Search Results (5,097)

Non-dilute emulsions are emulsions where the concentration of the droplets is high enough for the neighbouring droplets to interact with each other hydrodynamically but is still smaller than the packed bed concentration where the droplets are packed and deformed against each other. Thus, they cover a broad range of droplet concentrations. Many emulsions encountered in industrial applications fall under this category. Non-dilute emulsions exhibit rich rheological behaviour, from a simple Newtonian fluid to a highly non-Newtonian fluid, reflecting shear-thinning, shear-thickening, yield stress, viscoelasticity, etc. In this article, the rheology of non-dilute emulsions is reviewed comprehensively. Emulsions of hard-sphere-type droplets and deformable droplets, with and without surfactants, are covered. The mathematical models describing the rheological behaviour of non-dilute emulsions are discussed. The influences of electric charge and interfacial rheology on the rheological behaviour of emulsions are covered in detail. The flocculation of droplets caused by different mechanisms, such as depletion and bridging induced by additives, and their effect on emulsion rheology are investigated thoroughly. Finally, the dynamic rheology of non-dilute emulsions is discussed, covering both pure oil–water interfaces and additive-laden interfaces. The mathematical models describing the dynamic rheological behaviour of non-dilute emulsions are described. Based on the existing theoretical and empirical models, it is possible to a priori predict the rheology of non-dilute emulsions. However, serious gaps in the existing knowledge on non-dilute emulsion rheology remain. This review identifies the gaps in existing knowledge and points out future directions in research related to non-dilute emulsion rheology. Full article

The increased demand for food worldwide has led to the widespread use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Since the Green Revolution, the use of such chemical fertilizers has been in high demand as a nutrient input in agriculture. The increased application of fertilizer to upsurge crop yields is not suitable for the long term and leads to nutrient loss, as well as severe environmental and ecological consequences. In contrast to conventional fertilizers, nano fertilizers, which are designed at the 1–100 nm size, provide focused nutrient delivery, decreased leaching, and improved plant absorption. They accomplish this by greatly increasing crop yields, enhancing fertilizer usage efficiency, and facilitating sustainable farming in the face of obstacles, including resource scarcity, climate change, and a projected population size of 10 billion by 2050. In comparison to typical NPK fertilizers at equal nutrient rates, nano fertilizers enhanced crop yields by an average of 20–23% across cereals, legumes, and horticulture crops according to studies conducted between 2015 and 2024. In particular, using nano urea with rice increased grain yields by 28.6% with 44% less nitrogen input, and applying nano zinc to wheat increased yields by 31.2% and improved the grain’s Zn content by 41%. Through targeted foliar or soil application, nano fertilizers frequently increase nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by more than 50% as opposed to 30–50% for conventional fertilizers. Nano fertilizer is prepared based on the encapsulation of plant essential minerals and nutrients with a suitable polymer matrix as a carrier and then delivered as nano-sized particles or emulsions to the plants. Natural plant openings like stomata and lenticels in plant parts facilitate the uptake and diffusion, leading to higher NUE. This review provides an overview of current knowledge on the development of advanced nano-based and smart agriculture using nano fertilizer to improve nutritional management. Furthermore, nanoscale fertilizers and their formulation, nano-based approaches to increase crop production, the different types of fertilizers that are currently available, and the mechanism of action of the nano fertilizers are discussed. Thus, it is expected that a properly designed nano fertilizer could synchronize the release of nutrients in crop plants as and when needed. Full article

Bone defects have become a leading cause of disability and mortality. The pro-inflammatory state and impaired vascularization are major factors hindering bone defect repair. However, current bone regeneration materials lack the ability to regulate the osteoimmune microenvironment and promote vascularized bone regeneration. In this study, we employed clinically used fat emulsion (FE), which is intravenously administered to provide nutrition and energy for patients, to investigate the effect of immunomodulation on promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Results from RT-qPCR analysis and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that FE exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of the pro-inflammatory marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and upregulating the expression of the anti-inflammatory marker transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Endothelial tube formation and scratch assays demonstrated that FE promoted angiogenesis and cell migration by releasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) within the inflammatory microenvironment. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining revealed that FE facilitated ALP activity and calcium nodule formation by releasing bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) within the inflammatory microenvironment. These findings may prove promising and cost-effective for the clinical treatment of bone defects. Full article

Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) contributes substantially to colibacillosis outbreaks in chickens. Because APEC cells readily attach to surfaces and develop biofilms, they pose a notable hazard to poultry production and food safety. This study investigated the antibiofilm and anti-adhesion activities of deep eutectic solvent-based emulsion containing Piper betle L. extract (DEPE) and hydroxychavicol, a pure compound isolated from P. betle leaves against APEC. Methods: Antibiofilm and anti-adhesion activities of DEPE and hydroxychavicol against APEC were investigated. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation of DEPE and hydroxychavicol was conducted. In addition, anti-adhesion activity of DEPE on chicken meat during storage was evaluated. Results: DEPE and hydroxychavicol significantly inhibited biofilm formation at sub-MIC, with DEPE achieving up to 80% inhibition and hydroxychavicol up to 69%. At 8 × MIC, DEPE and hydroxychavicol diminished the viability of both early and established biofilms. Furthermore, DEPE and hydroxychavicol reduced APEC adhesion on the surface as observed by SEM. In silico analyses demonstrated the stable binding of hydroxychavicol to adhesion-related proteins, particularly EcpA and FimH, suggesting a possible mechanism for its anti-adhesion activity. At day 5, DEPE at 4 × MIC significantly reduced 63% bacterial adhesion to chicken meat surfaces during storage, while maintaining the meat’s color. Conclusions: These findings indicate that DEPE and hydroxychavicol are promising candidates for limiting APEC biofilm formation and surface attachment and may serve as alternative antibacterial agents in poultry-related food safety applications. Full article

The growing consumer trend toward plant-based diets is prompting the food industry to seek alternatives to animal protein. Chickpea protein (CPP) stands out for its high protein content (14.9–24.6%) and represents a sustainable alternative. Therefore, this study evaluated and compared the techno-functional performance of CPP and whey protein isolate (WPI), with a focus on their emulsifying capabilities for plant-based food development. CPP was extracted via alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation. The techno-functional properties were evaluated, including solubility index (%), foaming capacity (%), emulsion activity index (EAI), gelling, and interfacial properties. Additionally, CPP was used as an emulsifier in plant-based emulsions, and the emulsion stability was compared with WPI for two months. Although CPP exhibited a lower solubility index (60 ± 1.0%) than WPI (95 ± 0.3%), its foaming capacity was identical (CPP: 57 ± 6%; WPI: 58 ± 4%) and exhibited a significantly higher emulsion activity index (22 ± 0.3 m²/g) than WPI (15 ± 0.8 m²/g). In terms of gelation, WPI formed stronger gels (1.2–2.1 N) than CPP (0.05–0.06 N), at the same concentrations. Interfacial tension measurements showed that, while CPP exhibited a higher interfacial saturation concentration (0.055 g/L vs. 0.023 g/L), it was more effective at reducing equilibrium interfacial tension than WPI. Finally, emulsion stability over two months was similar when using CPP or WPI as emulsifiers. CPP demonstrates a competitive functional profile; however, its implementation as a sustainable ingredient will require physical or chemical modifications to improve its functional properties for complex food matrices. Full article

Cartilage regeneration remains an unmet clinical challenge. Despite the great advances in the production of hydrogels as support matrices for cartilage regeneration, the resulting mechanical properties remain low. Granular composite hydrogels appear as ideal candidates due to their injectability and modularity in design. Here, we report on the fabrication and characterization of heterogeneous composite granular hydrogels based on methacrylated chitosan (CHIMA) and gelatin (GelMA) microparticles supported by an interstitial methacrylated alginate (ALMA) matrix. Microparticles were prepared by an oil-emulsion method and their size and morphology optimized, resulting in CHIMA and GelMA microparticles of 10.8 µm (95% CI 9.2, 13.1) and 115.8 µm (95% CI 107.5, 137.6) in diameter, respectively. The microparticles were mixed with ALMA and crosslinked to form granular hydrogels that demonstrated reduced swelling and weight loss. The storage modulus increased from 33 to 66.4 kPa for CHIMA/ALMA hydrogels and from 11.5 to 19.5 kPa for GelMA/ALMA hydrogels when the particle concentration increased from 10 to 50%, and was higher than traditional ALMA hydrogels. Hydrogels of 50:50 CHIMA:GelMA permitted a 6.6-fold increase in cell number after 28 days of culture, and promoted the chondrogenic differentiation of embedded mouse mesenchymal stem cells with a glycosaminoglycan deposition of over 15 µg and the expression of chondrogenic markers. Full article

β-Carotene is widely utilized in food systems due to its biological activities, but exhibits poor chemical stability and low bioavailability. This study utilized whole Auricularia polytricha (Mont.) Sacc. powder as a direct emulsifier to establish a natural emulsion-based delivery system designed to enhance the stability of β-carotene. Under optimal conditions, using 7% Auricularia polytricha (Mont.) Sacc. powder (120 μm) and 1% oil phase fraction, microscopic analysis revealed that emulsion droplets were small and uniformly distributed, resulting in excellent long-term stability. After UV irradiation, the degradation rate of β-carotene in the emulsion was significantly lower than that of β-carotene directly dispersed in the oil phase. In vitro simulated digestion indicated that β-carotene retention in the intestinal phase reached 9.2% in the emulsion system, 1.2 ± 0.23% higher than in the conventional oil-dissolved system. This strategy offers a practical approach for the high-value utilization of this fungal resource, streamlining industrial processes and reducing production costs. Full article

This study employs a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach based on the Two-Fluid Model (TFM) to investigate the CO₂ capture characteristics in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor using potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) as the sorbent. The simulations are conducted at five superficial gas velocities ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 times the minimum bubbling velocity (u_mb = 0.26 m/s), with a particle diameter of 0.4 mm, particle density of 2300 kg/m³, and an initial solid volume fraction of 0.55. The gas mixture consists of CO₂, H₂O, and N₂ at a molar ratio of 0.1:0.1:0.8 and a temperature of 343 K. First, the numerical simulation was validated against experimental data reported in the literature, confirming its accuracy in quantitatively describing the adsorption process. Subsequently, the distributions of CO₂ concentration and adsorption reaction rate in both the bubble phase and the emulsion phase were analyzed under different superficial gas velocities. The simulation results indicate that CO₂ concentration and adsorption reaction rate in both phases decrease along the bed height. Compared to the emulsion phase, the bubble phase exhibits higher CO₂ concentration and gas temperature but a lower adsorption reaction rate. As the gas velocity increases, CO₂ concentration rises in both the bubble and emulsion phases, accompanied by an increase in the proportion of the bubble phase, and a higher CO₂ concentration at the reactor outlet. Further comparison of CO₂ concentrations in the bubble and emulsion phases at the upper part of the bed with the outlet concentration reveals that the outlet CO₂ primarily originates from the unadsorbed portion within the bubble phase, while the contribution from unadsorbed CO₂ in the emulsion phase is almost negligible. Full article

The incorporation of plant-derived oils into cosmetic formulations has attracted increasing interest due to their natural origin, skin compatibility, and multifunctional formulation roles. Argan and castor oils are widely used in cosmetic products as emollient lipid components with intrinsic antioxidant properties. However, limited studies have systematically evaluated the physicochemical stability and antioxidant performance of emulsions combining these two oils. The aim of this study was to develop and comprehensively characterize a stable oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic emulsion based on argan and castor oils using a natural non-ionic emulsifier (C14–22 Alcohol (and) C12–20 Alkyl Glucoside). Particular emphasis was placed on formulation stability, as it represents a critical prerequisite for further product evaluation. Stability was investigated through thermal stress testing (4–37 °C), centrifugation assays, droplet size analysis, and zeta potential measurements. Complementary physicochemical and structural characterization was performed using rheological analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The formulated emulsion exhibited good physical stability with no phase separation under the tested conditions, a skin-compatible pH, a uniform droplet size distribution (4.15 ± 0.68 µm), and pseudoplastic, moderately thixotropic rheological behavior. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, yielding an IC₅₀ value of 19.21 ± 1.02 mg/mL. Overall, this study provides a formulation-oriented framework for the development and evaluation of stable natural oil-based O/W emulsions intended for cosmetic applications, supporting future optimization and biological validation. Full article

This study explored the dual chemical modification of starch isolated from red lentils (Lens culinaris) to develop a biodegradable polymer with enhanced functionality for multifaceted applications. Native starch was isolated via combined salt–alkali treatment and sequentially modified through epichlorohydrin-mediated crosslinking, followed by cationization using glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride (GTAC). Utilizing a Quality by Design (QbD) strategy through Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the cationization endured fine-tuning to reach an optimal degree of substitution (DS = 0.572) under foremost conditions (GTAC: 2.1 mol, NaOH: 0.09 mol, reaction time: 18 h). Structural and functional characterization using FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and zeta potential analysis confirmed the successful modification, indicating enhanced thermal stability, a transition to a more amorphous structure, and a moderately positive surface charge (+7.24 mV). The dual modified cationic lentil starch (CLS) demonstrated effective flocculation of kaolin suspensions, achieving a transmittance of up to 94%. Additionally, CLS showed significantly improved emulsion stability, maintaining over 70% stability after 24 h, compared to native starch, which dropped below 30%. These results emphasize the promising potential of CLS as an eco-friendly and high-performance alternative to synthetic polymers for water treatment and stabilization of emulsion-based formulations. Full article

The poultry industry generates large amounts of protein- and mineral-rich by-products that remain underutilized. This study investigated the use of chicken skin protein hydrolysate and chicken bone protein–mineral mass (PMM) as functional ingredients in emulsified poultry sausages. The hydrolysate was characterized by a high protein content (52.25%) and high water- and fat-binding capacity (142% and 125%, respectively), while the PMM served as a source of protein and minerals with stable physicochemical and rheological characteristics. These ingredients were incorporated into sausage formulations at different substitution levels. Partial replacement of poultry meat increased protein and mineral content and affected key technological properties, including water-binding capacity, emulsion stability, cooking loss, and shear force. Moderate inclusion levels were associated with a more cohesive protein matrix, lower cooking losses, and improved structural stability, whereas excessive substitution resulted in increased firmness and less favorable sensory characteristics. Among the tested formulations, the combination of 18% PMM and 4% protein hydrolysate showed the most balanced technological and sensory performance. The findings suggest that poultry by-products processed into functional ingredients may have potential for application in value-added sausage formulations. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins A, D₃, and folic acid, remain a significant global health challenge despite established dietary recommendations. This study proposes a novel fortification strategy using advanced emulsion technology to enrich extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) with these essential micronutrients. Water-in-oil (W/O) and double oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) emulsions were designed to enable the simultaneous encapsulation of lipophilic (A and D₃) and hydrophilic (folic acid) vitamins within a single functional food matrix. Vitamin concentrations were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a photodiode detector (PDA) to evaluate retention during processing. Bioaccessibility was assessed by subjecting vitamin-enriched emulsions to a standardized in vitro digestion model simulating gastrointestinal conditions. Results showed significantly higher incorporation efficiency in the O/W/O system compared to conventional W/O emulsions, regardless of the physicochemical properties of the vitamins. Both lipophilic (A and D₃) and hydrophilic (folic acid) compounds exhibited a satisfactory retention, highlighting the versatility of the double-emulsion approach. This study represents the first report of simple and multiple oil-continuous emulsions that simultaneously incorporate vitamins A, D₃, and folic acid, providing preliminary evidence of their stability and gastrointestinal release under simulated digestion conditions. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of selected agri-food by-products—apple pomace extract from Malus domestica cv. ‘Grochówka’ and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile L.) hydrolate—as functional, sustainable ingredients for cosmetic applications. The work focused on their chemical composition, biological activity, formulation performance, and in vivo effects on skin condition. Volatile compounds, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids were analyzed by GC–MS, while total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibitory activity were evaluated in vitro. An oil-in-water emulsion containing the by-products was formulated and, in a 14-day split-face study, assessed for its effects on skin hydration, elasticity, inflammation, sensitivity, pore visibility, and melanin index. Biochemical analyses have shown that chamomile hydrolate is characterized by very low antioxidant activity (DPPH 5.0 ± 1.25%, FRAP 0%) and weak protease inhibition (9.70 ± 1.84%). In contrast, apple extract contained a significant amount of polyphenols (23.94 ± 0.3 mg GAE/g) and showed strong antioxidant properties (DPPH 79.4 ± 2.12%, FRAP 70.56 ± 2.23%; IC₅₀ = 21.5 ± 0.196 mg/mL), which confirms the dominant role of phenolic compounds in its biological activity. This extract also demonstrated significant protease inhibition (60.88 ± 2.35%; IC₅₀ = 15.02 ± 0.47 mg/mL), while its lipase inhibition activity was moderate (10%), which may be beneficial from a cosmetic perspective. The obtained results indicate that apple extract is a valuable raw material with multifaceted biological potential. Overall, the results demonstrate that apple pomace extract and chamomile hydrolate can be effectively valorized as bioactive cosmetic ingredients, supporting both skin health benefits and circular economy principles in sustainable cosmetic formulation. Full article

After implantation in vivo, airway stents are prone to negative biological effects, such as platelet adhesion, aggregation, and blood coagulation, which may lead to vascular occlusion and thrombosis. Therefore, when studying the antithrombotic properties of vascular grafts, it is crucial to construct a fiber film-coated airway stent with antithrombotic properties. In this paper, PTFE/TPU fiber film was prepared by emulsion electrospinning, and heparin aldehyde group was modified to covalently graft with the fiber film to obtain heparin-loaded fiber film (Hep-PT fiber film), and a heparin-loaded PTFE fiber film-coated airway stent (Hep-PT fiber film-coated airway stent) was prepared. Covalent grafting improves the stability of heparin and promotes the long-term stable release of heparin. The loading of heparin increases the fiber nodes between the fiber films, increases the friction between the fibers, and improves the mechanical properties and ability of the fiber film to resist external forces. At the same time, the Hep-PT fiber film-coated airway stent exhibits excellent cytocompatibility, making it an ideal candidate system for airway stent materials. Full article

In this study, a combined approach of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and experimental bottle tests was employed to systematically investigate the demulsification performance and underlying mechanisms of two distinct demulsifiers—Demulsifier X (SP/BP series and alcohol-initiated polyethers) and Demulsifier Y (AP/AE series and amine-initiated polyethers)—targeting polymer-containing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions derived from heavy oil polymer flooding. Molecular models for heavy oil, saline water, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), and demulsifiers were constructed using BIOVIA Materials Studio software. Their dynamic behaviors at the oil–water interface were simulated within three distinct saline systems containing NaCl, CaCl₂, and MgCl₂, respectively. Simulation results indicated that the demulsifiers effectively displaced interfacial HPAM molecules, increased interfacial tension, and reduced interfacial interaction energy. Experimental bottle tests, evaluating the effects of settling time, temperature, and concentration on dehydration rates and oil content, confirmed that Demulsifier Y outperformed Demulsifier X. Specifically, Demulsifier Y achieved superior dehydration rates with lower dosages, shorter settling times, and reduced temperature requirements under optimal conditions. This work provides both microscopic mechanistic insights and macroscopic experimental validation for the screening and application of high-efficiency demulsifiers. Full article