Search Results (437)

Pacay (Inga feuilleei D.C.) is a species native to Peru. To the author’s knowledge, the only information found in the literature reference of the chemical composition of the pacay’s edible part (fruit) corresponds to the Peruvian table of food composition of the Ministry of Health. Considering the lack of information on this important plant, this study aims to (1) compare the nutritional profiles of the Limeña and Corriente varieties, (2) evaluate the distribution of bioactive compounds across the fruit’s principal fractions (pulp, seed, and peel/mesocarp), and (3) determine the antioxidant capacity and bioactives associated with each fraction. Results showed clear differences both between plant tissues and between genotypes. The edible part showed high amounts of carbohydrates (84–87%), seeds are rich in protein (18–21%), and peels are rich in fiber (around 34%). Amylopectin was the majority starch fraction (86%) found in pacay seeds. All pacay fractions stand out for their high content of total polyphenols, being higher in the case of the peel (1843 mg GAE/100 g). Hydroxycinnamic acids content (40–136 mg FAE/100 g) was higher than the flavonols (18–50 mg GAE/100 g), and both were present in higher amounts in the case of the seed fraction. These findings could be important to enhance the knowledge about this species and its revalorization as functional ingredients to be used in food formulation. Full article

Froth flotation is a widely used method for the selective separation of particulates from aqueous dispersions or slurries. This technology is based on the attachment of sufficiently hydrophobic particles to the air–water interface of gas bubbles. However, when the target particles are strongly hydrophilic, the requirement of hydrophobicity limits the effectiveness of conventional froth flotation. A prominent example is the deinking step in paper recycling, where modern hydrophilic inkjet inks are difficult to remove by flotation. In this study, we evaluated oil-coated bubble flotation as an alternative to conventional air flotation for removing inkjet ink from pulped newsprint. We examined the effects of oil type, salt type and concentration, and pH on deinking efficiency. Compared with traditional air flotation, oil-coated bubble flotation produced substantial improvements in standard performance metrics, including ISO brightness, effective residual ink concentration (ERIC), and the fiber retention of recycled paper pads. Full article

The Military Macaw is a Neotropical psittacid that is endangered in Mexico. It faces significant threats due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. However, little is known about the nutritional characteristics of the plant resources available to this species throughout its annual cycle. This study aimed to characterize the nutritional profile of the fruits consumed by macaws in the Alto Balsas Basin, Mexico, and to infer potential seasonal patterns in the availability of the fruits they feed on in relation to the Macaws’ reproductive phenology. We identified 13 plant species that have been consistently reported as components of the diet of the macaws within the Alto Balsas Basin using a literature review, field observations, and local interviews. We conducted bromatological analyses to assess the content of moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and fiber for the pulp and seeds of all 13 identified plant species. Although we did not measure quantitative food intake, we integrated these data with reproductive phenology and resource availability to infer potential patterns of nutritional use. The results revealed significant differences in nutritional content among the different species, as well as seasonal variation in the nutritional profiles of available resources that coincide with the physiological demands of the macaw life cycle. During the non-breeding season, the availability of species whose fruits have high lipid and carbohydrate contents, such as Bursera spp., hackberry and madras thorn, may provide essential energy. Conversely, during the breeding season, resources with higher lipid and protein content (such as Mexican kapok tree and red mombin) could support the increased energetic investment associated with courtship, egg production, and chick provisioning. Although our study did not directly quantify the amount of each food item consumed, the integration of nutritional and ecological data provides a preliminary view of how resource quality may influence seasonal foraging patterns, offering valuable insights for the conservation and management of this species. Full article

Guamuchil (Pithecellobium dulce) is an underutilized legume with significant potential as a food ingredient. This study valorized guamuchil fractions (pulp, peel, and seed) by developing dietary fiber concentrates (DFC) and evaluating their physicochemical, techno-functional, and antioxidant properties using a single-factor completely randomized design. Proximate composition and dietary fiber profiles (2011.25) were analyzed following AOAC official methodologies. Results showed the peel fraction contained the highest total dietary fiber (64.16 ± 1.23 g 100 g⁻¹ dry basis (db)) and total phenolic content (15.46 ± 0.26 mg GAE g⁻¹ db), positioning it as a bioactive fiber source. Conversely, the pulp DFC exhibited superior hydration properties, with high solubility (43.54 ± 1.22%), swelling (10.23 ± 0.30 mL g⁻¹ db), and water retention capacity (14.17 ± 0.35 mL g⁻¹ db), making it suitable as a texturizer. Moisture sorption isotherms exhibited type II sigmoidal behavior, accurately fitted by GAB and Peleg models (R² ≥ 0.997). The pulp showed higher hygroscopicity and water binding ability, whereas peel and seed fractions displayed lower sorption and enhanced stability. These findings demonstrate that Guamuchil DFCs are suitable as a potential food formulation ingredient owing to their high functionality. Full article

Lignin obtained in acidic conditions is a waste product in various technological processes like sulfite pulping, organosolv pulping, or bioethanol production. Knowing the structure of the lignin enables its use in high-value-added applications. In this paper, the lignin structure isolated from Pinus sylvestris L. and Populus deltoides × maximowiczii wood in acidic conditions was investigated. Two methods of lignin isolation (Klason method and a method using a sulfuric and phosphoric acid mixture) were compared. Additionally, lignin acetylation was performed. The lignin samples were analyzed using different instrumental techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the studies carried out, it was found out that the lignin isolated from pine and poplar wood in acidic conditions had a highly condensed structure. This was evidenced by the high-weight average molar mass of lignin (up to 118,700 g/mol) and the precipitates, aggregates, and agglomerates on its surface. Moreover, the characteristic signals of condensed lignin in ATR-FTIR analysis (band with wavenumber of 767 cm⁻¹) and their decrease/disappearance (band that usually occurs with a wavenumber of about 814 cm⁻¹) were observed. Lignin acetylation and analysis in the 0.5% LiCl/DMAc system have proven particularly effective in the case of the condensed poplar lignin. The beneficial effect of lignin acetylation was confirmed by SEM analysis. The high-molecular-weight condensed lignin, despite some of its problematic properties connected mainly with solubility, is a valuable substance that can be used for different applications (carbon fibers or as an additive for thermoplastic blends), which was confirmed by the studies in this paper and the findings of other scientists. Full article

In this work, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from ash branch wood was used as reinforcement in a thermoplastic starch matrix to develop environmentally friendly materials. Pulp fibers and MFCs were characterized by SEM, TEM, and FTIR. Corn starch biofilms were prepared via casting, formulating eight biofilms with 5 and 10 wt% of MFC. Also, extracts of Muicle and Hibiscus were added to incorporate antibacterial properties. The biofilms were evaluated for mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. Also, properties such as color, opacity, morphology, electrical conductivity, contact angle, and solubility, among others, were evaluated. The reinforced biofilms were homogeneous, dimensionally stable, and transparent with slight color changes. MFC incorporation enhanced hydrogen bonding, which increased the ultimate tensile strength from 11.2 MPa to approximately 19–21 MPa and the Young’s modulus from 809 MPa to 1034–1192 MPa. The presence of MFC also reduced solubility from 48.7% to 38.7–39.8% and decreased water vapor permeability by about 20–23% in biofilms with 10 wt% MFC. Gas barrier properties and the glass transition temperature depended on extract type and fiber content, indicating greater rigidity. The use of ash-based MFC encourages the implementation of circular economy strategies and the development of sustainable biocomposites. Full article

High production costs and sustainability issues are the main factors limiting the widespread application of carbon fibers in various industrial sectors. Lignin, a by-product from the paper and pulping industry, due to its high carbon content of up to 60%, can be considered a potential replacement for polyacrylonitrile in carbon fiber production. The production of lignins with distinct molecular weight distributions as well as group functionalities is essential to enhance high-value applications of lignin. In this study, we present a simple, green solvent-based fractionation method for LignoBoost softwood kraft lignin to obtain a lignin fraction with tailored physicochemical properties for electrospun carbon fiber production without polymeric spinning additives. Sequential solvent extraction was used to produce two fractions with distinct molecular weights: low-molecular-weight softwood kraft lignin (LMW-SKL) and high-molecular-weight softwood kraft lignin (HMW-SKL). The lignin fractions were characterized using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for the molar mass distribution. The thermal properties of lignins were studied using thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Hydroxyl group content was quantified using quantitative ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. We successfully demonstrated the electrospinning of a high-molecular-weight lignin fraction—obtained in high yield from the fractionation process—without the use of any additives, followed by thermal conversion to produce electrospun carbon fibers. The presented results contribute to the valorization of lignin as well as to the development of green and sustainable technologies. Full article

A 3D printing filament was fabricated from poly(lactic acid) (PLA), cassava pulp (CP), and epoxy using a twin-screw extruder. Several bio-composites were synthesized by varying the amount of epoxy (0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt.%). The size of the CP fibers significantly affected the surface quality, filament diameter, and mechanical properties of the final product. The smallest fiber size (45 µm) provided a smooth surface and consistent diameter. Incorporating 1 wt.% of epoxy into PLA/CP enhanced the tensile strength (56.6 MPa), elongation at break (6.2%), and hydrophobicity of the composite. The composite mechanical properties deteriorated at epoxy contents above 1 wt.% due to the amplified plasticizer effect of excessive epoxy. The optimized PLA/CP/epoxy formulation was used to generate the 3D filament. The resultant filament displayed a tensile strength of 64.6 MPa and elongation at break of 9.8%, attributed to the fine morphology achieved via thorough mixing provided by the twin-screw extruder. Epoxide-mediated crosslinking between PLA and CP enabled the development of a novel 3D printing filament with excellent mechanical properties. This research illustrates how agricultural residues can be upcycled into high-performance biomaterials with innovation in sustainable manufacturing, inclusive economic growth, reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics and thus providing benefits regarding human health, climate change mitigation, plastic in the ocean, and environmental impacts. Full article

Deinking is a key step in the recycling of waste paper. To address the problems of traditional chemical deinking, which generates large amounts of highly polluted wastewater and increases environmental pressure and treatment costs, as well as the issues of insufficient pulp brightness and high effective residual ink concentration (ERIC), a study on enzymatic deinking of old newsprint paper (ONP) was conducted. By optimizing the ratio of lipase, cellulase, amylase, and xylanase, a composite enzyme preparation for ONP deinking was successfully developed, and the corresponding deinking process was established. The composition of the composite enzyme preparation is as follows: Lipase 1.5 U/g oven-dried pulp (ODP), Cellulase 2 U/g ODP, Amylase 1.5 U/g ODP, and Xylanase 2 U/g ODP. When the composite enzyme preparation was used for enzymatic deinking, compared with chemical deinking, the brightness increased by 3.52% ISO, ERIC decreased by 9.12 ppm, and the physical properties of the paper were improved to varying degrees. The deinking efficiency was significantly superior to that of chemical deinking, while the usage of chemical reagents was effectively reduced. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were further used to investigate the effect of the composite enzyme on fiber structure and its possible synergistic mechanism: the surface structure and hydrogen bond network of fibers were altered, thereby reducing the content of chromophores such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and benzene ring groups as well as residual lignin, and facilitating the separation of ink from the fiber surface. This study provides support for the development of an environmentally friendly waste paper recycling process and contributes to promoting the sustainable development of the papermaking industry. Full article

The modification of lignocellulosic fibers through controlled swelling and impregnation plays a decisive role in tailoring their structure and reactivity for use in sustainable composite materials. In this study, holocellulose fibers were swollen in various solvents (sodium hydroxide at 2 and 4 wt% and ethanol–water mixtures at 0, 50, 70, and 100 wt%) to evaluate their impact on swelling and fiber characteristics. The pulp was produced with peracetic acid at 90 °C for 120 min from spruce wood chips and used for the swelling treatment. The fibers underwent swelling for 4 h in the different solvents, both without and with solubilized lignin at concentrations of 10 and 30 g/L, to investigate the impregnation ability of the fibers for lignin as a natural binder. Fiber morphology, lignocellulosic composition, and liquid retention values were analyzed to assess the effects of solvent–binder interactions on fiber swelling and lignin uptake. The results revealed significant differences in fiber characteristics influenced by both solvent choice and lignin presence, demonstrating the feasibility and optimization potential of a single-step swelling-impregnation process. These findings highlight key factors that can improve the uptake of natural binders in wood fibers, offering insights for effective fiber preconditioning in composite production. Full article

This study introduces a complementary ingredient strategy to improve gluten-free muffins by combining the bioactive properties of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) with the techno-functional advantages of a carob-taro-rice flour blend. A rice-only formulation served as the control, while other formulations included partial substitution with carob and/or taro flours, enriched with 0%, 4%, or 8% Cornelian cherry pulp, and were evaluated using a comprehensive set of physicochemical, textural, microstructural, and sensory analysis. The incorporation of pulp and flour substitution markedly increased total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and dietary fiber, reaching up to 7.9 times the levels observed in the rice-only control. Carob flour substitution reduced muffin hardness by 51–64%, indicating substantial textural improvement. Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and heatmap clustering confirmed that carob and taro enhanced the sensory profile by increasing crumb porosity and reducing firmness. Image analysis supported these findings, showing that carob-containing blends exhibited a more desirable microstructure with larger air cell area (>48%) and greater circularity (>0.86), thus linking internal structure to improved texture. These results provide a practical approach for bakeries and food manufacturers to enhance the nutritional and sensory quality of gluten-free muffins. Full article

Confectionery products are typically rich in refined sugars and poor in nutrients. This study explored the incorporation of tamarind (Tamarindus indica), pineapple (Ananas comosus), and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) pulps as sources of bioactive compounds in functional soft candies. Two optimized formulations (33T/33G/33P and 66T/16G/16P) were developed based on consumer acceptability and texture profile rather than taste imitation, both formulations achieved good sensory acceptance (scores above 7 on a 9-point scale, p < 0.05), confirming their suitability for functional product development. Compared to conventional candies, the functional confections exhibited up to threefold higher protein and fiber contents (13.6% and 32%, respectively) and markedly enhanced antioxidant potential. The formulation enriched with tamarind (66T/16G/16P) showed the highest total phenolics (22.39 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity (27.36 µM Trolox eq/g). Among the eight phenolic compounds identified by HPLC, catechin (2.72 ± 0.72 mg/g) and epicatechin (53.22 ± 2.68 mg/g) were the main preserved components. In vitro digestion indicated moderate protein bio-accessibility, likely influenced by protein–phenolic interactions. Overall, the results highlight the potential of integrating fruit and legume pulps into confectionery matrices to create nutrient-enriched, plant-based alternatives to traditional sweets. Full article

Gelatin has been widely used as a raw material for packaging development in the food industry. Edible films made from biopolymers such as gelatin can incorporate functional ingredients from natural sources like peel powder and fresh pulp from Opuntia guerrana (tuna fruit). The formulations GFP, GPP, GM, and the control GF, were developed and characterized. The physicochemical composition of PP and FP (protein, fat, ash, fiber, and carbohydrates) was evaluated. Antioxidant activity showed 98.19 ± 0.21% ABTS radical inhibition for PP. FTIR analysis showed a characteristic peak at 3294–3284 cm⁻¹, associated with the interaction between gelatin and hydroxyl (OH) groups from Opuntia guerrana phenolic compounds. The color and barrier properties of the films were affected by the addition of prickly pear peel and pulp. Mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and tensile strength showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) when pulp was added to the films. The film with PP exhibited the highest concentration of bioactive compounds (phenols, flavonoids, and betalains) and inhibited the ABTS radical 98.24 ± 0.08% and 38.50 ± 2.11% DPPH radical. All films reached biodegradation levels of approximately 90% after 15 days of incubation. The use of prickly pear residues to obtain value-added compounds can significantly modify the physicochemical and functional properties of gelatin films. Full article

This study focuses on biogas production within lab-scale semi-batch bioreactors using agro-industrial wastes and dry biomass of an invasive aquatic species. In particular, the primary objective is to increase the yield of anaerobic digestion processes, with a specific focus on reducing CO₂ emissions associated with the degradation of biomass, by co-digesting different raw biomasses and agro-industrial wastes. In detail, the experiments concerned the pulp of Brewery’s Spent Grain (BSGp), consisting of the residual of Brewery’s Spent Grain after fiber deconstruction with ionic liquids–based treatment, and Lemna minor L. (LM). The two biomasses were studied separately and then co-digested. Co-digestion was carried out using a 1:1 (VS basis) mixture of Lemna minor and Brewery’s Spent Grain pulp. Due to the lack of organic nitrogen, BSGp showed low biogas production if compared with untreated BSG (1.14 × 10⁻³ vs. 1.71 × 10⁻³ Nm³/gVS). Differently, LM has a high nitrogen content and, when digested alone, produced 9.79 × 10⁻⁴ Nm³/gVS. The co-digestion tests allowed us to reach the highest performance: 2.94 × 10⁻³ Nm³/gVS. In terms of bioenergy production, the two biomasses showed high synergy when used in co-digestion. The amount of energy produced was calculated using a lower heating value (LHV) of CH₄ equal to 52 MJ. The results showed that co-digestion yielded 64.9 ± 0.6 MJ/kgVS, followed by BSG (43.3 ± 5.3 MJ/kgVS), BSGp (25.6 ± 0.3 MJ/kgVS), and LM (19.3 ± 1.0 MJ/kgVS). In addition, in terms of CO₂ avoided, the following results were achieved: 0.38–0.40 gCO₂/gVS with BSGp, 0.73–0.8 gCO₂/gVS with LM. Conversely, co-digestion tests allowed for the avoidance of 1.68–1.91 gCO₂/gVS. In conclusion, co-digesting BSGp with Lemna minor yields more methane and less CO₂ per unit processed, providing an effective way to convert readily available waste and biomass into bioenergy. Full article

Instant Cascara (IC), a beverage obtained from dried coffee cherry pulp, represents a sustainable hydration option rich in bioactive phytochemicals, such as caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and melanoidins, which may provide effects beyond basic nutrition. This study evaluated the impact of three weeks of IC consumption on somatic and visceral sensitivity, and on neural and immune markers in the colon of male and female healthy Wistar rats. Behavioral tests showed that IC increased locomotor activity and somatic sensitivity in females (p < 0.05). Although control females were more sensitive to visceral pain than males (p < 0.05), IC intake did not significantly alter pain sensitivity in either sex. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses in the colonic myenteric plexus revealed higher enteric glial cell density and glia-to-neuron ratio (p < 0.01), but lower calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive fiber density (p < 0.001) in IC-treated compared to control females. Macrophages decreased in IC-treated compared with control males in the colon wall (p < 0.05), whereas their number increased in IC-treated females compared to IC-treated males (p > 0.0001). Visceral pain responses are associated with complex sex-dependent neuroimmune changes in the colon. Interestingly, IC effects appear mild under healthy conditions, possibly due to compensatory mechanisms exerted by its different phytochemicals. Further investigation is needed to determine the effects of IC in pathological situations involving visceral hypersensitivity, such as brain–gut axis disorders. Full article