Evaluation of Thermal Properties of Composites Prepared from Pistachio Shell Particles Treated Chemically and Polypropylene.

The purpose of the present work was to prepare polypropylene (PP) matrix composited filled with chemically treated pistachio shell particles (PTx), and evaluate their effect on the composites' thermal properties. PP-PTx composites were formulated in different PTx content (from 2 to 10 phr) in a mixing chamber, using the melt-mixing process. The PTx were chemically treated using a NaOH solution and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the treatment of pistachio shell particles resulted in the remotion of lignin and hemicellulose. The thermal stability was evaluated by means of TGA, where the presence of PTx in composites showed a positive effect compared with PP pristine. Thermal properties such as crystallization temperature (Tc), crystallization enthalpy (∆Hc), melting temperature (Tm) and crystallinity were determinate by means differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); these results suggest that the PTx had a nucleation effect on the PP matrix, increasing their crystallinity. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that stiffness of the composites increase compared with that PP pristine, as well as the storage modulus, and the best results were found at a PTx concentration of 4 phr. At higher concentrations, the positive effect decreased; however, they were better than the reference PP.

Assessment of Bleached and Unbleached Nanofibers from Pistachio Shells for Nanopaper Making.

Cellulose and lignocellulose nanofibrils were extracted from pistachio shells utilizing environmentally friendly pulping and totally chlorine-free bleaching. The extracted nanofibers were used to elaborate nanopaper, a continuous film made by gravimetric entanglement of the nanofibers and hot-pressed to enhance intramolecular bonding. The elaborated nanopapers were analyzed through their mechanical, optical, and surface properties to evaluate the influence of non-cellulosic macromolecules on the final properties of the nanopaper. Results have shown that the presence of lignin augmented the viscoelastic properties of the nanopapers by ≈25% compared with fully bleached nanopaper; moreover, the hydrophobicity of the lignocellulose nanopaper was achieved, as the surface free energy was diminished from 62.65 to 32.45 mNm-1 with an almost non-polar component and a water contact angle of 93.52°. On the other hand, the presence of lignin had an apparent visual effect on the color of the nanopapers, with a ΔE of 51.33 and a ΔL of -44.91, meaning a substantial darkening of the film. However, in terms of ultraviolet transmittance, the presence of lignin resulted in a practically nonexistent transmission in the UV spectra, with low transmittance in the visible wavelengths. In general, the presence of lignin resulted in the enhancement of selected properties which are desirable for packaging materials, which makes pistachio shell nano-lignocellulose an attractive option for this field.

Peroxide-Induced Synthesis of Maleic Anhydride-Grafted Poly(butylene succinate) and Its Compatibilizing Effect on Poly(butylene succinate)/Pistachio Shell Flour Composites.

Framing the Circular Bioeconomy, the use of reactive compatibilizers was applied in order to increase the interfacial adhesion and, hence, the physical properties and applications of green composites based on biopolymers and food waste derived lignocellulosic fillers. In this study, poly(butylene succinate) grafted with maleic anhydride (PBS-g-MAH) was successfully synthetized by a reactive melt-mixing process using poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and maleic anhydride (MAH) that was induced with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a radical initiator and based on the formation of macroradicals derived from the hydrogen abstraction of the biopolymer backbone. Then, PBS-g-MAH was used as reactive compatibilizer for PBS filled with different contents of pistachio shell flour (PSF) during melt extrusion. As confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), PBS-g-MAH acted as a bridge between the two composite phases since it was readily soluble in PBS and could successfully form new esters by reaction of its multiple MAH groups with the hydroxyl (-OH) groups present in cellulose or lignin of PSF and the end ones in PBS. The resultant compatibilized green composites were, thereafter, shaped by injection molding into 4-mm thick pieces with a wood-like color. Results showed significant increases in the mechanical and thermomechanical rigidity and hardness, meanwhile variations on the thermal stability were negligible. The enhancement observed was related to the good dispersion and the improved filler-matrix interfacial interactions achieved by PBS-g-MAH and also to the PSF nucleating effect that increased the PBS's crystallinity. Furthermore, water uptake of the pieces progressively increased as a function of the filler content, whereas the disintegration in controlled compost soil was limited due to their large thickness.

Nanoliposomes encapsulation of enriched phenolic fraction from pistachio hulls and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenic activities.

Aims: Owhadi is a popular commercial pistachio cultivar in Iran which could be an attractive source for natural bioactive compounds with health-promoting activity.Methods: The hulls subjected to fractionation and ethyl acetate fraction was a phenolic-enriched fraction (PEF). The PEF was encapsulated in nanoliposomes (PEF-NLs) as a newly developed delivery system. The phytochemical analysis of PEF-NLs confirmed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds.Results: The PEF-NLs indicated the strong antioxidant activity through up-regulation of the antioxidant-related genes in the murine hepatocyte. The PEF-NLs indicated the notable anti-inflammatory activity by scavenging the nitric oxide (NO) and reducing the NO production in the murine macrophage cells. The PEF-NLs have also exhibited the anti-melanogenic activity through direct tyrosinase enzyme inhibition and by modulating melanin biosynthesis genes in B16F10 melanoma cells.Conclusion: The PEF-NLs possessed the promising potential to be used for controlling skin pigmentation disorders and as a skin-whitening agent in the cosmetic industry.

Effect of Pistacia atlantica subsp. kurdica Gum in Experimental Periodontitis Induced in Wistar Rats by Utilization of Osteoclastogenic Bone Markers.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of local application of essential oil of Pistacia atlantica kurdica (EOK) gel in treatment of experimentally induced periodontitis in rats and its effect on osteoclastogenic bone markers. Twenty-four male Wistar rats of 250 to 350 g were used in this study and were allocated into four groups. Control negative (without induced periodontitis), control positive (induced experimental periodontitis left without treatment), treatment control (induced experimental periodontitis and treated with Chlorhexidine gel) and EOK treated group (induced experimental periodontitis treated with EOK gel). The animals were sacrificed after 30 days, and the mandibular central incisor and surrounding tissue were dissected from the mandible and further processed for preparing H&E slides. Inflammatory cells, osteoclast cells, and periodontal ligament (PDL) were examined and measured histologically. Finally, the mean concentrations of both markers, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) and (Interleukin-1ß) IL-1ß, were analyzed by ELISA. A significant reduction of inflammatory reaction and osteoclast numbers with improvement of PDL and low mean concentrations of RANKL and IL-1ß were seen in the EOK treated group in comparison to the control group and the chlorhexidine group as well. The extract showed a protective effect in the healing of periodontitis that had been induced in rats and decreased bone resorption by down regulation of serum RANKL and IL-1ß markers.

Compounds from Olea europaea and Pistacia lentiscus inhibit oral microbial growth.

BACKGROUND: In view of the increasing antibiotic resistance, the introduction of natural anti-infective agents has brought a new era in the treatment of bacterially derived oral diseases. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of five natural constituents of Olea europaea (oleuropein, maslinic acid, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, oleacein) and three compounds of Pistacia lentiscus (24Z-isomasticadienolic acid, oleanolic acid, oleanonic aldehyde) against ten representative oral bacterial species and a Candida albicans strain. After the isolation and quality control of natural compounds, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay were performed. RESULTS: Among all O. europaea-derived constituents, maslinic acid was the most active (MIC = 4.9-312 µg mL- 1, MBC = 9.8-25 µg mL- 1) one against oral streptococci and anaerobic pathogenic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra), while oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal and oleacein showed milder, yet significant effects against P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum. Among all P. lentiscus compounds, oleanolic acid was the most effective one against almost all microorganisms with MIC values ranging from 9.8 µg mL- 1 (P. gingivalis) to 625 µg mL- 1 (F. nucleatum, P. micra). In the presence of 24Z-isomasticadienolic acid, a mean inhibitory concentration range of 2.4 µg mL- 1 to 625 µg mL- 1 was observed for strict anaerobia. The MIC value for 24Z-isomasticadienolic acid was estimated between 39 µg mL- 1 (Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus oralis) and 78 µg mL- 1 (Streptococcus mutans). All tested compounds showed no effects against Prevotella intermedia. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, maslinic acid and oleanolic acid exerted the most significant inhibitory activity against the tested oral pathogens, especially streptococci and anaerobic oral microorganisms.

Five Pistacia species (P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. khinjuk, and P. lentiscus): a review of their traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

Pistacia, a genus of flowering plants from the family Anacardiaceae, contains about twenty species, among them five are more popular including P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, P. khinjuk, and P. lentiscus. Different parts of these species have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes like tonic, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antihypertensive and management of dental, gastrointestinal, liver, urinary tract, and respiratory tract disorders. Scientific findings also revealed the wide pharmacological activities from various parts of these species, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antitumor, antihyperlipidemic, antiatherosclerotic, and hepatoprotective activities and also their beneficial effects in gastrointestinal disorders. Various types of phytochemical constituents like terpenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and sterols have also been isolated and identified from different parts of Pistacia species. The present review summarizes comprehensive information concerning ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of the five mentioned Pistacia species.

The effect of packaging and storage time on quality of clustered fresh pistachio.

Pistachio is one of the valuable, very nutritious, and high-energy fruits that is mainly dried and used as a snack due to problems with storage. Therefore, to investigate on how to extend clustered fresh pistachios' shelf-life, the effects of various packaging and storage conditions on the pistachios are presented in this study. Thus, clustered in-hull fresh pistachios were packaged in: (a) Polyethylene film, 45 µm in thickness; (b) polypropylene/polyethylene/polyamide/polyethylene/aluminum foil multilayer film, 90 µm in thickness; (c) both films with alcoholic paper; in air, and under two gas mixtures of 88%N2 + 10%CO2 + 2%O2 and 83%N2 + 15%CO2 + 2%O2 . Samples were refrigerated at 5 ± 1°C for 3 months. Quality factors such as moisture content, weight loss, respiration rate, pH, texture, and appearance of the samples were monitored for fresh pistachio kernels and clustered pistachios. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the shelf-life of MAP samples drastically increased compared to the control (packages without gaseous and alcoholic paper). A comparison of means among the groups suggests that the multilayer bags of fresh clustered pistachios with a mixture of 83%N2 + 15%CO2 + 2%O2 for a 3-month storage period is a particularly effective treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: It is the first time that fresh pistachio is packaged in clusters (bundle). It seems that the packaging of fresh pistachio clusters, in addition to the benefits mentioned in this paper has a psychological effect on the consumer in terms of the naturalness of this product and has added value due to being considered an organic, luxurious, and delicacy food product. Therefore, in this study, the active MAP method that includes the technique of injecting carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen into the packaging was used to investigate its effects on the properties and shelf-life of raw clustered pistachios for fresh consumption.

Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of bacterial cellulose coated with Pistacia atlantica fruit oil.

BACKGROUND: Biological activities of Pistacia atlantica have been investigated for few decades. The fruit oil of the plant has been used for treatment of wounds, inflammation, and other ailments in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study were to analyze the chemical composition of Pistacia atlantica fruit oil and to study wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of oil-absorbed bacterial cellulose in an in vivo burn wound model. METHOD: Bacterial cellulose membrane was prepared from Kombucha culture and Fourier-transform infrared was used to characterize the bacterial cellulose. Cold press technique was used to obtain Pistacia atlantica fruit oil and the chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. Bacterial cellulose membrane was impregnated with the Pistacia atlantica fruit oil. Pistacia atlantica hydrogel was prepared using specific Carbopol. Burn wound model was used to evaluate in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of the wound dressings containing either silver sulfadiazine as positive control, Pistacia atlantica hydrogel or bacterial cellulose membrane coated with the Pistacia atlantica fruit oil. Blank dressing was used as negative control. RESULTS: FT-IR analysis showed that the structure of the bacterial cellulose corresponded with the standard FT-IR spectrum. The major components of Pistacia atlantica fruit oil constituted linoleic acid (38.1%), oleic acid (36.9%) and stearic acid (3.8%). Histological analysis showed that bacterial cellulose coated with fruit oil significantly decreased the number of neutrophils as a measure of inflammation compared to either negative control or positive control (p < 0.05). Wound closure occurred faster in the treated group with fruit oil-coated bacterial cellulose compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that bacterial cellulose coated with Pistacia atlantica fruit oil can be a potential bio-safe dressing for wound management.

Why Should Pistachio Be a Regular Food in Our Diet?

The pistachio is regarded as a relevant source of biologically active components that, compared to other nuts, possess a healthier nutritional profile with low-fat content composed mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids, a high source of vegetable protein and dietary fibre, remarkable content of minerals, especially potassium, and an excellent source of vitamins, such as vitamins C and E. A rich composition in terms of phytochemicals, such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and, importantly, phenolic compounds, makes pistachio a powerful food to explore its involvement in the prevention of prevalent pathologies. Although pistachio has been less explored than other nuts (walnut, almonds, hazelnut, etc.), many studies provide evidence of its beneficial effects on CVD risk factors beyond the lipid-lowering effect. The present review gathers recent data regarding the most beneficial effects of pistachio on lipid and glucose homeostasis, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation that essentially convey a protective/preventive effect on the onset of pathological conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, CVD, and cancer. Likewise, the influence of pistachio consumption on gut microbiota is reviewed with promising results. However, population nut consumption does not meet current intake recommendations due to the extended belief that they are fattening products, their high cost, or teething problems, among the most critical barriers, which would be solved with more research and information.

Formulation of liposomes loading lentisk oil to ameliorate topical delivery, attenuate oxidative stress damage and improve cell migration in scratch assay.

Pistacia lentiscus L. is a sclerophyllous shrub capable of growing under harsh climatic conditions especially in the Mediterranean Basin. Different products can be obtained from this plant, such as essential oil, mastic gum or even fixed oil. The last is well known for its flavor which is mainly exploited in the food industry. Additionally, it has been traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases, but, at the moment, any suitable formulation for skin delivery has been formulated and its biological effects was not deeply confirmed. Given that, in the present study, the lentisk oil has been formulated in liposomes at different concentrations (10, 20, 30 mg/ml) and their physicochemical, technological and main biological properties have been evaluated. Vesicles were prepared by using natural soy lecithin and a green and organic solvent free method, thus obtaining spherical, small (~ 118 nm), homogeneously dispersed (0.27) and highly negatively charged (~ -62 mV) vesicles. The used amount of oil loaded in liposomes (10, 20, 30 mg/ml) modulated the penetration ability of vesicles in the skin, favoring the deposition of the payload in the deeper strata. The loading in the vesicles potentiated the ability of oil to counteract the damaging effects caused by hydrogen peroxide in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and facilitate their migration in a cell monolayer lesion. Overall findings suggested that the incorporation of lentisk oil in liposomes made from soy lecithin can be an alternative and natural approach to exploit it in pharmaceutical ad cosmetical applications and manufacturing natural products suitable for the treatment of skin lesions.

Anthelmintic activity of some Mediterranean browse plants against parasitic nematodes.

The anthelmintic properties of tannin-rich plants are being explored as an alternative to chemical drugs. Most data have been acquired on legume forages, but only few on browse plants. The present study aimed to (i) screen the in vitro effects of extracts from 7 Mediterranean plants on Haemonchus contortus, (ii) verify the role of tannins using an inhibitor, polyvinyl polypyrrolidone (PVPP) and (iii) verify the in vivo effects of extracts from 4 plants. Significant inhibition was shown in vitro using a larval migration inhibition (LMI) assay for all extracts except that from Olea europaea var. koroneiki. After adding PVPP, the LMI values were restored to control levels for all plants except Pistacia lentiscus and Ceratonia siliqua, confirming a role for tannins in the activity. In the in vivo experiment, 48 lambs composed 6 groups, depending on diet. On Day 0, groups G1-G5 received H. contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae and G6 remained uninfected. The various diets were distributed from Days 14 to 45: P. lentiscus (G1), Quercus coccifera (G2), C. siliqua (G3), Onobrychis viciifolia (G4), or Medicago sativa for the 2 control groups (G5, G6). Egg excretion, packed cell volumes (PCVs) and inorganic phosphate were measured weekly throughout the entire experimental period. At slaughter, the worms were enumerated and their fecundity assessed. Consumption of the 4 browser plants did not provoke differences in pathophysiological measurements but there were significant decreases in egg excretion, mainly explained by significant decreases in worm fecundity for both species, without any statistical difference in worm numbers.

FT-IR spectroscopy and morphological study of functionalized cellulosic fibers: Evaluation of their dyeing properties using biological Pistacia vera hulls by-product extract.

The repulsion between cellulose and anionic entities could be overcome by imparting cationic sites on its structure. In this work, we studied the treatment of cotton fabric with different amounts of chitosan bio-polymer (0.0125-0.075%), dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride and diallylamin co-polymer (1-5%), alum (0.5-20 g/L), and sodium chloride (2-40 g/L) in order to improve their dyeing behaviors with an ecological extract of Pistacia vera hulls by-products. The chemical modification of the cellulosic fibers was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The unmodified and modified cellulosic samples were, then, dyed with Pistacia vera extract. The dyeing characteristics were assessed through the measurements of the color coordinates and the color strength. Results showed that the dyeing performance followed the order: Cotton-dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride and diallylamin co-polymer (K/S = 9.6) > Cotton-Chitosan (K/S = 8.97) > Cotton-Alum (8.84) > Cotton-NaCl (K/S = 6.06) > Untreated cotton (K/S = 1.98). All dyed samples exhibited good fastness to washing, rubbing and light. Overall, it has shown in this study that the functionalization of cellulose structure could greatly improve its dyeing behavior depending on the cationic sites number.

Antibacterial activity of plant species used for oral health against Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the keystone pathogen of periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease which causes tooth loss and deterioration of gingiva. Medicinal plants have been traditionally used for oral hygiene and health and might play a role as antibacterial agents against oral pathogens. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of plants used for oral hygiene or symptoms of periodontitis against P. gingivalis. We first reviewed the literature to identify plant species used for oral hygiene or symptoms of periodontitis. Then, we cross-checked this species list with our in-house library of plant extracts to select extracts for testing. Antibacterial activity tests were then performed for each plant extract against P. gingivalis, and their cytotoxicity was assessed on HaCaT cells. The selectivity index (SI) was then calculated. A total of 416 plant species belonging to 110 families and 305 genera were documented through our literature search, and 158 plant species were noted as being used by North American Native peoples Once cross-checked with the extracts contained in our library of natural products, 30 matches were identified and 21 were defined as high priority. Of the 109 extracts from 21 plant species selected and tested, 21 extracts from 11 plants had higher than 90% inhibition on P. gingivalis at 64 µg/mL and were further selected for MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) assays. Out of 21 plant extracts, 13 extracts (7 plant species) had a SI > 10. Pistacia lentiscus fruits showed the best MIC with value of 8 µg/mL, followed by Zanthoxylum armatum fruits/seeds with a MIC of 16 µg/mL. P. lentiscus fruits also showed the highest SI of 256. Most of the extracts tested present promising antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity. Further testing for biofilm eradication and examination of activity against other dental pathogens and oral commensals should be performed to confirm the potential of these extracts as antibacterial agents. Future work will focus on application of a bioassay-guided fractionation approach to isolating and identifying the most active natural products in the top performing extracts. This study can serve as a basis for their future development as ingredients for oral hygiene products.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Biocompatibility of Essential Oil Extracted from the Gum of Pistacia atlantica Kurdica.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the antibacterial effect of essential oil extracted from the gum of Pistacia atlantica Kurdica against Porphyromonas gingivalis and histological evaluation of an experimental gel of the extract in wound healing in the back subcutaneous tissue of Wistar rats. METHODS: Clinical strains of bacteria obtained from subgingival plaque samples of individuals having periodontitis, isolation, and confirmation were done by conventional microbiological tests and molecular technique. Essential oil was extracted by using hydrodistillation method; antibacterial activity has been determined by two fold serial dilution method. Histological evaluation conducted on fifteen Wistar rats. Incisions were made on the dorsal surface of each animal for implanting of 3 polysilicone tubes (empty, tetracycline gel, and the experimental gel). After 1, 4, and 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the specimens were prepared histologically. RESULT: The extract demonstrated antimicrobial effect and significant wound healing in the different study durations particularly our product showed progression in epidermal wound healing and decrease in cellularity and scoring of inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: The extract was able to pose inhibitory and bactericidal activity against P. gingivalis and the experimental gel was able to have a good wound healing that enable it to be considered as a compatible material.

Cytotoxic Effects of Pistacia Atlantica (Baneh) Fruit Extract on Human KB Cancer Cell Line.

Plants with anticancer properties are considered as cancer preventive and treatment sources, due to their some biological effects. Apoptosis induction and anti-proliferative effects of Baneh extract on various cancer cell lines have been reported. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of this fruit on KB and human gingival fibroblast cell lines (HGF). KB and HGF cells were treated with various concentrations of ethanolic Baneh extract and cisplatin as positive control. Cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction were investigated using WST-1 and Annexin V assays. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and student's t-tests. IC50 after 24 and 48 hours treatment were respectively 2.6 and 1 mg/mL for KB cell line, and 1.5 and 1.6 mg/mL for HGF cell. During 48 hours Baneh extract induced apoptosis without significant necrosis, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The induction of apoptosis in KB cells was significantly higher than HGF. It seems that ethanolic extract of Baneh contains compounds that can suppress KB cell growth through the induction of apoptosis. Within 48 hours, less cytotoxic effects were observed on normal fibroblast cells; therefore, it might be a potential anticancer agent.

Production of cellulose nanocrystals from pistachio shells and their application for stabilizing Pickering emulsions.

This study presents isolation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from pistachio shell and their application to stabilize Pickering emulsion. Pistachio shell (PS) is an agro-waste with an attractive source of cellulose. Alkali and bleaching treatments were performed for removing hemicellulose and lignin and purification of cellulose, while cellulose nanocrystals were obtained by acid hydrolysis. Hydrolysis using H2SO4 was very severe that led to formation of amorphous structures. While, hydrolysis reaction by HCl for 180min in concentration of 3M was recognized as the best conditions to extract CNCs with yield of 77.1% and crystallinity of 79.4%. FE-SEM images represented both rod-like and spherical shapes of CNC and TEM image showed particles with mean diameter of 68.8±20.7nm. Chemical structure and thermal properties of CNC were characterized by FTIR and TGA analysis. In order to evaluate emulsifier ability of CNCs, different concentrations of CNCs were dispersed in an oil in water emulsions as the Pickering agent. By increasing the CNC concentration, stability of emulsions against heating, stresses and storage time enhanced while the mean diameter of oil droplets decreased. The results of this study indicated high potential of CNCs as an environmental friendly material for food emulsion preparation.

Comparison of unusual carbon-based working electrodes for electrochemiluminescence sensors.

In this work, unconventional carbon-based materials were investigated for use in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) working electrodes. Precursors such as bamboo, pistachio shells, kevlar® fibers and camphor were differently treated and used as working electrodes in ECL experiments. After a proper process they were assembled as electrodes and tested in an electrochemical cell. Comparison among them and with a commercial glassy carbon electrode (GCE) shows a very good response for all of them thus demonstrating their potential use as disposable low-cost electrodes for early detection electrochemical analysis.

Nanoliposomal carriers for improvement the bioavailability of high - valued phenolic compounds of pistachio green hull extract.

In present study, nanoliposomes were prepared by thin hydration method with different concentrations of phenolic compounds (500, 750 and 1000ppm) of pure extract and lecithin (1, 2 and 3%w/w) and characterized by considering the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and morphology. The results showed that nanoliposome (90.39-103.78nm) had negative surface charge varied from -51.5±0.9 to -40.2±0.2mV with a narrow size distribution (PDI≈0.069-0.123). Nanoliposomes composed of 1% lecithin with 1000ppm of phenolic compounds had the highest EE (52.93%). The FTIR analysis indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between the polar zone of phospholipid and the OH groups of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds also increased phase transition temperature (Tc) of nanoliposomes (2.01-7.24°C). Moreover, nanoliposomes had considerable stability during storage. Consequently, liposome is an efficient carrier for protection and improving PGHE biofunctional actives in foodstuffs.

Antimicrobial Effects of Mastic Extract Against Oral and Periodontal Pathogens.

BACKGROUND: Various antimicrobial agents are widely used in the therapy of oral inflammatory diseases. However, their side effects and the appearance of drug resistance justify research on natural antimicrobial agents to target oral pathogens that are safe for the host. In the present study, antimicrobial properties of mastic extract on commensal and pathogenic oral bacteria, as well as its possible cytotoxic effect toward cells of epithelial and mesenchymal origin, were evaluated and compared with the common antimicrobial agents hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). METHODS: Oral and periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans [Sm], Streptococcus oralis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella nigrescens) were treated with different concentrations of mastic extract, 3% H2O2, and 0.2% CHX, and evaluated with an agar diffusion test. The cytotoxic effect of mastic extract was tested on four cell lines of epithelial and mesenchymal origin (HaCaT, SaOS-2, MC3T3-E1, periodontal ligament [PDL] cells) by neutral red and 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assay. RESULTS: Mastic extract led to significantly (P ≤0.016) increased inhibition of the tested periodontal pathogens compared with H2O2. No effect of mastic extract was observed on Sm. Mastic extract showed beneficial effects on cell viability because viability values of tested cells were significantly (P ≤0.016) lower for cells treated with CHX and H2O2 compared with mastic extract-treated cells after stimulation for 2, 4, and 6 hours. CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrate mastic extract's inhibition of periodontal pathogens, as well as beneficial effects on cell viability, compared with H2О2, suggesting that it could be considered an alternative antibacterial agent in the prevention of periodontal disease.