Search

The path to minimal life involves a series of stages that can be understood in terms of incremental, stepwise additions of complexity ranging from simple solutions of organic compounds to systems of encapsulated polymers capable of capturing nutrients and energy to grow and reproduce. This brief review will describe the initial stages that lead to populations of protocells capable of undergoing selection and evolution. The stages incorporate knowledge of chemical and physical properties of organic compounds, self-assembly of membranous compartments, non-enzymatic polymerization of amino acids and nucleotides followed by encapsulation of polymers to produce protocell populations. The results are based on laboratory simulations related to cyclic hydrothermal conditions on the prebiotic Earth. The final portion of the review looks ahead to what remains to be discovered about this process in order to understand the evolutionary path to minimal life.

Encapsulation of the fine powder of ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) was carried out to produce AMP-Ca-alginate composite beads for removal of Cs+, U6+, Co2+ and Sr2+ ions from multicomponent media using a fixed-bed column. The results denote that the initial concentration (50, 100 and 200 mg/L from each ion), bed length (3, 6 and 8 cm) and flow rates (0.5, 1.5 and 2 mL/min) affect the sorption operation. The column performance was 40, 37.5, 32.34 and 31.7% for Cs+, U6+, Co2+ and Sr2+, respectively. Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models were utilised to forecast the breakthrough curves for adsorption. The two models are found as well-fitted models for investigated ions adsorption system except for the adsorption of Cs+ is more fitted for the Thomas model at a high flow rate. Marquardt's percent standard deviation error function was used and confirmed these results. Good separation of strontium and caesium with a purity of 100% from this multi-component solution is accomplished by elution using 4 M of NaNO3 and HNO3 solution. The desorption percent of the loaded ions was 98, 91, 76 and 37.5% for Cs+, Sr2+, U6+ and Co2+, respectively. Overall, AMP-Ca-alginate composite beads are an environmentally friendly potential sorbent for hazardous ions from multicomponent media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics (PRO) have been recognized for their significant role in promoting human health, particularly in relation to colon-related diseases. The effective delivery of PRO to the colon is a fascinating area of research. Among various delivery materials, carbohydrates have shown great potential as colon-targeted delivery (CTD) carriers for PRO. This review explores the connection between probiotics and colonic diseases, delving into their underlying mechanisms of action. Furthermore, it discusses current strategies for the targeted delivery of active substances to the colon. Unlike other reviews, this work specifically focuses on the utilization of carbohydrates, such as alginate, chitosan, pectin, and other carbohydrates, for probiotic colon-targeted delivery applications. Carbohydrates can undergo hydrolysis at the colonic site, allowing their oligosaccharides to function as prebiotics or as direct functional polysaccharides with beneficial effects. Furthermore, the development of multilayer self-assembled coatings using different carbohydrates enables the creation of enhanced delivery systems. Additionally, chemical modifications of carbohydrates, such as for adhesion and sensitivity, can be implemented to achieve more customized delivery of PRO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteriophages (phages), highly prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial environments, have emerged as novel antimicrobial agents in food and agricultural systems. Owing to their efficient and unique infection mechanism, phages offer an alternative to antibiotic therapy as they specifically target their host bacteria without causing antibiotic resistance. However, the real-world applications of phages as antimicrobials are still limited due to their low survivability under harsh conditions and reduced antimicrobial efficacy. There is an unmet need to understand the challenges of using phages in food and agricultural systems and potential strategies to enhance their stability and delivery. This review overviews the challenges of using phages, including acidic conditions, improper temperatures, UV-light irradiation, desiccation, and inefficient delivery. It also summarizes novel strategies such as encapsulation, embedding, and immobilization, which enable improved viability and enhanced delivery. The protein capsid and nucleic acid components of phages are delicate and sensitive to physicochemical stresses. Incorporating phages into biocompatible materials can provide a physical barrier for improving phage stability and enhancing phage delivery, resulting in a high antimicrobial efficacy. In conclusion, the development of phage delivery systems can significantly overcome the challenges associated with phage treatments and reduce the risk of foodborne diseases in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex trilayer structure present in mammalian milk and is mainly composed of phospholipids and proteins (>90%). Many studies revealed MFGM has positive effects on the immune system, brain development, and cognitive function of infants. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been found to improve mental health and insulin sensitivity, regulate immunity, and prevent allergies. Probiotics are unstable and prone to degradation by environmental, processing, and storage conditions. In this review, the processes used for encapsulation of probiotics particularly the potential of MFGM and its constituents as encapsulating materials for probiotics are described. This study analyzes the importance of MFGM in encapsulating bioactive substances and emphasizes the interaction with probiotics and the gut as well as its resistance to adverse environmental factors in the digestive system when used as a probiotic embedding material. MFGM can enhance the gastric acid resistance and bile resistance of probiotics, mainly manifested in the survival rate of probiotics. Due to the role of digestion, MFGM-coated probiotics can be released in the intestine, and due to the biocompatibility of the membrane, it can promote the binding of probiotics to intestinal epithelial cells, and promote the colonization of some probiotics in the intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoencapsulation has found numerous applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. Micro and nanoencapsulated forms of bioactives have proven benefits in terms of stability, release, and performance in the body. However, the encapsulated ingredient is often subjected to a wide range of processing conditions and this is followed by storage, consumption, and transit along the gastrointestinal tract. A strong understanding of the fate of nanoencapsulates in the biological system is mandatory as it provides valuable insights for ingredient selection, formulation, and application. In addition to their efficacy, there is also the need to assess the safety of ingested nanoencapsulates. Given the rising research and commercial focus of this subject, this review provides a strong focus on their interaction factors and mechanisms, highlighting their prospective biological fate. This review also covers various approaches to studying the fate of nanoencapsulates in the body. Also, with emphasis on the overall scope, the need for a new advanced integrated common methodology to evaluate the fate of nanoencapsulates post-administration is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betalains are attractive natural pigments with potent antioxidant activity, mainly extracted from the roots, tubers, leaves, flowers, and fruits of certain plants and some fungi. They constitute a reliable alternative to synthetic dyes used in the food industry and are considered toxic for consumers. In addition, there is convincing evidence of their health benefits for consumers. However, betalains are highly unstable to environment factors, such as light, heat, oxygen, water activity, and pH change which can be degraded during food processing, handling, storage, or delivery. Therefore, newly developed extraction methods and micro/nano-encapsulation techniques are currently applied to enhance the extraction yield, solve their instability problems, and improve their application in the food industry. This article aims to summarize the new advanced extraction methods of betalains, discussing the recent encapsulation techniques concerning the different encapsulating materials utilization. Betalains, natural pigments with potent antioxidant activity, are increasingly extracted from the roots, tubers, leaves, flowers, and fruits of certain plants and some fungi as safe alternatives to synthetic food dyes used in the food industry. However, their susceptibility to degradation during food processing, storage, and delivery poses challenges. Recent developments in extraction methods (e.g., supercritical fluid, pressurized liquid, ultrasound- and microwave-assisted, and enzyme-assisted) enhance betalain recovery, minimizing degradation. Encapsulation techniques using biopolymers, proteins, lipids, and nanoparticles protect betalains from environmental factors, extending shelf life and enabling controlled release. These advancements offer improved extraction efficiency, reduced solvent use, shorter processing times, and enhanced stability. Integration of these techniques in the food industry presents opportunities for incorporating betalains into various products, including functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. By addressing stability challenges, these developments support the production of innovative, healthier food items enriched with betalains. This article provides an overview of recent advancements in betalain extraction and encapsulation, highlighting their potential applications in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the injudicious use of herbicides in agriculture is causing numerous hazards that affect the environment and living organisms. To achieve the SDG 2030 agenda goal 12- "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns," there is an urgent need to shift towards using toxic-free agricultural inputs. Various techniques are widely adopted to control weed growth and development, but farmers mostly rely on herbicide application. Nanotechnology-enabled herbicide formulations are more sustainable and efficient in weed control than traditional sources. The nanoherbicides enable lesser application frequency and minimum quantity requirement, thereby preventing herbicide accumulation in soil and water bodies. Mainly nano-mediated biodegradable carrier-based herbicides possess properties of prolonged release, targeted inhibition, reduced mobility in soil, better adhesion to the plant surface, and retards rapid degradation of active ingredients (AIs), which increase herbicide use efficiency against weeds. Biodegradable carrier materials are cost-effective and readily available from living/non-living organisms and mineral sources, which can be an alternate source for metal/metal-oxide carrier materials. Materials like chitosan, plant derivatives, clay particles, and synthetic polymers are notable carrier materials reported for encapsulating or loading herbicide molecules. Applying nano-mediated herbicides is an innovative methodology for controlling weeds while considering environmental safety. This review focused mainly on recent advances in biodegradable carrier-based herbicide application in agriculture to mitigate the crisis in sustainable weed management. The ultimate objective of this manuscript is to serve as a source of reference material for exploring the nano-based herbicide formulations, their mobility, fate, and future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead-free halide perovskites (LFHP) are one of the most promising materials for CO 2 photoreduction; however, their stability is an issue that must be solved to scale up the manufacturing. To overcome this limitation, this work proposes the encapsulation of LFHP of K 3 Bi 2 I 9 in three inorganic supports based on aluminosilicates such as (i) geopolymer, (ii) tobermorite, and other based on (iii) magnesium oxychloride. These supports provide a porous structure and active sites to host the perovskite particles, which favor enhanced light absorption, stability, and their activity for CO 2 reduction under visible light. The encapsulated perovskites exhibited activity to photoconvert CO 2 into formic acid (HCOOH) with efficiencies up to 2500 μmol h−1 using the K 3 Bi 2 I 9 host in geopolymer. This support provides stable polysialate-diloxo chains to encapsulate the perovskite, delayed the degradation in aqueous medium, and its activity was demonstrated during 16 h of continuous visible light irradiation. The good stability and efficiency for CO 2 reduction was associated to the formation of K 3 Bi 2 I 9 /BiOI heterojunction that prevent the degradation of the structure and enhance the charge transfer between both semiconductors. • K 3 Bi 2 I 9 perovskite was encapsulated in inorganic supports to assure its stability. • The implementation of this approach allowed the stability of K 3 Bi 2 I 9 up to 16 h. • HCOOH was the main product of CO 2 reduction with high efficiencies (2.5 mmol h−1). • Partial leaching of K+ could enhanced the CO 2 sorption and the BiOI formation. • Geopolymer is an excellent K 3 Bi 2 I 9 host for stability and enhanced charge transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis is a natural resinous complex mixture produced by honeybees that contain various bioactive compounds. However, these bioactive compounds are chemically unstable and their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is influenced by their solubility and stability. Encapsulation technology has been employed to increase their bioavailability and protect them against hostile conditions. Nanoliposomes are nanoscale lipid‐based vesicles that can encapsulate various bioactive compounds, including propolis extracts. Therefore, in this study, propolis extract was encapsulated by nanoliposome technique and used in instant drink formulation. Nanoliposome characterization was done regarding particle size (255 ± 0.21 nm), zeta potential (−37.6 ± 1.14 mV), and encapsulation efficiency (73.71 ± 0.94). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to determine the effect of nanoliposome concentration (0%–5%) on the beverage characteristics including Brix, acidity, hygroscopicity, water solubility index, total phenol content, total microbial count, and sensory analyses. RSM predicted that a 3.19% nanoliposome would provide the overall optimum region for preparing the beverage with the best characteristics. Therefore, nanoliposome containing propolis can be successfully used in the enrichment of the beverage formulation by maintaining the sensory characteristics and improving its quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste production is a major challenge in the food industry. The use of ‘functional food’ by adding bioactive compounds is a promising solution to reduce it. However, many bioactive compounds are unstable when subjected to industrial and environmental conditions. Microencapsulation technology is a useful method to preserve these molecules. This review categorizes microencapsulated functional bread additives, including enzymes, salts, alcohols, oils, herbal compounds, probiotics, and acids, and demonstrates various beneficial effects of these additives. Suitable wall materials and encapsulating techniques – including freeze drying, spray drying, the emulsion‐congealing method, fluidized bed coating, and thin‐film hydration methods – are discussed in terms of their effect on bread quality. The encapsulated bread ingredients and their impact on bread characteristics are investigated by examining relevant original and review studies from various electronic databases, irrespective of publication date. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation of various materials inside nanotubes has emerged as an effective method in nanotechnology that facilitates the formation of novel one-dimensional (1D) structures and enhances their functionality. Because of the effects of geometrical confinement and electronic interactions with host nanotubes, encapsulated materials often exhibit low-dimensional polymorphic structures that differ from their bulk forms. These polymorphs exhibit unique properties, including altered electrical, optical, and magnetic behaviors, making them promising candidates for applications in electronics, energy storage, spintronics, and quantum devices. This review explores recent advancements in the encapsulation of a wide range of materials such as organic molecules, elemental substances, metal halides, metal chalcogenides, and other complex compounds. In particular, we focus on novel polymorphs formed through the geometrical confinement effect within the nanotubes. The atomic structure, other key properties, and potential applications of these encapsulated materials are discussed, highlighting the impact of nanotube encapsulation on their functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) was prepared using chitosan as the cationic polyelectrolyte, while a potassium salt of poly(maleic anhydride-alt-tetradecene) (PMA-14) served as the anionic counterpart. These PECs were used for the encapsulation of two nitroeugenol derivatives: 4-allyl-2-methoxy-6-nitrophenol (3) and 2-allyl-6-nitrophenol (4). The results confirm complex formation and efficient encapsulation of active compounds. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) was influenced by the chemical structure of the compounds, with 32.18% EE for 3 and 20.36% EE for 4. The resulting systems were characterized by fluorescence probing techniques, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. On the other hand, antifungal assays revealed that, in free form, 3 exhibits a much higher activity against Botritys cinerea than 4. However, no effect of encapsulation of both compounds on antifungal performance was observed. Results from molecular dynamic studies indicate that a stabilization effect is induced by compounds 3 and 4 during PEC formation, which is attributed to specific interactions between polyelectrolytes and guest molecules. These results are in line with the EE values measured for 3 and 4 and explain the low release from PECs of these molecules. Thus, the potential development of PEC-based systems for the delivery of bioactive compounds requires a deeper comprehension of parameters determining the relationship between encapsulation efficiency and delivery kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucoxanthin (FN), a carotenoid derived from brown seaweed and algae, offers significant health benefits. However, its unique structure leads to challenges in stability and bioavailability. To overcome these issues, we successfully encapsulated fucoxanthin in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) utilizing health-safe materials, achieving remarkable results. SLNs exhibited a nanoscale size of 248.98 ± 4.0 nm, along with an impressive encapsulation efficiency of 98.30% ± 0.26% and a loading capacity of 5.48% ± 0.82% in lipid. The polydispersity index (PDI) was measured at 0.161 ± 0.03, indicating a narrow size distribution, while the high negative zeta potential of −32.93 ± 1.2 mV suggests excellent stability. Pharmacokinetic studies conducted in Sprague–Dawley rats revealed an exceptional oral bioavailability of 2723.16% compared to fucoxanthin crystals, likely attributed to the enhanced stability and improved cellular uptake of the SLNs. To further improve bioavailability, we creatively applied enteric coatings to the freeze-dried SLNs, effectively protecting fucoxanthin from gastric degradation, which is supported by in vitro digestion results. These findings underscore the potential of SLNs as a superior delivery system for fucoxanthin, significantly enhancing its therapeutic efficacy and broadening its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation, as a method that provides controlled release and stability of food components, cells, enzymes and different substances in protein or carbohydrate-based mini capsules. In other words, it can also be defined as keeping the active material to be used in nano, micro or millimeter sized coating materials. The encapsulation method has great importance and potential for the food industry. In this method, it is aimed to mask undesirable taste and aroma components, to protect the bioactive compounds used from external factors, to increase the utilization of their functionality, and to control their release during shelf life. Various components such as some valuable food components, essential oils, lipids, aromatic hydrocarbons, vitamins, flavourings, enzymes, colourants, microorganisms, and microbial metabolites can be encapsulated using different methods. In this review, the encapsulation process types, coating materials, application areas in food technology and current studies in the field were investigated in order to understand the method. In the review, general information is given for encapsulation technology and a brief literature summary is intended for new studies to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithospermum erythrorhizon, commonly known as gromwell, is a valuable medicinal plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. Its roots are rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, naphthoquinones, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals. Among these, shikonin, a naphthoquinone, stands out due to its remarkable pharmacological properties, including anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This review provides an overview of the plant's morphology, distribution, ethnomedical applications, and phytochemistry, with a particular focus on shikonin. Online databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were used to gather information using keywords such as Lithospermum erythrorhizon, shikonin, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities. Findings highlight that shikonin demonstrates significant pharmacodynamic effects, particularly in cancer therapy. However, its hydrophobic nature limits its bioavailability. To address this, encapsulating shikonin in advanced drug delivery systems, such as micelles, can enhance its solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. This review underscores the potential of shikonin as a novel drug for treating various diseases, especially cancer, and emphasizes the importance of innovative delivery strategies to maximize its clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chitosan low molecular weight (LCH) and chitosan medium molecular weight (MCH) were employed to encapsulate a yarrow extract rich in chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acids (DCQAs) that showed antiproliferative activity against colon adenocarcinoma cells. The design of CH micro/nanoparticles to increase the extract colon delivery was carried out by using two different techniques: ionic gelation and spray drying. Ionic gelation nanoparticles obtained were smaller and presented higher yields values than spray-drying microparticles, but spray-drying microparticles showed the best performance in terms of encapsulation efficiency (EE) (> 94%), also allowing the inclusion of a higher quantity of extract. Spray-drying microparticles designed using LCH with an LCH:extract ratio of 6:1 (1.25 mg/mL) showed a mean diameter of 1.31 ± 0.21 µm and EE values > 93%, for all phenolic compounds studied. The release profile of phenolic compounds included in this formulation, at gastrointestinal pHs (2 and 7.4), showed for most of them a small initial release, followed by an increase at 1 h, with a constant release up to 3 h. Chlorogenic acid presented the higher release values at 3 h (56.91% at pH 2; 44.45% at pH 7.4). DCQAs release at 3 h ranged between 9.01- 40.73%, being higher for 1,5- and 3,4-DCQAs. After gastrointestinal digestion, 67.65% of chlorogenic and most DCQAs remained encapsulated. Therefore, spray-drying microparticles can be proposed as a promising vehicle to increase the colon delivery of yarrow phenolics compounds (mainly chlorogenic acid and DCQAs) previously described as potential agents against colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymers for microencapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic anti-glaucoma drugs using an emulsion-based solvent evaporation technique. Microparticle size was analysed using optical microscopy, while drug-polymer interactions through Dynamic-Light-Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform-Infra-red/Attenuated-Total-Reflection spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR). In vitro, drug release studies were performed to investigate drug encapsulation and release profiles. Spherical microparticles, with particle size 94 ± 6.9 μm for PCL-based and 100 ± 3.74 μm for PLA-based formulation, were obtained. Drug release studies showed 100% release over about 32 days, with encapsulation efficiency (%EE) and drug loading (%w/w) reaching up to 95 and 2.84% for PLA-based and 97 and 2.91% for PCL-based microparticles, respectively. DLS studies reveal an increase in hydrodynamic radius (RH), which correlates to enhanced drug encapsulation. So, the nature of the drug and polymer significantly impacts drug encapsulation and release, with drug-polymer interactions playing a crucial role alongside experimental parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) is a well-known probiotic strain that has a beneficial effect in preventing ulcerative colitis. However, delivering a sufficient number of viable LP to the colon still face challenges due to its vulnerability to the highly complex intestinal flora ecosystem. Herein, we present a centrifuge-driven micronozzle system designed for double-layered core-shell alginate microcapsules (DAM), which can serve as an effective carrier for dual delivery of resistant starch nanoparticles (RSNP, prebiotic) and LP (probiotics) for the treatment of colitis. This system enables precise loading of LP and RSNP within the core and shell regions of DAM, respectively. The resulting LP/RS@DAM exhibited a high encapsulation efficiency of LP (108 CFU per bead), in which the dense distribution of RSNP in the shell effectively protected LP against acidic conditions (pH 2) and maintained the cell viability up to 52 % even after long-term storage for 30 days. Furthermore, LP/RS@DAM effectively enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids, leading to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and restoration of intestinal microbial diversity in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. We believe that this innovative approach would offer a potential solution for improving colitis management and paving the way for tailored therapeutic interventions in gastrointestinal disorders. [Display omitted] • Colon-targeted probiotic/prebiotic dual delivery was developed by a centrifuge-driven micronozzle system • Core-shell alginate microcapsules could encapsulate L. plantarum by 108 CFU per bead • This microcapsulation effectively enhanced cell viability under acidic conditions and 30 days' storage • Dual delivery enhanced reduced inflammatory cytokines and restored intestinal microbial diversity • Dual delivery would provide an effective means of managing the gastrointestinal disorders [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jack Bean tempeh, a highly nutritious protein source, is underutilized in the food industry. As a protein concentrate, the protein hydrolyzate has a limited shelf life, necessitating encapsulation for preservation. Encapsulation, mainly through freeze-drying, is a promising solution. This study, which explores the impact of different maltodextrin concentrations on the physical and chemical properties of encapsulated Jack Bean protein concentrate, has the potential to advance food technology and nutrition significantly. The methodology involved descriptive analysis and the addition of maltodextrin at three distinct concentrations: 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/w), relative to the weight of the ingredients. Meanwhile, the parameters investigated included protein content, yield, total solids, water and oil absorption, encapsulation effectiveness, and microstructure, which were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the concentration of maltodextrin significantly influenced the encapsulation process. The protein content, water absorption, oil absorption, porosity, and encapsulation efficiency reached their peak at a maltodextrin concentration of 10%, with values of 27.26 ± 0.18%, 2.20 ± 0.05 g/g, 2.15 ± 0.02 ml/g, 0.52 ± 0.5%, and 73.19 ± 0.3%, respectively. Conversely, a 30% concentration of maltodextrin led to an increase in the yield to 61.33 ± 0.35% and the total solids to 92.52 ± 0.13%. The freeze-drying process resulted in non-uniform shapes in the microstructure in all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coating materials and fluctuations in inlet temperature are crucial components of the encapsulation process, with both factors affecting the physical, chemical, and functional qualities. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal properties of Jack Bean tempeh hydrolyzate using maltodextrin and Gum Arabic coating materials at a specific spray drying temperature. The experimental method consisted of 80% (w/w) maltodextrin, 20% (w/w) Gum Arabic, and a combination of both, with variations in inlet temperature at 140°C, 150°C, and 160°C. The results showed that 20% Gum Arabic treatment at a spray drying temperature of 150°C produced the best hydrolyzate characteristics of Jack Bean tempeh. Based on the SEM analysis, the morphology of the hydrolyzate particle had a spherical and wrinkled shape. Additionally, FTIR results showed no significant structural difference between the sample treatment and the uncoated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation plays a vital role in the food industry, known for its multifunction constituents' preservation, covering undesirable food components (taste, color, flavor), nutritional and functional components incorporation, and under controlled conditions (time and rate) release of encapsulation ingredients. Milk proteins are highly demanding encapsulating material and are investigated at large scale to design encapsulating devices. Polyphenols, flavorings, fatty acids, minerals, and hydrophobic vitamins are within encapsulating bioactives. Milk protein is widely used in the microencapsulation (ME) of probiotics and in comparison to other biomaterials offers more benefits. Milk protein includes whey protein and casein and several techniques are developed to make use of them in the ME of multiple probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus). This review will cover all the possible aspects of dairy proteins and their properties that enabled them to be used as encapsulating material. This review will also discuss the range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components delivered from milk protein and their utilization in the formation of encapsulating agents. Overall, this study aimed to explore the emerging role of encapsulation in the food industry, characterize milk proteins as effective encapsulation agents, investigate their synergism with nondairy encapsulating materials, and evaluate various encapsulation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to formulate a cake with high antioxidant activity through the incorporation of centrifugally spun gelatin-based fiber which was enriched with caffeic acid. Characterization analyses were conducted to evaluate fibers with different concentrations of caffeic acid (2% and 4%), while simultaneously the effects of thermal and citric acid crosslinking on the physical and functional properties of the encapsulated fibers were investigated. The study revealed varying encapsulation efficiencies of caffeic acid in gelatin fibers (56.34–94.55%), markedly affected by substantial reduction of thermal crosslinking, contrasting with citric acid's minimal impact. Additionally, citric acid increased total phenolic content (TPC), but thermal treatment notably decreased antioxidant activity (AOA) due to its impact on radical scavenging and phenolic group dissociation. The addition of citric acid significantly reduced water vapor permeability by 22% suggesting an induced crosslinking in both thermal-treated caffeic acid and citric acid samples. The study highlighted reduced AOA and phenolic content in thermally treated fibers (thermally treated gelatin with 2% caffeic acid vs thermally treated gelatin with 4% caffeic acid), suggesting lower water solubility and improved thermal stability with approximately 24% remaining weight after thermogravimetric analysis. Despite this, cakes with thermally treated fibers had higher AOA due to improved heat resistance of fibers. Generally, adding fibers to cakes decreased hardness and pH while increasing TPC, AOA, and volume index, showing a novel approach using centrifugally spun fibers to enrich foods with antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is recognized for its aroma, but also for its health benefits and potential applications. However, its use has been limited due to its volatility and tendency to degrade. Cyclodextrins have emerged as an interesting option to encapsulate and protect a wide variety of compounds. The objective of the present work was to encapsulate BEO in β-cyclodextrin (BCD) by ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation method optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and to evaluate physical characteristics and antibacterial activity of the obtained BEO-BCD complexes. Ultrasonication time and BCD concentration were found to act synergistically, favoring complex formation. The best entrapment efficiency (near 90%) was achieved for maximum BCD concentration (15 mM), 6 min of ultrasonication, and minimum stirring time (1 h). Stirring has minimal impact on the efficiency when the process includes ultrasonication. BEO-BCD interactions were verified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water sorption studies, Fourier-transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. Isotherms were consistent with the displacement of water molecules from the BCD's inner cavity as compounds are included. DSC showed that BEO encapsulation led to an increase in its oxidative stability. In addition, the powdered BEO-BCD combined system maintained its antibacterial capacity under the tested conditions. The results indicated that the ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation method is efficient for obtaining cyclodextrin complexes, reducing experimental times, but also avoiding the use of organic solvents. Moreover, BCD could be considered an excellent carrier to obtain antibacterial BEO in a powdered form, easy to handle and store, attractive for food industries as natural preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are fat-soluble bio pigments often responsible for red, orange, pink and yellow coloration of fruits and vegetables. They are commonly referred as nutraceutical which is an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs claiming to have numerous physiological benefits. However their activity often get disoriented by photonic exposure, temperature and aeration rate thus leading to low bioavailability and bio accessibility. Most of the market value for carotenoids revolves around food and cosmetic industries as supplement where they have been continuously exposed to rigorous physico-chemical treatment. Though several encapsulation techniques are now in practice to improve stability of carotenoids, the factors like shelf life during storage and controlled release from the delivery vehicle always appeared to be a bottleneck in this field. In this situation, different technologies in nanoscale is showing promising result for carotenoid encapsulation and delivery as they provide greater mass per surface area and protects most of their bioactivities. However, safety concerns related to carrier material and process must be evaluated crucially. Thus, the aim of this review was to collect and correlate technical information concerning the parameters playing pivotal role in characterization and stabilization of designed vehicles for carotenoids delivery. This comprehensive study predominantly focused on experiments carried out in past decade explaining how researchers have fabricated bioprocess engineering in amalgamation with nano techniques to improve the bioavailability for carotenoids. Furthermore, it will help the readers to understand the cognisance of carotenoids in nutraceutical market for their trendy application in food, feed and cosmeceutical industries in contemporary era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptide aggregation inevitably occurs during hydrolysis, and insoluble peptide aggregates (ISPA) are used as feed for animals due to their poor water solubility and unpleasant bitter flavor. Ultrasound was used to fabricate soy peptide nanoparticles by reassembling ISPA, followed by spray-drying encapsulation to develop low-bitterness peptide microcapsules with soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) and stevioside (STE) as wall materials. Powder properties, bitter taste, and the morphology of the microcapsules were evaluated. The formation of soluble peptide nanoparticles (<200 nm) was observed after ultrasound due to the reassembly of ISPA through the disruption of non-covalent intermolecular interactions. A gradual reduction in bitter taste was observed with increasing ultrasonic time. Moreover, spray-drying encapsulation with STE could effectively improve the flowability and wettability of the microcapsule powder owing to the rapid migration of surface-active STE to the atomized droplet surface, as evidenced by the lower angle of repose and wettability time. Peptide microcapsules with STE (spherical particles with smooth surfaces) exhibited lower density and reduced bitterness because STE (0–0.1%, w/w) exhibited an excellent bitter-masking effect. With high STE concentrations (>0.5%, w/w), microcapsules exhibited a higher bitter taste than unencapsulated peptides due to the increased surface distribution of STE on the microcapsules. These results provide an effective technique to improve the physicochemical properties of ISPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, rutin-rich extracts from black elderberry waste (BEW) were encapsulated using the particles from gas-saturated solutions (PGSS) method to improve the preservation of rutin. The extracts used in this study were obtained using five different extraction techniques under optimal conditions, as follows: conventional solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and four non-conventional techniques—ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), enhanced solvent extraction (ESE), and supercritical CO2 pretreatment—followed by ESE (SFE-CO2 + ESE). The PGSS process of the obtained extracts was performed using two amphiphilic carriers, glycerol monostearate (GlyMS) and gelucire (Gel), in a mass ratio of 1:6, in favor of the carrier. The efficiency of the PGSS process was evaluated based on the encapsulation yield (EnY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), and physical properties of the encapsulated extracts. The results showed that the SLE extract encapsulated with GlyMS had the highest EnY (92.47%). The Gel only in combination with the ESE extract exceeded the 50% efficacy threshold, with an EnY of 55.18%. The encapsulated SLE extract with Gel showed excellent flow properties and the highest EE (98.91%). These results emphasize the advantages of the PGSS process, including its efficiency and adaptability to produce encapsulated rutin-enriched BEW extracts for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine the electrospray properties of the acid fraction of potato protein (AFPP). The potential of AFPP in solution to form capsules of a vegetal extract through electrospraying was evaluated both independently and in conjunction with the use of adjuvants. The physical properties of the solutions were analyzed to determine their conductivity, surface tension, and pH levels. The capsules were then evaluated in terms of their morphological, structural, photoprotective, and thermal properties. The physical characteristics of the solutions with the AFPP alone indicated that it was susceptible to electrospraying. However, the AFPP did not remain stable in the electrospray process for extended periods. The inclusion of the adjuvants resulted in a reduction in conductivity and surface tension, thereby enhancing the stability of the electrospraying process. The AFPP formed capsules with a spherical shape, a smooth surface, and no cracks or protuberances. The capsules were also found to be below 1 micron in size. The capsules containing 20 and 30% AFPP with adjuvants demonstrated encapsulation efficiency values exceeding 50%. Furthermore, the capsules demonstrated photoprotective properties against polyphenolic compounds. FTIR spectra verified the absence of chemical reactions between the materials during the electrospray treatment. The thermal resistance of AFPP was substantiated by thermal analysis, indicating its suitability as an encapsulation material for hydrophilic compounds in electrospraying processes. Physicochemical analysis showed that the acid fraction of potato protein could be used as an encapsulating medium in the electrospining process of food and pharmaceutical compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, micro-capsules (by complex coacervation) and nano-capsules (by liposomal encapsulation) containing phenolic extracts from jujube peel (PEJP) were compared in terms of changes in encapsulation efficiency, phenolic and anthocyanin content and antioxidant, angiotensin converting-I enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and α-amylase inhibitory activities before and after in vitro digestion. According to the results, micro-capsules were prepared with a biopolymer ratio of 0.125:1:1 (PEJP: WPI: GA) at pH 3.4, while nano-capsules were obtained using 1% lecithin and 0.4% chitosan at pH 3.4. Nano-capsules had higher encapsulation efficiency (74.27%) than micro-capsules (67.34%). In contrast, total phenolic content of PEJP was preserved better in micro-capsules before and after in vitro digestion compared with nano-capsules. The highest total monomeric anthocyanin content remained in the undigested micro-capsules and in the digested nano-capsules. Micro-capsules exhibited a stronger antioxidant activity than those of nano-capsules with PEJP with both DPPH and CUPRAC assays. After in vitro intestinal digestion, micro-capsules with PEJP exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity (80.00 ± 2.50%) and α-amylase inhibitory (48.31 ± 0.84%) activity. Considering all these results, micro-capsules protected phenolics better than nano-capsules. The stability of phenolics based foods can be protected by microencapsulation. Also, microencapsulants including phenolics can be added to cosmetic and food supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of active microcapsules and films using basil seed gum (BSG) and ginger essential oil (GEO). Varied concentrations of BSG wall (1% and 2%) and GEO (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1%) were explored, assessing their effects on antioxidant activity, zeta potential, particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and microstructural features of the microcapsules. Additionally, the impact of these variables on the physicochemical properties of BSG-MGEO films, including colorimetric attributes, mechanical properties, moisture content, water solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), density, thickness, antibacterial efficacy, microstructural morphology, and thermal behavior, was examined. Encapsulation efficiency of MGEOs with 1% and 2% wall concentration ranged from 44.15 ± 2.86% to 67.06 ± 1.69% and 96.80 ± 0.98% to 97.93 ± 0.59%, respectively. The inclusion of GEO and both concentrations of the wall significantly increased film thickness, water solubility, and WVP compared to the control film (p < 0.05). Elevating GEO concentration led to a significant enhancement in elongation at break (EB), escalating from 19.05 to 39.88%, while an increase in wall concentration to 2% resulted in an EB of 35.04% (p < 0.05). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images illustrated that heightened solid content (BSG) in MGEOs preserved stability during film formation and increased film density. Remarkably, films containing 0.5% and 1% GEO, across both wall concentrations, exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (p < 0.05), with no discernible effect on Salmonella typhimurium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the extraction, characterization, and encapsulation of black cardamom oleoresin (BCO) for its potential applications in spices and other pharmaceutical industries. Solvent-extracted black cardamom with food-grade ethanol yielded concentrated oleoresin rich in bioactive compounds, viz., 1, 8-cineole (41.97%), α-terpineol (14.68%), α- terpinene (4.82%), and α-terpinyl acetate (4.70%), as confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC‒MS) analysis. Freeze-drying successfully preserved the stability and quality of the encapsulated powder, with analyses confirming low moisture content (2.49–3.51%) and water activity (aw) (0.44 to 0.52). Additional evaluation, such as powder flow property and thermal analysis, is crucial for ensuring the quality and stability of the encapsulates. Color properties, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed successful encapsulation and indicated structural changes post-encapsulation. Among the encapsulating materials employed, gum arabic (GA) exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency at 64.71%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated good thermal stability and decomposition characteristics, as evidenced by a residual mass loss of 8.06%. Notably, oleoresin encapsulated with gum Arabic (GA) retained higher DPPH antioxidant activity (66.36 ± 1.02%) and phenolic content (80.27 ± 0.11 mg GAE/g) compared to other encapsulates. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted the impact of individual components on the overall quality and functionality of the encapsulated product. This work provides a valuable resource for developing encapsulated black cardamom oleoresin (BCO) with detailed studies on method of extraction and encapsulation materials to enhance the stability of oleoresin and to explore effective applications in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics, such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, are essential to the food industry for their health benefits to the host. The Lcb. rhamnosus strain is susceptible to processing, gastrointestinal, and storage conditions. In this study, Lcb. rhamnosus strains were encapsulated by complex coacervation in a gum arabic/chitosan or gum arabic/trehalose/chitosan and cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate. The physicochemical properties (zeta potential, water activity, water content, and hygroscopicity), encapsulation efficiency, and probiotic survival under storage conditions and simulated gastrointestinal fluids were evaluated. The results showed that crosslinking improves the encapsulation efficiency after drying; however, this result was remarkable when trehalose was used as a cryoprotectant. Furthermore, the encapsulation matrix preserved the viability of probiotics during 12 weeks with probiotic counts between 8.7–9.5, 7.5–9.0, and 5.2–7.4 log10 CFU g−1 at –20, 4, and 20 °C, respectively. After 12 days of digestion in an ex vivo simulator, acetic, butyric, propionic, and lactic acid production changed significantly, compared to free probiotic samples. This work shows that encapsulation by complex coacervation can promote the stability of probiotic bacteria in storage conditions and improve the viability of Lcb. rhamnosus HN001 during consumption so that they can exert their beneficial action in the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembled non-covalent nanoparticle-polymer hybrids, that can combine a variety of desired properties in a single material with highly dynamic structure, have great potential in the field of functional nanosystems. In this study, we present a method for preparing such hybrids from silica nanoparticles and polymer structures of polystyrene-block-polyacrylic acid (PS-b-PAA). We show that the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles has a major influence on the encapsulation efficiency and the localization of the particles in the vesicles. Furthermore, an increase in vesicle size was observed with higher vesicle loading. A particular highlight of this work is that the morphology of the hybrids could be subsequently modified by adjusting the solvent composition. It was also found that the presence of the particles led to faster transitions due to the increased free energy of the system. This type of morphological change therefore offers promising potential applications, such as self-healing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prednisolone, a synthetic corticosteroid drug, is extensively utilized to treat inflammatory diseases and regulates metabolism and the immune system in cancer treatment. However, these drugs are toxic and cause severe side effects if administrated for long durations and in large doses. This work intends to study the atomistic interactions of popular polymeric carrier like PLGA with the drug and thereby provide insights into achieving better loading and a sustained release. Methods: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of prednisolone (drug) encapsulated in Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic acid (PLGA) are performed in this study. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations with MD simulations are conducted to determine the water penetration in PLGA polymer and polymer stability in water. The investigations from this study encompasses structural and dynamical parameters, including the end-to-end distance, radius of gyration of polymer chains, interaction energy, and diffusion coefficient of the drug. Results: The polymer-drug interactions are studied and identified from the simulation data of PLGA(75:25) and PLGA(50:50) polymers with prednisolone in an aqueous medium for optimal drug carrying capacity and effective drug release. Also, the polymeric systems of PLGA(75:25) and PLGA(50:50) are analyzed with the water penetrant loading using the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and MD simulations. Water loading analysis revealed that PLGA(75:25) has the highest swelling compared to PLGA(50:50). Conclusion: This study highlights the characteristics and critical parameters for developing an optimal drug delivery system by investigating polymer-drug interactions, drug encapsulation, and water uptake in polymers using MD and GCMC simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review highlights recent advancements in stabilizing perovskite-quantum dots (PQDs) for biomedical applications. PQDs like CsPbBr3 nanoparticles are promising due to their high photoluminescence-quantum yield, narrow emission linewidth, and ability to control excitation and emission wavelengths, making them suitable for bioimaging and sensing applications. However, their instability in moist and aqueous environments and potential toxicity due to heavy metals like lead pose significant challenges. To address these issues, various surface-modification strategies, including encapsulation, ligand exchange, and phase transfer, have been developed. These methods aim to improve PQD stability and biocompatibility while preserving their optical properties. Encapsulation techniques using polymers, silica, and phospholipids have shown promise in maintaining PQD stability in aqueous solutions. Ligand-exchange strategies with multidentate and multifunctional ligands have enhanced PQD surface binding and hydrophilicity, improving their environmental robustness. Applications such as fluorescence cellular imaging, theragnostics, and immunoassays demonstrate the potential of stabilized PQDs in biomedical applications. Despite these advancements, further research is needed to develop non-toxic PQDs and ensure long-term stability. Continued progress in PQD synthesis and surface modification could lead to significant breakthroughs in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coffee silver skin (CSS) is a thin covering over green coffee seeds inside coffee cherry. It is a good source of bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeine. It is produced as a by‐product of the roasting process. Objective: The goal of this study is to apply spray drying method to encapsulate 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid) and caffeine extracted from CSS. Methods: The main‐plots for optimisation were feed solid concentration (2.5, 5, 10°Bx), and the sub‐plots of the whole‐plot were carrier material type (maltodextrin, modified starch, arabic gum) and inlet air temperature (130, 160, 190°C). Responses included were drying yield, chlorogenic acid concentration, caffeine content, Carr index, and solubility values. Results: Suitable conditions were spray drying inlet temperature of 190°C, extract concentration of 10°Bx, and wall material composition [modified starch/arabic gum (MS:AG)] 10.5:9.5. As the feeding CSS extract concentration increased, the amount of chlorogenic acid and caffeine in the final powder increased, while the powder's flow characteristics improved. Conclusions: The concentration stage might be used to produce free‐flowing powdered particles with good bioactive retention for use in the food processing industry. The CSS extract can be successfully transformed into soluble powder using the spray drying process, based on product yield results (>50%). The optimum conditions are found as inlet temperature of 190°C, extract concentration of 10°Bx, and wall material composition (MN:AG) 10.5:9.5. The concentration treatment has a greater impact on the caffeine and chlorogenic acid content than the carrier material type. The findings reveal that the starting concentration has an impact on the final product's physical qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Origanum onites has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties due to its essential oil. The fact that these oils are sensitive to environmental conditions causes the need for advanced processing technologies. Objective: This study was aimed to encapsulate essential oil of O. onites by spray drying to extend its shelf life. Methods: Spray drying was used to encapsulate the essential oil of O. onites, which was then mixed with maltodextrin, arabic gum, and β‐cyclodextrin using response surface methodology. After 60 days of storage, aroma analysis was performed on the essential oil of O. onites and the essential oil powder that was produced under ideal conditions. Results: O. onites essential oil powder was subjected to GC‐MS analysis to identify 72 aroma components. Carvacrol and linalool concentrations varied from 22.66 to 30.11 mg/g and from 32.25 to 53.57 mg/g, respectively. The spray‐dried microcapsules' D4.3 values ranged from 40.75 to 48.95 μm. For every trial, the drying yield and solubility values were higher than 60% and 90%, respectively. The results of the surface optimization showed that the ideal inlet air temperature was 190°C and the ideal concentration of β‐cyclodextrin in the wall material was 1%. Conclusion: The findings indicate that O. onites essential oil was successfully encapsulated via spray drying. The preservation of critical aroma compounds in the resulting capsules is high. The most effective wall material composition and the optimum inlet temperature for O. onites essential oil microencapsulation by spray drying were assessed; the optimal conditions were found to be 19% MD and 1% β‐CD at 190°C. Carvacrol was released at a rate of 65% in O. onites essential oil during storage, whereas this rate was determined to be 3% in O. onites essential oil powder. The three main volatiles in all samples were found to be linalool, γ‐terpinene, and carvacrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of children with HIV has become increasingly difficult due to the disagreeable taste, large size of the drug, poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, and poor palatability. The work aims at developing a liposome delivery system (LDS) of zidovudine (AZT) using a natural sweetener inulin to further improve its solubility and oral bioavailability and potentially mask the unpleasant taste. Modified thin film hydration approach was adopted in the formulation while the orbital shaking method was used for 24 h in various pH media for an equilibrium solubility study of pure AZT, AZT-liposomes (AZT-L), and the physical mixture. Different analytical methods were used in measuring the AZT-L particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and polydispersity index (PDI) as well as assessing the physicochemical properties of the formulation, while dissolution studies for pure AZT and AZT-L were carried out in different pH media (1.2, 4.5, and 6.8). The results depicted enhanced solubility of AZT in liposomes in all pH ranges and water. AZT-L revealed reduced PS sizes, lower PDI with significant surface charge, and homogenized and dispersed AZT formulation. The physicochemical characterization of AZT-L confirmed an amorphous preparation whereas the dissolution experiment revealed the release of the drug from the formulation while indicating potential delayed release in some pH media. Results suggest complete encapsulation and enhanced solubility and dissolution rate of AZT in liposome formulation with possible futuristic dose reduction in HIV paediatric formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning microwave impedance microscopy (sMIM) is a near‐field technique that enables the characterization of conductive materials with a resolution down to 1 nm. In hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)‐encapsulated devices, microwaves emitted from the sMIM tip penetrate and reach with the underlying 2D materials, allowing for the mapping of local conductivity variations. Using twisted bilayer graphene, it is demonstrated that this technique can characterize moiré patterns through hBN flakes up to 2.5 nm thick. Additionally, it is showed that sMIM can distinguish between conductive and insulating materials in samples encapsulated by hBN layers exceeding 15 nm. A key finding is that signal decay due to encapsulation is intrinsically linked to the tip's condition. This work overcomes limitations in the application of twistronics, enabling the verification of the periodicity of moiré patterns in high‐quality encapsulated devices between electrical contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The deterioration of meat products is significantly influenced by the oxidation of lipids. The addition of antioxidants is one of the accepted methods to retard lipid oxidation. The goal of this research was to encapsulate tomato powder with chia seed mucilage by lyophilization. Tomato powder and chia seed mucilage were used as the wall material at three ratios 1:1 (T1:C1), 2:1 (T2:C1), and 1:2 (T1:C2). The particle size, encapsulation efficiency, rheology, and solubility index of the beads were assessed. Three sausage samples, including the control, 3% w/w tomato powder (TPsample), and 6% w/w bead (EnTPsample), were produced. The color, texture, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and sensory parameters of the sausage were analyzed during storage. The results showed that T2:C1 had a maximum encapsulation efficiency (44.71%) with particle size (172.31 nm). T1:C1 had a highly significant value in the solubility index (90.09% w/w), but for the viscosity parameter, T1:C2 had a maximum value among the samples. FTIR and X‐ray diffraction analyses demonstrated successful encapsulation in all samples. The water holding capacity (6.92% w/w), hardness (2992.5 g), and gumminess (2772.3 g) were the highest, but cooking loose (10.98% w/w) the lowest in the EnTPsamples. Higher color and odor scores were recorded for the EnTPs. In addition, the encapsulated tomato powder had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower peroxide value (7.34 mEq/kg) and thiobarbituric acid (2.09 mg MDA/kg) in the sausages than in the other samples. In conclusion, the incorporation of EnTPsample as a polyphenol component in cocktail sausages is more advantageous than TP alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis article focuses on the production of an herbal drink containing the mixture of basil extract and lemon juice (65:35 (% v/v)), at inlet air temperature (IAT) (110–190 °C) as well as the concentrations of maltodextrin (MD, 0–7.5%) and gum Arabic (GA, 0–7.5%). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the variation of spray-dried powder attributes including moisture content (MC), water activity, water solubility, product yield, particle size, total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), and aroma components. The optimum conditions for maximizing encapsulation efficiency and powder yield were IAT of 146 °C, 9.68% MD, and 5.32% GA. Both IAT and MD/GA ratio had a significant effect on final powder properties except for water activity. The GC-MS data revealed that the predominant aroma components in the final powder, lemon juice, and the reconstituted product were limonene and γ-terpinene; limonene; γ-terpinene, linalool, and 1.8 cineole, respectively. The results demonstrated that spray drying (SD) using GA/MD blends improved the consolidation of bioactive compounds in powdered form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molten salts are extensively used as high-temperature heat transfer media and thermal energy storage (TES) materials in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. Molten salt corrosion is a critical factor influencing the safe operation of the system. This work comparatively summarizes various factors influencing molten salt corrosion, including temperature, impurities, alloy composition and gas atmosphere. Additionally, the corrosion mechanisms of nitrate, carbonate, chloride, and fluoride-based mixture salts are meticulously reviewed. The demand for high-temperature storage is indeed increasing, driven by the need for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. High-temperature storage systems, particularly those utilizing phase change materials (PCMs) and molten salts, play a key role in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint. By improving the efficiency of energy storage and reducing the need for fossil fuels, high-temperature storage systems help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against global warming. The paper focused on enhancing the corrosion resistance of container materials in terms of improving PCM thermal conductivity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of smart drug delivery systems (DDSs) for effective delivering drugs to targeted areas and achieving controlled drug release (CDR) is critical for cancer chemotherapy. The purpose of this study is synthesis of polydopamine (PDA) nanocapsules and analyze the adsorption and release properties of doxorubicin (DOX). PDA nanocapsules are manufactured using hard template approach. The influence of various parameters such as pH, adsorption time, and initial DOX content on the adsorption and release process is investigated. The resulting adsorption isotherm is consistent with the Langmuir isotherm, indicating that DOX adsorption on PDA nanocapsules is homogenous, uniform, and monolayer. PDA nanocapsules have an adsorption capacity of 689.6 mg g−1 under alkaline conditions, which is attributed to phenol group deprotonation mechanism and electrostatic repulsion. The adsorption kinetics are more consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order model. Furthermore, raising initial concentration of DOX results in a greatly increased adsorption capacity due to a larger driving force. Among the several parameters that can influence the pace and degree of DOX loading and release, local pH is regarded as a significant environmental component in the processes. Thus, pH‐responsive PDA nanocapsules have a significant potential for usage in locations with aberrant pH level, such as cancer tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for marine bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents in supplements or functional foods has increased. However, their instability, bitter taste, and potential degradation during digestion have hindered their widespread use. To overcome these problems, a functional supplement powder was produced using the encapsulation technique of nanoliposomes containing shrimp lipid extract, fish oil (FO), and fish protein hydrolysate. Chitosan and whey protein concentrate (WPC) were used to coat the nanoliposomes in mono/bilayer and composite forms, followed by freeze‐drying for 72 h. The physicochemical characteristics, nutritional, in vitro release, and sensory evaluation were investigated. The WPC‐monolayer treatment exhibited the highest solubility (28.83 mg/100 g), encapsulation efficiency (97.67%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Although the mono/bilayer treatments of whey protein showed lower docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid than FO, they presented a favorable amino acid profile. Compared to acidic stomach conditions, the release in the intestine was higher. Incorporating 1.5 g of the supplement powder per 100 g of milk can meet an individual's daily nutritional needs for essential amino acids and PUFAs. Therefore, encapsulating marine bioactive compounds in liposomal carriers could be a beneficial approach to their direct use as a nutritious powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali metal catalysts show great application potential in the gasification process of coal attributed to their characteristics of high activity and reusability. However, this type of catalysts has strong water absorption, which causes the agglomerating during storage and limits pipeline transportation by water. In order to solve the hydration of alkali metal catalysts and to release them at the target temperatures, they were encapsulated by cost effective and environment friend inorganic materials. The capsules were fabricated through in situ formation of calcium carbonate as shell. The water resistance, water erosion resistance and shell rupture temperature of the capsules were tested. And the effect of temperature on the properties of capsules was studied. The microstructure and composition were characterized by SEM and XRD. The results showed that the best performance of the capsules was obtained after heat treatment at 600 °C, with the pH of catalyst solution was reduced from 13.65 to 10.89 before and after encapsulation. The percentage of capsule breakage after 2 h of water scouring was 8.46 %. And the catalysts were fully released between 700–750 °C due to the crack of shell. The shell was composed mainly of CaCO 3 -AlPO 4 -Al 4 (P 2 O 7) 3. The shell was porous in the middle, gradually denser outwards, and eventually formed a dense layer in the outer layer. This was attributed to the volume expansion caused by the reaction of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide to form calcium carbonate. This study provides a novel approach for the transportation of alkali metal catalyst and expands its application in coal gasification. [Display omitted] • The alkali metal catalysts were successfully encapsulated by CaCO 3 shells. • The pH of catalyst was reduced from 13.65 to 10.89 before and after encapsulation. • The percentage of capsule breakage after 2 h of water scouring was 8.46 %. • The catalysts were fully released between 700–750 °C due to the crack of shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]