The porosity of carbohydrate-based spray-dried microparticles containing limonene stabilized by pea protein: Correlation between porosity and oxidative stability.

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of pea protein concentrate (PPC) in the physical properties, porosity features, and oxidative stability of maltodextrin-based spray-dried microparticles containing orange essential oil (OEO, rich in limonene) were evaluated. The use of PPC resulted in spray-dried microparticles with encapsulation efficiencies of about 99 wt%, without visible pores, and relatively high glass transition temperature (66,4 °C) at Aw âˆ¼ 0.3. The nitrogen adsorption and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy measurements showed that the increase of PPC concentration from 2.4 to 4.8 wt% (g of PPC/100 g of emulsion) did not affect the porosity features of the microparticles. These results were confirmed by the profiles of OEO retention and limonene oxide production, which were similar for both samples throughout four weeks of storage. Based on these results, we verified that the lower amount of PPC we tested can effectively protect the OEO during storage, showing that a relatively cheaper orange flavor powder can be produced using less protein.

Hydrogen storage in purified multi-walled carbon nanotubes: gas hydrogenation cycles effect on the adsorption kinetics and their performance.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are an alternative for storage with low cost, eco-friendly, and good performance for both process adsorption and desorption. Herein, a purification procedure of MWCNTs was successfully described and studied by using XRD, TEM, Raman spectroscopy and by means of N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms using the BET method. The H2 storage properties at room temperature of the purified carbon nanotubes exposed to gas under pressures between 0.39 and 13.33 kPa was investigated by using the quartz crystal microbalance technique. It was found that the H2 adsorption capacity is strongly dependent on the morphological and structural characteristics of the carbon nanotubes and their specific surface area. The best sample with specific surface area of 729.4 ± 3 m2 g-1 shows a maximum adsorption capacity of 3.46 wt% at 12.79 kPa of H2 exposure pressure. The adsorption kinetics (t95%) from the different purified MWCNTs was also investigated as a function of the H2 exposure pressure as well as the performance of these MWCNTs on the reversibility of the H2 loading/unloading process when underwent to successive cycles of gas exposure.

Obtainment of the spray-dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (H.B.K.) using different atomization temperatures: physicochemical characterization and technological development for pharmaceutical applications.

Spray-dried extracts are prepared as powders or granules after solvent removal, which can be obtained in the presence or absence of pharmaceutical adjuvants. This work aimed to optimize the process of obtaining dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (HBK) by spray drying. The characterization of the extract was performed by thermal analysis, specific surface area, particle size and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); then, capsules were developed for antimicrobial treatment, evaluating four bench lots by the determination of the angle of repose and time of flow, scanning electron microscopy, porosity and physicochemical quality control. There were no significant differences between the extracts obtained by spray drying at atomization temperatures of 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C, which was confirmed by thermal analysis. Specific surface area varied inversely with the mean particle size. Regarding the marker content by HPLC, no significant differences were found between the samples, although the flavonoid fraction was more stable at 160 °C. Bench lots (I to IV) were developed using the diluents Flowlac®, Starch® 1500, microcrystalline cellulose 250 and Cellactose® 80. Based on the results, the bench lot I, containing Flowlac®, was selected. The results of physicochemical quality control demonstrated that the selected formulation meets the pre-established parameters, and proving to be economically viable.

Synergistic effect of a spinel ferrite on the adsorption capacity of nano bio-silica for the removal of methylene blue.

The synergistic effect of CoFe2O4 on the capacity of bio-silica extracted from rice husk for the removal of methylene blue (MB) was investigated. The novel composite of cobalt ferrite/nano bio-silica was prepared by dispersing cobalt and iron salt in ratio 1:2 in a solution containing bio-silica, calcined at 700°C and characterized. The adsorption capacity of the composite (253.6 mg g-1) was higher than that of bio-silica (52.6 mg g-1), and the process was exothermic and spontaneous. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applicable to explain the adsorption isotherm, while pseudo-second-order and Elovich are best applicable for the kinetics mechanism. The amount of MB that was removed, increased with an increase in ionic strength due to dimerization of MB. Regeneration and reusability of the adsorbents showed that they are economically viable. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis of MB-loaded adsorbent confirmed the adsorption of MB.

Effects on Ultrastructure, Composition and Specific Surface Area of the Gills of Odontesthes bonariensis Under Subchronic Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Exposure.

Gills represent one of the major sites of gas exchange of fish, consequently they are in continuous close contact with the aquatic environment and its pollutants. In the present study the effects on gills of pejerrey fish, Odontesthes bonariensis, under glyphosate-based herbicide subchronic exposure were analyzed. Adult animals were exposed to sublethal concentrations of a glyphosate-based commercial formulation (1 and 10 PMG mg L-1, PMG: glyphosate active ingredient) for 15 days, while control group was maintained in rearing water. Ultrastructural changes in gills were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composition of the surface epithelium and specific surface area were determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and N2 (g) adsorption-desorption isotherms, respectively. The herbicide exposure induced severe alterations in gill ultrastructure, as shown in the SEM micrographs. Accordingly, an increase in surface area of the gills of exposed animals was determined. These results support that gills parameters of freshwater fish are sensitive morphological biomarkers for glyphosate exposure.

Ecuadorian yeast species as microbial particles for Cr(VI) biosorption.

Pollution caused by heavy metals is a prime concern due to its impact on human health, animals, and ecosystems. Cr(VI), generated in a range of different industries as a liquid effluent, is one of the most frequent contaminants. In the work presented herein, the adsorption efficiency of three species of native yeasts from Ecuador (Kazachstania yasuniensis, Kodamaea transpacifica, and Saturnispora quitensis) for Cr(VI) removal from simulated wastewater was assessed, taking Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a reference. After disruption of the flocs of yeast with a cationic surfactant, adsorption capacity, kinetics, and biosorption isotherms were studied. K. transpacifica isolate was found to feature the highest efficiency among the four yeasts tested, as a result of its advantageous combination of surface charge, individual cell size (4.04 µm), and surface area (1588.27 m2/L). The performance of S. quitensis was only slightly lower. The remarkable biosorption capacities of these two isolates (476.19 and 416.67 mg of Cr(VI)/g of yeast, respectively) evidence the potential of non-conventional yeast species as sorption microbial particles for polluted water remediation.

Effects of pollution and bioleaching process on the mineral composition and texture of contaminated sediments of the Reconquista River, Argentina.

In this work, we report on the structural and textural changes in fluvial sediments from Reconquista River´s basin, Argentina, due to processes of contamination with organic matter and remediation by bioleaching. The original uncontaminated matrix showed quartz and phyllosilicates as the main primary mineral constituents and phases of interstratified illite-montmorillonite as secondary minerals. It was found that in contaminated sediments, the presence of organic matter in high concentration causes changes in the specific surface area, particle size distribution, size and distribution of micro and meso, and the morphology of the particles with respect to the uncontaminated sediment. After the bioleaching process, there were even greater changes in these parameters at the level of secondary mineral formation and the appearance of nanoparticles, which were confirmed by SEM. Especially, we found the formation of cementing substances such as gypsum, promoting the formation of macroporous aggregates and the weathering of clay components. Our results indicate that the bioleaching not only decreases the content of metals but also favors the formation of a material with improved characteristics for potential future applications.

Structural and Physicochemical Characterization of Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) Nanoparticles by High-Resolution Electron Microscopic Techniques.

The objective of this work was to obtain Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) nanoparticles (SNPs) by using high-impact mechanical milling and to characterize them by electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The milling products were analyzed after various processing times (1-4 h), and particle size distribution and number mean size (NMS) were determined by analysis of high-resolution scanning electron microscopic images. The smallest particles are synthesized after 3 h of milling, had an NMS of 55.6±3.6 nm, with 95% of the particles being smaller than 100 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed lattice spacing of ~0.27±0.015 nm for SNPs. The corresponding chemical composition was obtained by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and showed the presence of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and Zn. The powder flow properties showed that the powder density was higher when the average nanoparticle size is smaller. They showed free flowability and an increase in their specific surface area (6.89±0.23 m2/g) up to 12-14 times larger than the original material (0.45±0.02 m2/g). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that chemical damage related to the milling is not significant.

Atributos físicos de latossolos ácricos do norte paulista

Physical attributes, i.e, water dispersible clay (WDC), available water (AW) and specific surface area (SSA) of surface and subsurface samples of three acne Oxisols from the São Paulo State - Brazil (two dusky red and one Una variant latosol) were studied. WDC decreased markedly with depth and their values were 0 and 2% for the B horizon. In that layer, electric charge density, surface potential and deltapH were close to zero, promoting colloid flocullation. Amounts of AW were low ( 6%) in all samples, with exception of the surface layer from one of the dusky red latosols, for which available water was medium (6-12%). Those low values reflected strong microagreggationof the acric Oxisols, whose water retention and movement are similar to sandy soils. SSA had small values, varying from 42 to 104nrVg, as a result of a predominance of kaolinite and oxides in the soil clay fraction. A positive correlation was obtained between SSA and the amounts of organic carbon and iron oxides.

Neste trabalho foram quantificadas a argila dispersa em água (ADA), a água disponível (AD) e a superfície específica (SE) de amostras superficiais e subsuperficiais de três latossolos ácricos paulistas. Estes atributos foram relacionados com a carga elétrica líquida, o ponto de efeito salino nulo e o potencial elétrico superficial. As quantidades de argila dispersa em água diminuíram bastante em profundidade, tendo seus valores variado de 0 a 2% no horizonte B. Nestas camadas, a densidade de carga elétrica, o potencial elétrico superficial e o deltapH estiveram próximos da neutralidade, favorecendo a floculação dos colóides. Os teores de água disponível foram baixos em todas as amostras ( 6%), com exceção da camada superficial de um dos latossolos, onde o teor foi médio (6-12%). Os baixos valores refletiram a forte microagregação destes solos, cujo movimento e retenção de água são similares aos de solos arenosos. Os valores de superfície específica de todas as amostras foram baixos (variando de 42 a 104m²/g), resultado da predominância de minerais cauliníticos e oxídicos na fração argila dos solos. Foi observado efeito positivo da matéria orgânica e dos óxidos de ferro nos valores de SE ao longo dos perfis.

Atributos físicos de latossolos ácricos do norte paulista

Physical attributes, i.e, water dispersible clay (WDC), available water (AW) and specific surface area (SSA) of surface and subsurface samples of three acne Oxisols from the São Paulo State - Brazil (two dusky red and one Una variant latosol) were studied. WDC decreased markedly with depth and their values were 0 and 2% for the B horizon. In that layer, electric charge density, surface potential and deltapH were close to zero, promoting colloid flocullation. Amounts of AW were low ( 6%) in all samples, with exception of the surface layer from one of the dusky red latosols, for which available water was medium (6-12%). Those low values reflected strong microagreggationof the acric Oxisols, whose water retention and movement are similar to sandy soils. SSA had small values, varying from 42 to 104nrVg, as a result of a predominance of kaolinite and oxides in the soil clay fraction. A positive correlation was obtained between SSA and the amounts of organic carbon and iron oxides.

Neste trabalho foram quantificadas a argila dispersa em água (ADA), a água disponível (AD) e a superfície específica (SE) de amostras superficiais e subsuperficiais de três latossolos ácricos paulistas. Estes atributos foram relacionados com a carga elétrica líquida, o ponto de efeito salino nulo e o potencial elétrico superficial. As quantidades de argila dispersa em água diminuíram bastante em profundidade, tendo seus valores variado de 0 a 2% no horizonte B. Nestas camadas, a densidade de carga elétrica, o potencial elétrico superficial e o deltapH estiveram próximos da neutralidade, favorecendo a floculação dos colóides. Os teores de água disponível foram baixos em todas as amostras ( 6%), com exceção da camada superficial de um dos latossolos, onde o teor foi médio (6-12%). Os baixos valores refletiram a forte microagregação destes solos, cujo movimento e retenção de água são similares aos de solos arenosos. Os valores de superfície específica de todas as amostras foram baixos (variando de 42 a 104m²/g), resultado da predominância de minerais cauliníticos e oxídicos na fração argila dos solos. Foi observado efeito positivo da matéria orgânica e dos óxidos de ferro nos valores de SE ao longo dos perfis.