Biosorption of nickel and cadmium using Pachira aquatica Aubl. peel biochar.

This study aimed to assess the value of Pachira aquatica Aubl. fruit peels by exploring their applicability in the biosorption process for the removal of Ni(II) and Cd(II) metal ions. The Pachira aquatica Aubl. fruit peel biochar (PAB) was extensively characterized through various techniques, including proximate analysis, helium pycnometer, XRD, SEM, point of zero charge determination, zeta potential measurement, and Boehm titration. Subsequently, kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic batch biosorption studies were conducted, followed by column biosorption tests. The characteristics of PAB, including low moisture content, a neutral point of zero charge, porosity, an irregular and heterogeneous structure, a negatively charged surface, and the presence of functional groups, indicate its remarkable capacity for efficiently binding with heavy metals. Biosorption equilibrium time was achieved at 300 min for both ions, fitting well with a pseudo second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. These data suggest that the biosorption process occurred chemically in monolayer. The column C presented an exhaust volume of 1200 mL for Ni(II) and 1080 for Cd(II) and removal of 98% and 99% of removal for Ni(II) and Cd(II), respectively. In summary, PAB demonstrates substantial potential as a biosorbent for effectively removing heavy metals, making a valuable contribution to the valorization of this co-product and the mitigation of environmental pollution.

Tunable durian seed gum-derived eutectogel as a novel coating material: Rheological, thermal, textural and barrier properties for enhanced food preservation.

As a promising green and sustainable coating material, gum was extracted from durian seed to produce eutectogel, which the properties were tunable using natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). Ten different eutectogels were successfully synthesized using durian seed gum (DSG) and xanthan gum (XG) gelators at different composition (5, 10, 15 %) to gel choline chloride-glucose (1:1), choline chloride-fructose (1:2) and betaine-glucose-water (1:1:1) NADESs. Results revealed that eutectogel was non-Newtonian and weak gel material with excellent thermostability up to 200 °C. When the gum content increased, the resulted eutectogel showed higher viscosity, yield stress, hardness, gumminess, adhesiveness, and weight holding capacity. In overall, choline chloride-fructose (1:2) NADES and 10 % of DSG formed an excellent eutectogel which remained stable and compatible upon 12 weeks of storage. It displayed superior viscoelastic, texture, gases and moisture barrier properties which were beneficial for food coating application. This eutectogel was able to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apples during storage with lower weight loss and higher total phenolic content (TPC). The potential future of this well-characterized tunable DSG-derived eutectogel includes, but not limited to, food and pharmaceutical industries, smart sensing, flexible wearable electronics, water purification, supercapacitors and batteries.

Fermentable sugar recovery from durian peel by using ultrasound-assisted chemical pretreatment.

Durian peel, an abundant waste in Malaysia could be a potential substrate for fermentable sugar recovery for value-added biochemical production. Common pretreatment such as acid or alkaline pretreatment resulted in the need for extensive solid washing which generated wastewater. Herein, this study aims to introduce sonication on top of chemical pretreatment to destruct lignin and reduce the chemical usage during the durian peel pretreatment process. In this study, the morphology and the chemical composition of the pretreated durian peels were studied. The sugar yield produced from the chemical pretreatment and the combined ultrasound and chemical pretreatment were compared. The morphology and chemical structure of durian peels were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM images showed that the structural change became more significant when sonication was introduced. Second, XRD profile indicated a relatively higher crystallinity index and FTIR spectra displayed a lower intensity of lignin and hemicellulose for ultrasound plus alkaline (UB) pretreatment as compared to acid, alkaline and ultrasound plus acid (UA) pretreatment. UB and UA pretreatment portrayed higher yield (376.60 ± 12.14 and 237.38 ± 3.96 mg reducing sugar/g dry biomass, respectively) than their controls without the application of ultrasound. Therefore, it could be concluded that ultrasound was able to intensify the fermentable sugar recovery from durian peel by inducing physical and chemical effect of cavitation to alter the morphology of durian peel. Fermentation of UB treated durian peel resulted in 2.68 mol hydrogen/mol consumed sugar and 131.56 mL/Lmedium/h of hydrogen productivity. This study is important because it will shed light on a way to handle durian waste disposal problems and generate fermentable sugars for the production of high value-added products.

Improved soil moisture, nutrients, and economic benefits using plastic mulchs in balsa-based agroforestry systems.

The manufacture of wind turbine blades generally uses balsa wood as the base materials, and it is crucial to explore new regions for cultivating balsa trees to achieve carbon neutrality in the future. Xishuangbanna may be China's only area with a tropical climate suitable for the large-scale planting of balsa trees. The present study investigated the key soil elements influencing the growth of balsa plantations and the effects of different cultivation practices on soil environments and economic benefits in Xishuangbanna, China. We found that the height of balsa stems after growing 4 years reached 5.8 m; the increment of diameter at breast height (DBH) reached 27.7 cm and volume of balsa stems reached 196.0 m3 ha-1 in Xishuangbanna of China. It is of the utmost importance to improve the contents of soil exchangeable magnesium (Mg) and available phosphorus (P) for the growth of balsa trees, and exchangeable aluminium (Al) inhibited the growth of balsa trees. The practice of plastic film mulching not only improved soil moisture in the 40‒100-cm soil layer in the dry season and in the 0-60-cm soil layer in the rainy season but also enhanced soil nitrate nitrogen when compared with no plastic-mulching practice in balsa plantations. The comprehensive economic benefits of balsa/coriander/ginger/taro plantations were significantly improved by implementing plastic film mulching, as compared to balsa plantations. We conclude that balsa tree can be cultivated in Xishuangbanna, China, and its successful cultivation provides opportunities for China's wind power development.

Micro-Morphology characterization and HS-SPME-GC-MS Analysis of Floral parts of Quararibea funebris (La Llave) Vischer, traditionally known as Rosita de Cacao.

The flowers of Quararibea funebris are used to make a traditional drink called tejate, to which they add aroma, flavor and consistency. The study aims to profile the morphoanatomy of the floral parts of Q. funebris and analyze the changes in its volatile chemical composition during the drying process from 0 to 180 days by HS-SPME-GC-MS. The calyx, corolla, androecium, and gynoecium have distinct characteristics, such as non-glandular fused stellate trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals, and large secretory ducts. Histochemical localization reveals the presence of mucilage and total lipids in all parts of the flower. The chemical analysis of the essential oil, extracted from the flowers, showed that transfarnesol and geraniol were the most abundant compounds, with a yield of 0.04 %. HS-SPME analysis indicated that fresh flowers had a more complex composition than dried ones. In total, 31 components were identified. Nonanal and geranyl acetone were found to be distinctive components of dried flowers. Microscopic examination helps in identifying and authenticating raw materials and also reveals the presence of secretory ducts in all floral parts, which is a distinctive feature. The chemical profile of volatiles provides an important parameter for the evaluation of the quality of Rosita de Cacao raw materials.

Genome-wide analysis of carotenoid cleavage oxygenases and identification of ripening-associated DzNCED5a in durian (Durio zibethinus) fruit.

Durian (Durio zibethinus L.), popularly known as the "King of fruits," holds significant economic importance in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. During its ripening process, the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) content has been reported to increase. However, a comprehensive understanding of ABA's specific role in durian fruit ripening remains elusive. Furthermore, little is known about the molecular aspects of the carotenoid cleavage pathway in this iconic fruit. Therefore, we performed genome-wide identification of the carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) family in durian. This family includes the nine-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases (NCEDs) responsible for ABA production and the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases exhibiting diverse substrate specificities. Through phylogenetic analysis, we classified 14 CCOs in durian into 8 distinct subfamilies. Notably, each DzCCO subfamily displayed a conserved motif composition. Cis-acting element prediction showed that cis-elements related to plant hormones and environmental stress responses were distributed in the DzCCO promoter. In addition, transcriptome analysis was performed to examine the expression pattern during the fruit development and ripening stages. Interestingly, DzNCED5a, a ripening-associated gene, exhibited the highest expression level at the ripe stage, outperforming other CCOs. Its expression markedly correlated with increased ABA contents during the ripening stages of both the "Monthong" variety and other durian cultivars. Transiently expressed DzNCED5a in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves confirmed its function in ABA biosynthesis. These findings highlight the involvement of DzNCED5a in ABA production and its potential importance in durian fruit ripening. Overall, this study provides insights into the significance of CCOs in durian fruit ripening.

Characterization of alcohol acetyltransferases in the ripe flesh of 'Monthong' and 'Chanthaburi 1' durians.

Durian is economically significant in Southeast Asia due to its distinctive aroma and palatability. During fruit ripening, the flesh generates a substantial quantity of esters and some sulfur-containing compounds. This study aimed to analyze the ester profiles and characteristics of alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT; EC. 2.3.1.84) in the ripe flesh of two Thai durian (Durio zibethinus Merr.) cultivars, 'Chanthaburi 1' (a hybrid cultivar with a soft aroma) and 'Monthong' (a renowned cultivar with a medium scent). The primary esters responsible for the aromatic compounds found in durian are ethyl-2-methyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, and ethyl octanoate. The AAT's efficacy was assessed in its ability to catalyze the synthesis of acetate esters through the reaction between acetyl CoA and different alcohols. The AAT enzymes extracted from 'Chanthaburi 1' and 'Monthong' cultivars exhibited a notable affinity towards 3-methyl-1-butanol and hexanol as alcohol substrates. Propanol and butanol exhibited moderate activity as AAT substrates, whereas methanol and ethanol demonstrated the lowest. Both durians exhibited favorable enzyme activity at a temperature of 30 °C. However, 'Monthong' AAT demonstrated superior performance across a broader pH range compared to 'Chanthaburi 1' AAT. The partially purified proteins precipitated with ammonium sulfate and subsequently gel-filtered through a DEAE-Sephadex® column enhanced the potency of 'Chanthaburi 1' AAT, resulting in increased purity (1.20-fold) and specificity (1.08-fold) compared to 'Monthong'. The AAT of 'Chanthaburi 1' and 'Monthong' exhibited molecular weights of 39.52 and 41.51 kDa, respectively. This study presents the initial documentation of AAT in durians through an enzyme assay and activity staining technique.

Diversity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Bark of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn., (Bombacaceae) and Antibacterial Potential of Secalonic Acid A Produced by Diaporthe searlei EC 321.

The objective of this study was to study the diversity of endophytic fungi isolated from Ceiba pentandra and to isolate their bioactive chemical compounds. The methodology used during this study consisted in isolating endophytic fungi from the bark of C. pentandra on Potato Agar. The isolates obtained were identified on the basis of the ITS regions of their ribosomal DNA. Antibacterial screening of the mycelium of endophytic fungi isolated was evaluated against multidrug-resistant E. coli and S. aureus strains. This screening led to the selection of isolates EC 321 and EC 28 for their ability to effectively inhibit the growth of the bacterial strains tested. EC 321 was grown and fermented on rice medium. Secondary metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate. From the crude extract, secalonic acid A was isolated and identified by chromatographic and NMR. The in vitro activity of secalonic acid A against the growth of multiresistant bacterial strains was evaluated. Secalonic acid A was active against all multidrug-resistant bacterial strains E. coli 942, E. coli 4814, S. aureus 931, S. aureus 934, S. aureus MRSA 1872 and K. pneumonia 815 with respective MICs of 18.75; 18.75; 18.75; 4.7; 37.5 and 37.5 µg/mL.

Chromosome-scale genomes of commercial timber trees (Ochroma pyramidale, Mesua ferrea, and Tectona grandis).

Wood is the most important natural and endlessly renewable source of energy. Despite the ecological and economic importance of wood, many aspects of its formation have not yet been investigated. We performed chromosome-scale genome assemblies of three timber trees (Ochroma pyramidale, Mesua ferrea, and Tectona grandis) which exhibit different wood properties such as wood density, hardness, growth rate, and fiber cell wall thickness. The combination of 10X, stLFR, Hi-Fi sequencing and HiC data led us to assemble high-quality genomes evident by scaffold N50 length of 55.97 Mb (O. pyramidale), 22.37 Mb (M. ferrea) and 14.55 Mb (T. grandis) with >97% BUSCO completeness of the assemblies. A total of 35774, 24027, and 44813 protein-coding genes were identified in M. ferrea, T. grandis and O. pyramidale, respectively. The data generated in this study is anticipated to serve as a valuable genetic resource and will promote comparative genomic analyses, and it is of practical importance in gaining a further understanding of the wood properties in non-model woody species.

Selective adsorption of organic dyes from aqueous environment using fermented maize extract-enhanced graphene oxide-durian shell derived activated carbon composite.

A secure aquatic environment is essential for both aquatic and terrestrial life. However, rising populations and the industrial revolution have had a significant impact on the quality of the water environment. Despite the implementation of strong and adapted environmental policies for water treatment worldwide, the issue of organic dyes in wastewater remains challenging. Thus, this study aimed to develop an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable material to treat methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous environment. In this research, maize extract solution (MES) was utilized as a green cross-linker to induce precipitation, conjugation, and enhance the adsorption performance of graphene oxide (GO) cross-linked with durian shell activated carbon (DSAC), resulting in the formation of a GO@DSAC composite. The composite was investigated for its adsorptive performance toward MB in aqueous media. The physicochemical characterization demonstrated that the cross-linking method significantly influenced the porous structure and surface chemistry of GO@DSAC. BET analysis revealed that the GO@DSAC exhibited dominant mesopores with a surface area of 803.67 m2/g. EDX and XPS measurements confirmed the successful cross-linking of GO with DSAC. The adsorption experiments were well described by the Harkin-Jura model and they followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 666.67 mg/g at 318 K. Thermodynamic evaluation indicated a spontaneous, feasible, and endothermic in nature. Regenerability and reusability investigations demonstrated that the GO@DSAC composite could be reused for up to 10 desorption-adsorption cycles with a removal efficiency of 81.78%. The selective adsorptive performance of GO@DSAC was examined in a binary system containing Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene orange (MO). The results showed a separation efficiency (α) of 98.89% for MB/MO and 93.66% for MB/RhB mixtures, underscoring outstanding separation capabilities of the GO@DSAC composite. Overall, the GO@DSAC composite displayed promising potential for the effective removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.

Finite element analysis of energy absorption mechanism of durian peel and durian thorns under compressive load.

This study aims to investigate the energy absorption mechanism of durian peel under compression using finite element analysis. The durian peel comprises four substructures: thorn skin, thorn core, locule, and membrane. Their mechanical properties were measured experimentally and used as inputs for finite element models. Three-dimensional solid models of the durian peel were created and compared to the corresponding macroscopic responses. Good agreements between the experimental results and model predictions validate the measured properties. Energy analysis of the substructures shows that thorn skins and cores are the dominant components of energy absorption in durian peel under large deformation. Single thorn models with various aspect ratios were created to analyze their influence on energy absorption. The single thorn models were compressed at four angles of attack to capture the effect of peel curvature. The analysis shows that the aspect ratio of a single thorn that balances energy absorption at all angles of attack falls between 1 and 1.25, which is consistent with the experimentally measured values.

Comparing Machine Learning and PLSDA Algorithms for Durian Pulp Classification Using Inline NIR Spectra.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the performance of multivariate classification algorithms, specifically Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and machine learning algorithms, in the classification of Monthong durian pulp based on its dry matter content (DMC) and soluble solid content (SSC), using the inline acquisition of near-infrared (NIR) spectra. A total of 415 durian pulp samples were collected and analyzed. Raw spectra were preprocessed using five different combinations of spectral preprocessing techniques: Moving Average with Standard Normal Variate (MA+SNV), Savitzky-Golay Smoothing with Standard Normal Variate (SG+SNV), Mean Normalization (SG+MN), Baseline Correction (SG+BC), and Multiplicative Scatter Correction (SG+MSC). The results revealed that the SG+SNV preprocessing technique produced the best performance with both the PLS-DA and machine learning algorithms. The optimized wide neural network algorithm of machine learning achieved the highest overall classification accuracy of 85.3%, outperforming the PLS-DA model, with overall classification accuracy of 81.4%. Additionally, evaluation metrics such as recall, precision, specificity, F1-score, AUC ROC, and kappa were calculated and compared between the two models. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of machine learning algorithms to provide similar or better performance compared to PLS-DA in classifying Monthong durian pulp based on DMC and SSC using NIR spectroscopy, and they can be applied in the quality control and management of durian pulp production and storage.

Elucidation of the Anticancer Mechanism of Durian Fruit (Durio zibethinus) Pulp Extract in Human Leukemia (HL-60) Cancer Cells.

Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) grows widely in Southeast Asia. The pulp of the durian fruit contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibers, various vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. This study was carried out to elucidate the anticancer mechanism of action of the methanolic extract of the fruit of Durio zibethinus (D. zibethinus) on human leukemia (HL-60) cells. The methanolic extract of D. zibethinus fruits exhibited its anticancer effect on HL-60 cells by inducing DNA damage and apoptosis. The DNA damage was confirmed by comet and DNA fragmentation assays. The methanolic extract of D. zibethinus fruits has been shown to cause cell cycle arrest in HL-60 cells during the S phase and G2/M phase. Additionally, the methanolic extract caused induction of the apoptotic pathway in the HL-60 cell line. This was confirmed by increased expression in pro-apoptotic proteins, viz., Bax protein expression, and a substantial reduction (p < 0.001) in anti-apoptotic proteins, viz., Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expressions. Therefore, this study confirms that the methanolic extract of D. zibethinus exerts its anticancer effects on the HL-60 cell line, causing cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis by an intrinsic mechanism.

Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of Balsas River Mouth, Pacific Coast, Mexico: Sources, risks, and genotoxicity.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were assessed in sediments (n = 7) collected from the mouth of the Balsas River, Pacific Coast, Mexico. The total PAH levels ranged between 142.1 and 3944.07 µg kg-1 in the summer and 137.65-3967.38 µg kg-1 in the winter, probably reflecting the anthropogenic activities of the region. Calculation of the four analytical ratios of [Anthracene/(Anthracene + Phenanthrene)]: [Fluoranthene/(Fluoranthene + Pyrene)], [Fluoranthene/Pyrene: Fluoranthene/(Fluoranthene + Pyrene)], [Indeno [123-cd]Pyrene/(Indeno [123-cd]Pyrene + Benzo [ghi]Perylene)]: [Benzo [a]anthracene/(Benzo [a]Anthracene + Chrysene)], and [Anthracene/Phenanthrene]: [Fluoranthene/(Fluoranthene + Pyrene)] revealed a mixed PAH source, from petroleum and biomass combustion. Significant statistical correlations (r2 = 0.90) between the 4 and 5 ringed PAHs denote that adsorption is the principal mechanism for accumulation in sedimentary archives. Ecotoxicological indices (Mean Effect Range Medium Quotient and Mean Probable Effect Level Quotient) indicated moderate pollution with adverse biological impacts on ambient benthonic organisms. The calculations of Toxicity Equivalent Quotient and Mutagen Equivalent Quotient values proposed that the region is highly polluted by mutagenic and carcinogenic PAH compounds. The genotoxic evaluation of Lutjanus guttatus (Spotted rose snapper) presented significant DNA damage and discrepancies in Ethoxyresorufin-O-Deethylase activity. Based on the toxicological and genotoxicological evaluation of PAHs in sediments, the region was observed to be largely impacted from biological damage.

A rapid cotton swab for on-site screening of coloring curcumin on durian skin: food safety aspects.

Exported durians from Thailand are sometimes immersed in curcumin to give the fruits a good appearance. Curcumin is regarded as non-toxic additive, however some importing countries prohibited use of any additive to fresh fruits and vegetables. This work aims to develop a rapid, low cost and convenient cotton swab device for curcumin detection. The detection principle involves a colorimetric acid-base characteristic of curcumin. Curcumin in an acidic/neutral solution presents a bright yellow color, while it displays an intense orange-red color in basic solution. A cotton swab acted for both sample collection and as a sensing platform. A pre-moistened swab was used to wipe a durian surface. Afterward, a NaOH solution was dropped onto the swab. A distinct orange-red color appearing on the swab indicates the presence of curcumin. The cotton swab was applied for qualitative analysis of curcumin contaminated on durian husks via visual detection. The developed device provided good reliability, 93.75% (36 samples). Furthermore, the device was demonstrated for quantitative determination using camera detection. Two linear calibrations were obtained in ranges of 10-75 and 75-250 mg L-1, with a detection limit of 3.2 mg L-1. The method was also successfully applied to quantification of curcumin in durians (three samples) and dietary supplements (two samples). The test can be done in a few minutes. The developed device was established as an useful tool for food safety and control of contamination by curcumin in an on-site application.

A Novel Polysaccharide DSPP-1 from Durian Seed: Structure Characterization and Its Protective Effects Against Alzheimer's Disease in a Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Model.

Durian seeds are normally considered as agricultural waste in durian fruit processing, resulting in a huge waste of resources. The structure characterization of polysaccharide from durian seed and its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model were conducted in this study. A water-soluble polysaccharide was obtained using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, and named DSPP-1. DSPP-1 was composed of rhamnose, galactose and galacturonic acid and its molecular weight was 3.765 × 105 Da. PDSP and DSPP-1 showed considerable antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging compared to the positive control (vitamin C). Besides, compared with the positive group (epigallocatechin gallate), PDSP and DSPP-1 exhibited the certain Abeta1 - 42 aggregation inhibitory effectiveness (p < 0.05). In contrast, DSPP-2 exerted a poor antioxidant and anti-aggregation effect (p < 0.05). In vivo results showed that DSPP-1 could decrease abnormal Aß1-42 aggregation to delay the paralysis process of AD-nematodes. Moreover, DSPP-1 significantly improved the antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced lipid peroxidation in AD-nematodes. Taken together, these results indicated that DSPP-1 could be used as a potential natural source for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Ligilactobacillus ubinensis sp. nov., a novel species isolated from the wild ferment of a durian fruit (Durio zibethinus).

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative, urease-negative, homofermentative and facultatively anaerobic strain, named WILCCON 0076T, was isolated from a wild ferment of pieces of a 'Kampung' durian fruit collected on the island of Ubin (Pulau Ubin), Singapore. The durian had fallen to the ground from a durian tree (Durio zibethinus), on which a group of long-tailed macaques had been observed picking and eating the fruits. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that WILCCON 0076T potentially represented a novel species within the genus Ligilactobacillus, with the most closely related type strain being Ligilactobacillus agilis DSM 20509T (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.2 %). Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization prediction values were only 86.0% and 18.9 %, respectively. On the basis of the results of a polyphasic approach that included phylogenomic, chemotaxonomic and morphological analyses, we propose a novel species with the name Ligilactobacillus ubinensis sp. nov. (type strain WILCCON 0076T=DSM 114293T=LMG 32698T).

Sustainable 3D printing of oral films with tunable characteristics using CMC-based inks from durian rind wastes.

With the growing interest in environmentally friendly and personalized medicines, new concept for combining three-dimensional printing (3DP) with natural-based biomaterials derived from agro-food wastes has emerged. This approach provides sustainable solutions for agricultural waste management and potential for developing of novel pharmaceutical products with tunable characteristics. This work demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating personalized theophylline films with four different structures (Full, Grid, Star, and Hilbert) using syringe extrusion 3DP and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) derived from durian rind wastes. Our findings suggested that all the CMC-based inks with shear thinning properties capable of being extruded smoothly through a small nozzle could potentially be used to fabricate the films with various complex printing patterns and high structural fidelity. The results also demonstrated that the film characteristics and release profiles could be easily modified by simply changing the slicing parameters (e.g., infill density and printing pattern). Amongst all formulations, Grid film, which was 3D-printed with 40 % infill and a grid pattern, demonstrated a highly porous structure with high total pore volume. The voids between printing layers in Grid film increased theophylline release (up to 90 % in 45 min) through improved wetting and water penetration. All findings in this study provide significant insight into how to modify film characteristics simply by digitally changing the printing pattern in slicer software without creating a new CAD model. This approach could help to simplify the 3DP process so that non-specialist users can easily implement it in community pharmacies or hospital on demand.

Pachira aquatica (Malvaceae): An unconventional food plant with food, technological, and nutritional potential to be explored.

Pachira aquatica (Malvaceae) is an unconventional food plant (UFP) native to Mexico and found all over Brazil, where it is commonly known as monguba. It has an arboreal shape, exotic flowers, and a fruit similar to cocoa with several seeds. Although its main application is in urban ornamentation and folk medicine, monguba's fruit has a great potential for use in the food, pharmacology, cosmetic, and bioenergy industry, mainly due to its oil's characteristics. This review aims to compile the nutritional composition, bioactive and antioxidant activities, and technological and nutritional potential of monguba's seed, leaf, and fruit pericarp. It reviews studies of different databases between January 2018 and October 2021. Monguba seeds are rich in lipids, proteins, and minerals; the bark is rich in fiber; and all parts of the fruit have bioactive compounds. Discussing the use of UFP is a way of finding new alternative food sources, usually discarded, offering products with high nutritional value allied to technological and consumption potential, such as the monguba fruit.