Particle Yield Research Articles

Enzymatic hydrolysis of palm cellulose to yield nanocrystals with potential roles in lipid and cholesterol digestion and absorption

Abstract Limited research has been conducted to understand the influence of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on lipid and cholesterol digestion and absorption. This study aimed to explore and understand the ability of CNCs to modulate these processes. CNCs were obtained from palm-pressed fiber (PPF) via a green enzymatic hydrolysis method, a more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional, acid hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using the endo-β-D-glucanase derived from Aspergillus sp. The effect of the enzyme concentration (250–1000 U/g) and reaction times (12–72 h) on CNC particle size, morphology, yield and suspension stability were studied. Enzymatic hydrolysis at a concentration 500 U/g and 72 h of incubation successfully produced needle-shaped, shortened, and non-entangled CNCs with an average diameter of 22.76 ± 5.52 nm, length of 342.55 ± 148.69 nm, an aspect ratio of ~ 15, and a crystallinity of 61.45%. Interestingly, the water (22.28 ± 0.85 g/g) and oil (15.08 ± 0.62 g/g) holding capacities of CNCs were four times higher than raw PPF (5.31 ± 0.53 g/g; 3.52 ± 0.32 g/g). The results showed increasing CNCs concentrations decreased lipase activity mobilization, increased cholesterol adsorption capability and retarded bile acid diffusion. 1% of CNCs alone inhibited 54.93% of lipase activity. 1 g of CNCs adsorbed 54.19 ± 10.70 mg of cholesterol and demonstrated a greater bile acid retardation effect than microcrystal cellulose (CNCs: 39.3 ± 10.10%: MCC: 27.05 ± 6.72%). The entrapment of lipase and bile acid by CNCs could affect lipid and cholesterol digestion, potentially benefiting digestion health applications. Furthermore, the presence of CNCs could potentially alleviate hypercholesteremia by adsorbing cholesterol and reducing bile acid diffusion. The results revealed the effectiveness of CNCs extraction from PPF through enzymatic hydrolysis and suggest that CNCs may have health benefits as a functional ingredient for developing of fat- and cholesterol-rich foods with health-promoting properties.

KLEIN–GORDON EQUATION, QUNTUM RELATIVISTIC HYDRODYNAMICS AND QUANTUM SHOCK WAVES IN DESCRIBING COLLISIONS OF ATOMIC NUCLEI

In this work, the equations of quantum relativistic hydrodynamics are obtained from the effective Klein–Fock–Gordon equation taking into account dissipation. Taking into account dissipation in the Klein–Gordon equation leads to the need to introduce an additional thermal term and an equation for it. As a result, a closed system of equations was obtained taking into account non-equilibrium processes, which makes it possible to describe the dynamics of the process of collisions of atomic nuclei and calculate the yield of secondary particles. Solving the resulting equations makes it possible to identify quantum shock waves and the time evolution of the resulting hot spot. The calculated spectra of emitted protons in heavy ion collisions are compared with available experimental data.

Vacuum pair production in zeptosecond pulses: Peculiar momentum spectra and striking particle acceleration by bipolar pulses

We examine the phenomenon of electron-positron pair production from vacuum in a combination of two counterpropagating electromagnetic pulses having a duration of the order of the Compton time. We show that in this extreme short-time domain, the momentum distributions of the particles produced possess a peculiar structure which strongly depends on whether the electromagnetic pulses have a unipolar or bipolar profile. It is shown that bipolar pulses can predominantly generate particles with ultrarelativistic velocities along the propagation direction of the pulses, while unipolar ones are generally more favorable in terms of the total particle yield in the same regime. The highly nontrivial properties of the e+e− spectra revealed in our study provide strong experimental signatures paving the way to probe a complex vacuum response within the short-time domain of quantum electrodynamics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Predicting HCN, HCO^+, multitransition CO, and dust emission of star-forming galaxies. Extension to luminous infrared galaxies and the role of cosmic-ray ionization

The specific star formation rate of star-forming main sequence galaxies significantly decreased since $z 1.5$ because the molecular gas fraction and star formation efficiency decreased. The gas velocity dispersion decreased within the same redshift range and is apparently correlated with the star formation efficiency (inverse of the molecular gas depletion time). However, the radio--infrared (IR) correlation has not changed significantly since $z 1.5$. The theory of turbulent clumpy star-forming gas disks together with the scaling relations of the interstellar medium describes the large- and small-scale properties of galactic gas disks. We extend our previous work on the IR multitransition molecular line, and radio continuum emission of local and high-z star-forming and starburst galaxies to local and $z 0.5$ luminous IR galaxies. The model reproduces the IR luminosities, CO, HCN, and HCO$^+$ line luminosities, and the CO spectral line energy distributions of these galaxies. We derived CO(1-0) and HCN(1-0) conversion factors for all galaxy samples. The relation between the star formation rate per unit area and the H$_2$ surface density cannot be fit simply for all redshifts. The star formation efficiency, the product of the gas turbulent velocity dispersion, and the angular velocity of the galaxies are tightly correlated. Galaxies with lower stellar masses can in principle compensate their gas consumption via star formation by radial viscous gas accretion. The limiting stellar mass increases with redshift. The radio continuum emission is directly proportional to the density of cosmic-ray (CR) electrons, but the molecular line emission depends on the CR ionization rate via the gas chemistry. The normalization of the CR ionization rate we found for the different galaxy samples is higher by about a factor of three to five than the normalization for the solar neighborhood. This means that the mean yield of low-energy CR particles for a given star formation rate per unit area is higher by about three to ten times in external galaxies than was observed by Voyager I.

Measurement of relative neutron energy response curve of plastic scintillator detector based on the back-n-white neutron source at CSNS

The plastic scintillator detector is widely used to measure pulsed radiation fields, and a high-quality neutron energy response curve is crucial for accurately determining neutron yields. Traditionally, the neutron energy response curve can be obtained by the simulation of the performance of neutron detectors via the knowledge of the light yield of secondary particles or direct measuring energy response. Both methods record signals by a data acquisition system in the counting mode. This work establishes a new model to directly measure the energy response to neutrons of a plastic scintillator detector in current mode with white source spectra. The plastic scintillator detector can be triggered externally. There is no signal loss and dead time, and it is possible to calibrate the neutron detector with a high-intensity neutron source. Efficiencies can be determined at all energies simultaneously, and a rapid calibration of the plastic scintillator detector is available. To validate the experimental results, the theoretical values are obtained by Geant4 simulation, and the results reproduce the shapes of the experimental curves reasonably well. The neutron energy response curves of the detector show that when the thickness of the scintillator is reduced from 3 to 1 mm, the reduction ratio of gamma signal intensity is greater than that of neutron signal intensity, which leads to an increase in the neutron–gamma sensitivity ratio. Meanwhile, the thin scintillator thickness can obtain a somewhat flatter neutron energy response curve compared with other thicknesses.

Utilizing heterogeneity of lignin to diminish supercooling of phase change material nano-capsules with high latent heat.

Fatty acids, in particular, are valued as phase change materials (PCMs) for their non-toxic, biodegradable nature and thermal stability. However, the leakage and supercooling issues during phase transitions limit their application. Microencapsulation of PCMs, while improving thermal response, often leads to supercooling, complicating temperature regulation and increasing energy consumption. Lignin, a renewable biomass resource, offers potential as a shell material for PCM encapsulation. To address compatibility issues between lignin and fatty acids, we modified lignin via acetylation and prepared hybrid acetylated lignin-stearic acid capsules (hyb-ACLSCs) using an anti-solvent method. Density functional theory (DFT) revealed that acetylated lignin exhibits stronger interactions with fatty acids, leading to higher particle yields (40.8%), enhanced fatty acid loading (57.2%) with a high phase-transition temperature of about 70 ℃, and improved phase transition behavior with a stable latent heat of about 250J/g after 50 heating-cooling cycles. The heterogeneity of lignin facilitated multi-hierarchical self-assembly, preventing supercooling and enabling the formation of nano-sized phase change materials. The resulting hybrid capsules demonstrated high latent heat, negligible supercooling, and are highly promising for energy storage applications.

Complexation with Alginate in Pumpkin Leaf Protein Solutions for the Encapsulation of Folic Acid: The Effect of Extraction Protocols.

This study aimed to assess pumpkin leaves as a protein source and determine the feasibility of these proteins to form complexes with alginate for the encapsulation of folic acid. Different isolation protocols, two based on isoelectric precipitation (one with thermal pretreatment and the other with alkali pre-extraction) and one based on stepwise precipitation with ammonium sulfate, were compared regarding the yield and structural properties of the obtained leaf protein concentrates (LPC). The highest purity of protein was achieved using the thermal-acid protocol and the salting-out protocol at 40% saturation. RuBisCO protein was detected by SDS-PAGE in all LPCs, except for the fractions obtained through salting-out at saturation level ≥ 60%. Complexation of the LPC solutions (1 mg/mL) and sodium alginate solution (10 mg/mL) was monitored as a function of LPC:alginate ratio (2:1, 5:1, and 10:1) and pH (2-8) by zeta-potential measurements and confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Based on the results, the strongest interaction between LPCs and alginate occurred at a pH between 2.20 and 2.80 and an LPC:alginate ratio of 10:1. Complexation resulted in particle yields of 42-71% and folic acid entrapment of 46-92%. The LPC-folic acid interactions elucidated by computational protein-ligand docking demonstrated the high potential of RuBisCO as a biocarrier material for folic acid. The in vitro release study in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids indicated that complexes would be stable in gastric conditions, while folic acid would be gradually released in the intestinal fluids.

STUDY OF EQUILIBRIUM FORMATION OF COMPLEXES IN THE SYSTEM Cu (ll) –1-METHYL-2-MERCAPTOIMIDAZOLE H2O AT 278-318 K

The process of complexation of copper (II) with 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole in the temperature range 278-318 K has been studied. It has been shown that honey (II) with 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole (1M-2MI) forms monomeric and dimeric complexes. Using the KEV online program, the stoichiometry of the complexes was proposed and their stability constants were calculated. It has been established that an increase in temperature negatively affects the equilibrium of complexation of copper (II) with 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole. The values of thermodynamic functions werecalculated for successive reactions. Distribution diagrams were constructed and the yields of complex particles were determined. It has beenestablished that the dimeric particle isformed at the initial stage, when the concentration of the organic ligand is very low.

Heavy quark mass near the phase transition

Abstract Assuming that the number densities of heavy flavor in hadron gas and in QGP are same at $T_c$, we obtain the effective mass of heavy quark at $T_c$ from the comparison with the hadron resonance gas model which well describes particle yield in heavy-ion collisions. We find that charm quark mass at vanishing baryon chemical potential is around 1.8 GeV which is much heavier than QCD bare mass and close to $D$ meson mass. The mass slightly increases with increasing baryon chemical potential and then decreases.
On the other hand, anticharm quark mass constantly decreases with increasing baryon chemical potential. Bottom quark mass has a similar pattern. Extending the hadron resonance gas model to a bit higher temperature beyond $T_c$, the effective masses of charm and bottom quarks decrease with increasing temperature.

Hollow Silica Particles from Silica Sol

The possibility to obtain hollow particles using silica sol as a precursor of a silica shell at different pH values of a D4 emulsion in water is studied. It is shown that the yield of particles, their structure and sizes strongly depend on the pH value.

High-Yield Preparation and Properties of Phenolic Resin-Based Carbon Microspheres.

This study aims to enhance the production efficiency of carbon microspheres (CS) and expand their potential applications. To this end, resorcinol-formaldehyde microspheres (RFS) were prepared in high yield through the modified Stöber method, utilizing resorcinol and formaldehyde as carbon sources, ammonia as a catalyst, and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) as a soft template. The resulting RFS were then carbonized to obtain high yield CS. This study examined the impact of key factors, namely, the concentration of resorcinol, ammonia, and the SDBS concentration, along with the temperature of carbonization, upon the properties of the resulting CS, which were observed with regard to microscopic morphology, average particle size, homogeneity, and yield. The findings demonstrated that the proclivity of RFS to agglomerate with one another at high carbon source concentrations was markedly diminished, while the yield of CS was notably enhanced through the introduction of the anionic surfactant SDBS. The particle size of RFS can be modified within the range 200-1000 nm by adjusting the resorcinol and ammonia concentration. The prepared RFS exhibited a regular spherical morphology and a smooth surface. Furthermore, the CS displayed a uniform spherical morphology following high-temperature carbonization, with no agglomeration or cross-linking observed between adjacent particles. It was observed that the yield of RFS reached a maximum of 93.2 g/L when the resorcinol concentration was 0.7 mol/L. Following carbonization at 800 °C, the yield of CS was found to be 41.9 g/L, with a diameter of 770 nm and good monodispersity.

Explaining Muon Excess in Cosmic Rays Using the Gluon Condensation Model

Ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays are often characterized indirectly by analyzing the properties of secondary cosmic ray particles produced in the collisions with air nuclei. The particle number N μ of muon and the depth of shower maximum X max after air shower cascade are mostly studied to infer the energy and mass of the incident cosmic rays. Research has shown that there is a significant excess in the observed number of muons arriving at the ground from extensive air showers compared to the simulations using the existing cosmic ray hadronic interaction model. To explain this muon excess phenomenon, a new theoretical model, the gluon condensation model, is introduced in this paper and simulated by using the AIRES engine. We assume that the gluon condensation (GC) effect appears mainly in the first collision of the cascade, leading to a significant increase in the strangeness production, consequently, the production rate of kaons is increased, and n K /n π is greater than the value of the usual hadronic interaction process. In the calculation, the model assumes that only pions and kaons are produced in the GC state. The increase of strange particle yield would mean that the energy transferred from the hadronic cascade to the electromagnetic cascade through π 0 → 2γ decay is reduced. This would in turn increase the number of muons at the ground level due to meson decays. Our model provides a new theoretical possibility to explain the muon excess puzzle.

Development and Optimization of Gellan Gum-Based Gastro-Retentive Microbeads for Enhanced Controlled Release of Acyclovir.

Modified release systems offer enhanced spatial and temporal control over drug delivery, leading to better blood plasma profiles, targeted therapy, reduced side effects, and improved patient compliance. Recent advancements focus on using biocompatible polymers to achieve sustained or controlled drug release, particularly for gastroretentive systems that enhance oral bioavailability and minimize dose-dependent toxicity. This study explores the formulation of floating microbeads of acyclovir (ACV) using various hydrophilic polymers. The prototype oral formulations demonstrated superior micrometric properties, including bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose, average particle size, yield, and drug content. In-vitro dissolution studies revealed controlled release characteristics, with optimal floating time and entrapment efficiency achieved using specific concentrations of olive oil and polymers. Drug release trailed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating a diffusioncontrolled mechanism. The formulations exhibited good storage stability, in-vivo floating ability, and higher bioavailability in rabbits compared to ACV solutions. The results suggest that hydrophilic polymers are effective for formulating floating microbeads with controlled release and reproducible profiles.

CRISPR screen for rAAV production implicates genes associated with infection.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are an effective and well-established tool in the growing gene therapy field, with five FDA-approved AAV-mediated gene therapies already on the market and numerous more in clinical trials. However, manufacturing rAAV vectors is an expensive, timely, and labor-intensive process that limits the commercial use of AAV-mediated gene therapies. To address this limitation, we screened producer cells for genes that could be targeted to increase rAAV yield. Specifically, we performed a CRISPR-based genome-wide knockout screen in HEK 293 cells using an antibody specific to intact AAV2 capsids coupled with flow cytometry to identify genes that modulate rAAV production. We discovered that the knockout of a group of heparan sulfate biosynthesis genes previously implicated in rAAV infectivity decreased rAAV production. Additionally, we identified several vesicular trafficking proteins for which knockout in HEK 293 cells increased rAAV yields. Our findings provide evidence that host proteins associated with viral infection may have also been co-opted for viral assembly and that the genetic makeup of viral producer cells can be manipulated to increase particle yield.

A Review on the Progress of QbD Approach in Nanosystems Optimization: Current Updates and Strategic Applications

: Nanotechnology has made great strides in developing targeted drug delivery systems over the past few decades. These systems have garnered attention for their unique biological properties and ability to deliver drugs in a stable and sustainable manner. Despite these advances, there are still concerns about quality, efficacy, and safety. Many fabrication techniques still need to be refined to address the complex structures and non-standard manufacturing processes that can impact the quality of drug delivery systems. Recently, optimization techniques such as Quality by Design (QbD) have gained popularity in the pharmaceutical industry. QbD is a structured approach that addresses many technological and trait-related issues by providing a deep understanding of the product and its operations. This review examines the current state of QbD in the design of various nano-drug delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles, lipid carriers, nano micelles, beaded drug delivery systems, nanospheres, cubosomes, and novel cosmeceuticals. Various mathematical models and statistical tests have been used to identify the parameters that influence the physical characteristics of these nanosystems. Critical process attributes such as particle size, yield, and drug entrapment have been studied to assess risk factors during development. However, critical process parameters are often identified through trial and error. This review highlights common material attributes and process parameters that affect the quality of nano-drug delivery systems. Hence, this survey has disclosed the various material attributes and process parameters, quality variables of different nano-drug systems. QbD designs such as Central drug composite, Design of experiment, D-optimal Design, Box-Benkhen Design, and Face center Design in optimizing the nanosystems have also been added. Conclusively, QbD optimization in nano drug delivery systems is expected to be a time-honored strategy in the forthcoming years.

Factors affecting rAAV titers during triple-plasmid transient transfection in HEK-293 cells.

The efficiency of triple-plasmid transfection in recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) production was analyzed by examining two distinct HEK-293 cells lines. These were categorized as high producer (HP) and low producer (LP) based on their differing levels of productivity under identical conditions. Analysis of RNA expression levels of viral genes revealed disparities in plasmid derived gene expression between the cell lines. Further assessment of transfection efficiency utilizing labeled plasmids revealed lower plasmid uptake and less efficient nuclear transport in LP cell line. Additionally, we observed inferior translation activity in LP, contributing to its shortcomings in overall productivity. In our attempt to optimize plasmid ratios to enhance fully packaged rAAV particle yield, we discovered cell-line-specific optimization potential. The findings highlight the transfection's complexity, urging tailored strategies for improved rAAV production based on each cell line's characteristics, enhancing understanding and guiding further efficiency optimization in rAAV production.

The Effect of Nickel Content and Mechanical Activation on Combustion in the 5Ti + 3Si + <i>х</i>Ni System

Intermetallic alloys were synthesized in the 5Ti + 3Si + xNi system by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and mechanosynthesis. The influence of nickel content on the morphology, size and yield of composite particles after mechanical activation (MA) of mixtures was studied. The dependences of the maximum temperatures and combustion rates, phase composition, morphology and elongation of synthesis products on the nickel content for the initial and MA mixtures are studied. Under the conditions of the experiments conducted in this work, combustion process was able to realize and at the same time the samples burned completely at a nickel content of 10 to 60 wt.% in the 5Ti + 3Si + xNi system. After MA, the samples from the 5Ti + 3Si mixture burned to the end, and during the activation of the 5Ti + 3Si + 40% Ni mixture, mechanochemical synthesis occurred. With increasing nickel content combustion temperature decreases, and combustion velocity behaves nonmonotonically, increases the size of composite particles and decreases the yield of the mixture after MA. MA practically did not affect the maximum combustion temperatures of mixtures of 5Ti + 3Si + xNi. A multiple (from 0.7 to 2.9 cm/s) increase in the burning rate of samples from MA mixtures with an increase in the Ni content from 20 to 30 wt. % was recorded. An increase in the nickel content leads to an increase in the content of triple phases and the amount of melt in the synthesis products of mixtures of 5Ti + 3Si + xNi. Shrinkage of product samples increases with increasing nickel content in the initial mixtures. After MA, the shrinkage of the product samples is replaced by their growth. Explanations of the observed dependencies are proposed.

Preparation and Characterization of 1D, 2D, and 3D Shapes of Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticles

In recent times, the scientific community has become interested in gold nanoparticles, namely in the anisotropic class. Based on their shapes, they fall into three categories: one-, two-, and three-dimensional. The synthesis and properties of three different anisotropic gold nanoparticle preparations - gold nanobipyramids (one-dimension, 1D), gold nanoprisms (two-dimension, 2D), and gold stars (three-dimension, 3D) - are shown in this research. Here, our group describes a chemical reduction method mediated by seeds. X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were used to analyze the anisotropic gold nanoparticles. The average dimensions of the nanobipyramids were 64.27 ± 7.31 nm for length and 25.87 ± 2.56 nm for diameter, according to the data; the average dimensions of the gold nanoprisms and goldstars were 43.54 ± 5.61 nm and 31.35 ± 7.01 nm, respectively. Furthermore, following centrifugation purification, the yields of triangle and bipyramidal particles rose from 40% to over 60% and from 60% to 90%, respectively. It was established what the ideal parameter concentration was to create anisotropic gold nanoparticles in three dimensions: one, two, and three.

A comprehensive approach to physical recycling of hazardous waste HDPE industrial drums: Overcoming challenges in safety and foam interference

The regeneration of hazardous waste plastics are prerequisites for the sustainable development, and treatment of waste high density polyethylene (HDPE) industrial drums poses a significant challenge in the field of waste plastic recycling. In this study, a multi-step collaborative system was established for the decontamination and classification process of hazardous waste industrial drums. The yield of recycled HDPE particles exceeds 80 wt%. Through multiple experimental verifications, the optimal addition amount of antifoaming agent is 0.6 wt%, achieving the best balance between antifoaming effect and consumption. The motion process of antifoaming agent microdroplets in a static mixer was simulated. And also, through large-scale statistical analysis, the stability and reliability of physical properties and environmental safety of recycled HDPE particles were verified, supporting their reuse in various fields. In sum, this study proposes a feasible physical recycling strategy for hazardous waste HDPE industrial drums, and provides basic data from industrial practice and technical insights.

Strengthening mechanism of large-diameter magnetic particles on ferrofluid nanoparticle chaining

The magnetization of nano ferrofluid is lower than that of micrometer magnetorheological fluid, which limits its application in seals, dampers, and various other fields. To enhance the ferrofluid performance, this paper incorporates large-diameter magnetic particles into the ferrofluid to strengthen chaining among nanoparticles. A matrix discrete element method model is constructed to investigate the strengthening mechanism of large-diameter magnetic particles on ferrofluid nanoparticle chaining. Additionally, the chain formation process involving both large and small particles and the influence of large particle volume fractions on chain length, particle number, and yield strength are studied based on the simulation. The results show that small particles and large particles together constitute different complex structures, such as the columnar structure and column-net structure under the strong magnetic dipole force of the large particles, leading to the high chain structure strength. In addition, the chain formation speed, average chain length, average particle number, yield strength, and additional viscosity are influenced by the volume fractions and particle sizes of large particles. The method will enhance the ferrofluid sealing performance and expand the ferrofluid application areas.