Search Results (50)

This study explores the effects of Tricholoma matsutake-derived insoluble dietary fiber (TMIDF) on the pasting behavior, structural properties, and in vitro digestibility of rice flour. The incorporation of 5% TMIDF significantly increased the peak viscosity (from 2573.21 to 2814.52 mPa·s) by competitively adsorbing water and forming a dense transient network, while simultaneously reducing the final viscosity (from 1998.27 to 1886.18 mPa·s) by inhibiting amylose recrystallization. Multi-scale structural analyses revealed that TMIDF enhanced V-type crystallinity and limited enzyme access via a porous fibrous matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analyses confirmed that hydrogen bonding and water redistribution were key interaction mechanisms. TMIDF significantly lowered in vitro starch digestibility and increased resistant starch content by 16% (from 14.36% to 30.94%) through synergistic effects, including physical encapsulation of starch granules, formation of enzyme-resistant amylose-lipid complexes, and α-amylase inhibition (31.08%). These results demonstrate that TMIDF possesses a unique multi-tiered modulation mechanism, involving structural optimization, enzyme suppression, and diffusion control, which collectively surpasses the functional performance of conventional plant-derived insoluble dietary fibers. This research establishes a theoretical basis for applying fungal insoluble dietary fibers to develop low glycemic index functional foods, highlighting their dual role in improving processing performance and nutritional quality. Full article

In this study, complexes of pregelatinized Chinese yam starch with ferulic acid (PCYS+FA) were prepared using a boiling water bath, with varying levels of Chinese yam starch (CYS) and ferulic acid (FA). The investigation focused on the effects of FA addition (3%, 9%, and 15%) on the physicochemical properties and structure of PCYS+FA complexes. The solubility, swelling, and water-holding capacity of PCYS+FA were compared with those of CYS, with the solubility and swelling showing a gradual enhancement with increasing FA content. The incorporation of FA reduced the thermal stability of CYS, decreasing the initial degradation temperature from 245.94 °C (CYS) to 228.17 °C (PCYS+15%FA). Infrared spectroscopy revealed that CYS and FA were bound through non-covalent intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, X-ray diffractograms showed that FA and CYS formed a V-type complex, in which the crystallinity of PCYS reached a minimum of 3.72%, and the degree of molecular ordering was reduced. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that FA adhered to the surface of starch granules, resulting in the formation of pores that facilitated the entry of FA molecules into the internal crystal region of starch, allowing them to interact with starch molecules. Full article

The process of convergence and the aggregation of polyamide granules and clusters on a water surface has been studied. These granules are widely used to visualize flows on the surface and in the bulk of the water. It is shown that the law of particle motion during convergence corresponds to electrostatic interaction. Like other polymers, polyamide particles are easily charged owing to friction. The quantitative estimation of the surface charge of the granules gives values close to the results of other authors. The range of action of electrostatic forces is fractions of a millimeter, and the maximum velocities of the clusters and granules measured in the experiment do not exceed 1 mm/s when converging. Therefore, when studying flows, electrostatic interaction does not distort the velocity field if the concentration of the granules is low and the velocities of the flows are rather high. Full article

The increasing concern regarding the environmental impact of conventional plastics has intensified the search for sustainable alternatives. This study investigated the development and characterization of biocomposites produced from glue flour (GF), a wheat milling by-product, and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) using injection molding. GF/PBS ratios of 100/0 (PBS0), 80/20 (PBS20), 70/30 (PBS30), and 60/40 (PBS40) (w/w) were evaluated in terms of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The results showed that increasing the PBS content significantly enhanced tensile strength from 1.36 MPa (PBS0) to 12.23 MPa (PBS40) and Young’s modulus from 0.12 MPa to 1.54 MPa. Water solubility decreased from 37.03% (PBS0) to 16.08% (PBS40), and linear shrinkage was reduced from 5.5% (PBS0) to around 2.0% (PBS40). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed improved homogeneity and reduced granule visibility with higher PBS concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra indicated intensified interactions between starch, proteins, and PBS as its content in the formulation increased. Thermal analysis revealed that biocomposites containing PBS exhibited well-defined melting (Tm ~115 °C) and crystallization (Tc ~80 °C) temperatures, indicating more consistent thermal behavior than the PBS-free sample. These findings suggest that GF/PBS biocomposites have strong potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, offering viable applications across various industrial sectors. Full article

To address the limitations in determining the amount of activator and optimizing the mix proportion during the preparation of bauxite tailings (BX)-based alkali-activated materials (AAMs), as well as the insufficient research on the interactions of multiple factors, this study aims to synthesize and optimize composite cementitious materials with BX and granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as precursors via response surface methodology and central composite design (RSM-CCD). The optimal alkali activator proportion and slag content for alkali-activated, bauxite tailing, powder slag cementitious materials were investigated. A series of tests, including XRD, FTIR, TG-DSC, and SEM–EDS, were used for analysis to further investigate the effects of the alkali activator dosage on the mechanical properties and the influence of the slag content on the hydration products and microstructure. The results show that the optimal composition of alkali-activated bauxite tailings-based cementitious material is 35% slag content, 4% alkali content, a water glass modulus of 1.3, and a water–solid ratio of 0.32. The relationship model between the activator parameters and compressive strength fits well, with model determination coefficients of 0.9803 for f_3c and 0.9789 for f_28c. The identified hydration products were mainly C-S-H and C-(N)-A-S-H gels in the form of SiQ₃ and SiQ₄ tetrahedra. The SEM–EDS results show that the incorporation of slag changes the silicon–aluminum ratio of the system, promoting an increase in the content of hydration products and increasing the complexity and density of the structure. GGBFS also has a micro-aggregate filling effect and a nucleation effect, which improve the distribution of hydration products. This study demonstrates the significant potential of BX in the preparation of cementitious materials, which contributes to the sustainable development of the construction industry. Full article

The relatively low production cost and short lifespan of plastic products contribute significantly to the annual accumulation of plastic waste, raising serious environmental concerns. Conventional disposal methods like landfill and incineration not only waste valuable resources but also result in substantial secondary pollution. In response to the imperatives of sustainable development and environmental protection, in this work, different preparation methods (mechanical processing; heating and covering with milled sand and glass; covering plastic granules with polymers and then mineral materials such as microsilica and waste metakaolin; using other chemical additives) for plastic granules from waste and their influence on the properties of cementitious materials were studied. Lightweight concrete properties such as density, ultrasound pulse velocity, flexural and compressive strength, water absorption, and the interaction zone between the cement matrix and plastic granules were analyzed. It was determined that one-third by volume of natural aggregate can be replaced with specially prepared plastic granules from waste, obtaining a bending strength of the lightweight concrete of about 5 MPa, a compressive strength at 28 days of approximately 30 to 35 MPa, a density of about 1850 kg/m³, and an ultrasound pulse velocity of 3900 m/s. Full article

Dietary fibre deficiency has been associated with various global health challenges. Starch, as a main component of many staple foods, is typically very low in fibre content. The primary aim of this research was to increase the dietary fibre and alter the physicochemical properties of some common and emerging starches (cassava, quinoa, and chickpea starch) using eco-friendly modifications. Citric acid, a safe, natural, and environmentally friendly cross-linking agent, was employed for this purpose. Starch samples were treated with 30% citric acid and dry-heated at 130 °C for 5 h. This process resulted in relatively high degrees of substitution: 0.124 for cassava, 0.117 for quinoa, and 0.112 for chickpea starches. The modification successfully produced rich sources of dietary fibre suitable for food applications. It also reduced water interactions, pasting properties, and crystallinity. The highest reduction in swelling power and solubility was observed in quinoa starch (−67.34% and −82.10%, respectively), while the lowest values were obtained for cassava starch (−35.39% and −44.22%). All starches retained their granular integrity; however, they lost birefringence and Maltese crosses and showed some erosions on the granule surfaces. The citrate starches produced in this research offer thermally stable starch suitable for various food applications. Full article

The morphology of wheat starch granules with different damaged starch (DS) content was analyzed using a particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the granular structure was studied using FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD); and the granule–water interaction was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). The increase in the level of DS shifted the population of B-type granules towards larger particle diameters and shifted the population of A-type granules towards smaller particle diameters. The appearance of the surface of the starch-damaged granules was rough and flaky (SEM images). Crystallinity reductions were related to higher mechanical damage levels of the granular structure (FT-IR and XRD). Higher DS increased the liquid-water absorption capacity of the granules. Higher DS was associated with increments in less-bound water proportions and reductions in more strongly bound water proportions and related to reductions in the evaporation temperature of these water populations (TGA analyses). Concerning DVS data, the results suggested that the driving force for water–monolayer attachment to the starch granules decreased as DS increased. Therefore, it was suggested that the changes in granule structure led to a weaker water–starch polymer chain interactions due to the increase in DS. The results contribute to a better understanding of the influence of mechanical damage on the starch granular structure, which could be related to the rheological and thermal behavior of starch-based systems with different DS. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of twin screw melt granulation (TSMG), and hot-melt extrusion (HME) techniques in enhancing the solubility and dissolution of simvastatin (SIM), a poorly water-soluble drug with low bioavailability. Additionally, the study explores the impact of binary polymer blends on the drug’s miscibility, solubility, and in vitro release profile. Methods: SIM was processed with various polymeric combinations at a 30% w/w drug load, and a 1:1 ratio of binary polymer blends, including Soluplus^® (SOP), Kollidon^® K12 (K12), Kollidon^® VA64 (KVA), and Kollicoat^® IR (KIR). The solid dispersions were characterized using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (M-DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Dissolution studies compared the developed formulations against a marketed product. Results: The SIM-SOP/KIR blend showed the highest solubility (34 µg/mL), achieving an approximately 5.5-fold enhancement over the pure drug. Dissolution studies showed that SIM-SOP/KIR formulations had significantly higher release profiles than the physical mixture (PM) and pure drug (p < 0.01). Additionally, their release was similar to a marketed formulation, with 100% drug release within 30 min. In contrast, the SIM-K12/KIR formulation exhibited strong miscibility, but limited solubility and slower release rates, suggesting that high miscibility does not necessarily correlate with improved solubility. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of TSMG, and HME as effective continuous manufacturing technologies for improving the therapeutic efficacy of poorly water-soluble drugs. It also emphasizes the complexity of polymer–drug interactions and the necessity of carefully selecting compatible polymers to optimize the quality and performance of pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of hybrid hydrogels based on calcium alginate (Ca-Alg) and synthetic nanoclay LaponiteRD (Lap), with an emphasis on their swelling and sorption properties. The motivation behind the development of these hybrid hydrogels stems from the need for sustainable materials with enhanced mechanical strength, swelling properties, and sorption capacity for environmental remediation and controlled-release applications. Synthesis methods for the ionotropically cross-linked Ca-Alg hydrogel and Alg–Lap composite hydrogels, based on Alg and Lap in the form of granules and fibres, have been developed. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of composite hydrogels confirmed the successful incorporation of Lap into the Ca-Alg matrix, indicating strong interactions between the polymer and clay, which enhanced the structural integrity of the hydrogels. The morphology of the surface and pore structure of nanocomposites were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The swelling behaviour of the nanocomposites was largely dependent on the concentrations of Lap and the cross-linking agent (CaCl₂), with higher concentrations leading to more rigid, less swellable structures due to the increased cross-linking density. The sorption studies, specifically with Fe(II) ions, demonstrated that the hybrid hydrogels possess a large sorption capacity, with Lap contributing to selective sorption at lower Fe(II) ion concentrations and Alg enhancing overall capacity at higher concentrations. This suggests that the synergistic interaction between Alg and Lap not only improves mechanical stability but also tailors the sorption properties of the hydrogels. These findings position the Alg-Lap hydrogels as promising materials for a range of environmental applications, including wastewater treatment, heavy metal ion removal, and the design of advanced filtration systems. The study’s insights into the tunability of these hydrogels pave the way for further research into their use in diverse fields such as biomedicine, agriculture, and industrial water management. Full article

Concrete with good mechanical properties and durability has always been a necessity in engineering. The addition of fibers and supplementary cementitious materials to concrete can enhance its mechanical and durability performance through a series of chemical and physical interactions. This study aims to investigate the effects of key parameters on the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and chloride penetration resistance of concrete combined with ground granulate blast furnace slag (GGBS) and macro polypropylene synthetic fiber (MSF). Based on the Taguchi method, a total of eighteen mixtures were evaluated, considering the effects of GGBS content, MSF content, water-to-binder (w/b) ratio, and chloride solution concentration on concrete properties. The results showed that the w/b ratio has a significant impact on the properties of concrete, which are enhanced by a decrease in w/b ratio. The GGBS content had little effect on the 28-day strength of concrete, which even decreased with a large GGBS content, but GGBS had a positive effect on the long-term strength of concrete. Moreover, the chloride penetration resistance of concrete was enhanced by an increase in the GGBS content. The MSF content had no obvious effects on the compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance of concrete, but it could enhance the splitting tensile strength to some extent, and this enhancement was more obvious over time. The chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete changed with the concentration of chloride solution, and the two increased simultaneously. Full article

The escalating environmental crisis posed by single-use plastics underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study provides an approach to introduce biodegradable polymer blends by blending synthetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with natural polymers—corn starch (CS) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)—to address this challenge. Through a comprehensive analysis, including of the structure, mechanical strength, water solubility, biodegradability, and thermal properties, we investigated the enhanced performance of PVA-CS and PVA-HPMC blends over conventional polymers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings of pure PVA and its blends were studied, and we found a complete homogeneity between the PVA and both types of natural polymers in the case of a high concentration of PVA, whereas at lower concentration of PVA, some granules of CS and HMPC appear in the SEM. Blending corn starch (CS) with PVA significantly boosts its biodegradability in soil environments, since adding starch of 50 w/w duplicates the rate of PVA biodegradation. Incorporating hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with PVA not only improves water solubility but also enhances biodegradation rates, as the addition of HPMC increases the biodegradation of pure PVA from 10 to 100% and raises the water solubility from 80 to 100%, highlighting the significant acceleration of the biodegradation process and water solubility caused by HPMC addition, making these blends suitable for a wide range of applications, from packaging and agricultural films to biomedical engineering. The thermal properties of pure PVA and its blends with natural were studied using diffraction scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is found that the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases after adding natural polymers to PVA, referring to an improvement in the molecular weight and intermolecular interactions between blend molecules. Moreover, the amorphous structure of natural polymers makes the melting temperature ™ lessen after adding natural polymer, so the blends require lower temperature to remelt and be recycled again. For the mechanical properties, both types of natural polymer decrease the tensile strength and elongation at break, which overall weakens the mechanical properties of PVA. Our findings offer a promising pathway for the development of environmentally friendly polymers that do not compromise on performance, marking a significant step forward in polymer science’s contribution to sustainability. This work presents detailed experimental and theoretical insights into novel polymerization methods and the utilization of biological strategies for advanced material design. Full article

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations are prepared at the point of care. Centrifugation cellular density separation sequesters a fresh unit of blood into three main fractions: a platelet-poor plasma (PPP) fraction, a stratum rich in platelets (platelet concentrate), and variable leukocyte bioformulation and erythrocyte fractions. The employment of autologous platelet concentrates facilitates the biological potential to accelerate and support numerous cellular activities that can lead to tissue repair, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and, ultimately, functional and structural repair. Normally, after PRP preparation, the PPP fraction is discarded. One of the less well-known but equally important features of PPP is that particular growth factors (GFs) are not abundantly present in PRP, as they reside outside of the platelet alpha granules. Precisely, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are mainly present in the PPP fraction. In addition to their roles as angiogenesis activators, these plasma-based GFs are also known to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis, and they promote keratinocyte migration and support tissue repair and wound healing. Additionally, PPP is known for the presence of exosomes and other macrovesicles, exerting cell–cell communication and cell signaling. Newly developed ultrafiltration technologies incorporate PPP processing methods by eliminating, in a fast and efficient manner, plasma water, cytokines, molecules, and plasma proteins with a molecular mass (weight) less than the pore size of the fibers. Consequently, a viable and viscous protein concentrate of functional total proteins, like fibrinogen, albumin, and alpha-2-macroglobulin is created. Consolidating a small volume of high platelet concentrate with a small volume of highly concentrated protein-rich PPP creates a protein-rich, platelet-rich plasma (PR-PRP) biological preparation. After the activation of proteins, mainly fibrinogen, the PR-PRP matrix retains and facilitates interactions between invading resident cells, like macrophages, fibroblast, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as well as the embedded concentrated PRP cells and molecules. The administered PR-PRP biologic will ultimately undergo fibrinolysis, leading to a sustained release of concentrated cells and molecules that have been retained in the PR-PRP matrix until the matrix is dissolved. We will discuss the unique biological and tissue reparative and regenerative properties of the PR-PRP matrix. Full article

Currently, from the sustainable development point of view, edible films are used as potential substitutes for plastics in food packaging, but their properties still have limitations and require further improvement. In this work, novel edible carrageenan films reinforced with starch granules and nanocellulose were developed and investigated for application as a bio-based food packaging system. The nanocellulose was used to improve film mechanical properties. Aloe vera gel was incorporated for antibacterial properties. Glycerol and sesame oil were added as plasticizers into the nanocomposite film to improve flexibility and moisture resistance. The interactions between charged polysaccharide functional groups were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The migration of starch particles on the upper film surface resulting in increased surface roughness was demonstrated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy methods. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that all films were stable up to 200 °C. The increase in nanocellulose content in films offered improved mechanical properties and surface hydrophilicity (confirmed by measurements of contact angle and mechanical properties). The film with a carrageenan/starch ratio of 1.5:1, 2.5 mL of nanocellulose and 0.5 mL of glycerol was chosen as the optimal. It demonstrated water vapor permeability of 6.4 × 10⁻¹⁰ g/(s m Pa), oil permeability of 2%, water solubility of 42%, and moisture absorption of 29%. This film is promising as a biodegradable edible food packaging material for fruits and vegetables to avoid plastic. Full article

Incorporating blast furnace slag into the composition of paving concrete can be one of the cost-effective ways to completely eliminate by-products from the pig iron production process (approximately 70% granulated slag and 30% air-cooled slag). The possibility to reintroduce blast furnace slag back into the life cycle will provide significant support to current environmental concerns and the clearance of tailings landfills. Especially in recent years, granulated and ground blast furnace slag (GGBS) as a substitute for cement and air-cooled blast furnace slag (ACBFS) aggregates as a substitute for natural aggregates in the composition of concretes have been studied by many researchers. But concrete compositions with large amounts of incorporated blast furnace slag affect the mechanical and durability properties through the interaction between the slag, cement and water depending on the curing times. This study focuses on identifying the optimal proportions of GGBS as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) and ACBFS aggregates as a substitute to natural sand such that the performance at 90 days of curing the concrete is similar to that of the control concrete. In addition, to minimize the costs associated with grinding GGBS, the hydration activity index (HAI) of the GGBS, the surface morphology, and the mineral components were analyzed via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX), and nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry (NMR). The flexural strength, the basic mechanical property of road concretes, increased from 28 to 90 days by 20.72% and 20.26% for the slag concrete but by 18.58% for the reference concrete. The composite with 15% GGBS and 25% ACBFS achieved results similar to the reference concrete at 90 days; therefore, they are considered optimal percentages to replace cement and natural sand in ecological pavement concretes. The HAI of the slag powder with a specific surface area equivalent to that of Portland cement fell into strength class 80 at the age of 28 days, but at the age of 90 days, the strength class was 100. The results of this research present three important benefits: the first is the protection of the environment through the recycling of two steel industry wastes that complies with European circular economy regulations, and the second is linked to the consequent savings in the disposal costs associated with wastefully occupied warehouses and the savings in slag grinding. Full article