Search Results (36)

This paper discusses the efficiency of ultrasonic-assisted bitumen extraction from bituminous sands of the Beke deposit (Mangistau region, Kazakhstan) using alkaline aqueous solutions. The process parameters, including ultrasonic frequency (22 kHz), power (up to 1500 W), solution pH (>12), and optimal NaOH concentration (1 wt.%) were optimized to achieve a maximum bitumen recovery of 98 wt.% within 8 min. The most effective sand-to-solution mass ratio was determined as 1:2, while the optimal process temperature was 75 °C. The application of ultrasound significantly enhances cavitation and reagent penetration, enabling efficient separation of bitumen with minimal chemical usage. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and GC–MS analyses revealed the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons, paraffinic and naphthenic structures, as well as sulfur- and oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., sulfoxides, carboxylic acids). These characteristics suggest moderate maturity and a high degree of aromaticity of the organic matter. Despite suitable thermal and compositional properties, the extracted bitumen exhibits a relatively low stiffness and softening point, indicating the need for additional upgrading (e.g., oxidation) prior to use in road construction. Although standard rheological tests (e.g., dynamic shear rhinometry) were not conducted in this study, the penetration and softening point values suggest a relatively soft binder, possibly unsuitable for high-temperature paving applications without modification. Future research will focus on rheological evaluation and oxidative upgrading to meet the ST RK 1373-2013 specification requirements. Full article

Over the past few years, naturally sourced bioactive molecules have drawn increased attention for their antioxidant capacity and wide-ranging health effects. At the same time, interest in eco-friendly extraction approaches has risen sharply. Atmospheric Room Temperature Plasma (ARTP), a novel non-thermal pretreatment method, has emerged as a promising green technology due to its minimal environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and superior extraction efficiency compared to conventional methods. In this study, ARTP pretreatment—optimized across variables such as treatment distance, substrate thickness, power, nitrogen flow, and duration—was combined with ultrasonic-assisted extraction to enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves. Both techniques were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Under optimal conditions, the extract yielded a total polyphenol content of approximately 40 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight. Antioxidant activity, assessed via ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging assays, reached ~280 and ~113 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents per gram dry weight, respectively, and the ascorbic acid content was ~5.3 mg/g. These findings highlight the potential of ARTP as an effective and sustainable pretreatment method for producing high-value phytochemical extracts, with promising applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Full article

Moringa oleifera seeds are rich in protein, yet their potential as plant-based protein in food remains underutilized. This study evaluated the extraction efficiency, composition, and techno-functional properties of moringa seed protein isolate (MSPI) using enzyme-assisted (EAE), ultrasonic-assisted (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods, compared to conventional alkaline extraction (CE). EAE was performed with viscozyme (2%, pH 8, 50 °C, 2 h) and papain (1%, pH 7, 50 °C, 1 h), UAE at 40% amplitude (20 kHz, 20 min), and MAE at 800 W (50 °C, 90 s). All methods significantly improved extraction yield (14.60–30.08%), protein content (80.47–86.61%), solubility (40.78–60.09% at pH 10), and techno-functional properties over CE. However, MAE slightly reduced solubility. Phytates (0.83–0.49 g/100 g) and trypsin inhibitor activity significantly decreased (4.48–1.92 U/mg). In vitro protein digestibility improved (p < 0.05) across all samples (88.11–93.81%), with hydrolysis patterns supporting the enhanced digestibility. Structural modifications were indicated by altered surface hydrophobicity and thermal properties. SDS-PAGE showed consistent major protein bands at 17, 25, and 48–63 kDa, with EAE showing reduced intensity at ~63 kDa. While UAE and MAE achieved high protein yield and purity, EAE offered the best balance of functionality and digestibility, making it the most promising method for producing high-quality MSPI. These findings are relevant for guiding the selection of extraction methods for MSPI recovery for food applications. Full article

This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and extraction efficiency of hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), along with the allergen-modulating potential of extracted bioactive compounds. Six NADESs were synthesized using binary combinations of camphor, thymol, eugenol, and menthol (1:1 molar ratio) and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics simulations (MD simulations). Bioactive compounds were extracted from Thujopsis dolabrata wood biomass via ultrasonic-assisted extraction and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total essential oil yield, estimated semiquantitatively by summing the peak areas of key terpenoid compounds, ranged from 1.91% to 7.90% across different NADES systems, indicating their varied extraction capacities. Molecular docking was performed to assess their allergen-modulating interactions with Amb a 1 and Cry j 1. All NADESs exhibited single-stage decomposition (110–125 °C) except camphor–menthol, which recrystallized. FTIR and simulations confirmed strong hydrogen bonding in eugenol-based NADESs, particularly menthol–eugenol. Extraction identified 47 bioactive compounds, with 4,5α-Epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-7α-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)-6β,7β-(oxymethylene) morphinan as the most abundant (9.31–11.16%). It exhibited the highest binding affinity (Cry j 1: −8.60 kcal/mol, Amb a 1: −7.40 kcal/mol) and lowest inhibition concentration (Cry j 1: 0.49 µM, Amb a 1: 3.74 µM), suggesting strong allergen-modulating potential. Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding drove protein–ligand binding. These findings highlight NADESs as effective, sustainable solvents for extracting bioactive compounds with allergen-modulating potential. Full article

Alpinia officinarum Hance exhibits various bioactivities, with polysaccharides being one of its key bioactive components. However, the relationship between the structural characteristics of these polysaccharides and their bioactivities remains unclear and underexplored. In this study, to optimize the extraction process, a Response Surface Methodology-based design combined with single-factor experiments was applied to determine the optimal conditions for the ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from A. officinarum. The primary structural characteristics and antioxidant activities of two polysaccharide fractions, PAOR-1 extracted by ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction and PAOR-2 extracted by hot reflux extraction (HRE), were systematically compared. The optimal extraction conditions, including a liquid–solid ratio of 1:50, extraction time of 19 mins, and ultrasonic power of 410 W, yielded a maximum polysaccharide extraction rate of 18.28% ± 2.23%. The extracted polysaccharides were characterized as acidic polysaccharides with a three-dimensional structure. PAOR-1 and PAOR-2 have different monosaccharide compositions, surface morphologies, and thermal stabilities. The antioxidant activity in vitro studies suggest that PAOR-1 may have higher antioxidant activity than PAOR-2 due to its higher content of uronic acids, lower relative molecular mass, and a more closely packed spatial configuration. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of AOR. Full article

This study employed high-pressure ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction (HP-UMAE) to extract gingerols from ginger. The extraction yield and total polyphenol content of the extracts were determined. Their antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and compared with extracts obtained by leaching extraction, reflux extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE). The results demonstrated that HP-UMAE achieved the highest extraction yield and the strongest ABTS radical scavenging activity among the evaluated methods. Furthermore, HP-UMAE extracts exhibited the highest concentrations of key gingerol constituents: 6-gingerol (14.29 mg/L), 8-gingerol (0.38 mg/L), 10-gingerol (1.95 mg/L), and 6-shogaol (4.32 mg/L). This enhanced efficacy is attributed to the synergistic combination of ultrasonic cavitation and microwave-induced thermal effects under elevated pressure. This synergy creates conditions promoting cellular wall disruption, facilitating the release of intracellular components, while concurrently enhancing solvent penetration and gingerol solubility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the significant structural damage inflicted on ginger cell walls following HP-UMAE treatment. The process parameters for HP-UMAE were optimized using single-factor experiments. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: microwave power 800 W, ultrasonic power 1000 W, liquid-to-solid ratio 55:1, and temperature 100 °C (corresponding pressure 2 MPa). Under these optimized parameters, the extraction yield and ABTS radical scavenging rate reached their peak performance, yielding values of 4.52% and 43.23%, respectively. Full article

Ferritin, an emerging protein resource, has garnered significant attention in scientific research due to its biocompatibility and unique cavity structure capable of encapsulating bioactive compounds. This study aimed to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for enhancing ferritin yield from northern pike liver byproducts and evaluate its potential as a nanocarrier for chlorogenic acid (CA). Through response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal UAE parameters were established as 200 W ultrasonic power, 1:3 solid–liquid ratio, and 25 min extraction time. Under these conditions, the ferritin extraction yield reached 139.46 mg/kg, representing a 4.02-fold increase compared to conventional methods (34.65 mg/mL). Electrophoretic analysis confirmed the electrophoretic purity of the extracted liver ferritin. Comprehensive characterization using UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed preserved structural integrity of UAE-extracted ferritin. Homology modeling provided molecular insights into the ferritin architecture. Successful encapsulation of CA was achieved with an encapsulation efficiency of 13.25%, as quantified by HPLC. Analysis by DLS and ζ potential as well as TG and DSC showed that not only the thermal stability of CA was enhanced after ferritin encapsulation, but also that the ferritin remained stable with a cage-like structure. This investigation establishes UAE as an effective strategy for valorizing fish processing byproducts through high-yield ferritin extraction while demonstrating the protein’s functional capacity as a nanocarrier for bioactive compound delivery. The findings highlight the dual advantage of sustainable resource utilization and advanced delivery system development through this biotechnological approach. Full article

Background: The quest for minimally invasive disinfection in endodontics has led to using Erbium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Er:YAG) lasers. Conventional approaches may leave bacterial reservoirs in complex canal anatomies. Er:YAG’s strong water absorption generates photoacoustic streaming, improving smear layer removal with lower thermal risk than other laser systems. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Database searches (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library) identified studies (2015–2025) on Er:YAG laser-assisted root canal disinfection. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria: antibacterial efficacy, biofilm disruption, or smear layer removal. Data on laser settings, irrigants, and outcomes were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using a ten-item checklist, based on guidelines from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Results: All studies found Er:YAG laser activation significantly improved root canal disinfection over conventional or ultrasonic methods. Photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) and shock wave–enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) yielded superior bacterial reduction, especially apically, and enabled lower sodium hypochlorite concentrations without sacrificing efficacy. Some research indicated reduced post-operative discomfort. However, protocols, laser parameters, and outcome measures varied, limiting direct comparisons and emphasizing the need for more standardized, long-term clinical trials. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser-assisted irrigation appears highly effective in biofilm disruption and smear layer removal, supporting deeper irrigant penetration. While findings are promising, further standardized research is needed to solidify guidelines and confirm Er:YAG lasers’ long-term clinical benefits. Full article

Food waste presents a critical environmental and economic challenge across Europe. In the Mediterranean region, the agricultural industry generates considerable quantities of citrus fruits, leading to significant byproduct waste, which remains underutilized. To help address this, this study explored the valorization of orange peel waste using non-thermal ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and a one-factor-at-a-time experimental design to investigate the effects of nine chemical and physical UAE parameters. The goal was to identify ideal operational ranges for each parameter using several responses (bioactive compound recovery, antioxidant activity, and radical scavenging activity), thus elucidating the most influential UAE factors and their role in co-extracting various classes of natural compounds. The key findings revealed that the polarity and ionic potential of the extraction medium, tuned through ethanol:water or pH, significantly influenced both the chemical profile and bioactivity of the extracts. Notably, citric acid and citrates appeared to stabilize co-extracted compounds. Lower solid-to-liquid ratios increased yields, while particle sizes between 1400 and 710 µm enhanced phenolic recovery by approximately 150 mg/L GAE. In contrast, increases in pulse, probe diameter, immersion depth, and extraction time led to degradation of bioactive compounds, whereas the maximal amplitude improved phenolic acid recovery by up to 2-fold. Collectively, these insights provide a foundation for optimizing non-thermal UAE to valorize orange peel waste. Full article

High-value resources beyond oil extraction for the olive industry need to be developed due to increased olive production. Soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) and olive proteins (OPIs) are important components of olives. However, the commercial production process partially damages OPIs’ emulsifying and foaming properties. Thus, the preparation of SDF-OPI complexes would help protect and even improve the emulsifying and foaming properties. The effects of pH and thermal–ultrasonic treatment on the complexation were explored, which showed that the SDF-OPI complexes prepared at pH 5 exhibited superior solubility (p < 0.05). SDF addition noticeably improved OPI thermal stability, emulsifying properties, and foaming properties. Moreover, the complexes prepared by thermal–ultrasonic treatment exhibited higher emulsion stability and lower emulsification activity than those prepared without thermal–ultrasonic treatment. In the acidic system, the electrostatic interaction was considered the main driving factor, assisted by the hydrophobic interaction. Additionally, after thermal–ultrasonic treatment, the covalent binding was observed by infrared spectroscopy. These results revealed the interaction mechanism between SDF and OPI, and the complexes significantly enhanced the functional properties of OPI. This study provides a reference for the high-value utilization of olives, thus broadening their potential uses in the food sector and beyond. Full article

Considering the rising demand for rare earth elements (REEs), researchers are looking for new sources for their extraction, thereby fostering economic and environmentally justified processing solutions. Among potential industrial sources, coal fly ash emerges as one of the most promising. The recovery of REEs from coal fly and bottom ashes derived from different thermal power plants was the main focus of this study. A dual-step methodology was conducted on ash samples, which involved an ultrasonic roasting process to disintegrate the silica matrix, followed by a microwave-assisted acid leaching step to extract REEs. The roasting procedure was studied using the Plackett–Burman design, and the Box–Behnken design was subsequently implemented to optimize the leaching procedure. The optimized ultrasonic roasting procedure was set up at 95 °C for 10 min with an ash-to-roasting agent (3M NaOH) ratio of 0.5:1 (m/V). For acid leaching, the optimal conditions were obtained at 174 °C for 30 min with an HCl ÷ HNO₃ mixture (1:1 V/V). The standard reference material (NIST 1633c) was used in the conclusive experiments to estimate the average recovery (80%) of REEs. The green aspects of this methodology were evaluated using several metrics (atom economy, E-factor, and energy consumption). The proposed process outperforms high-temperature roasting procedures in terms of greenness; however, the REE recovery rate is lower. Full article

Mulberry is renowned for its medicinal properties and bioactive compounds, yet its high moisture content renders it highly perishable and challenging to transport over long distances. This inherent limitation to its shelf life poses sustainability challenges due to potential food waste and the increased carbon footprint associated with transportation. To address this issue sustainably, mulberry vinegar emerges as a biotechnological solution. Utilizing a fermented mixture of crushed mulberries, sugar, and mixed acid, transforms the highly perishable raw material into a more stable product. However, conventional methods of mulberry vinegar production often involve heat-intensive processing, which poses environmental concerns and energy inefficiencies. Recognizing the need for sustainable practices, this review delves into alternative non-thermal technologies (NTTs) that can revolutionize mulberry vinegar production. These technologies, such as ultrasonication, ultra-high-pressure homogenization, pulsed light treatments, enzyme-assisted pretreatment, and membrane filtration, offer eco-friendly alternatives by eliminating the need for excessive heat. NTTs enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in mulberry vinegar production by deactivating the microbes and extending the shelf life, thereby enhancing product stability and quality without using thermal methods. Ultrasonication, for example, plays a pivotal role in improving bioactive compound extraction, contributing to the overall quality enhancement of mulberry juice. Enzyme-assisted pretreatment, specifically with Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Viscozyme L, not only enhances juice quality, but also holds promise for sustainable vinegar production. Furthermore, ultra-high-pressure homogenization and pulsed light treatments positively influence mulberry processing, offering additional sustainable alternatives. Membrane filtration, especially ultrafiltration, not only enhances the phenolic content, but also contributes to stability in mulberry juice, showcasing potential benefits for vinegar production. In conclusion, exploring these NTTs represents a transformative shift from traditional heat treatment methods in mulberry food processing. By providing energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and high-quality alternatives, this review offers valuable insights into sustainable practices, particularly in mulberry vinegar production, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future for the mulberry food industry. Full article

Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) benefits human health, and different extraction methods might modify the structure and functions of the SDFs. Radish is rich in dietary fiber. To assess the impact of various extraction techniques on the properties and functions of radish SDF, the SDFs were obtained from white radish pomace using alkaline, ultrasonic-assisted, and fermentation-assisted extraction methods. Analysis was conducted on the structure, physicochemical characteristics, thermal properties, and functional attributes of the SDFs. The study revealed that various extraction techniques can impact the monosaccharides composition and functionality of the SDFs. Compared with the other two extraction methods, the surface structures of SDFs obtained by fermentation-assisted extraction were looser and more porous, and the SDF had better water solubility and water/oil holding capacity. The adsorption capacities of glucose and cholesterol of the SDFs obtained from fermentation-assisted extraction were also improved. Wickerhamomyces anomalus YFJ252 seems the most appropriate strain to ferment white radish pomace to acquire SDF; the water holding, oil holding, glucose absorption capacity, and cholesterol absorption capacity at pH 2 and pH 7 have a 3.06, 1.65, 3.19, 1.27, and 1.83 fold increase than the SDF extracted through alkaline extraction method. Full article

Plant polysaccharides are important for anti-aging research. Polysaccharides from Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (H. citrina) have been reported to have antioxidant activity; however, their anti-aging roles and mechanisms are not clear. In this study, we extracted polysaccharides from H. citrina by an ultrasonic-assisted water extraction–alcohol precipitation method and chemically determined the physicochemical properties such as extraction yield, content, and in vitro antioxidant properties of H. citrina polysaccharide-rich extract (HCPRE). Using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model animal, the anti-aging effect of HCPRE was investigated, and the mechanism of action of HCPRE was explored by the in vivo antioxidant level assay of C. elegans and the related gene expression assay. The extraction yield of HCPRE was 11.26%, the total polysaccharide content was 77.96%, and the main monosaccharide components were glucose and galactose. In addition, HCPRE exhibited good antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo. Under normal thermal stress and oxidative stress conditions, being fed 1200 µg/mL of HCPRE significantly prolonged the life span of C. elegans by 32.65%, 17.71%, and 32.59%, respectively. Our study showed that HCPRE exerted an anti-aging effect on C. elegans, and its mechanism involves increasing the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), reducing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating the expression of related genes. Full article

Ultrasound has been widely used as a green and efficient non-thermal processing technique to assist with enzymatic hydrolysis. Compared with traditional enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrasonic-pretreatment-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis can significantly improve the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis and enhance the biological activity of substrates. At present, this technology is mainly used for the extraction of bioactive substances and the degradation of biological macromolecules. This review is focused on the mechanism of enzymatic hydrolysis assisted by ultrasonic pretreatment, including the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on the enzyme structure, substrate structure, enzymatic hydrolysis kinetics, and thermodynamics and the effects of the ultrasonic conditions on the enzymatic hydrolysis results. The development status of ultrasonic devices and the application of ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis in the food industry are briefly described in this study. In the future, more attention should be paid to research on ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis devices to promote the expansion of production and improve production efficiency. Full article