The potential of lemon peel powder as an additive in layer quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica): An experimental study.

The current research intended to examine the impact of dietary lemon peel powder (LPP) on laying quail performance, egg quality criteria, and the antioxidant capacity of the yolk. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (272.6±9.3 g), aged 21 weeks, were allotted to 6 trial groups, each with 5 replicates of 4 quails. Additions of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 g/kg of LPP to the basal diet were used to create the treatment groups. Quails were fed ad libitum for 70 days. Neither performance parameters nor egg production was affected by LPP. However, eggshell-breaking strength improved by adding 2 g/kg LPP to the diet, but worsened at 5 g/kg. Moreover, the relative weight of eggshell and yolk L* value decreased with the treatments. Dietary LPP enhanced oxidative stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) yolk values. The current study demonstrated that LPP, a safe and easily accessible agricultural by-product, enhanced eggshell quality when it was included in the diet of laying quails at doses of 2 g/kg. In contrast, improvement of yolk antioxidant capacity required increased amounts of LPP (4 g/kg). LPP could be advantageous to animal nutrition as an adequate substitute to reduce waste by-products.

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.

Mechanical design principles of avian eggshells for survivability.

Biological materials exhibit complex structure-property relationships which are designed by nature's evolution over millions of years. Unlocking the fundamental physical principles behind these relationships is crucial for creating bioinspired materials and structures with advanced functionalities. The eggshell is a remarkable example with a well-designed structure to balance the trade-off as it provides mechanical protection while still being easy for hatching. In this study, we investigate the underlying mechanical design principles of chicken eggshells under various loading conditions through a combination of experiments and simulations. The unique geometry and structure of the eggshell play a critical role in achieving an excellent balance between mechanical toughness and ease of hatching. The effects of eggshell membranes are elucidated to tune the mechanical properties of the eggshell to further enhance this balance. Moreover, a mechanics-based three-index model is proposed based on these design principles, suggesting the optimal eggshell thickness design to improve survivability across a broad range of avian species with varying egg sizes. The survivability-design relationships hold great potential for the development of improved structural materials for applications in sports safety equipment and the packaging industry. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The fundamental physical principles underlying the complex structure-property relationships in biological materials are uncovered in this study, with a particular focus on chicken eggshells as a prime example. Through the investigation of their mechanical design, we reveal the critical role of eggshell geometry and structure in achieving a balance between toughness and ease of hatching. Specifically, the crack resting effect is observed, making the eggshell easier to break from the inside than from the outside. Additionally, we explore the influence of eggshell membranes on this balance, contributing to the enhancement of the eggshell's mechanical properties. For the first time, we propose a three-index model that uncovers the underlying principles governing the evolution of eggshell thickness. This model suggests optimal thickness designs for diverse avian species, with the goal of enhancing egg survivability. These findings can guide the development of improved structural materials with advanced functionalities, enabling greater safety and efficiency in a wide range of applications.

Performance of novel Ca-biocomposites produced from banana peel and eggshell for highly efficient removal and recovery of phosphate from domestic wastewater.

Using biowaste-based adsorbents to remove phosphorus (P) from wastewater offers significant benefits concerning eutrophication mitigation and addressing waste management challenges. In this work, Ca-biocomposites were prepared by pyrolysis (700 °C) of a mixture of banana peel (BP) and eggshell (ES). The mass ratio of BP to ES was varied in 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 ratios. Among the tested mixtures, the BPES-1:2 sample exhibited excellent P removal performance, reaching a maximum P adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 214 ± 5 mg P/g. The adsorption process fitted well with the Avrami order kinetic model (R2 > 0.996) and the Liu isotherms model (R2 > 0.997). The excellent fit of the experimental data to the Avrami model suggests that chemisorption is the dominant interaction mechanism, leading to precipitation through the formation of calcium phosphates. Additionally, the Liu model anticipates that the energetic characteristics of the adsorbent's active sites cannot be identical. This is in agreement with the presence of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 in the adsorbent material, where the Ca(OH)2 active sites are preferred by the adsorbate molecules (PO43-) for occupation. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis revealed that P adsorption is a spontaneous process of exothermic nature (ΔH° < 0). The calculated activation energy for the process (72.81 kJ/mol) suggests the P adsorption mechanism involves strong chemical bonding between the adsorbent and P species. In addition, precipitation of apatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH), a vital component in fertilizer production, was observed during the adsorption process. In tertiary treated wastewater applications, the BPES-1:2 biocomposite demonstrated a P removal efficiency of 90%. The solubility of P in a 2% formic acid solution was 100%, while the water-soluble P content was measured at 5.6%. These findings highlight the product's sustainable and environmentally beneficial nature by demonstrating its potential as a slow-release fertilizer, contributing to the application of the 3R slogan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This value-added product is promising in supplying nutrients to plants over an extended period while minimizing the risk of nutrients leaching into the environment.

Potential of Capparis decidua plant and eggshell composite adsorbent for effective removal of anionic dyes from aqueous medium.

The presence of hazardous dyes in wastewater poses significant threats to both ecosystems and the natural environment. Conventional methods for treating dye-contaminated water have several limitations, including high costs and complex operational processes. This study investigated a sustainable bio-sorbent composite derived from the Capparis decidua plant and eggshells, and evaluated its effectiveness in removing anionic dyes namely tartrazine (E-102), methyl orange (MO), and their mixed system. The research examines the influence of initial concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature on the adsorption properties of anionic dyes. Optimal removal of tartrazine (E-102), methyl orange (MO), and their mixed system was achieved at a pH of 3. The equilibrium was achieved at 80 min for MO and mixed systems, and 100 min for E-102. The adsorption process showed an exothermic nature, indicating reduced capacity with increasing temperature, consistent with heat release during adsorption. Positive entropy values indicated increased disorder at the solid-liquid interface, attributed to molecular rearrangements and interactions between dye molecules and the adsorbent. Isotherm analysis using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich-Peterson models revealed that the Langmuir model best fit the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacities of 50.97 mg/g, 52.24 mg/g, and 56.23 mg/g were achieved for E-102, MO, and the mixed system under optimized conditions, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model demonstrated the best fit, indicating that adsorption occurs through physical and chemical interactions such as electrostatic attraction, pore filling, and hydrogen bonding. Hence, the developed bio-sorbent could be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the treatment of anionic dyes from industrial effluents.

Sodium alginate-modified alkali-activated eggshell/Fe3O4 nanoparticles: A magnetic bio-based spherical adsorbent for cationic dyes adsorption.

Herein, a mixture of eggshell (ES) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) was alkali-activated using NaOH/Na2SiO3 solution and then, impregnated with sodium alginate (SA) to prepare a magnetic bio-based adsorbent (namely SAAES/SA/MNPs) for the decontamination of water containing basic dyes, in particular, methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV). The physicochemical properties of magnetic spheres of SAAES/SA/MNPs were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, elemental mapping, TEM, and zeta potential techniques. Dye adsorption equilibrium was studied experimentally at pH 8.0 and 25-55 °C, and a statistical physics multilayer model was applied to understand the removal mechanism of these dyes including the adsorption orientations on the adsorbent surface. The number of adsorbed dye molecules per functional group (n) of this bio-based adsorbent ranged from 0.70 to 0.91, indicating the presence of vertical and horizontal adsorption orientations for these organic molecules at all tested solution temperatures. The calculated saturation adsorption capacities (Qsat) were 332.57-256.62 mg/g for CV and 304.47-240.62 mg/g for MB, and an exothermic adsorption was observed for both adsorbates. The estimated adsorption energies (∆E) were < 25 kJ/mol, confirming that the SAAES/SA/MNPs-dye interactions were governed by physical forces as electrostatic interactions. This bio-based adsorbent was effectively regenerated using ethanol and it can be reused showing a removal of 71 and 74 % of MB and CV, respectively, after fourth adsorption-desorption cycles. Overall, the results of this article suggest the attractive performance of SAAES/SA/MNPs for removing basic dyes from aqueous solutions, thus highlighting the promising potential of this magnetic bio-based adsorbent for sustainable wastewater treatment at an industrial level.

Research Note: Three-dimensional microstructural basis for chicken eggshell translucency.

Eggshell translucency, an externally observable feature, can influence consumer purchase intentions. The eggshell quality often deteriorates in aging laying hens, leading to increased eggshell translucency. Eggs exchange water vapor through the pores. It is commonly believed that the moisture remaining in the mastoid space contributes to translucent egg formation. However, the precise mechanisms underlying eggshell translucency require further structural investigations. This study aimed to explore the 3-dimensional microstructure of eggshells using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to provide insights into the microstructural basis of eggshell translucency. The results revealed that the ratio of pore volume to mastoid space volume was significantly higher in the high-translucency (TH) group than that in the low-translucency (TL) group (P < 0.01); however, the ratio of mastoid space to eggshell volume showed no significant difference. Additionally, measurements of the individual pore morphological features showed that the roundness of the pores in the TH group was significantly higher than that in the TL group, whereas the flatness of the pores in the TH group was significantly lower (P = 0.01). Eggshell porosity directly reflects the water vapor exchange capacity of eggshells, with the TL group exhibiting significantly higher eggshell porosity compared to the TH group (P = 0.02). In conclusion, based on observations of the 3-dimensional microstructure of eggshells, this study elucidated how the volume and morphological characteristics of pores influence the water vapor exchange capacity of eggshells, resulting in eggshell translucency.

Cytotoxic-Ag-Modified Eggshell Membrane Nanocomposites as Bactericides in Concrete Mortar.

Against the backdrop of escalating infrastructure budgets worldwide, a notable portion-up to 45%-is allocated to maintenance endeavors rather than innovative infrastructure development. A substantial fraction of this maintenance commitment involves combatting concrete degradation due to microbial attacks. In response, this study endeavors to propose a remedial strategy employing nano metals and repurposed materials within cement mortar. The methodology entails the adsorption onto eggshell membranes (ESM) of silver nitrate (ESM/AgNO3) or silver nanoparticles (ESM/AgNPs) yielding silver-eggshell membrane composites. Subsequently, the resulting silver-eggshell membrane composites were introduced in different proportions to replace cement, resulting in the formulation of ten distinct mortar compositions. A thorough analysis encompassing a range of techniques, such as spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and MTT assay, was performed on these composite blends. Additionally, evaluations of both compressive and tensile strengths were carried out. The mortar blends 3, 5, and 6, characterized by 2% ESM/AgNO3, 1% ESM/AgNPs, and 2% ESM/AgNPs cement replacement, respectively, exhibited remarkable antimicrobial efficacy, manifesting in substantial reduction in microbial cell viability (up to 50%) of typical waste activated sludge. Concurrently, a marginal reduction of approximately 10% in compressive strength was noted, juxtaposed with an insignificant change in tensile strength. This investigation sheds light on a promising avenue for addressing concrete deterioration while navigating the balance between material performance and structural integrity.

The physicochemical features of eggshell, thick albumen, amniotic fluid, and yolk during chicken embryogenesis.

The study aimed to analyze the hatching egg and physiochemical features of eggshells, thick albumen, amniotic fluid, and yolk during the incubation of Ross 308 chicken eggs. Eggs (n = 755) were incubated for 21 d. Quality analysis of fresh eggs was performed. Eggshells, albumen, and yolk were collected from fresh eggs and incubation d 1, 7, and 14. Eggshell thickness and strength, pH, vitelline membrane strength, fatty acid (FA) in the yolk, pH, viscosity, lysozyme activity, and crude protein content in thick albumen and amniotic fluid were analyzed. Hatching parameters were calculated. Egg weight loss was constant (8.04% overall). Lower egg surface temperature was found on d 7 compared to d 4, 14, and 18. A lower thickness of posthatch eggshells was found. The strength of the vitelline membrane significantly decreased within 24 h (by over 58%). During incubation, there was a decrease in thick albumen/amniotic fluid pH; an opposite trend was found in yolk pH. The vitelline membrane strength was negatively correlated with the albumen pH. Lysozyme activity was higher in fresh thick albumen and up to 2 wk of incubation. On d 7, the lowest activity was found in the amniotic fluid. On d 14, lysozyme activity increased in amniotic fluid. The higher viscosity of the thick albumen was demonstrated on d 7 and 14 of incubation. The lowest viscosity in amniotic fluid was found on the same days. Crude protein content was higher in thick albumen (d 7 and 14) and lowest in amniotic fluid on d 7. The FA content changed between d 0 and 14. The results indicate different use of FA, where PUFA decreased. Eggshell is used in the last week of incubation. The thick albumen is reduced, while the biological value of amniotic fluid is increasing. Lysozyme activity, viscosity, and crude protein content may be interdependent. It may indicate the flow of substances and the transfer of functions from the thick albumen to the amniotic fluid during chicken embryogenesis.

Comparative assessment of the remineralization characteristics of nano-hydroxyapatite extracted from fish scales and eggshells.

OBJECTIVES: Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a common concern in dentistry that has the potential to restrict daily activities and harm a person's quality of life. In this study, the remineralization characteristics of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) extracted from waste eggshells and fish scales were comparatively assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extraction methods used to obtain nHAp from both fish scales and eggshells are also described. The effect of the extraction process and bio-waste source on the physicochemical characteristics of the nHAp such as Ca/P ratio, functional groups, crystallinity and phase change, and surface morphology are presented in the study. The remineralization properties were evaluated using dentine models (n = 15). A field scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the dentine tubules occlusion. The percentage occluded area for all the specimens was evaluated statistically using a one-way analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The results showed that there were variations in the physicochemical characteristics of the nHAp extracted, including the crystallinity, particle size, and surface morphology, and buffering effects against citric acids. The EnHAp extracted from eggshells had higher crystallinity, superior buffering effects, and smaller particle size compared to the nHAp extracted from fish scales, making it a more favourable material for remineralization of teeth. The statistical evidence showed that there were statistically significant differences in the dentine occluding properties measured in the nHAp (p < 0.001). The highest mean % occluded area was measured with the EnHAp group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study provide insights into the use of bio-waste materials for the development of sustainable and effective products for oral health care.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Obtained from Eggshell via the Hydrothermal Process and the Precipitation Method.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a major component of the inorganic minerals in the hard tissues of humans and has been widely used as a biomedical ceramic material in orthopedic and dentistry applications. Because human bone contains several impurities, including carbonates, chlorides, fluorides, magnesium, and strontium, human bone minerals differ from stoichiometric HA. Additionally, natural bone is composed of nano-sized HA, and the nanoscale particles exhibit a high level of biological activity. In this paper, HA is prepared via the hydrothermal process because its reaction conditions are easy to control and it has been shown to be quite feasible for large-scale production. Therefore, the hydrothermal process is an effective and convenient method for the preparation of HA. Furthermore, eggshell is adopted as a source of calcium, and mulberry leaf extract is selectively added to synthesize HA. The eggshell accounts for 11% of the total weight of a whole egg, and it consists of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, and organic matter. Eggshell contains a variety of trace elements, such as magnesium and strontium, making the composition of the synthesized HA similar to that of the human skeleton. These trace elements exert considerable benefits for bone growth. Moreover, the use of eggshell as a raw material can permit the recycling of biowaste and a reduction in process costs. The purpose of this study is to prepare HA powder via the hydrothermal method and to explore the effects of hydrothermal conditions on the structure and properties of the synthesized HA. The room-temperature precipitation method is used for the control group. Furthermore, the results of an immersion test in simulated body fluid confirm that the as-prepared HA exhibits good apatite-forming bioactivity, which is an essential requirement for artificial materials to bond to living bones in the living body and promote bone regeneration. In particular, it is confirmed that the HA synthesized with the addition of the mulberry leaf extract exhibits good in vitro biocompatibility. The morphology, crystallite size, and composition of the carbonated nano-HA obtained herein are similar to those of natural bones. The carbonated nano-HA appears to be an excellent material for bioresorbable bone substitutes or drug delivery. Therefore, the nano-HA powder prepared in this study has great potential in biomedical applications.

Development of an antimicrobial fungal egg tray containing orange oil and smoke for eggs preservation at room temperature.

The prevention and controlled growth of pathogenic bacteria on eggs during storage and distribution at room temperature is important to ensure commercial eggs and egg products are safe for consumer. This study investigated the combined effects of orange oil (0.001%-0.004% v/w) and smoke for 10 min in paper egg tray packaging produce from the fungal pulp of Trametes versicolor. Eggs were kept in the developed paper egg tray at room temperature (30 ± 2°C). The mechanism of the combined antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus and egg quality were investigated. The combination of orange oil (0.004%) and smoke delayed all bacteria and suppressed changes in weight loss and the quality factor of eggs (Haugh unit, yolk index, albumen index) for at least 14 d. It was found that the volatile orange oil smoke in the egg tray could be passed through the structure of the cell wall and membrane of bacteria, giving rise to loss of cell viability by irreversibly damaging the cell membranes of all the bacteria in this test. Moreover, higher antioxidant activity was found on the eggs than on the eggshells, which is linked to greater shelf-life of treated eggs. The study demonstrates an improved paper egg tray packaging system and the possibility of combining released essential oils and smoke, which can be extended to egg products. Smoke can also be modified on the surface of paper egg trays easily, which shows potential in functionalizing implanted materials with antibacterial properties.

Research Note: Distribution of nanospheres in the cuticle layer of the eggshell in major poultry species.

Mineralized eggshell is a unique and protective structure in an avian egg. Among different eggshell layers, the cuticle layer is an outermost layer and plays a critical role in protection against bacterial infection. Although the importance of nanosphere in the cuticle layer on the antimicrobial function has been widely accepted, the detailed nanostructure of the cuticle layer in the major poultry species has not been investigated. In the current study, eggs from Japanese quail, commercial layer chickens, mixed breed turkeys, and White Pekin ducks were collected. To investigate the nanostructure throughout the cuticle layer, images of the cross-sectional cuticle layer were taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Unlike the cuticle layer in ducks showing deformed bunched nanospheres, clearly separated nanospheres were present throughout the cuticle layer in quail, chickens, and turkeys. The average size of the nanosphere was the biggest in turkeys and similar between quail and chickens. Most importantly, the size of nanospheres was increased as they ascended from the bottom of the cuticle layer in quail, showing a positive correlation between the size and distance of the nanospheres. However, different sizes of nanospheres were randomly distributed throughout the cuticle layer in chickens and turkeys, showing a weak correlation in chickens and no correlation in turkeys between the size and distance of nanospheres. These new findings in different nanostructures of the cuticle layers in quail, chickens, turkeys, and ducks will serve as a new foundation to better relate their structures with functions.

Efficacy of cold plasma-activated water as an environmentally friendly sanitizer in egg washing.

Eggs in the United States are typically washed using chemical sanitizers such as quaternary ammonia (QA) or chlorine. Such treatments generate wash water, which could be potentially hazardous to the environment. A novel, nonthermal sanitization technique for washing shell eggs using cold plasma-activated water (PAW) was investigated in this study. The inactivation efficacy of PAW on Klebsiella michiganensis and the impact of PAW on the cuticle of the eggshell and shell strength were tested in comparison to QA. Washing inoculated eggs with PAW and QA achieved a similar microbial reduction (>5.28 log CFU/egg). Colorimetric analysis showed that ∆E-value for PAW-treated eggs was significantly lower than QA-treated eggs, suggesting higher cuticle coverage in eggs treated with PAW. The texture analysis to test for shell egg strength indicated that washing eggs with PAW did not affect the structural integrity of the eggshell when compared to eggs washed with QA. According to this study, PAW has the potential as an alternative to commercial sanitizers like QA in the egg-washing industry. PAW does not detrimentally impact shell strength or cuticle coverage and provides similar microbial reduction efficacy.

Synthesis and Assessment of Antimicrobial Composites of Ag Nanoparticles or AgNO3 and Egg Shell Membranes.

Engineering research has been expanded by the advent of material fusion, which has led to the development of composites that are more reliable and cost-effective. This investigation aims to utilise this concept to promote a circular economy by maximizing the adsorption of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate onto recycled chicken eggshell membranes, resulting in optimized antimicrobial silver/eggshell membrane composites. The pH, time, concentration, and adsorption temperatures were optimized. It was confirmed that these composites were excellent candidates for use in antimicrobial applications. The silver nanoparticles were produced through chemical synthesis using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and through adsorption/surface reduction of silver nitrate on eggshell membranes. The composites were thoroughly characterized by various techniques, including spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as agar well diffusion and MTT assay. The results indicate that silver/eggshell membrane composites with excellent antimicrobial properties were produced using both silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate at a pH of 6, 25 °C, and after 48 h of agitation. These materials exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, resulting in 27.77% and 15.34% cell death, respectively.

Comparative N-Glycoproteomic Investigation of Eggshell Cuticle and Mineralized Layer Proteins.

The eggshell cuticle layer (ECL) and eggshell mineralized layer (EML) contain amounts of glycoproteins and proteoglycans. However, there were few comprehensive reports about the effect of post-translational modifications on protein structure and function which requires investigation. Therefore, we used comparative N-glycoproteomics to study glycoproteins in the ECL and EML. We identified a total of 272 glycoproteins in this experiment and found that glycoproteins located in EML were more than that in ECL. Moreover, they showed distinct functional difference between both layers. As N-glycosylation of ovocleidin-17 and ovocleidin-116 in the EML affected eggshell mineralization, some glycoproteins located in ECL, like ovotransferrin and ovostatin-like, possessed antibacterial activity. The several regulated glycoproteins in the EML may pertain to the regulation of mineralization, while glycosylated proteins in the ECL may contribute to molecular adhesion and defense against microbial invasion. This study provides new insights into the eggshell matrix protein contents of the ECL and EML.

The chicken eggshell membrane: a versatile, sustainable, biological material for translational biomedical applications.

Naturally derived materials are often preferred over synthetic materials for biomedical applications due to their innate biological characteristics, relative availability, sustainability, and agreement with conscientious end-users. The chicken eggshell membrane (ESM) is an abundant resource with a defined structural profile, chemical composition, and validated morphological and mechanical characteristics. These unique properties have not only allowed the ESM to be exploited within the food industry but has also led to it be considered for other novel translational applications such as tissue regeneration and replacement, wound healing and drug delivery. However, challenges still exist in order to enhance the native ESM (nESM): the need to improve its mechanical properties, the ability to combine/join fragments of ESM together, and the addition or incorporation of drugs/growth factors to advance its therapeutic capacity. This review article provides a succinct background to the nESM, its extraction, isolation, and consequent physical, mechanical and biological characterisation including possible approaches to enhancement. Moreover, it also highlights current applications of the ESM in regenerative medicine and hints at future novel applications in which this novel biomaterial could be exploited to beneficial use.

The eggshell defect as a factor affecting the egg quality after storage.

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of shell defects on the quality of eggs after storage. The study material consisted of 1,800 brown-shelled eggs from cage rearing system which were candled on the day of laying to determine the shell quality. Eggs with the 6 most common shell defects (external crack, severe stripe marks, points, wrinkled, pimples, sandy) and eggs without defects (control group) were then stored for 35 days at 14°C and 70% humidity. The weight loss of eggs was monitored every 7 days, and the quality characteristics of whole eggs (weight, specific gravity, shape), shell (defects, strength, color, weight, thickness, density), albumen (weight, height, pH) and yolk (weight, color, pH) of 30 eggs from each group were analysed at the beginning (0 days) and after 28 and 35 days of storage. The changes resulting from water loss (air cell depth, weight loss, shell permeability) were also evaluated. The study showed that all investigated shell defects significantly influenced the characteristics of the whole egg during the storage, modifying traits such as specific gravity, water loss, shell permeability, albumen height and pH, as well as proportion, index and pH of the yolk. Furthermore, an interaction between time and the shell defects presence was found.

Effect of pearl guinea fowl eggshell ultrastructure and microstructure on keets hatchability.

Variability in shell structure is an evolutionary mechanism in birds that enables them to adapt to specific environmental conditions. This variability may also occur within the same species under the influence of individual indicators, such as the age or health status of females. While interspecies variation is quite obvious and easy to interpret, the reasons for intraspecies variation remain unclear. In this study, we examined the ultra- and microstructure of guinea fowl eggshells to identify the association between variations in shell structure and hatchability outcomes. We analyzed the visual differences between shells with low (L), intermediate (I), and high (H) external porosity using scale invariant feature transform analysis with NaturePatternMatch software. We found that the external pore image was closely related to the overall porosity of the shell before incubation. The total pore area, total porosity, and diffusion index (GH2O) were highest in group H shells (P < 0.001). Posthatching shells were characterized by an increased diameter and total surface area, decreased pore number (P < 0.001), as well as shortened mammillary layer (P < 0.001) and decreased total consumption of mammillary knobs (P < 0.001). The porosity indices of posthatching H shells had intermediate values between L and I. Although the effect of shell structure parameters on hatching was not confirmed, we assumed that all categories (L, I, and H) of shells were ideal for incubation. This suggests that the shell structure adapts to the metabolic rate of developing embryos; however, differences in shell structure affect the duration of incubation and synchronization of hatching. Both L and H shells showed delayed and prolonged hatching. Therefore, we recommended that guinea fowl eggs with different external porosity parameters should be incubated separately for better hatching synchronization. Differences in GH2O between L, I, and H eggs suggest that the shell porosity characteristics of guinea fowl eggs may be a key determinant of the rate of water loss during storage before incubation.

Thermally modified bamboo-eggshell adsorbent for phosphate recovery and its sustainable application as fertilizer.

Phosphate recovery from wastewater using readily available biowaste-based adsorbents is beneficial for both eutrophication control and waste management. Bamboo char has a high-density porous structure and eggshell contains CaCO3 with high affinity for phosphate. The combination of calcined bamboo and eggshell is a potential adsorbent for P recovery that has not been tested previously. Because bamboo char and eggshell both are popular for soil amendment, a P-loaded bamboo and eggshell composite is a promising fertilizer for long-term soil improvement. In this work, the feasibility of calcined bamboo and eggshell (BE) for P recovery and its use as fertilizer were investigated. The adsorption capacity and mechanism were examined using adsorption kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic analysis. The kinetic study showed that the experimental data sets were fitted best by a pseudo second-order model, indicating chemisorption. The Langmuir isotherm model estimated maximum adsorption capacities of 95.14 and 98.40 mg/g for BE 1:1 and 2:1 adsorbent. Monolayer adsorption occurred on a homogenous surface. The adsorption reaction was non-spontaneous at 298 K and exothermic for the BE 1:1 and 2:1 adsorbent, and the calculated Langmuir separation factor indicated favorable conditions for P adsorption. The desorption study showed lower P desorption capacity in water than in neutral ammonium citrate. P-loaded eggshell-modified bamboo char was an effective slow-release fertilizer for Japanese mustard spinach cultivation, which is a sustainable and environment friendly use of P-loaded materials.