Rate Of Water Diffusion Research Articles

EBT3 Radiochromic film response in time-dependent thermal environment and water submersion conditions: Its clinical relevance and uncertainty estimation

AimThis study aimed to find the thermal and humidity-dependent behavior of EBT3 film. The changes in the film sensitivity as well as the dosimetric region of interest in the small-size film due to its storage and setup condition were evaluated. Material and methodsThree sets of films were kept at three different thermal storage conditions. 15 films from each set were kept at 2 °C, 20 °C, and 40 °C storage conditions for 24 h and 48 h pre- and post-irradiation. The humidity effect (water submersion) on the film in terms of the film's edge diffusion, and change in the optical density at the central region of the film was estimated by keeping the films underwater. ResultsThe mean relative film sensitivity was found 1.107 ± 0.123 and 0.966 ± 0.028 respectively for the films stored at 40 °C and 2 °C with respect to the sensitivity of the films that were kept at room temperature (20 °C) each for 48 h. The dosimetric result shows that the measured dose in the dose range (2–20 Gy) was overestimated by 7.01 % (percentage mean dose difference (MDD)) in the films stored at 40 °C for 48 h. In contrast, it was underestimated by −4.54 % (MDD) in the films stored at 2 °C for 48 h compared to those kept at an ambient room temperature of 20 °C (MDD = 0.24%). The water-diffusion rate at the border of the EBT3 film used in this study was 0.23 mm/h. An increment of 6.8% in the optical density at the central region of the film was observed for the unexposed control film kept underwater for 24 h. The combined standard uncertainty due to five different sources of uncertainties was 2.91%. ConclusionThe sensitivity of the EBT3 film kept at 40 °C is always higher (overestimate) whereas lower (underestimate) for the films kept at 2 °C as compared to the films at normal room temperature. The correction for the changes in the net optical density due to its storage condition (thermal effect) and the dosimetry condition of water submersion (humidity effect) must be incorporated into the current protocols of film-dosimetry if the facility cannot have temperature-controlled film storage environment and if the film immersion under water is more than 4 h.

Composite proton exchange membrane featuring a three-layer structure: Enhanced thermal stability, proton conductivity, and fuel cell performance

The optimal operating temperature for contemporary perfluoro-sulfonic acid (PFSA)-based proton exchange membranes (PEMs) is identified to range from 60 to 80 °C. However, operating at temperatures exceeding this threshold could offer substantial advantages. Therefore, the development of PEMs that can maintain performance at elevated temperatures is imperative. This study introduces novel SUS composite proton exchange membranes with a three-layer architecture. These membranes feature a central UIO-66-NH2/Nafion composite layer (U), bordered by sulfonated carbon-nanotubes/Nafion composite layers (S) on both sides. The SUS PEMs demonstrate improved proton conductivity, long-term stability, fuel cell efficiency, and gas barrier properties. Notably, at the elevated temperature of 145 °C, attributable to enhanced water retention capabilities, these membranes exhibit significant proton conductivity, reaching 0.428 S cm−1. For fuel cell evaluations, the SUS PEMs exhibited optimal performance (0.940 W cm−2) at the elevated temperature of 115 °C. These improvements are attributed to the dense S layer, which regulates diffusion rates of both water and gas molecules, and the U layer, which serves as a water reservoir due to its high retention capacity. These conclusions have been validated through computational simulations and further supported by positron annihilation spectroscopy.

Effect of weak alkaline electrolyzed water on rice cooking: Promoting rapid water absorption and enhancing the quality and digestibility

Promoting the rapid water absorption of rice is beneficial for increasing the cooking quality and digestibility of rice. Under the action of an electric field, weak alkaline electrolyzed water (WAEW) had a smaller cluster system compared to tap water, with a 17.30% decrease in DDAA-OH (double donor-double acceptor) and a 22.89% increase in Free-OH. Therefore, there were fewer hydrogen bonds formed between water molecules, resulting in more free proton donors and proton acceptors, which increased the possibility of forming more hydrogen bonds with other substances. During the soaking process, WAEW could effectively increase the water absorption rate, maximum water content, and water diffusion rate in different types of rice. As WAEW formed more hydrogen bonds with substances in the rice, it was easier to combine with substances in the rice, forming more bound water. Under the combined effect of the alkaline environment of WAEW and the characteristics of its own water molecules, the surface and internal structure of the rice were eroded, the surface layer was peeled off, and a large number of pore structures were formed. Along with the increased water absorption, more substances such as starch and protein dissolved from the rice. The cooked rice soaked in WAEW had greater sensory quality, higher digestibility and glycemic index. Therefore, WAEW could be used as a new method for cooking rice, promoting the rapid absorption of water and increasing the sensory quality and digestibility.

Engineering water exchange is a safe and effective method for magnetic resonance imaging in diverse cell types

Aquaporin-1 (Aqp1), a water channel, has garnered significant interest for cell-based medicine and in vivo synthetic biology due to its ability to be genetically encoded to produce magnetic resonance signals by increasing the rate of water diffusion in cells. However, concerns regarding the effects of Aqp1 overexpression and increased membrane diffusivity on cell physiology have limited its widespread use as a deep-tissue reporter. In this study, we present evidence that Aqp1 generates strong diffusion-based magnetic resonance signals without adversely affecting cell viability or morphology in diverse cell lines derived from mice and humans. Our findings indicate that Aqp1 overexpression does not induce ER stress, which is frequently associated with heterologous expression of membrane proteins. Furthermore, we observed that Aqp1 expression had no detrimental effects on native biological activities, such as phagocytosis, immune response, insulin secretion, and tumor cell migration in the analyzed cell lines. These findings should serve to alleviate any lingering safety concerns regarding the utilization of Aqp1 as a genetic reporter and should foster its broader application as a noninvasive reporter for in vivo studies.

A new method for improving the resistance of cement-based materials to carbonic acid water corrosion: Carbonation curing and further water curing

Accelerated carbonation curing has several advantages compared with traditional moisture curing in terms of decreasing the duration time of early curing and improving the mechanical properties, dimensional stability and durability of concrete. This study investigated the effect of accelerated carbonation curing and further water curing on corrosion behavior, corrosion products, and pore structure of cement mortar and paste samples exposed to carbonic acid water corrosion. The results indicate the accelerated carbonation curing reduces corrosion depth and mitigates the decline in compressive strength caused by carbonic acid water corrosion. The accelerated carbonation curing can lead to the decalcification of C-S-H gel, and the formation of a large amount of CaCO3 and silica gel (SiO2·γH2O) on the surface of the C-S-H gel, which play a crucial role in the corrosion resistance of carbonic acid water. CaCO3, firstly, fills pores and optimizes the pore structure, slowing down the diffusion rate of carbonic acid water. Meanwhile, an essential "protective layer" forms on the surface due to abundant CaCO3, effectively preventing further corrosion of internal C-S-H gel, CH, C2S, and C3S. At the later age of corrosion, the carbonic acid water can lead to the decalcification shrinkage of CaCO3, and the deterioration of pore structure, which adversely affects the mechanical properties of cement-based materials.

Comparison of water mobility and distribution in Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun during hot‐air and microwave drying processes

SummaryLow‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) was employed to investigate changes in mobility as well as distribution of water in yam slices in the course of hot‐air drying (HAD) and microwave drying (MD) processes. Moisture content, effective moisture diffusivity, and water activity were also analysed. According to the results, a total of three water fractions with various T2 relaxation times were observed in fresh yam slices: T21 (0.9–2.6 ms), T22 (30–130 ms), and T23 (130–1245 ms). With the increment in drying temperature and the rise of microwave power in the course of drying, there was a significant decline in the transverse relaxation time and peak amplitude of T23. The overall moisture content exhibited a good correlation with Atotal during both HAD and MD processes, with coefficients equivalent to 0.9194 and 0.9024, respectively. With rising drying temperature and microwave power, there was a corresponding rise in effective moisture diffusivity. In comparison with HAD, the rate of water diffusion and evaporation in yam slices dried by MD was higher. Taking into account the drying efficiency and moisture state, MD was suggested as a preferable drying technology for dehydrating yam slices.

Preparation of PLGA Microspheres Using the Non-Toxic Glycofurol as Polymer Solvent by a Modified Phase Inversion Methodology.

Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide is a biodegradable copolymer that can release pharmaceuticals. These pharmaceuticals can provide local therapy and also avert the clinical issues that occur when a drug must be given continuously and/or automatically. However, the drawbacks of using poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide include the kinetics and duration of time of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide drug release, the denaturing of the drug loaded drug, and the potential clinical side effects. These drawbacks are mainly caused by the volatile organic solvents needed to prepare poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide spheres. Using the non-toxic solvent glycofurol solvent instead of volatile organic solvents to construct poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide microspheres may deter the issues of using volatile organic solvents. Up to now, preparation of such glycofurol spheres has previously met with limited success. We constructed dexamethasone laden poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide microspheres utilizing glycofurol as the solvent within a modified phase inversion methodology. These prepared microspheres have a higher drug load and a lower rate of water diffusion. This prolongs drug release compared to dichloromethane constructed spheres. The glycofurol-generated spheres are also not toxic to target cells as is the case for dichloromethane-constructed spheres. Further, glycofurol-constructed spheres do not denature the dexamethasone molecule and have kinetics of drug release that are more clinically advantageous, including a lower drug burst and a prolonged drug release.

Hydration kinetics and mechanism of C3S with cellulose nanocrystals

Tricalcium silicate (C3S) is the primary ingredient in ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Understanding the hydration kinetics of C3S with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is the key to unveiling the intrinsic mechanism of CNC affecting OPC hydration. This study investigates the hydration interactions between C3S and CNC through extensive testing. Findings indicate that CNC incorporation can initially slow the hydration reaction and postpone the early-stage hydration of C3S. However, past the initial period (3 days in this study), CNC presence enhances the hydration pace and aids the hydration process, leading to an increase in the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and calcium hydroxide (CH) without creating new phases. Further, the presence of CNC promotes the homogenous hydration of C3S, ensuring a homogenous distribution of hydration products. It also reduces the Ca/Si ratio in the C–S–H, without altering the C–S–H morphology. A correlation is made between heat flow and the thickness of hydration products enveloping C3S particles, confirming that CNC can intensify the inward water diffusion rate through C3S particles for the same hydration product thickness. Critically, it is found that the effect of CNC on C3S hydration is dependent on the water/C3S ratio. A low or moderate water/C3S ratio can promote C3S hydration but a very high water/C3S ratio diminishes the beneficial effects of CNC on C3S hydration. Finally, the study proposes a explanation for CNC's influence over the hydration of C3S with varying water/C3S ratios.

Vacuum impregnation assisted simultaneous micronutrients fortification and phytic acid reduction in lentils

A vacuum impregnation (VI) assisted simultaneous micronutrient fortification and phytic acid (PA) reduction strategy is developed to enhance micronutrient content and its bioavailability in the lentils matrix by reducing PA-to-mineral molar ratio. Lentils dipped in micronutrient solution (iron and zinc) were VI for 3 h, i.e., subjecting at 50 mbar vacuum pressure for 5 min, followed by atmospheric relaxation for 3 and 9 min (V3 and V9), respectively. The V9 resulted in an enhanced water diffusion rate with higher migration of micronutrients (two-fold) compared to the atmospheric soaking. With fast water diffusion to cotyledons and subsequent leaching of PA, vacuum impregnation offers significantly higher PA reduction than atmospheric soaking without impacting the major quality characteristics. The developed process was able to reduce the PA-to-mineral molar ratio of iron and zinc from 4.85 to 12.59 to 0.26 and 0.10, respectively.

Alterations in Diffusion Tensor Imaging-derived Indices of Auditory Pathway-related Fiber Tracts in Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Hearing loss is the most common sensory-neurological defect in humans. The most common hearing impairment is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) caused by the inner ear and related nerves. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MRI technique that can provide valuable information about auditory neural pathways and their microstructural changes. The present study was designed to investigate the microstructural changes in auditory pathways-related fiber tracts in children with SNHL. Twenty-two children including 11 subjects with SNHL aged 1-4 years and 11 healthy children were examined as controls. Then, DTI-derived parameters, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AxD), and radial diffusivity (RD), and volume of fiber tracts were extracted from the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, acoustic radiation, and uncinate fasciculus. The results showed an increase in MD, RD, and AxD as well as a decrease in FA, volume, and diameter of auditory-pathway-related fiber tracts. Interestingly, there was an increase in the FA of acoustic radiation. White matter connections in the auditory canal decrease and AR integrity increases due to compensatory effects. These probably reflect atrophy or degradation as well as compensatory cross-modal reorganization in the absence of auditory input and the use of sign language. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) plays an important role in preoperative planning.Anatomical knowledge of the auditory tract is essential for lacrimal drainage surgeries, such as cochlear implantation.DTI-based biomarkers for brain changes and allows us to better understand the pathophysiological changes of auditory tract.Microstructural changes in the fiber tracts associated with the auditory pathway can distinguish sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) from healthy subjects. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type and accounts for the majority of all hearing loss. SNHL is a congenital deficit and refers to any cause of hearing loss due to a pathology of the cochlea, auditory nerve, or central nervous system. One of the chief treatment planning is cochlear implant for these patients. So, it is necessary to evaluate the auditory system by imaging devices such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) before treatment. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography, or diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography, is an MRI technique that measures the rate of water diffusion between cells to understand and create a map of the body's internal structures; it is most commonly used to provide imaging of the brain. The purpose of the present research was to assess the auditory system and its nerve routs in children before cochlear implant. This study showed that DT imaging is a novel approach for assessment of children with SNHL before and treatment.

Molecular Imaging with Aquaporin-Based Reporter Genes: Quantitative Considerations from Monte Carlo Diffusion Simulations.

Aquaporins provide a unique approach for imaging genetic activity in deep tissues by increasing the rate of cellular water diffusion, which generates a magnetic resonance contrast. However, distinguishing aquaporin signals from the tissue background is challenging because water diffusion is influenced by structural factors, such as cell size and packing density. Here, we developed a Monte Carlo model to analyze how cell radius and intracellular volume fraction quantitatively affect aquaporin signals. We demonstrated that a differential imaging approach based on subtracting signals at two diffusion times can improve specificity by unambiguously isolating aquaporin signals from the tissue background. We further used Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the connection between diffusivity and the percentage of cells engineered to express aquaporin and established a mapping that accurately determined the volume fraction of aquaporin-expressing cells in mixed populations. The quantitative framework developed in this study will enable a broad range of applications in biomedical synthetic biology, requiring the use of aquaporins to noninvasively monitor the location and function of genetically engineered devices in live animals.

Water absorption behavior and physico‐chemical and mechanical performance of PLA‐based biopolymers filled with degradable glass fibers

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based biopolymers filled with degradable glass fibers were submitted to real life conditions, selected based on their potential applications as beverage containers, to evaluate the feasibility of their usage at the required operational conditions. To do so, several media (i.e., buffer solutions at pH = 3, 5, 7.5, 12 and alcoholic solution) and temperatures (25, 37, 55 and 70°C) were applied to mimic the storage of food, beverage, and detergents inside or in direct contact with the bio‐based prototypes. Their mechanical, spectroscopic (FTIR) and morphological (SEM) features were evaluated and compared with samples after immersion. Water absorption increased with the increasing temperature, with maximum values achieved in alcoholic solutions indicating a more severe interaction of media with the functional groups of the samples. The diffusivity, D, increased with temperature, indicating faster water diffusion rate, especially in strong alkaline media. Treatments at pH 12 led to the most relevant degradation. This behavior was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis that evidenced a strong decrease of the ester band at 1755 cm−1 and the dissolution of the external layer of the polymeric matrix, which became more evident at higher temperatures, where several glass fibers emerged from the bulk. Tensile and flexural tests indicated a softening of the material and an increase in the plasticity of the samples with the increasing temperature. Evident embrittlement of samples was observed at higher temperatures, suggesting an increase in the crystallinity degree of the biopolymer. The obtained results showed the suitability of the PLA‐based biocomposites for applications that do not require high temperatures for long periods of time. Also, the tested materials were proved to resist washing with mild detergents. These results will help in the designing of the new improved PLA‐based biocomposites to meet with the target objectives on their applications.

Selective permeation up a chemical potential gradient to enable an unusual solvent purification modality

The need for energy-efficient recovery of organic solutes from aqueous streams is becoming more urgent as chemical manufacturing transitions toward nonconventional and bio-based feedstocks and processes. In addition to this, many aqueous waste streams contain recalcitrant organic contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, industrial solvents, and personal care products, that must be removed prior to reuse. We observe that rigid carbon membrane materials can remove and concentrate organic contaminants via an unusual liquid-phase membrane permeation modality. Surprisingly, detailed thermodynamic calculations on the chemical potential of the organic contaminant reveal that the organic species has a higher chemical potential on the permeate side of the membrane than on the feed side of the membrane. This unusual observation challenges conventional membrane transport theory that posits that all permeating species move from high chemical potential states to lower chemical potential states. Based on experimental measurements, we hypothesize that the organic is concentrated in the membrane relative to water via favorable binding interactions between the organic and the carbon membrane. The concentrated organic is then swept through the membrane via the bulk flow of water in a modality known as "sorp-vection." We highlight via simplified nonequilibrium thermodynamic models that this "uphill" chemical potential permeation of the organic does not result in second-law violations and can be deduced via measurements of the organic and water sorption and diffusion rates into the carbon membrane. Moreover, this work identifies the need to consider such nonidealities when incorporating unique, rigid materials for the separations of aqueous waste streams.

Optic Nerve Ischemia Secondary to Pediatric Orbital Cellulitis.

FIG. 1FIG. 2Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a specific sequence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that estimates the rate of water diffusion. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) image, on its turn, is a form of quantifying the diffusion of water in DWI. Obstacles to water diffusion include cellularity and ischemia, which are seen with high signal intensity in DWI and low signal intensity in ADC. We describe the case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with left rapid-evolving cellulitis and globe tenting (Fig. 1A, massive left hemifacial and eyelid edema; Fig. 1B, axial computed tomography scan) that resulted in complete visual loss even after urgent cantholysis and drainage of a circumferential orbital abscess (Fig. 1C). On the first postoperative day, DWI (Fig. 2A) and ADC (Fig. 2B; optic nerves ADC values: right 1.034 s/mm2, left: 0.63 s/mm2) showed restricted diffusion along the entire extension of the left optic nerve (ON) indicating ischemia. The authors believe that the optic nerve ischemia resulted from the compression of the optic nerve pial vessels by the acute orbital compartment syndrome. Orbital hypertension also compressed the short posterior ciliary arteries and central retinal artery causing retinal and choroidal ischemia (Fig. 2C,D; optical coherence tomography: edema and complete disorganization of retinal layers). This case highlights that optic nerve ischemia is a mechanism of visual loss in orbital compartment syndromes.

Characterization of moisture absorption and flexural performance of functionalized graphene modified carbon fiber composites under low energy impact

AbstractComposite failure due to in‐service low energy impact damage and moisture absorption is a major risk for these materials within aerospace, automotive and other engineering sectors. Deterioration in post‐impact flexural properties, and the tendency of thermosets to absorb moisture are some of the few drawbacks of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). Adding graphene into the matrix is theorized to improve mechanical properties and reduce moisture uptake. This study evaluates the diffusion characteristics and flexural properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites modified with NH2 functionalized graphene (CFRP/graphene nanoparticle [GNPs]) before and after impact under various environmental conditions. Adding GNPs to CFRP decreased the flexural strength and modulus by 24% and 25% respectively before impact. After impact, the flexural strength and modulus decreased by 7.4%–23.6% and 37%–67%, respectively. For both composites after undergoing impact, the residual strength and stiffness were considerably reduced due to delamination and transverse cracking. Samples with graphene inclusion experienced a slower rate of ethanol and water diffusion, for both unimpacted and impacted samples, by 46.4% and 44.8%, respectively. Moisture uptake also reduced the flexural properties of both composites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed good dispersion but poor bonding of graphene to the matrix, which is believed to be the reason for property reduction.

Effect of Soil Configuration on Alfalfa Growth under Drought Stress

This paper aims to compare the effect of different soil configurations on plant growth under long-term drought to provide a theoretical basis for soil reclamation and vegetation restoration in the contiguous area between Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia, China. With the widely distributed montmorillonite-enriched sandstone in this area as the soil structure ameliorator and the sandy soil as the test soil, indoor simulation and soil column tests were conducted to study the water holding capabilities of different reconstructed soils configurations. The drought stress test of alfalfa on these soils explored the correlation between the growth of alfalfa and soil water in various configurations. The soil–water characteristic curve and soil texture were analyzed to determine plant survival. The results showed that the addition of montmorillonite-enriched sandstone with high water holding capacity and water diffusion rates could increase the water content of the sandy soil. The treatments with 20 and 30 cm montmorillonite-enriched sandstone at the depths of 20–40 cm and 20–50 cm demonstrated the longest survival time (60 days and 59 days), the highest germination (34% and 35%), and the highest water holding capacity (22.6% and 27.3%), indicating that soils with higher water holding capacity and lower diffusion rates could be used as a reservoir, in combination with other soil materials with high water content, and that the addition of the montmorillonite-enriched sandstone layer at 20–30 cm in the sandy soil is the optimal choice for topsoil reclamation in open-mining areas.

Production and properties of the polyvinyl alcohol modified macro-defect-free α-hemihydrate gypsum composite

The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced macro-defect-free α-hemihydrate gypsum composite (PMC) was prepared by compression molding technique. The mechanical strength from the age of 3 d to 120 d and water resistance of PMC were tested, and the phase composition, microstructure, pore structure of PMC was characterized by SEM, XRD, TGA and MIP. The results show that the compressive and flexural strength of PMC with 1 % PVA addition cured for 3 d reach 80.9 MPa and 23.2 MPa, respectively. A compacted gypsum crystal structure is obtained by using the compression molding technique and the PVA film in PMC matrix can absorb fracture energy, which makes PMC have high mechanical strength. Due to the low water to gypsum ratio, the main crystalline phases detected in PMC consist of CaSO4·2H2O and CaSO4·0.5H2O. The TG curves show that the hydration degree of PMC may be further limited by the excessive incorporation of PVA, which is not conductive to the strength development. The softening coefficient of PMC with 2 % PVA addition gets to 0.81. The diffusion rate of water in the matrix can be reduced because of the compact structure of PMC and the hindering effect of PVA film on water diffusion, which improves the water resistance of PMC.

Effects of interfacial molecular mobility on thermal boundary conductance at solid-liquid interface.

The effects of interfacial molecular mobility on the thermal boundary conductance (TBC) across graphene-water and graphene-perfluorohexane interfaces were investigated using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The molecular mobility was varied by equilibrating nanoconfined water and perfluorohexane at different temperatures. The long-chain molecules of perfluorohexane exhibited a prominent layered structure, indicating a low molecular mobility, over a wide temperature range between 200 and 450K. Alternatively, water increased its mobility at high temperatures, resulting in an enhanced molecular diffusion that significantly contributed to the interfacial thermal transport, in addition to the increasing vibrational carrier population at high temperatures. Furthermore, the TBC across the graphene-water interface exhibited a quadratic relationship with the rise in temperature, whereas for the graphene-perfluorohexane interface, a linear relationship was observed. The high rate of diffusion in interfacial water facilitated additional low-frequency modes, and a spectral decomposition of the TBC also indicated an enhancement in the same frequency range. Thus, the enhanced spectral transmission and higher molecular mobility of water with respect to perfluorohexane explained the difference in the thermal transport across the interfaces considered herein.

Characteristics of the composite film of arabinoxylan and starch granules in simulated wheat endosperm

We found that cell wall components of wheat grains differed significantly across different grain-filling stages; specifically, we observed significant differences in water content and water migration rate (p < 0.05). A composite film of arabinoxylan and starch granules was prepared to simulate wheat endosperm structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the crystallinity and structural stability of the film increased with increasing starch content. Water diffusion experiments of the films revealed that the water diffusion rate gradually decreased with increasing starch content. Therefore, the water mobility of the starch endosperm was lower than that of the aleurone layer. These findings provide a basis for further studies in the context of wheat grain water regulation.

High-throughput fabrication of monodisperse spherical supraparticles through a reliable thin oil film and rapid water diffusion.

A supraparticle is a spherical superstructure composed of fine building blocks, typically synthesized through colloidal assembly from evaporating and contracting suspension droplets. Microfluidic emulsification is known to be effective in producing large amounts of water-in-oil droplets. However, the process of supraparticle self-assembly has been limited by the evaporation of the oil that supports it and the sluggish shrinkage of water droplets. These are caused by the high volatility and low diffusion rates of water in the bulk oil layer, making the process last hours or even days. To address these challenges, we introduce a new system in this paper: the supraparticle reliable fabrication (SURF) system. This microfluidic-based system can quickly and reliably assemble spherical supraparticles in 20 min. The SURF system combines a conventional flow focusing device with a thinly layered low-volatile/water-soluble oil, and an open-microfluidic droplet evaporator. This setup facilitates the creation of uniform supraparticles with various materials and diameters (coefficient of variation: <3.5%). As a proof-of-concept for potential biochemical applications, we demonstrate a sensitive chemical reaction on the fabricated supraparticles, emphasizing the effectiveness of the SURF system as an alternative to traditional supraparticle synthesis and particle-based applications.