Cucumis melo seed oil: agro-food by-product with natural anti-hyperlipidemic potential.

BACKGROUND: Sweet melon (Cucumis melo) seed is generally considered as agro-waste, however, the current study aimed to use this waste as a valuable oil source. The seed oil extracted by two different extraction techniques (cold press and solvent extraction) was investigated for its anti-hyperlipidemic potential. Hyperlipidemic rabbits were fed on the diet supplemented with sweet melon seed oil for 6 weeks (42 days) and thoroughly examined for the change in their lipid profile. RESULTS: The blood lipid profile indicated a significant decrease in total cholesterol triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) contents of blood in hyperlipidemic rabbits fed on the diet supplemented with sweet melon seed oils while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) contents showed a noteworthy increase during the study period. CONCLUSION: Cucumis melo seed oil can be used to control hyperlipidemia without restricting the intake of lipids in diet. Solvent extraction provided better results regarding extraction yield and product functionality than cold press method. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phytochemical Screening, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antidiabetic Activities of Different Extracts from Caralluma edulis Plant.

The plant Caralluma edulis is traditionally used against diabetes and inflammatory conditions in Pakistan. This study was designed to provide scientific validation of the traditional use of Caralluma edulis. Phytochemicals were extracted from the plant by different solvents (distilled water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone) using the Soxhlet's extraction method. Bioactive compounds were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities (albumin denaturation, membrane stabilization, and proteinase inhibition) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH scavenging activity, FRAP reducing activity) of different extracts from Caralluma edulis were assessed. The antidiabetic potential of Caralluma edulis plant extracts was determined in acute and subacute diabetic rabbit models. Oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidant status were also estimated in MDA, CAT, and SOD levels. Results showed that the methanol extract yielded the highest contents of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant potential of the methanol extract were the highest among the tested solvents. The tested extracts did not show any remarkable antidiabetic activity in the acute diabetic model. However, all tested extracts demonstrated antidiabetic potential in the subacute diabetic model. No adverse effect was observed at the tested dose (200 mg/kg) of Caralluma edulis extracts in experimental animals. It is concluded that methanol is the key solvent for extracting bioactive compounds from Caralluma edulis. The plant can be used against inflammatory disorders and may prove a potential candidate for drug development. Long-term use of Caralluma edulis at the tested dose (200 mg/kg) showed antidiabetic properties in the animal model.

Production of ingredient type flavoured white enzyme modified cheese.

Enzyme modified white cheese (EMWC) was produced to use as flavouring ingredient. White cheese curd coupled with low fat was hydrolysed using combination of proteinases/peptidase to produce a range of proteolysed products followed by lipolysis. The results revealed that lowering pH 5.6 known to impart flavour strength of cheese. The inclusion of enzyme preparations significantly elevated free amino acids and free fatty acids. Developed EMWC had relatively higher levels of volatiles and improved sensory characteristics including less negative attributes such as, astringent, bitter, pungent, rancid, smoky, and more positive attributes, such as the strength of buttery, sweaty, caramel and nutty notes. Spray-dried EMWC powders had low moisture content and water activity values whereas, scanning electron micrographs showed spherical with a uniform distribution and large microparticles size. Because consumers like low fat products with cheese flavour, EMWCs are important products. Thus, process demonstrates the potential to be a cost-effective to produce EMWC flavour as ingredient and may suited to the products in which added.

Imitation of soymilk-cow's milk mixed enzyme modified cheese: their composition, proteolysis, lipolysis and sensory properties.

Combined use of soymilk-cow's milk is a novel approach in food industry and has great potential to developed products with numerous health benefits. This study aimed to develop the enzyme-modified cheeses (EMCs) using soymilk-cow's milk. The curd was hydrolysed using combination of proteinases/peptidase to produce a range of proteolysed products followed by lipolysis to create flavoured EMCs. Results showed that enzymes led to an increase in amino acids (AA), free fatty acids (FFA), complex volatiles, and improved sensory attributes. The EMCs showed higher mean values of AA, FFA and volatile compounds when prepared using Flavourzyme® in combination with Lipases AY30 and DF15. EMCs were less eggy, bitter, pungent, more buttery, saltier, nutty, and had sweet sensory characteristics. Overall, results demonstrated the potential of combined matrix to create a range of flavoured EMCs for a wider range of consumers.

Formulation, characterization and antimicrobial properties of black cumin essential oil nanoemulsions stabilized by OSA starch.

Preparation of oil-in-water nanoemulsions has emerged as a subject of interest for the encapsulation of lipophilic functional ingredients to increase their stability and activity. In this study, black cumin essential oil nanoemulsions (BCO-NE) using different ratios of essential oil with canola and flax seed oils (ripening inhibitors) were formulated and stabilized with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modified waxy maize starch. The nanoemulsions exhibited monomodal size distributions with mean droplet diameter below 200 nm and zeta potential above -30, indicating a strong electrostatic repulsion between the dispersed oil droplets. Further, during storage (4 weeks at 25 °C ± 2) emulsions showed shear thinning phenomena and stability towards coalescence. Antimicrobial properties of nanoemulsions were determined by minimum inhibitory concentration and time-kill method against two Gram-positive bacterial (GPB) strains (Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes). Negatively charged BCO-NE showed prolonged bactericidal activities as compared to pure BCO due to better stability, controlled release and self-assembly with GPB cell membrane followed by destruction of cellular constituents. Our results suggest the application of BCO-NE may be exploited in aqueous food systems for extending the shelf life and other functional properties.

Tobacco alkaloids reduction by casings added/enzymatic hydrolysis treatments assessed through PLSR analysis.

Based on encouraged development of potential reduced-exposure products (PREPs) by the US Institute of Medicine, casings (glucose and peptides) added treatments (CAT) and enzymatic (protease and xylanase) hydrolysis treatments (EHT) were developed to study their effect on alkaloids reduction in tobacco and cigarette mainstream smoke (MS) and further investigate the correlation between sensory attributes and alkaloids. Results showed that the developed treatments reduced nicotine by 14.5% and 24.4% in tobacco and cigarette MS, respectively, indicating that both CAT and EHT are potentially effective for developing lower-risk cigarettes. Sensory and electronic nose analysis confirmed the significant influence of treatments on sensory and cigarette MS components. PLSR analysis demonstrated that tobacco alkaloids were positively correlated to the off-taste, irritation and impact attributes, and negatively correlated to the aroma and softness attributes. Additionally, nicotine and anabasine from tobacco leaves positively contributed to the impact attribute, while they negatively contributed to the aroma attribute (P<0.05). Meanwhile, most alkaloids in cigarette MS positively contributed to the impact and irritation attributes (P<0.05). Hence, this study paved a way to better understand the correlation between tobacco alkaloids and sensory attributes.

Microencapsulation of Oils: A Comprehensive Review of Benefits, Techniques, and Applications.

Microencapsulation is a process of building a functional barrier between the core and wall material to avoid chemical and physical reactions and to maintain the biological, functional, and physicochemical properties of core materials. Microencapsulation of marine, vegetable, and essential oils has been conducted and commercialized by employing different methods including emulsification, spray-drying, coaxial electrospray system, freeze-drying, coacervation, in situ polymerization, melt-extrusion, supercritical fluid technology, and fluidized-bed-coating. Spray-drying and coacervation are the most commonly used techniques for the microencapsulation of oils. The choice of an appropriate microencapsulation technique and wall material depends upon the end use of the product and the processing conditions involved. Microencapsulation has the ability to enhance the oxidative stability, thermostability, shelf-life, and biological activity of oils. In addition, it can also be helpful in controlling the volatility and release properties of essential oils. Microencapsulated marine, vegetable, and essential oils have found broad applications in various fields. This review describes the recognized benefits and functional properties of various oils, microencapsulation techniques, and application of encapsulated oils in various food, pharmaceutical, and even textile products. Moreover, this review may provide information to researchers working in the field of food, pharmacy, agronomy, engineering, and nutrition who are interested in microencapsulation of oils.

Action mechanism of small and large molecule surfactant-based clove oil nanoemulsions against food-borne pathogens and real-time detection of their subpopulations.

Flow cytometry exactly discriminated three subpopulations, i.e., viable, damage and sublethal cells of L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and E. coli when treated at their MIC values. Purity gum ultra (PGU) a large molecule surfactant-based CO nanoemulsion exerted significant impact on cellular subpopulations of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, with more membrane-damaged cells. On the other hand, when compared with bulk CO the results showed minimum membrane damage and more viable cells, whereas PGU CO nanoemulsion showed minimum effect on cellular subpopulation and represented more viable than damaged cells in case of E. coli. Similarly, Tween 80 a small molecule surfactant-based CO nanoemulsion showed limited overall activity against three tested microorganisms with more viable cells. We conclude that it was due to sequestration of CO constituents in interfaces, less availability in aqueous phase and finally inhibit bactericidal activity. Moreover, both CO and CO nanoemulsions showed membrane damage as primary inactivation mechanism of tested bacterial cells.

Jejunal amyloidosis: a rare case presented with sudden weight loss and altered bowel habits.

Amyloidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by the extracellular deposition of abnormal protein fibrils in various tissues and organs. It is a systemic disease mainly affecting the kidneys, liver, and spleen. In the GI tract, the duodenum is most commonly involved, followed by the stomach. We came across a relatively unusual case of jejunal amyloidosis, where the presentation was with weight loss, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. Radiological findings were non-specific, such as thickening of small bowel loops and small nodular bowel wall lesions, etc. Endoscopic features were also not characteristic of any particular disease entity. Therefore, it was hard to narrow down the differential diagnosis based on endoscopy and clinic-radiological grounds. The diagnosis remained a mystery until the outcome of the final histopathology report. This case study will facilitate readers in considering this entity in the differential list if they encounter mimicking clinical and/or radiological features.

Succinylated starch emulsified Eugenol and Carvacrol nanoemulsions improved digestive stability, bio-accessibility and Salmonella typhimurium inhibition.

The ultrasonically processed Eugenol (EU) and Carvacrol (CAR) nanoemulsions (NE) were successfully optimized via response surface methodology (RSM) to achieve broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy. These NE were prepared using 2 % (w/w) purity gum ultra (i.e., succinylated starch), 10 % (v/v) oil phase, 80 % (800 W) sonication power, and 10 min of processing time as determined via RSM. The second order Polynomial method was suitable to RSM with a co-efficient of determination >0.90 and a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) ranging 0.12-0.19. NE had small droplet sizes (135.5-160 nm) and low volatility at high temperatures. The EU & CAR entrapment and heat stability (300 °C) confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, the volatility of EU & CAR NE was 18.18 ± 0.13 % and 12.29 ± 0.11 % respectively, being lower than that of bulk/unencapsulated EU & CAR (i.e., 23.48 ± 0.38 % and 19.11 ± 0.08 %) after 2 h at 90 °C. Interestingly, both EU & CAR NE showed sustained release behaviour till 48 h. Their digest could inhibit Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) via membrane disruption and access to cellular machinery as evident from SEM images. Furthermore, in-vivo bio-accessibility of EU & CAR in mice serum was up to 80 %. These cost-effective and short-processed EU/CAR NE have the potential as green preservatives for food industry.

DNA binding peptide CF-14 enhances bactericidal efficacy of eugenol/carvacrol nanoparticles to Escherichia coli.

To evaluate the bactericidal action of antimicrobial peptide CF-14, Eugenol (EU) and carvacrol (CAR) nanoparticles (NPs) less than 200 nm were surface-modified with CF14, gaining approximately 200 nm of EU-CF and CAR-CF NPs with swollen morphology. EU-CF and CAR-CF NPs were bactericidal to E. coli at dosage of 0.09% and 0.07% (v/v), respectively; while they were just bacteriostatic to Staphylococcus aureus at 0.10% and 0.08% (v/v). Spectral variations in bacterial carbohydrates (1185-900 cm-1), lipids (3000-2800 cm-1) and DNA (1500-1185 cm-1) were obvious as evident from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A higher percentage of membrane damaged (non-revivable) E. coli than S. aureus was found, which indicated electrostatic interactions between Gram-negative E. coli with cationic CF conjugated NPs leading to DNA disintegration. Interestingly, EU-CF and CAR-CF NPs inhibited E. coli growth in orange juice without impacting flavour compounds.

Assessment of land use/land cover changes and its effect on land surface temperature using remote sensing techniques in Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Land surface temperature (LST) is defined as a phenomenon which shows that microclimate of an urban system gets heated much faster than its surrounding rural climates. The expansion of buildings has a noteworthy influence on land use/land cover (LULC) due to conversion of vegetation land into commercial and residential areas and their associated infrastructure by which LST is accelerated. The objective of the research was to study the impact of changes in LULC on LST of Southern Punjab (Pakistan) through remote sensing (RS) data. Landsat images of 30-year duration (1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017) were employed for identifying vegetation indices and LST in the study region. These images also helped to work out normalized difference water index (NDWI) and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) maps. There was an increase from 29620 (3.63 %) to 88038 ha (10.8 %) in built-up area over the 30 years. LST values were found in the range 12-42 °C, 11-44 °C, 11-45 °C and 11-47 °C in the years 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017, respectively. Regression coefficients (R2) 0.81, 0.78, 0.84 and 0.76 were observed between NDVI and LST in the corresponding years respectively. Our study showed that NDVI and NDWI were negatively correlated with less LST; however, NDBI showed positive correlation with high LST. Our study gives critical information of LULC and LST and will be a helpful tool for policy makers for developing effective policies in managing land resources.

Determination of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, As, Hg, and Cd) into the body organs of selected fish, water, sediment, and soil samples from Head Punjnad and Head Taunsa, Punjab, Pakistan.

The present study was conducted on Head Punjnad (HP) and Head Taunsa (HT) to evaluate the contamination of Pb, Cr, As, Hg, and Cd in water, soil, sediment, fish as a whole and fish organs. Fish, water, soil and sediment samples were collected from different sites of HT and HP on a monthly basis for 8 months. Heavy metals in water, soil, and sediment were determined by a polarized Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometer and in fish and fish organs by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Contamination of Cd, Hg, and As was significantly (P<0.05) higher in water of HP as compared to HT, while Cr showed a non-significant (P>0.05) difference at HP and HT. Pb was significantly (P<0.05) higher in water of HT as compared to HP. In the case of soil, Cd, Hg, and Pb were higher at HT as compared to HP, while As and Cr were significantly (P<0.05) higher at HP as compared to HT. In sediment, contamination of Cd, Hg, and As were significantly (P<0.05) higher at HP as compared to HT, while the Cr difference was non-significant (P>0.05) but Pb showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher value at HT than HP. Cd accumulation in different fish species was recorded as R. rita ˃O. niloticus ˃C. marulius ˃S. sarwari ˃C. idella ˃C. catla ˃N. notopterus ˃E. vacha ˃L. rohita ˃C. carpio, respectively. Hg as O. niloticus ˃S. sarwari ˃R. rita ˃C. marulius ˃C. catla ˃N. notopterus ˃E. vacha ˃L. rohita ˃C. carpio ˃C. idella, respectively. As as O. niloticus ˃R. rita ˃S. sarwari ˃C. marulius ˃C. catla ˃C. carpio ˃N. notopterus ˃C. idella ˃E. vacha ˃L. rohita, respectively. Cr accumulation recorded as L. rohita ˃C. idella ˃O. niloticus ˃C. marulius ˃E. vacha ˃R. rita ˃C. catla ˃C. carpio ˃S. sarwari ˃N. notopterus, respectively. Pb accumulation in different fish species was recorded as C. idella ˃C. carpio ˃N. notopterus ˃L. rohita ˃O. niloticus ˃C. marulius ˃R. rita ˃S. sarwari ˃E. vacha ˃C. catla, respectively. Cd accumulation in different organs was recorded as kidney ˃liver ˃gills ˃muscle ˃skin ˃scale. Hg accumulation in different organs was recorded as kidney ˃gills ˃liver ˃skin ˃muscle ˃scale. As accumulation in different organs was recorded as kidney ˃liver ˃gills ˃muscle ˃skin ˃scale. Cr accumulation in different organs was recorded as gills ˃ liver ˃skin ˃muscle ˃kidney ˃scale. Pb accumulation in different organs was recorded as gills˃ kidney˃ skin˃ liver˃ muscle˃ scale.

Modification of the drug resistance of emerging milk-borne pathogens through sodium alginate-based antibiotics and nanoparticles.

Streptococcus agalactiae and Klebsiella pneumoniae are emerging as major milk-borne pathogens. Additionally, resistance to antibiotics of pathogens is of concern. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence and drug resistance of S. agalactiae and K. pneumoniae in mastitis milk samples and assessed the antimicrobial potential of sodium alginate (G)-stabilized MgO nanoparticles (M) and antibiotics (tylosin [T] and ampicillin [A]) against both of these pathogens. A total of n = 200 milk samples from cattle were collected using purposive sampling, and standard microbiological approaches were adopted to isolate target bacteria. Parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were used to analyze the obtained data. Four preparations, GT (gel-stabilized tylosin), GA (gel-stabilized ampicillin), GTM (tylosin and MgO nanoparticles stabilized in gel), and GAM (ampicillin and MgO nanoparticles stabilized in gel), were evaluated against both bacteria through well diffusion and broth microdilution method. The analysis revealed that 45.24% (95/210) of the milk samples were positive for mastitis, of which 11.58% (11/95) were positive for S. agalactiae and 9.47% (9/95) were positive for K. pneumoniae. S. agalactiae had a significantly higher zone of inhibition (ZOI) than K. pneumoniae against penicillin, tetracycline, and amoxicillin, whereas the opposite was observed against imipenem and erythromycin. All gel (G)-based preparations showed an increase in the percentage of ZOI compared with antibiotics alone, with GTM presenting the highest of all, i.e., 59.09 and 56.25% ZOI compared with tylosin alone against S. agalactiae and K. pneumoniae, respectively. Similarly, in a broth microdilution assay, the lowest MIC was found for K. pneumoniae (9.766 ± 0.0 µg/mL) against GTM, followed by GT, GAM, and GA after incubation for 24 h. A similar response was noted for preparations against S. agalactiae but with a comparatively higher MIC. A significant reduction in MIC with respect to incubation time was found at 8 h and remained until at 20 h against both pathogens. The cytotoxicity of the MgO nanoparticles used in this study was significantly lower than that of the positive control. Overall, this study found that K. pneumoniae and S. agalactiae appeared higher in prevalence and antimicrobial resistance, and sodium alginate-based antibiotics and MgO nanoparticles were effective alternative approaches for tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Administration of vitamin E and C enhances immunological and biochemical responses against toxicity of silver nanoparticles in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the toxic effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on biochemical biomarkers, immune responses, and the curative potential effects of vitamin C and E on grass carp. Fish (n = 420) with an average initial body weight of 8.045 ± 0.13 g were shifted to glass aquaria (36 x 18 x 18 inches, filled with 160-L tap water) in triplicates. Aquaria were randomly designated as A, B, C, D with alone Ag-NPs (Control (0), 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 mg/L) and E, F, G with Ag-NPs + Vit. C + Vit. E (0.25+0.25+0.25, 0.50+0.50+0.50, 0.75+0.75+0.75 mg/L). NPs particles were administrated viz, oral and intravenous routes for 7 days. The results indicated that both routes had non-significant effect, but levels of Ag-NPs had significant effect. Treatments C, D and G showed significant decrease in levels of RBC, HGB and HCT except for WBC and NEUT levels, which significantly increased. ALT, ALP, AST, urea, and creatinine showed significant increase in activity in the C, D, and G groups. CAT, SOD decreased significantly in all Ag-NPs alone groups, while significantly increased with vitamin E and C. LYZ, TP, ALB, GLB showed significant low activity in the B, C, and D groups while significantly high activity in the E, F, and G groups. Cortisol, glucose and triglycerides showed significant increase in the B, C, and D groups, while E, F, and G groups showed significant low levels of triglycerides, COR, and GLU. Cholesterol level was same across all treatment groups. In conclusion, vitamin E and C as powerful antioxidants protect the fish against Ag-NPs except high dose level of 0.75mg/L, while 0.25mg/L of Ag-NPs was presumably safe for C. idella.

Validity of resistive index for the diagnosis of malignant ovarian masses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of resistive index (RI) in conjunction to the morphological appearances. METHODS: Prospective cross sectional survey of 37 females with adnexal masses was selected through non probability sampling admitted in Obstetrics units, in a private hosital from January 2009 to March 2010. All women underwent transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound and ovarian masses were characterized as probably benign or possibly malignant on the basis of their sonographic appearance. The RI was calculated in every case and threshold RI of 0.40 was used to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. Later pathologic proof was obtained in every case. Validity of the RI was calculated considering the histopathology as gold standard. RESULTS: Out of these 37 masses, 19 were morphologically benign and pathology revealed the same results. The RI was less than 0.4 in 3 of these cases. Eighteen lesions were morphologically either malignant (or indeterminate). On pathologic examination, 7 were benign 2 were nonneoplastic masses and 9 were malignant neoplasm. The RI was greater than 0.4 in 8 of these cases and was less than 0.4 in only 2 of the eight lesions. Sensitivity of the RI was 18.18% in diagnosing the malignancy whereas the specificity was only 84.61%. Positive predictive value of RI to differentiate benign from malignant lesions was only 33.33% and negative predictive value was 70.96%. Thus the accuracy of the RI was 64.86% with precision of only 33.33%. CONCLUSION: Resistive index may improve specificity in characterizing malignant ovarian lesions on ultrasound but it can be misleading.

Influence of ultrasound on the functional characteristics of indigenous varieties of mango (Mangifera indica L.).

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic (US) treatment on chemical characteristics and antioxidant potential of pulps obtained from eight mango varieties indigenous to Pakistan. There was a significant (p < 0.05) effect of varieties and US treatment on chemical characteristics i.e. pH, acidity, TSS, vitamin C contents, total sugars (%), reducing sugars (%) and non-reducing sugars (%). Microstructure evaluation of pulp from all mango varieties showed deshaped middle lamella and cell wall of cells after 8 min of US treatment. At 4 min of US treatment as per shaped cell wall and middle lamella, the chemical characteristics and antioxidant potential were higher. The total phenolics (TP), flavonoids (TF) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of pulp from most varieties increased significantly (p < 0.05) after US treatment for 4 min but decreased successively after each treatment i.e. 8 and 12 min. The maximum value (314.17 µg AAE/mL pulp) of DPPH was shown by pulp from Dosehri and the minimum (158.67 µg AAE/mL pulp) was found in pulp from Langra before US treatment. The DPPH values of pulp from most of the varieties increased significantly (p < 0.05) after US treatment for 4 min but decreased successively after each treatment but pulp from Langra showed increasing trend after 8 min of US treatment which decreased after 12 min of treatment. The total anthocyanin (TA) values of pulp from Chaunsa, Dosehri, Sindhri, Gulab Khas and Langra increased abruptly after US treatment for 4 min but decreased successively after subsequent treatment. The pulp from Desi, Anwar Ratol, Gulab Khas and Langra showed an abrupt decrease in TA after 8 min of US treatment. An increasing trend of values of total carotenoids (TC) was shown by pulp from all mango varieties after 4 min of US treatment but decreasing trend was observed with subsequent increase in time of US treatment.

Green Synthesized Phytochemically (Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum) Reduced Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Confirmed Bactericidal and Catalytic Potential.

Phyto-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) having reduced chemical toxicity have been focused globally and become essential component of nanotechnology recently. We prepared green phytochemically (ginger and garlic) reduced NiO-NPs to replace synthetic bactericidal and catalytic agent in textile industry. NPs were characterized using ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesis of NPs was confirmed by XRD and UV-Vis having strong absorption at 350 nm with size ranged between 16-52 nm for ginger and 11-59 nm for garlic. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed pleomorphism with cubic- and more spherical-shaped NPs. Moreover, exact quantities of garlic and ginger extracts (1:3.6 ml) incorporated to synthesize NiO-NPs have been successfully confirmed by FTIR. Phytochemically reduced NPs by garlic presented enhanced bactericidal activity against multiple drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at increasing concentrations (0.5, 1.0 mg/50 µl) and also degraded methylene blue (MB) dye efficiently. Conclusively, green synthesized NiO-NPs are impending activists to resolve drug resistance as well as environment friendly catalytic agent that may be opted at industrial scale.

Soymilk-Cow's milk ACE-inhibiting enzyme modified cheese.

In present study, we developed and optimized soymilk-cow's milk enzyme-modified cheese with angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory activity. Bioactive peptide production was found to be a multivariable-dependent process. Maximum bioactivity of hydrolysates was obtained with prolonged curd proteolysis at an increased enzyme concentration. This bioactive cheese paste was subsequently spray-dried under different drying conditions to determine the powder sorption isotherm properties. Higher drying temperatures resulted in cheese powder with weak thermal stability and lower browning indices. Experiments aimed at optimizing thermal stability and physical properties revealed that optimal conditions for producing cheese powder were an inlet air temperature of 150°C, a feeding rate of 10%, and an air flow rate of 600Lh-1. Moreover, in addition to flavour, the bioactive cheese powders produced from a combination of soymilk-cow's milk are of potential source and can be used in the dietary management of hypertension.

pH and temperature stability of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex-loaded chitosan nanoparticles.

The oxidative stability of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) incorporated as inclusion complexes (ICs) in sulfobutylether-ß-cyclodextrin sodium (SBE-ß-CD) and then ionotropically crosslinked with chitosan hydrochloride (CSH) into nanoparticles were investigated. EGCG-loaded CSH-SBE-ß-CD nanoparticles (CSNs) were physically unstable at higher pH and temperature. The particle size of CSNs was unchanged in the pH range of 3-5, but the microenvironment of EGCG-IC appeared to be intact until the pH increased to 6.5 by fluorescence spectroscopy. The physical structure of EGCG-ICs was also affected during storage in addition to CSNs, which was further affected as temperature increased from 25 to 55°C. The decrease in antioxidant activities of EGCG-ICs and free EGCG with increasing pH, storage time and temperature were modest compared to the prominent decreases in antioxidant activities of EGCG-loaded CSNs. The extreme entrapment of EGCG-ICs and/or free EGCG in the aggregated CSNs restricted the release of EGCG, thus inhibiting the antioxidant activities.