Search Results (554)

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cancer drive demand for therapeutic functional foods. This study developed freeze-dried fermented camel milk (FCM) with Ajwa date pulp (ADP), evaluating its physical and functional properties, probiotic survival, and potential benefits for diabetes and cancer. To achieve this target, six FCM formulations were prepared using ABT-5 starter culture (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) with or without Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus B-1937 and ADP (12% or 15%). The samples were freeze-dried, and their functional properties, such as water activity, dispersibility, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, insolubility index, and sedimentation, were assessed. Reconstitution properties such as density, flowability, air content, porosity, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, particle density, carrier index, Hausner ratio, porosity, and density were examined. In addition, color and probiotic survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were analyzed. Also, antidiabetic potential was assessed via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on Caco-2 cells. The results show that ADP supplementation significantly improved dispersibility (up to 72.73% in FCM15D+L). These improvements are attributed to changes in particle size distribution and increased carbohydrate and mineral content, which facilitate powder rehydration and reduce clumping. All FCM variants demonstrated low water activity (0.196–0.226), indicating good potential for shelf stability. The reconstitution properties revealed that FCM powders with ADP had higher bulk and packed densities but lower particle density and porosity than controls. Including ADP reduced interstitial air and increased occluded air within the powders, which may minimize oxidation risks and improve packaging efficiency. ADP incorporation resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increases in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), with greater pigment and phenolic content at higher ADP levels. These changes reflect the natural colorants and browning reactions associated with ADP, leading to a more intense and visually distinct product. Probiotic survivability was higher in ADP-fortified samples, with L. acidophilus and B. bifidum showing resilience in intestinal conditions. The FCM15D+L formulation exhibited potent antidiabetic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 111.43 μg mL⁻¹ for α-amylase and 77.21 μg mL⁻¹ for α-glucosidase activities, though lower than control FCM (8.37 and 10.74 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was most potent in non-ADP samples (IC₅₀: 82.22 μg mL⁻¹ for FCM), suggesting ADP and L. rhamnosus may reduce antiproliferative effects due to proteolytic activity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ADP-enriched FCM is a promising functional food with enhanced probiotic viability, antidiabetic potential, and desirable physical properties. This work highlights the potential of camel milk and date synergies in combating some NCDs in vitro, suggesting potential for functional food application. Full article

In this work, we report a novel mechanochemical synthesis method for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives—a spiral gas–solid two-phase flow approach, which enables the efficient preparation of quinoxaline compounds. Compared to conventional synthetic methods, this approach eliminates the need for heating or solvents while significantly reducing reaction time. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using the synthesis of 2,3-diphenylquinoxaline (1) as a model reaction, the synthetic process was investigated with UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that when the total feed amount was 2 g with a carrier gas pressure of 0.8 MPa, the reaction completed within 2 min, achieving a yield of 93%. Furthermore, kinetic analysis of the reaction mechanism was performed by monitoring the UV–Vis spectra of the products at different time intervals. The results indicate that the synthesis of 1 follows the A4 kinetic model, which describes a two-dimensional diffusion-controlled product growth process following decelerated nucleation. Full article

As a promising n-type semiconductor thermoelectric material, ZnO has great potential in the high-temperature working temperature range due to its advantages of abundant sources, low cost, high thermal stability, and good chemical stability, as well as being pollution-free. Sr-doped ZnO-based thermoelectric materials were prepared using the methods of room-temperature powder synthesis and high-temperature block synthesis. The phase composition, crystal structure, and thermoelectric performances of ZnO samples with different Sr doping levels were analyzed using XRD, material simulation software and thermoelectric testing devices, and the optimal doping concentrations were obtained. The results show that Sr doping could cause the Zn-O bond to become shorter; in addition, the hybridization between Zn and O atoms would become stronger, and the Sr atom would modify the density of states near the Fermi level, which could significantly increase the carrier concentration, electrical conductivity, and corresponding power factor. Sr doping could cause lattice distortion, enhance the phonon scattering effect, and decrease the lattice thermal conductivity and thermal conductivity. Sr doping can achieve the effect of improving electrical transport performance and decreasing thermal transport performance. The ZT value increased to ~0.418 at 873 K, which is ~4.2 times the highest ZT of the undoped ZnO sample. The Vickers hardness was increased to ~351.1 HV, which is 45% higher than the pristine ZnO. Full article

The objective of the current research is to investigate the role of Neusilin US2 as a porous carrier for improving the drug loading and stability of Ezetimibe (EZB) by hot melt extrusion (HME). The amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) were developed from 10–40% of drug loading using Kollidon VA 64 (Copovidone) as a polymer matrix and Neusilin US2 as a porous carrier. The solid-state characterization of EZB was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The formulation blends were characterized for flow properties, and CTC (compressibility, tabletability, compactibility) profile. The in-vitro drug release profiles were studied in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2). The incorporation of Neusilin US2 has facilitated the development of ASDs up to 40% of drug loading. The CTC profile has demonstrated excellent tabletability for the ternary (EZB, copovidone and Neusilin) dispersions over binary dispersion (EZB and copovidone) formulations. The tablet formulations with binary (20%) and ternary (30% and 40%) dispersions have demonstrated complete dissolution of the drug in 30 min in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2). The incorporation of copovidone has prevented the recrystallization of the drug in the solution state. Upon storage of formulations at accelerated conditions, the stability of ternary dispersion tablets was preserved attributing to the entrapment of the drug within Neusilin pores thereby inhibiting molecular mobility. Based on the observations, the current research concludes that it is feasible to incorporate Neusilin US2 to improve the drug loading and stability of ASD systems. Full article

Objectives: This research focuses on the development of fabrication approaches for microparticles intended for controlled drug delivery. The primary objective is to identify the most suitable polymer type, particle size, and morphology for encapsulating a water-soluble crystalline drug. Optimizing these parameters may enhance structural stability and prolong the release of this active substance. Methods: The microparticles were fabricated through the encapsulation of a drug substance within a polymer carrier and employing polymer casting on prepatterned surfaces, followed by the loading of drug precipitates and the application of a sealing layer. The crystalline powder 1-allyl-2,5-dimethylpiperidol-4 hydrochloride served as the core cargo material, while the walls of these particles were composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and a poly (α-caprolactone) (PCL) in a 70:30 composition ratio. Results: The size and volume of the microparticles were found to be dependent on the geometric parameters of the template and the concentration of the polymer solutions. The study demonstrates the formation, physical dimensions, and particle count at varied polymer compositions and concentrations. The formation of the PLA and PCL mixture occurred solely through physical interactions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy were employed to observe the appearance and physical dimensions of the microparticles. The obtained data confirm that tailored polymer compositions can yield consistent particle morphology and a suitable drug elution rate. Conclusions: The results indicate that microparticles sealed with an optimal polymer composition exhibit enhanced release properties. This finding highlights the feasibility of microencapsulation at precise ratios and concentrations of polymers to achieve the long-lasting effects of water-soluble drugs. Full article

Background/objectives: Propolis, known for its medicinal properties, faces challenges in pharmaceutical applications due to its low aqueous solubility, attributed to its resinous and hydrophobic nature. This limits oral administration, reducing its bioavailability and pharmacological activities. To overcome these barriers, cyclodextrins (CDs), cyclic oligosaccharides, are widely studied as carrier systems that enhance the solubility and bioavailability of propolis and other nonpolar compounds. This study aimed to review patents that developed innovative therapeutic approaches to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of propolis through complexation with CDs. Methods: Active and application patents registered over the last 17 years were searched across multiple databases, resulting in the selection of eight inventions for detailed analysis. Results: These patents highlight therapeutic applications of propolis–CD systems for conditions such as diabetes and skin and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as antimicrobial, immunostimulant, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, novel extraction processes free of organic solvents, including nanometric-scale powder extracts, are described. Conclusions: Findings from scientific articles support the patent data, demonstrating that CD complexation significantly enhances the solubility and therapeutic efficacy of propolis. Thus, these patents present an innovative and promising strategy for developing propolis-based pharmaceutical products. Full article

Incorporating probiotics into edible films offers an effective strategy for delivering viable microorganisms to the body. This study aimed to develop edible films based on three types of pregelatinized cassava starch—pregelatinized native starch (PNS), hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP), and hydroxypropyl starch (HS)—as carriers for Bacillus coagulans (BC). The interactions between probiotic powder and the polymer matrix, as well as the viability of B. coagulans during film drying and subsequent storage, were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the films as protective delivery systems at room temperature (25 °C). The addition of BC altered the amorphous-to-ordered structure of the starch matrices. Surface morphology analysis showed BC aggregates on PNS films, whereas HDP and HS films retained smooth surfaces. Incorporation of BC increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PNS films but reduced their elongation at break. Additionally, BC decreased both the light transmittance and water contact angle in PNS films, while 1% BC increased the contact angle in HDP and HS films. BC had no significant effect on the solubility of PNS films but enhanced the solubility of HDP and HS films. Notably, B. coagulans maintained viability around 8 log CFU/g after 90 days of storage at room temperature, supporting the potential of pregelatinized starch-based films as effective probiotic carriers. Full article

The incorporation of Spirulina platensis has been studied as a strategy to enrich food with bioactive compounds. Recent studies have expanded the use of Spirulina in yogurts, seeking to combine its nutritional value with the practicality of functional foods. This study evaluated the physicochemical and bioactive compounds characteristics of yogurt incorporating commercial and agglomerated (with 30% maltodextrin, efficient carrier agent, in a fluidized bed) Spirulina platensis powder, at concentrations of 0.5–2.0% (w/v) prior to fermentation. This study is novel as it is the first to report the incorporation of S. platensis agglomerated in a fluidized bed into yogurt. Fermentations were carried out at 42 °C for 5 h and then the stirred yogurts were stored at 4 °C for 28 days for stabilization. All yogurts obtained achieved characteristic values according to the Brazilian Normative Instruction 46/2007 with total acidity (0.6–1.5%), pH (3.5–4.6), and viable lactic bacteria of at least 10⁶ CFU.g⁻¹, without significantly affecting the quality of the final product or the activity of lactic acid bacteria. For the nutritional composition, it was observed that the greater the amount of cyanobacteria incorporated, the higher the concentrations of proteins (4.2–5.6%) and ashes (1.3–1.8%) in the product, and for the bioactive compounds, the phenolic compounds ranged between 2.98 and 14.96 mg.100 g⁻¹ and significantly enriched the yogurt with phycocyanin (2.19–3.65 mg.100 g⁻¹), β-carotene (4.73–6.37 mg.100 g⁻¹), and chlorophyll a (12.39–13.77 mg.100 g⁻¹), for the formulations using commercial and agglomerated S. platensis powder. Agglomeration improved the stability of bioactive compounds after fermentation and stabilization processes of the yogurts. Also, it was found that the agglomerated S. platensis powder preserved a higher amount of bioactive compounds in the yogurt, which fulfills one of the main objectives of incorporating this cyanobacterium. Full article

Wide-beam laser direct energy deposition (LDED) has been widely used due to its superior deposition efficiency. To achieve optimal laser-powder coupling, this technique typically employs rectangular powder nozzles. This study establishes a simulation model to systematically investigate the powder flow field characteristics of rectangular symmetric nozzles. Through parametric analysis of powder feeding rate, carrier gas flow rate, and shielding gas flow rate, the effects on powder stream convergence behavior are quantitatively evaluated to maximize powder utilization efficiency. Key findings reveal that, while the powder focal plane position is predominantly determined by nozzle geometry, powder feeding parameters exhibit negligible influence on flow field intersections. The resulting powder spot demonstrates a rectangular profile slightly exceeding the laser spot dimensions, and the powder concentration exhibits a distinctive flat-top distribution along the laser’s slow axis, contrasting with a Gaussian distribution along the scanning direction. Experimental validation through powder collection tests confirms strong agreement with the simulation results. Furthermore, a mathematical model was developed to accurately describe the powder concentration distribution at the focal plane. These findings provide fundamental theoretical guidance for optimizing powder feeding systems in wide-beam LDED applications. Full article

Spent osmotic solutions (sucrose, buckwheat honey, acacia honey, apple juice concentrate, chokeberry juice concentrate, cherry juice concentrate, and mannitol) were tested for their valorization to produce powders by spray drying. Simultaneously, the application of inulin as an alternative carrier was verified. The drying yield varied from 6 to 92%. For acacia honey, apple juice concentrate, chokeberry juice concentrate, and cherry juice concentrate, high stickiness was observed, which resulted in low yield and the production of significantly bigger particles of regular size distribution, higher hygroscopicity and bulk density, and better flowability. Sucrose, acacia honey, and mannitol were dried with lower stickiness, and the physical properties of the powders were acceptable. However, the yield of mannitol drying was low due to very small particles, low bulk density, and low cyclone efficiency. Therefore, sucrose and buckwheat honey solutions can be successfully spray dried using inulin as a carrier to produce powders suitable for further food applications. However, for the other tested materials, alternative carriers should be considered to reduce stickiness during drying. Full article

In this study, simple oil-in-water emulsions (O/W) and multiple O/W/O emulsions were employed as carriers for a curcumin delivery system. The stability of emulsions was evaluated using DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), accompanied by particle size measurement by DLS (dynamic light scattering) and rheological analysis. The amount of freezable water (W_fs) in O/W emulsion was determined to be 80.4%, while that in O/W/O emulsion was 23.7%. Multiple emulsions had a more complex structure than simple emulsions, being characterized by higher stability with predominant loss modulus over storage modulus (G” > G’). The mean surface diameter for O/W emulsion was 198.7 ± 9.8 nm, being approximately two times lower than that for multiple emulsions. Curcumin in vitro digestibility was observed for both emulsions and, additionally, the digestibility of fresh and dried curcuma root powders was investigated. Multiple emulsions were found to be a superior matrix for curcumin delivery, with higher stability and emulsion digestibility of 50.6% for the stomach and small intestine. In vitro digestion of dried curcuma powders and curcuma root samples was monitored by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). The DMD (dry matter digestibility) for dried curcuma powders ranged between 52.9% to 78.8%, and for fresh curcuma (KF) was 95.5%. Full article

Objectives: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study aimed to evaluate whether hawthorn fruit (HF) supplementation can influence facial skin phenotypes and leukocyte telomere length (TL) and whether these effects differ by genetic polymorphisms related to TL. Participants/Methods: Among 41 male and female adults aged 25–75 years who participated in the study, 36 completed initial and follow-up examinations over 6 months. The HF supplementation group (n = 17) was instructed to take a powdered HF supplement (900 mg/day), while controls (n = 19) were to take a cornstarch placebo (900 mg/day). Facial skin phenotypes, including pigmentation, pores, hydration, wrinkles, and elasticity, were measured before and after the intervention, and changes in these phenotype scores were calculated. Sequencing of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) polymorphisms, such as rs7705526 (C>A) and rs2853669 (A>G), was conducted. Results: The HF supplementation group exhibited significantly improved hydration scores compared to the control group; the mean changes (follow-up measure—baseline measure) [standard deviation] in hydration scores over 6 months were 1.71 [8.18] and −3.00 [8.42] for the supplementation group and control group, respectively (p < 0.05) (Cohen’s d = 0.57). However, changes in other phenotypes and leukocyte TL were similar between groups. The genotype-specific analysis revealed that the improvement of hydration state was most noticeable among carriers with the CC genotype of rs7705526 (p < 0.05) (Cohen’s d = 1.50) and that the HF supplementation group exhibited reduced wrinkle scores while the control group showed increased scores among carriers of the AA genotype of rs2853669 (p < 0.05) (Cohen’s d = 1.40). In correlation analysis for all participants, hydration scores were positively correlated with leukocyte TL (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.36; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that HF consumption may have potential anti-skin-aging effects. Future studies may need to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying these effects. Full article

The effects of different carrier agents—pea protein (PP), rice protein (RP), bean protein (BP), whey protein (WP), and maltodextrin (MT, as a control)—on pitaya juice encapsulation via spray drying were evaluated. Juice and carrier mixtures (30% w/v) were dried at 150 °C, and the resulting powders were analyzed for water activity (aw), hygroscopicity (Hg), water solubility (WSI), bulk density (BD), glass transition temperature (Tg), water absorption (WAI), antioxidant activity (AA), total polyphenol content (TPC), total betalain (TB) content, and TB stability. Vegetable proteins showed promising results, significantly impacting the protein content, Hg content, WAI, WSI, AA, TPC, and TB content and resulting in high Tg values. PP showed the best results, with high betalain retention (>30%), high TPC and AA, high protein levels, and low Hg, similarly to MT. WP had the highest TB, AA, and TPC but the lowest Tg (47.21 °C), thus reducing stability. Encapsulates obtained with plant protein-based wall materials presented high Tg (>58 °C); low aw, WSI, and Hg; high protein contents >40%; and adequate retention of bioactive compounds, with low degradation rate constants and long half-lives. Overall, plant proteins are promising alternatives to traditional carriers, offering improved stability and functionality in encapsulated products. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the different hydration states of magnesium stearate (Mg.st) anhydrate (AH), monohydrate (MH), and dihydrate (DH) on the aerodynamic performance and stability of carrier-based dry powder inhalation (DPI) formulations using arformoterol and budesonide as model drugs. Methods: DPI formulations were prepared using Inhalac 251 lactose and Mg.st in various hydrated forms. The physicochemical properties of Mg.st were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Karl Fischer titration, dynamic vapor absorption, and Raman imaging. The aerodynamic performance was assessed employing a next-generation impactor under initial and accelerated conditions (40 °C, 75% relative humidity). Results: Mg.st-MH exhibited the highest crystallinity and the most stable moisture sorption profile, and showed the smallest particle size within the formulation as observed in the Raman images. Formulations containing Mg.st-MH demonstrated significantly higher fine particle fractions for both arformoterol (51.02 ± 5.16%) and budesonide (61.98 ± 4.09%) compared to formulations with Mg.st-AH or -DH forms. Mg.st-MH also exhibited improved performance retention under accelerated conditions, correlating with its physicochemical stability. Conclusions: The monohydrate form of magnesium stearate was the most effective force control agent, which reduced interparticulate interactions, thereby enhancing the inhalation efficiency and formulation stability. Thus, selecting an appropriate hydration form of Mg.st can improve DPI performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spray drying is a technique widely employed in the food and nutraceutical industries to convert liquid extracts into stable powders, preserving their functional properties. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is rich in bioactive compounds such as gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone, which contribute to its health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of spray drying on the chemical profile of ginger, particularly focusing on the transformation of gingerols into shogaols and related compounds. Methods: Fresh ginger juice was spray-dried using various carrier agents, including Clear Gum (CO03), pea protein, and inulin. Mass spectra of the resulting powders were acquired using High-Resolution Flow Infusion Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (HR-FIE-MS) to obtain fingerprint data. Key bioactive compounds were tentatively identified to Level 2, and their relative intensities were assessed to evaluate the effects of different carriers on the chemical composition of the ginger powders. Results: Spray drying with the commercial carrier CO03 resulted in an increase in shogaol analogues ([10]-, [8]-, and cis-[8]-shogaol), gingerenone B, and oxidation products such as 6-hydroxyshogaol, 6-dehydroshogaol, and zingerone. In contrast, natural carriers like pea protein and inulin led to lower relative intensities of these bioactives, suggesting limited capacity for promoting thermal transformations. Spray drying without a carrier produced a shogaol-dominant profile but resulted in powders with poor handling properties, such as stickiness and agglomeration. Antioxidant and total polyphenol assays showed that spray drying reduced antioxidant capacity, while total polyphenol content was more preserved; natural carriers such as inulin better maintained bioactivity compared to modified starch or pea protein. Conclusions: Among the five formulations evaluated—ginger juice with no carrier, with CO03 (two dilutions), pea protein, or inulin—CO03-based samples showed the greatest chemical transformation, while inulin and pea protein better preserved antioxidant capacity but induced fewer metabolite changes. Thus, choice of carrier in the spray-drying process influences the chemical profile and functional characteristics of resultant ginger powders. While CO03 effectively enhances the formation of bioactive shogaols and related compounds, its ultra-processed nature may not align with clean-label product trends. Natural carriers, although more label-friendly, may not create the desired chemical transformations. Therefore, optimising carrier selection is important to balance bioactivity, product stability, and consumer acceptability in the development of ginger-based functional products. Full article