Direct separation and purification of α-lactalbumin from cow milk whey by aqueous two-phase flotation of thermo-sensitive polymer/phosphate

Enhancing Bone Health with Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Innovative Strategies

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and metabolic effects, with growing interest in its role in supporting bone health. Preclinical studies, particularly those involving the t10c12 isomer, have shown that CLA can enhance bone mineral density (BMD) by enhancing bone formation and reducing bone resorption, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent to improve bone health. However, clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results, underscoring the difficulty in translating animal model successes to human applications. A major challenge is CLA's low water solubility, poor absorption, and limited bioavailability, which restrict its therapeutic effectiveness. To address these issues, nanoparticle-based delivery systems have been proposed to improve its solubility, stability, and resistance to oxidative damage, thereby enhancing its bioactivity. Recent studies also suggest that electrical stimulation can stimulate bone regeneration by promoting bone cell proliferation, differentiation, and adherence to scaffolds. This review explores the combined use of CLA supplementation and electrical stimulation as a novel approach to improving bone health, particularly in osteoporosis management. By integrating CLA's biological effects with the regenerative potential of electrical stimulation, this multimodal strategy offers a promising method for enhancing bone restoration, with significant implications for clinical applications in bone health.

Intensification of endo-1,4-Xylanase Extraction by Coupling Microextractors and Aqueous Two-Phase System

The extraction of xylanase was performed using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) based on polyethylene glycol (PEG1540) and various salts. Preliminary studies in a batch extractor showed that the highest extraction efficiency, E = 79.63 ± 5.21%, and purification factor, PF = 1.26 ± 0.25, were obtained with sodium citrate dihydrate-H2O-PEG1540-based ATPS for an extraction time of 10 min. The process was optimized using the experimental Box-Behnken design at three levels with three factors: extraction time (t), xylanase concentration (γ), and mass fraction of PEG in the ATPS (wPEG). Under optimal process conditions (γ = 0.3 mg/mL, wPEG = 0.21 w/w, and t = 15 min), E = 99.13 ± 1.20% and PF = 6.49 ± 0.05 were achieved. In order to intensify the process, the extraction was performed continuously in microextractors at optimal process conditions. The influence of residence time, different feeding strategies, and channel diameter on extraction efficiency and purification factor was further examined. Similar results were obtained in the microextractor for a residence time of τ = 1.03 min (E = 99.59 ± 1.22% and PF = 6.61 ± 0.07) as in the experiment carried out under optimal conditions in the batch extractor. In addition, a batch extractor and a continuous microextractor were used for the extraction of raw xylanase produced by Thermomyces lanuginosus on solid supports.

Cold Water Immersion Pretreatment of Post-Consuming Particleboards for Wood Chips Recovery by the Hydromechanical Process

In this research work, the effect of 20-day immersion of various types of reclaimed particleboards on thickness swelling and water absorption is investigated. This simple procedure has been chosen as the pretreatment to facilitate the chips’ recovery by the hydromechanical (water jet) method. Maximum swelling was achieved after 20-day immersion but the differences between 10 and 20-day immersion were small, indicating that the time of 10-day immersion can be chosen as the pretreatment time. It was found that the bond between wood chips’ particles was not completely failed since the permanent swelling after immersion and drying was lower than the maximum swelling. Hence, the proposed method needs to be improved by increasing the cross-section areas of particleboard samples after their breaking in order to create irregular pieces and facilitate the water action against the bond of wood particles.

The Influence of Extraction Conditions on the Yield and Physico-Chemical Parameters of Pectin from Grape Pomace

Grape pomace is one of the most abundant by-products generated from the wine industry. This by-product is a complex substrate consisted of polysaccharides, proanthocyanidins, acid pectic substances, structural proteins, lignin, and polyphenols. In an effort to valorize this material, the present study focused on the influence of extraction conditions on the yield and physico-chemical parameters of pectin. The following conditions, such as grape pomace variety (Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră), acid type (citric, sulfuric, and nitric), particle size intervals (<125 µm, ≥125−<200 µm and ≥200−<300 µm), temperature (70, 80 and 90 °C), pH (1, 2 and 3), and extraction time (1, 2, and 3 h) were established in order to optimize the extraction of pectin. The results showed that acid type, particle size intervals, temperature, time, and pH had a significant influence on the yield and physico-chemical parameters of pectin extracted from grape pomace. According to the obtained results, the highest yield, galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification, methoxyl content, molecular, and equivalent weight of pectin were acquired for the extraction with citric acid at pH 2, particle size interval of ≥125−<200 µm, and temperature of 90 °C for 3 h. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in the fingerprint region of identification for polysaccharide in the extracted pectin.

Bioactive Films Based on Starch from White, Red, and Black Rice to Food Application

Packages from renewable sources have been the focus of many studies, due to the consumer needs for high-quality food, environmental concern related to the inadequate discard of packaging, low percentage of packaging recycling, and starch application by a viable method. Thus, this work aimed to develop bioactive packages based on white, red, and black rice starch and analyze the influence of macromolecule and plasticizer type, even its blends, on the characteristics of films. Films were characterized by color, opacity, thickness, water solubility, water vapor permeability, and bioactive properties. The use of rice starch in the development of edible and/or biodegradable films was feasible, with all the formulations tested presenting a homogeneous matrix and the films obtained varying in hue, to the naked eye, as a function of the starch used. Variation of the type of starch and plasticizer, as well as the concentrations of the same, resulted in films with differences in all studied properties. Films prepared with 5% of starch and 30% of sorbitol showed phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, using the DPPH and ABTS methods, indicating that these can be considered bioactive packages and also suitable for food application.

High Retention and Purification of Bromelain Enzyme (Ananas comosus L. Merrill) from Pineapple Juice Using Plain and Hollow Polymeric Membranes Techniques

The demand for bromelian and pineapple fruit has been increasing substantially in the world because of their benefits for the human health and use in diverse areas. In this context, this work aimed to study the capacity of higher retention (concentration); bromelain activity underwent ultrafiltration from pineapple juice (Ananas comusus L. Merrill). All assays were carried out at pH 7.0 and 7.5, and at 0.05 and 0.40 bar of transmembrane pressures. Results have shown that at the best operating conditions, between 85 and 87% of bromelain activity was recovered using the plain membrane separation process at 0.05 bar. The ultrafiltration has shown the capacity to retain 100% of proteolytic activity of the bromelain extracted. The samples have kept the same physics properties after ultrafiltration, and the result was verified via electrophoresis. The bromelain enzyme obtained was characterized, and pH 7 and between 30 and 40 °C were the best conditions. Therefore, this work shows that the use of both polymeric membranes has shown high efficiency, and can be used in the purification of bromelain enzymes.

Aqueous Two-Phase System–Ion Chromatography for Determination of Thiocyanate in Raw Milk

Thiocyanate could effectively inhibit bacteria in milk and extend the shelf life of milk. However, excessive addition will lead to health risks. Therefore, the determination of thiocyanate in raw milk has received a lot of attention, but the determination could be interfered with by other components in raw milk and the pre-treatment of raw milk is complex. In this study, a new pretreatment method combined with ion chromatography (IC) for rapid and sensitive determination of thiocyanate is proposed. An acetonitrile/(NH4)2SO4 aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was developed for the separation and enrichment of thiocyanate in raw milk. Response surface methodology was performed to optimize the extraction conditions and an efficient pretreatment were obtained using ATPS composed of 42% acetonitrile (w/w) and 16% (NH4)2SO4 (w/w), with the pH 4.7, and the recovery of thiocyanate reached 107.24 ± 0.5%, and the enrichment ratio was 10.74 ± 0.03. IC was used to establish a thiocyanate enrichment method. The linear range was from 0.05 to 15 mg/L and R2 = 0.998, the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.2 μg/L, the limit of quantification (LQD) was 0.6 μg/L. Hence, it is feasible to combine ATPS with IC for the enrichment and determination of thiocyanate in raw milk.

Development of Antioxidant and Stable Conjugated Linoleic Acid Pickering Emulsion with Protein Nanofibers by Microwave-Assisted Self-Assembly

Whey protein isolate nanofibrils (WPNFs) can be used as a novel stabilizer in the Pickering emulsion system to improve the water solubility, stability and bioavailability of lipophilic bioactive ingredients. In this study, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and WPNFs were used to prepare a stable Pickering emulsion. We used a transmission electron microscope, low-temperature scanning electron micrographs and other methods to evaluate the micromorphology, surface hydrophobicity and structural units of the obtained WPNFs. Compared with whey protein isolate/CLA Pickering emulsion, the WPNFs/CLA Pickering emulsion has greater ability to remove 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-amino-di(2-ethyl-benzothiazoline sulphonic acid-6) ammonium salt free radicals. Furthermore, the WPNFs/CLA Pickering emulsion has a more stable effect in terms of droplet size and zeta potential over a wider range of ionic strength and temperature conditions. These findings indicate that Pickering emulsion stabilized by WPNFs is more suitable as a carrier of CLA, as it increases the solubility of CLA and has better active applications in biology and food.

pH-Stat Titration: A Rapid Assay for Enzymatic Degradability of Bio-Based Polymers

Bio-based polymers have been suggested as one possible opportunity to counteract the progressive accumulation of microplastics in the environments. The gradual substitution of conventional plastics by bio-based polymers bears a variety of novel materials. The application of bioplastics is determined by their stability and bio-degradability, respectively. With the increasing implementation of bio-based plastics, there is also a demand for rapid and non-elaborate methods to determine their bio-degradability. Here, we propose an improved pH Stat titration assay optimized for bio-based polymers under environmental conditions and controlled temperature. Exemplarily, suspensions of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) microparticles were incubated with proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes. The rate of hydrolysis, as determined by counter-titration with a diluted base (NaOH), was recorded for two hours. PLA was hydrolyzed by proteolytic enzymes but not by lipase. PBS, in contrast, showed higher hydrolysis rates with lipase than with proteases. The thermal profile of PLA hydrolysis by protease showed an exponential increase from 4 to 30 °C with a temperature quotient Q₁₀ of 5.6. The activation energy was 110 kJ·mol^-1. pH-Stat titration proved to be a rapid, sensitive, and reliable procedure supplementing established methods of determining the bio-degradability of polymers under environmental conditions.

Development and Characterization of Weft-Knitted Fabrics of Naturally Occurring Polymer Fibers for Sustainable and Functional Textiles

This study focuses on the potential uses in textiles of fibers of soy protein (SP) and chitin, which are naturally occurring polymers that can be obtained from agricultural and food processing by-products and wastes. The as-received natural fibers were first subjected to a three-step manufacturing process to develop yarns that were, thereafter, converted into fabrics by weft knitting. Different characterizations in terms of physical properties and comfort parameters were carried out on the natural fibers and compared to waste derived fibers of coir and also conventional cotton and cotton-based fibers, which are widely used in the textile industry. The evaluation of the geometry and mechanical properties revealed that both SP and chitin fibers showed similar fineness and tenacity values than cotton, whereas coir did not achieve the expected properties to develop fabrics. In relation to the moisture content, it was found that the SP fibers outperformed the other natural fibers, which could successfully avoid variations in the mechanical performance of their fabrics as well as impair the growth of microorganisms. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the natural fibers was assessed against different bacteria and fungi that are typically found on the skin. The obtained results indicated that the fibers of chitin and also SP, being the latter functionalized with biocides during the fiber-formation process, showed a high antimicrobial activity. In particular, reductions of up to 100% and 60% were attained for the bacteria and fungi strains, respectively. Finally, textile comfort was evaluated on the weft-knitted fabrics of the chitin and SP fibers by means of thermal and tactile tests. The comfort analysis indicated that the thermal resistance of both fabrics was similar to that of cotton, whereas their air permeability was higher, particularly for chitin due to its higher fineness, which makes these natural fibers very promising for summer clothes. Both the SP and chitin fabrics also presented relatively similar values of fullness and softness than the pure cotton fabric in terms of body feeling and richness. However, the cotton/polyester fabric was the only one that achieved a good range for uses in winter-autumn cloths. Therefore, the results of this work demonstrate that non-conventional chitin and SP fibers can be considered as potential candidates to replace cotton fibers in fabrics for the textile industry due to their high comfort and improved sustainability. Furthermore, these natural fibers can also serve to develop novel functional textiles with antimicrobial properties.

Eco-Friendly Fiberboard Panels from Recycled Fibers Bonded with Calcium Lignosulfonate

The potential of using residual softwood fibers from the pulp and paper industry for producing eco-friendly, zero-formaldehyde fiberboard panels, bonded with calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) as a lignin-based, formaldehyde free adhesive, was investigated in this work. Fiberboard panels were manufactured in the laboratory by applying CLS addition content ranging from 8% to 14% (on the dry fibers). The physical and mechanical properties of the developed composites, i.e., water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), bending strength (MOR), as well as the free formaldehyde emission, were evaluated according to the European norms. In general, only the composites, developed with 14% CLS content, exhibited MOE and MOR values, comparable with the standard requirements for medium-density fiberboards (MDF) for use in dry conditions. All laboratory-produced composites demonstrated significantly deteriorated moisture-related properties, i.e., WA (24 h) and TS (24 h), which is a major drawback. Noticeably, the fiberboards produced had a close-to-zero formaldehyde content, reaching the super E0 class (≤1.5 mg/100 g), with values, ranging from 0.8 mg/100 g to 1.1 mg/100 g, i.e., equivalent to formaldehyde emission of natural wood. The amount of CLS adhesive had no significant effect on formaldehyde content.

α-Cellulose Fibers of Paper-Waste Origin Surface-Modified with Fe3O4 and Thiolated-Chitosan for Efficacious Immobilization of Laccase

The utilization of waste-paper-biomass for extraction of important α-cellulose biopolymer, and modification of extracted α-cellulose for application in enzyme immobilization can be extremely vital for green circular bio-economy. Thus, in this study, α-cellulose fibers were super-magnetized (Fe3O4), grafted with chitosan (CTNs), and thiol (-SH) modified for laccase immobilization. The developed material was characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), HR-TEM energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HR-TEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. Laccase immobilized on α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs (α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase) gave significant activity recovery (99.16%) and laccase loading potential (169.36 mg/g). The α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase displayed excellent stabilities for temperature, pH, and storage time. The α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase applied in repeated cycles shown remarkable consistency of activity retention for 10 cycles. After the 10th cycle, α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs possessed 80.65% relative activity. Furthermore, α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase shown excellent degradation of pharmaceutical contaminant sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The SMX degradation by α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase was found optimum at incubation time (20 h), pH (3), temperatures (30 °C), and shaking conditions (200 rpm). Finally, α-Cellulose-Fe3O4-CTNs-Laccase gave repeated degradation of SMX. Thus, this study presents a novel, waste-derived, highly capable, and super-magnetic nanocomposite for enzyme immobilization applications.