellow sauce recipes. The blend with the highest sensory acceptability index was used as the base for modeling with a Simplex Lattice mixture design. Variables included the nature and proportion of spices, with responses being total phenolic compound content and sensory acceptability index. The resulting formulation was tested for in vitro antioxidant activities (TAC, FRAP, DPPH, and °OH), water and mineral contents (Fe, Cu, P, Mg, and Ca), and physical and functional properties (color, density, water, and oil absorption capacity). Results: The survey identified four spice blend recipes, with the most accepted having a sensory acceptability index of 0.7. Optimization produced a blend of 18% Afrostyrax lepi-dophyllus, 8% Piper guineense, 38% Tetrapleura tetraptera, 31% Dichrostachys glometara, and 5% Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. riche. This blend exhibited fairly pleasant acceptabil-ity (index = 0.80) and a phenolic compound content of 1398.69 Eq mg AG/100g of DM. The developed formulation showed higher levels of zinc (19 ppm) and iron (234 ppm), as well as superior Total Antioxidant Capacity (310.04 Eq mg AG/100g DM) and °OH inhibition (75.32 μg/ml) compared to the survey-derived formulation. Conclusion: The modeling of the spice blends improved some sensory, antioxidant, and mineral properties, ensuring consistent quality in the yellow sauce condiments.

Active starch-based film using polyvinyl alcohol and chlorogenic acid for strawberry preservation: A comparative analysis of mechanical, barrier, and antibacterial properties.

The broad application of starch films has been significantly limited by their insufficient hydrophobicity and antibacterial activity. To overcome these challenges, this study developed a new starch film by incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chlorogenic acid. The study explored the impact of PVA polymerization on the physical and functional characteristics of the resulting films, with particular emphasis on enhancing antimicrobial functionality by incorporating chlorogenic acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheological tests demonstrated the excellent compatibility and exceptional film-forming performance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses validated the presence of intermolecular entanglements and hydrogen bonding within the films. Incorporating PVA with a polymerization degree of 2400 resulted in a contact angle (CA) of 79.81±1.74°, a water absorption capacity (WAC) of 10.29±0.71%, and a water vapor permeability (WVP) of (0.44±0.11)×10-11g×m-1×s-1×Pa-1. Notably, the SCP 2488 film exhibited superior mechanical properties, including the highest Young's modulus of 71.29MPa, tensile strength of 11.77MPa, and elongation at break of 106.75%. Additionally, such a modified film displayed enhanced UV-blocking performance and antibacterial efficacy. Consequently, the SCP 2488 film showed great potential for maintaining the freshness and quality of strawberries.

Co-cultivation of Komagataeibacter sp. and Lacticaseibacillus sp. strains to produce bacterial nanocellulose-hyaluronic acid nanocomposite membranes for skin wound healing applications.

Inspired by natural microbial cooperation, a co-culture approach was used to synthesize bacterial nanocellulose (BNC)-based nanocomposites for potential wound healing applications. By co-culturing either Komagataeibacter xylinus (K1G4) or the never tested strain K. rhaeticus (K2G46) with the hyaluronic acid (HA)-producer Lacticaseibacillus casei UMCC 2535, two BNC-HA nanocomposites were obtained (C1-K1 and C2-K2). The membranes showed a HA content of 0.49 ± 0.05 mg (C1-K1) and 1.40 ± 0.07 mg (C2-K2), and both revealing a nearly complete release of HA after 1 h in PBS. Compared to pure BNC membranes, the nanocomposites showed enhanced properties, including higher crystallinity (K1G4 = 84.6 %; K2G46 = 76.5 %; C1-K1 = 89.1 %; C2-K2 = 88.1 %), and Young's modulus (K1G4 = 3.38 ± 0.56 GPa; K2G46 = 2.22 ± 0.65 GPa; C1-K1 = 10.00 ± 1.32 GPa; C2-K2 = 7.90 ± 1.54 GPa). Additionally, both BNC-HA membranes exhibited increased moisture uptake (K1G4 = 9.06 ± 0.47 %; K2G46 = 9.27 ± 1.33 %; C1-K1 = 13.65 ± 0.53 %; C2-K2 = 16.26 ± 1.05 %) and water absorption (K1G4 = 82.18 ± 5.25 %; K2G46 = 86.54 ± 7.86 %; C1-K1 = 160.04 ± 9.33 %; C2-K2 = 144.42 ± 13.86 %) capacity. Moreover, they were non-cytotoxic towards human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, with >90 % cell viability for up to 72 h. The in vitro scratch assays showed a complete wound closure within 48 h for cells exposed to BNC-HA membranes. These findings underscore the potential of co-culturing system to develop BNC-HA nanocomposites for wound healing applications.