Search Results (558)

We carried out limited enzymatic hydrolysis with trypsin on rice bran protein (RBP) pretreated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) in this study. The effects of the degree of hydrolysis (DH) on the structural and emulsifying properties were investigated. The results indicated that the molecular structure of RBP changed after limited enzymatic hydrolysis. The rice bran protein hydrolysate (RBPH, DH8) exhibited a better molecular distribution, a smaller particle size (200.4 nm), a better emulsifying activity index (31.82 m²/g), and an improved emulsifying stability index (24.69 min). RBPH emulsions with different DH (0–12) values were prepared. The interfacial properties, such as particle size, the ζ-potential, and the interfacial tension of the emulsions, were measured. Compared to the control, the interfacial properties of the RBPH emulsions were significantly improved after limited enzymatic hydrolysis. The RBPH emulsion at DH8 showed better stability with a smaller emulsion droplet size (2.31 μm), a lower ζ-potential (−25.56 mV), and a lower interfacial tension. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the application of RBP as the plant protein-based emulsifier in the beverage industry. Full article

Emulsions stabilized by environmentally friendly surfactants have been at the center of research attention over recent decades. Non-ionic surfactants with good biodegradability, while being non-toxic and non-irritating, have dominated in this area. For a chosen system, the main goal is to engineer its properties for smaller droplet sizes and better stability, a process which is mainly derived from the emulsification method. In the present study, Ethylan 1005 and Ethylan 1008 were used as stabilizers, both alone and combined at different ratios, in eco-friendly emulsions produced by paraffin oil and Millipore water, via direct emulsification, catastrophic phase inversion and catastrophic phase inversion in droplets. During the experiments, the emulsions’ rheological behavior, phase separation, and droplet size distribution profiles were measured. Catastrophic phase inversion in droplets resulted in the finest droplet size distributions for both emulsifiers when used alone. As the concentration of Ethylan 1008 increased from 0% to 100% in the surfactant mixtures, the droplets’ mean diameter and range also increased, indicting degradation of emulsion stability. However, phase separation tests revealed the opposite. Explanation was found in the chemical structure of the two emulsions and the steric phenomena caused by this, while a semi-quantitative analysis of these trends was also developed. Full article

There is a growing focus on the design of nanoemulsions because of their valuable properties as an enhanced vehicle for interaction with cells and resistant bacteria. Their potential applications in the health and food industry are numerous. Although they are considered unstable because of flocculation and coalescence, they are still efficient resources for antibacterial inhibition due to their droplet size. Studies on the interactions between essential oils and an aqueous medium are increasing, in order to efficiently formulate them at the nanometric scale using surfactants, thereby providing them with long-lived droplet size stability. This study used the ultrasonication method for fabrication and Eumulgin as a surfactant to achieve nanometric droplet sizes using two noble essential oils, palmarosa and tea tree. A follow-up for one year tracked a stable droplet size and sustained polydispersity in those emulsions as the most valuable outcome. Moreover, the insights of a thermoresponsive study have been included, also showing a strong stability. The antibacterial properties of the essential oils considered became enhanced, at a comparable scale of an antibiotic, on Salmonella spp. and Bacillus subtilis depending on the nanoscale droplet size. The outcomes suggest the importance of deepening parametric studies of these nanoformulations in terms of concentrations and temperature changes, characterizing their remarkable properties and durability. Full article

Emulsifiers with antioxidant properties, such as protein/polyphenol complexes, adsorb at the oil-water interface and improve the physical and oxidative stability of emulsions. Here, 2% (w/w) sodium caseinate and varying concentrations of phloretin (0–10 mM) were used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. Control emulsions with protein alone showed poor stability with increased droplet sizes from 0.33 µm to 5.18 µm after 30 days, while no significant change was observed in emulsions containing phloretin (remaining below 400 nm). The in vitro antioxidant activities increased with increasing phloretin concentrations (0 to 10 mM). In the ABTS assay, the antioxidant activity improved from 14.02 ± 8.33% to 95.09 ± 1.31%, and in the DPPH assay, it increased from 32.59 ± 2.73% to 99.03 ± 0.14%. Similarly, the oxidative stability of the emulsions improved with increasing phloretin concentrations (0 to 10 mM). After 30 days of storage, PV decreased from 38.22 ± 2.58 µM to 11.81 ± 2.55 µM, and MDA content reduced from 48.43 ± 0.31 µM to 7.24 ± 0.21 µM. Measuring the apparent viscosity demonstrated a reduction in viscosity with the addition of phloretin. These findings demonstrate that incorporating phloretin into sodium caseinate-stabilized emulsions as a novel antioxidant emulsifier can be an effective strategy to extend the shelf life of emulsified food products prone to oxidative deterioration. Full article

Background: Intravenous nanoemulsions (NEs) are gaining attention as potential delivery systems for poorly water-soluble substances like cannabidiol (CBD). This study aimed to develop novel NEs based on CBD-enriched hemp oils and evaluate their physiochemical properties. Methods: The stability of hemp oils enriched with various concentrations of CBD (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) with and without the addition of α-tocopherol was determined, and the most stable oils were subsequently incorporated into NEs. In order to determine the CBD content in the obtained CBD-enriched oils and NEs, as well as to conduct stability tests, a new HPLC method was developed and validated. Results: The HPLC method demonstrated very good linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness, enabling reliable assessment of the quality of newly developed formulations. The formulated NEs were characterized by droplet size of below 200 nm and polydispersity index PDI ≤ 0.14 satisfactory for intravenous application. Conclusion: This research presents a preliminary study on the development of CBD-enriched hemp oil-based NEs that showed promising potential for further investigation. A new HPLC-DAD method was appropriate to register changes in CBD concentration in various matrices, including CBD-hemp oil and intravenous NEs during their preparation and storage. Additionally, the effect of certain emulsifiers used in NE formulations on the course of the chromatographic analysis of CBD was examined, providing valuable insights concerning the application of the provided methodology in future formulation analysis. Full article

Fungi polysaccharides are nutraceutical-rich compounds with bioactive properties, offering promising applications in food formulation. This study examined the non-covalent complexation of commercial polysaccharides derived from the fruiting bodies of Auricularia auricula-judae (AA) and Ganoderma lucidum (GL) and soy protein isolate to enhance emulsifying properties. Complexes were examined across protein-to-polysaccharide ratios (0:1 to 1:0), pH levels (3 to 7), and heat treatment conditions. Results indicated a maximum insoluble association at pH 4 for both SPI-AAP and SPI-GLP complexes, with SPI-AAP complexes remaining soluble at pH 3, while SPI-GLP complexes exhibited insolubility. Heat treatment had a limited effect on electrostatically driven complexation but resulted in larger particles through a protein-denaturation-induced increase of hydrophobic interactions. In terms of emulsifying properties, individual GLPs demonstrated superior performance compared to individual AAPs. The GLPs engaged in competitive adsorption at the oil–water interface alongside SPI, resulting in larger emulsion droplet sizes compared to either component alone. The association of either AAPs or GLPs with SPI enhanced the emulsion stability against coalescence and Ostwald ripening. Commercial fungal polysaccharides demonstrate substantial potential for incorporation into manufactured food products, particularly in colloidal formulations. Full article

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) represent an innovative approach to improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, addressing significant challenges associated with oral drug delivery. This review highlights the advancements and applications of SEDDS, including their transition from liquid to solid forms, while addressing the formulation strategies, characterization techniques, and future prospects in pharmaceutical sciences. The review systematically analyzes existing studies on SEDDS, focusing on their classification into liquid and solid forms and their preparation methods, including spray drying, hot-melt extrusion, and adsorption onto carriers. Characterization techniques such as droplet size analysis, dissolution studies, and solid-state evaluations are detailed. Additionally, emerging trends, including 3D printing, hybrid systems, and supersaturable SEDDS (Su-SEDDS), are explored. Liquid SEDDS (L-SEDDS) enhance drug solubility and absorption by forming emulsions upon contact with gastrointestinal fluids. However, they suffer from stability and leakage issues. Transitioning to solid SEDDS (S-SEDDS) has resolved these limitations, offering enhanced stability, scalability, and patient compliance. Innovations such as personalized 3D-printed SEDDS, biologics delivery, and targeted systems demonstrate their potential for diverse therapeutic applications. Computational modeling and in silico approaches further accelerate formulation optimization. SEDDS have revolutionized drug delivery by improving bioavailability and enabling precise, patient-centric therapies. While challenges such as scalability and excipient toxicity persist, emerging technologies and multidisciplinary collaborations are paving the way for next-generation SEDDS. Their adaptability and potential for personalized medicine solidify their role as a cornerstone in modern pharmaceutical development. Full article

Consumer sex influences phenotypic differences in digestive functions that may underlie variations in food disintegration. This study used an in vitro digestion model to test the hypothesis that emulsions follow distinct digestive pathways in men and women. Model emulsions were prepared using medium-chain triglycerides stabilized by beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, or lactoferrin, and by three non-protein emulsifiers: Tween 80, lecithin, and sucrose esters. All emulsions were produced by high-pressure homogenization (0.57 MPa, 5 passes) and then subjected to in vitro digestion under simulated conditions of the male or female gastrointestine. Digesta samples were analyzed via confocal microscopy and laser-based particle sizing, revealing that protein-stabilized emulsions were responsive to physiological differences between males and females, whereas emulsions stabilized by non-protein emulsifiers remained mostly unaffected by sex-based differences. Absolute differential analyses of emulsion droplet size-distribution curves showed that changes in breakdown trajectories for emulsions were pronouncedly noticeable in gastric effluents. Further, SDS-PAGE analysis of digesta showed that breakdown patterns of protein-stabilized emulsions are consistent with prior evidence found for healthy adults; however, results under female gut conditions indicated variations in protein clotting that may alter bioaccessible levels of bioactive peptides. Thus, this study underscores the importance of considering consumer biological sex in food design, especially regarding emulsion-based products for targeted digestive responses. Full article

The aim of this study was to design model emulsion systems based on enzymatic modification fats for shaping the quality of target products in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, a catalysis process carried out in the presence of immobilized lipase as a catalyst was used to obtain the fatty mixtures constituting the fat base of the emulsions. It was assumed to produce stable emulsion products containing modified fat with a sufficient amount of emulsifiers and a variable concentration of a viscosity modifier, which was a mixture of xanthan gum and microcrystalline cellulose (XGMCC). The following methods were used in the evaluation of emulsions: evaluation of the stability of systems using the Turbiscan test, evaluation of average particle size, microscopic evaluation of emulsions, and evaluation of texture and viscosity. Based on the results obtained for XGMCC-stabilized emulsion systems containing enzymatically modified fats, it was found that some of the systems had satisfactory stability. No correlation was observed between the applied concentration of a texture modifier and emulsion stability. However, the type of fatty phase used influenced the stability of the analyzed systems. Taking the above relationship into account, emulsion E67, which was characterized by a small degree of destabilization changes, was evaluated as the best system. This emulsion was characterized by the lowest droplet diameter of the dispersed phase at all measuring points during the storage process. This system can be used as a stable model system as a starting point in the development of a new food or cosmetic formulation. Full article

This study investigated the physicochemical and emulsifying properties of chickpea protein isolate (CPI)-citrus pectin (CP) conjugates formed via the Maillard reaction across varying reaction durations. CPI and CP were conjugated under controlled dry-heating conditions, and the resulting conjugates were characterized by measuring their particle size, zeta potential, solubility, thermal stability, surface hydrophobicity, and emulsifying properties. The results showed that as reaction duration increased, the particle size and zeta potential of the CPI-CP conjugates increased significantly, reaching a maximum particle size of 1311.33 nm and a zeta potential of −35.67 mV at 12 h. Moreover, the Maillard reaction improved the solubility, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity of the CPI. Glycosylation increased the emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsifying stability index (ESI) of the CPI to 145.33 m²/g and 174.51 min, respectively. Optimal emulsions were achieved at a protein concentration of 1.5 wt% and a 10% volume fraction of the oil phase. The Maillard reaction promoted the interfacial protein content and the thickness of the interfacial layer while decreasing the droplet size and zeta potential of the emulsion. Additionally, the emulsion prepared with CPI-CP-12 h showed outstanding long-term stability. These results demonstrate that a moderate Maillard reaction with CP effectively enhances the physicochemical and emulsifying characteristics of CPI. Full article

The low stability of water-in-oil-in-water (W₁/O/W₂) double emulsions greatly limits their applications. Therefore, in this study, W₁/O/W₂ Pickering double emulsions (PDEs) were prepared by a two-step emulsification method using polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and xanthan gum/lysozyme nanoparticles (XG/Ly NPs) as lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsifiers, respectively. The regulation mechanism of the performance of PDEs by XG/Ly NPs was investigated, and the ability of the system to co-encapsulate epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and β-carotene was evaluated. The results showed that increasing the XG/Ly NPs concentration can enhance the stability of PDEs. At 60% W₂ phase percentage and 2.0% XG/Ly NPs, the PDEs showed a smaller droplet size (23.47 ± 2.28 μm) and no phase separation after 21 days of storage. Additionally, the PDEs co-encapsulated system showed higher encapsulation efficiency (EGCG: 89.21%; β-carotene: 99.14%) and maintained high retention of active substances after 8 h of UV illumination (EGCG: 75.51%; β-carotene: 77.24%). As demonstrated by in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion assays, the bioaccessibility of EGCG and β-carotene simultaneously encapsulated was improved by 66.0% and 36.2%, respectively, compared with that of individually encapsulated EGCG and β-carotene. Overall, this study provides a new reference for the construction of highly stable PDEs and is promising as a co-encapsulation carrier for environmentally sensitive components. Full article

Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa is a microalga that stands out due to its high protein content. The objective of this work was to study the effect of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on the recovery of proteins from A. pyrenoidosa and their application as functional emulsifiers. Untreated and HPH-treated (400–800 bar, 1 and 4 passes) aqueous cellular suspensions were incubated at 40 °C for 6 h. The aqueous extracts were collected, the proteins were precipitated at pH 3, and the Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa protein concentrates (APPC) were lyophilized. Increasing HPH pressure and number of passes (400–800 bar, 1 and 4 passes) improved protein recovery yield up to 57%. Higher HPH pressures also reduced α-helix and β-sheet structures, exposing the hydrophobic protein core. This protein modification led to APPCs with increased oil-holding capacity (2.83 g oil/g APPC). The surface tension of APPC solutions reached a minimum value of 28.6 mN/m at an APPC concentration of 2% w/w. The APPCs from untreated and HPH-treated biomass were used to stabilize nanoemulsions (2–6% sunflower oil), comparing one-step homogenization (high-speed homogenization) with the two-step homogenization method (combining high-speed and high-pressure homogenization). The two-step method led to significantly smaller oil droplets with narrow size distribution, leading to stable nanoemulsions with improved resistance to centrifugation and heating–cooling cycles. Due to APPC’s great emulsifying properties, A. pyrenoidosa proteins have a promising potential for various applications such as delivery systems stabilization. Additionally, the low energy requirements, continuous processing capability, and scalability of HPH make it a suitable process for industrial applications. Full article

Background: Lipid vesicles, especially those utilizing biocompatible materials like chitosan (CHIT), hold significant promise for enhancing the stability and release characteristics of drugs such as indomethacin (IND), effectively overcoming the drawbacks associated with conventional drug formulations. Objectives: This study seeks to develop and characterize novel lipid vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholine and CHIT that encapsulate indomethacin (IND-ves), as well as to evaluate their in vitro hemocompatibility. Methods: The systems encapsulating IND were prepared using a molecular droplet self-assembly technique, involving the dissolution of lipids, cholesterol, and indomethacin in ethanol, followed by sonication and the gradual incorporation of a CHIT solution to form stable vesicular structures. The vesicles were characterized in terms of size, morphology, Zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency and the profile release of drug was assessd. In vitro hemocompatibility was evaluated by measuring erythrocyte lysis and quantifying hemolysis rates. Results: The IND-ves exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 85%, with vesicles averaging 317.6 nm in size, and a Zeta potential of 24 mV, indicating good stability in suspension. In vitro release kinetics demonstrated an extended release profile of IND from the vesicles over 8 h, contrasting with the immediate release observed from plain drug solutions. The hemocompatibility assessment revealed that IND-ves exhibited minimal hemolysis, comparable to control groups, indicating good compatibility with erythrocytes. Conclusions: IND-ves provide a promising approach for modified indomethacin delivery, enhancing stability and hemocompatibility. These findings suggest their potential for effective NSAID delivery, with further in vivo studies required to explore clinical applications. Full article

This study investigated the optimal combination of compatibilizers and stabilizers to enhance the value of marine environment plastic (MEP). The composition of the plastics was analysed, and a simulated recycled plastic blend (sMEP) was prepared based on a simplified composition of actual MEP. Different concentrations of three commercial compatibilizers (C1, C2 and C3) were tested to improve tensile strength. The tensile tests indicated that the blend compatibilized with 10 wt.% C3 (polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride) exhibited the highest increase in tensile strength. This optimal compatibilization was then combined with two commercial stabilizers and applied to a simulated MEP blend. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that all blends had a continuous polyethylene phase with dispersed poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP) droplets. The simulated blend with 10 wt.% C3 exhibited a reduced PET droplet size in the dispersed phase. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed a decrease in polyethylene crystallinity and an increase in PP crystallinity. The improved properties of the blend were attributed to the effectiveness of the C3 compatibilizer in enhancing the interface between the PP and PET phases. An effective formulation was developed to valorise marine-sourced plastics by leveraging existing scientific knowledge and accessible commercial additives. Applying this enhanced formulation to real MEP not only demonstrated its effectiveness, but also highlighted a practical approach for reducing plastic pollution and supporting circular economy principles, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Full article

This research develops a numerical fire model for a converter transformer utilizing the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). The model’s accuracy was validated through comprehensive evaluations of temperature distribution, radiative heat transfer, and mass burning rate. Additionally, the cooling efficacy of fire-resistant coating and fine water mist with varying droplet sizes was investigated. The results indicate that fireproof coating significantly reduces the surface temperature of the transformer, thereby enhancing its fire resistance. Specifically, temperature reductions of 57.68%, 45.63%, 37.78%, and 36.78% were recorded at different facade heights. Furthermore, the cooling performance of fine water mist is strongly influenced by droplet size, primarily due to thermal buoyancy effects. Larger droplets (400 μm) exhibited the most efficient cooling effect directly beneath the spray, achieving temperature reductions of up to 67%. In contrast, smaller droplets (100 μm) showed diminished cooling performance in certain regions, owing to the compensatory buoyancy of hot air, even resulting in an 11% temperature increase in some cases. During the flame stabilization phase, the mass burning rate stabilized between 0.056 kg/(m²·s) and 0.070 kg/(m²·s), with the inhibitory effect of small particle mist becoming pronounced only after 450 s. These findings offer critical insights for optimizing fire protection strategies for converter transformers, highlighting the significance of cooling mechanisms and material properties. Full article