Plasmalogens are ether phospholipids that play crucial roles in antioxidation and membrane integrity. While plasmalogens in mammals typically have even-numbered hydrocarbon chains, certain anaerobic bacteria, such as Sel...Plasmalogens are ether phospholipids that play crucial roles in antioxidation and membrane integrity. While plasmalogens in mammals typically have even-numbered hydrocarbon chains, certain anaerobic bacteria, such as Selenomonas ruminantium, can synthesize plasmalogens with even or odd-numbered chains depending on carbon source in the medium. The intestinal absorption and metabolic fate of the odd-numbered plasmalogens in mammals remain unclear. This study investigates the absorption characteristics of bacterial plasmalogens containing odd-numbered hydrocarbon chains in rats. Lipid extracts from S. ruminantium cultured in the medium containing lactate as a sole carbon source, which are rich in odd-numbered ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn), were administered either into the duodenum or orally. Lymph and plasma samples were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. After duodenal administration, the levels of odd-numbered PlsEtn species (e.g., p15:0, p15:1, p17:0 and p17:1) in lymph increased significantly, indicating their intestinal absorption. Notably, species containing polyunsaturated fatty acids such as 20:4 or 22:6 at the sn-2 position appeared, suggesting partial remodeling during absorption. Similarly, orally administered bacterial plasmalogens significantly increased the plasma levels of PlsEtn and PlsCho with odd-numbered hydrocarbon chains, with remodeled species incorporating 20:4 or 22:6. The increase rate of odd-numbered plasmalogens in plasma was greater than that of even-numbered species derived from porcine brain lipids, implying slower metabolic degradation and prolonged circulation. These results are the first evidence that microbially derived plasmalogens with odd-numbered hydrocarbon chains are absorbed and remodeled in the mammalian intestine while maintaining their unique sn-1 structure and undergoing selective acyl modification at sn-2. This study provides the potential that the chemical diversity of plasmalogens influences their physiological roles and potential therapeutic functions.
Ozonated edible oils have garnered increasing attention as potential functional food ingredients for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition primarily driven by oxidative st...Ozonated edible oils have garnered increasing attention as potential functional food ingredients for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition primarily driven by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This study aimed to elucidate (i) which fraction of ozonated olive oil mediates its hepatoprotective effects and (ii) whether the degree of fatty acid unsaturation influences the physiological responses to ozonated lipids. In Experiment 1, olive oil was fractionated into saponifiable (SAP) and unsaponifiable (unSAP) components, which were then subjected to ozonation, and subsequently incorporated into the diet of db/db mice. Ozonated SAP significantly reduced the hepatic triglyceride accumulation and suppressed the fatty acid synthesis pathway, as indicated by decreased fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity and downregulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), FAS, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, while attenuating monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1)-driven inflammation. Conversely, ozonated unSAP demonstrated no improvement. In Experiment 2, db/db mice were fed diets containing triolein or a mixed triacylglycerol, in ozonated or non-ozonated forms. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA to evaluate the main effects of fatty acid type and ozonation. Ozonation markedly reduced liver weight and hepatic triglycerides irrespective of fatty acid type. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lowered by ozonation, with the fatty acid type contributing to an additional independent reduction. Mechanistically, ozonation downregulated lipogenic genes (ACC1 and FAS) and reduced the expression of inflammatory markers (MCP1 and interleukin 1β). Heme oxygenase 1 expression was significantly induced by both fatty acid type and ozonation; these independent effects suggest the additive activation of the antioxidant defense pathway. Ozonation modified hepatic lipid mediators, consistent with reduced inflammation and improved metabolism. These findings demonstrate that triacylglycerol ozonation generates bioactive ozonides that mitigate hepatic steatosis and inflammation, supporting their potential use in MASLD management.
Thermostable lipases from thermophilic bacteria are highly valued for their exceptional stability and wide-ranging industrial applications. The present study aimed to maximize thermostable lipase production from thermoph...Thermostable lipases from thermophilic bacteria are highly valued for their exceptional stability and wide-ranging industrial applications. The present study aimed to maximize thermostable lipase production from thermophilic Bacillus thuringiensis via solid-state fermentation (SSF) and to evaluate its potential for bioscouring of cotton fabric. The bacterial isolate was identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and cultivated using agro-industrial residues as substrates. Various process parameters, including incubation temperature and time, substrate type and concentration, inoculum form and volume, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources, oil additives, and metal ions, were optimized using a one-factor-at-a-time approach. Optimization resulted in a ~2.3-fold increase in lipase activity, with a maximum activity of 18.91 ± 0.44 U mL achieved under optimal conditions of 70 °C, 24 h incubation, 25 g sesame meal substrate, 1 mL spore inoculum, phosphate buffer (pH 8.0), 0.1 % maltose, 0.1 % sunflower oil, 0.2 % ammonium nitrate, and 0.2 % KCl. The crude enzyme was further applied for the bioscouring of desized cotton fabric as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional alkaline scouring. Lipase treatment significantly enhanced fabric hydrophilicity, yielding 85 ± 1.5 % water absorbency and a controlled weight loss of 6.2 ± 0.3 %, indicating efficient removal of hydrophobic impurities. Maximum bioscouring efficiency was achieved at an enzyme concentration of 15 U mL, a 4 h incubation, and 50 °C.These findings demonstrate the strong bioscouring potential of the thermostable B. thuringiensis lipase and highlight its industrial relevance for sustainable and environmentally friendly textile processing. The optimized production strategy provides a promising platform for the large-scale application of thermostable microbial lipases in green biotechnological processes.
Picea mariana essential oil (PMEOs) has been proven to possess anti-insomnia and antidepressant effects. However, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying its action remains limited. Therefore, our research seeks...Picea mariana essential oil (PMEOs) has been proven to possess anti-insomnia and antidepressant effects. However, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying its action remains limited. Therefore, our research seeks to deeply examine the anti-insomnia effects of PMEOs and elucidate the molecular and neurophysiological mechanisms involved. employing a mouse model of insomnia triggered by chlorophenylalanine administration, the study found that PMEOs at different doses (low, medium, and high) effectively inhibited weight loss, shortened sleep latency, and significantly extended the overall sleep duration in mice. Nissl staining showed that PMEOs at these doses reduced neuronal damage in insomnia mice. Immunohistochemical staining analysis further revealed that PMEOs increased the expression of GAD65, GABAAα1, 5HT-2A, and 5HT-1A in insomnia mice in a non-dose-dependent manner. RT-qPCR data, consistent with the staining results, showed that PMEOs-L and PMEOs-M upregulated the expression levels of 5HT-2A and GABAAγ1, providing stronger molecular evidence for the anti-insomnia effects of PMEOs through protecting neurons and activating the expression of related neurotransmitters in the cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. As a natural product, PMEOs, by regulating the balance of 5HT-1A, 5HT-2A, GABAAγ2, GABAAα1 neurotransmitters, and GAD65, demonstrate potential clinical application value in the treatment of insomnia, offering scientific reference for subsequent promotion and use.
Optimization of polyphenol extraction from avocado seeds and systematic evaluation of the bioactivity of fractions in two different solvents. This research aimed to optimize the extract parameters of polyphenol from avoc...Optimization of polyphenol extraction from avocado seeds and systematic evaluation of the bioactivity of fractions in two different solvents. This research aimed to optimize the extract parameters of polyphenol from avocado seed and evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of crude polyphenol extract and its fraction in dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. The study utilized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize extraction parameters that were ethanol 61.082 % concentration, an extraction temperature of 59.986 °C, and an extraction time of 3.09 hours. The crude polyphenol extract contained 42.208 mg GAE/g DW and antioxidant activity of extracts were expressed as percentage of DPPH radicals inhibition with an IC value of 117 μg/mL. Following the liquid-liquid fractionation of the crude extract with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate obtained ethyl acetate fraction was found to content 74.65 mg GAE/g DW and showed the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC value of 62.04 μg/mL. The antimicrobial tests against some pathogenic bacteria showed that both the crude and ethyl acetate extracts were effective against Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Notably, the crude extract inhibited Aspergillus flavus at 100 mg/mL, while the ethyl acetate fraction did not exhibit inhibitory activity at the concentrations tested.
The Langmuir monolayer properties of betaine-based surfactant octadecyl hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine (HSB18), as well as the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, pH, and ion valence in the subphase on its monol...The Langmuir monolayer properties of betaine-based surfactant octadecyl hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine (HSB18), as well as the effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, pH, and ion valence in the subphase on its monolayer properties were investigated. The results indicated that HSB18 formed stable Langmuir monolayer. With the increase of the surface pressure, the Langmuir monolayer underwent the transition from gaseous to liquid expanding transition and liquid expanding state. The Langmuir monolayer of HSB18 exhibited the greatest expansion when the NaCl concentration was 0.8 M, while at 0.6 M NaCl, it demonstrated the strongest adaptability to external conditions, along with optimal resistance to deformation and compressibility. With the increase of pH, the lift-off area, limiting area and collapse area increased first and then decreased, while the collapse pressure decreased first and then gradually stabilized. With the increase of the valence of metal ions, the monolayer expanded gradually, and both the limiting area and collapse pressure increased obviously. The lift-off area of the HSB18 monolayer in the CaCl system was the smallest, only was 120 Å, indicating stronger intermolecular attractive forces and the most closely packed molecular arrangement. Therefore, HSB18 molecules possess the ability to form stable and adjustable Langmuir monolayers, and properties can be optimized via adjusting environmental factors, which provides important insights for the construction of Langmuir monolayers in practical applications.
Most triacylglycerols (TAGs) in edible oils and fats are composed of long-chain fatty acids with 16 to 18 carbon atoms. In this study, we report the first identification of dioleoylacetylglycerol (OOAc), a TAG containing...Most triacylglycerols (TAGs) in edible oils and fats are composed of long-chain fatty acids with 16 to 18 carbon atoms. In this study, we report the first identification of dioleoylacetylglycerol (OOAc), a TAG containing an acetyl group (AcTAG) in canola oil. AcTAG has been reported to exist in plants of the Akebia genus. In the process of analyzing minor components in canola oil using liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry (LC/MS), we found that OOAc was present in canola oil. Furthermore, when considering other edible oils (soybean oil, rice bran oil, olive oil, corn oil, palm oil, and lard), they contained OOAc at levels ranging from 9 to 210 mg/kg. Canola oil was found to contain a relatively high amount of OOAc. Although OOAc was initially detected in refined canola oil, a similar amount of OOAc was confirmed in unrefined oil extracted from canola seeds, suggesting that OOAc is naturally present in canola seeds and is not generated by refining processes such as neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. The OOAc content varied depending on the origin of edible oils and fats. Subsequent LC/MS analysis of the edible oils and fats suggested the presence of other AcTAGs in addition to OOAc. This suggests that acetic acid could be generated from AcTAGs by hydrolyzing the oils and fats above. Therefore, measurement of acetic acid in edible oils was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with an electrical conductivity detector, revealing the presence of acetic acid in commonly used edible oils. The results showed that acetic acid was present in the abovementioned edible oils and fats at levels ranging from approximately 40 to 110 mg/kg. In particular, canola oil and soybean oil were found to contain higher amounts of acetic acid compared to other oils.
This study reports the successful synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride/bauxite (g-CN/bauxite) composites via a rapid and efficient microwave irradiation method. The primary aim was to investigate the influence of microw...This study reports the successful synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride/bauxite (g-CN/bauxite) composites via a rapid and efficient microwave irradiation method. The primary aim was to investigate the influence of microwave-assisted synthesis on the morphological and structural properties of the resulting composites. Comprehensive characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) revealed a highly porous and uniformly dispersed microstructure, with homogeneous distribution of C, N, Al, Si, and O elements. This indicates the formation of abundant active sites favorable for surface-mediated interactions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the coexistence of distinct crystalline phases: characteristic bauxite reflections at 2θ ≈ 26.6° and 21-22°, alongside the typical (100) and (002) graphitic planes of g-CN at 2θ ≈ 13° and 27°, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further verified the preservation of the heptazine-based polymeric framework in the composite. The integration of bauxite not only improved the textural properties but also enhanced the interfacial contact between the two phases. The obtained g-CN/bauxite composite exhibited a high surface area, well-developed porosity, and synergistic structural features, demonstrating its potential as an effective material for heavy metal removal and related environmental remediation applications.
Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa roots are used as ingredients in many herbal medicines in Japan. This study conducted field experiments using sticky traps during the growing period from 2023 to 2025 to assess the behavioral...Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa roots are used as ingredients in many herbal medicines in Japan. This study conducted field experiments using sticky traps during the growing period from 2023 to 2025 to assess the behavioral responses of aphids in relation to the aroma compounds from A. acutiloba Kitagawa. In a preliminary trial in 2023, essential oils (EOs) from A. acutiloba Kitagawa leaves were applied to sticky traps, which captured more winged aphids than untreated control traps. In 2024, although it was likely to attract the aphids with the EO-treated traps, no significant differences were observed between the EO-treated and control traps owing to the extremely low small number of aphids. However, in 2025, aphid abundance increased and significantly more aphids were captured in the EO-treated traps than in the untreated traps. Most of the captured winged aphids were Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In a follow-up experiment, traps treated with (Z)-ligustilide, isolated from the EOs, captured significantly more aphids than the control traps. A two-choice response test using a Y-tube olfactometer showed no significant behavioral responses (such as attraction or avoidance) toward the wingless aphid A. gossypii. The findings of the present study suggest that developing the EO- or (Z)-ligustilide treated traps to capture winged aphids on A. acutiloba may be an environmentally friendly and effective way to manage these insects.
Myrsine linearis (Lour.) is a medicinal plant in Vietnam that was used to treat various diseases. However, the phytochemical and biological activities of this plant have not been extensively investigated. Therefore, this...Myrsine linearis (Lour.) is a medicinal plant in Vietnam that was used to treat various diseases. However, the phytochemical and biological activities of this plant have not been extensively investigated. Therefore, this study extracted the essential oil from Myrsine linearis leaves (MLEO), followed by the identification of phytochemical components and the evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities in vitro and in silico. The results showed that major constituents in MLEO were β-caryophyllene (11.3 %), α-humulene (10.3 %), caryophyllene oxide (4.6 %), and spathulenol (4.3 %). MLEO inhibited the protein denaturation (IC =34.01±5.64 µg/mL) and inhibited nitric oxide release in LPS-induced macrophage with the value of 33.19±1.78 %. The main compounds in MLEO bound to cyclooxygenase-2 and nitric oxide synthase, with binding energy values ranging from -6.1 to -7.5 kcal/mol, similar to those of positive controls. Additionally, MLEO demonstrated cytotoxicity against different cancer cells, with IC values ranging from 20.26±1.1 µg/mL to 21.11±1.41 µg/mL. Therefore, MLEO is a promising candidate for supporting the treatment of diseases relating to inflammation and cancer.
Hirami lemon (Citrus depressa Hayata) is a small citrus plant native to southern Japan and Taiwan. This study distinguishes the essential oil composition, polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), total carotenoids, and sensory charac...Hirami lemon (Citrus depressa Hayata) is a small citrus plant native to southern Japan and Taiwan. This study distinguishes the essential oil composition, polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), total carotenoids, and sensory characteristics of Hirami lemons from Japan (Kagoshima and Okinawa) and Taiwan. The mature fruit essential oils of 23 evaluated strains (5 from Kagoshima, 16 from Okinawa, and 2 from Taiwan) primarily contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with limonene and γ-terpinene being predominant (40.4-76.2 % and 9.7-29.3 %, respectively). Distinct geographical signatures were also observed-piperitone and octanal in Kagoshima strains, ethyl dodecanoate and ethyl decanoate in Okinawan strains, and 2-hexenal and phenylacetaldehyde in Taiwanese strains-implying a potent aroma distinctiveness of each cultivation region. Nantou (Taiwan), Shikunin spicy (Kagoshima), and Izumi kugani (Okinawa) had higher PMF concentrations, including nobiletin and tangeretin, whereas Shikunin sweet from Kagoshima exhibited notably higher total carotenoid content than the other strains. Furthermore, variations in total soluble solids and titratable acidity were correlated with perceived differences in sweetness and sourness, while VOCs influenced aroma traits, including citrus, fruity, herbal, and green notes, refining overall flavor perception. These findings offer important implications for breeding strategies and product diversification of Japanese and Taiwanese Hirami lemons.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit overlapping molecular pathways characterized by oxidative imbalance and enzyme dysfunction. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the multi...Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit overlapping molecular pathways characterized by oxidative imbalance and enzyme dysfunction. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the multifunctional potential of Folliculi sennae (F. sennae) ethanol extract as a natural therapeutic agent targeting these disorders. Phenolic profiling using LC-MS/MS revealed abundant bioactive compounds, including quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and gallic acid, with high linearity and reproducibility. The extract exhibited moderate antioxidant activity across DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays, highlighting its redox-modulating capacity. Importantly, enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated notable inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE, IC = 10.34 µg/mL), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, IC = 7.72 µg/mL), and α-glucosidase (IC = 6.66 µg/mL), indicating potential neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects. These findings suggest that F. sennae orchestrates a synergistic interplay between antioxidant defense and targeted enzymatic inhibition, positioning it as a promising multitarget natural candidate for managing oxidative stress-linked neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. The study lays the biochemical groundwork for future translational research exploring F. sennae as a safe, plant-based therapeutic intervention.
Amorphous rice starch/glycerol/water ternary systems are used in food, cosmetics, and functional materials. In the present study, we investigated the water adsorption ability of crystalline and amorphous rice starches an...Amorphous rice starch/glycerol/water ternary systems are used in food, cosmetics, and functional materials. In the present study, we investigated the water adsorption ability of crystalline and amorphous rice starches and the mixed state of rice starch/glycerol/water ternary systems. The effect of amorphization on the mixed state was evaluated with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurement (XRD). When amorphous rice starch was mixed with water and glycerol (40-80 wt%), the funicular and capillary states were observed: the funicular state is a dry state where solid and liquid form a continuous phase, and the capillary state is a sticky state where only the liquid is the continuous phase. This was attributed to the greater number of free hydroxyl groups in amorphous rice starch, which enhanced its affinity to hydroxyl groups. Amorphous rice starch systems exhibited a water evaporation temperature 14 °C higher than crystalline rice starch systems. Furthermore, when the mixed system contained amorphous rice starch and glycerol, the funicular region was expanded. A glycerol molecule has three hydroxyl groups, which enhance the adhesive force between starch particles and increase viscosity. These findings are useful for designing formulations for various products utilizing mixtures of rice starch and glycerol.
Xylocarpus mekongensis Pierre (Meliaceae), locally known as "Poshur" is a mangrove plant traditionally used in South and Southeast Asia for the management of diabetes and related disorders. This study comprehensively eva...Xylocarpus mekongensis Pierre (Meliaceae), locally known as "Poshur" is a mangrove plant traditionally used in South and Southeast Asia for the management of diabetes and related disorders. This study comprehensively evaluated the phytochemical composition, safety, antidiabetic efficacy, enzymatic inhibition, and in-silico molecular docking analysis of its ethanolic bark extract. HPLC-DAD profiling identified six major phenolic compounds - catechin hydrate, catechol, (-) epicatechin, syringic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and trans-cinnamic acid. Acute and subacute toxicity assessments in Swiss albino mice (following OECD guidelines) confirmed its safety up to 3000 mg/kg without any physiological or behavioral alterations. In the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, daily oral administration of the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) markedly reduced fasting blood glucose, restored body weight, and normalized hepatic, renal, and lipid biomarkers comparable to glibenclamide. Moreover. the extract also demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC = 0.420 mg/mL), indicating delayed intestinal glucose absorption. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of these compounds-particularly catechin hydrate and (-) epicatechin demonstrated strong binding affinities with key diabetic targets, including sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), glucokinase, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suggesting multi-targeted modulation of insulin secretion, sensitivity, and glucose utilization. These findings provide the first comprehensive mechanistic validation of the traditional use of X. mekongensis and highlight its polyphenolic constituents as promising natural leads for developing multi-target antidiabetic therapeutics.
Structural colors observed in nature have attracted considerable scientific interest and inspired the development of artificial coloring materials based on periodic nanostructures. Although numerous structural color mate...Structural colors observed in nature have attracted considerable scientific interest and inspired the development of artificial coloring materials based on periodic nanostructures. Although numerous structural color materials have been proposed, reports on all-liquid systems, which can be incorporated into devices of arbitrary shapes, remain limited. We previously demonstrated that all-liquid emulsions composed of a long-chain amidoamine derivative (C18AA) and tetraoctylammonium bromide (TOAB) exhibit structural coloration within two temperature regions. For the formation of such coloring emulsions, the development of a stable interfacial layer of C18AA adsorbed at the toluene-water interface is crucial. However, it remains unclear whether other amphiphilic compounds can contribute to the formation of this interfacial layer. In this study, the effects of adding different amphiphilic compounds on the coloring behavior of C18AA emulsions was investigated, and their incorporation into the interfacial layer of C18AA was explored. Stearic acid, octadecylamine, and octadecanol did not considerably affect the coloring behavior. In contrast, C18AOH, in which the terminal amine group of C18AA is replaced by a hydroxyl group, could be incorporated into the C18AA interfacial layer. This insertion increased the toluene-water interfacial area, resulting in a blue shift of the observed color. Similar incorporation effects were observed for C16AOH and C14AOH, which have shorter alkyl chains. These findings can facilitate the color and thermal response tuning of all-liquid structural color emulsions based on interfacial engineering.
This study investigated the interfacial adsorption behavior and emulsification performance of polyglycerol ester emulsifiers with varying hydrophilic group chain lengths in a mineral oil system containing three hydrophil...This study investigated the interfacial adsorption behavior and emulsification performance of polyglycerol ester emulsifiers with varying hydrophilic group chain lengths in a mineral oil system containing three hydrophilic polyol solvents (glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, and 1,2-propylene glycol) by measuring dynamic interfacial tension and fitting the kinetic adsorption model. The results demonstrated that as the length of the hydrophilic groups increased, the interfacial critical micelle concentration (CMC) decreased, while the critical interfacial tension (γ) increased, leading to a larger particle size (D) of the emulsion. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of hydrophilic polyol solvents on the arrangement of emulsifier molecules at the interface and their emulsification performance. It was found that different levels of initial interfacial tension (γ) had a more pronounced effect on the particle size and uniformity of the emulsion. When γ was low (< 20 mN/m), the interaction between the emulsifier and the hydrophilic medium became more significant, resulting in greater variability in the emulsion. This research provided new insights into the interfacial behavior of polyglycerol ester emulsifiers in polyol-oil systems and offered theoretical guidance for the development of more efficient P/O emulsions.
This study investigated the synergistic effect of dispersed microbubble (MB) liquids and siphon-type washing on the removal of starch paste, a model food soil, from five substrate materials with different surface propert...This study investigated the synergistic effect of dispersed microbubble (MB) liquids and siphon-type washing on the removal of starch paste, a model food soil, from five substrate materials with different surface properties: polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylic resin, glass, aluminum, and stainless steel. The cleaning performance was quantitatively evaluated through mass loss measurements and washing rate calculations. The influence of MB size distribution, stability, and surfactant type (anionic, cationic, and nonionic) on the detergency mechanism was systematically investigated. MB dispersions in tap water achieved a maximum washing rate enhancement ratio of 1.56 across all substrates. However, surfactant addition exhibited divergent effects on MB-enhanced cleaning: anionic surfactants [linear alkylbenzene sulfonate] significantly improved detergency, nonionic surfactants [polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether] showed moderate enhancement, whereas cationic surfactants [benzalkonium chloride] resulted in diminished or negligible cleaning performance on specific substrates. Characterization of MB dynamics revealed that surfactant-containing systems generated smaller bubbles with reduced stability and increased susceptibility to collapse, while MBs in tap water exhibited superior size retention and longevity. A positive correlation between washing rate enhancement and static contact angle reduction indicated that interfacial wettability modification is a critical factor in MB-assisted cleaning. The proposed detergency mechanism involves electrostatic interaction between negatively charged MB interfaces and soil particles, modulated by surfactant adsorption behavior at the gas-liquid interface. The vertical upward flow pattern characteristic of siphon-type washing was found to synergistically exploit MB buoyancy, resulting in enhanced soil detachment compared to conventional horizontal flow systems. These findings demonstrate that optimizing MB generation conditions, surfactant selection, and hydrodynamic flow configurations can significantly enhance cleaning efficiency for soil removal applications.
This study examined the effects of sterols (β-sitosterol) and their derivatives, such as sterol fatty acid ester (β-sitosteryl palmitate) and sterol ferulic acid ester (γ-oryzanol), on the release of 25 added volatile co...This study examined the effects of sterols (β-sitosterol) and their derivatives, such as sterol fatty acid ester (β-sitosteryl palmitate) and sterol ferulic acid ester (γ-oryzanol), on the release of 25 added volatile compounds from canola oil using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. δ- and γ-lactone release decreased after adding β-sitosterol or γ-oryzanol, in association with octanol-water partition coefficients (LogP). Moreover, only aldehydes with low LogP were suppressed. Hydroxyl groups in β-sitosterol or γ-oryzanol may play a key role in modulating volatile release. These findings provide insight into the aromatic retention mechanisms of oils.
Biomass is a sustainable carbon source to produce porous carbon materials. Due to the high surface area, tunable porosity, surface functionalities and high chemical stability, biomass carbons have extensively explored in...Biomass is a sustainable carbon source to produce porous carbon materials. Due to the high surface area, tunable porosity, surface functionalities and high chemical stability, biomass carbons have extensively explored in sensing, separation, and energy storage and conversion applications. Here, we report on the fabrication of nanoporous activated carbon materials from a novel biomass precursor Achyranthus bidentata (Datiwan), using a low-energy method (carbonized at 500 °C). The effects of chemical activators (phosphoric acid (HPO), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and zinc chloride (ZnCl) on surface textural properties and energy storage capacity were systematically studied. The HPO and ZnCl activated samples (DAC-H500, DAC-Z500) exhibited the specific surface area of 724 and 758 m g, respectively, and retained abundant surface oxygen functionalities, thereby leveraging decent specific capacitance of 201 F g and 140 F g at 1 A g with 51 % and 61.3 % retention of their initial capacitance values at 10 A g. The symmetric cell assembled with the DAC-Z500 delivered 3.5 Wh kg energy density at a power density of 590 W kg with good cycle life of 76 % and 98 % coulombic efficiency after 10,000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles. Datiwan, a self-grown, abundant biomass that is indirectly contributing to carbon emissions, is being utilized to prepare nanoporous carbon at a lower temperature, and it shows significant potential as an electrode material in energy storage applications.