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Tardigrades are microscopic animals that survive desiccation by inducing biostasis. To survive drying tardigrades rely on intrinsically disordered CAHS proteins, which also function to prevent perturbations induced by drying in vitro and in heterologous systems. CAHS proteins have been shown to form gels both in vitro and in vivo, which has been speculated to be linked to their protective capacity. However, the sequence features and mechanisms underlying gel formation and the necessity of gelation for protection have not been demonstrated. Here we report a mechanism of fibrillization and gelation for CAHS D similar to that of intermediate filament assembly. We show that in vitro, gelation restricts molecular motion, immobilizing and protecting labile material from the harmful effects of drying. In vivo, we observe that CAHS D forms fibrillar networks during osmotic stress. Fibrillar networking of CAHS D improves survival of osmotically shocked cells. We observe two emergent properties associated with fibrillization; (i) prevention of cell volume change and (ii) reduction of metabolic activity during osmotic shock. We find that there is no significant correlation between maintenance of cell volume and survival, while there is a significant correlation between reduced metabolism and survival. Importantly, CAHS Ds fibrillar network formation is reversible and metabolic rates return to control levels after CAHS fibers are resolved. This work provides insights into how tardigrades induce reversible biostasis through the self-assembly of labile CAHS gels.

[Display omitted] Elucidation of the micro-mechanisms of sol–gel transition of gelling glucans with different glycosidic linkages is crucial for understanding their structure–property relationship and for various applications. Glucans with distinct molecular chain structures exhibit unique gelation behaviors. The disparate gelation phenomena observed in two methylated glucans, methylated (1,3)- β - d -glucan of curdlan (MECD) and methylated (1,4)- β - d -glucan of cellulose (MC), notwithstanding their equivalent degrees of substitution, are intricately linked to their unique molecular architectures and interactions between glucan and water. Density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations focused on the electronic property distinctions between MECD and MC, alongside conformational variations during thermal gelation. Inline attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tracked secondary structure alterations in MECD and MC. To corroborate the simulation results, additional analyses including circular dichroism, rheology, and micro-differential scanning calorimetry were performed. Despite having similar thermally induced gel networks, MECD and MC display distinct physical gelation patterns and molecular-level conformational changes during gelation. The network of MC gel was formed via a "coil-to-ring" transition, followed by ring stacking. In contrast, the MECD gel comprised compact irregular helices accompanied by notable volume shrinkage. These variations in gelation behavior are ascribed to heightened hydrophobic interactions and diminished hydrogen bonding in both systems upon heating, resulting in gelation. These findings provide valuable insights into the microstructural changes during gelation and the thermo-gelation mechanisms of structurally similar polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nixtamalization is a process used in the production of tortillas. This process offers many advantages, such as improving the rheological, nutritional, and textural properties of the masa. This process is carried out under different steps which affect the quality of the final product such as the cooking and soaking conditions and the quantity of ash. In addition, the fragility of the masa makes the tortillas brittle. The present work was initiated with the aim of determining the nixtamalization conditions that would improve the textural, rheological, and nutritional properties of masa. The response surface methodology, using the central composite design was applied to three factors including the ash content and cooking and soaking times, and the responses evaluated were the adhesiveness, cohesion, final viscosity, and gelatinization temperature of masa obtained from two varieties of maize (Atp-Y and Kassaï). The optimums masa flours obtained were characterized using standard methods. Results showed that, the masa made from Kassaï variety needed a cooking time of 51.21 min and soaking time of 16.10 h in the presence of 0.80 g of ash. For the Atp-Y variety, the conditions included a cooking time of 49.17 min and a soaking time of 23.4 h in the presence of 0.24 g of ash. The responses obtained showed an adhesiveness of 0.10 kg/f and 0.05 kg/f, cohesion of 1.08 kg/f and 1.23 kg/f, final viscosity of 1504.80 cP and 1328.30 cP, gelatinization temperature 73.50 °C and 71.50 °C, and finally retrogradation 435.50 cP and 316 cP, respectively, for Kassaï and Atp-Y. Chemical characterization of the optimum masa showed that the white masa had a high protein content (10.50%), carbohydrates (71.70%), and fiber (2%) while the yellow masa presented the highest lipid content (5.47%). These finding demonstrated that Kassaï (white) maize‐masa flour obtained in optimal conditions can be recommended for the production of good quality tortillas because tortillas made with this masa are less crumbly and more elastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earliest silicon-based aerogels attracted attention due to their nanoscale porous structure and high transparency. Still, they need to be more balanced with the poor mechanical properties. Their brittle structure limits the development of this promising new material. Therefore, the goal of this work is to optimize the mechanical properties of aerogels while maintaining transparency. The good mechanical properties of polymers have made them the material of choice for this work. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which can undergo self-crosslinking through side-chain hydroxyl groups forming hydrogen bonds, was chosen as the raw material to simplify and expedite the production process. The production process was experimented with, analyzed, and refined. Considering the time efficiency of the experimental process, a one-step gelling method was invented to facilitate the sol-gel transition. The one-step gelling method maintained the high transparency of PVA aerogels and reduced the time required for the gelation process compared to the freeze-thawing method. This work employs carbon dioxide supercritical drying to ensure minimal structural collapse and maximize the porous structure's retention. The transmittance of PVA aerogels can reach up to 93.67% at a wavelength of 1333 nm. The internal structure of aerogels with different PVA concentrations was observed using a Scanning electron microscope. Applying Beer-Lambert's Law eliminated the effect of sample thickness on transparency. The relationship between the transparency of PVA aerogels, their microstructure, and macroscopic concentration was studied and analyzed for the first time. While ensuring light transmittance, the modulus of the PVA aerogel reached as high as 6.18 ± 0.56 MPa at 13 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The development of injectable hydrogels for soft tissue regeneration has gained significant attention due to their minimally invasive application and ability to conform precisely to the shape of irregular tissue cavities. This study presents a novel injectable porous scaffold based on natural polymers that undergoes in situ crosslinking, forming a highly resilient hydrogel with tailorable mechanical and physical properties to meet the specific demands of soft tissue repair. By adjusting the formulation, we achieved a range of stiffness values that closely mimic the mechanical characteristics of native tissues while maintaining very high resilience (>90%). The effects of gelatin, alginate, and crosslinker concentrations, as well as porosity, on the hydrogel's properties were elucidated. The main results indicated a compression modulus range of 2.7–89 kPa, which fits all soft tissues, and gelation times ranging from 5 to 30 s, which enable the scaffold to be successfully used in various operations. An increase in gelatin and crosslinker concentrations results in a higher modulus and lower gelation time, i.e., a stiffer hydrogel that is created in a shorter time. In vitro cell viability tests on human fibroblasts were performed and indicated high biocompatibility. Our findings demonstrate that these injectable hydrogel scaffolds offer a promising solution for enhancing soft tissue repair and regeneration, providing a customizable and resilient framework that is expected to support tissue integration and healing with minimal surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically investigates the effects of the coaxial nozzle's inner nozzle diameter on the strength and gelation of filaments produced via extrusion-based 3D printing with in situ ionic crosslinking. In this system, bioink (sodium alginate solution) was extruded through the outer nozzle, and the ionic crosslinking solution (calcium chloride solution) was extruded through the inner nozzle. The outer nozzle diameter was fixed at 2.16 mm, and the inner nozzle diameter was varied among 1.19, 0.84, and 0.584 mm. The results indicate that, as the inner nozzle diameter decreased, filament strength decreased, and filament gelation became poorer. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing inner nozzle diameter for improved filament strength and gelation in extrusion-based 3D printing with in situ ionic crosslinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold immense therapeutic potential due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. However, to utilize this potential, it is crucial to optimize their in vitro cultivation conditions. Three-dimensional (3D) culture methods using cell-laden hydrogels aim to mimic the physiological microenvironment in vitro, thus preserving MSC biological functionalities. Cellulosic hydrogels are particularly promising due to their biocompatibility, sustainability, and tunability in terms of chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties. This study investigated the impact of (1) two physical crosslinking scenarios for hydrogels derived from anionic cellulose nanofibers (to-CNF) used to encapsulate adipose-derived MSCs (adMSCs) and (2) physiological culture conditions on the in vitro proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular vesicle (EV) production of these adMSCs. The results revealed that additional Ca2+-mediated crosslinking, intended to complement the self-assembly and gelation of aqueous to-CNF in the adMSC cultivation medium, adversely affected both the mechanical properties of the hydrogel spheres and the growth of the encapsulated cells. However, cultivation under dynamic and hypoxic conditions significantly improved the proliferation and differentiation of the encapsulated adMSCs. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the adMSCs in the CNF hydrogel spheres exhibited potential for scalable EV production with potent immunosuppressive capacities in a bioreactor system. These findings underscore the importance of physiological culture conditions and the suitability of cellulosic materials for enhancing the therapeutic potential of MSCs. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for optimizing the in vitro cultivation of MSCs for various applications, including tissue engineering, drug testing, and EV-based therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Patients with schizophrenia have significant challenges in adhering to and complying with oral medicines, resulting in adverse consequences such as symptom worsening and psychotic relapse. Methods: This study aimed to develop clove oil-based bilosomes using definitive screening design (DSD) to maximize the anti-schizophrenic action of clozapine and promote its nose-to-brain delivery. The target was to optimize the physicochemical properties of bilosomes and incorporate them into mucoadhesive intranasal in situ gels, searching for augmented ex vivo and in vivo clozapine delivery. Results: The bilosomes' particle size was decreased by increasing the span, SDC, and clove oil amounts. In addition to using a high lipid amount, the aforementioned components also helped increase the entrapment efficiency values. Increased zeta potential was only observed by increasing surfactant amount and reducing clozapine concentration. After incorporation of optimized liquid clove oil-based bilosomes, which had a spherical nano-sized vesicular shape, into P 407-dependent gels, an HPMC (2% w/w)/P 407 (20% w/w)-containing formulation (G6) was selected as an optimized gel owing to its acceptable gelation time (13.28 s), gel strength (27.72 s), viscosity (12,766.67 cP), and mucoadhesive strength (4273.93 dyne/cm2). The optimized G6 exhibited higher Jss (50.86 μg/cm2·h−1) through the nasal mucosa compared to the control gel (23.03 μg/cm2·h−1). Compared to the control gel, G6 displayed higher relative bioavailability (491.37%) than a commercial tablet (264.46%). Following ELISA analysis, dopamine and serotonin were significantly reduced, while BDNF was remarkably increased after administration of optimized G6 into schizophrenic rats. Conclusion: Our study indicates the potential of intranasal bilosomal gels in upgrading the anti-schizophrenic and neuroprotective activity of clozapine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] It remains a big challenge to fabricate low / medium internal phase gel emulsion for the safe wound dressing with low stimulation to the skin. Herein, utilizing the self-assembly and gelation of amphiphilic herbal small molecule-glycyrrhizic acid (GA) derived from traditional Chinese medicine, a new type of supramolecular gel emulsion (SGE) with antibacterial activity and low / medium internal phase was proposed. In the SGE, the oil droplets were stabilized by the nanofibers self-assembled from GA, and the SGE was formed by the supramolecular assembly of GA nanofibers in the presence of Pickering emulsions. As a result, under low / medium internal phase (φ = 30–50 %), SGEs could be readily prepared. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that the growth of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) could be effectively inhibited by the SGE. Additionally, compared to high internal phase SGE, SGE with φ = 50 % displayed lower cytotoxicity and a positive impact on the healing process of infectious diabetic wounds. This work provided a novel approach for constructing low / medium internal phase gel emulsion via herbal small molecule-based supramolecular assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the successful preparation of high-strength 3D-printed alumina ceramic cores using stereolithography (SLA) and vacuum sol impregnation. Zirconia, alumina, and silica sols (ZS, AS and SS) were chosen as impregnating agents for alumina ceramics. The effects of different types of sols, various ratios of alumina sol to silica sol, and different pH values of sols on the mechanical properties of the ceramics were investigated. The flexural strength of the samples increased significantly after silica sol impregnation, reaching a maximum of 63.51 ± 3.67 MPa, which is 2.06 times higher than that of the unimpregnated samples (UN). Silica particles fill the original pores of the ceramics, and after high-temperature sintering, mullite is formed to increase the density and strength of the ceramics. The flexural strength of alumina ceramics decreases and then increases as the percentage of silica sol in the alumina-silica mixed sol increases. The optimal impregnation ratio for the mixed sols was found to be 1:4, which led to a flexural strength of 62.2 ± 2.09 MPa for the alumina ceramics. In addition, the pH of the sol plays a crucial role in maintaining stable sols. The silica sol is more susceptible to gelation as the pH of the sol increases within the range of 3.5–5.5, which can have a negative impact on its impregnation effectiveness. At a pH of 6.5 in the silica sol, the alumina ceramics exhibited the highest flexural strength of 92.57 ± 2.43 MPa, which is 3.01 times higher than the flexural strength of the unimpregnated samples. The research of impregnation process parameters suitable for 3D printing of alumina ceramics aim to enhance the material's strength, offering a novel solution for applications as high-performance components in the energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extracellular matrix protein collagen I has been used extensively in the field of biomaterials due to its inherent biocompatibility and unique viscoelastic and mechanical properties. Collagen I self-assembly into fibers and networks is environmentally sensitive to gelation conditions such as temperature, resulting in gels with distinct network architectures and mechanical properties. Despite this, collagen gels are not suitable for many applications given their relatively low storage modulus. We have prepared collagen-poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG] interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels to reinforce the collagen network, which also induces changes to network plasticity, a recent focus of study in cell-matrix interactions. Here, we prepare collagen/PEG IPNs, varying collagen concentration and collagen gelation temperature to assess changes in microarchitecture and mechanical properties of these networks. By tuning these parameters, IPNs with a range of stiffness, plasticity and pore size are obtained. Cell studies suggest that matrix plasticity is a key determinant of cell behavior, including cell elongation, on these gels. This work presents a natural/synthetic biocompatible matrix that retains the unique structural properties of collagen networks with increased storage modulus and tunable plasticity. The described IPN materials will be of use for applications in which control of cell spreading is desirable, as only minimal changes in sample preparation lead to changes in cell spreading and circularity. Additionally, this study contributes to our understanding of the connection between collagen self-assembly conditions and matrix structural and mechanical properties and presents them as useful tools for the design of other collagen based biomaterials. We developed a collagen-poly(ethylene glycol) interpenetrating network (IPN) platform that retains native collagen architecture and biocompatibility but provides higher stiffness and tunable plasticity. With minor changes in collagen gelation temperature or concentration, IPN gels with a range of plasticity, storage modulus, and pore size can be obtained. The tunable plasticity of the gels is shown to modulate cell spreading, with a greater proportion of elongated cells on the most plastic of IPNs, supporting the assertion that matrix plasticity is a key determinant of cell spreading. The material can be of use for situations where control of cell spreading is desired with minimal intervention, and the findings herein may be used to develop similar collagen based IPN platforms. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk fibroin (SF) can be enzymatically crosslinked through tyrosine residues to fabricate hydrogels with good biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. Using tyramine substitution can increase the phenolic group content to facilitate the gelation kinetics and mechanical properties. In this study, a two-step chemical modification method is demonstrated to synthesize silk acid-tyramine (SA-TA) conjugates with a high phenolic group content (>7 mol%). The SA-TA shows rapid enzyme-catalyzed gelation property where the sol–gel transition takes less than 10 s at 37 °C, allowing cell encapsulation with uniform distribution while maintaining high cell viability (>90 %). Furthermore, the enzyme-catalyzed SA-TA hydrogels show enhanced storage modulus than enzyme-catalyzed SF hydrogels, long-term stability, and good cytocompatibility, indicating their great potential in 3D cell culture. The in vivo implantation study demonstrates that the SA-TA hydrogels are biodegradable with a mild immune response. This implies that SA-TA hydrogels can be applied in various medical applications, such as tissue engineering, cell delivery, and 3D bioprinting. In this study, a two-step chemical modification method is demonstrated to synthesize silk acid-tyramine (SA-TA) conjugates with a high phenolic group content (>7 mol%). Owing to the increased content of the phenolic group, the SA-TA shows rapid enzyme-catalyzed gelation property where the sol–gel transition takes less than 10 s at 37 °C, allowing cell encapsulation with uniform distribution while maintaining high cell viability (>90 %). Furthermore, the enzyme-catalyzed SA-TA hydrogels show enhanced storage modulus than enzyme-catalyzed SF hydrogels, long-term stability, and good cytocompatibility, indicating their great potential in 3D cell culture. The in vivo implantation study demonstrates that the SA-TA hydrogels are biodegradable with a mild immune response. This implies that SA-TA hydrogels can be applied in various medical applications, such as tissue engineering, cell delivery, and 3D bioprinting. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fat covered by fat globule membrane is scattered in a water phase rich in lactose and milky protein, forming the original emulsion structure of milk. In order to develop low-fat milk products with good performance or dairy products with nutritional reinforcement, the original emulsion structure of milk can be restructured. According to the type of lipid and emulsion structure in milk, the remolded emulsion structure can be divided into three types: restructured single emulsion structure, mixed emulsion structure, and double emulsion structure. The restructured single emulsion structure refers to the introduction of another kind of lipid to skim milk, and the mixed emulsion structure refers to adding another type of oil or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion to milk containing certain levels of milk fat, whose final emulsion structure is still O/W emulsion. In contrast, the double emulsion structure of milk is a more complicated structural remodeling method, which is usually performed by introducing W/O emulsion into skim milk (W2) to obtain milk containing (water-in-oil-in-water) W1/O/W2 emulsion structure in order to encapsulate more diverse nutrients. Causal statistical analysis was used in this review, based on previous studies on remodeling the emulsion structures in milk and its gelling products. In addition, some common processing technologies (including heat treatment, high-pressure treatment, homogenization, ultrasonic treatment, micro-fluidization, freezing and membrane emulsification) may also have a certain impact on the microstructure and properties of milk and its gelling products with four different emulsion structures. These processing technologies can change the size of the dispersed phase of milk, the composition and structure of the interfacial layer, and the composition and morphology of the aqueous phase substance, so as to regulate the shelf-life, stability, and sensory properties of the final milk products. This research on the restructuring of the emulsion structure of milk is not only a cutting-edge topic in the field of food science, but also a powerful driving force in promoting the transformation and upgrading of the dairy industry to achieve high-quality and multi-functional dairy products, in order to meet the diversified needs of consumers for health and taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabricating large-scale porous bioactive glass bone scaffolds presents significant challenges. This study aims to develop formable, in situ setting scaffolds with a practical gelation time of about 10 min by mixing 45S5 bioactive glass with sodium silicate (waterglass) and an acid initiator. The effects of pH (2–11), waterglass concentration (15–50 wt.%), and acid initiator type (phosphoric or boric acid) were examined to optimize gelation kinetics and microstructure. A 10 min gelation time was achieved with boric acid and phosphoric acid at various pH levels by adjusting the waterglass concentration. Exponential and polynomial models were proposed to predict gelation times in basic and acidic environments, respectively. The optical properties of the gels were studied qualitatively and quantitatively, providing insights into gelation kinetics and structure. Acidic gels formed smaller particles in a dense network (pores < 550 nm) with higher light transmittance, while basic gels had larger aggregates (pores ~5 µm) and lower transmittance. As the waterglass concentration decreased, pore size and transmittance converged in both groups. The onset of gelation was detected around 8 min using the derivative of light transmittance. This work identifies the key factors controlling waterglass gelation and their impact on gel structure, enabling the tailored creation of formable, in situ setting bioactive glass bone scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the gelation kinetics and mechanical properties of agarose hydrogels studied at different concentrations (in the range 1–5 g/L) and temperatures. Rheological measurements were performed by diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) using polystyrene and titanium dioxide particles as probes. The study emphasized the influence of gelation kinetics on the mechanical behavior of the hydrogels. The results showed that the gel properties were closely related to the thermal history and aging time of the samples. The insights gained from this study are critical for optimizing the performance of agarose hydrogels in specific applications and highlight the importance of controlling the concentration and thermal conditions during hydrogel preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a material capable of rapidly absorbing bodily fluids and forming a resilient, adhesive, viscoelastic hydrogel in situ to prevent post-surgical adhesions. This material was formulated using O-carboxymethyl chitosan (O-CMCS), oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA), and a crosslinking pigment derived from genipin and glutamic acid (G/GluP). Both crosslinked (O-CMCS/OHA-G/GluP) and non-crosslinked hydrogels (O-CMCS/OHA) were evaluated using a HAAKE™ MARS™ rheometer for their potential as post-surgical barriers. A rheological analysis, including dynamic oscillatory measurements, revealed that the crosslinked hydrogels exhibited significantly higher elastic moduli (G′), indicating superior gel formation and mechanical stability compared to non-crosslinked hydrogels. The G/GluP crosslinker enhanced gel stability by increasing the separation between G′ and G″ and achieving a lower loss tangent (tan δ < 1.0), indicating robustness under dynamic physiological conditions. The rapid hydration and gelation properties of the hydrogels underscore their effectiveness as physical barriers. Furthermore, the O-CMCS/OHA-G/GluP hydrogel demonstrated rapid self-healing and efficient application via spraying or spreading, with tissue adherence and viscoelasticity to facilitate movement between tissues and organs, effectively preventing adhesions. Additionally, the hydrogel proved to be both cost effective and scalable, highlighting its potential for clinical applications aimed at preventing post-surgical adhesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Hydrogels derived from fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-conjugated amino acids and peptides demonstrate remarkable potential in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and tissue engineering. These hydrogels can be injectable, offering a minimally invasive approach to hydrogel implantation. Given their potential for prolonged application, there is a need for non-destructive evaluation of their properties over extended periods. Thus, we introduce a hydrogel characterization platform employing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes. Our approach involves generating supramolecular self-assembling hydrogels from aromatic Fmoc-amino acids. Integrating SWCNTs into the hydrogels maintains their structural and mechanical properties, establishing SWCNTs as optical probes for hydrogels. We demonstrate that the SWCNT NIR-fluorescence changes during the gelation process correlate to rheological changes within the hydrogels. Additionally, single particle tracking of SWCNTs incorporated in the hydrogels provides insights into differences in hydrogel morphologies. Furthermore, the disassembly process of the hydrogels can be monitored through the SWCNT fluorescence modulation. The unique attribute of SWCNTs as non-photobleaching fluorescent sensors, emitting at the biologically transparent window, offers a non-destructive method for studying hydrogel dynamics over extended periods. This platform could be applied to a wide range of self-assembling hydrogels to advance our understanding and applications of supramolecular assembly technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvest time is very important to rice due to its high correlation to rice yield, eating quality, etc.; however, the impact of harvest time on quality is still unclear. In this study, Nangeng 5718, a japonica rice planted in three regions in Jiangsu Province of China, was used to analyze and compare the milling quality, appearance quality, and physicochemical quality of japonica rice at different harvest times. The results showed that the 1000-grain weight of Nangeng 5718 exhibited no significant change at different harvest times (p > 0.05). The brown rice rate and rice yield at different harvest times were 82.3–85.4% and 66.3–76.1%, respectively. Harvest time had no significant effect on the brown of rice (p > 0.05). However, Nangeng 5718 planted in Nanjing had the highest rice yield at 50 days after heading, which was significantly different from that of rice harvested 65 days after heading (p < 0.05). Nangeng 5718 planted in Huai'an had the highest rice yield at 55 days after heading, which was significantly different from that of rice harvested 60 days after heading (p < 0.05). Harvest time had little effect on the length, width, and thickness of rice. The immature grain rate showed a decreasing trend with the increase in maturity. There were little differences in the protein content of Nangeng 5718 at different harvest times. Nangeng 5718 planted in Nanjing had the highest protein content at 50 days after heading. There was a significant difference between the rice harvested and the rice harvested 60 days after heading (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the other two regions (p > 0.05). The accumulated temperature in Nanjing was relatively high, and the RVA curve and RVA eigenvalues of rice varied greatly. The setback value of rice harvested at 50 days was significantly lower than that at 55 days and 60 days (p < 0.05). Rice has good gelatinizing properties. Therefore, timely harvesting and appropriate accumulated temperature could increase 1000-grain weight and rice yield, reduce the immature grain rate, and improve the gelatinization characteristics. Overall, the quality of Nangeng 5718 reached a good level when it was harvested 50 days after heading, with the accumulated temperature reaching 1051 °C. In fact, the harvest time should be chosen flexibly according to the weather conditions. Nangeng 5718 planted in Nanjing should be harvested earlier than 50 days, and rice from Huai'an and Lianyungang was of better quality when the harvest time was 50 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fava beans, renowned for their nutritional value and sustainable cultivation, are pivotal in various food applications. This study examined the implications of varying the particle size on the functional, physicochemical, and in vitro digestibility properties of fava bean flour. Fava bean was milled into 0.14, 0.50, and 1.0 mm particle sizes using a Ferkar multipurpose knife mill. Physicochemical analyses showed that the 0.14 mm flour had more starch damage, but higher protein and fat contents. Functionality assessments revealed that the finer particle sizes had better foaming properties, swelling power, and gelation behavior than the coarse particle size. Emulsion capacity showed that for all the pH conditions, 1.00 mm particle size flour had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) oil droplet size, while the 0.5 and 0.14 mm flours had smaller and similar oil droplet sizes. Moreover, in vitro digestibility assays resulted in improved starch digestion (p ˂ 0.05) with the increase in flour particle size. Varying the particle size of fava bean flour had less impact on the in vitro digestibility of the bread produced from wheat–fava bean composite flour, with an average of 84%. The findings underscore the critical role of particle size in tailoring fava bean flour for specific culinary purposes and nutritional considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneity is a fundamental characteristic of oil and gas reservoirs. The key measure improving the acidizing effect of heterogeneous reservoirs is diversion methods, which diverting agents are used to plug the high permeability layer and promote acid acting on the low permeability layer. In order to solve the problems of uncontrollable gelation time and serious damage of synthetic polymer diverting agents. A novel diverting agent SAXG with high strength and biodegradability was formed through semi-interpenetration using biomaterials sodium alginate (SA)and xanthan gum(XG). The optimal mass percentage of the system was optimized to 0. 7% SA+0. 3% XG with the goal of deformation and gelation time. The rheological properties and delayed gelation characteristics of this diverting agent were tested by rheometer；The degradability of the system was described with the content of residue；The difference between SAXG semi-interpenetrating network and SA gel was confirmed through scanning electron microscope(SEM)；Finally, the core flow experiment was used to verify the divert acidizing effect of SAXG. The results showed that the gelation time range of SAXG is 14 to 456 min；The SAXG can be completely degraded in saline and acid solutions；The permeability of the core after diversion acidizing increased by 2. 85 times compared to conventional acidification；The recovery rate of core permeability after degradation reached 98. 6%. The SAXG can effectively promote the diversion of acid solution, thereby improving the effectiveness of acid stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progress in polymer science and nanotechnology yields new colloidal and macromolecular objects and their combinations, which can be defined as complex polymer materials. The complexity may include a complicated composition and architecture of macromolecular chains, specific intermolecular interactions, an unusual phase behavior, and a structure of a multi-component polymer-containing material. Determination of a relation between the structure of a complex material, the structure and properties of its constituent elements, and the rheological properties of the material as a whole is the subject of structural rheology—a valuable tool for the development and study of novel materials. This work summarizes the author's structural–rheological studies of complex polymer materials for determining the conditions and rheo-manifestations of their micro- and nanostructuring. The complicated chemical composition of macromolecular chains and its role in polymer structuring via block segregation and cooperative hydrogen bonds in melt and solutions is considered using tri- and multiblock styrene/isoprene and vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol copolymers. Specific molecular interactions are analyzed in solutions of cellulose; its acetate butyrate; a gelatin/carrageenan combination; and different acrylonitrile, oxadiazole, and benzimidazole copolymers. A homogeneous structuring may result from a conformational transition, a mesophase formation, or a macromolecular association caused by a complex chain composition or specific inter- and supramolecular interactions, which, however, may be masked by macromolecular entanglements when determining a rheological behavior. A heterogeneous structure formation implies a microscopic phase separation upon non-solvent addition, temperature change, or intense shear up to a macroscopic decomposition. Specific polymer/particle interactions have been examined using polyethylene oxide solutions, polyisobutylene melts, and cellulose gels containing solid particles of different nature, demonstrating the competition of macromolecular entanglements, interparticle interactions, and adsorption polymer/particle bonds in governing the rheological properties. Complex chain architecture has been considered using long-chain branched polybutylene-adipate-terephthalate and polyethylene melts, cross-linked sodium hyaluronate hydrogels, asphaltene solutions, and linear/highly-branched polydimethylsiloxane blends, showing that branching raises the viscosity and elasticity and can result in limited miscibility with linear isomonomer chains. Finally, some examples of composite adhesives, membranes, and greases as structured polymeric functional materials have been presented with the demonstration of the relation between their rheological and performance properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Thermally-induced in-situ gelation of polymers and nanogels is of significant importance for injectable non-invasive tissue engineering and delivery systems of drug delivery system. In this study, we for the first time demonstrated that the interpenetrating (IPN) nanogel with two networks of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly (N-Acryloyl- l -phenylalanine) (PAphe) underwent a reversible temperature-triggered sol-gel transition and formed a structural color gel above the phase transition temperature (Tp). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies confirmed that the Tp of IPN nanogels are the same as that of PNIPAM, independent of Aphe content of the IPN nanogels at pH of 6.5 ∼ 7.4. The rheological and optical properties of IPN nanogels during sol-gel transition were studied by rheometer and optical fiber spectroscopy. The results showed that the gelation time of the hydrogel photonic crystals assembled by IPN nanogel was affected by temperature, PAphe composition, concentration, and sequence of interpenetration. As the temperature rose above the Tp, the Bragg reflection peak of IPN nanogels exhibited blue shift due to the shrinkage of IPN nanogels. In addition, these colored IPN nanogels demonstrated good injectability and had no obvious cytotoxicity. These IPN nanogels will open an avenue to the preparation and thermally-induced in-situ gelation of novel NIPAM-based nanogel system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The advances of self‐crossing hyaluronic acid (SC‐HA) fillers combination use with polydioxanone thread in minipigs were examined for compatibility, effectiveness, and immune response. Materials and Methods: A 12‐week experiment was conducted using 6 minipigs (3 male and 3 female each) to evaluate the effects of SC‐HA filler. The molecular weight of SC‐HA filler was fixed at 200 kDa and alternative storage modulus of G80, G250, and G500 were examined. The procedure involved injecting SC‐HA filler and polydioxanone threads into the skin tissue of anesthetized minipigs, and tissue sampling after 1 month (three minipigs), and 3 months (three minipigs) for histological staining and analysis. The immune reaction was observed during the experiment. Results: The practitioner reported it was easy to inject the SC‐HA filler in combination with polydioxanone threads. All four storage modulus of SC‐HA fillers were injectable within the polydioxanone thread containing cannula. Also, during the procedure, there were no immune responses at the treated sites. The results of the histological tissue examination confirmed that there was no chemical interaction between SC‐HA filler and the existing polydioxanone thread, and it was observed that SC‐HA filler was more uniformly distributed within the tissue with lower storage modulus, resulting in a higher production of collagen in the surrounding filler. When combined with scaffold polydioxanone thread, the scaffold polydioxanone thread helped spread the filler evenly, resulting in a more evenly distributed collagen around the filler. Conclusion: Today, the combination therapy of filler and polydioxanone thread in one procedure is challenging due to the high viscosity of conventional fillers. However, this study confirmed that combination therapy of filler and polydioxanone thread is possible with SC‐HA fillers. Additionally, it was found that polydioxanone thread does not seem to interfere with the crosslinking reaction of SC‐HA filler, and if used with a higher pH of polydioxanone, it may enhance the cross‐linking reaction and achieve a higher viscosity value. Finally, the study resulted in the idea of concrete as SC‐HA filler and reinforcing rod for polydioxanone thread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit juice processing can generate significant waste, but efficiently repurposing some of its byproducts not only reduces environmental impact but also adds value, thereby enhancing sustainability in the food industry. This work assesses the use of hydrocolloids in jam preparation and the influence of time and temperature on gelation in the presence of apple pomace. The effects of different processing conditions were analyzed using response surface methodology. Viscosity, elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and firmness were measured. Results indicated that both time and temperature significantly improved rheological and textural properties. The optimal conditions (35.6 min and 84.2 °C) yielded a viscosity of 3.66 × 10⁴ ± 4.49 × 102 Pa·s and a G′ at 1 Hz of 2596 ± 128 Pa. The final product exhibited the desirable texture, was free of added sugars, had low lipid content, and retained its bioactive compounds. Applying apple pomace in the formulation allows a more efficient hydrocolloid system, promotes a circular economy, and combats food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents a comparative analysis of gelation properties in plant-based versus animal-based proteins, emphasizing key factors such as pH, ionic environment, temperature, and anti-nutritional factors. Gelation, a crucial process in food texture formation, is influenced by these factors in varying ways for plant and animal proteins. Animal proteins, like casein, whey, meat, and egg, generally show stable gelation properties, responding predictably to pH, temperature, and ionic changes. In contrast, plant proteins such as soy, pea, wheat, and oilseed show more variable gelation, often requiring specific conditions, like the presence of NaCl or optimal pH, to form effective gels. Animal proteins tend to gel more reliably, while plant proteins require precise environmental adjustments for similar results. Understanding these factors is crucial for selecting and processing proteins to achieve desired textures and functionalities in food products. This review highlights how changing these key factors can optimize gel properties in both plant- and animal-based proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the use of plant proteins in foods requires improving their physical and chemical properties, such as emulsification, gelation capacity, and thermal stability. These properties determine the acceptability and functionality of food products. Higher protein solubility significantly impacts these properties by affecting denaturation and the stability of emulsifiers or gels. Therefore, developing plant-based protein ingredients requires accurately and conveniently measuring their solubility. Colorimetric solubility methods overcome many issues of more robust combustion and titration methods, but complicated chemical mechanisms limit their applicability for certain proteins. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of four common colorimetric solubility measurement methods for pulse and non-pulse legume proteins and hydrolysates. Pea, chickpea, lentil, and soy protein isolates were made from defatted flour and their solubility at a range of pHs was measured using the Bradford, Lowry, bicinchoninic acid (BCA), and biuret methods. Solubility was also measured for chickpea and soy protein hydrolysates made using Alcalase and Flavourzyme. A comparison of the methods for solubility quantification revealed that the Bradford and Lowry methods most closely match the expected results for the unhydrolyzed protein, with the BCA and biuret methods underestimating solubility by 30%. The Lowry method was the preferred method for hydrolysate solubility measurement, with the Bradford method measuring 0% solubility at the isoelectric point due to an inability to interact with peptides that are soluble at this pH. This study identifies reliable methods for measuring plant protein solubility that establish uniform outcomes and enable a better comparison across studies, giving a consensus for key functional properties in food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modernization has led to a large convenience food market, and the demand for freeze-dried (FD) soup products is increasing in the Republic of Korea. FD soup products are easy to eat without cooking and can be stored for long periods. However, it is often difficult to ensure sensory satisfaction after rehydration of FD soup products; in particular, the ingredients are not evenly dispersed. Therefore, a stable dispersion or reconstitution of the FD soup products is required after rehydration. Here, the effects of high-speed shearing homogenization on the physical properties of a carbohydrate-binder mixture comprising maltodextrin, potato starch, and rice flour were investigated during hydrothermal gelatinization. To find a suitable treatment condition, different homogenization eras, speeds, and concentrations of the binder mixture were considered; in particular, the homogenization eras were set by considering the hydrothermal property of the binder mixture profiled using differential scanning calorimetry. The viscosity of the binder mixture and the compression strength and microstructure of the FD binder block, including the dispersion stability after rehydration, were evaluated. The quality of the FD binder block was improved by homogenization above 5000 rpm when the core temperature of the binder mixture reached approximately To at 14.5–21.8% concentrations. The improved FD binder block exhibited a fine surface and tiny porous microstructure compared with the control (with continuous agitation at 250 rpm). The control block was divided into two phases, whereas the improved block maintained the initial dispersion stability at 50 °C for 1 h. These results are expected to be referenced for the purpose of improving the quality of the FD soup products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy and environmental issues have increasingly garnered significant attention for sustainable development. Flexible and shape‐stable phase change materials display great potential in regulation of environmental temperature for energy saving and human comfort. Here, inspired by the water absorption behavior of salt‐tolerant animals and plants in salinity environment and the Hofmeister theory, highly stable phase change salogels (PCSGs) are fabricated through in situ polymerization of hydrophilic monomers in molten salt hydrates, which can serve multiple functions including thermal management patches, smart windows, and ice blocking coatings. The gelation principles of the polymer in high ion concentration solution are explored through the density functional theory simulation and verified the feasibility of four types of salt hydrates. The high concentration chaotropic ions strongly interacted with polymer chains and promoted the gelation at low polymer concentrations which derive highly‐stable and ultra‐moisturizing PCSGs with high latent heat (> 200 J g−1). The synergistic adhesion and transparency switching abilities accompanied with phase transition enable their smart thermal management. The study resolves the melting leakage and thermal cycling stability of salt hydrates, and open an avenue to fabricate flexible PCM of low cost, high latent heat, and long‐term durability for energy‐saving, ice‐blocking, and thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the addition of curdlan gel with two different forms, thermal reversible curdlan gum (TRC) and thermal irreversible curdlan gum (TIRC) on the gelling properties and in vitro digestibility of myofibrillar proteins (MP) gel were investigated. The results showed that the gel strength and water holding capacity of MP gel significantly increased with increasing TRC or TIRC concentration (P<0.05), and reached the maximum value at 0.4%, which was confirmed by dynamic rheological behavior. Meanwhile, the addition of TRC or TIRC promoted the transformation of α-helix into β-sheet, and the hydrophobic interaction and disulfide bond were the primary forces of mixed gels. The microstructures revealed that the addition of TRC or TIRC promoted the formation of the dense and uniform protein network structure. However, the modes of interactions between TRC or TIRC and MP induced the different patterns for the gel formation, resulting in the differences in the microstructure of MP gels. In addition, the addition of TRC or TIRC inhibited protein hydrolysis into small peptides and amino acids, which significantly decreased in vitro protein digestibility (P<0.05). Especially when the supplemental level was 0.3% (w/w), the digestibility was reduced from 77.53% to 71.66%. However, no significant effect on the in vitro digestibility of MP gels was observed for each addition form of curdlan (P>0.05). Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the effect of TRC or TIRC on the formation and in vitro digestion of MP gel, and lays a technical support for the application of curdlan gum in meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the application of polymer gels to profile control and water shutoff, the gelation time will directly determine whether the gel can “go further” in the formation, but the most of the methods for delaying gel gelation time are complicated or have low responsiveness. There is an urgent need for an effective method for delaying gel gelation time with intelligent response. Inspired by the slow-release effect of drug capsules, this paper uses the self-assembly effect of gas-phase hydrophobic SiO2 in aqueous solution as a capsule to prepare an intelligent responsive self-assembled micro-nanocapsules. The capsule slowly releases the cross-linking agent under the stimulation of external conditions such as temperature and pH value, thus delaying gel gelation time. When the pH value is 2 and the concentration of gas-phase hydrophobic SiO2 particles is 10%, the gelation time of the capsule gel system at 30, 60, 90, and 120 °C is 12.5, 13.2, 15.2, and 21.1 times longer than that of the gel system without containing capsule, respectively. Compared with other methods, the yield stress of the gel without containing capsules was 78 Pa, and the yield stress after the addition of capsules was 322 Pa. The intelligent responsive self-assembled micronanocapsules prepared by gas-phase hydrophobic silica nanoparticles can not only delay the gel gelation time, but also increase the gel strength. The slow release of cross-linking agent from capsule provides an effective method for prolongating the gelation time of polymer gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tunability of the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) to lower or higher temperatures, as well as the ease of modulation of the LCST phase transition kinetics broadens the scope of application of PNIPAM‐based materials in biomedical fields. This work reports a facile approach to formulate a smart, injectable cellulose nanofibril (CNF)/PNIPAM hybrid gel. Hofmeister salts are used to induce ion‐mediated gelation of the nanofibrils and PNIPAM chains, resulting in an interpenetrating network (IPN) structure. From rheological measurements, the hybrid material displays excellent structural integrity at room temperature and tunable thermo‐stiffening around body temperature. De‐swelling kinetics can be modulated by varying the nature and concentration of the Hofmeister ion used. The successful realization of the IPN hybrid gel structure is dependent on the molecular weight of PNIPAM used. Moreover, the hybrid gels show good thermo‐reversibility during thermal cycling, as well as excellent injectability and remarkable self‐healing post‐injection, owing to shear‐thinning and thixotropic characters. Since rheology is a crucial technique in the analysis of soft matter and flow behavior is fundamental for the design and synthesis of application‐specific viscoelastic materials, the work reported herein provides a rheological basis for careful design and synthesis of smart gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] How to construct a new electrode/electrolyte interface structure in solid-state batteries (SSBs), enhance interface stability, and improve the cycling performance of SSBs is a great challenge for the development of SSBs. Here, an all-in-one "interface-free" structure was developed. This interfacial structure constructs a full-interface hydrogen bonding network through the abundant hydrogen bond donors and acceptors in the cathode and electrolyte to enhance the interfacial stability and avoid interfacial failure during charging and discharging, and generates cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) in-situ to effectively regulate zinc ion transport. Square cells assembled in this structure are stabilized for 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2. This integrated electrode provides a new idea for the long stable cycle of SSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La 1−x Ca x FeO 3 (LCF) has shown promising potential as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) due to its exceptional cathodic properties for SOFCs. This study facilitates a comparative analysis with similar synthesis techniques, employing a simplified and cost-effective sol-gel route for the rapid synthesis of La 1−x Ca x FeO 3 (x = 0.35), which achieves a significantly reduced number and duration of steps, lower drying time, as well as decreasing energy consumption of synthesis process compared to several similar research results. The reduction the processing temperature and its duration also vouch for a more sustainable synthesis route. To confirm the successful synthesis of porous La 0.65 Ca 0.35 FeO 3 , various analysis methods, including Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermogravimetric Analysis (DTA-TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are employed. Furthermore, the effect of calcination temperature on crucial factors such as morphology, grain size, phase composition, and chemical bonds were thoroughly investigated. The experimental results illustrate the relationship between calcination temperature and the above-mentioned properties. Modifying the gelation temperature to 120 °C and eliminating the time-consuming drying stage of the gel, providing insights into the optimization of the synthesis process through reducing energy consumption and synthesis time simultaneously. Eventually, the pure phase of porous La 0.65 Ca 0.35 FeO 3 cathode material was successfully synthesized after 1 h calcination at the temperature of 1200 °C for potential applications in SOFC cathodes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of barrier materials with pharmacological therapy is a promising strategy to treat intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). However, most of these materials are surgically implanted in a fixed shape and incongruence with the natural mechanical properties of the uterus, causing poor adaptability and significant discomfort to the patients. Herein, an injectable, biodegradable, and mechanically adaptive hydrogel loaded with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is created by L‑serine and allyl functionalized chitosan (ACS) to achieve efficient, comfortable, and minimally invasive treatment of IUAs. L‑serine induces fast gelation and mechanical reinforcement of the hydrogel, while ACS introduces, imparting a good injectability and complaint yet strong feature to the hydrogel. This design enables the hydrogel to adapt to the complex geometry and match the mechanical properties of the uterine. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits proper degradability, sustained growth factors (GFs) of PRP release ability, and good biocompatibility. Consequently, the hydrogel shows promising therapeutic efficacy by reducing collagen fiber deposition and facilitating endometrium cell proliferation, thereby restoring the fertility function of the uterus in an IUAs model of rats. Accordingly, the combination of L‑serine and ACS-induced hydrogel with such advantages holds great potential for treating IUAs. This research introduces a breakthrough in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) with an injectable, biodegradable and mechanically adaptive hydrogel using L‑serine and allyl functionalized chitosan (ACS). Unlike traditional surgical treatments, this hydrogel uniquely conforms to the uterus's geometry and mechanical properties, offering a minimally invasive, comfortable, and more effective solution. The hydrogel is designed to release growth factors from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) sustainably, promoting tissue regeneration by enhancing collagen fiber deposition and endometrium cell proliferation. Demonstrated efficacy in a rat model of IUAs indicates its great potential to significantly improve fertility restoration treatments. This advancement represents a significant leap in reproductive medicine, promising to transform IUAs treatment with its innovative approach to achieving efficient, comfortable, and minimally invasive therapy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an anti-staling agent in bread, the desorption isotherm of polydextrose has not been studied due to a very long equilibrium time. The adsorption and desorption isotherms of five Chinese polydextrose products were measured in the range of 0.1–0.9 aw and 20–35 °C by a dynamic moisture sorption analyzer. The results show that the shape of adsorption and desorption isotherms was similar to that of amorphous lactose. In the range of 0.1–0.8 aw, the hysteresis between desorption and adsorption of polydextrose was significant. The sorption isotherms of polydextrose can be fitted by seven commonly used models, and our developed seven-parameter polynomial, the adsorption equations of generalized D'Arcy and Watt (GDW) and Ferro-Fontan, and desorption equations of polynomial and Peleg, performed well in the range of 0.1–0.9 aw. The hysteresis curves of polydextrose at four temperatures quickly decreased with aw increase at aw ˂ 0.5, andthereafter slowly decreased when aw ≥ 0.5. The polynomial fitting hysteresis curves of polydextrose were divided into three regions: ˂0.2, 0.2–0.7, and 0.71–0.9 aw. The addition of 0–10% polydextrose to rice starch decreased the surface adsorption and bulk absorption during the adsorption and desorption of rice starch, while it increased the water adsorption value at aw ≥ 0.7 due to polydextrose dissolution. DSC analysis showed that polydextrose as a gelling agent inhibited the retrogradation of rice starch, which could be used to maintain the quality of cooked rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to highlight the importance of choosing the appropriate co-polymer or co-polymer mixed combinations in order to design value-added nasal dosage forms. Local therapy of upper respiratory tract-related infections, such as nasal rhinosinusitis is of paramount importance, thus advanced local therapeutic options are required. Dexamethasone was encapsulated into three different polymeric micelle formulations: Soluplus or TPGS-only and their mixed combinations. Dynamic light scattering measurements proved that the particles have a micelle size less than 100 nm in monodisperse distribution, with high encapsulation efficiency above 80% and an at least 7-fold water solubility increase. Tobramycin, as an antimicrobial agent, was co-formulated into the in situ gelling systems which were optimized based on gelation time and gelation temperature. The sol–gel transition takes place between 32–35 °C, which is optimally below the temperature of the nasal cavity in a quick manner below 5 min, a suitable strategic criterion against the mucociliary clearance. In vitro drug release and permeability studies confirmed a rapid kinetics in the case of the encapsulated dexamethasone accompanied with a sustained release of tobramycin, as the hydrophilic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorbents with high adsorption efficiency and excellent biosafety for biomedical applications are highly required. MXene is a promising candidate owning these advantages, yet pristine MXene faces dilemmas including insufficient utility of surface site as well as limited processibility. Here, we develop MXene‐encapsulated porous microcapsules via microfluidics. The microcapsules have a biomass hydrogel shell that provides robust support for MXene in the core, by which the microcapsules are endowed with high MXene dosage and remarkable biosafety. Additionally, the MXene nanoflakes assemble into a three‐dimensional network via metal ion‐induced gelation, thereby avoiding restacking and significantly improving surface utilization. Moreover, a freeze‐pretreatment of the microcapsules during preparation results in the formation of a macroporous structure in the shell, which can facilitate the diffusion of the target molecules. These features, combined with additional magneto‐responsiveness rendered by the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles, contribute to prominent performances of the microcapsules in cleaning uremia toxins including creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Thus, it is anticipated that the MXene‐encapsulated microcapsules will be promising adsorbents in dialysis‐related applications, and the combination of microfluidic encapsulation with metal ion gelation will provide a novel approach for construction of hybrid MXene materials with desired functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mild alkali treatment can potentially be developed as a greener alternative to the traditional alkali treatment of starch, but the effect of mild alkali on starch is still understudied. Normal and waxy rice starches were subjected to mild alkali combined with hydrothermal treatment to investigate their changes in physicochemical properties. After mild alkali treatment, the protein content of normal and waxy rice starches decreased from 0.76% to 0.23% and from 0.89% to 0.23%, respectively. Mild alkali treatment decreased gelatinization temperature but increased the swelling power and solubility of both starches. Mild alkali treatment also increased the gelatinization enthalpy of waxy rice starch from 20.01 J/g to 25.04 J/g. Mild alkali treatment at room temperature increased the pasting viscosities of both normal and waxy rice starches, whereas at high temperature, it decreased pasting viscosities during hydrothermal treatment. Alkali treatment significantly changed the properties of normal and waxy rice starch by the ionization of hydroxyl groups and the removal of starch granule-associated proteins. Hydrothermal conditions promoted the effect of alkali. The combination of hydrothermal and alkali treatment led to greater changes in starch properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project studied the use of lentil protein (LP) and quinoa protein (QP) in their native and modified states as carrier material in the encapsulation process by the ionic gelation technique of annatto seed extract. Soy protein (SP) was used as a model of carrier material and encapsulated bioactive compounds, respectively. The plant proteins were modified by enzymatic hydrolysis, N acylation, and N-cationization to improve their encapsulating properties. Additionally, the secondary structure, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility as a function of pH, isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight (MW), the content of free thiol groups (SH), the absorption capacity of water (WHC) and fat (FAC), emulsifier activity (EAI), emulsifier stability (ESI), and gelation temperature (Tg) were assessed on proteins in native and modified states. The results obtained demonstrated that in a native state, LP (80.52% and 63.82%) showed higher encapsulation efficiency than QP (73.63% and 45.77%), both for the hydrophilic dye and for the annatto extract. Structural modifications on proteins improve some functional properties, such as solubility, WHC, FAC, EAI, and ESI. However, enzymatic hydrolysis on the proteins decreased the gels' formation, the annatto extract's encapsulated efficiency, and the hydrophilic dye by the ionic gelation method. On the other hand, the modifications of N-acylation and N-cationization increased but did not generate statistically significant differences (p-value > 0.05) in the encapsulation efficiency of both the annatto extract and the hydrophilic dye compared to those obtained with native proteins. This research contributes to understanding how plant proteins (LP and QP) can be modified to enhance their encapsulating and solubility properties. The better encapsulation of bioactive compounds (like annatto extract) can improve product self-life, potentially benefiting the development of functional ingredients for the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal type is an important physicochemical property of starch. However, it is currently unclear whether changes in crystal type affect other properties of starch. This study discovered that water deficit resulted in an increase in small starch granules and transparency in Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii, while causing a decrease in amylose content and swelling power. Additionally, the crystal type of P. Thomsonii starch changed from CB-type to CA-type under water deficit, without significantly altering the short-range ordered structure and chain length distribution of starch. This transformation in crystal type led to peak splitting in the DSC heat flow curve of starch, alterations in gelatinization behavior, and an increase in resistant starch content. These changes in crystalline structure and physicochemical properties of starch granules are considered as adaptive strategies employed by P. Thomsonii to cope with water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Roasting is the best choice for seeds to develop flavor, color, texture, and palatability. The roasting process also increases the antioxidant activity in roasted products. All these changes are mainly affected by roasting temperature and time. This research aims to determine the appropriate roasting temperature and time for jackfruit seed to increase the use value of the underutilized waste part of jackfruit. Material and methods. The jackfruit seeds came from Thai jackfruits harvested from Hau Giang province, Vietnam. Jackfruit seed slides were roasted in a rotary drum roaster at temperatures of 160, 170, and 180°C for 30, 40, and 50 minutes after oven-drying for 90 minutes at 60°C. The functional properties, pasting properties, thermal properties, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity expressed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, and the sensory attributes of the roasted samples were analyzed. Results. Roasting temperature and time significantly affected the quality of roasted jackfruit seed powder (RJSP). The high roasting temperature and time decreased bulk density (BD), tapped density (TD), foam capacity (FC), foam stability (FS), and viscosity properties of the powder. On the contrary, TPC, DPPH free radical scavenging, pasting temperature, and enthalpy for gelatinization significantly increased. A notable result was the formation of a chocolate aroma, notably when roasting jackfruit seeds at 170°C for 40 minutes. RJFS then exhibited high TPC (5.54 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging of 79.02%). Conclusion. Temperature and time are important factors for the roasting process. Roasting jackfruit seed at 170°C for 40 minutes enhanced the chocolate aroma, antioxidant activity, and suitable functional properties for chocolate products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium chalcogenide nanoplatelets (NPLs) are not only known due to their unique optical properties but also because of their ability to self‐assemble into stacks with new collective properties. Only recently, a stacking process in an aqueous medium has been demonstrated, which opens up possible applications and methods such as gelation. Nanoparticle‐based aerogels gain a lot of attention due to their high relative surface areas and porosity and thus, high potential for catalytic applications. Herein, the positive properties of aerogels to the NPL‐stack system by cryoaerogelation of destabilized NPL dispersions are introduced. After the addition of an antisolvent to initiate the stacking, the dispersion is flash‐frozen with liquid nitrogen and freeze‐dried. By this method, porous cryoaerogel networks result in high surface areas and retained stacking of the NPLs. The formed stack‐gels are investigated by electron microscopy and physisorption measurements. Optical and photoelectrochemical measurements verify the charge carrier transport within the stack‐gel network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article investigates the effect of thermal shrinkage on the yielding behavior of waxy oil gel. The paper compares constant gap and constant normal force measurement protocols to examine the effect of measurement protocol on the rheological behavior of thermoreversible gel. The findings of this study reveal that the extent of stress overshoot and yield stress in a constant shear-rate start-up flow shows a lower magnitude in a constant gap protocol compared to a constant normal force protocol. The decrease in gel strength in the former protocol is mainly attributed to the formation of voids. These voids cause localized fractures within the crystal network. In contrast, in the constant normal force measurement protocol, gel contraction is compensated by utilizing a variable gap setting. Variable gaps compensate for the lower specific volume of the gel after crystallization, minimizing void formation and subsequent rupture of the crystal network. Hence, the gel network formed using the constant normal force protocol is more homogeneous, eliminating the uncertainties in yield stress measurement. Finally, the effect of thermal history, wax content, and aging period on the yield stress values highlights notable findings. Contrary to the conventionally accepted results, the aging period is found to impact the yield stress negatively, and a nonmonotonic relationship between the cooling rate and yield stress is noticed under the constant gap protocol. Thus, the results obtained under the constant normal force protocol are more reliable and can help in developing a fundamental understanding of the yielding behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research evaluated different rice genotypes regarding physicochemical and instrumental parameters of grain quality and associated the data with sensory analysis to support the creation of rules for classification of the culinary quality of rice (texture), based on isolated or combined parameters. The combination of amylose content and gelatinization temperature was able to predict the rice quality. According to the sensorial panel, the instrumental stickiness was able to segregate rice with very low amylose content or waxy to the other ones. Regarding pasting properties, rice that presented high final viscosity (310-480 RVU), setback (165-245 RVU), and pasting temperature (78 - 88 °C), and low values for breakdown (15-120 RVU), associated with a high stickiness (>-5N) was desirable by the Brazilian consumers. The classification rules created through the relationship between the physicochemical parameters and the texture profile evaluated by the sensory panel will help to verify the culinary profile of the rice samples (through free software), which makes it easier to predict the probability of rice meeting the desired quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum oxynitride (AlON) exhibits excellent mechanical properties and good optical transparency in the ultraviolet to near-infrared range and can be used in military and civilian fields. However, the troublesome molding of AlON, especially for complex shapes, limits its promotion and application. Therefore, transparent AlON ceramics with complex morphologies were prepared for the first time by a novel spontaneous coagulation casting (SCC) and pressureless sintering method. In this study, we report a simple carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CRN) method for synthesizing high-purity AlON powder, which is especially suitable for wet casting without anti-hydration treatment. The dispersion and gelation behavior of AlON slurries by isobutene maleic anhydride copolymer (Isobam104) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) were extensively investigated. With the addition of 0.9 wt% Isobam104 and 15 mL/L TMAH, the AlON slurries can achieve a solids loading of up to 45 vol% with the lowest viscosity (460.4 mPa·s-10 r/min) and the AlON green body is free of cracks and deformation during drying and demolding processes. Finally, the AlON green bodies with square and polygonal irregular morphologies were fabricated via a simple SCC method. High transparent AlON ceramics of a maximum transmittance up to 77.3% at 2000 nm and 72.2% at 632 nm were obtained by pressureless sintered at 2000 °C for 6 h. The SCC method has great potential in preparing ceramics with controllable shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new type of CNT hydrogel that has unique conductive and reversible characteristics. We found in previous studies that CNT dispersions became gelatinous without any gelators when a specific CNT was combined with a specific dispersant. This hydrogel has conductive properties derived mainly from the CNTs it contains; and even after gelation, it can be returned to a liquid state by ultrasonic irradiation. Furthermore, the liquid is gelable again. In this study, we prepared several types of CNTs and several types of dispersants, experimentally verified the possibility of gelation by combining them, and geometrically investigated the gelation mechanism to determine how this unique hydrogel is formed. As a result, we found that the experimental results and the theory examined in this study were consistent with the combination of materials that actually become hydrogels. We expect that this study will allow us to anticipate whether or not an unknown combination of CNTs and dispersants will also become gelatinous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]