Search Results (170)

Curcumin is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, due to its low bioavailability, the use of encapsulation systems is recommended. Chitosan-based polymeric nanoparticles produced via ionic gelation offer controlled release, though their storage stability remains limited. In this work, the incorporation of collagen-derived peptides, NaCl, and Tween^® 80 was evaluated as a strategy to enhance physicochemical performance. A 2³ factorial design was used to identify the most relevant formulation components, resulting in four stable systems capable of retaining curcumin and preserving its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity during storage. These findings highlight the potential of chitosan-based systems for improving the functional performance of curcumin and suspension stability. Full article

Spent bleaching earths (SBEs) resulting from the refining of soybean oil contain significant amounts of residual oil and phosphorus, which pose an environmental and disposal problem. In this study, a sustainable biotechnological approach to reactivate SBEs through enzymatic hydrolysis with a commercial lipase under moderate conditions was investigated. In an initial 2³ factorial experimental design, the effects of temperature (40–60 °C), enzyme amount (50–200 mg), and reaction time (4–8 h) were evaluated, with reaction time identified as statistically significant (p < 0.05). A second experimental design with lower enzyme concentrations (5–25 mg) validated a positive effect of enzyme dosage on phosphorus removal. This result was validated by a presence/absence test in which no phosphorus removal occurred in the absence of the biocatalyst. The best conditions (60 °C, 4 h, 5 mg enzyme) reduced the oil content from 10% to 5% and achieved 97% phosphorus removal. However, pigment removal efficiency was limited to approximately 34%, indicating partial restoration of the bleaching capacity compared to virgin earth. The enzymatic process also produced a nutrient-rich liquid hydrolysate containing Mg (16 mg/L), P (750 μg/L), and S (980 μg/L), suggesting potential use as a biofertilizer. Regenerated SBE demonstrated suitability for reuse in oil bleaching systems and potential applications in filtration and soil conditioning, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional regeneration methods. Full article

The aim of this study was to obtain an optimized recipe for a chickpea avocado puree food prototype. The optimization was performed using a model constructed from the results of a 2³ factorial experimental design with central points. The model correlates three factors set through the recipe—chickpea content, avocado content and sugar-to-vinegar ratio- with some measurable quality indicators—instrumentally determined textural descriptors, sensorial determined textural descriptors and acidity. The nine recipes for the chickpea and avocado puree corresponding to the 2³ experiments and the central point were compared in order to select the best candidate for the prototype. The statistical analysis of the results through ANOVA has shown that the instrumental and sensorial texture indicators are influenced by ale factors and al interactions between them (all combination of two and all three) (p < 0.05). The influence of vinegar-to-sugar ratio and of the interaction of all three factors on acidity in the current experimental context cannot be statistically sustained (p > 0.05). The significance of the coefficients of the regression model was also statistically confirmed. The destabilizing force had values between 59.5 g and 108.3 g, the total acidity (expressed in acetic acid grams/100 g product) was between 0.8 and 1.62 and the sensory scores were between 8.8 and 11 points out of a maximum of 25 points. The recipe that was chosen as optimal, both for its sensorial and chemo-physical properties, (instrumental texture and acidity) was that corresponding to experiment 1. The recipe is based on an equal proportion of chickpeas (x₁) and avocado (x₂) and with a ratio between sugars and acid (x₃) of 32.5. The values of the force (Y₁) for exp.1 was 63.7 g and, according to the mathematical model, the most significant influence is of the chickpea and avocado quantities and sugars/acids ratio. The cohesion forces between the ground chickpea particles and avocado resulting from the protein–lipid interaction influenced the textural properties (hardness, spreadability, consistency and creaminess) to a cumulative value of 2.75 out of a maximum of 5. The product obtained following the recipe corresponding to experiment 1 has an acidity (expressed as gram of acetic acid/100 g product) of 0.960 and a humidity of 74.9% (the highest of all recipes). The product has the user acceptability and the quality indicators needed for mass production and commercialization. It can contribute to the increase in avocado consumption and popularity in Romania. Full article

Active surface materials such as activated carbon are used in the removal of contaminants and dyes in effluents. The primary objective of this study was to convert starchy corncobs into valuable activated carbon, capable of efficiently adsorbing dyes, and to comprehensively analyze the resulting material’s physical and structural properties. To achieve this purpose, a 2³ factorial design was employed to create optimized activated carbon for effective methylene blue dye adsorption. The factors considered were carbonization temperatures, carbonization times, and H₃PO₄ activating agent concentrations. This design yielded eight types of activated carbon, namely B-85%, D-85%, M-85%, L-85%, A-45%, S-45%, P-45% and X-45%, observing that the increase in temperature and carbonization time had negative effects on the adsorption capacity, while the increase in the percentage of activating agent had positive effects. The variant labeled as A-45% displayed the highest cationic methylene blue dye removal efficiency, boasting a remarkable adsorption capacity of 99.93%. This result almost reached the performance of commercial activated carbon, which exhibited a similar methylene blue dye removal efficiency (99.94%), while the removal efficiency of the anionic dye nigrosin was 95.24%. X-ray diffraction analysis of activated carbon A-45% indicated a slightly crystalline amorphous structure. Moreover, surface area analysis utilizing the BET method revealed that this material possessed a micromesoporous nature, mainly consisting of cylindrical micropores, resulting in an impressive surface area of 306,493 m²/g. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups, including O-H, C=C, C-O, C-X, and P=O, which create a highly polar surface that enhances the chemisorption of cationic molecules like methylene blue. These findings demonstrate the potential application of the synthesized activated carbon in industrial effluent treatment processes. Full article

This study aims to present the preparation of date stone activated carbon (DSAC) through physical activation with carbon dioxide. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique, Boehm titrations, elemental analysis, Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have been used to characterize the raw material (date stone), date stone activated carbon (DSAC) produced, Congo Red (CR) and to investigate the adsorption phenomena. The study of the DSAC porous material revealed the dominance of micropores with a specific surface area greater than 535.9 m² g⁻¹ and an approximate volume value equal to 0.208 cm³ g⁻¹. The Langmuir model predicted an adsorption capacity of approximately 27.77 mg g⁻¹, while a 90% removal efficiency for CR dye was achieved under neutral pH conditions. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the adsorption of CR on DSAC has a spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and exothermic (ΔH° < 0) character. The adsorption mechanism of CR on DSAC was proposed and discussed, based on the determination of electrostatic interactions being identified as a critical factor that controls the adsorption phenomenon of CR on DSAC. A 2³ full factorial design was implemented to systematically investigate the effects of three critical parameters (temperature, adsorbent dosage, and pH) on the adsorption performance. Statistical analysis indicated that all three primary factors significantly influenced the results. The square correlation coefficient of the model (R²-sq of 97.26%) was in good agreement with the statistical model. The variable is considered statistically significant when the p-value is lower than 0.05. These findings, supported by experimental data, strongly indicate that DSAC possesses remarkable potential as a sustainable and effective bio-adsorbent for wastewater remediation applications capable of removing diverse contaminants with high efficiency. Full article

Osmotic dehydration (OD) is an effective pre-treatment for fruit preservation, but conventional processes often lack precision due to manual control of critical variables. This work reports the design and validation of an automated OD system integrating a programmable logic controller (PLC), human–machine interface (HMI), and IoT-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring of syrup concentration and process temperature. Mango (Mangifera indica) cubes were treated under a 2³ factorial design with sucrose concentrations of 45 and 50 °Brix, immersion times of 120 and 180 min, and temperatures of 30 and 40 °C. Validation demonstrated that the IoT hydrometer achieved strong agreement with reference devices (R² = 0.985, RMSE = 0.36 °Brix), while the PLC-integrated tank sensor also demonstrate improved performance over existing calibrated thermometer (R² = 0.992, MAE = 0.20 °C). ANOVA indicated that concentration, temperature, and time significantly affected water loss and weight reduction (p < 0.01), with temperature being the dominant factor. Water loss ranged from 18.62% to 39.15% and weight reduction from 9.48% to 34.47%, while maximum solid gain reached 9.31% at 50 °Brix and 40 °C for 180 min, with stabilization consistent with case hardening. Drying kinetics were best described by the Page model (R² > 0.97). The findings highlight the effectiveness of the system for precise monitoring and optimization of OD processes. Full article

This work employed a design-of-experiments (DoE) strategy, specifically a 2³ full factorial design, to assess how suspension concentration (0.001–0.002 g/mL), substrate temperature (60–80 °C), and deposition height (10–15 cm) influence tin dioxide (SnO₂) thin films produced by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP). The response variable was the net intensity of the principal diffraction peak, used as an operational metric for detecting the deposited phase. All patterns matched the SnO₂ phase cassiterite reference without impurity peaks. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Pareto and half-normal plots, and response surface methodology, RSM) identified suspension concentration as the most influential factor, followed by significant two- and three-factor interactions. The model exhibited a high coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9908) and low standard deviation (12.53), validating its predictive capability. The optimal deposition process was achieved at the highest suspension concentration (0.002 g/mL), lowest substrate temperature (60 °C), and shortest deposition height (10 cm). These results demonstrate the utility of full factorial DoE for quantifying and controlling deposition outcomes in USP and provide a robust statistical framework to guide the synthesis of SnO₂ thin films. Full article

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for drug delivery due to their structural tunability and high surface area. This work reports on the synthesis of ZIF-8 for the in situ encapsulation of hesperidin, a flavonoid with poor water solubility used in the treatment of circulatory system disorders, as a gastric-targeted drug delivery system (DDS). A 2³ full factorial design was used to optimize drug loading, investigating the effects of DMSO concentration, 2-MIm/Zn²⁺ molar ratio, and final solution volume (water content). The materials were characterized by ATR-FT-IR, TG, XRD, and SEM analyses, confirming successful ZIF-8 synthesis and partial hesperidin encapsulation. Drug release kinetics were evaluated at pH 1.0 and 6.86. The system showed a faster and more pronounced release at pH 1.0, driven by MOF degradation, demonstrating its potential as a gastric-targeted DDS. This study confirms the feasibility of ZIF-8 to improve hesperidin solubility and bioavailability, highlighting a novel strategy for its therapeutic application. Full article

Grape stems are an abundant by-product of winemaking and a promising source of phenolic antioxidants representing an underutilized biomass within the circular economy. Seven Vitis vinifera L. cultivars were analysed by HPLC DAD, with Merlot (Me), Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) and Italian Riesling (IR) identified as the richest sources. This comparative screening provided the basis for a multi-index optimization of extraction. A 2³ full factorial design (ethanol 30–60% v/v; 30–80 min; 25–65 °C) was used for optimization. The optimal green conditions—60% ethanol, 80 min, 65 °C—yielded 1.860 mg/g CA, 1.098 mg/g Q-gluc and 0.409 mg/g Q-glc, with the Merlot stems showing the highest extraction efficiency and Merlot consistently outperforming the other varieties. Kinetic modeling using an unsteady state diffusion model showed excellent agreement (R² ≈ 0.99, RMS < 2%), suggesting a leaching-diffusion mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters confirmed an endothermic, spontaneous and irreversible process with ΔH° between 19.5 and 36.6 kJ/mol, ΔS° between 69.1 and 131.6 J/molK and ΔG° between −1.1 and −9.2 kJ/mol, depending on the compound and grape stem variety. This study shows that grape stems can be efficiently utilised as a sustainable source of phenolic antioxidants, with potential applications in the production of functional foods and dietary supplements. This integration highlights the novelty of the study and supports the valorization of grape stems in the framework of sustainability and the circular economy. Full article

This study optimizes the production of activated carbons from hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) biomass using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) as activating agents. A 2³ factorial experimental design evaluated the effects of agent-to-precursor ratio, dry impregnation time, and activation duration on mass yield and iodine adsorption capacity. KOH-activated carbons achieved superior iodine numbers (up to 1289 mg/g) but lower mass yields (18–35%), reflecting enhanced porosity at the cost of material loss. Conversely, H₃PO₄ activation yielded higher mass retention (up to 54.86%) with moderate iodine numbers (up to 1117.3 mg/g), balancing porosity and yield. HTC pretreatment at 190 °C reduced the ash content, thereby enhancing the stability of hydrochar. These findings highlight the trade-offs between adsorption performance and process efficiency, with KOH suited for high-porosity applications (e.g., water purification) and H₃PO₄ for industrial scalability. The study advances biomass waste valorization, aligning with circular economy principles and offering sustainable solutions for environmental and industrial applications, such as water purification and energy storage. Full article

Helical milling presents a promising alternative to conventional drilling for hole production, offering superior surface quality and improved production efficiency. While this technique has been extensively applied in the aerospace industry, its potential for machining common engineering materials, such as AISI 1045 steel, remains underexplored in the literature. This study addresses this gap by systematically evaluating the influence of key process parameters—cutting speed (V_c), axial depth of cut (a_p), and tool diameter (D_t)—on hole quality attributes, including surface roughness, burr formation, and nominal diameter accuracy. A full factorial experimental design (2³) was employed, coupled with analysis of variance (ANOVA), to quantify the effects and interactions of these parameters. The results reveal that, with a higher V_c, it is possible to reduce surface roughness (R_a) by 30% to 40%, while an increased a_p leads to a 50% increase in R_a. Additionally, D_t emerged as the most critical factor for nominal diameter accuracy, reducing geometrical errors by 1% with a larger D_t. Burr formation was predominantly observed at the lower end of the hole, highlighting challenges specific to this technique. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing helical milling for low-carbon steels, offering a foundation for broader industrial adoption and further research. Full article

Background: The growing demand for nutritionally balanced, gluten-free products has encouraged the development of innovative formulations that deliver both sensory quality and functional benefits. Combining rice and legume flours offers promising alternatives to mimic gluten-like properties while improving nutritional value. This study aimed to develop a gluten-free fusilli noodle using extruded flours based on mixtures of Japanese rice (JR) and chickpea (CP) particles. Methods: A 2³ factorial design with augmented central points was applied to evaluate the effects of flour ratio (X₁, CP/JR, 20–40%), feed moisture (X₂, 24–30%), and extrusion temperature (X₃, 80–120 °C) on responses from process properties (PPs), extruded flours (EFs), and noodle properties (NPs). Results: Interaction effects of X₃ with X₁ or X₂ were observed on responses. On PP, X₁ at 120 °C reduced the mechanical energy input (181.0 to 136.2 kJ/kg) and increased moisture retention (12.0 to 19.8%). On EF, X₁ increased water-soluble solids (2.3 to 4.2 g/100 g, db) and decreased water absorption (8.6 to 5.7 g/g insoluble solids). On NP, X₁ also affected their cooking properties. The mass increase was greater at 80°C (140 to 174%), and the soluble-solids loss was greater at 120 °C (9.3 to 4.5%). The optimal formulation (X₁–X₂–X₃: 40–30%–80 °C) yielded noodles with improved elasticity, augmented protein, and enhanced textural integrity. Conclusions: Extruded flours derived from 40% chickpea flour addition and processed under mild conditions proved to be an effective strategy for enhancing both the nutritional and technological properties of rice-based noodles and supporting clean-label alternative products for gluten-intolerant and health-conscious consumers. Full article

The oxidative degradation of anthocyanins in red wine was investigated under controlled conditions using hydroxyl radicals generated in the presence of Cu (II) as a catalyst. A full factorial experimental design with 23 replicates was used to evaluate the effects of hydrogen peroxide concentration, catalyst dosage, and reaction temperature on anthocyanin degradation over a fixed time. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and multiple regression) showed that all three variables and the main interactions significantly affected anthocyanin loss, with temperature identified as the most influential factor. The combined effects were described by a first-order polynomial model. The activation energies for degradation ranged from 56.62 kJ/mol (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) to 40.58 kJ/mol (peonidin-3-O-glucoside acetate). Increasing the temperature from 30 °C to 40 °C accelerated the degradation kinetics, almost doubled the rate constants and shortened the half-life of the pigments. At 40 °C, the half-lives ranged from 62.3 min to 154.0 min, depending on the anthocyanin structure. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the stability of anthocyanins in red wine under oxidative stress and provide insights into the chemical behavior of derived pigments. The results are of practical importance for both oenology and viticulture and support efforts to improve the color stability of wine and extend the shelf life of grape-based products. Full article

Background/Objectives: The formulation of microspheres for lipophilic drugs using aqueous methods, such as spray drying, faces significant challenges. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the process parameters and polymer selection on the production of microspheres by spray drying for a lipophilic drug. Methods: Lipophilic drug-loaded microspheres were developed using various polymers via the aqueous spray drying method. The effects of the factors on the yield percentage and encapsulation efficiency were analyzed. Microspheres preparation included Agave inulin, guar gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and Eudragit^® S100. A 2³ factorial design was performed, and the parameters were optimized. Results: Inlet temperature, feed flow, and polymer percentage showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the yield percentage of guar gum microspheres and encapsulation efficiency of the inulin microspheres. Inulin and guar gum microspheres showed the best yield percentage (75.41%) and encapsulation efficiency (100%), respectively. In addition, guar gum microspheres had the best morphology, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose microspheres were smaller and had an irregular surface. Eudragit did not maintain its delayed release property due to limitations of the aqueous method; inulin released the drug immediately, and guar gum and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose microspheres prolonged release only by a few additional hours. Conclusions: The experimental design showed that optimizing the parameters (inlet temperature, feed flow, and the type and percentage of polymer) can regulate the microsphere development process to obtain improved product yield and encapsulation efficiency results. Full article

Decreasing crude protein (CP) in broiler diets can improve sustainability but may compromise growth performance. Feed additives like coated cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) and exogenous alkaline protease (EAP) can enhance protein utilization and promote gut health. While CSH modulates metabolism, EAP improves digestibility, but their combined effects in low CP diets remain unclear. This study examines the synergistic impact of CSH and EAP on broiler growth, gut histology, carcass traits, immune response, and nutrient digestibility, aiming to optimize performance while reducing environmental impact. Six-hundred, 1-day-old broiler Ross-308 chicks (male) were allotted to four treatments, each consisting of six replicates of twenty-five birds, in a factorial arrangement using a completely randomized design. The treatments comprised two inclusion levels of coated CSH (0.2 and 0.4 g/kg with or without EAP (0 and 0.2 g/kg) in reduced CP diets. A ten percent reduction in CP from the standard requirements of Ross-308 (20.7% vs. 23% in the starter, 19.35% vs. 21.5% in the grower, and 17.55% vs. 19.5% in the finisher phase) was made in all the dietary treatments. A notable interaction (p ≤ 0.05) between CSH and EAP was detected in body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, and gut morphology during the whole study duration. Similarly, nutrient digestibility and immune response were also influenced by the combined use of CSH and EAP. The synergistic use of coated CSH at 0.2 g/kg or 0.4 g/kg with EAP in reduced CP broiler diets can enhance performance, intestinal health, carcass characteristics, immune response, and nutrient digestibility. Implications of these findings in commercial feeding practices could substantially improve the efficiency and sustainability of broiler production systems. Full article