Effects of Oil Droplet Size and Interfacial Protein Film on the Properties of Fish Myofibrillar Protein-Oil Composite Gels.

The effects of oil droplet size and the formation of an interfacial protein film (IPF) on silver carp myofibrillar protein (MP)-oil composite gels were studied. MP- or Tween 80-stabilized camellia seed oil emulsions with different droplet sizes were prepared and added to MPs to prepare composite gels. The oil droplet size of the Tween 80-stabilized emulsion was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than that of the MP-stabilized emulsion with the same homogenization speed. However, polymerization of Tween 80-stabilized emulsions during the preparation of the composite gels was found. Composite gels with the MP-stabilized emulsions of a small droplet size showed significantly improved water-holding capacity, texture, and dynamic rheological properties. Interfacial shear rheology studies revealed that the storage modulus (G') of the MP-stabilized emulsion composite gels was higher than that of the Tween 80-stabilized gels, and the tan δ of the MP-stabilized oil emulsion composite gels was smaller than that of the Tween 80-stabilized gels, indicating that stronger elastic gel structures were formed. These results suggested that the IPF formed in the MP-stabilized emulsion helped stabilize the oil droplets embedded in the protein gel network, and the smaller the droplet size, the more stable the composite gel. This work provides a better understanding of how oil emulsions interact with protein and affect the properties of MP-oil composite gels.

Effect of oil droplet size on the oxidative stability of spray-dried flaxseed oil powders.

The effect of the size of oil droplets on the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil in spray-dried powders was investigated. Maltodextrin with a dextrose equivalent of 25 was used as a wall material, and sodium caseinate and transglutaminase-polymerized sodium caseinate were used as emulsifiers. The oxidative stability of flaxseed oil encapsulated in the spray-dried powders was evaluated using lipid oxidation and conductometric determination tests at 105 °C. The powders containing larger oil droplets exhibited higher surface oil content after spray drying, and higher peroxide value and conductivity after storage at 105 °C. Removal of the surface oil from the powders by washing with hexane significantly decreased the conductivity. The results indicated that the surface oil of the spray-dried flaxseed oil powders affected the oxidation stability.

Advanced characterisation of encapsulated lipid powders regarding microstructure by time domain-nuclear magnetic resonance.

Encapsulation is an established technique to protect sensitive materials from environmental stress. In order to understand the physical protection mechanism against oxidation, knowledge about the powder microstructure is required. Time domain-nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) has the potential to determine the surface oil (SO) and droplet size distribution by relaxation and restricted self-diffusion, respectively. The amount of SO, the retention and encapsulation efficiency are determined based on a lipid balance. The oil load of the initial powder and after SO removal is measured by TD-NMR. The results correlate with gravimetric and photometric references. The oil droplet size obtained by TD-NMR correlates well with static light scattering. The diameter of droplets in emulsions and dried powder both measured by TD-NMR, correlates (r = 0.998), implying that oil droplets embedded in a solid matrix can be measured. Summarising, TD-NMR allows analysis of the microstructure of encapsulated lipid powders, in a rapid, simple and non-destructive way.

Development and evaluation of a test program for Y-site compatibility testing of total parenteral nutrition and intravenous drugs.

BACKGROUND: There is no standardized procedure or consensus to which tests should be performed to judge compatibility/incompatibility of intravenous drugs. The purpose of this study was to establish and evaluate a test program of methods suitable for detection of physical incompatibility in Y-site administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and drugs. METHODS: Eight frequently used methods (dynamic light scattering, laser diffraction, light obscuration, turbidimetry, zeta potential, light microscopy, pH-measurements and visual examination using Tyndall beams), were scrutinized to elucidate strengths and weaknesses for compatibility testing. The responses of the methods were tested with samples containing precipitation of calcium phosphate and with heat destabilized TPN emulsions. A selection of drugs (acyclovir, ampicillin, ondansetron and paracetamol) was mixed with 3-in-1 TPN admixtures (Olimel® N5E, Kabiven® and SmofKabiven®) to assess compatibility (i.e. potential precipitates and emulsion stability). The obtained compatibility data was interpreted according to theory and compared to existing compatibility literature to further check the validity of the methods. RESULTS: Light obscuration together with turbidimetry, visual inspection and pH-measurements were able to capture signs of precipitations. For the analysis of emulsion stability, light obscuration and estimation of percent droplets above 5 µm (PFAT5) seemed to be the most sensitive method; however laser diffraction and monitoring changes in pH might be a useful support. Samples should always be compared to unmixed controls to reveal changes induced by the mixing. General acceptance criteria are difficult to define, although some limits are suggested based on current experience. The experimental compatibility data was supported by scattered reports in literature, further confirming the suitability of the test program. However, conflicting data are common, which complicates the comparison to existing literature. CONCLUSIONS: Testing of these complex blends should be based on a combination of several methods and accompanied by theoretical considerations.

Emulsion oil droplet size significantly affects satiety: A pre-ingestive approach.

Previous research has demonstrated that the manipulation of oil droplet size within oil-in-water emulsions significantly affects sensory characteristics, hedonics and expectations of food intake, independently of energy content. Smaller oil droplets enhanced perceived creaminess, increased Liking and generated greater expectations of satiation and satiety, indicating that creaminess is a satiety-relevant sensory cue within these systems. This paper extends these findings by investigating the effect of oil droplet size (d4,3: 2 and 50 µm) on food intake and appetite. Male participants (n = 34 aged 18-37; BMI of 22.7 ± 1.6 kg/m(2); DEBQ restricted eating score of 1.8 ± 0.1.) completed two test days, where they visited the laboratory to consume a fixed-portion breakfast, returning 3 h later for a "drink", which was the emulsion preload containing either 2 or 50 µm oil droplets. This was followed 20 min later with an ad libitum pasta lunch. Participants consumed significantly less at the ad libitum lunch after the preload containing 2 µm oil droplets than after the 50 µm preload, with an average reduction of 12% (62.4 kcal). Despite the significant differences in intake, no significant differences in sensory characteristics were noted. The findings show that the impact that an emulsion has on satiety can be enhanced without producing significantly perceivable differences in sensory properties. Therefore, by introducing a processing step which results in a smaller droplets, emulsion based liquid food products can be produced that enhance satiety, allowing covert functional redesign. Future work should consider the mechanism responsible for this effect.

A mechanistic kinetic model for lipid oxidation in Tween 20-stabilized O/W emulsions.

Models predicting lipid oxidation in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions are a requirement for developing effective antioxidant solutions. Existing models do, however, not include explicit equations that account for composition and structural features of O/W emulsions. To bridge this gap, a mechanistic kinetic model for lipid oxidation in emulsions is presented, describing the emulsion as a one-dimensional three phase (headspace, water, and oil) system. Variation in oil droplet sizes, overall surface area of oil/water interface, oxidation of emulsifiers, and the presence of catalytic transition metals were accounted for. For adequate predictions, the overall surface area of oil/water interface needs to be determined from the droplet size distribution obtained by dynamic and static light scattering (DLS, SLS). The kinetic model predicted well the formation of oxidation products in both mono- and polydisperse emulsions, with and without presence of catalytic transition metals.

Comparative effects of W/O and O/W emulsions on the physicochemical properties of silver carp surimi gels.

The comparative effects of water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions on the physicochemical characteristics of silver carp surimi gels were investigated. The breaking force of surimi gels was 188.72 g, which decreased with increasing W/O emulsion but remained constant by adding O/W emulsion. The hardness decreased with increasing W/O emulsion, while the other parameters to TPA maintained constant whether the W/O or O/W emulsion was added. The yellowness value of surimi gels was 1.30, which increased with increasing W/O emulsion while remained constant after adding O/W emulsion. The water-holding capacity of surimi gels was invariant when emulsions increased. After emulsions added to surimi gels, no changes in the surimi protein interactions were found in electrophoretic patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The increasing W/O emulsion enlarged the droplet size of oil and then destroyed the surimi gel network structure, while the oil droplets were evenly dispersed with increasing O/W emulsion.

Oil droplet formation and vertical transport in the upper ocean.

The dispersion of oil droplets near ocean surface is important for evaluating the impact to the environment. Under breaking wave conditions, the surface oil experiences mainly two processes: the generation of oil droplets at/near the water surface, and the transport of oil droplets due to ocean dynamics. We investigated the vertical behavior by incorporating the transport equation and the VDROP model. The transport equation adopted the ocean dynamics by K-profile parameterization (KPP) and the impact of additional turbulence by imposing the energy dissipation rate on the ocean surface. The oil droplet distribution was obtained, and the entrained distribution and entrainment rate was computed. The results shows that although the entrained distribution and the entrainment rate shares certain consistency with previous studies, divergences are also noticed. Accordingly, the model that describes the physics should be adopted to avoid incorrect qualification of the oil concentration dispersed in the ocean.

Interactions between microplastics and oil dispersion in the marine environment.

Microplastics (MPs) and spilled oil are both major concerns in the marine environment. In this study, we investigated if and how MPs would interact with crude oil and potentially reduce the effectiveness of oil dispersants applied during oil spill response operations. With the addition of dispersant, MPs and oil (covered by dispersants through their hydrophobic tails) formed MPs-oil-dispersant agglomerates that were found to exist from the surface layer to the bottom of the seawater column. Their resurfacing and sinking led to a decrease in oil dispersion effectiveness. Effects of MP concentration, MP aging, and dispersant-to-oil volumetric ratios (DORs) on oil dispersion were examined. We found that the dispersion effectiveness of light oil and heavy oil decreased 38.26 % and 38.25 %, respectively, with an increased MP concentration. The dispersion effectiveness of light oil and heavy oil was 82.86 ± 10.87 % and 40.39 ± 4.96 % with pristine MPs and increased up to 109.75 ± 0.71 % and 58.30 ± 0.00 % when using MPs aged for 56 days. MPs reduced oil dispersion effectiveness under different DORs. The findings of this first report to understand the interactions among MPs, oil and dispersants have provided fundamental insights that may influence future decision making on the selection and use of oil spill response strategies.

Validation of oil fate and mass balance for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: Evaluation of water column partitioning.

Model predictions of oil transport and fate for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill (Gulf of Mexico) were compared to field observations and absolute and relative concentrations of oil compounds in samples from 900 to 1400 m depth <11 km from the well. Chemical partitioning analyses using quantitative indices support a bimodal droplet size distribution model for oil released during subsea dispersant applications in June with 74% of the mass in >1 mm droplets that surfaced near the spill site within a few hours, and 1-8% as <0.13 mm microdroplets that remained below 900 m. Analyses focused on 900-1400 m depth <11 km from the well indicate there was substantial biodegradation of dissolved components, some biodegradation in microdroplets, recirculation of weathered microdroplets into the wellhead area, and marine oil snow settling from above 900 m carrying more-weathered particulate oil into the deep plume.

Formation of oil-particle aggregates: Impacts of mixing energy and duration.

Spilled oil slicks are likely to break into droplets offshore due to wave energy. The fate and transport of such droplets are affected by suspended particles in local marine environment, through forming oil particle aggregates (OPAs). OPA formation is affected by various factors, including the mixing energy and duration. To evaluate these two factors, lab experiments of OPA formation were conducted using kaolinite at two hydrophobicities in baffled flasks, as represented by the contact angle of 28.8° and 37.7° (original and modified kaolinite). Two mixing energies (energy dissipation rates of 0.05 and 0.5 W/kg) and four durations (10 min, 30 min, 3 h, and 24 h) were considered. Penetration to the oil droplets was observed at 3-5 µm and 5-7 µm for the original and modified kaolinite by confocal microscopy, respectively. At lower mixing energy, volume median diameter d50 of oil droplets increased from 45 µm to 60 µm after 24 h mixing by original kaolinite; for modified kaolinite, d50 decreased from 40 µm to 25 µm after 24 h mixing. The trapped oil amount in negatively buoyant OPAs decreased from 35% (3 h mixing) to 17% (24 h mixing) by original kaolinite; and from 18% to 12% after 24 h mixing by modified kaolinite. Results indicated that the negatively buoyant OPAs formed with original kaolinite at low mixing energy reaggregated after 24 h. At higher mixing energy, d50 decreased from 45 µm to 17 µm after 24 h mixing for both kaolinites. And the trapped oil amount in negatively buoyant OPAs increased to 72% and 49% after 24 h mixing for original and modified kaolinite, respectively. At higher mixing energy, the OPAs formed within 10 min and reached equilibrium at 3 h by original kaolinite. For modified kaolinite, the OPAs continued to form through 24 h.

Oil fate and mass balance for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Based on oil fate modeling of the Deepwater Horizon spill through August 2010, during June and July 2010, ~89% of the oil surfaced, ~5% entered (by dissolving or as microdroplets) the deep plume (>900 m), and ~6% dissolved and biodegraded between 900 m and 40 m. Subsea dispersant application reduced surfacing oil by ~7% and evaporation of volatiles by ~26%. By July 2011, of the total oil, ~41% evaporated, ~15% was ashore and in nearshore (<10 m) sediments, ~3% was removed by responders, ~38.4% was in the water column (partially degraded; 29% shallower and 9.4% deeper than 40 m), and ~2.6% sedimented in waters >10 m (including 1.5% after August 2010). Volatile and soluble fractions that did not evaporate biodegraded by the end of August 2010, leaving residual oil to disperse and potentially settle. Model estimates were validated by comparison to field observations of floating oil and atmospheric emissions.

Viscoelastic effects on residual oil distribution in flows through pillared microchannels.

HYPOTHESIS: Multiphase flow through porous media is important in a number of industrial, natural and biological processes. One application is enhanced oil recovery (EOR), where a resident oil phase is displaced by a Newtonian or polymeric fluid. In EOR, the two-phase immiscible displacement through heterogonous porous media is usually governed by competing viscous and capillary forces, expressed through a Capillary number Ca, and viscosity ratio of the displacing and displaced fluid. However, when viscoelastic displacement fluids are used, elastic forces in the displacement fluid also become significant. It is hypothesized that elastic instabilities are responsible for enhanced oil recovery through an elastic microsweep mechanism. EXPERIMENTS: In this work, we use a simplified geometry in the form of a pillared microchannel. We analyze the trapped residual oil size distribution after displacement by a Newtonian fluid, a nearly inelastic shear thinning fluid, and viscoelastic polymers and surfactant solutions. FINDINGS: We find that viscoelastic polymers and surfactant solutions can displace more oil compared to Newtonian fluids and nearly inelastic shear thinning polymers at similar Ca numbers. Beyond a critical Ca number, the size of residual oil blobs decreases significantly for viscoelastic fluids. This critical Ca number directly corresponds to flow rates where elastic instabilities occur in single phase flow, suggesting a close link between enhancement of oil recovery and appearance of elastic instabilities.

Development of a unified oil droplet size distribution model with application to surface breaking waves and subsea blowout releases considering dispersant effects.

An oil droplet size model was developed for a variety of turbulent conditions based on non-dimensional analysis of disruptive and restorative forces, which is applicable to oil droplet formation under both surface breaking-wave and subsurface-blowout conditions, with or without dispersant application. This new model was calibrated and successfully validated with droplet size data obtained from controlled laboratory studies of dispersant-treated and non-treated oil in subsea dispersant tank tests and field surveys, including the Deep Spill experimental release and the Deepwater Horizon blowout oil spill. This model is an advancement over prior models, as it explicitly addresses the effects of the dispersed phase viscosity, resulting from dispersant application and constrains the maximum stable droplet size based on Rayleigh-Taylor instability that is invoked for a release from a large aperture.

Application of an Integrated Blowout Model System, OILMAP DEEP, to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Spill.

OILMAP DEEP, an integrated system of models (pipeline release, blowout plume, dispersant treatment, oil droplet size distribution, and fountain and intrusion), was applied to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill to predict the near field transport and fate of the oil and gas released into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. The model included multiple, time dependent releases from both the kink and riser, with the observed subsurface dispersant treatment, that characterized the DWH spill and response. The blowout model predictions are in good agreement with the available observations for plume trapping height and the major characteristics of the intrusion layer. Predictions of the droplet size distribution are in good agreement with the limited in situ Holocam observations. Model predictions of the percentage of oil retained in the intrusion layer are consistent with independent estimates based on field observations.

Reynolds number scaling to predict droplet size distribution in dispersed and undispersed subsurface oil releases.

This study was aimed at testing the applicability of modified Weber number scaling with Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude oil, and developing a Reynolds number scaling approach for oil droplet size prediction for high viscosity oils. Dispersant to oil ratio and empirical coefficients were also quantified. Finally, a two-step Rosin-Rammler scheme was introduced for the determination of droplet size distribution. This new approach appeared more advantageous in avoiding the inconsistency in interfacial tension measurements, and consequently delivered concise droplet size prediction. Calculated and observed data correlated well based on Reynolds number scaling. The relation indicated that chemical dispersant played an important role in reducing the droplet size of ANS under different seasonal conditions. The proposed Reynolds number scaling and two-step Rosin-Rammler approaches provide a concise, reliable way to predict droplet size distribution, supporting decision making in chemical dispersant application during an offshore oil spill.

Alginate-based emulsion template containing high oil loading stabilized by nonionic surfactants.

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion-gel systems containing high oil payloads are of increasing interest for food applications because of the reduction in encapsulation cost, consumption frequency or volume of food products. This study shows a facile approach to prepare stable alginate-based O/W emulsions at high oil loading using a mixture of nonionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 20) as a template to form gelled-emulsions. The synergistic effects of alginate and surfactants on the O/W emulsion properties were evaluated in terms of oil droplet size and emulsion stability. At 2% (w/v) of alginate and 1% (w/v) of surfactants, the size distribution of oil droplets was narrow and monomodal, even at an oil loading of 70% (v/v). The emulsions formed were stable against phase separation. The oil droplet size could be further reduced to below 1 µm using a high-shear homogenizer. The emulsions formed could be easily molded and gelled into solids of different shapes via ionic gelation. The findings of this study create possible avenues for applications in food industries.