Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41719764
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The presence of mono- and dual-species biofilms in food industry poses a critical threat with respect to food security and safety at a global scale. This study explored a novel synergistic eradication strategy using ultr...The presence of mono- and dual-species biofilms in food industry poses a critical threat with respect to food security and safety at a global scale. This study explored a novel synergistic eradication strategy using ultrasonication and quercetin, for the eradication of mono and dual-species biofilms of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium in milk. The eradication of biofilms was simulated via Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a Genetic Algorithm-Artificial Neural Network (GA-ANN), taking treatment parameters like ultrasonic amplitude, time and bioactive concentration as inputs variable. Quercetin alone exhibited a significant dose- and time-dependent biofilm inactivation, with the maximum reduction of 2.49 ± 0.08 log for S. Typhimurium and 2.14 ± 0.14 log for E. coli mono-species biofilms, at 4 mg/mL after 4 h of exposure. However, this efficacy decreased in dual-species biofilms, confirming their enhanced structural integrity and resilience. The GA-ANN models showed a better predictive accuracy (R > 0.98; IoA > 0.99) compared to RSM, successfully accounting synergistic interactions among all input variables. The optimized parameter obtained from GA-ANN model demonstrated the highest biofilm inactivation (7.19 log reduction) at 70% US amplitude, for 20 min of US-time, and bioactive concentration of 4 mg/ml. These results demonstrated the GA-ANN model's resilience as a predictive and optimization tool for complex biological systems like multispecies biofilms in milk. This synergistic combination of ultrasonication and quercetin as a novel hurdle approach can be utilized for enhancing microbial safety on food processing surfaces as well as in food matrices.
Zhou C, Feng Y, Chen R
… +7 more, Li J, Zhang J, Jia J, Yan J, Peng X, Dong Z, Wu Z
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41713122
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Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions are promising carriers for the encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds. However, achieving long-term stability of W/O/W emulsions remains a significant challeng...Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions are promising carriers for the encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds. However, achieving long-term stability of W/O/W emulsions remains a significant challenge. In this study, an ultrasonic microreactor (USMR) was utilized for the fabrication of stable W/O/W emulsions, achieving the simultaneous encapsulation of vitamin C (VC) in the internal W phase and vitamin E (VE) in the intermediate oil phase. The precisely controlled acoustic cavitation within the USMR facilitates the uniform fragmentation of the primary W/O droplets to the nanoscale (∼100 nm), which provides a robust foundation for the subsequent encapsulation into the micron-sized W/O/W system. The resulting W/O/W emulsions displayed a uniform micrometer-scale droplet size, with an average diameter of ∼ 1.1-2.5 μm, depending on ultrasonic power and flow rate. Furthermore, the addition of konjac glucomannan (KGM) induced a weak gel-like network of the inner aqueous phase, providing additional stabilization. The encapsulation efficiency of VC reached up to 80%. The double emulsions exhibited excellent physical stability, showing negligible phase separation after centrifugation for 20 min, and minimal droplet size variation during accelerated thermal storage at 60°C for 12 h. Long-term storage tests further demonstrated stable droplet size and morphology for up to 35 days at room temperature. By encapsulating VE within the oil phase to protect VC, the freshly prepared emulsions exhibited nearly 100% DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity. Overall, the USMR provides an efficient and controllable approach for continuously preparing highly stable double emulsions, promising for cosmetics and related functional delivery systems.
Yang H, Gao Z, Chen M
… +4 more, Liu M, Han X, Cui J, Zhang P
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41713121
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Polyphenols are natural compounds with diverse biological activities; however, their practical applications are often limited by poor solubility and chemical instability. In this study, a high-frequency ultrasound-assist...Polyphenols are natural compounds with diverse biological activities; however, their practical applications are often limited by poor solubility and chemical instability. In this study, a high-frequency ultrasound-assisted approach is developed for the preparation of polyphenol nanoparticles (NPs), producing well-dispersed and uniformly sized particles. The method exhibits excellent versatility and can be applied to a wide range of polyphenol precursors, including 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (1,8-DHN). Additionally, the integration of an ultrasound-assisted Fenton reaction markedly accelerates polyphenol polymerization and NP nucleation. The resulting NPs demonstrate outstanding antioxidant capacity, effectively scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Notably, DHN-derived NPs show strong antibacterial activity, efficiently eliminating both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria at relatively low concentrations. Overall, this study presents a green, simple, and scalable strategy for fabricating multifunctional polyphenol NPs. The synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these NPs highlight their broad potential in biomedical engineering, providing a valuable platform for the design of next-generation bioactive nanomaterials.
Ayyami Y, Dastgir M, Yektamanesh M
… +8 more, Zamani H, Jazzi SS, Arjmand B, Siegel AP, Mehrizi OA, Manwar R, Hamishehkar H, Avanaki K
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41707636
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Ultrasound (US)-activated nanotherapies represent a transformative frontier in oncology, leveraging the noninvasive deep penetration of acoustic energy for targeted tumor destruction. However, this field lacks a quantita...Ultrasound (US)-activated nanotherapies represent a transformative frontier in oncology, leveraging the noninvasive deep penetration of acoustic energy for targeted tumor destruction. However, this field lacks a quantitative synthesis to guide the rational design of sono-sensitizing nanoparticles (NPs) and the optimization of therapeutic protocols. To address this issue, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 144 recent research reports, establishing an evidence-based design hierarchy for nano-sonosensitizers. A meta-analysis of 86 in vitro studies revealed a profound synergistic reduction in cell viability when NPs were activated by US (pooled standard mean difference, SMD = -13.16, 95% CI [-14.67, -11.64], p < 0.001). NP size was the most influential design factor. Particles smaller than 50 nm showing the greatest effect in vitro (SMD = -13.32) and strongest tumor reduction in vivo (SMD = 5), a finding consistent with optimal exploitation of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for tumor accumulation. Specific roles of materials were identified: polymeric NPs excelled in drug delivery (SMD = -19.36 versus US alone), while inorganic NPs served as direct sonocatalysts. This work provides a definitive quantitative framework to advance US-activated nanotherapy from exploratory discovery to clinical precision. To realize this potential, we recommend the adoption of standardized acoustic dosimetry and material characterization and inclusion of safety studies (ISO 10993. We hope that this review will accelerate the development of fundamental studies and therapeutic US applications for sonosensitizing NPs.
Elizondo Sada OM, van Bers RWJC, Wijffels RH
… +3 more, Huijgen WJJ, Kazbar A, Boboescu IZ
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41707635
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The red seaweed Palmaria palmata is a promising source for alternative proteins. Development of mild and novel biorefinery approaches are needed for green processes yielding functional proteins. Process intensification u...The red seaweed Palmaria palmata is a promising source for alternative proteins. Development of mild and novel biorefinery approaches are needed for green processes yielding functional proteins. Process intensification using ultrasound-assisted unit operations can be an effective strategy to circumvent current seaweed biorefinery challenges, in particular limited protein extraction yields. In this research, first, effects of acoustic cavitation (AC) during ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were studied using a multifactorial design of experiments for total protein and R-phycoerythrin (RPE) extraction from P. palmata. Secondly, novel enzyme-assisted high-frequency ultrasonic extraction (EAUE) was developed following the same approach and responses. Contrary to the traditional acoustic cavitation process, this intensification strategy allows a milder extraction of proteins from the recalcitrant P. palmata harnessing combined effects of acoustic irradiation and enzymes. Validation experiments showed the robustness of developed models. Maximum RPE yields were 2.6 mg/g for both approaches. However, maximum total protein extraction efficiencies were 13.6% when applying acoustic cavitation and increased to 36.0% under high-frequency acoustic irradiation together with the Viscozyme® L enzyme preparation. Moreover, intensification phenomena were observed during EAUE and an increased extraction yield in comparison to traditional enzymatic processes (EAE). We hypothesize the synergistic effect observed is due to acoustic fields improving cell wall disentanglement and enhancing enzyme-substrate interactions. The present study provides insights into the use of ultrasound for protein extraction of P. palmata and introduces, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time EAUE as process intensification strategy of seaweed biorefinery processes.
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41707634
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High photocatalytic activity in TiO demands both good crystallinity for low-loss charge transport, and a large accessible surface for efficient mass transfer. Conventional synthetic procedures involve a calcination step...High photocatalytic activity in TiO demands both good crystallinity for low-loss charge transport, and a large accessible surface for efficient mass transfer. Conventional synthetic procedures involve a calcination step that typically improves the overall crystallinity, but at the expense of available surface area. Alternative crystallization methods that preserve texture are thus desirable. In this work, high-power ultrasound was applied in two stages to create TiO with both high surface area and controlled crystallinity. First, probe sonication during sol-gel synthesis suppressed early network collapse, producing highly dispersed amorphous TiO with interparticle porosity and surface areas ranging up to 500 m g. It is demonstrated this amorphous material is an excellent adsorbent using VOC uptake (acetaldehyde, toluene) experiments. Second, crystallization was induced by ultrasonication in a reduced reaction volume to raise delivered power density. XRD and SAED showed progressive formation of anatase, while N sorption indicated good texture retention compared to thermal calcination. Sonication amplitude and time variation revealed a processing window wherein sufficiently crystalline photoactive materials can be obtained, while surface area remained high as well. The obtained materials were tested toward gas phase acetaldehyde degradation. The ultrasonicated material outperformed the thermally calcined analogue as well as commercial P25, highlighting the synergy between phase composition and accessible surface. These results showed ultrasound as a practical route to tailor the crystallinity-porosity balance in TiO when morphology retention is critical, while also providing power density calibration for transferring conditions across reactor geometries.
Dong G, Song X, Cai C
… +5 more, Chen J, Dai X, Guo F, Zhang T, Zhang Q
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41707633
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Based on the various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactivities of Pleurotus tuber-regium and its polysaccharides (PTPs), they represent promising candidates for complementary or alternative therapeutic strategies a...Based on the various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactivities of Pleurotus tuber-regium and its polysaccharides (PTPs), they represent promising candidates for complementary or alternative therapeutic strategies against Ulcerative Colitis (UC), but conventional extraction methods are often inefficient or environmentally unfriendly. This study presents a novel integrated deep eutectic solvents (DESs)-based ultrasonic-assisted three-phase partitioning (TPP) extraction technique of PTPs to solve the dual challenges of inefficient traditional extraction methods and the unexplored therapeutic potential of PTPs against UC. First, it establishes an optimized and sustainable extraction process, enhancing the yield and potential bioavailability of PTPs. Single-factor assays followed by Box-Behnken Design (BBD) were employed to optimize key parameters: DES-2 (choline chloride:1,6-hexanediol = 1:2, molar ratio), temperature 40℃, material-liquid ratio 1:33 mg/mL, ammonium sulphate mass fraction 15%, upper and lower phase (ammonium sulphate: DES-2) volume ratio 1:2, time 40 min, power 320 W. Structural characterization utilized UV spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Monosaccharide composition was analyzed via PMP derivatization and HPLC. Second, it provides the first comprehensive preclinical evidence, using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced Drosophila colitis model, to systematically validate the anti-UC efficacy of the optimized PTPs extract. The findings bridge a critical gap, offering both an advanced extraction method for efficient utilization of PTPs and a pharmacological foundation for developing PTPs as a promising nutraceutical or botanical drug candidate for inflammatory bowel disease management.
Liu C, Zhao Q, Ma X
… +7 more, He S, Zou X, Gong F, Liu Y, Lei J, Xiong Z, Liu J
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41702196
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A novel ternary deep eutectic solvent combined with in situ ultrasound-synergized extraction (TDES-ISUSE) was designed and implemented for the efficient recovery of four phenolic acids fromLonicera japonicaThunb. From tw...A novel ternary deep eutectic solvent combined with in situ ultrasound-synergized extraction (TDES-ISUSE) was designed and implemented for the efficient recovery of four phenolic acids fromLonicera japonicaThunb. From twenty synthesized TDES formulations, the ternary system comprising choline dihydrogen citrate, lactic acid, and urea (Chd:Lac:Ure) demonstrated superior extraction performance. Process optimization via an integrated RSM-ANN-GA approach established the following optimal conditions: water content 37%, liquid/solid ratio 28 mL/g, ultrasound time 30 min, vortex time 12 min, and ultrasound power 240 W. The total yield of the four phenolic acids reached 90.66 ± 1.46 mg/g, significantly surpassing conventional extraction techniques. Chemical profiling by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS in both positive and negative ionization modes led to the identification of 19 compounds, categorized as seven phenolic acids, three flavonoids, one iridoid, one terpenoid, five saponins, and two fatty acids, while a dedicated HPLC method was validated for quantitation of the four target phenolic acids. The characteristic FT-IR signatures corroborated the successful formation of the TDES. The enhanced cell-wall disruption was directly visualized by SEM, while molecular dynamics simulations elucidated the improved solvation of phenolic acids within the TDES system at the molecular level. Antioxidant assays further indicated notable radical-scavenging activity of the extract. Collectively, this study presents an efficient, environmentally benign, and reproducible strategy for the extraction of bioactive phenolic acids from L. japonica.
Zhu X, Ru Y, Yan K
… +7 more, Zhang S, Sun Y, Du F, Liu Y, Niu Y, Xi J, Liu K
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41691801
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The valorization of agricultural by-products into high-value ingredients requires efficient and green extraction technologies. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as a promising technique for this purpose du...The valorization of agricultural by-products into high-value ingredients requires efficient and green extraction technologies. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as a promising technique for this purpose due to its efficiency and environmental benefits. In this study, an integrated green process was developed for recovering bioactive polyphenols from peony (Paeonia ostii) pods (PPP), an underutilized by-product, using combined UAE and macroporous resin purification. The ultrasonication process was systematically optimized via response surface methodology. The determined optimal conditions (46 % ethanol, 14 mL/g liquid-solid ratio, 60 min ultrasonication) achieved a yield of PPP of 52.17 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g DW. Subsequent purification employing D101 macroporous resin and 40 % ethanol elution produced a refined polyphenol fraction, PPP40, with a purity of 43.93 %. Untargeted metabolomic profiling revealed 17 major phenolic constituents in PPP40, including gallic acid, kaempferol 7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside-4'-glucoside, and ethyl gallate as predominant compounds. The functional efficacy of the purified PPP40 fraction was evaluated based on its α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. PPP40 exhibited potent inhibition, with an IC value of 639.96 ± 4.57 μg/mL, and acted via a mixed-type inhibition mechanism. Multi-spectroscopic analyses elucidated that the inhibitory mechanism involved dynamic fluorescence quenching and concomitant conformational changes in α-glucosidase. The proposed integrated ultrasound-resin process offered an efficient and sustainable strategy for valorizing agricultural by-products, yielding a well-characterized and polyphenol-enriched fraction with potential application as a functional food ingredient for regulating postprandial blood glucose management.
Xu Y, Huang X, Ma G
… +4 more, Wan F, Zang Z, Wu B, Ma J
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41691800
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Wolfberries have attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional bioactive properties. However, their dense waxy cuticle and high moisture content often lead to color degradation and bioactive compound losses d...Wolfberries have attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional bioactive properties. However, their dense waxy cuticle and high moisture content often lead to color degradation and bioactive compound losses during conventional drying. To overcome this processing bottleneck, this study develops an integrated process combining ultrasound (US)-assisted chemical dewaxing pretreatment with rotary microwave vacuum drying. Six food-grade dewaxing agents (NaCO, NaHCO, CHNaO, CHNaO, NaCl, and CHO) were applied in conjunction with ultrasonic treatment, and their effects on drying performance and overall quality of wolfberries were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrate that ultrasound-assisted chemical dewaxing effectively disrupts the waxy cuticle and enhances cell wall permeability, thereby significantly shortening drying time while improving pigment stability and the retention of bioactive compounds. Among all treatments, wolfberries pretreated by US-NaCO achieved the highest effective moisture diffusion coefficient of 2.93 × 10 m/s, accompanied by the lowest specific energy consumption of 95.36 kWh/kg. US-NaCO, US-NaHCO, and US-CHNaO exhibited the most pronounced overall improvements, significantly outperforming standalone rotary microwave vacuum drying and natural drying in terms of polysaccharide, betaine, carotenoids, total flavonoid, and vitamin C retention, as well as antioxidant capacity. Correlation analysis reveals significant positive associations between major bioactive components and antioxidant inhibition rates, whereas ΔE is negatively correlated with bioactive compound retention, indicating a synergistic relationship between color stability and functional quality. Principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation identify US-NaCO as the optimal pretreatment, achieving the highest overall quality score (0.958) and yielding a uniform surface microstructure texture with naturally formed strip-like folds. Overall, this study provides critical process strategies and a robust theoretical basis for improving the quality and efficiency of wolfberry processing using rotary microwave vacuum drying.
Hou W, Qin C, Zhang L
… +6 more, Yu K, Lu J, Qin M, Hao E, Deng J, Hou X
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41690169
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This study utilizes ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction technology to optimize the extraction of antitumor bioactive compounds from Sargassum polycystum and evaluates their antitumor effects and mechanisms in non-sm...This study utilizes ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction technology to optimize the extraction of antitumor bioactive compounds from Sargassum polycystum and evaluates their antitumor effects and mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer. Multi-objective optimization was performed by combining response surface methodology and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, precisely controlling key extraction parameters such as the liquid-to-solid ratio, ethanol concentration, enzyme concentration, and pH value, which significantly enhanced the extraction yields of phenolic acids and lactone compounds. Compared to the RSM optimization, the NSGA-II optimization further refined the combination of parameters including the liquid-to-solid ratio, ethanol concentration, enzyme concentration, and pH value. As a result, the total phenolic acid yield increased by 3.34% (20.4928 mg/g vs. 19.83 mg/g), and the lactone yield increased by 0.60% (24.6062 mg/g vs. 24.46 mg/g). The optimized extract significantly inhibited tumor growth in the NCI-H1975 cell line, primarily by targeting the cathepsin B (CTSB) pathway to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Biological evaluations analysis further confirmed the high affinity of the active components for CTSB and identified a multi-target mechanism that regulates the cell cycle, apoptosis, and metastasis, enhancing the extract's antitumor efficacy. The study demonstrates that ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction combined with multi-objective optimization not only effectively enhances the antitumor activity of S. polycystum but also provides important scientific evidence for its development as a potential antitumor drug, showcasing the broad application potential of ultrasound-assisted extraction technology in natural product development.
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41690168
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This study investigated a low-frequency ultrasound-driven, resveratrol-induced hydrocolloid composed of ovalbumin and lysozyme amyloid-like fibrils for the efficient stabilization of aqueous cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Resul...This study investigated a low-frequency ultrasound-driven, resveratrol-induced hydrocolloid composed of ovalbumin and lysozyme amyloid-like fibrils for the efficient stabilization of aqueous cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Results demonstrated that resveratrol, under ultrasonic treatment, acted as a molecular bridge, disrupting the long-range order of linear β-sheets and promoting fibril cross-linking via intramolecular hydrogen bonds. This process significantly reduced the average particle size of the fibrils, transforming the system into a three-dimensional hydrocolloid network with improved viscoelasticity. The resulting hydrocolloid with adjusted surface hydrophobicity and surface hydrophobicity effectively stabilized emulsion- hydrocolloids loaded with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, yielding uniform droplets with enhanced stability against aggregation and oxidation during storage. The confidence interval of the Cole-Cole curve of the emulsion hydrocolloid narrated and linearized with the increase in resveratrol ratio, and the formed single relaxation network microstructure significantly enhanced the environmental stimulation stability of the emulsion hydrocolloid. In vitro digestion studies revealed that prepared emulsion-hydrocolloids significantly enhanced the bioaccessibility of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. Furthermore, in a Caco-2 cell monolayer model, the digestively derived micelles from the emulsion-hydrocolloid notably improved the absorption rate of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside over 120 min and exhibited strong cytoprotective effects under HO-induced oxidative stress by effectively reducing intracellular ROS levels, increasing SOD activity, and decreasing MDA content. All treatments maintained high cell viability (>95%), indicating excellent biocompatibility. These findings suggest that the ultrasound-assisted resveratrol-induced fibril hydrocolloid is a highly promising vehicle for improving the stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity of hydrophilic polyphenols.
Chutakool W, Assatarakul K, Wongravee K
… +1 more, Praneenararat T
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41687181
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Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa), a small citrus fruit valued for its unique flavor, is a rich source of bioactive carotenoids that have not yet been individually identified. An efficient carotenoid extraction meth...Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa), a small citrus fruit valued for its unique flavor, is a rich source of bioactive carotenoids that have not yet been individually identified. An efficient carotenoid extraction method, together with knowledge of its carotenoid compositions, is essential to support broader utilization of this intriguing fruit. Herein, we present a sustainable and efficient carotenoid extraction method by integrating ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with green solvent systems. Seven solvent systems were initially screened for their extraction efficiencies with and without UAE. Among them, a deep eutectic solvent, 1:1 menthol:camphor (Men:Cam), stood out as an effective solvent. Interestingly, UAE also dramatically improved the efficiency of edible oils, e.g., sunflower oil. Response surface methodology (RSM) was then employed to elucidate the correlations among parameters (solvent ratio, temperature, and time) that affect the extraction efficiency in selected systems. For example, the optimal condition for Men:Cam (1:2, 39 °C, 32 min) yielded predicted total carotenoid contents (1.87 ± 0.06 µg/mL) with only 10.4% deviation from experimental values, hence demonstrating the robustness of this approach. Importantly, liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) revealed a unique carotenoid profile of calamansi juice, which consisted of lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and their esterified derivatives (C10:0 - C18:0). Last but not least, greenness evaluation using the AGREE metric confirmed significant improvement of the optimized 1:1 Men:Cam system over the conventional extraction. Overall, this work demonstrates that UAE combined with green solvent systems is a practical tool for sustainable carotenoid extraction from valuable agricultural products.
Cao L, Dai X, Liu Z
… +3 more, Xu J, Huang L, Zhang X
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41687180
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Pomelo peel waste was valorized through an ultrasound-assisted integrated strategy to simultaneously recover pectin and essential oil for the fabrication of active biodegradable packaging films. Ultrasonic cavitation sig...Pomelo peel waste was valorized through an ultrasound-assisted integrated strategy to simultaneously recover pectin and essential oil for the fabrication of active biodegradable packaging films. Ultrasonic cavitation significantly promoted cell wall disruption and mass transfer, enabling the efficient co-extraction of pectin and essential oil in a single process. The essential oil was further converted into a stable nanoemulsion via ultrasonic emulsification and incorporated into a pectin/polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose composite film. The physicochemical, structural, mechanical, and aroma-related properties of the films were systematically characterized by FTIR, XRD, tensile analysis, and electronic nose. The optimized film exhibited balanced mechanical performance with a tensile strength of 6.27 MPa, an elongation at break of 5.52%, and a light transmittance of 43.52%, indicating good flexibility and optical properties. Sensors responsive to nitrogen- and sulfur-containing compounds showed higher signals, likely due to oxidative transformation products rather than native sulfur volatiles. The preservation performance was evaluated using fresh strawberries as a model system. Compared with the control group, the ultrasound-enabled essential oil film effectively reduced weight loss, delayed microbial spoilage, and extended the storage life by nearly five days at room temperature. This study demonstrates that ultrasound not only intensifies the sustainable extraction of functional biopolymers but also regulates the structural assembly and release behavior of active packaging films. The proposed strategy provides a green and scalable route for converting Citrus processing waste into high-value antimicrobial packaging materials.
Ji L, Hui MM, Yujie Z
… +3 more, Hongyan Z, Pengtao S, Wei W
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41679096
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In this study, ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction (UASE) of moringa seed oil was optimized using single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology. The optimal conditions were an extraction time...In this study, ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction (UASE) of moringa seed oil was optimized using single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology. The optimal conditions were an extraction time of 40 min, a solvent-to-material ratio of 8:1 mL/g, an extraction temperature of 40 °C, and ultrasonic power of 120 W, resulting in an oil yield of 36.4%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, dominated by oleic acid and linoleic acid. The oil exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with DPPH· and ABTS· radical scavenging rates of 89.54% and 96.68%, respectively, and showed notable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Subsequent refining processes, including degumming, deacidification, and decolourisation, significantly reduced acid value, improved colour clarity, and enhanced rheological behaviour while preserving the favourable fatty acid profile. These results demonstrate that optimized UASE combined with appropriate refining effectively improves the quality, functionality, and processability of moringa seed oil, supporting its potential application as a high-value functional edible oil in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Zhang J, Yu R, Ren J
… +3 more, Cui X, Ye L, Zhu X
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41671770
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The physicochemical degradation of asphalt during long-term service leads to pronounced aging, characterized by increased molecular aggregation, elevated viscosity, and degraded mechanical performance. Ultrasonic treatme...The physicochemical degradation of asphalt during long-term service leads to pronounced aging, characterized by increased molecular aggregation, elevated viscosity, and degraded mechanical performance. Ultrasonic treatment has shown potential for reducing the viscosity of heavy oils and asphaltic materials; however, the underlying rejuvenation mechanism of aged asphalt at the molecular scale remains insufficiently understood. In this study, the interaction between ultrasonic cavitation and aged asphalt is investigated from an energy-based and molecular-level perspective using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with cavitation energy analysis. A representative aged asphalt model consisting of twelve molecular species was constructed based on the SARA fraction composition of JingBo 70# asphalt, incorporating oxidation-induced functional groups (CO and SO). Intermolecular cohesion within the aged asphalt system was quantified, revealing that π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding dominate the electrostatic interaction energy that stabilizes molecular aggregates. An order-of-magnitude comparison indicates that the energy released during the collapse of a single ultrasonic cavitation bubble is sufficient to overcome the characteristic intermolecular cohesive energy within the affected volume. To examine the molecular response under ultrasonic excitation, a time-dependent ultrasonic-like external force was introduced in MD simulations at 20 kHz and 453 K. The results show that ultrasonic excitation induces periodic energy and temperature oscillations and leads to rapid bond scission at the early stage of loading. Bond rupture occurs preferentially at weaker C-C and C-S single bonds, particularly at side-chain positions and C-C bonds adjacent to carbonyl groups, resulting in molecular fragmentation and reduced aggregation stability. Complementary experimental results, including viscosity measurements and SARA fraction analysis, exhibit trends consistent with the simulated molecular disruption behavior. These findings provide an energy-based and molecular-scale mechanistic interpretation of ultrasonic treatment of aged asphalt and offer theoretical support for its potential application in asphalt rejuvenation and recycling.
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41671769
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This study isolated and characterized polysaccharides from immature nectarines (INP) and constructed nanoemulsions co-stabilized with soy protein isolate (SPI). The results showed that arabinose and galactose were the ma...This study isolated and characterized polysaccharides from immature nectarines (INP) and constructed nanoemulsions co-stabilized with soy protein isolate (SPI). The results showed that arabinose and galactose were the main monosaccharides in INP, which was identified as a pectic heteropolysaccharide with a high molecular weight (M = 9.26 × 10 Da) and high polydispersity (PDI = 11.42). INP exhibited a compact random coil conformation and a loose, porous morphology. The incorporation of SPI effectively reduced the interfacial tension of the SPI-INP composite system, significantly enhancing the stability of the resulting nanoemulsions. The concentration of the INP-SPI mixture, the SPI/INP mass ratio, and ultrasonic conditions significantly influenced the formation of the nanoemulsions. Based on the results of single-factor experiments and response surface analysis, the optimal process parameters for nanoemulsion preparation were determined as follows: INP-SPI concentration 1.6%, SPI/INP mass ratio 2.1:1, ultrasonic power 500 W, and ultrasonic time 5.3 min. Validation experiments confirmed that under these conditions, the average droplet size of the obtained nanoemulsion was 214.10 ± 1.74 nm, which closely aligned with the model-predicted value (216.33 nm). The superior stability of the INP-SPI nanoemulsion under various pH (6.0-9.0) and salt (0-100 mM NaCl) conditions was attributed to the formation of a robust interfacial layer providing steric stabilization, as validated through droplet size analysis and environmental stress testing. This research promotes the in-depth utilization of immature nectarine resources and provides a reference for the construction of food-grade nanoemulsions.
Ultrason Sonochem
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41666826
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Pomegranate arils rapidly experience quality deterioration and a decline in bioactive compounds during storage. This study aimed to develop and optimize an effective non-thermal technology by evaluating the efficacy of u...Pomegranate arils rapidly experience quality deterioration and a decline in bioactive compounds during storage. This study aimed to develop and optimize an effective non-thermal technology by evaluating the efficacy of ultrasound treatment in preserving the biochemical and physicochemical attributes of pomegranate arils using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of ultrasound time (4-14 min) and storage duration (0-16 days) on key quality indicators, including total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AOA), total anthocyanin content (TAC), titratable acidity (TA), and weight loss (WL), were assessed. Results indicated that controlled increases in ultrasound exposure helped maintain bioactive compounds, whereas quality loss was primarily dependent on storage duration. The optimal conditions were determined as 12.3 min of ultrasound and 7.1 days of storage, under which AOA of 71.58%, TA of 2.3%, TAC of 155.16 mg 100 g, and TPC of 133.82 mg 100 g were predicted, along with minimal WL of 1.32%. Experimental validation confirmed the accuracy of the model and demonstrated that ultrasound can effectively mitigate quality decline in pomegranate arils. The findings suggest that this non-thermal technology provides a sustainable and practical approach for postharvest quality management and the development of advanced storage systems, particularly within cold chains for sensitive products.