Search Results (2,312)

Antimony (Sb), as a toxic heavy metal, has drawn worldwide attention, and its efficient removal from water has become increasingly urgent. In this study, an iron-modified alkaline lignin chitosan (Fe-ALCS) gel bead is prepared by the freeze-drying method to remove Sb(III) from the aqueous solution. The static adsorption experiment discusses the various environmental influences on the adsorption performance of Fe-ALCS for Sb(III) removal. The adsorption mechanism is explored by combining adsorption kinetics, isothermal adsorption, and characterization methods (such as FTIR, XRD, XPS, etc). The results show that the equilibrium adsorption capacity of Sb(III) decreases with the increase in pH and mass–volume ratio. With the increase in the initial Sb(III) concentration, Q_e showed a rapid increasing trend in the range of 50–100 mg/L and continued to rise with the extension of contact time (t), reaching the maximum value at 3540 min. Under the optimal conditions of pH = 3, m/v = 1.0 g/L, and C₀ = 20 mg/L, the removal efficiency (R_e) value is 95.07%, which is still approximately 86.8% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. The maximum adsorption capacity is 266.58 mg/g fitted by the Langmuir model. The adsorption mechanism is mainly related to the iron-based active site of Fe–O(OH), where the O–H on its surface undergoes ligand exchange with Sb(OH)₃ to form a stable Fe–O–Sb coordination structure. Additionally, C–OH, C–O, and other functional groups in ALCS also contribute to Sb adsorption. Fe-ALCS is an environmentally friendly, renewable, and convenient biomass adsorbent with good potential for wastewater treatment. Full article

This study aimed to minimize the amount of gelator used in oleogel preparation and enhance the valorization of rubber seeds. Cellulose extracted from rubber seed shells was modified via high-pressure microfluidization (HPM), which significantly enhanced its specific surface area from 0.92 m²/g (CL) to 6.47 m²/g (MCL), along with markedly improved water-holding capacity (WHC increased from 4.92 to 29.37 g/g) and swelling capacity (SC increased from 0.65 to 3.38 mL/g). The modified cellulose (MCL) served as the gelator, while rubber seed oil bodies (OBs), isolated through sucrose-assisted extraction, functioned as the oil phase. A series of OB emulsions containing 0% to 0.75% MCL were prepared and subsequently converted into oleogels by freeze-drying and shearing. Oleogels containing ≥0.45% MCL exhibited excellent oil binding capacity (OBC > 98.6%) and strong gel strength (storage modulus G′ > 10⁵ Pa). Texture profile analysis further confirmed significant improvements in the textural properties of the oleogels with increasing MCL content. These findings demonstrate that MCL, combined with rubber seed OBs, enables the development of high-performance oleogels with minimal gelator requirements. This approach not only reduces gelator usage but also provides a novel strategy for the upcycling of rubber seed shells, offering valuable insights for the design of nutrient-rich functional oleogels. Full article

Background: The accurate and rapid genotyping of ABO (chromosome 9q34.2) blood types is critical for clinical diagnostics and transfusion medicine, particularly in scenarios where serological methods yield uncertain results, such as in neonatal testing or with rare ABO subtypes. Methods: This study describes a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based method for ABO genotyping that offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to conventional PCR-based techniques. Results: The method targets four key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions 261, 297, 703, and 930, allowing for the differentiation of common A, B, and O blood types, as well as the rare AB subtype B(A)01. The detection of the B(A)01 subtype is clinically important for preventing transfusion mismatches where serology may be inconclusive. Operating at a constant temperature, the assay can be completed in under an hour without the need for a thermocycler, offering significant time and cost benefits over qPCR. The method demonstrated high specificity, demonstrating detection down to 10 copies across all assays. When validated against a gold-standard method on clinical blood samples, the LAMP assay showed high accuracy (95% C value calculated via binomial exact method): 97.4% for type O, 98.7% for type A, 98.7% for type B, and 100% for the B(A)01 subtype. To enhance usability for point-of-care applications, freeze-dried reagents were developed that permit direct loading of lysed blood samples while maintaining high performance. Conclusions: This simplified and robust format positions the LAMP assay as a promising tool for rapid and reliable ABO genotyping in diverse clinical settings. Full article

The agro-industrial residue known as hemp cake, derived from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L., represents a sustainable alternative for the development of protein-rich ingredients. In Ecuador, particularly in Bolívar Province, this by-product has been underutilized. However, similar challenges in the valorization of hemp residues have also been reported in other regions, where they are often discarded or used as low-value animal feed. These issues are not exclusive to Bolívar, and since protein stability depends primarily on drying and storage rather than geographic relocation, the valorization strategies proposed in this study can be extrapolated to other production zones. Protein concentrates were extracted from freeze-dried flower cake (TL, freeze-dried hemp cake) and oven-dried flower cake (TS, oven-dried hemp cake) using isoelectric precipitation, yielding protein concentrates from freeze-dried cake (CPL) and oven-dried cake (CPS). Protein content was determined using the Dumas combustion method, the Bradford dye-binding method, and the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method. Functional properties such as solubility, water absorption, oil absorption, foaming capacity, and foam stability were evaluated, together with total phenolic and flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Results demonstrated high protein values (up to 90.42%), remarkable functional properties, and strong bioactive potential, supporting hemp cake concentrates as sustainable alternatives for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications Full article

This research explores microcrystalline diamond particles in poly(L-lactic acid) matrices to create structured porous composites for advanced biodegradable materials. While nanodiamond–polymer composites are well-documented, microcrystalline diamond particles remain unexplored for controlling hierarchical porosity in systems required by tissue engineering, thermal management, and filtration industries. We investigate diamond–polymer composites with concentrations from 5 to 75 wt% using freeze-drying methodology, employing two particle sizes: 0.125 μm and 1.00 μm diameter particles. Systematic porosity control ranges from 11.4% to 32.8%, with smaller particles demonstrating reduction from 27.3% at 5 wt% to 11.4% at 75 wt% loading. Characterization through infrared spectroscopy, X-ray computed microtomography, and Raman analysis confirms purely physical diamond–polymer interactions without chemical bonding, validated by characteristic diamond lattice vibrations at 1332 cm⁻¹. Thermal analysis reveals modified crystallization behavior with decreased melting temperatures from 180 to 181 °C to 172 °C. The investigation demonstrates a controllable transition from large-volume interconnected pores to numerous small-volume closed pores with increasing diamond content. These composites provide a quantitative framework for designing hierarchical structures applicable to tissue engineering scaffolds, thermal management systems, and specialized filtration technologies requiring biodegradable materials with engineered porosity and enhanced thermal conductivity. Full article

For the first time, the effect of low-temperature vacuum drying (LTVD) on wild murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) was evaluated, in comparison with freeze-drying (FD) and vacuum drying (VD), to assess their capacity to preserve bioactive compounds and associated bioactivities. Murta was dried using LTVD at 20, 30, and 40 °C under a constant vacuum of 10 mbar, where FD and VD at 60 °C (VD 60) were included as comparative methods. The content of fatty acids and tocols, along with the retention of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, were systematically analyzed. LTVD- and VD-dried murta exhibited higher polyunsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratios (>9.0) and markedly greater tocol contents, whereas FD maintained a more balanced ratio (<5.0) but with lower tocol levels. While FD was most effective in preserving catechin, higher levels of other phenolic compounds were observed in samples dried by LTVD at 20 and 40 °C, as well as VD 60, possibly due to the release of bound forms during processing. The drying method significantly influenced murta bioactivity. LTVD 30 preserved the highest antioxidant capacity, while topical anti-inflammatory effects on skin lesions varied by pathway, with LTVD 40 being the most effective in the TPA model and FD in the AA model. These effects were evaluated only using a topical inflammation model in BALB/c mice of both sexes; dietary effects were not assessed in this study. Regarding other bioactivities, VD 60 extracts excelled in both cytotoxic and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, whereas FD extracts were the most effective against AGS cells and LTVD 20 against α-glucosidase. In conclusion, LTVD emerges as a promising alternative to FD and VD, showing potential to preserve bioactive compounds and key bioactivities of wild murta, although further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Apple pomace, a by-product of juice production, is a rich source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, making it a promising functional ingredient for bakery applications. This study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory properties of shortbread cookies enriched with apple pomace dried under different conditions, while also analyzing the drying process, focusing on drying kinetics and powder characteristics. Pomace dried by either contact drying or freeze-drying was ground and used to replace 20% of wheat flour in the cookie formulation. Drying kinetics were best described by the modified Page model, and freeze-dried pomace showed higher grindability than contact-dried samples. Cookies enriched with pomace exhibited similar overall composition, with differences mainly observed in fiber content (9.82–11.75%). Those containing freeze-dried pomace were lighter, with reduced red and increased yellow tones, and were firmer, requiring approximately 30% higher cutting force. Despite differences in physical properties, enriched cookies were consistently rated higher in overall acceptability than the controls. The results indicate that the drying method and temperature influence the physicochemical properties of apple by-product and the resulting cookies, while having mainly minor effects on sensory acceptance, confirming the potential of apple pomace as a functional ingredient in bakery products. Full article

Mucosal drug delivery is gaining attention for its ability to provide localized treatment with reduced systemic side effects. The vaginal route has been proven effective for managing gynecological conditions, though it poses certain limitations. Biopolymers can help overcome these challenges by enhancing therapeutic efficiency and offering beneficial properties. This study aimed to develop and evaluate hydrogels and their freeze-dried forms (wafers) based on collagen, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and gellan gum. Initially, a collagen gel was obtained by extraction from calfskin, which was brought to a concentration of 1% and a physiological pH with 1 M sodium hydroxide solution. This gel was combined with either 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel, 1.2% gellan gum gel, or both, in different proportions. Thus, five mixed hydrogels were obtained, which, along with the three individual gels (controls), were lyophilized to obtain wafers. Furthermore, the hydrogels were assessed for rheological behavior, while the collagen structural integrity in the presence of the other biopolymers was evaluated using circular dichroism and FT-IR spectroscopy. The wafers were characterized for morphology, wettability, swelling capacity, enzymatic degradation resistance, and in vitro biocompatibility. All hydrogels exhibited non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behavior and showed collagen structure preservation. The wafers’ characterization showed that gellan gum enhanced the hydrophilicity and enzymatic stability of the samples. In addition, the extracts from the tested samples maintained cell viability and did not affect actin cytoskeleton morphology, indicating a lack of cytotoxic effects. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating both the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of biopolymeric supports as a key preliminary step in the development of vaginal drug delivery platforms with biomedical applications in the management of gynecological conditions. Full article

Finding eco-friendly alternatives to the synthetic materials used for acoustic application in building industry is necessary to address environmental sustainability. Biocomposites of natural fibers combined with a biopolymer matrix emerge as a promising approach. In this study, soy protein biocomposites were prepared with 10, 15, and 20 wt% sheep wool and were added spent coffee grounds by freeze-drying to create fibro-porous biocomposites for acoustic applications. Transmission loss (TL) measurements underlined good behavior as sound insulators, with maximum values around 22 dB at 2500 Hz and even better performance than those of commercial synthetic solutions. The obtained sound absorption coefficients were competitive, as they almost reached unity at medium and high frequencies. Airflow resistivity was determined, and values were higher for the biocomposites with coffee grounds, specifically 14–18 kPa·s·m⁻² vs. 5.62–11.6 kPa·s·m⁻². Using the input of the measured airflow resistivity, an empirical model using a genetic algorithm was developed as a prediction tool for the sound absorption performance of the samples. All in all, results showcase the feasibility of employing the studied biocomposites as competitive sound insulators and absorbers in building construction industry. Full article

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of storage conditions and gelatin concentration on changes in selected physical properties of freeze-dried coated carrot bars. Freeze-dried carrot snacks were prepared and coated with an addition of 8% and 12% porcine gelatin. They were stored at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C) for 3 and 6 months. After this time, selected physical properties of coated freeze-dried products were tested. The study’s results indicated that time and temperature significantly impacted water activity, dry matter content, hygroscopicity, mechanical properties, and color. Based on most of the tested features, the coated freeze-dried product should be stored for 3 months at 25 °C. The water activity was low (0.261), with high dry matter content (96%), a porosity value at 81%, and high hardness, while the total color difference was at 18.2. However, there were no notable changes in the porosity and internal structure of the samples based on storage temperature and duration. The most substantial effect of gelatin concentration on the tested features was observed in the control samples (coated and not stored). Developing sustainable packaging for freeze-dried carrot bars is a future challenge. Edible packaging allows for the use of food industry byproducts and is ecological. Full article

The dried herb of blue fenugreek is used as a spice in the alpine region for the preparation of traditional bread and cheese. After drying, the herb is stored for a period of six to twelve months. During this time, the herb is expected to undergo changes in the compositions of the major flavor- and odor-determining compounds. To identify eventual biochemical processes, we applied different growing (conventional and sterile) and drying (air- and freeze drying) conditions and subsequently conducted periodical analysis of key aroma constituents (α-keto acids and volatile compounds) by LC-MS and GC-MS. The amount of glyoxylic acid was drastically increased in the air-dried sample, while the freeze-dried sample showed significantly higher amounts of α-keto-glutaric acid and pyruvic acid, respectively. During storage, a decrease in sulfuric compounds and an increase in alkane aldehydes were observed when comparing conventional and sterile samples. However, this increase was even greater for monoterpenes (especially camphor and p-cymene), showing thrice as high amounts after storage. Interestingly, both compounds were only formed significantly during the storage under conventional conditions, indicating that their production is induced/caused by microbial organisms. Full article

Coffee silverskin (CS), the principal solid by-product from coffee roasting, is a promising raw material for sustainable food applications aligned with circular economy principles. Due to its high flammability at roasting temperatures, effective management of CS is not only an environmental but also a safety concern in coffee processing facilities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the chemical composition, bioactivity, safety, and environmental impact of torrefacto (CT) and natural (CN) coffee silverskin. CT (from Arabica–Robusta blends subjected to sugar-glazing) and CN (from 100% Arabica) were characterized in terms of composition and function. Oven-dried CT showed higher levels of caffeine (13.2 ± 0.6 mg/g vs. 8.7 ± 0.7 mg/g for CN), chlorogenic acid (1.34 ± 0.08 mg/g vs. 0.92 ± 0.06 mg/g), protein (18.1 ± 0.2% vs. 16.7 ± 0.2%), and melanoidins (14.9 ± 0.3 mg/g vs. 9.6 ± 0.2 mg/g), but CN yielded more total phenolics (13.8 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g). Both types exhibited strong antioxidant capacity (ABTS: 48.9–59.2 µmol TE/g), and all oven-dried samples met food safety criteria (microbial loads below 10² CFU/g, moisture 7.9%). Oven drying was identified as the most industrially viable, ensuring preservation of bioactives and resulting in a 19% lower greenhouse gas emissions impact compared to freeze-drying. Sun drying was less reliable microbiologically. The valorization of oven-dried CT as a clean-label, antioxidant-rich colorant offers clear potential for food reformulation and waste reduction. Renewable energy use during drying is recommended to further enhance sustainability. This study provides scientific evidence to support the safe use of coffee silverskin as a novel food, contributing to regulatory assessment and sustainable food innovation aligned with SDGs 9, 12, and 13. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recently, new methods of monitoring sublimation flow during freeze-drying operations have been proposed. They are based either on measuring the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the inlet and outlet of the shelves (ΔT) or the difference between the chamber pressure and the condenser pressure (ΔP). In this article, we briefly explain the two methods and review their main applications. Methods: Multiple pilot or commercial-scale freeze dryers were used. The inlet and outlet shelf temperature or the capacitance pressures of the chamber and condenser were measured. Results: ΔT and ΔP methods can be implemented in most recent freeze dryers to monitor the sublimation flow. Both methods provide very consistent results and are also comparable to Tunable Diode Laser Absorption System (TDLAS) measurements. The methods can be used for different purposes: calculating the heat transfer coefficient (Kv) distribution from the mass flow curve and estimating the average product temperature and the product temperature range. Furthermore, these methods can be used as a measure of success for transferring the process from the lab to the industrial scale, or from one plant to another, or demonstrating the shelf-to-shelf homogeneity. Finally, the ΔT method is able to detect the ice nucleation during the freezing step. Conclusions: The ΔT and ΔP methods are bringing a new, easy-to-implement, cost-effective, and versatile tool to the freeze-drying study toolbox. Full article

The present study aimed to comprehensively characterize the physicochemical, nutritional, and functional properties of Armoracia rusticana leaves and roots, with a focus on their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. Quality parameters (color, moisture, titratable acidity, pH), macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibers) and micronutrient (minerals, vitamins) content were determined. Polyphenolic profiles were evaluated using HPLC-DAD in two types of extracts: methanol–water (1:1, v/v) and deionized water. Flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin), hydroxybenzoic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic), and hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric, rosmarinic) were identified. Freeze-drying proved effective in preserving thermolabile compounds, such as vitamin C (299.78 mg/100 g) and polyphenols (107.14 mg/100 g). Antioxidant capacity of the leaf extracts ranged between 74.52% and 76.90%, while pigment quantification revealed high levels of chlorophyll a (360.7 mg/100 g), chlorophyll b (110.03 mg/100 g), and total carotenoids (72.35 mg/100 g). FTIR spectroscopy was employed to assess molecular structures and functional group composition. Overall, the results support the valorization of A. rusticana leaves—an underutilized plant part—alongside roots, for applications in functional foods and nutraceutical development. Full article

Background/Objectives: With the aging of the population, the number of patients with osteoporosis is increasing worldwide. Osteoporosis results from an imbalance in bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This study investigated the effects of sake lees and rice koji, traditional Japanese rice-fermented products, on bone metabolism. Methods: Both sake lees extract and rice koji extract increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, extracellular collagen accumulation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, the intracellular protein levels of Hsp47 and Sec23IP, which are required for collagen maturation and secretion, respectively, were increased during the differentiation. On the other hand, both extracts significantly inhibited osteoclastic differentiation. Furthermore, the effects of freeze-dried sake lees or rice koji extract on osteoporotic bones were examined using twelve-week-old female C3H/HeJ ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Results: The groups of mice fed 20% or 40% freeze-dried sake lees showed significant suppression of the loss in bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and trabecular volume (Tb.V) compared with those fed a normal diet as well as the 40% freeze-dried sake lees-fed group reduced in the loss of trabecular thickness (Tb.Th). Similarly, the rice koji extract-treated mice showed significant inhibition of the loss in BV/TV, Tb.V, and even trabecular number (Tb.N.). Folic acid and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which have been reported to be present in sake lees, promoted extracellular collagen production by osteoblasts. Conclusions: In OVX mice, the intake of freeze-dried sake lees or rice koji extract was associated with the attenuation of trabecular bone loss, suggesting potential beneficial effects on bone metabolism. Full article