Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced chitosan/titanium dioxide bionanocomposite with enhanced interfacial compatibility: Fabrication, characterization, and application in fresh-cut apple slices.

This research aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a bionanocomposite made of chitosan, CNC, and TiO2 nanoparticles to package freshly sliced apples. At the outset, the effect of varying concentrations of CNC (1, 5, and 10 %) and TiO2 (1, 3, and 5 %) on the mechanical, thermal, and water sensitivity characteristics of the chitosan bionanocomposite was studied. Among different combinations, the bionanocomposite containing 10 % CNC and 3 % TiO2 displayed significant enhancements compared to neat chitosan film. Notably, it exhibited a substantial increase in tensile strength (78.2 %), glass transition temperature (26.7 %), and melting temperature (30.0 %) compared to neat chitosan film. Additionally, it demonstrated reduced WVP (27.8 %), FWS (44.4 %), and SR (50.7 %). These improvements were attributed to the synergistic interactions among chitosan, CNC, and TiO2 nanoparticles through hydrogen and oxygen bonding, corroborated by spectral changes in the material. The photocatalytic degradation of ethylene and microbes by UV-A (intermittent) activated TiO2 contained in the developed bionanocomposite was confirmed by the retention of acceptable quality and radical scavenging activity (70 % retention) of fresh-cut apple slices up to 11 days. The developed bionanocomposite can thus preserve the quality of ethylene-producing horticultural produce.

Process Optimization for Development of Guar Gum-Based Biodegradable Hydrogel Film Using Response Surface Methodology.

In the current study, a guar-gum-based biodegradable hydrogel film was prepared using an initiator (potassium persulfate), crosslinker (N-N methyl bis acrylamide), and plasticizer (glycerol) for packaging of fruits and vegetables. The effect of independent variables (initiator, crosslinker, and plasticizer) on the biodegradation (% wt. loss), color difference (ΔE), hardness (N), swelling index (%), and transparency (%) of the film was studied using Box-Behnken design, random surface methodology (RSM). The results showed significant effects on all the abovementioned parameters, and it was observed that the developed model was accurate, with a prediction error of only -3.19 to 2.99%. The optimized formulation for the preparation of hydrogel film was 0.15% initiator, 0.02% crosslinker, and 2.88% plasticizer exhibiting satisfactory biodegradability, color difference, hardness, swelling index, and transparency. Results showed that a guar-gum-based biodegradable hydrogel film has adequate physical, optical, and biodegradable properties and can be successfully utilized in the food packaging industry.

Study on Dietary Pattern, Nutritional Status and Socio-Demographic Determinants of the Preschool Children Aged 3-6 Years.

This study was undertaken to analyze the dietary pattern and nutritional status of preschool children and to check the association between diet and socio-demographic factors. Dietary Pattern of 390 preschool children from Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand state of India was assessed. 24-Hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for collecting information regarding dietary intake for three consecutive days. Nutritional indices (weight for age, height for age, weight for height, and BMI for age Z score) were studied using WHO Anthro software. Results indicated that the nutrient intake was inadequate, with major children consuming less than 60% of the recommended intake. Family income, community, type of family, birth order (ordinal position), and the number of siblings were associated with dietary insufficiency (p < 0.05). Stunting and wasting were commonly prevalent in more number of girls as compared to boys, on the contrary; more boys were underweight as compared to girls. A higher proportion of girls 18% (95% C.I. 10.8, 25.3) were thin as compared to boys 15% (95% C.I. 8.4, 21.6).

Application and comparison of genetic and mathematical optimizers for freeze-drying of mushrooms.

The suitability of genetic algorithm as an optimization tool for freeze drying of mushroom has been explored. The optimized solution set obtained from genetic algorithm was compared to a derivative based goal attainment algorithm (fgoalattain) to identify the better optimizer. Regression models for quality parameters of freeze dried button mushrooms were developed and models with ≥ 85% correlation were selected and compiled into an objective function for optimization. Verified optimal solutions revealed that genetic algorithm was more proficient in optimizing physical quality parameters (rehydration and shrinkage ratio) as contrary to fgoalattain which optimized nutritional characteristics (ascorbic acid and protein) better. The ability of genetic algorithm for optimization from the perspective of a consumer was found to be better.

Development of polyhouse type solar dryer for Kashmir valley.

Polyhouse type solar dryer (PSD) consist of drying chamber, drying trays and exhaust fan was developed for drying fruits and vegetables. The relative humidity (RH) inside the PSD varied in between 21 to 74% as compared to outside RH which ranged from 40 to 75%. The performance was found suitable and resulted in efficient drying at low RH. The thermal performance test for PSD under full and no load testing conditions were calculated. The temperature inside the dryer was 62 to 76% higher than the ambient conditions. PSD was helpful in reducing the drying ranging from 33 to 53%. The capacity of PSD was 100-150 kg per batch. The economic cost of solar dryer was compared with mechanical drying for beneficial to local producer. The cost of PSD Rs 80,000 could recover within the period of 1.5 years by adopting solar drying technology.