Core-shell structured hollow copper sulfide@metal-organic framework for magnetic resonance imaging guided photothermal therapy in second near-infrared biological window.

Multifunctional core-shell hybrids formed by integration of metal-organic framework (MOF) and functional materials have attracted extensive attention as promising theranostic nanoplatforms due to their combined novel properties and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Recently, the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) laser-induced photothermal therapy (PTT) as compared to the NIR-I(700-950 nm) laser-induced PTT has displayed improved therapeutic effects owing to its merits that include deeper tissue penetration and increased maximum permissible exposure. Herein, a novel core-shell hollow copper sulfide@metal-organic framework (HCuS@MIL-100) has been successfully fabricated by a layer-by-layer technique for the first time and their collective theranostic effects are investigated in vitro and in vivo. In this platform, the inner HCuS was applied as the NIR-II photothermal agent with excellent NIR-II absorption feature, leading to impressive photothermal effects under irradiation by 1064 nm light. With MIL-100 as the shell, HCuS@MIL-100 not only displayed optimal biocompatibility but also presented superior T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ability. In the current study multifunctional hollow core-shell HCuS@MIL-100 are fabricated for the MRI-guided PTT. This study also offers a facile and effective strategy for the development of novel theranostic platforms with high efficiency through the integration of MOFs and functional materials.

Preparation, characterization, structural analysis and antioxidant activities of phosphorylated polysaccharide from Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) flower.

In this study, phosphorylation effects on the monosaccharide composition, structural attributes, morphology and radical-scavenging activities of Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) flower polysaccharides were investigated. Sanchi flower phosphorylated polysaccharides mainly comprised of Man, Rha, GluA, GalA, Glu, Gal and Xyl, but lacked GluN, Rib, Arab and Fuc in their compositions. FTIR analysis of phosphorylated polysaccharides showed an emergence of new absorption peak around spectral region of 1254 cm-1. NMR and FTIR analyses were indicative of the successful phosphorylation of the Sanchi flower polysaccharides. The introduction of phosphate groups into polysaccharides led to the induction of pore-like structures in polysaccharides configuration. Phosphorylation of polysaccharides led to concentration-dependent increasing tendencies in radical-scavenging activities. These findings demonstrated the positive impact of phosphorylation on Sanchi flower polysaccharides, which could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent.

A reversible and stable doping technique to invert the carrier polarity of MoTe2.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials can be implemented in several functional devices for future optoelectronics and electronics applications. Remarkably, recent research on p-n diodes by stacking 2D materials in heterostructures or homostructures (out of plane) has been carried out extensively with novel designs that are impossible with conventional bulk semiconductor materials. However, the insight of a lateral p-n diode through a single nanoflake based on 2D material needs attention to facilitate the miniaturization of device architectures with efficient performance. Here, we have established a physical carrier-type inversion technique to invert the polarity of MoTe2-based field-effect transistors (FETs) with deep ultraviolet (DUV) doping in (oxygen) O2and (nitrogen) N2gas environments. A p-type MoTe2nanoflake transformed its polarity to n-type when irradiated under DUV illumination in an N2gaseous atmosphere, and it returned to its original state once irradiated in an O2gaseous environment. Further, Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements were employed to support our findings, where the value of the work function changed from ∼4.8 and ∼4.5 eV when p-type MoTe2inverted to the n-type, respectively. Also, using this approach, an in-plane homogeneous p-n junction was formed and achieved a diode rectifying ratio (If/Ir) up to ∼3.8 × 104. This effective approach for carrier-type inversion may play an important role in the advancement of functional devices.

Impact of drying and micronization on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of celery stalk.

BACKGROUND: The influence of convective drying and ball-mill treatment of celery stalk on particle size distribution, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities were analyzed in this study. RESULTS: Ball-milling of celery stalk dried at temperatures of 50, 75 and 100 °C resulted in decreased average particle sizes of 48.8, 10.5 and 7.2 µm, respectively. Bulk density was increased with reduced particle size. Darker (L*) and reddish (a*) powders were formed at higher temperatures, while ball-milling increased greenness (-a*) of powders dried at 50 and 75 °C. Total content of phenol compounds increased with increasing temperature. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power were affected by ball-milling for 24 h and drying at elevated temperatures. Iron chelating ability was unaffected by increasing temperature or reduced particle size. CONCLUSION: Increasing drying temperatures not only decreased the average particle size of powders, but also increasingly reduced particle size after ball-milling. Micronization of celery stalk dried at the highest temperature had the best antioxidant activities. Drying and ball-milling were not highly deleterious to the major phenolic structures. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nanotechnology in meat processing and packaging: potential applications - a review.

Growing demand for sustainable production, increasing competition and consideration of health concerns have led the meat industries on a path to innovation. Meat industries across the world are focusing on the development of novel meat products and processes to meet consumer demand. Hence, a process innovation, like nanotechnology, can have a significant impact on the meat processing industry through the development of not only novel functional meat products, but also novel packaging for the products. The potential benefits of utilizing nanomaterials in food are improved bioavailability, antimicrobial effects, enhanced sensory acceptance and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds. However, challenges exist in the application of nanomaterials due to knowledge gaps in the production of ingredients such as nanopowders, stability of delivery systems in meat products and health risks caused by the same properties which also offer the benefits. For the success of nanotechnology in meat products, challenges in public acceptance, economics and the regulation of food processed with nanomaterials which may have the potential to persist, accumulate and lead to toxicity need to be addressed. So far, the most promising area for nanotechnology application seems to be in meat packaging, but the long term effects on human health and environment due to migration of the nanomaterials from the packaging needs to be studied further. The future of nanotechnology in meat products depends on the roles played by governments, regulatory agencies and manufacturers in addressing the challenges related to the application of nanomaterials in food.

Impact of water combined wet ball milling extraction and functional evaluation of dietary fiber from papaya (Carica papaya L).

This study evaluates the structural, physicochemical, functional and rheological properties of papaya dietary fibers (DFs) extracted by alkaline, water and combination of water/wet ball milling. The particle size of DF subjected to water/wet ball milling (WB-DF) was considerably reduced compared to DF extracted by water (W-DF) or alkaline (AL-DF) methods. WB-DF in comparison AL-DF increased the water holding capacity (WHC) by 4.1 folds, oil holding capacity (OHC) by 1.7 folds and water swelling capacity (WSC) by 2.6 folds. WB-DF also improved the cholesterol adsorption capacity (CAC), glucose adsorption (GAC), nitrite-ion adsorption capacity (NIAC) and antioxidant activity. The FT-IR spectra displayed changes in peak intensities observed in the three modified DFs. In addition, WB-DF showed highest viscosity among all smaples. The distributions of monosaccharides in the DFs were affected by the different extractions. Consequently, DFs extracted through the water/wet ball milling exhibit significant potential for applications in the functional food industry.

Modification of Ginseng Insoluble Dietary Fiber by Enzymatic Method: Structural, Rheological, Thermal and Functional Properties.

In this study, the effects of enzymatic modification using cellulase/xylanase on the composition and structural and functional properties of ginseng insoluble dietary fiber (G-IDF) were evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microcopy showed that enzymatic extraction treatment caused obvious structural alterations in ginseng-modified (G-MIDF) samples, which exhibited more porous and completely wrinkled surfaces. Comparing the peak morphology of G-MIDF with untreated IDF using X-ray diffractometry, the G-MIDF sample exhibited split peaks at a 2θ angle of 23.71°, along with the emergence of sharp peaks at 28.02°, 31.78°, and 35.07°. Thermo-gravimetric analysis showed that G-MIDF exhibited a specified range of pyrolysis temperature and is suitable for food applications involving processing at temperatures below 300 °C. Overall, it was evident from rheograms that both G-IDF and G-MIDF exhibited a resemblance with respect to viscosity changes as a function of the shear rate. Enzymatic treatment led to significant (p < 0.05) improvement in water holding, oil retention, water swelling, nitrite ion binding, bile acid binding, cholesterol absorption, and glucose absorption capacities.

The role of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) in cancers.

Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a serine/threonine kinase family member of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks). MLK3 has been implicated in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis depending on the cellular contexts. Notwithstanding the involvement of MLK3 in several cancers, the precise roles of MLK3 are not completely understood. This review evaluates the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with MLK3, which play a major role in malignancies that include breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric and prostate cancer. Since early detection of cancer is critical, this review discusses the potential of MLK3 as a predictive biomarker, which could likely help in clinical decision-making. Importantly, the efficacy of targeting MLK3 via different therapeutic approaches is also explored.

The Influence of Different Extraction Methods on the Structure, Rheological, Thermal and Functional Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) Flower.

The influence of different extraction methods, such as acidic (AC), enzymatic (EN), homogenization (H), ultrsonication (U) and alkali (AL), on structure, rheological, thermal and functional properties of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from Sanchi flower was evaluated in this study. The highest extraction yield (23.14%) was obtained for AL-SDF extract. Glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal) were found to be the major constituents in Sanchi SDF. Homogenization and Ultrsonication treatments caused significant compaction of pores in the microstructures. FTIR analysis showed increased hydrolysis of pectin and hemicellulose in U, AL and AC-SDF extracts. H-SDF and AC-SDF exhibited similar shear rate change with the rise in shear stress. H-SDF was thermally more stable than other SDF extracts. Among all extraction methods, H-SDF and U-SDF exhibited the highest water holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), Bile acid-adsorption capacity (BAC), Cholesterol-adsorption capacity (CAC) and Glucose adsorption capacity (GAC). Thus, Sanchi flower SDF with improved functional properties could be utilized as a functional food ingredient in the development of various food products.

Micro- and nanoplastic contamination in livestock production: Entry pathways, potential effects and analytical challenges.

The abundant and widespread presence of particulate plastics in the environment is considered an area of increasing environmental, animal and human health concern. Despite the abundance and the potential to cause deleterious biological effects, studies related to the impact of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) on livestock animals are limited. This review evaluates the sources and entry pathways of particulate plastics in all the types of livestock production systems. The potential health effects of MNPs on mouse models, ruminant animals and a few other livestock animals are discussed. Since evaluation of MNPs in almost all types of matrices in hindered by analytical challenges, this review also evaluates the commonly used methods, emerging techniques, and quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA) procedures. Plastic mulching, fragmentation of plastic wastes and stream water runoff have been identified as major routes of MNPs entry in grazing-based and mixed livestock production systems. Notwithstanding the controlled indoor environment and relatively efficient waste management, MNPs have been detected in industrial livestock systems. The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of chemical toxicants can exacerbate the adverse effects of MNPs on higher trophic level species. Although there are several methods for the analysis of MNPs, dearth of standardized methods, certified reference materials, MPs standards, and global database libraries are major impediments. The adverse effects of MNPs on the internal organs of different livestock animals have to be studied using large sample sizes and without raising ethical concerns. Importantly, investigations on the accurate quantification of MNPs and its adverse effects in various livestock animals using rapid, cost-effective and robust analytical methods are required.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Curing Potentials of Micronized Celery Powders added to Pork Sausages.

Meat industries utilize plant material such as celery in cured meat products. Extraction of valuable bioactive compounds, nitrates and nitrites often involves processes that increase cost or lack sustainability. Thus, this study investigated the effect of ball-milled celery powders (CP) on the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties along with curing efficiency in comminuted meat product. Pork sausages loaded with CPs with different average particle sizes: 265 µm (T1), 68 µm (T2) and 7 µm (T3) were compared to those added without and with sodium nitrite (150 ppm). The a* values were increased for sausages with larger particle size. The L* values decreased for all CPs. Residual nitrite for all particle sizes increased in the earlier stages and decreased at the end of storage period. The curing efficiency also increased for larger size particles with an increase until day 9 followed by a gradual decrease. Superfine CP had a tendency to improve the antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity of CPs was not comparable with nitrite added sausages. The textural parameters remained unaffected by particle size. Thus, instead of extracts or juices, micronized CPs could be used to improve the antioxidant activities and curing efficiency of label friendly reformulated meat products.

A Review on LDH-Smart Functionalization of Anodic Films of Mg Alloys.

This review presents an overview of the recent developments in the synthesis of layered double hydroxide (LDH) on the anodized films of Mg alloys prepared by either conventional anodizing or plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and the applications of the formed composite ceramics as smart chloride traps in corrosive environments. In this work, the main fabrication approaches including co-precipitation, in situ hydrothermal, and an anion exchange reaction are outlined. The unique structure of LDH nanocontainers enables them to intercalate several corrosion inhibitors and release them when required under the action of corrosion-relevant triggers. The influences of different variables, such as type of cations, the concentration of salts, pH, and temperature, immersion time during the formation of LDH/anodic film composites, on the electrochemical response are also highlighted. The correlation between the dissolution rate of PEO coating and the growth rate of the LDH film was discussed. The challenges and future development strategies of LDH/anodic films are also highlighted in terms of industrial applications of these materials.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Freezing Rate and Quality Characteristics to Establish a New Standard for the Rapid Freezing of Pork.

This study evaluated the effect of freezing rate on the quality characteristics of pork loin to establish an objective standard for rapid freezing. To generate various freezing rates, three air flow rates (0, 1.5, and 3.0 m/s) were applied under three freezing temperatures (-20°C, -30°C, and -40°C). Based on the results, freezing rates ranged from 0.26-1.42 cm/h and were graded by three categories, i.e, slow (category I, >0.4 cm/h), intermediate (category II, 0.6-0.7 cm/h) and rapid freezing (category III, >0.96 cm/h). Both temperature and the air flow rate influenced the freezing rate, and the freezing rate affected the ice crystal size and shear force in pork loin. However, the air flow rate did not affect thawing loss, drip loss or the color of pork loins. In the comparison of freezing rates, pork belonging to category II did not show a clear difference in quality parameters from pork in category I. Furthermore, pork in category III showed fresh meat-like qualities, and the quality characteristics were clearly distinct from those of category I. Although the current standard for rapid freezing rate is 0.5 cm/h, this study suggested that 0.96 cm/h is the lowest freezing rate for achieving meat quality distinguishable from that achieved with conventional freezing, and further increasing the freezing rate did not provide advantages from an energy consumption perspective.

Synergistic effects of black ginseng and aged garlic extracts for the amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that can lead to carcinoma, cirrhosis, and death. Since no approved medications are available, dietary interventions that include bioactive compounds have been recommended. This study investigated the effects of black ginseng extracts (BGE) and aged black garlic extracts (AGE) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Micrograph of liver tissues of mice fed with BGE and AGE showed less lipid droplets. The BGE and AGE supplements individually and in combination lowered the marker enzymes, aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels indicating their hepatoprotective effects. Compared to the plants extracts alone, the combination of the extracts resulted in lower total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), which are risk markers for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diets with the combination of BGE and AGE supplements had higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and lower malondialdehyde indicating the synergistic effects of the extracts. Irrespective of the diet type, all treated groups showed lower tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) values as compared to HFD, which indicated overall immunomodulatory effect of both extracts. Therefore, the innovative formulation formed by the combination of BGE and AGE can provide hepatoprotective effects via modulating glycometabolism, lipometabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in mice.

Effects of Ultra-Sonication and Agitation on Bioactive Compounds and Structure of Amaranth Extract.

Amaranth is an excellent source of various bioactive compounds that could be beneficial in the prevention of some human diseases. This study investigated the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from amaranth using ultra-sonication and agitation at 30, 50 and 70 °C. Color L* values showed significant (p < 0.05) differences at 70 °C between ultra-sonication and agitation. Ultra-sonication temperature had significant effect on L* and a* values whereas agitation temperature did not have a significant effect on L*, a* and b* values. No significant (p < 0.05) differences were found in terms of total phenol, total flavonoid, DPPH•+, ABTS+ scavenging activity, betacyanins, betaxanthin and betanicaicd between ultra-sonication and agitation. However, temperature had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on total phenol (8.64-10.598 mg/g), DPPH+scavenging activity (84.36-94.44%), betacyanins (4585.95-5325.32 mg/100 g), betaxanthin (1312.56-1524.06 mg/100 g) and betalamic acid (1408.15-1790.22 mg/100 g) in ultra-sonication. Higher temperature (70 °C) showed greater amount of arbutin and hydroxybenzoic acid than those of lower temperature (30 °C) for both extraction methods. Meanwhile, temperature did not affect vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid for both samples. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrometry showed that ultra-sonication and agitation resulted in similar effect on the structure of amaranth extracts. Higher temperature was correlated with bioactive compounds, which were observed by principal component analysis (PCA). Therefore, agitation at 70 °C could be used as an alternative for ultra-sonication to improve the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of amaranth. In addition, agitation and ultra-sonication techniques might be served as an alternative of conventional technique.

Strategies for Sustainable Substitution of Livestock Meat.

The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly discernible everywhere, and initiatives have been taken worldwide to mitigate climate change. In agriculture, particularly meat production from the livestock sector is known to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that drive climate change. Thus, to mitigate climate impact, strategies that include a shift in consumption patterns, technological advancements and reduction in food wastes/losses have been discussed. In this review, strategies that focus on meat consumption patterns are evaluated from the technological feasibility, environmental impact and consumer acceptance viewpoints. While plant-based substitutes have efficient nutrient conversion and lower GHG emissions, consumer perception, cost, and other trade-offs exist. Although cultured meat precludes the need of any animals and large land areas, its environmental impact is not clear and is contingent upon production systems and the achievement of decarbonization. Reducing wastes and the re-use of meat processing by-products have the potential to lower the environmental impact. Valuable proteins, heat, electricity and biofuels extracted from wastes and by-products not only reduce the disposal of wastes but also offset some GHG emissions. Perception related challenges that exist for all substitution strategies require specific consumer target marketing strategies. Policy measures such as taxation of meat products and subsidies for alternatives are also met with challenges, thereby requiring reforms or new policies.

ß-Cyclodextrin-Mediated Beany Flavor Masking and Textural Modification of an Isolated Soy Protein-Based Yuba Film.

The application of ß-cyclodextrin (CD) to remove unattractive volatile compounds has been applied in various food products. This study investigated the effect of CD concentration (1-4%) on the beany flavor masking and textural modification of yuba film prepared by isolated soy protein (ISP) in the presence of (+CD), or after removing, the flavor-entrapped CD (-CD). Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the addition of CD caused a decrease in 1-octen-3-ol, benzaldehyde, hexanal, and 2-heptanone, which are characterized as the major beany flavor compounds. Regardless of presence or removal, the use of CD was effective in reducing beany flavor in yuba film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation indicated that the CD present in yuba film was distributed on the lower surface and matrices of the films. In yuba film containing 4% CD, the CD crystals were concentrated on both the upper and lower surfaces of the film. The textural properties of the yuba film were affected by the presence or removal of CD, and better puncture strength was obtained when yuba was made after removing the CD. Therefore, this study indicates that the addition of CD was a good approach to mask the beany flavor of soy protein-based products, and textural properties could be improved by removing CD from the product formulation.

Advanced Tenderization of Brine Injected Pork Loin as Affected by Ionic Strength and High Pressure.

This study investigated the effects of brine injection and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the quality characteristics of pork loin. Brine with ionic strength conditions (0.7% vs 1.5% NaCl, w/v) were injected into pork loins, and the meat was pressurized up to 500 MPa for 3 min. As a quality indicator, moisture content, color, cooking loss and texture profile analysis (TPA) of pork loins were estimated. Based on the results, brine with low ionic strength (0.7% NaCl) resulted in low injection efficiency and high cooking loss, although, it improved tenderness of pork loin at moderate pressure level (~200 MPa). While high ionic strength condition (1.5% NaCl injection) lowered the hardness of pork loins at relatively high HHP level (400-500 MPa), it also caused high cooking loss. To commercialize the brine injected pork loins, it was necessary to regulate brine compositions, which was not evaluated in this study. Nevertheless, the present study demonstrated that brine injection followed by moderate pressure (200 MPa) could improve the tenderness of pork loins without causing other major quality losses.

Characterization of bovine serum albumin hydrolysates prepared by subcritical water processing.

The impact of subcritical water processing (SWP), in a temperature range of 240-300 °C, on the formation of hydrolysates from bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated in this study. SDS-PAGE analysis of the samples treated at all temperatures did not reveal any bands. Yield, as evaluated by the Kjeldahl and Biuret methods, varied and decreased beyond 280 °C (P < 0.05). The molecular mass of the hydrolysates was highly affected by temperature, with the formation of a new low molecular weight peak, as revealed by gel permeation chromatography. SWP at 280 °C caused the greatest release of free amino groups, as shown by the TNBS assay (P < 0.05). Regardless of the type of amino acids, the maximum amount was obtained at 280 °C. At this temperature, the generation of alanine and glycine was relatively high. The optimization of processing parameters may enhance the production of valuable peptides without the need for additional catalysts.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Persimmon Byproducts and Incorporation in Biodegradable Sodium Alginate Thin Film.

Fruit industrial wastes such as persimmon seed, peel, and calyx were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antioxidant activities were compared with byproduct powders having different granularities. The AgNPs were incorporated in sodium alginate thin films and transparency and mechanical properties of the films was analyzed. Persimmon byproduct AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The byproduct AgNPs displayed higher antioxidant activities than powders of different granularities (P < 0.05). Fabrication of alginate thin films incorporating byproduct AgNPs resulted in improved transparency (P < 0.05). The incorporation of persimmon byproduct AgNPs with excellent antioxidant activities into sodium alginate thin films did not diminish the mechanical properties of the thin films. Therefore, fruit industrial waste such as persimmon byproducts could be used to derive AgNPs and could be incorporated into biodegradable alginate thin films, with numerous applications including food packaging. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Fruit industrial wastes such as persimmon seed, peel, and calyx were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which were incorporated in sodium alginate thin films. This study evaluated the antioxidant activities and mechanical properties of the films that could be useful in the manufacture of food packaging using biodegradable films.