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Water-in-water emulsions were formed by mixing aqueous solutions of the neutral polysaccharides guar and amylopectin. The effect of adding gelatin B on emulsions, both of a dispersed guar rich phase in a continuous amylopectin phase and the inverse, were investigated using confocal scanning laser microscopy as a function of the gelatin concentration between 0.25 and 1.5 wt% and the pH between pH 4 and pH 6. Gelatin was found to phase separate upon cooling below about 25 °C in a narrow pH range around pH 5 both in the pure guar phase and in the pure amylopectin phase forming distinct spherical domains. The phase diagram was established as a function of the gelatin concentration and the pH. In the emulsions, the gelatin phase separated first at the interface between the two phases forming a continuous layer at the droplet surface. In some conditions the layer persisted, but in others it broke up into distinct domains. Excess gelatin phase separated in the bulk amylopectin phase, particularly when it was the continuous phase. The gelatin redispersed into the bulk phases when the emulsions were heated to 30 °C. [Display omitted] • Gelatin phase separates during cooling in guar and amylopectin solutions. • Phase separation depends on the pH and is favored by aggregation of gelatin. • W/W/W emulsions can be formed in-situ using guar/amylopectin/gelatin. • Gelatin forms distinct domains or a continuous layer around dispersed droplets. • The formation of the gelatin layer on cooling is reversed by heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel wall treatment method, termed as the Slat Cove Wavy Wall (SCWW), is proposed to improve both the aero-acoustic and the aerodynamic performances of high-lift devices. By this treatment, a wavy pattern is imposed on the wall in the slat cove. In the present work, slats with three different SCWWs are designed and applied to a straight wing composed by 30P30N airfoil. Numerical simulations and analyses are conducted to unveil the underlying mechanisms of noise reduction. The unsteady flow field and the far-field noise are predicted by a hybrid SA-IDDES method followed by the integration of the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equation. The modified high-lift device is proved to be able to improve the aero-acoustic performance by reducing the low-frequency components of the radiated noise. Meanwhile, the aerodynamic performance is maintained or improved under proper design parameters. The boundary layer separation in the slat cove is accelerated by the SCWW, which transforms low-frequency periodic vortex shedding to high-frequency turbulent flow. This results in the sound energy shift from low-frequency noise to high-frequency broadband noise. The SCWW method is proved to be effective in redistribution of boundary vorticity flux on the slat lower surface. To reveal the mechanism of the SCWW's drag and noise reduction, the vortex dynamic processes near the slat lower surface in terms of the Lamb vector divergence are further investigated. It is found that the Lamb vector divergence is directly related to both the noise source and the drag. The interaction area of positive and negative Lamb vector divergence can be balanced and decreased by SCWW, resulting in the drag and noise reduction. As expressed by the vortex dynamic processes, this feature implies the SCWW method is of great potential in noise attenuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four fractions (100-, 50-, 20-K and permeate) from a proteolytic hydrolysate (DH=2.8%) of wheat gluten were separated using size fractionation on ultrafiltration membranes with molecular weight cut-offs of 100, 50 and 20kDa and their functional properties evaluated. Proteolysis led to a significant (P<0.05) increase in solubility of gluten fractions at pHs between 2–10 and a shift of the pI value from 6–7 to 5. The solubilities of 100-K, 50-K, 20-K and permeate fractions were significantly (P<0.05) improved compared with the untreated control and the hydrolysate. The 50-K fraction was superior to other three fractions for emulsion activity index between pH 2 and 10. The most stable foam was given by the 100-K fraction which showed 65.8% of initial foam while the control sample gave only 23% of foam, after 60min resting. Foam stability decreased as the molecular mass of hydrolysate fractions decreased. Furthermore, after proteolysis, the surface hydrophobicity (H 0) of gluten increased significantly (P<0.05) compared with the control except for the permeate fraction. The highest value of H 0 was given by the 100-K fraction, followed by the 50-K, 20-K and permeate fractions. In addition, proteolysis resulted in a decrease in the storage modulus of gels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Systemic chemotherapy is still the primary treatment for advanced-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but only limited therapeutic success has been achieved in the past decade because of drug resistance and systemic toxicity. Curcumin (Cur) is an effective alternative to chemotherapeutics because it showed remarkable therapeutic potential in the treatment of NPC. However, lack of tissue specificity and poor penetration in solid tumors are the major obstacles to effective therapy. Therefore, in this work, a self-assembled sub-30 nm therapeutic lipid nanoparticle loaded with Cur, named as Cur@α-NTP-LN, was constructed, specifically targeting scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1) and enhancing its therapeutic effects on NPC in vivo. Our results showed that Cur@α-NTP-LNs were effective and superior to free Cur on NPC cell-specific targeting, suppressing cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis. In vivo and ex vivo optical imaging revealed that Cur@α-NTP-LNs exerted high targeting efficiency, specifically accumulating in NPC xenograft tumors and delivering Cur into the tumor center after systemic administration. Furthermore, Cur@α-NTP-LNs exhibited a remarkable inhibitory effect on the growth of NPC subcutaneous tumors, with over 71 and 47% inhibition compared to Cur- and α-NTP-LNs-treated groups, respectively. In addition, Cur@α-NTP-LNs almost blocked NPC metastasis in a lung metastasis model of NPC and significantly improved the survival rate. Thus, the sub-30 nm Cur@α-NTP-LNs enhanced the solubility of Cur and demonstrated the ability of targeted Cur delivery into the center of the solid NPC tumor, performing synergistic inhibitory effects on the growth of NPC tumor and its metastasis with high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural saponin glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and GA nanofibrils (GNFs) are effective foaming agents for formulation of aqueous food-grade foams. Through the synergistic combination of soft semiflexible GNFs with rigid nanofiller cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), it should be possible to create advanced composite foams with a more complex structure and diverse properties including high stability and stimuli responsiveness. Foams containing mixtures of GNFs and CNCs were prepared, and their formation and stability were investigated. A range of microscopy techniques and small deformation oscillatory shear were adopted to examine the microstructure and viscoelasticity of foams, and a stabilization mechanism for highly stable foams was then established. Further, the temperature-responsive destabilization of foams was evaluated. CNCs are homogeneously distributed in the architecture and mechanically reinforce the GNF fibrillar network, leading to a highly viscoelastic composite network in the continuous phase of foams, which is the key factor responsible for their high stability. Such ultra-stable gel foams display tunable thermo-responsive behavior and a rapid on-demand destabilization upon heating by inducing a phase transition of the bulk composite network. Our work opens up new scenarios on the use of a novel combination of all-natural, sustainable nanoscale building blocks to develop aqueous "superfoams" which are highly stable, stimulable and processable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a challenge to pasteurize higher-viscosity and heat-sensitive foodstuffs via traditional convective heat transfer. Herein, we demonstrate the potential application of magnetic induction heating (MIH) as a novel uniform heating method applied in the pasteurization of liquid whole eggs (LWEs). Upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), the magnetic microbeads with a large size (50 μm) generated heat via the magnetic hysteresis effect, providing accurate and homogeneous heating due to the high specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3108.4 ± 30.6 W/(g Fe) and a homogeneous particle dispersion in high-viscosity food media. A 7.6 log reduction of Salmonella Enteritidis could be achieved in LWEs treated by MIH at 68 °C and 60 s, which was comparable to the inactivation performance of the convective heating protocol at 60 °C and 210 s (6.0 log reduction). Importantly, MIH showed a critical temperature-time regime to prevent the coagulation of egg proteins, thus maintaining the quality attributes associated with fresh LWEs. The obtained results suggested that MIH could be a potential alternative to conventional convective heating for pasteurization applications. Magnetic induction heating is a promising alternative to conventional convective heating for pasteurization of high-viscosity and heat-sensitive liquid whole eggs. Image 1 • MIH was successfully applied to pasteurize of liquid whole eggs (LWEs). • A 7.6 log reduction of Salmonella Enteritidis could be achieved via MIH. • MIH prevents the aggregation of proteins and maintains the quality attributes of LWEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Graded nerve injury model influences the development of graded allodynia. • Graded nerve injury determines the extent of microglial density extent of microglial. • Graded nerve injury drives the microglial morphology. • Graded nerve injury influences the velocity of microglial process. The reactivity of microglia within the spinal cord in response to nerve injury, has been associated with the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. However, the temporal changes in microglial reactivity following nerve injury remains to be defined. Importantly, the magnitude of behavioural allodynia displayed and the relationship to the phenotypic microglial changes is also unexplored. Using a heterozygous CX 3 CR 1 gfp+ transgenic mouse strain, we monitored microglial activity as measured by cell density, morphology, process movement and process length over 14 days following chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve via in vivo confocal microscopy. Uniquely this relationship was explored in groups of male mice which had graded nerve injury and associated graded behavioural mechanical nociceptive sensitivity. Significant mechanical allodynia was quantified from the ipsilateral hind paw and this interacted with the extent of nerve injury from day 5 to day 14 (p < 0.009). The extent of this ipsilateral allodynia was proportional to the nerve injury from day 5 to 14 (Spearman rho = −0.58 to −0.77; p < 0.002). This approach allowed for the assessment of the association of spinal microglial changes with the magnitude of the mechanical sensitivity quantified behaviourally. Additionally, the haemodynamic response in the somatosensory cortex was quantified as a surrogate measure of neuronal activity. We found that spinal dorsal horn microglia underwent changes unilateral to the injury in density (Spearman rho = 0.47; p = 0.01), velocity (Spearman rho = −0.68; p = 0.00009), and circularity (Spearman rho = 0.55; p = 0.01) proportional to the degree of the neuronal injury. Importantly, these data demonstrate for the first time that the mechanical allodynia behaviour is not a binary all or nothing state, and that microglial reactivity change proportional to this behavioural measurement. Increased total haemoglobin levels in the somatosensory cortex of higher-grade injured animals was observed when compared to sham controls suggesting increased neuronal activity in this brain region. The degree of phenotypic microglial changes quantified here, may explain how microglia can induce both rapid onset and sustained functional changes in the spinal cord dorsal horn, following peripheral injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amantadine plasma concentrations correlate well with desired therapeutic effects and adverse outcomes; information on amantadine exposure could be useful when multiple amantadine clearance pathways are impaired or non‐compliance is suspected. Micro‐sampling strategies, like dried plasma spot, would be particularly useful because ambulatory patients that do not attend a clinic can easily sample a few drops of blood by themselves at the required time of the dosing interval. We developed and validated a dried‐plasma‐spot‐based high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay to quantify amantadine. This assay met relevant validation requirements within a hematocrit range of 20–50% and was linear from 100 to 2000 ng/mL. Amantadine was stable in dried plasma spots for up to 21 days at room temperature, regardless of whether the dried plasma spot was protected from light or not. The correlation between paired dried and wet plasma concentrations was assessed in 52 patients. Deming regression coefficients between wet plasma and simultaneously pipetted dried plasma spots were used to predict plasma concentrations. Bland–Altman plots revealed a strong agreement between dried and wet plasma concentrations, supporting the clinical usefulness of dried plasma spots for amantadine monitoring with a self‐sampling strategy at a convenient time and place for the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is a promising biomedical imaging technique that relies on sequential excitation to generate three-dimensional images. It combines the high contrast of optical imaging with high penetration depth of ultrasound imaging. The normal respiration rate of mice is greater than 3 Hz, which leads to motion artifacts in most reported PAM for in vivo imaging. Methods: Here, we introduce a prospective respiratory gating (PRG) method for PAM to address this problem. We captured the mouse's respiratory signal with a laser displacement sensor, and the photoacoustic signal was acquired at specific phase points of the respiratory signal. The scanning mode and the scanning timing were also designed and evaluated. We combined this method with our PAM to demonstrate its feasibility. Results: Our experiments show that the proposed method can help remove motion artifacts well, and the subcutaneous vascular imaging results of the mouse abdominal region with PRG are much better than those without any gating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(VHLPPP) n=1,3 binds to the DPPC membrane model and promotes the formation of LE phase in DPPC monolayer. γ -zein peptides (VHLPPP) n present great potential as efficient molecule carriers across the cell membrane. To further understand the binding behavior of peptides with cell membrane, simplified models consisting of peptides and mono/bi-layer membranes (Langmuir monolayer and liposome) were used to studied the resulting response in the structure of peptide and cell membrane in the present work. The results showed that (VHLPPP) n=1,3 bound to dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes and was induced to self-assemble into polyproline II (PP II) structure. The incorporation of (VHLPPP) n=1,3 in the DPPC Langmuir monolayers resulted in an increase in the surface pressure and a decrease in the collapse pressure, suggesting the increase of lipid monolayer fluidity. Fluorescence images further confirmed that the presence of (VHLPPP) n=1,3 promoted the formation of liquid-expanded (LE, dis-ordered) phases in lipid monolayers. Atomic force microscopy images found that (VHLPPP) n=1,3 preferred to penetrate in LE phase domains. In addition, (VHLPPP) 3 possesses higher binding affinity with DPPC membrane models compared to (VHLPPP) 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess consumption of animal meat is negatively associated with human health benefits and environmental sustainability. In recent years, many academic institutions, large food manufacturers, and start-ups have attached great importance to the development of meat analogs, but there is still a major technical challenge to developing products with wide acceptance by consumers. To mimic the juiciness in meat products derived from the phase transition of animal fats, oleogel, in which vegetable oil was structured by a network made up of whey protein isolates (WPI) and water, was prepared in this work. It was integrated into a soybean protein gel induced by transglutaminase to set up a composite gel model for meat analog. The heated composite gels were then subjected to in vivo and in vitro oral processing experiments. The proportion of oil released from the gel matrix, the tribological properties of the simulated bolus, and the sensory attribute evaluation were investigated. The results indicated that the addition of oleogel significantly enhanced the oil release and improve the fat-related sensory attributes. The transition of the microstructure in the oleogel caused by heating and shearing might be responsible for its oil-release behavior. However, this effect could not be observed in the composite gel with the addition of emulsion gel. It suggested that the oleogel prepared in this work might be a potential component for improving the juiciness attributes of the meat analog, providing a new idea for elevating the quality and acceptability of the meat analog. [Display omitted] • A good idea was provided to developing meat analogs with wide acceptance. • Juiciness was firstly used to improve oral texture perception in meat analogs. • The oil release behavior was investigated using in vitro and in vivo methods. • Nearly 50% of the oil was released from meat analogs with the addition of oleogel. • The released oil improved the lubrication and fat-related sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt reduction strategies in liquid foods remains a significant challenge. The oral perception of Na+ is strongly dependent on its salivary penetration and mucosal adsorption. To understand the mechanism of Na+ saltiness enhancement modulated by polysaccharide, protease hydrolysis (trypsin and acid protease) was used to modify the molecular conformation of Gum Arabic (GA), a highly branched polyanionic polysaccharide. The salivary permeation, mucosal retention in mucin layer, and salty taste of Na+ were investigated. Saltiness-enhanced effect of GA is strongly influenced by its molecular conformation. Compared to native GA, protease-hydrolyzed GA exhibited a higher saltiness-enhanced effect due to more rapid Na+ diffusion in saliva and stronger mucosal retention. Protease-hydrolyzed GA, especially acid protease-hydrolyzed GA (GA-AcPr), exhibited lower zeta potential (from original −22.5 to −27.96) and stronger Na+ loading capacity. The obvious decreases in molecular weight (M w) and the radius of gyration (R g) were observed for trypsin-hydrolyzed GA (GA-Trypsin), which may be responsible for the higher Na+ diffusion effect of GA-saliva solution due to decreased molecule twine around each other. GA-AcPr exhibited looser and highly branched conformation, as evidenced by a more pronounced "U-shaped" curve and higher R g /R h. Moreover, Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) results verified stronger affinity between GA-AcPr and mucin, indicating that the saltiness-enhanced effect of GA-AcPr may be mainly achieved by increasing adhesive retention of Na+. These results would be useful to better understand the structure-function relationship of polysaccharides and the taste perception of Na+. [Display omitted] • Proteolytic-hydrolyzed GA improved saltiness perception of Na+. • Higher saltiness perception was associated with increased diffusion rate of Na+. • Enhanced Na + retention in the mucosa leads to an improved perception of saltiness. • Saltiness-enhanced effect of GA is strongly influenced by molecular conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing has been applied to create nutritious foods with tailored textures for the elderly. However, the edible materials that possess the elastoplastic properties and shear-thinning behavior required for direct-write 3D printing are limited. In this study, we developed a simple approach to fabricate Spirulina emulsion gels as edible 3D printable material by exploiting depletion attraction between emulsion droplets. By controlling the volume ratio of continuous and oil phases, mixing highly viscous Spirulina slurry and vegetable oil could form self-standing oil-in-water emulsion gels with elastoplastic rheological properties. Also, adding food polysaccharides into the continuous phase could act as depletants to drive the formation of emulsion gels. Auto-fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy were employed to characterize the interfacial protein compositions of the emulsion, showing that phycobilisome (PBS) particles might play a dominant role in the formation of Spirulina emulsions. The depletion attraction could drive the adsorption of PBS particles onto the droplet interface, and the particle-armored droplets in the dispersed phase connected into a percolating droplet cluster, resulting in arrested dynamics and gelation. Overall, this novel approach can be applied by exploiting depletion attraction and opens up possibilities for using high-solids viscous food slurries to produce personalized 3D-printed foods. [Display omitted] • Self-standing emulsion gel is formed by mixing Spirulina slurry with vegetable oil. • PBS particles may play a dominant role in the formation of Spirulina emulsion. • Depletion attraction drives the adsorption of PBS particles onto droplet interface. • Particle-armored droplets are connected into a percolating cluster for gelation. • Polysaccharides as depletants modify the rheological properties of Spirulina emulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manual phenotyping of rice tillers is time consuming and labor intensive, and lags behind the rapid development of rice functional genomics. Thus, automated, non-destructive methods of phenotyping rice tiller traits at a high spatial resolution and high throughput for large-scale assessment of rice accessions are urgently needed. In this study, we developed a high-throughput micro-CT-RGB imaging system to non-destructively extract 739 traits from 234 rice accessions at nine time points. We could explain 30% of the grain yield variance from two tiller traits assessed in the early growth stages. A total of 402 significantly associated loci were identified by genome-wide association study, and dynamic and static genetic components were found across the nine time points. A major locus associated with tiller angle was detected at time point 9, which contained a major gene, TAC1. Significant variants associated with tiller angle were enriched in the 3ʹ-untranslated region of TAC1. Three haplotypes for the gene were found, and rice accessions containing haplotype H3 displayed much smaller tiller angles. Further, we found two loci containing associations with both vigor-related traits identified by high-throughput micro-CT-RGB imaging and yield. The superior alleles would be beneficial for breeding for high yield and dense planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double emulsion is the most common multiple emulsion with compartmentalized internal structure. It can be used for delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactives and fat reduction in foods. However, conventional approach for stable double emulsion preparation often requires high dosage of synthetic surfactants (e.g., polyglycerol polyricinoleate, PGPR) and complicated two-step emulsification process. Herein, we report a facile approach to create stable double emulsion using particular emulsifier of edible chitosan/soy β-conglycinin (7S) complex nanoparticles via one-step emulsification. By modulating chitosan/7S complex ratio of particles and algal oil content in oil phase, water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) Pickering double emulsion was generated in most cases. The dominant mechanism for one-step generation of Pickering double emulsion can be attributed to the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in algal oil. The binding of PUFA on particle surface contributes to hydrophobization of the chitosan/7S complex nanoparticles, leading to stabilization of W/O interface. Moreover, stability of the resultant Pickering double emulsions is correlated to particle contact angle. When using nanoparticles with chitosan/7S complex ratio of 1:2 and oil phase containing 40 wt% algal oil, particle contact angle at O/W interface is near 90°, which is the optimum condition to produce highly stable Pickering double emulsion. This facile approach for the fabrication of stable double emulsion is promising for a wide range of applications, particularly in food field. [Display omitted] • A W/O/W Pickering double emulsion was fabricated via one-step emulsification strategy. • Edible chitosan/7S complex particles were used as the interfacial stabilizers. • PUFA in algae oil could modulate particle wettability. • The resultant W/O/W Pickering double emulsion was stable over 50 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of the γ‐zein hydrolysate (γ‐ZH) as a new delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive molecules such as curcumin (Cur). γ‐ZH‐Cur complexes (γ‐ZH‐Cur) with a particle size of 50–60 nm were successfully formed via the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Compared to α‐ZH, the complexation of Cur in γ‐ZH showed a better improvement in the water solubility and physicochemical stability of Cur and showed sustained release and greater potential for absorption of Cur. The differences in the loading capability, the physicochemical storage and the bioaccessibility of Cur between γ‐ZH and α‐ZH may be associated with the differences in the amino acid composition and typical sequence of peptides. These results indicate that γ‐ZH has a better ability to serve as a novel delivery for the hydrophobic bioactive molecules compared to α‐ZH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we report the microstructure and rheological property of Pickering emulsions stabilised with zein nanoparticles prepared through phase separation from acetic acid solution. The fresh emulsions showed liquid-like behaviour and reasonable small droplet size. Interestingly, after 3 days of storage at 25° C, the emulsions changed into solid-like state. The viscosity remarkably increased, and the storage modulus was much larger than the loss modulus. These results indicate the formation of the gel-like network in emulsions. The droplet size also showed an obvious increase, while the big droplets could be disrupted into small ones in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. The particle network in the continuous phase was seen in the confocal laser scanning microscopy. Therefore, it is suggested that the gel-like network is formed by the flocculation of oil droplets and particle network in continuous, mainly through the hydrophobic interactions between the particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we reported a food-grade Pickering emulsions with pH switchable properties based on soy peptides functionalized calcium phosphate particles (CaP). The nanometer crystalline CaP were synthesized according to the well-established wet chemical precipitation process followed by microfluidization treatment, and functionalized in situ with a pepsin released peptides of soy β -conglycinin. These peptides characterized with a large amount of carboxyl amino acid (Glu and Asp) residues, exhibit high affinity to CaP particles. The decoration of CaP particles with soy peptides enhanced their hydrophobic wettability and electrodynamics properties simultaneously. Hence, the surface modified CaP particles facilitate to construct interfacial crystal architecture and resulting stable Pickering emulsions and gels. The pH triggered switchable properties of the emulsion were established based on the pH-dependent dissolution-recrystallization transition of CaP. Stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsification will not only offer opportunity to create a sustainable way to improve oil and catalyst recovery, but also find interesting applications in food industry for phase release of the functional elements by on-demand strategies. The food grade status of both soy peptides and calcium phosphate might extend their applications for food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was aimed to evaluate the potential of the gel-like Pickering emulsions (50%, v/v, oil) stabilised by zein/tannic acid (TA) complex colloidal particles (ZTPE) as a new encapsulation system of lipophilic ingredients. Compared with sodium caseinate-stabilised emulsions (SCE) and bulk oil, the better protective effects of ZTPE on the chemical stability of curcumin were observed when they suffered from UV light, and the lipid oxidation rate remarkably reduced in ZTPE. Also, the zein particle layers loaded with TA around the oil droplets can provide protection against harsh gastric environment, facilitating to slow down the release of free fatty acids (FFA) and curcumin during in vitro simulated digestion. These findings show that ZTPE have a good potential to act as an efficient encapsulating agent to protect functional ingredients from degradation and control their release during digestion, which can further improve the bioavailability of bioactive ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interparticle forces that govern the assembly of particles adsorbed at fluid interfaces determine the rheology and microstructure of particle laden interface. In this study, natural small molecule, tannic acid (TA), was used to modify particle-particle interactions and assembly behaviors of food grade hydrophobic protein particle (zein nanoparticle) at air-water interface. For bare zein particle (ZP), the rapid adsorption and high interparticle forces led to the low coverage and formation of large ZP aggregates at the interface. The hydrogen-bonding of TA weakened the particle hydrophobicity and thus interparticle forces at fluid interfaces. Therefore, the adsorption process and assembly rate of ZTP at the interface obviously reduced, which also provided enough time for ZTP to rearrange into orderly interfacial networks. Furthermore, the Lissajous plots of surface pressure versus deformation are used to understand the surface rheological response to large mechanical deformation in terms of interfacial microstructure. The rheological response of interface stabilized by ZTP showed strain hardening during extension and strain softening during compression. These findings indicate that the interfacial rheology and microstructure of zein particle-laden interface can be tuned by changing the TA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of hybrid imaging scanners, micro-CT is widely used in locating abnormalities, studying drug metabolism, and providing structural priors to aid image reconstruction in functional imaging. Due to the low contrast of soft tissues, segmentation of soft tissue organs from mouse micro-CT images is a challenging problem. In this paper, we propose a mouse segmentation scheme based on dynamic contrast enhanced micro-CT images. With a homemade fast scanning micro-CT scanner, dynamic contrast enhanced images were acquired before and after injection of non-ionic iodinated contrast agents (iohexol). Then the feature vector of each voxel was extracted from the signal intensities at different time points. Based on these features, the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney could be classified into different categories and extracted from separate categories by morphological processing. The bone structure was segmented using a thresholding method. Our method was validated on seven BALB/c mice using two different classifiers: a support vector machine classifier with a radial basis function kernel and a random forest classifier. The results were compared to manual segmentation, and the performance was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient, false positive ratio, and false negative ratio. The results showed high accuracy with the Dice similarity coefficient ranging from 0.709 ± 0.078 for the spleen to 0.929 ± 0.006 for the kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effects of dextran glycation on soya β-conglycinin self-assembly into nanofibrils at 85 °C and pH 2.0, as well as their stability at pH 2.0-10.0. Although the hydrolysis rate of β-conglycinin decreased, glycation significantly increased the structural change rate in the initial stage of nanofibril formation and the growth of nanofibril. It is suggested that the glycation of three subunits (α′, α, β) in β-conglycinin may promote fibril assembly because the extension regions of α′ and α subunits play an important role in affecting the rate of structural changes in fibril formation. At neutral pH, conjugate nanofibrils are highly dispersible and transparent and remained greater structural stability compared with mixture. The improvement stability of conjugate nanofibrils may be contributed to dextran which provides some steric hindrance to prevent the aggregation of nanofibrils; this would also facilitate the application of soya β-conglycinin nanofibrils in food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Complex gum arabic (GA) and tannic acid (TA) was confirmed by ITC. • GA inhibit the interaction of mucoadhesive TA with mucins. • TA modulate the retention of emulsions and aroma release. Flavour is a crucial sensory element that determines the consumers' preference for food and beverages. In this study, we determined the effects of complex gum arabic (GA) and tannic acid (TA) on the aroma release of flavour oil emulsions in vitro by simulating oral processing conditions. GA and TA were used to stabilize flavour oil emulsions. Visualization of in vitro retention using ex vivo porcine tongue, detection of aroma release in the model mouth, and sensory evaluation of flavour emulsions were performed to determine the effect of TA and GA. The results indicated that the retention of emulsions and the release of aroma compounds were modulated by TA and GA, which could be because of interactions that occurred between GA and TA in emulsions and mucins on the tongue. GA enhanced aroma release, whereas TA contributed to the retention or slow release of target aroma compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: The multimodality imaging system has become a powerful tool for in-vivo biomedical research. However, a conventional multimodality system generally employs two independent detectors, which is costly and bulky. Meanwhile, the geometric cocalibration and image registration between the imaging modalities are also complicated. Aim: To acquire the multimodality images for small animals with only one visible light sensed single-pixel detector. Approach: The system is built based on a structured detection Fourier single-pixel imaging architecture. A cesium iodide doped with thallium [CsI(Tl)] scintillator plate is placed behind the sample in x-ray imaging, so the x-ray images can be converted to be visible and sensed with the same single-pixel detector as applied in fluorescence imaging. Results: The spatial resolution of x-ray imaging was measured to be 1.81 mm, the sensitivity and the imaging depth of fluorescence imaging was evaluated to be ∼1.48 nmol / ml and 4 mm, respectively. In vivo multimodality imaging of a C57BL/6 female mouse bearing tumor targeted with mCherry was carried out. Conclusions: We proposed an x-ray and fluorescence multimodality imaging system for small animals via the structured detection FSI architecture. The system is low cost, with a more compact structure, and free of image registration from different modalities. In vivo multimodality imaging results of a mouse bearing tumor demonstrate its capability for small animal research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugates of β-conglycinin and dextran were prepared by heating in solution under macromolecular crowding environment and dry-heating methods, and then fractionated by solubility at pH 4.8 and pH 6.5 and characterized. The results showed that the degree of glycation of the conjugates extracted from pH 4.8 were higher than the conjugates extracted from pH 6.5. Corresponding to the higher degree of glycation, it was supposed that the β-conglycinin of groups 4.8 of macromolecular crowding environment was completely surrounded by the dextran molecular while that of groups 6.5 were encircled partially with a lower degree of glycation. Compared to β-conglycinin, groups 4.8 demonstrated a decreasing surface hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl group content while groups 6.5 increased. The secondary structure of β-conglycinin soluble at pH 4.8 after conjugating under macromolecular crowding environment tended to stretch out and the highly ordered structure turn to random structures. The differences between the extraction of pH 4.8 and pH 6.5 conjugated by dry-heating methods were not as remarkable as the difference between the extraction conjugated by macromolecular crowding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A novel soy protein aggregate enriched with isoflavones (SPA-IS), a mixture of soy protein and isoflavones (Mix), isoflavones (IS), and the soy protein were obtained to investigate the preventive effects on osteoporosis induced by retinoic acid in Kunming mice. RESULTS: The serum osteocalcin levels in the Mix and SPA-IS groups decreased compared with the model group (mice showing retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis) (P < 0.05). The trabecular analysis results showed an increased preventive effect of the SPA-IS group over the Mix group, the IS group, and the soy protein group. The results of both left tibial maximum load and the 4th lumbar structural strength differ between the IS and the SPA-IS groups. CONCLUSION: The SPA-IS exhibited obvious oestrogenic activities on retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis in Kunming mice compared toMix, IS, and soy protein. The results suggest that there is a potential use for SPA-IS in the treatment of osteoporosis induced by intake of retinoic acid. The improvement of bone indicators might be attributed to the formation of aggregate particles and the improvement of IS solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fermented soya milk (FSM) enriched with isoflavone aglycone ( FSM- SPIA) was prepared from heated soya protein isolate ( SPI)-isoflavone complex. After 48 h of fermentation, FSM- SPIA contained higher contents of living bacteria, free amino acids and aglycone compared with the FSM of SPI ( FSM- SPI) and the FSM of SPI-isoflavone complex ( FSM-Mix). In the in-vitro digestion experiment, FSM- SPIA showed higher antioxidant capacity and isoflavones ( ISO) bioavailability than FSM- SPI and FSM-Mix. This was likely due to the soya milk containing a higher level of amino acid, peptides and the presence of soya bean isoflavone. The improved protein digestibility, the interaction and binding ability between proteins and ISO may affect the properties of the protein and the fermented products. The FSM enriched with isoflavone aglycone can be used as a functional fermented drink, as well as an auxiliary food for menopausal women during a specific pathological period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Discovery of a new indirect bandgap phosphorus-based 2 D materials with a super photothermal conversion efficiency of 68.6 %. • Multimodal-imaging-Guided drug delivery of GeP nanosheets based platform for cancer. • GeP nanosheets based platform with excellent biodegradation and biocompatibility. • Stimulative responsive drug releasing and tumor inhibition of the GeP nanosheets based hybrid platform. Germanium phosphide (GeP), a new member of phosphorus-based 2D materials, is a semiconductor with indirect and narrowed band gap, which theoretically would have great potential to serve as near-infrared (NIR) photothermal agent (PTA) with high photothermal conversion efficiency (PTCE). However, the photothermal conversion performance and biomedical application of GeP-based nanocarriers has not been explored yet. Herein, we demonstrate the GeP nanosheets as high-performance PTA with PTCE of 68.6% in NIR region, which is much higher than many of other 2D PTA such as graphene, Mxenes, transition metal dichalcogenides, and black phosphorus (BP), and explore its application in multimodal cancer theranostics. Similar to BP nanosheets, the GeP nanosheets are biodegradable with excellent biocompatibility. With the merit of large specific surface area, the GeP nanosheets have high loading capacity (134 wt%) for anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX). The NH 2 -PEG-FA modified GeP-DOX hybrids show pH-responsive, heat-stimulative and sustained-drug-release performance as chemo-photothermal synergistic cancer therapy platform, and demonstrate remarkable tumor ablation ability both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, multimodal imaging capability including photoacoustic imaging and photothermal imaging is also realized on basis of the excellent photothermal performance of GeP nanosheets. This study highlights the great promise of 2D GeP nanosheets as multifunctional platform for cancer theranostics application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soy protein isolate (SPI)-maltodextrin (MD) conjugates were synthesised using Maillard reaction under high-temperature (90, 115 and 140 °C), short-time (2 h) dry-heating conditions. The loss of free amino groups in proteins and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) profile confirmed that SPI-MD conjugates were formed and higher dry-heated temperatures could increase the glycosylation degree. The emulsifying properties of SPI and SPI-MD conjugates were evaluated in oil-in-water emulsions. The emulsions stabilised with SPI-MD conjugates synthesised at 140 °C exhibited higher emulsifying stability and excellent storage stability against pH, ionic strength and thermal treatment compared with those synthesised at 90 °C, 115 °C and SPI stabilised emulsions. This might be due to a greater proportion of conjugated MD in SPI-MD conjugates synthesised at 140 °C because of the higher glycosylation degree, and more conjugated MD on the droplet surface could provide steric effect and enhance the stability of the droplets in the emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GA nanofibrils are effective and robust stabilizer to make soft-solid emulsion foams. • Stability and structural properties of emulsion foams were controlled by oil phase polarity. • Emulsion foam with polar castor oil had denser network microstructure, higher mechanical strength, and lower friction coefficients. • Volatile limonene oil weakened structural stability and lubrication ability of emulsion foams. Novel supramolecular nanofibrils assembled from food-grade saponin glycyrrhizic acid (GA) are effective building blocks to make complex multiphase systems, e.g., emulsion foams. In this work, the effects of different oil phases (castor oil, sunflower oil, dodecane, and limonene) on the formation, stability and structural properties of long-lived emulsion foams prepared by GA nanofibrils (GNs) were investigated. The obtained results showed that soft-solid emulsion foams (4 wt% GNs) can be fabricated, independently of oil phase, and their structural properties, viscoelasticity, and tribological properties can be well tuned by oil phase polarity. Compared to the GNs aqueous foams, the presence of jammed emulsion droplets in the liquid channels and at the surfaces of bubbles can provide a higher bubble stability for emulsion foams. For more polar oil phase (castor oil), GNs showed a higher affinity to the oil–water interface with a lower interfacial tension, thus forming smaller oil droplets and bubbles, which leads to the higher mechanical strength, denser network microstructures, and lower friction coefficients of emulsion foams. However, the limonene foam exhibited weak storage stability and rheological properties, as well as the relatively low lubrication, which may be related to the formation of oil droplet aggregates and clusters induced by the volatility of limonene. GN-based emulsion foams are thermoresponsive, independently of oils, and the temperature-switchable process for the destabilization and regeneration of foams can be controlled and repeated. These emulsion foams based on natural saponin nanofibrils with tunable properties have potential sustainable applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the interfacial and bulk properties of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by glycyrrhizic acid (GA), structurally a saponin and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as a co-stabilizer are investigated at different ionic strengths. The influence of GA, CNC, and NaCl concentration on the bulk stabilization of the emulsion as well as on the adsorption behavior and dilatational viscoelasticity at a model oil-water interface are discussed. At the oil-water interface GA adsorbs with appropriate CNC concentration due to salt-induced charge screening, but desorbs from the interface into bulk by excessive increase of the CNC concentration. An interfacial synergistic effect between GA and CNC was found at GA concentrations below interfacial saturation, attributed to the formation of interfacial GA-CNC complexes. In emulsions, the synergistic stabilization concentrations of the compounds are found at higher concentration of 1 wt% GA, 1 wt% CNC, and 20 mM NaCl. FTIR measurements suggest complexation of GA and CNC via hydrogen bonds and intermolecular interactions. The results provide evidence of network formation due to GA-CNC complexes at the interface and aggregation in the continuous phase, which eventually stabilize the emulsion systems. • Glycyrrhizic acid, a saponin and cellulose nanocrystal exhibited antagonistic effects at oil-water interfaces. • These antagonistic effects were found to convert to synergistic effects by salt induced charge screening. • The synergistic effects between GA and CNC were proven to exist both at the interface and in bulk via hydrogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports a research interest, that aims to establish a feasible industrial process, for the enzymatic production of glycerides with highly concentrated n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), from high-acid crude fish oils. The process covers enzymatic deacidification of crude fish oil, alkaline-based synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids ethyl esters, concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids ethyl esters, and enzyme catalyzed synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids glycerides. Commercial available immobilized lipase, Novozym 435, was used as the catalyst. The synthesized glycerides contained 5.5% of eicosapentaenoic acid and 74.6% of docosahexaenoic acid, which was 1.21 and 2.71 times more than that in the original fish oil, respectively. The application of the designed process was successfully proved by a 100-fold scale-up reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Research work was objectively targeted to synthesize highly pure diacylglycerol (DAG) with glycerolysis of soybean oil in a solvent medium of t-butanol. Three commercial immobilized lipases (Lipozyme RM IM, Lipozyme TL IM and Novozym 435) were screened, and Novozym 435 was the best out of three candidates. Batch reaction conditions of the enzymatic glycerolysis, the substrate mass ratio, the reaction temperature and the substrate concentration, were studied. The optimal reaction conditions were achieved as 6.23:1 mass ratio of soybean oil to glycerol, 40% (w/v) of substrate concentration in t-butanol and reaction temperature of 50°C. A two-stage molecular distillation was employed for purification of DAG from reaction products. Scale-up was attempted based on the optimized reaction conditions, 98.7% (24h) for the conversion rate of soybean oil, 48.5% of DAG in the glycerolysis products and 96.1% for the content of DAG in the final products were taken in account as the results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Dual-structured emulsion gels were made by GA nanofibrils and sitosterol-oryzanol mixtures. • Microstructure of emulsion gels strongly depended on sterols concentration. • Nonlinear rheological behaviors of emulsion gels were studied using LAOS tests. • The percolating emulsion gels were more elastic and resistant to large deformations. The linear and nonlinear rheological behaviors of heterogeneous emulsions gels made from natural glycyrrhizic acid (GA) nanofibrils and sitosterol-oryzanol mixtures (sterols) were investigated using small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS). The nonlinear rheological response was qualitatively analyzed using normalized Lissajous-Bowditch curves. The microstructure of the emulsion gels strongly depended on the concentration of sterols in the oil phase, and showed a percolated segregated network at 10–20 wt% sterols due to the partial coalescence of droplets, and a jamming transition without coalescence at higher sterols concentration of 30 wt%. The microstructure differences led to different linear and nonlinear viscoelastic behaviors of these emulsion gels. SAOS tests showed that the oil phase structuring by the sterols significantly enhance the viscoelasticity of GA nanofibril emulsion gels, and the percolating emulsion gels exhibited higher elasticity than the jammed emulsion gel, as evidenced by a lower damping factor and frequency power-law exponent. The data of crossover strain, phase angle, and the normalized Lissajous-Bowditch curves from LAOS tests further revealed that compared to the samples in a jammed state or without oil phase structuring, the emulsion gels with a percolating segregated network showed higher structural elasticity and thus were more resistant to large deformations, probably due to the slow relaxation of rigid, hydrodynamically interacting clusters of partially coalesced droplets. These findings could potentially aid in the design of novel emulsion gels, based on all-natural and sustainable building blocks, with specific textural and functional properties for foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High salt intake is the leading dietary risk factor for death from noncommunicable diseases in the world. Some solid and semi-solid gelled foods, such as bread, sausage and cheese, are among the saltiest in the food category. In this study, we develop a simple and scalable method for the preparation of semi-solid food with an inhomogeneous salt distribution by dispersing sodium-containing soy protein/gum arabic coacervates into the food gels. The sensory analysis reveals an enhanced saltiness of these food gels allowing a reduction in the sodium content of 30%, while maintaining the taste and texture qualities. From the result of the kinetic release of sodium during mastication, we conclude that the enhanced saltiness is attributed not only to the sensory contrast structure but also to a faster sodium release. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) is used to measure the binding affinity of Na+ and gum arabic (GA) with the mucin layer for the first time, showing that GA induces the swelling of the mucin layer, and the GA that is screened by salt exhibits the mucopenetration ability. This result is helpful to understand the enhanced saltiness and the acceleration of sodium diffusion through the inhomogeneous spatial distribution of protein/gum arabic coacervates. Preparation of PS-SPI/GA gels and possible saltiness enhancement mechanism. Image 1 • Salt reduction of semi-solid food was achieved via inhomogeneous distribution of sodium-containing coacervates. • The enhanced saltiness is attributed to sensory contrast structure and a faster sodium release. • Gum arabic induces the swelling of mucus, and the GA that is screened by salt exhibits the mucopenetration ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure the safety of traffic, asphalt pavement is commonly required to utilize aggregates with excellent anti-abrasion property. This results in the lack of high-quality aggregates. The incorporation of solid waste in the aggregates is regarded as a high potential alternative for solving this problem. Since its material properties, such as rough surface, high Polished Stone Value (PSV) and the excellent adhesion property of asphalt, Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag can effectively improve the skid resistance of asphalt mixtures. First, the material properties of BOF slag are reviewed in this study. Then, the skid resistance of asphalt mixtures and aggregates are commendably evaluated by the Polished Stone Value test, Wehner/Schulze Tester, Aachen Polishing Machine, British Pendulum Test and Sand Patch test. The physical and mechanical properties of BOF slag play a key role in asphalt mixtures. This review found that the skid resistance mechanism of the BOF slag asphalt mixture is governed by factors such as BOF slag properties, incorporation methods and gradation types. Finally, the economic and environmental benefits of BOF slag asphalt mixtures were discussed. In addition, the function of gas catalysis and the melting of ice and snow can be added to the BOF slag asphalt mixture for a cleaner development in engineering. Furthermore, the existing problems, research directions and corresponding measures in this field are directed towards more durable and functional asphalt pavement construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The citrus fiber was recovered from the orange peel after pectin extraction process. • The properties of citrus fiber improve during the chemical treatment or homogenization. • The water holding capacity of citrus fiber could increase by 253% after homogenization. • The modified citrus dietary fibers present obvious cavity and a wrinkled surface. • The chemically treated citrus fiber had higher thermal stability than the homogenized treated one. In this research, citrus dietary fiber (CF) was modified by two methods, homogenization or alkaline hydrogen peroxide (chemical) treatment, to improve its physicochemical properties. The homogenization and chemical treatment highly increased the CF's water swelling capacity by 433% and 276%, respectively. The water holding capacity of CF significantly increased by 253% after homogenization and 197% after chemical treatment. Both treatments increased CF's total dietary fiber content and thermal stability. Moreover, the chemically treated CF thermal stability was higher than the homogenized one. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed the modified CFs exhibited porous structure. XRD and NMR results showed that the CF's crystalline region could be disrupted by both treatments. Overall results suggest that the two treatments could effectively improve CF physicochemical properties. The modified fibers might be potentially used as functional food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A model for particle breakup was developed by considering deformation properties. • Contribution of effective turbulent eddies to total breakage rate was clarified. • M-shaped and Λ-shaped daughter size distribution were obtained. This work explores the mechanism of bubble and droplet breakup caused by turbulence in turbulent dispersions. Considering the deformation properties of the particle during the particle-eddy interaction process, a breakup model for bubbles and droplets of the Taylor length scale size is developed. The particle-eddy interaction frequency is modeled based on bubbles/droplets interacting with both larger and smaller eddies, in contrast with the usual collision frequency. Breakup criteria are demonstrated to depend on the degree of surface deformation prior to breakup. The relationship between the local characteristics of surrounding flows, such as the turbulent eddies' variance and dissipation rate and the breakage rate as well as the daughter size distribution is then established and quantified. In particular, the contribution of turbulent eddies to the total breakage rate is clarified. This work provides a further understanding of breakup observations in complex turbulent fields and offers a more fundamental breakup kernel for the population balance model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]