Eggshells & Eggshell Membranes- A Sustainable Resource for energy storage and energy conversion applications: A critical review.

As the world strives to achieve a sustainable future, the exploration of alternative and renewable raw materials for energy storage and energy conversion has gained significant attention. A growing trend on "Waste to Energy" approach has attained prominence. Accordingly, chicken eggshells, a residual from poultry industry, have emerged as a promising candidate due to their abundant availability, low cost, and unique physical and chemical properties. This review article presents an overview of recent advancements in utilizing eggshell waste for energy storage and energy conversion applications. It discusses the transformation of eggshells usage into functional materials, along with their performance in various energy-related applications. The potential of eggshell-based materials in improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact is highlighted, providing insights into the future prospects of this sustainable resource.

Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals key genes and ceRNA regulatory networks associated with pimpled eggs in hens.

Eggshell is one of the most important indicators of egg quality, and due to low shell strength, pimple eggs (PE) are more susceptible to breakage, thus causing huge economic losses to the egg industry. At the current time, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation of pimple eggs are poorly understood. In this study, uterine tissues of PE-laying hens (n = 8) and normal egg (NE) -laying hens (n = 8) were analyzed by whole transcriptome sequencing, and a total of 619 differentially expressed mRNAs (DE mRNAs), 122 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) and 21 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) were obtained. Based on the targeting relationship among DE mRNAs, DE lncRNAs and DE miRNAs, we constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network including 12 DE miRNAs, 19 DE lncRNAs, and 128 DE mRNAs. Considering the large amount of information contained in the network, we constructed a smaller ceRNA network to better understand the complex mechanisms of pimple egg formation. The smaller ceRNA network network contains 7 DE lncRNAs (LOC107056551, LOC121109367, LOC121108909, LOC121108862, LOC112530033, LOC121113165, LOC107054145), 5 DE miRNAs (gga-miR-6568-3p, gga-miR-31-5p, gga-miR-18b-3p, gga-miR-1759-3p, gga-miR-12240-3p) and 7 DE mRNAs (CABP1, DNAJC5, HCN3, HPCA, IBSP, KCNT1, OTOP3), and these differentially expressed genes may play key regulatory roles in the formation of pimpled eggs in hens. This study provides the overall expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs in the uterine tissues of hens, which provides a theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms of pimpled egg formation, and has potential applications in improving eggshell quality.

Effect of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, Proanthocyanidin, Carbon Dioxide Laser Remineralization on the Bond Integrity of Composite Restoration Bonded to Caries Affected Dentin.

Objective: Assessment of different remineralizing pretreatment casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), proanthocyanidin (PA), carbon dioxide laser (CO2), eggshell solution (ES) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite bonded to remineralized carious-affected dentin (CAD). Materials and methods: Eighty human molars were collected with occlusal caries that extended about halfway into the dentin. Using a water-cooled, low-speed cutting saw, a flat, mid-coronal dentin surface was exposed. CAD was differentiated from healthy dentin. Based on the remineralizing agent used on the CAD surface, the teeth were arbitrarily allocated into five groups (n = 10). Group 1: no remineralizing agent, Group 2: CPP-ACP, Group 3: 6.5% PA solution, Group 4: CO2 laser, and Group 5: ES solution. All samples were bonded to composite and light cured and thermocycled. SBS and failure mode analysis were performed using universal testing and stereomicroscope 40 × . Using SPSS, SBS, and failure mode data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's honesty significant difference (HSD) test Results: Group 3 (6.5% PA solution; 15.59 ± 1.44 MPa) samples established the maximum bond integrity. Nevertheless, Group 1 (No remineralizing agent; 11.19 ± 1.21 MPa) exhibited the minimum outcome of bond strength. Intergroup comparison analysis showed that Group 1 (No remineralizing agent), Group 2 (CPP-ACP), and Group 4 (CO2 laser) established comparable values of bond strength (p > 0.05). Likewise, Group 3 (6.5% PA solution) and Group 5 (EA solution) also revealed equivalent bond integrity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: PA and ES are considered potential remineralizing agents used for caries-affected dentin surfaces in improving bond integrity to composite resin. However, further studies are advocated to extrapolate the findings of this study.

Harnessing potential of avian eggshell membrane derived collagen hydrolysate for bone tissue regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Natural bone grafts are the highly preferred materials for restoring the lost bone, while being constrained of donor availability and risk of disease transmission. As a result, tissue engineering is emerging as an efficacious and competitive technique for bone repair. Bone tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds to support bone regeneration and devoid of aforesaid limitations are being vastly explored and among these the avian eggshell membrane has drawn attention for TE owing to its low immunogenicity, similarity with the extracellular matrix, and easy availability. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: In this study, the development of bone ingrowth support system from avian eggshell membrane derived collagen hydrolysates (Col-h) is reported. The hydrolysate, cross-linked with glutaraldehyde, was developed into hydrogels with poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by freeze-thawing and further characterized with ATR-FTIR, XRD, FESEM. The biodegradability, swelling, mechanical, anti-microbial, and biocompatibility evaluation were performed further for the suitability in bone regeneration. The presence of amide I, amide III, and -OH functional groups at 1639 cm- 1,1264 cm- 1, and 3308 cm- 1 respectively and broad peak between 16°-21° (2θ) in XRD data reinstated the composition and form. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum ratio of Col-h/PVA that produced well defined hydrogels was 50:50. Though all the hydrogel matrices alluded towards their competitive attributes and applicability towards restorative bone repair, the hydrogel with 40:60 ratios showed better mechanical strength and cell proliferation than its counterparts. The prominent E. coli growth inhibition by the hydrogel matrices was also observed, along with excellent biocompatibility with MG-63 osteoblasts. The findings indicate strongly the promising application of avian eggshell-derived Col-h in supporting bone regeneration.

Influence of Eggshell Powder on the Properties of Cement-Based Materials.

Replacing cement with industrial by-products is an important way to achieve carbon neutrality in the cement industry. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of eggshell powder on cement hydration properties, and to evaluate its feasibility as a substitute for cement. The substitution rates of eggshell powder are 0%, 7.5%, and 15%. Studying the heat of hydration and macroscopic properties can yield the following results. First: The cumulative heat of hydration based on each gram of cementitious material falls as the eggshell powder content rises. This is a result of the eggshell powder's diluting action. However, the cumulative heat of hydration per gram of cement rises due to the nucleation effect of the eggshell powder. Second: The compressive strengths of ES0, ES7.5, and ES15 samples at 28 days of age are 54.8, 43.4, and 35.5 MPa, respectively. Eggshell powder has a greater negative impact on the compressive strength. The effect of eggshell powder on the speed and intensity of ultrasonic waves has a similar trend. Third: As the eggshell powder content increases, the resistivity gradually decreases. In addition, we also characterize the microscopic properties of the slurry with added eggshell powder. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) shows that, as the age increases from 1 day to 28 days, hemicaboaluminate transforms into monocaboaluminate. As the content of the eggshell powder increases, FTIR analysis finds a slight decrease in the content of CSH. Similarly, thermogravimetric (TG) results also show a decrease in the production of calcium hydroxide. Although the additional nucleation effect of eggshell powder promotes cement hydration and generates more portlandite, it cannot offset the loss of portlandite caused by the decrease in cement. Last: A numerical hydration model is presented for cement-eggshell powder binary blends. The parameters of the hydration model are determined based on hydration heat normalized by cement mass. Moreover, the hydration heat until 28 days is calculated using the proposed model. The strength development of all specimens and all test ages can be expressed as an exponential function of hydration heat.

Efficient synthesis of rare sugars from galactose in hot compressed water using eggshells as an environmentally friendly catalyst.

Aqueous galactose solutions containing eggshell was heated at 120 °C to produce calcium supplements containing rare sugars. Galactose was isomerized to rare sugars with improving rare sugar yields compared to those without eggshell. Organic acids were also formed as byproducts during the reaction. These acids were neutralized by dissolving eggshells with increasing the calcium ion concentration in the solution. When eggshell components (calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, or calcium phosphate) were used for the treatment, rare sugars were also formed. Especially, addition of magnesium carbonate improved rare sugar yield, but byproduct formation became more pronounced. Eggshells used in the treatment were used for repeated treatments. When eggshells were used three times, rare sugar yield changed only slightly but the selectivity of rare sugars improved significantly. By these processes, we obtained an aqueous solution of rare sugars containing calcium ion at 295 mg/L, which has potential as ingredients for dietary supplements.

An effective preserving strategy for strawberries by constructing pectin/starch coatings reinforced with functionalized eggshell fillers.

Food waste occurs frequently worldwide, though hunger and malnutrition issues have received global attention. Short-term spoilage of perishable foods causes a significant proportion of food waste. Developing simple, green, and low-cost strategies to preserve the freshness of perishable foods is important to address this issue and improving food safety. By using strawberries as the model perishable fruit, this study reported a pectin/carboxy methyl starch sodium (PC) based coating using epigallocatechin gallate-loaded eggshell powder (ES@EGCG) as the functional fillers. In comparison to PC coating, the PC-ES@EGCG coating displayed much-enhanced performance, such as enhanced mechanical (2 folds) and barrier (water vapor & oxygen) properties. This composite coating reduced the weight loss of strawberries from over 60% to around 30% after 7-day storage. Coated strawberries exhibit better freshness retention, which achieves the purpose of preserving strawberries during storage. This study provided a cost-effective and eco-friendly coating strategy for reducing food waste.

Eggshell waste bioprocessing for sustainable acid phosphatase production and minimizing environmental hazards.

BACKGROUND: The Environmental Protection Agency has listed eggshell waste as the 15th most significant food industry pollution hazard. Using eggshell waste as a renewable energy source has been a hot topic recently. Therefore, finding a sustainable solution for the recycling and valorization of eggshell waste by investigating its potential to produce acid phosphatase (ACP) and organic acids by the newly-discovered B. sonorensis was the target of the current investigation. RESULTS: Drawing on both molecular and morphological characterizations, the most potent ACP-producing B. sonorensis strain ACP2, was identified as a local bacterial strain obtained from the effluent of the paper and pulp industries. The use of consecutive statistical experimental approaches of Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) and Orthogonal Central Composite Design (OCCD), followed by pH-uncontrolled cultivation conditions in a 7 L bench-top bioreactor, revealed an innovative medium formulation that substantially improved ACP production, reaching 216 U L-1 with an ACP yield coefficient Yp/x of 18.2 and a specific growth rate (µ) of 0.1 h-1. The metals Ag+, Sn+, and Cr+ were the most efficiently released from eggshells during the solubilization process by B. sonorensis. The uncontrolled pH culture condition is the most suitable and favoured setting for improving ACP and organic acids production. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the produced organic acids were carried out using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Lactic acid, citric acid, and hydroxybenzoic acid isomer were the most common organic acids produced throughout the cultivation process. The findings of TGA, DSC, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XRD analysis emphasize the significant influence of organic acids and ACP activity on the solubilization of eggshell particles. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasized robust microbial engineering approaches for the large-scale production of a newly discovered acid phosphatase, accompanied by organic acids production from B. sonorensis. The biovalorization of the eggshell waste and the production of cost-effective ACP and organic acids were integrated into the current study, and this was done through the implementation of a unique and innovative medium formulation design for eggshell waste management, as well as scaling up ACP production on a bench-top scale.

Decreased eggshell strength caused by impairment of uterine calcium transport coincide with higher bone minerals and quality in aged laying hens.

BACKGROUND: Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens. This study compared the differences of eggshell quality, bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiological characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction. A total of 240 74-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high (HBS, 44.83 ± 1.31 N) or low (LBS, 24.43 ± 0.57 N) eggshell breaking strength group. RESULTS: A decreased thickness, weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS, accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction. Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality, marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS. In the LBS, the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly. At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification, a total of 130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 122 upregulated and 8 downregulated) were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS. These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload. Higher values of p62 protein level, caspase-8 activity, Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS. TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS. Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage, similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS. The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS. Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS. CONCLUSION: The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages, which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure. Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.

Prevalence and characterization of non-typhoidal Salmonella in egg from grading and packing plants in Korea.

Egg washing guidelines vary across countries; however, since 2020, Korea has required that all eggs produced from farms with more than 10,000 laying hens must be washed through egg grading and packing (GP) plant. This study investigated the prevalence and characterization of non-typhoidal Salmonella in eggs after washing at GP plants. In total, 16,800 eggs were collected from 60 egg GP plants located inside commercial layer farms, and 840 pooled eggshell and egg contents were tested for Salmonella, respectively. Of the 60 GP plants tested, 11 (18.3%) and 12 (20.0%) plants were positive for Salmonella spp. In the eggshells and egg contents, respectively. In particular, High Salmonella prevalence in the eggshells and egg contents occurred most often in farms with laying hens older than 80 weeks (33.3% and 40.0%, respectively). However, among 840 pooled eggshells and egg content samples, only 19 (2.3%) of each sample type were positive only for non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. The most common Salmonella serovar in both eggshells and egg contents was S. Infantis, which was found in five (8.3%) of 60 GP plants for both samples types. The other Salmonella serovars detected in eggshells were S. Bareilly (5.0%), S. Agona (3.3%), S. Enteritidis (1.7%), and S. Montevideo (1.7%), whereas those detected in egg contents were S. Enteritidis (5.0%), S. Agona (3.3%), S. Newport (3.3%), S. Senftenberg (3.3%), and S. Derby (1.7%). Of the 19 virulence genes tested, 14 genes were detected in all Salmonella. Interestingly, the spvB gene was detected only in S. Enteritidis, and the sefC gene was detected only in S. Enteritidis and S. Senftenberg. Moreover, all S. Infantis isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR) against five or more classes, and the other serovars only showed MDR against three to four classes or no MDR. These results suggest that comprehensive surveillance and advanced management approaches for egg GP plants are required to minimize egg contamination with non-typhoidal Salmonella.

Injectable macroporous naturally-derived apatite bone cement as a potential trabecular bone substitute.

In this study, we have formulated a novel apatite bone cements derived from natural sources (i.e. eggshell and fishbone) with improved qualities that is, porosity, resorbability, biological activity, and so forth. The naturally-derived apatite bone cement (i.e. FBDEAp) was prepared by mixing hydroxyapatite (synthesized from fishbone) and tricalcium phosphate (synthesized from eggshell) as a solid phase with a liquid phase (a dilute acidic blend of cement binding accelerator and biopolymers like gelatin and chitosan) with polysorbate (as liquid porogen) to get a desired bone cement paste. The prepared cement paste sets within the clinically acceptable setting time (≤20 min), easily injectable (>85%) through hands and exhibits physiological pH stability (7.3-7.4). The pure apatite phased bone cement was confirmed by x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The FBDEAp bone cement possesses acceptable compressive strength (i.e. 5-7 MPa) within trabecular bone range and is resorbable up to 28% in simulated body fluid solution within 12 weeks of incubation at physiological conditions. The FBDEAp is macroporous in nature (average pore size ~50-400 µm) with interconnected pores verified by SEM and micro-CT analyses. The FBDEAp showed significantly increased MG63 cell viability (>125% after 72 h), cell adhesion, proliferation, and key osteogenic genes expression levels (up to 5-13 folds) compared to the synthetically derived, synthetic and eggshell derived as well as synthetic and fishbone derived bone cements. Thus, we strongly believe that our prepared FBDEAp bone cement can be used as potential trabecular bone substitute in orthopedics.

Low-cost eggshell-fly ash adsorbent for phosphate recovery: A potential slow-release phosphate fertilizer.

Fly ash (FA) and eggshells (ES) are common solid wastes with significant potential for the recovery of phosphorus from water. This study focuses on synthesizing a low-cost and environmental-friendly phosphate adsorbent called eggshell-fly ash geopolymer composite (EFG) using eggshells instead of chemicals. The CaO obtained from the high-temperature pyrolysis of eggshells provides active sites for phosphate adsorption, and CO2 serves as a pore-forming agent. The phosphate adsorption performance of EFG varied with the eggshell-fly ash ratios and achieved a maximum of 49.92 mg P/g at an eggshell-fly ash ratio of 40 %. The adsorption process was well described by the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model. EFG also exhibited a good regeneration performance through six-cycle experiments and achieved the highest phosphate desorption at pH 4.0. The results of the column experiment showed that EFG can be used as a filter media for phosphorus removal in a real-scale application with low cost. Soil burial test indicated saturated EFG has a good phosphate slow-release performance (maintained for up to 60 days). Overall, EFG has demonstrated to be a promising adsorbent for phosphorus recovery.

Effects of manganese glycine on eggshell quality, eggshell ultrastructure, and elemental deposition in aged laying hens.

Poor eggshell quality of eggs laid by aged laying hens is the major problem affecting the length of the rearing period in the laying hen industry. Trace elements are required and play vital roles in the eggshell quality of laying hens. Appropriate dose of organic microelements is environmentally friendly and sufficient to satisfy the needs of hens because of their greater bioavailability and lower excretion than inorganic forms. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of manganese (Mn) glycine (MG) on eggshell quality, elemental deposition, and eggshell ultrastructure in aged laying hens. A total of 720 Hy-Line Brown hens 70 weeks old were assigned equally to four groups with six replicates of 30 birds each. The hens were fed basal diets (without Mn supplementation) supplemented with 120 mg/kg of Mn from manganese sulfate monohydrate (MSM), or 40, 80, or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in the greatest eggshell strength after 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0.047), and in greater eggshell strength than observed in the MSM control after 12 weeks of treatment (P = 0.025). After 12 weeks of treatment, the eggs of hens in the MG groups showed lower mammillary layer thickness in the blunt end, equator, and acute end than observed in the MSM control group (P < 0.001). With the exception of the blunt ends of eggs from hens in the 120 mg/kg MG group, the eggs of hens in the MG groups, compared with the MSM control group, exhibited a lower mammillary layer ratio, and greater palisade layer ratio and effective layer ratio in the blunt end, equator, and acute end (P < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control and 40 and 120 mg/kg MG, resulted in the greatest palisade layer thickness and effective layer thickness, and the lowest mammillary layer thickness in the equator (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG exhibited the greatest ratio of the palisade layer and effective layer, and the lowest mammillary layer ratio in the blunt end and equator (all P < 0.001). The Mn content of eggshells in hens-fed diets supplemented with 80 and 120 mg/kg Mn from MG was greater than that in the MSM control and 40 mg/kg MG groups (P = 0.035). Dietary supplementation with 80 or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in greater tibia Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG group (P = 0.019), and greater yolk Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG and MSM control groups (P = 0.018). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control (120 mg/kg Mn), may increase the deposition efficiency of Mn, alter eggshell elemental composition, improve eggshell ultrastructure, and enhance eggshell strength in aged laying hens.

Promoting effect of phosvitin in the mineralization of eggshell inner membrane with the application in osteogenic induction scaffold.

Exploring affordable and easily prepared inorganic-organic hybrid membrane materials has attracted a great interest in the bone repair field. This study is based on biomimetic mineralization technique to study the role of phosvitin (PV) in the mineralized process of eggshell inner membrane. Results showed that PV promoted the formation of hydroxyapatite on the eggshell inner membrane surface, and the phosvitin content in the simulated body fluid was decreased during the mineralization process. Besides, in vitro preosteoblast experiments indicated that mineralized membrane with PV exhibited more conducive to cell proliferation and differentiation than that mineralized membrane without PV. Interestingly, with the increase of mineralization time, the stimulating ability of mineralized membranes with PV on adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen type I content gradually improved. In summary, the eggshell inner membrane composites mineralized with PV obtained by biomimetic mineralization might be potential scaffold materials for bone repair.

Guinea fowl eggshell structural analysis at different scales reveals how organic matrix induces microstructural shifts that enhance its mechanical properties.

Guinea fowl eggshells have an unusual structural arrangement that is different from that of most birds, consisting of two distinct layers with different microstructures. This bilayered organization, and distinct microstructural characteristics, provides it with exceptional mechanical properties. The inner layer, constituting about one third of the eggshell thickness, contains columnar calcite crystal units arranged vertically as in most bird shells. However, the thicker outer layer has a more complex microstructural arrangement formed by a switch to smaller calcite domains with diffuse/interlocking boundaries, partly resembling the interfaces seen in mollusk shell nacre. The switching process that leads to this remarkable second-layer microstructure is unknown. Our results indicate that the microstructural switching is triggered by changes in the inter- and intracrystalline organic matrix. During production of the outer microcrystalline layer in the later stages of eggshell formation, the interactions of organic matter with mineral induce an accumulation of defects that increase crystal mosaicity, instill anisotropic lattice distortions in the calcite structure, interrupt epitaxial growth, reduce crystallite size, and induce nucleation events which increase crystal misorientation. These structural changes, together with the transition between the layers and each layer having different microstructures, enhance the overall mechanical strength of the Guinea fowl eggshell. Additionally, our findings provide new insights into how biogenic calcite growth may be regulated to impart unique functional properties. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Avian eggshells are mineralized to protect the embryo and to provide calcium for embryonic chick skeletal development. Their thickness, structure and mechanical properties have evolved to resist external forces throughout brooding, yet ultimately allow them to crack open during chick hatching. One particular eggshell, that of the Guinea fowl, has structural features very different from other galliform birds - it is bilayered, with an inner columnar mineral structure (like in most birds), but it also has an outer layer with a complex microstructure which contributes to its superior mechanical properties. This work provides novel and new fundamental information about the processes and mechanisms that control and change crystal growth during the switch to microcrystalline domains when the second outer layer forms.

Eggshell membrane as a novel and green platform for the preparation of highly efficient and reversible curcumin-based colorimetric sensor for the monitoring of chicken freshness.

Herein, for the very first time, we report a paper-like biomass, eggshell membrane (ESM), as a suitable platform for the fabrication of a colorimetric sensor (E-Cot). Green ethanolic extract, curcumin (CUR), was used as a sensing material to coat with the ESM. The present E-Cot effectively changed its color (yellow to red) in the real-time monitoring for chicken spoilage. The E-Cot exhibits barrier properties due to its inherent semi-permeability characteristics. Interestingly, the E-Cot showed a significant change in total color difference value (ΔE, 0 days - 0.0-39.6, after 1 day - 39.6-42.1, after 2 days - 42.1-53.6, after 3 days- 53.6-60.1, and after 4 days - 60.1-66.3, detectable by the naked eye) in the real-time monitoring for chicken freshness. In addition, the present E-Cot smart colorimetric sensor is reversible with a change in pH, and the sensor can be reused. Further, the hydrophobic nature of the E-Cot was confirmed by water contact angle analysis (WCA, contact angle of 101.21 ± 8.39). Good antibacterial, barrier, and optical properties of the present E-Cot were also found. Owing to the advantages such as green, efficient, cost-effective, biodegradable, reusable, sustainable, and simple preparation, we believe that the present E-Cot would be a more attractive candidate.

Corncob-supported calcium oxide nanoparticles from hen eggshells for cadmium (Cd-II) removal from aqueous solutions; Synthesis and characterization.

This study investigated the efficient removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions using calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs) synthesized from waste hen eggshells using a Sol-gel method and supported on corncob bio-adsorbent. The synthesized CaO NPs were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, specific surface area, and TGA. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the influence of process parameters such as adsorbent dosages, initial Cd (II) concentrations, pH values, and contact times. XRD analysis revealed that the synthesized CaO nanoparticles had a size of 24.34 nm and a specific surface area of 77.4 m2/g. The optimal conditions for achieving the highest percent removal of cadmium (99.108%) were found to be an initial concentration of 55 ppm, pH 7, adsorbent dose of 0.75 g, and contact time of 50 min. The experimental removal efficiency closely matched the predicted value (99.0%), indicating the suitability of the method used in optimizing the removal of Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions. These findings, corroborated by predicted values, underscore the efficacy of our method in optimizing cadmium removal. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that corncob-supported CaO NPs are optimized for their highest efficiency and hold great promise as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for wastewater treatment with a focus on cadmium removal.

Evaluation of the remineralizing effect of the chicken eggshell paste after removal of the fixed orthodontic appliance: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Demineralization of the enamel surface, which appears as white spot lesions during and after removal of the fixed orthodontic appliance, is the most common disadvantage of the orthodontic treatment course. Using the remineralizing agents during and after orthodontic treatment helps to avoid those enamel defects. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to assess the remineralizing effect of the chicken eggshell powder on the demineralized enamel surfaces after debonding the orthodontic bracket system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study was performed on 80 prepared premolar crowns embedded into acrylic molds. The samples were prepared to receive routine steps of the bonding process for the bracket system. The paste of the chicken eggshell powder was added to the samples after the debonding process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to evaluate the remineralization effect of the chicken eggshell powder. Also, the Vickers microhardness tester was used to assess the enamel surface microhardness. RESULTS: It was found that the mean value of the Ca/P ratio for the samples before bonding of the orthodontic bracket system was (4.17 ± 2.2). This value significantly decreased to (2 ± 1.3) after debonding of the orthodontic bracket system and then showed a significant increase to (4.79 ± 2.65) after remineralization. These results were assured by the values of the Vickers microhardness tester. CONCLUSION: The chicken eggshell powder has an excellent remineralization effect for the demineralized enamel surface after debonding the orthodontic enamel surface.

Effect of the storage temperature on the quality of eggs inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis onto shell.

This study explored the temperature-dependent effect on the growth characteristics of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) on eggshell toward identifying an appropriate storage temperature for unwashed eggs in an actual distribution environment. Among the test storage temperatures (10 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C), 25 °C was determined to be an appropriate storage temperature, with no effect of changing temperature on the control of SE on eggshell. Regarding the effect of the temperature on egg quality, the quality indicators of egg such as Haugh unit, yolk index, albumin index, and albumin pH were significantly maintained. These results indicated that unwashed eggs should be distributed at 25 °C for SE control, and the storage temperature should be below 10 °C from at least day 4 onward after the start of distribution to maintain egg quality. This study will assist for safety management of unwashed egg in an actual distribution environment.

Eggshell translucency: its relationship with specific gravity and eggshell color and its influence on broiler egg weight loss, hatchability, and embryonic mortalities.

Eggshell quality is among the most important factors affecting hatchability in broiler breeders, and therefore several methods for its assessment are available in the poultry industry. Among them, eggshell translucency has received special attention in recent years due to its connection with ultrastructural disorganization of the shell layers. However, there is very limited data on the impact of translucency on hatching eggs and on the possible links between this trait and specific gravity (SG) or shell color. Thus, our study investigated associations and interactions between eggshell translucency, SG, and color on incubation parameters of eggs from the same breeding flock (Ross 308AP, 51 wk of age). To this end, light and dark eggs within 5 different SG categories (≥1.065, 1.070, 1.075, 1.080, and ≤1.085) were selected from 15,976 eggs, graded into 3 translucency scores, and later incubated to evaluate egg weight loss, hatchability and embryonic mortalities. In general, translucency scores were evenly distributed within SG categories (χ2 [8, N = 1,138] = 13.67, P = 0.090) and color (χ2 [2, N = 1,138] = 4.93, P = 0.084). No interactions between eggshell translucency and SG or between translucency and color were found for the analyzed variables. An interaction was observed between SG and eggshell color for the variable egg weight loss, where the light-shelled eggs, in most SG categories lost more weight throughout incubation than dark eggs. Eggshell translucency affected egg weight loss, hatchability, and embryonic mortality on 11 to 18 d of incubation, with highly translucent eggs showing the worst results. At the same time, eggs with SG lower than 1.070 displayed the greatest weight loss, lowest hatchability, and highest contamination. We found no influence of eggshell color on weight loss or hatchability, but light-shelled eggs exhibited higher late embryonic mortality. Together, these data suggest that despite its effects on certain hatching parameters, shell translucency bears no relationship to SG or color.