Improving complexation of puerarin with kudzu starch by various ultrasonic pretreatment: Interaction mechanism analysis.

The industrial preparation of kudzu starch (KS) significantly reduces the remaining of flavonoids like puerarin (PU) in the product, weakening its biological activity and making pre-treatments on kudzu crucial. Ultrasonic technique, widely used for modifying biomolecules, can enhance nutrient interactions like those between starch and polyphenols in foods. Thus, a puerarin-kudzu starch (PKS) complex was prepared with the introduction of ultrasonic pretreatment. The results indicated that sonication increased the binding of PU to KS from 0.399 ± 0.01 to 0.609 ± 0.05 mg/g. Particle size analysis and SEM revealed that the particles of the ultrasonic puerarin-kudzu starch complex (UPKS) were larger than those of the untreated complexes. XRD, UV-vis, and FT-IR spectroscopic analyses indicated that hydrogen bonding primarily governs the interaction between PU and KS. Additionally, incorporating PU decreased the starch structure's orderliness, while ultrasonic treatment altered the helical configuration of straight-chain starch, leading to the formation of a new, ordered structure through the creation of new hydrogen bonds. Additionally, gels formed from UPKS exhibited higher viscosity, elasticity, and shear stress, suggesting that ultrasound significantly altered the intermolecular interactions between PKS. In conclusion, the use of ultrasound under optimal conditions has demonstrated its effectiveness in preparing PKS complexes, highlighting its significant potential to produce high value-added kudzu-based products.

Improving the Extraction of Polyphenols from Cocoa Bean Shells by Ultrasound and Microwaves: A Comparative Study.

The extraction of bioactive compounds from food by-products is one of the most important research areas for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), either alone or in combination, of phenolic compounds from cocoa bean shells (CBSs). These extraction techniques were compared with conventional methods, such as under simple magnetic stirring and the Soxhlet apparatus. After the preliminary characterization of the gross composition of CBSs, the total polyphenol content and radical scavenging of extracts obtained from both raw and defatted cocoa bean shells were investigated. Quantification of the main polyphenolic compounds was then performed by RP-HPLC-DAD, identifying flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as clovamide. The application of MAE and UAE resulted in a similar or superior extraction of polyphenols when compared with traditional methods; the concentration of individual polyphenols was variously influenced by the extraction methods employed. Combining MAE and UAE at 90 °C yielded the highest antiradical activity of the extract. Spectrophotometric analysis confirmed the presence of high-molecular-weight melanoidins, which were present in higher concentrations in the extracts obtained using MAE and UAE, especially starting from raw material. In conclusion, these results emphasize the efficiency of MAE and UAE techniques in obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts from CBS and confirm this cocoa by-product as a valuable biomass for the recovery of antioxidant compounds, with a view to possible industrial scale-up.

Upgrading hazelnut skins: Green extraction of polyphenols from lab to semi-industrial scale.

Hazelnut skins (HS) are usually managed as waste; however, this by-product is a source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in feed and food sectors. Phenolic compounds can be extracted using green protocols combining enabling technologies and green solvents. This work investigates subcritical water extraction (SWE) of bioactive compounds from HS. A laboratory-scale study was performed on four different batches, with significant batch-to-batch heterogeneity. The evaluation of polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant activities afforded promising results compared to the benchmark of reflux maceration. To evaluate process effectiveness, the extraction protocol was replicated on a semi-industrial plant that processed 8 kg of matrix. Downstream processes have been optimized for scale-up, demonstrating the effectiveness of SWE in retaining product concentration and bioactivity avoiding excipients in spray-drying phase. Hazelnut extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against animal- and food-borne pathogens, supporting their potential use as sustainable feed ingredients for improved hazelnut production and animal farming practices.

Industrial Production of Bioactive Nutrient-Enhanced Extra Virgin Olive Oil under Continuous-Flow Ultrasound and Pulsed Electric Field Treatment.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. Many studies have highlighted its crucial preventive role against cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndrome and cancer, with these effects being due to the synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of minor components, such as polyphenols and tocols. The aim of the present study is to implement new technologies for olive oil mills and develop an efficient large-sized industrial process for the continuous extraction of healthier EVOOs that are enriched with these bioactive compounds. Non-thermal technologies, namely ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF), have been tested, separately and in combination, to eliminate the need for traditional malaxation. There is extensive literature to support the efficacy of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and PEF treatments in EVOO production. A newly designed US device and a PEF industrial chamber have been combined into a single, integrated continuous-flow setup, the performance of which in the extraction of EVOO from green Coratina olives has been evaluated herein. Extraction yields, physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics, and polyphenol and tocol contents were monitored throughout the trials, and the last three were measured at accelerated aging times (AAT) of 15 and 30 days. The US and combined US-PEF processes not only increased daily oil production (ton/day, by nearly 45%), but also eliminated the need for kneading during malaxation, resulting in significant energy savings (approximately 35%). In addition, these innovations enriched the resulting EVOO with nutritionally relevant minor components (8-12% polyphenols, 3-5% tocols), thereby elevating its quality and market value, as well as overall stability. The introduction of continuous-flow US and PEF technologies is a remarkable innovation for the EVOO industry, as they offer benefits to both producers and consumers. The EVOO resulting from non-thermal continuous-flow production meets the growing demand for healthier, nutrient-enriched products.

Ultrasonic Preparation of Nano-CaCO3 Templates and Hollow Mesoporous SiO2 Nanoparticles for Voriconazole Loading.

CaCO3 nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) as nano-templates were prepared using CaCl2 and Na2CO3 solutions under controlled sonication (19.5 kHz). Using the same ultrasonic device, subsequently, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were obtained by the hard template of nano-CaCO3. HMSNs were selected as carriers for the antifungal drug voriconazole (VOR) loading to overcome poor water solubility. Three-dimensional CaCO3 nanosheets HMSNs were obtained under gentle sonication. Three-dimensional CaCO3 nanosheets of 24.5 nm (hydrodynamic diameter) were obtained under 17.6 W for 3 min. HMSNs were synthesized by double-template method with nano-CaCO3 as the hard template. Transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that the prepared HMSNs possess hollow structures with particle size between 110 and 120 nm. Nitrogen physisorption at -196 °C revealed that the HMSNs had high surface area (401.57 m2/g), high pore volume (0.11 cm3/g), and uniform pore size (2.22 nm) that facilitated the effective encapsulation of VOR in the HMSNs. The loading capacity of VOR (wt%) on the HMSNs was 7.96%, and the total VOR release amount of VOR-HMSNs material was 71.40% at 480 min. The kinetic model confirmed that the release mechanism of HMSNs nanoparticles followed Fickian diffusion at pH = 7.4 and 37 °C. Moreover, the cumulative VOR release at 42 °C (86.05%) was higher than that at 37 °C (71.40%). The cumulative release amount of VOR from the VOR-HMSNs material was 92.37% at pH = 5.8 at the same temperature. Both nano-CaCO3 templates and HMSNs were prepared by sonication at 19.5 kHz. The as-prepared HMSNs can effectively encapsulate VOR and released drug by Fickian diffusion.

2-Methyloxolane as an effective bio-based solvent for the removal of ßN-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamines from Arabica green coffee beans.

ßN-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamines (Cn-5HTs) are the main constituents of coffee wax and may be responsible for the increased severity of gastric disorders in sensitive consumers. Their removal from green coffee beans can result in a "stomach-friendly" brew. This work presents a green approach to Cn-5HTs extraction using the bio-based solvent 2-methyloxolane (2-MeOx). HPLC/DAD analyses on Arabica Brazil samples show that mild conditions (30 min at 50 °C) extract about 90% of the wax, without affecting the caffeine content of the beans, whereas almost complete removal is achieved in 60 min at reflux. 2-MeOx forms an azeotrope with water, its possible re-use has been demonstrated using aqueous 2-MeOx (95.5%) as the solvent. These preliminary results make 2-MeOx a possible candidate for the replacement of dichloromethane (DCM) in coffee dewaxing. The importance of fermentation in reducing Cn-5HTs by about 36% has been demonstrated in an analysis of green beans subjected to different post-harvest treatments.

Copper-Catalyzed Continuous-Flow Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes to Anilines: A Scalable and Reliable Protocol.

A robust supported catalyst that is made up of copper nanoparticles on Celite has been successfully prepared for the selective transfer hydrogenation of aromatic nitrobenzenes to anilines under continuous flow. The method is efficient and environmentally benign thanks to the absence of hydrogen gas and precious metals. Long-term stability studies show that the catalytic system is able to achieve very high nitrobenzene conversion (>99%) when working for up to 145 h. The versatility of the transfer hydrogenation system has been tested using representative examples of nitroarenes, with moderate-to-excellent yields being obtained. The packed bed reactor (PBR) permits the use of a setup that can provide products via simple isolation by SPE without the need for further purification. The recovery and reuse of either EG or the ion-exchange resin leads to consistent waste reduction; therefore, E-factor distribution analysis has highlighted the environmental efficiency of this synthetic protocol.

Complexes of Soluble Dietary Fiber and Polyphenols from Lotus Root Regulate High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Mice.

In this paper, complexes of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and polyphenols (PPs) isolated from lotus roots were prepared (SDF-PPs), as well as physical mixtures (SDF&PPs), which were given to high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice. The results demonstrated that SDF-PPs improve lipid levels and reverse liver injury in hyperlipidemic mice. Western blotting and real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that SDF-PPs regulated liver lipids by increasing the phosphorylation of Adenine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), up-regulating the expression of Carnitine palmitoyltransferase1 (CPT1), and down-regulating the expression of Fatty acid synthase (FAS) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA), as well as the transcription factor sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SPEBP-1) and its downstream liposynthesis genes. Additionally, the intervention of SDF-PPs could modulate the composition of intestinal gut microbes, inducing an increase in Lachnospiraceae and a decrease in Desulfovibrionaceae and Prevotellaceae in high-fat-diet-fed mice. Thus, the research provides a theoretical basis for the application of lotus root active ingredients in functional foods and ingredients.

Ultrasound-Driven Deposition of Au and Ag Nanoparticles on Citrus Pectin: Preparation and Characterisation of Antimicrobial Composites.

Pectin is a renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable polymer made of galacturonic acid units. Its polar groups make it suitable for complexing and supporting metallic nanoparticles (NPs). This work aimed to produce antibacterial nanocomposites using pectin and acoustic cavitation. The metal NPs (Au or Ag) were deposited using ultrasound (US, 21 kHz, 50 W) and compared with those achieved with mechanical stirring. The impact of the reducing agents (NaBH4, ascorbic acid) on the dispersion and morphology of the resulting NPs was also assessed. Characterization by diffuse reflectance (DR) UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the use of US improves the dispersion and decreases the size of both Au and Ag NPs. Moreover, with Au NPs, avoiding external reductants led to smaller NPs and more uniform in size. The prepared NPs were functionalized with oxytetracycline in water and tested against Escherichia coli (gram negative) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram positive) via the Kirby-Bauer test. The results show a better antibacterial activity of the functionalized nanoparticles compared to antibiotic-free NPs and pure oxytetracycline, advising the potential of the nanoparticles as drug carriers. These findings underscore the significance of US-assisted synthesis, paving the way to new environmentally friendly antimicrobial materials.

The unveiling of a dynamic duo: hydrodynamic cavitation and cold plasma for the degradation of furosemide in wastewater.

The degradation in water of furosemide (FUR), a widely used diuretic drug, was herein reported. The method entails an integrated approach based on the hybridisation of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) with electrical discharge (ED) plasma technology. This dynamic duo could increase the production of oxidising compounds in water, in particular hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals), by triggering the rapid homolytic decomposition of water molecules and avoiding the addition of external oxidants. This study clearly emphasises the effectiveness of an integrated approach to improve the degradation of pollutants in wastewater originating from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The results of HC/ED-assisted FUR degradation in the presence of radical scavengers highlight the predominant role of the radical oxidation mechanism at the gas-liquid interface of the cavitation bubble during HC/ED treatment. A comparative analysis of the three technologies-HC alone, HC/ED and UV alone-emphasised the promising potential of hybrid HC/ED as a scalable industrial technology. This is demonstrated by the higher degradation rates (100%, 10 min) when treating large volumes (5L) of wastewater contaminated with FUR (50 mg/L), even in the presence of other APIs.

An Evaluation of the Effects of Pineapple-Extract and Bromelain-Based Treatment after Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Three-Arm Clinical Study.

A three-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted to assess the impact of lyophilized pineapple extract with titrated bromelain (Brome-Inf®) and purified bromelain on pain, swelling, trismus, and quality of life (QoL) following the surgical extraction of the mandibular third molars. Furthermore, this study examined the need for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) by comparing their effects with a placebo group. This study enrolled 42 individuals requiring the extraction of a single mandibular third molar under local anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned to receive Brome-Inf®, purified bromelain, or a placebo orally, initiating treatment on the day of surgery and continuing for the next 7 days. The primary outcome measured was the requirement for NSAIDs in the three groups. Pain, swelling, and trismus were secondary outcome variables, evaluated postoperatively at 1, 3, and 7 days. This study also assessed the comparative efficacy of freeze-dried pineapple extract and single-component bromelain. Ultimately, the placebo group showed a statistically higher need for ibuprofen (from days 1 to 7) at the study's conclusion (p < 0.0001). In addition, reductions in pain and swelling were significantly higher in both the bromelain and pineapple groups (p < 0.0001 for almost all patients, at all intervals) than in the placebo group. The active groups also demonstrated a significant difference in QoL compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001). A non-significant reduction in trismus occurred in the treatment groups compared to the placebo group. Therefore, the administration of pineapple extract titrated in bromelain showed significant analgesic and anti-edema effects in addition to improving QoL in the postoperative period for patients who had undergone mandibular third molar surgery. Moreover, both bromelain and Brome-Inf® supplementation reduced the need for ibuprofen to comparable extents, proving that they are good alternatives to NSAIDs in making the postoperative course more comfortable for these patients. A further investigation with larger samples is necessary to assess the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory impacts of the entire pineapple phytocomplex in surgical procedures aside from mandibular third molar surgery.

Efficient Capture of Cannabis Terpenes in Olive Oil during Microwave-Assisted Cannabinoid Decarboxylation.

The development of selective extraction protocols for Cannabis-inflorescence constituents is still a significant challenge. The characteristic Cannabis fragrance can be mainly ascribed to monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and oxygenated terpenoids. This work investigates the entrapment of Cannabis terpenes in olive oil from inflorescences via stripping under mild vacuum during the rapid microwave-assisted decarboxylation of cannabinoids (MW, 120 °C, 30 min) and after subsequent extraction of cannabinoids (60 and 100 °C). The profiles of the volatiles collected in the oil samples before and after the extraction step were evaluated using static headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Between the three fractions obtained, the first shows the highest volatile content (~37,400 mg/kg oil), with α-pinene, ß-pinene, ß-myrcene, limonene and trans-ß-caryophyllene as the main components. The MW-assisted extraction at 60 and 100 °C of inflorescences using the collected oil fractions allowed an increase of 70% and 86% of total terpene content, respectively. Considering the initial terpene amount of 91,324.7 ± 2774.4 mg/kg dry inflorescences, the percentage of recovery after decarboxylation was close to 58% (mainly monoterpenes), while it reached nearly 100% (including sesquiterpenes) after extraction. The selective and efficient extraction of volatile compounds, while avoiding direct contact between the matrix and extraction solvents, paves the way for specific applications in various aromatic plants. In this context, aromatized extracts can be employed to create innovative Cannabis-based products within the hemp processing industry, as well as in perfumery, cosmetics, dietary supplements, food, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Semi-industrial ultrasound-assisted extraction of grape-seed proteins.

BACKGROUND: To manage industrial waste in accordance with the circular bioeconomy concept it is sometimes necessary to handle grape seeds, an abundant by-product of the wine-making process. This study presents a process based on ultrasound technology for the extraction of grape-seed proteins, due to their nutritional and techno-functional properties. The protein content of extracts obtained under silent and lab-scale conditions was compared with that obtained under semi-industrial ultrasound conditions, and the chemical composition (carbohydrates, total phenols, and lipids) and the elemental profiles of the final, up-scaled downstream extracts were characterized. RESULTS: This work found that the maximum amount of protein in the final product was 378.31 g.kg-1 of the extract. Chemical characterization revealed that each 1 kg of extract had an average content of 326.19 g gallic acid equivalent as total phenols, 162.57 g glucose equivalent as carbohydrates, and 382.76 g of lipophilic compounds. Furthermore, when the extract was checked for hazardous elements, none were found in levels that could be considered a risk for human health. CONCLUSION: The proposed semi-industrial strategy has the potential to contribute greatly to the valorization of grape seeds through the preparation of a protein-rich extract that can be used as an alternative to synthetic wine stabilizers and for the development of novel food and nutraceutical products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Integrated physicochemical processes to tackle high-COD wastewater from pharmaceutical industry.

Wastewater decontamination in pharmaceuticals is crucial to prevent environmental and health risks from API residues and other contaminants. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) combined with cavitational treatments offer effective solutions. Challenges include designing reactors on a large scale and monitoring the effectiveness and synergies of the hybrid technology. In the present work, pilot-scale treatment of a real high COD (485 g/L) pharmaceutical wastewater (PW) was investigated using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) operated individually at 330 L/h or in combination with oxidants and electrical discharge (ED) with cold plasma (15 kV and 48 kHz). The first approach consisted of PW cavitational treatment alone of 7 L of 1:100 diluted PW at a HC-induced pressure of 60 bar and a flow rate of 330 L/h. However, this strategy did not provide satisfactory results for COD (∼15% less), and only when HC treatment was extended to more than 30 min in a recirculation mode, encouraging results were obtained (∼45% COD reduction). Consequently, a hybrid approach combining HC with ED-cold plasma was chosen to treat this high-COD PW. Aiming to establish an efficient flow-through hybrid process, after optimising all cavitation and electrical discharge parameters (45 bar HC pressure and 10 kHz ED frequency), the best COD abatement of ∼50 % was recorded with a 1:50 diluted PW. However, a subsequent adsorption step over activated carbon was required to achieve an almost quantitative COD reduction (95%+). Our integrated physicochemical process proved to be extremely efficient in treating high-COD industrial wastewater and resulted in a remarkable reduction of the COD value. In addition, the residual surfactants content in the PW were also drastically reduced (98%+) when a small amount of oxidants was added in the hybrid HC/ED treatment.

Mechanochemical Degradation of Biopolymers.

Mechanochemical treatment of various organic molecules is an emerging technology of green processes in biofuel, fine chemicals, or food production. Many biopolymers are involved in isolating, derivating, or modifying molecules of natural origin. Mechanochemistry provides a powerful tool to achieve these goals, but the unintentional modification of biopolymers by mechanochemical manipulation is not always obvious or even detectable. Although modeling molecular changes caused by mechanical stresses in cavitation and grinding processes is feasible in small model compounds, simulation of extrusion processes primarily relies on phenomenological approaches that allow only tool- and material-specific conclusions. The development of analytical and computational techniques allows for the inline and real-time control of parameters in various mechanochemical processes. Using artificial intelligence to analyze process parameters and product characteristics can significantly improve production optimization. We aim to review the processes and consequences of possible chemical, physicochemical, and structural changes.

Coating of Filter Materials with CeO2 Nanoparticles Using a Combination of Aerodynamic Spraying and Suction.

Textiles and nonwovens (including those used in ventilation systems as filters) are currently one of the main sources of patient cross-infection. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect 5-10% of patients and stand as the tenth leading cause of death. Therefore, the development of new methods for creating functional nanostructured coatings with antibacterial and antiviral properties on the surfaces of textiles and nonwoven materials is crucial for modern medicine. Antimicrobial filter technology must be high-speed, low-energy and safe if its commercialization and mass adoption are to be successful. Cerium oxide nanoparticles can act as active components in these coatings due to their high antibacterial activity and low toxicity. This paper focuses on the elaboration of a high-throughput and resource-saving method for the deposition of cerium oxide nanoparticles onto nonwoven fibrous material for use in air-conditioning filters. The proposed spraying technique is based on the use of an aerodynamic emitter and simultaneous suction. Cerium oxide nanoparticles have successfully been deposited onto the filter materials used in air conditioning systems; the antibacterial activity of the ceria-modified filters exceeded 4.0.

Ultrasonication for honey processing and preservation: A brief overview.

Honey is a food product consumed all over the world. Besides its nutritional properties, honey presents antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. To ensure that the final product meets qualitative and microbiological standards, honey treatment is of great importance. Conventional honey treatment is based on the heating of honey samples for decrystallization and bacteria and yeast inactivation. However, conventional heating can cause negative effects on honey quality, such as the formation of toxic compounds, reduction of enzyme activity, and loss of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The application of ultrasonic waves has demonstrated interesting effects on honey processing. Ultrasound (US) treatment can lead to the fragmentation of glucose crystals in crystalized honey and has little effect on its properties. In addition to inactivating microorganisms, US-assisted honey processing also preserves phenolic compounds content and antimicrobial properties. However, there is still limited information about honey sonication. The aim of the present review is to comprehensively show the possibilities of US application in honey processing and its effects on honey properties.

Unlocking the Bioactive Potential of Pomegranate Peels: A Green Extraction Approach.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is well known for its high content of bioactives, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. It is worth noting that the majority of these molecules are found in the peels, which are usually disposed of after processing, causing a significant amount of waste, amounting to more than 3.6 million t/y. This work investigates microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in water for the recovery of antioxidants from pomegranate peels (PP), including the optimisation of temperature and extraction times. The total phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the recovered extracts were determined, as well as their antioxidant activities, which were found to be 356.35 mgGAE/gExtr, 303.97 µgCy3G/gExtr, 37.28 mgQE/gExtr, 56.48 mgGAE/gExtr, and 5.72 mmolTE/gExtr, respectively (according to the adopted reference). All results were compared with those obtained using a conventional protocol. In addition, the potential for water recycling by means of downstream nanofiltration in optimised MAE was investigated, leading to overall water reuse of approx. 75%. Power consumption (20.92 W/mgGAE) and common green metrics, Reaction Mass Efficiency (RME), E-Factor, and the Process Mass Intensiti/efficiency (PMI, PME), were considered in evaluating the proposed PP valorisation strategy. Finally, the biological activities of the main products were assessed. The antimicrobial properties of the PP extracts against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria and their antiproliferative activity towards human cancer cells were tested. S. aureus bacteria was the most susceptible to the PP extracts. All tested products displayed antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells when higher concentrations were tested, with D-PP/NF (obtained from dried PP and sequential nanofiltration) being the most effective. This result was also confirmed via clonogenic analysis, which generally indicated the possible anti-cancer activity of pomegranate peel extracts obtained using this green approach.

Combination modes impact on the stability of ß-carotene-loaded emulsion constructed by soy protein isolate, ß-glucan and myricetin ternary complex.

A ß-carotene rich emulsion with improved physical and chemical stability was obtained in this study, using different types of protein-polysaccharide-polyphenol ternary complexes as novel emulsifiers. The ternary complexes were prepared by covalent or non-covalent binding of soy protein isolate (SPI), ß-glucan (DG) and myricetin (MC), which were evidenced to be stable. It was indicated that the emulsion stabilized by covalent complex of SPI, DG and MC, exhibited higher zeta-potential and smaller particle size than those stabilized by non-covalent complex. Furthermore, the covalent complexes prepared from different addition sequences showed different efficiencies in stabilizing the emulsion, in which SPI-DG-MC and SPI-MC-DG-stabilized emulsions possess better stability, emulsifying activity and storage resistance under adverse environmental treatment, with CI values of 62.7% and 64.3% after 25 days, respectively. According to oxidative stability and rheology analysis of the emulsions, it was found that the SPI-MC-DG complex prepared at the ratio of 4:2:1 was more stable with relatively less lipid oxidation products and a tighter stacking structure, and the final LH value was 39.98 mmol/L and the MDA value was 6.34 mmol/L. These findings implied that the ternary complex has the potential to deliver fat-soluble active ingredient by means of emulsion, but which depends on the mode and sequence of the molecular interactions.

Batch and Flow Green Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Conversion Of Levulinic Acid to Pyrrolidones.

This paper reports a new sustainable protocol for the microwave-assisted catalytic conversion of levulinic acid into N-substituted pyrrolidones over tailor-made mono (Pd, Au) or bimetallic (PdAu) catalysts supported on either highly mesoporous silica (HMS) or titania-doped HMS, exploiting the advantages of dielectric heating. MW-assisted reductive aminations of levulinic acid with several amines were first optimized in batch mode under hydrogen pressure (5 bar) in solvent-free conditions. Good-to-excellent yields were recorded at 150 °C in 90 min over the PdTiHMS and PdAuTiHMS, that proved recyclable and almost completely stable after six reaction cycles. Aiming to scale-up this protocol, a MW-assisted flow reactor was used in combination with different green solvents. Cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) provided a 99 % yield of N-(4-methoxyphenyl) pyrrolidin-2-one at 150 °C over PdTiHMS. The described MW-assisted flow synthesis proves to be a safe procedure suitable for further industrial applications, while averting the use of toxic organic solvents.