Translating proof-of-concept for platelet slip into improved antithrombotic therapeutic regimens.

Platelets are central to thrombosis. Research at the intersection of biological and physical sciences provides proof-of-concept for shear rate-dependent platelet slip at vascular stenosis and near device surfaces. Platelet slip extends the observed biological "slip-bonds" to the boundary of functional gliding without contact. As a result, there is diminished engagement of the coagulation cascade by platelets at these surfaces. Comprehending platelet slip would more precisely direct antithrombotic regimens for different shear environments, including for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this brief report we promote translation of the proof-of-concept for platelet slip into improved antithrombotic regimens by: (1) reviewing new supporting basic biological science and clinical research for platelet slip; (2) hypothesizing the principal variables that affect platelet slip; (3) applying the consequent construct model in support of-and in some cases to challenge-relevant contemporary guidelines and their foundations (including for urgent, higher-risk PCI); and (4) suggesting future research pathways (both basic and clinical). Should future research demonstrate, explain and control platelet slip, then a paradigm shift for choosing and recommending antithrombotic regimens based on predicted shear rate should follow. Improved clinical outcomes with decreased complications accompanying this paradigm shift for higher-risk PCI would also result in substantive cost savings.

Attenuation of inflammatory bowel disease by oral administration of mucoadhesive polydopamine-coated yeast ß-glucan via ROS scavenging and gut microbiota regulation.

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is challenging since current anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies do not address the underlying causes of the illness, which include increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysbiosis of the gut commensal microbiota. Additionally, these treatments often have systemic off-target effects and adverse side effects. In this study, we have developed a prebiotic yeast ß-glucan nanocomplex coated with bio-adhesive polydopamine (YBNs@PDA) to effectively prolong their retention time in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The oral administration of YBNs@PDA restored the epithelium barriers, reduced ROS levels, and minimized systemic drug exposure while improved therapeutic efficacy in an acute colitis mouse model. Furthermore, 16S ribosomal RNA genes sequencing demonstrated a higher richness and diversity in gut microflora composition following the treatments. In particular, YBNs@PDA markedly augmented the abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 and Bifidobacterium, both of which are probiotics with crucial roles in relieving colitis via retaining gut homeostasis. Cumulatively, these results demonstrate that the potential of YBNs@PDA as a novel drug-free, ROS-scavenging and gut microbiota regulation nanoplatform for the treatment of GI disorders.

Nanostructured ZnO thin film to enhance gutta-percha's adhesion to endodontic sealers.

BACKGROUND: Gutta-percha (GP) combined with an endodontic sealer is still the core material most widely used for tridimensional obturation. The sealer acts as a bonding agent between the GP and the root dentinal walls. However, one of the main drawbacks of GP core material is the lack of adhesiveness to the sealer. ZnO thin films have many remarkable features due to their considerable bond strength, good optical quality, and excellent piezoelectric, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, offering many potential applications in various fields. This study aimed to explore the influence of GP surface's functionalization with a nanostructured ZnO thin film on its adhesiveness to endodontic sealers. METHODS: Conventional GP samples were divided randomly into three groups: (a) Untreated GP (control); (b) GP treated with argon plasma (PT); (c) Functionalized GP (PT followed by ZnO thin film deposition). GP's surface functionalization encompassed a multi-step process. First, a low-pressure argon PT was applied to modify the GP surface, followed by a ZnO thin film deposition via magnetron sputtering. The surface morphology was assessed using SEM and water contact angle analysis. Further comprehensive testing included tensile bond strength assessment evaluating Endoresin and AH Plus Bioceramic sealers' adhesion to GP. ANOVA procedures were used for data statistical analysis. RESULTS: The ZnO thin film reproduced the underlying surface topography produced by PT. ZnO thin film deposition decreased the water contact angle compared to the control (p < 0.001). Endoresin showed a statistically higher mean bond strength value than AH Plus Bioceramic (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the control and the ZnO-functionalized GP (p = 0.006), with the latter presenting the highest mean bond strength value. CONCLUSIONS: The deposition of a nanostructured ZnO thin film on GP surface induced a shift towards hydrophilicity and an increased GP's adhesion to Endoresin and AH Bioceramic sealers.

Influence of the Use of Irrigation Solution Inhibitors in Improving Dentine Adhesion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review examined the effect of neutralizing agents on bond strength after irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and their existing protocols in literature. METHODS: This present study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered at PROSPERO. Five electronic databases were searched (sept-2020/jan-2021) in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, without any restrictions on publication date. Cases reports, editorials and literature reviews were not included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. From the initial 7,147 studies, 2,745 were removed as duplicates and 4,382 were excluded after a title/abstract screen. RESULTS: Seventeen in vitro studies were included. The results showed that the higher the concentration of sodium hypochlorite, the lower the bond strength at dentine/restoration interface (p⟨0.01). Among the studies, sodium ascorbate was the most widely used neutralizer and showed the most significant results in increasing bond strength (p⟨0.01). The bond strength values were found to increase with longer application time of the neutralizing substances (p⟨0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of sodium ascorbate as a neutralizing agent can reverse the negative effects of the sodium hypochlorite and improve the bond strength between dentine and resin cement, however, it isn't possible to determine the best protocol for use.

The Double-Edged Sword of Erythrocytes in Health and Disease via Their Adhesiveness.

Their widespread presence throughout the vasculature, coupled with their reactivity, and thereby to their potential to release reactive oxidative species, or to utilize their anti-oxidative capacities, has promoted much discussion of the role(s) of red blood cells (RBCs) in the progression of health or, alternatively, a wide range of disease states. Moreover, these role(s) have been linked to the development of adhesiveness and, in fact, thereby to the essential pathway to their eventual clearance, e.g., by macrophages in the spleen. These disparate roles coupled with the mechanisms involved are reviewed and given. Following an analysis, novel perspectives are provided; these perspectives can lead to novel assays for identifying the potential for RBC adhesiveness as suggested herein. We describe this paradigm, that involves RBC adhesiveness, hemolysis, and ghost formation, with examples including, inter alia, the progression of atherosclerosis and the suppression of tumor growth along with other disease states.

MICROBIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLICATIONS OF DENTAL IMPLANTATION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To describe microbiological features of the Staphylococcus spp. involved in complications of dental implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The main method was bacteriological. Indentification of the obtained isolates was done using commercially available test kits. Adhesive properties were evaluated using Brillis technique. Biofilm-forming ability was studied according to Christensen et al. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done following EUCAST recomendations. RESULTS: Results: There were 26 smears taken from the peri-implant area and gingival pockets of 12 patients. We obtained 38 isolates. Most of the patients were positive for Streptococcus spp. - 94% and Staphylococcus spp. - 90%. Among the representatives of Staphylococcus spp., the initial share of clinical isolates was S. aureus (34.21%) with inherent coagulase-positive properties. Coagulase-negative pathogens accounted for 65.79% of Staphylococcus spp., among them S. epidermidis, S. hominis, S. warneri were the main. All obtained isolates had typical properties, but appearance of small colonial variants of S. aureus was also recorded. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed in 100% of cases. Among 13 isolates of S. aureus there were 2 cultures resistant to cefoxitin, i. e. methicillin-resistant by phenotype. Clinical isolates of S. aureus, colonizing peri-implant tissues in infectious-inflammatory complications of dental implantation, also had high adhesive and biofilm-forming properties. Clinical isolates of S. epidermidis an average ability to form biofilms. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: There is a prooved direct correlation between biofilm-forming ability and adhesive properties in highly biofilm-forming clinical isolates involved in the occurrence of purulent-inflammatory complications in peri-implant site.

Force spectroscopy of interactions between Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia pestis cells and monoclonal antibodies using optical tweezers.

The interactions of a microbial cell with host cells and humoral factors play an important role in the development of infectious diseases. The study of these mechanisms contributes to the development of effective methods for the treatment of bacterial infections. One of the possible approaches to studying bacterial adhesion to host cells is based on the use of the optical trap method. The aim of this work was to assess the significance of lipopolysaccharide O-antigen on the adhesiveness of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis using a model system including a bacterial cell captured by a laser beam and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) bound covalently to a glass substrate. Registered interaction forces between Y. pseudotuberculosis cells and complementary antibodies to the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or the B antigen outer membrane protein were 5.9 ± 3.3 and 2.0 ± 1.8 pN, respectively. Interaction forces between O-antigen deficient Y. pestis cells and the mentioned mAbs were 4.2 ± 2.9 and 9.6 ± 4.9 pN. The results are qualitatively consistent with earlier data obtained by using a model system based on polymer beads sensitized with LPS from Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. pestis and surfaces coated by the aforementioned antibodies. This indicates that the immunochemical activity of Y. pseudotuberculosis cells is mediated mainly by the lipopolysaccharide. The model described can be used in similar studies of physicochemical and immunochemical mechanisms of bacterial adhesiveness.

Method article: an in vitro blood flow model to advance the study of platelet adhesion utilizing a damaged endothelium.

In vitro flow assays utilizing microfluidic devices are often used to study human platelets as an alternative to the costly animal models of hemostasis and thrombosis that may not accurately represent human platelet behavior in vivo. Here, we present a tunable in vitro model to study platelet behavior in human whole blood flow that includes both an inflamed, damaged endothelium and exposed extracellular matrix. We demonstrate that the model is adaptable across various anticoagulants, shear rates, and proteins for endothelial cell culture without the need for a complicated, custom-designed device. Furthermore, we verified the ability of this 'damaged endothelium' model as a screening method for potential anti-platelet or anti-thrombotic compounds using a P2Y12 receptor antagonist (ticagrelor), a pan-selectin inhibitor (Bimosiamose), and a histamine receptor antagonist (Cimetidine). These compounds significantly decreased platelet adhesion to the damaged endothelium, highlighting that this model can successfully screen anti-platelet compounds that target platelets directly or the endothelium indirectly.

Highly Tough, Stretchable and Self-Healing Polyampholyte Elastomers with Dual Adhesiveness.

A new type of polyampholyte with unique viscoelastic properties can be easily synthesized by the copolymerization of butyl acrylate with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and acid acrylate in one pot. The elastic modulus of the as-prepared polyampholyte can be easily tuned by adjusting the ratio between the butyl acrylate and ionic monomers. The polyampholyte synthesized by a low proportion of ionic monomer showed low tensile strength and high stretchability, resulting in good conformal compliance with the biological tissues and potent energy dissipation. Due to the existence of high-intensity reversible ionic bonds in the polymer matrix, excellent self-recovery and self-healing properties were achieved on the as-prepared polyampholytes. By combining the high Coulombic interaction and interfacial energy dissipation, tough adhesiveness was obtained for the polyampholyte on various substrates. This new type of polyampholyte may have important applications in adhesives, packaging and tissue engineering.

Yersinia pestis Surface Antigens in Reception of Specific Bacteriophages.

The significance of Yersinia pestis surface antigens in adhesiveness to specific bacteriophages has been studied with the use of two methodological approaches. It was shown that Ail protein immobilized on the surface of polystyrene microspheres (but not in the solution), can bind both the Pokrovskaya phage and pseudotuberculous diagnostic phage. YapF autotransporter interacted with both phages in a water-soluble form, but YapF bound to polystyrene microspheres interacted only with the Pokrovskaya phage. An assumption was made that Ail and YapF proteins can be the primary receptors providing non-specific reversible binding to the phages used in this work.

Corynebacterium spp.: relationship of pathogenic properties and antimicrobial resistance.

Corynebacterium spp. are part of the human microbiome, but can cause the development of inflammatory diseases of various localization. Purpose - to evaluate the relationship between pathogenic properties and resistance to antimicrobial drugs (AMD) of Corynebacterium spp. from patients with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. Strains of Corynebacterium spp. isolated from patients with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract (99 pcs.) and practically healthy individuals (33 pcs.). Isolates were identified by mass spectrometric method (MALDI-ToFMS), their adhesive and invasive activity on Hep-2 cells, cytopathic effect (CPE) in CHO-K1 cell culture, and resistance to antimicrobial drugs (AMD) were determined. Indicators of adhesion (3.65±0.679(CFU±m)x102/ml), invasion (1.72±0.230 (CFU±m)x102/ml), cytotoxicity (69.1±3.8% of dead CHO-K1 cells ) Corynebasterium spp. strains isolated from patients are higher (p≤0.05) than similar indicators in practically healthy people. 90.9% of isolates from patients had resistance to AMD, in most cases (57.6±4.9%) resistance to only one AMP was noted, less often to two (25.2±4.3%), three or more (8.08±2.7%). According to the results of correlation-regression analysis, pathogenic properties (adhesiveness, invasiveness, cytotoxicity) of Corynebacterium spp. strains isolated from patients are in close direct relationship with resistance to AMD. This indicates the importance of identifying strains of non-diphtheria corynebacteria resistant to AMDs, which, under the influence of developing resistance to AMDs, can increase their pathogenic potential, moving from commensalism to parasitism.

Biomimetic, Stiff, and Adhesive Periosteum with Osteogenic-Angiogenic Coupling Effect for Bone Regeneration.

Current periosteal grafts have limitations related to low mechanical strength, tissue adhesiveness, and poor osteogenesis and angiogenesis potential. Here, a periosteum mimicking bone aid (PMBA) with similar structure and function to natural periosteum is developed by electrospinning photocrosslinkable methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), l-arginine-based unsaturated poly(ester amide) (Arg-UPEA), and methacrylated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAMA). Such combination of materials enhances the material mechanical strength, favors the tissue adhesion, and guarantees the sustained activation of nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) signaling pathway, with well-coordinated osteogenic-angiogenic coupling effect for accelerated bone regeneration. This work presents a proof-of-concept demonstration of thoroughly considering the progression of implant biomaterials: that is, the initial material components (i.e., GelMA, Arg-UPEA, and nHAMA) equip the scaffold with suitable structure and function, while its degradation products (i.e., Ca2+ and l-arginine) are involved in long-term mediation of physiological activities. It is envisioned that the strategy will inspire the design of high-performance bioscaffolds toward bone and periosteum tissue engineering.

LacdiNAcylation of N-glycans in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells results in changes in morphological appearance and adhesive properties of the cells.

We demonstrated previously that the expression of the disaccharide, GalNAcß1 → 4GlcNAc (LacdiNAc), on N-glycans of cell surface glycoproteins in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells suppresses their malignant properties such as tumor formation in nude mice. Here, we report changes in the morphological appearance and adhesive properties of two kinds of clonal cells of MDA-MB-231 cells overexpressing ß4-N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 4. The clonal cells exhibited a cobble stone-like shape as compared to a spindle-like shape of the mock-transfected cells and the original MDA-MB-231 cells. This was associated with an increased expression of cell surface E-cadherin, a marker of epithelial cells, and a decreased expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and ZEB1, markers of mesenchymal cells. In addition, the clonal cells showed a lower migratory activity compared to the mock-transfected cells by wound-healing assay. These results suggest that mesenchymal-epithelial transition may be occurring in these clonal cells. Furthermore, increased adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin, collagen type I, collagen type IV, and laminin was observed. The clonal cells spread and enlarged, whereas the mock-transfected cells demonstrated poor spreading on laminin-coated plates in the absence of fetal calf serum, indicating that expression of LacdiNAc on cell surface glycoproteins results in changes in cell adhesive and spreading properties particularly to laminin.

Surface, adhesiveness and virulence aspects of Candida haemulonii species complex.

The emerging opportunistic pathogens comprising the Candida haemulonii complex (C. haemulonii [Ch], C. duobushaemulonii [Cd] and C. haemulonii var. vulnera[Chv]) are notable for their intrinsic antifungal resistance. Different clinical manifestations are associated with these fungal infections; however, little is known about their biology and potential virulence attributes. Herein, we evaluated some surface properties of 12 clinical isolates of Ch (n = 5), Cd (n = 4) and Chv (n = 3) as well as their virulence on murine macrophages and Galleria mellonella larvae. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of homogeneous populations among the species of the C. haemulonii complex, represented by oval yeasts with surface irregularities able to form aggregates. Cell surface hydrophobicity was isolate-specific, exhibiting high (16.7%), moderate (25.0%) and low (58.3%) hydrophobicity. The isolates had negative surface charge, except for one. Mannose/glucose- and N-acetylglucosamine-containing glycoconjugates were evidenced in considerable amounts in all isolates; however, the surface expression of sialic acid was poorly detected. Cd isolates presented significantly higher amounts of chitin than Ch and Chv. Membrane sterol and lipid bodies, containing neutral lipids, were quite similar among all fungi studied. All isolates adhered to inert surfaces in the order: polystyrene > poly-L-lysine-coated glass > glass. Likewise, they interacted with murine macrophages in a quite similar way. Regarding in vivo virulence, the C. haemulonii species complex were able to kill at least 80% of the larvae after 120 hours. Our results evidenced the ability of C. haemulonii complex to produce potential surface-related virulence attributes, key components that actively participate in the infection process described in Candida spp.

Validated model of platelet slip at stenosis and device surfaces.

Platelets are central to thrombosis. However, it is unknown whether platelets slip at vascular or device surfaces. The presence of platelet slip at a surface would interrupt physical contact between the platelet and that surface, and therefore diminish adhesion and thrombosis. Unfortunately, no existing technology can directly measure platelet slip in a biological environment. The objective of this study was to explore whether microspheres-modeling platelets-slip at different vascular and device surfaces in an acrylic scaled-up model coronary artery. The microspheres (3.12 µm diameter) were suspended in a transparent glycerol/water experimental fluid, which flowed continuously at Reynolds numbers typical of coronary flow (200-400) through the model artery. We placed a series of axisymmetric acrylic stenoses (cross-sectional area reduction [CSAr], 20-90%) into the model artery, both without and with a central cylinder present (modeling a percutaneous interventional guide wire, and with a scaled-up Doppler catheter mounted upstream). We used laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) to measure microsphere velocities within, proximal and distal to each stenosis, and compared to computer simulations of fluid flow with no-slip. For validation, we replaced the acrylic with paraffin stenoses (more biologically relevant from a surface roughness perspective) and then analyzed the signal recorded by the scaled-up Doppler catheter. Using the LDV, we identified progressive microsphere slip proportional to CSAr inside entrances for stenoses ≥60% and ≥40% without and with cylinder present, respectively. Additionally, microsphere slip occurred universally along the cylinder surface. Computer simulations indicated increased fluid shear rates (velocity gradients) at these particular locations, and logistic regression analysis comparing microsphere slip with fluid shear rate resulted in a c-index of 0.989 at a cut-point fluid shear rate of (10.61 [cm-1]×mean velocity [cm×sec-1]). Moreover, the presence of the cylinder caused disordering of microsphere shear rates distal to higher grade stenoses, indicating a disturbance in their flow. Finally, despite lower precision, the signal recorded by the scaled-up Doppler catheter nonetheless indicated slip at the entry into and at most locations distal to the 90% stenosis. Our validated model establishes proof of concept for platelet slip, and platelet slip explains several important basic and clinical observations. If technological advances allow confirmation in a true biologic environment, then our results will likely influence the development of shear-dependent antiplatelet drugs. Also, adding shear rate information, our results provide a direct experimental fluid dynamic foundation for antiplatelet-focused antithrombotic therapy during coronary interventions directed towards higher grade atherosclerotic stenoses.

Fluorescein isothiocyanate and blue light irradiation alter cell-adhesiveness of cross-linked albumin films for cell patterning.

Cross-linked albumin films, which are non-cell adhesive, were altered to be cell-adhesive by the combination of varied concentrations of fluorescein isothiocyanate and blue light irradiation. In this system, cell patterning was developed with two different cell lines by sequential seeding.Abbreviations: BSA: bovine serum albumin; EGDE: ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether; PBS: Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline.

[Research on the effect of biological glue on augmenting the viscosity of tissue engineering retinal nerve scaffolds].

Objective: To evaluate the adhesion effect of tissue engineering retinal nerve scaffolds modified with biological glue. Methods: Experimental study. To fabricate a biological glue by blending laminin, collagen Ⅳ, entactin and HSPG(2) with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer solution, scaffolds were then modified with the biological glue of various concentration levels (10 µl/cm(2), 20 µl/cm(2), 30 µl/cm(2) and 40 µl/cm(2)). The effects of various concentration levels glue on inducing scaffold adhesion were analyzed after 24 h. Cell count method and CCK-8 kit were used to assess the effects of biological glue on cell growth and toxicity. Then the scaffolds modified with or without glue were transplanted into rabbit's retina by 23 G pars plana vitrectomy. Intraocular pressure(IOP) and retina examination were assessed by ICare, fundus photograph and OCT. The adhesion effects of various concentration levels glue were analyzed by chi-square test. The cell adhesion rate of different scaffolds was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. One-Way ANOVA was used to compare the cell survival rate of different scaffolds. After transplantation, the IOP variance of rabbits was analyzed by repetitive measurement deviation analysis. Results: Compared with the control groups, the maximum adhesion rate of the biological glue was 91.7% (χ(2)=8.79, P<0.05) at 30µl/cm(2) concentration level. After 24h of cultivation, cell adhesion rate of glue-scaffold group (86.85%) was significantly higher than that of pure scaffold group (13.78%, U=0.01, P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the cell survival rates of the two groups (F=7.235, P=0.11). There was no significant difference (F=79.16, P=0.07) between the IOP of viscosity modified group [(18.4+0.93) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)] and non- modified group [(17.1±0.04)mmHg]. The retina adhesion rate of viscosity modified scaffold was 80% at 7 days postoperatively, and the fundus examination showed no inflammatory response in retina and vitreous cavity. Conclusion: This study showed that the biological glue has favorable viscosity modifying effect on tissue engineering neural retina scaffolds, which is beneficial for the biological material transplantation. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 277-282).

Understanding of aerobic granulation enhanced by starvation in the perspective of quorum sensing.

Three sequencing batch reactors (M1, M2, and M3) were set up to investigate the influence of different lengths of starvation time (3, 5, and 7 h) on aerobic granulation in the perspective of quorum sensing (QS). Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) level was quantified to evaluate the QS ability of aerobic granules. The results indicated that AI-2 level increased steadily during a cycle of sequencing batch reactors, suggesting that starvation was closely related to AI-2 secretion. In the long-term operation, aerobic granules cultivated using a prolonged starvation period had a better integrity and a higher level of cell adhesiveness despite a slower formation speed. With the extension of the starvation period, the total amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) displayed an increasing tendency. EPS with large molecular weight (MW) also reached a higher level using a prolonged starvation period. However, a higher level of AI-2 and cell adhesiveness was observed in M2, which might be related to more stable granules. The results implied that the starvation period could trigger AI-2 secretion and promoted the production of large MW EPS, leading to cell adhesiveness enhancement and granule formation. Therefore, a combination of different starvation periods was proposed in this study in order to improve aerobic granulation.

Comparison between sensory and instrumental characterization of topical formulations: impact of thickening agents.

OBJECTIVE: Sensorial properties of cutaneous formulations are important in determining their acceptability by consumers. However, sensorial analysis is time-consuming and requires an available panel of trained assessors. Thus, this article aimed to study the impact of thickening agents on mechanical properties of creams and investigate how these measurements could correlate the sensory attributes using a combined instrumental-sensorial approach. METHODS: For this purpose, eight semisolid formulations were prepared, containing in their composition different thickening agents at different concentrations. These formulations were firstly microscopically observed and then assayed through textural, rheological and spreadability measurements. Textural characterization and rheological characterization were performed during six months to assess the physical stability of the studied formulations. Finally, six sensory attributes, namely firmness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, spreadability, consistency and adhesiveness post-application, were tested by a trained panel. RESULTS: It was observed that thickening agents influence the microstructure of semisolid emulsions and also their mechanical properties. In general, an increase in the concentration of thickening agents improves the physical stability of formulations over time. Besides, textural parameters (firmness and adhesiveness), viscosity and difficulty to spread also increase. A good correlation between mechanical characterization and sensorial analysis was verified, mainly for spreadability properties. CONCLUSION: With the obtained results, it is possible to conclude that the proposed methods for mechanical characterization can be correlated with sensorial perception obtained from volunteers, representing a faster and less expensive alternative than sensory analysis.

Physico-chemical and textural properties of Santra burfi as influenced by orange pulp content.

The burfi prepared with addition of orange pulp in sweetened khoa is popularly known as Santra burfi in Maharashtra and it has great commercial potential owing to its typical taste. The present investigation was carried out with a view to generate technological data, which is requisite in product standardization and mechanization. The santra burfi was prepared by varying the rates of orange pulp addition and was tested for various textural properties such as hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, adhesiveness and springiness with TA-XT2i Texture Analyzer using two-bite compression. The data of product composition and quantified properties were analyzed using correlation and regression techniques. The hardness was found to have positive correlation with proteins, fat and ash content while the moisture and level of orange pulp had negative correlation. Similar trends were observed for springiness, gumminess, chewiness and cohesiveness with the exception of ash. On the contrary, the mean adhesiveness showed negative correlation with protein, fat and ash content and shown positive correlation with moisture content and level of orange pulp. The regression equations were also fitted for explaining the interrelationships between the textural properties as functions of product composition.