Controlling post storage greening in table stock potatoes with ethoxylated mono- and diglyceride surfactants and an adjuvant

Greening was prevented in Kennebec tubers by the application of either Aldosperse MS-20, or Starfol D, to tuber surfaces upon removal from storage at 3.3 or 5.0 C. The action of these food grade surfactants, applied as aqueous emulsions, was related to the development of high Pco₂ in the peel. The greening inhibiting action of the surfactants was improved by the addition of citric acid to the emulsions.     

Castor oil-based lubricant reduces smoke emission in two-stroke engines

Smoky emissions from two-stroke gasoline engines (2T) are a problem for the environment. Use of vegetable oil (oxygenate) is one solution. A biodegradable 2T-oil was developed from castor oil, which consisted of tolyl monoesters and performance additives but no miscibility-solvent. Evaluation revealed that on one hand it reduced smoke by 50-70% at 1% oil fuel ratio and on the other hand it was at par with standard product specification. Starting problems, piston-seizer or any other driving problems were not observed during the test. There is excellent potential for castor oil based biodegradable 2T-lubricant as a smoke pollution reducer.     

Acetylation of Jute fiber to improve oil absorbency

Raw Jute was modified by acetylation process with acetic anhydride using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as a catalyst in a solvent free system which was found to be effective catalyst. The reaction parameters were optimized which were found to be time 1 h, temperature 120 °C, catalyst concentration 2 %, and solid to liquid ratio 1:20. The product so formed was characterized by FT-IR and TG and its degree of acetylation was also evaluated. The extent of acetylation was measured by weight percent gain (WPG). Acetylation resulted in significant increase in hydrophobic properties of the jute fiber. The oil sorption capacity of the acetylated jute was higher than that of the commercial synthetic oil sorbents such as polypropylene fibers as well as raw jute. Therefore, these oil sorption-active materials which are also biodegradable can be used to substitute non-biodegradable synthetic materials in oil spill cleanup.     

Utilization of sophorolipids as biosurfactants for postemergence herbicides

Sophorolipids are carbohydrate-based, amphiphilic biosurfactants produced by several species of the Starmerella yeast clade. Most sophorolipids are partially acetylated sophorose sugars O-β-glycosidically linked to 17-L-hydroxy-Δ9-octadecenoic acid, where typically the acyl carboxyl group forms a 4″-lactone to the terminal glucosyl residue. Recently sophorolipids were discovered in which the sophorose is linked to the ω-carbon of the acyl group and occurs predominately in a non-lactone, anionic form. In this study we compared lactone sophorolipids produced by Starmerella (Candida) bombicola (Sb) and non-lactone sophorolipids produced by Candida kuoi (Ck) against a synthetic polyethoxylated tallowamine surfactant (POEA) which is used in commercial postemergence herbicides. When mixed with the lipophilic contact herbicide lemongrass oil (LGO), stable emulsions with Ck lasted longer than with either POEA or Sb. Phytotoxicity (as measured by fresh and dry weights and visual damage three days after spraying) to sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) by the Ck/LGO and Sb/LGO mixtures were similar to a POEA/LGO mixture, while visual damage to corn (Zea mays L.) was increased by the addition of all of the surfactants. When applied together with the water-soluble herbicide phosphinothricin, the Ck/LGO and Sb/LGO treatments caused decreases in sicklepod dry weights and herbicide damage ratings (HDR) compared to phosphinothricin applied without a surfactant ten days after treatment. With corn, POEA and Ck applied with PT had the greatest reductions in fresh and dry weights, and HDR values. These results indicate that sophorolipids have excellent promise as natural surfactants for postemergence herbicides.     

澳洲坚果油微乳体系的构建

为扩大澳洲坚果油应用领域,构建了澳洲坚果油微乳体系。以微乳区面积为评价指标,采用伪三元相图法,并结合单因素试验和Box-Behnken试验,对表面活性剂、助表面活性剂种类及用量和制备温度进行优选,并对相图中O/W型微乳中心区域的两条可稀释线上靠近中心的两个微乳液配方的粒径测定,评价微乳稳定性。澳洲坚果油微乳液较佳的制备工艺为：吐温60 （Tween 60）与聚氧乙烯氢化蓖麻油（PEG-40）质量比2.5为混合表面活性剂、聚乙二醇400（PEG400）与澳洲坚果油质量比3.5为混合油相、制备温度60 ℃,可制备出微乳区面积较大,无色透明并可无限稀释的微乳液,试验得到S_ME为13.61%。微乳液在长期贮存和大量稀释过程中,粒径变化较小,稳定性较好。     

Oat protein solubility and emulsion properties improved by enzymatic deamidation

Oat protein produced by a dry milling process was enzymatically deamidated by a food-grade protein-glutaminase (PG), and the effects on structure, solubility and emulsifying properties of oat proteins were studied. The reactions were conducted at neutral pH and low salt concentration conditions. Oat proteins were deamidated up to a deamidation degree of 59%. The solubility of proteins doubled. Oil-in-water emulsions prepared with the native and deamidated oat proteins differed as the emulsions prepared from oat proteins with high deamidation degree had a more uniform oil droplet particle size and longer stability. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis demonstrated that oat protein secondary structure became more flexible by deamidation. Protein-glutaminase mediated deamidation appeared to be a promising technique to improve oat protein functionality such as emulsifying ability and solubility.     

Persistence of mineral oil spray deposits on potato leaves

Persistence of oil deposits on potato leaves was partially a function of the spray concentration and lasted 1 and 5 days for 1 and 3% oil emulsions, respectively. Natural and artificial rainfalls of different amount and timing had no significant impact on oil residue levels. Variations in the persistence of different oil formulations were observed and related to differences in the initial spray deposits. An equation to estimate oil persistence was developed.     

Post harvest physiconutritional changes in Kagzi limes (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) treated with selected oil emulsions and diphenyl

Influence of oil emulsions and diphenyl on post-harvest physico nutritionalchanges in Kagzi limes (Citrus aurantifolia) was studied. During twelvedays of storage, physiological loss in weight (PLW) and rotting were at a minimum in fruits treated with Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) oilplus diphenyl; juice content was at a maximum in mustard oil + diphenyltreated fruits. With the advancement of storage period, total soluble solidswere increased while ascorbic acid and acidity of fruits decreased. Mustardoil plus diphenyl supported maximum ascorbic acid (25.60 mg/100 ml juice) andminimum total soluble solids (9.03%).     

Synthesis of novel alkoxylated triacylglycerols and their lubricant base oil properties

Development and application of bio-based fluids in industrial and automotive sectors are rapidly increasing due to their non-toxic and biodegradable character unlike mineral oil-based products. Synthetic lubricant base fluid with improved high and low-temperature stability was prepared by chemical modification of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO). The reaction was carried out in two-steps: (i) synthesis of dihydroxylated soybean oil from ESBO with HClO₄, (ii) reaction of acetic, butyric and hexanoic anhydride with the dihydroxylated product. The composition of the reaction products were confirmed by NMR and FTIR analysis. Chain length variation of the anhydrides used in the synthesis resulted in base fluids with different physical and chemical properties. Low-temperature stability was excellent for hexanoic anhydride derivative. When compared with SBO, thermal and oxidative stabilities were improved. Viscosity, volatility and other lubricant base oil properties were evaluated qualitatively. Bio-fluids based on this chemical modification offer great potential for the development of industrial fluids and products based on such fluids.     

Effect of DHA Containing Oils and Powders on Baking Performance and Quality of White Pan Bread

Different sources of DHA and/or n-3 (omega-3) rich oils, oil emulsions and microencapsulated (ME) powders were tested at two different concentrations with the aim of producing fortified pan bread. Three oils (S-algae, fish and flax), two emulsified algae oils (Emulsion-P and Emulsion-L) and two ME oils (ME-S algae and ME-C algae) were compared. The DHA and n-3 oils replaced part of the shortening in order to obtain 32 g slices enriched with 25 or 50 mg DHA, 35 or 70 mg total n-3 from fish oil and 90 or 180 mg linolenic from flax oil. Addition of oils did not significantly affect water absorption but reduced mix time whereas addition of the ME oils decreased both water absorption and mix time. Breads enriched with flax or ME-C oils had lower volume and higher density than the control, ME-S algae, Emulsion-P and Emulsion-L breads. All breads lost texture throughout 14 d storage, the major changes occurred after 3 d. The ME-S algae oil bread had the best softness after 14 d storage whereas breads produced from ME-S algae or ME-C algae oils had the poorest texture. Sensory evaluations indicated that the color of the ME-S algae oil fortified bread was significantly less preferred than the other loaves. After 6 d the control bread had higher acceptability compared with the rest of the breads enriched with high levels of DHA or omega-3 oils. The high-enriched fish oil bread was well accepted during the first days of storage but had the least preferred acceptability after 13 d. The best fortified breads were those supplemented with S-algae oil, Emulsion-P and Emulsion-L oils.     

Emulsifying properties of three African food hydrocolloids: okra (Hibiscus esculentus), dika nut (Irvingia gabonensis), and khan (Belschmiedia sp.)

This study investigated the emulsifying properties of okra (Hibiscus esculentus), dika nut (Irvingia gabonensis) and khan (Belschmiedia sp.), three African food hydrocolloids used to thicken and flavor soups. Results showed that khan has an emulsion potential approximately 20 and 100 times higher than the second and the first, respectively. A kinetic study indicated that the mechanism involved formation of thick and strong interfacial gum films around the oil globules, in addition to a high Water Absorption Capacity and weak gelling behavior of khan gum in solution. These results indicated that, when used in soups, which are typical oil/water emulsions, khan contribute both to thickening and stabilizing of the emulsion, whereas okra and dika nut functioned more as thickeners than as emulsion stabilizers.     

Characterization of milkweed (Asclepias spp.) seed proteins

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) is a crop grown mainly for the production of floss used as hypoallergenic fillers in comforters and pillows. The seeds end up as by-products. Milkweed seed contains 21% oil and 30% crude protein (dry basis). The oil is similar in quality to soybean oil, but there is no information on the properties of milkweed protein. This study determined the MW of major fractions, soluble classes, amino acid composition, and functional properties of milkweed seed protein. Ground milkweed seeds were analyzed for proximate composition and amino acid profile, as well as, subjected to SDS-PAGE and protein functionality tests. Reduced proteins showed eight distinct bands with MW ranging from 6.5 to 59.3 kDa. The dominant protein classes were water-soluble (22%) and salt-soluble (15%). Solubility of milkweed seed protein was lowest (12%) at pH 4, 40% at pH 7, and reached a maximum (60%) at pH 10. The protein produced substantial foam volumes, but foam stability was poor. Its emulsifying capacity was excellent, especially at pH 10, and emulsions formed were stable. Water-holding capacity and surface hydrophobicity index values were higher at pH 7 than at pH 10. These results showed that milkweed seed protein has functional properties that may find use as a thickener, protein extender in adhesives, or emulsifier in paints.     

Incorporation of drying oils into emulsion polymers for use in low-VOC architectural coatings

The use of vegetable oil macromonomers (VOMMs) as co-monomers in emulsion polymerization enables good film formation without the use of traditional coalescing solvents which constitute volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the allylic protons associated with the fatty acid double bonds can result in extensive chain transfer, reduced rates of polymerization, and potential gel content. Different vegetable oils were derivatized to yield their respective VOMMs which were subsequently polymerized into latexes with conventional (meth)acrylate monomers. The degree of ambient crosslinking was related to the extent of chain transfer for the various vegetable oils. The retention of VOMM unsaturation depended on reaction temperature, and the greatest variability between high and low temperatures was exhibited by the linseed oil macromonomer (the highest level of unsaturation). Lower reaction temperatures minimized the negative impact of the chain transfer reactions, yielding latexes with higher molecular weights and greater retention of allylic unsaturation. Core–shell polymers were characterized by bimodal particle size distribution indicating that the presence of VOMM-rich droplets contributed little to homogeneous VOMM distribution. Optimized single-stage polymerizations resulted in significant preservation of unsaturation, good film-forming qualities, rapid drying, and improved solvent resistance. The resulting latexes exhibited potential for use in higher performance application than conventional latexes. This study has demonstrated that drying oils can be incorporated into emulsions in limited quantities as effective reactive monomers for internal plasticization and auto-oxidative crosslinking after application. Broader ranges of incorporation require further study of VOMM reaction kinetics as a function of structure and improved process methods for macromonomer incorporation into emulsion polymers.     

Transesterification of epoxidized soybean oil to prepare epoxy methyl esters

Epoxidized methyl esters were prepared by the transesterification of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO). The transesterification was complete in 10 min at 50 °C without loss of the epoxide function. Epoxidized methyl esters represent a renewable substrate that is readily converted into surfactants, fuel additives, and other industrial products. The implementation of this reaction will increase the availability of epoxidized methyl esters and promote the development of new biobased products.     

Characterization and stability of nanostructured lipid carriers as drug delivery system

Recently more focus has been put to the development of innovative drug-delivery systems that includes polymer nanoparticles, emulsions and liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). The SLNs have been proposed to be an alternative colloidal drug delivery system. The aim of this study was preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) using varieties of emulsifier for encapsulation of the drug with poor water solubility. In these study four types of solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared based on different compositions of palm oil (S154) and lecithin (Lipoid 100) using the high pressure homogenization method. The SLN formulation had the following (palm oil+lecithin) compositions: SLN-01 (90 + 10%, respectively), SLN-02 (80 + 20%, respectively), SLN-03 (70 + 30%, respectively) and SLN-04 (60 + 40%, respectively). The SLNs were characterized and the optimum stability factors for one year storage determined. The parameters used to characterize the SLNs were particle size and polydispersity index (particle sizer), zeta potential (zetasizer), crystallinity (differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X-ray diffraction), ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy). Varying the palm oil and lecithin compositions resulted in SLNs of variable sizes and zeta potentials. The particle sizes of SLN-01, SLN-02, SLN-03 and SLN-04 were 298.40 +/- 11.80, 255.40 +/- 3.20, 145.00 +/- 3.39 and 273.00 +/- 86.50 nm, respectively, while the zeta potentials were -19.44 +/- 60.00, -19.50 +/- 1.80, -17.83 +/- 10.00 and -13.33 +/- 2.30 mV, respectively. Thermoanalysis and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the SLNs had lower crystallinity than bulk lipid. The SLNs were generally round and uniform in shape under transmission electron microscopy. The SLN dimensional data suggested they had high quality physicochemical characteristics, which are conducive for the loading of poor water solubility drugs.     

Polyanizidine and Polycaprolactone Nanofibers for Designing the Conductive Scaffolds

The main objective of this work was chemically bioactivation of the conducting polyanizidine (PANIZ) by incorporating a polyester such as polycaprolactone (PCL). Modified PANIZ nanocomposites were synthesized through ring opening and chemical oxidation polymerizations. A four-point probe was applied to measure the conductivity of newly synthesized star-like block copolymer (S-PCL-PANIZ) nanocomposite, which was about 0.44 S cm^-1. Conductive biodegradable nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning with 25 and 75 % (wt/wt) S-PCL-PANIZ to PCL. The contact angle of each prepared nanofiber was 87±3°, supporting their usefulness for cell culture. The cultured mouse osteoblast MG63 cells demonstrated normal morphology and significantly higher adhesion and spreading on the nanofiber. The bioactivated PANIZ based nanocomposite may be fruitful in tissue engineering to fabricate conducting biodegradable scaffolds with improved cell adhesion properties for various cell cultures.     

Cuphea growth, yield, and oil characteristics as influenced by climate and soil environments across the upper Midwest USA

Cuphea is a potential new oilseed crop rich in medium-chain fatty acids (C8:0 to C14:0) that may serve as a renewable, biodegradable source of oil for lubricants, motor oil, and aircraft fuel. Impacts of climate and soil environment on cuphea growth and development are not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of climate and soil on growth, seed yield, and seed oil characteristics of two semi-domesticated cuphea genotypes [PSR23 and HC-10 (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × C. lanceolata W.T. Aiton)] and three wild species [Cuphea wrightii, Cuphea lutea, and C. viscosissima (VS-6-CPR-1)] that show potential for domestication. The study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 at field sites in North Dakota (ND), Minnesota (MN), Iowa (IA), and Illinois (IL). Cuphea PSR23 and HC-10 were direct seeded in the field, while the three wild species were transplanted. The two plantings were treated as separate experiments. Plant growth, seed yield and oil content for the two direct-seeded lines tended to be distinctly greater in MN and ND than IL and IA, which was related more to growth temperature than soil environment. The three wild species generally performed similarly across the four different environments. C. wrightii had the greatest oil content, ranging from 320 to 360 g kg⁻¹, which was comprised of 59-64% lauric acid. For each genotype, the content of its most prominent saturated medium-chain fatty acid (e.g., C10:0 or C12:0) increased with decreasing latitude of field site. Seed yields for C. wrightii and C. lutea were as high as 1116 kg ha⁻¹. Combined with relatively high seed oil contents (280-350 g kg⁻¹) these species may be good candidates for domestication. Results indicate that PSR23 and HC-10 are more regionally adapted than the wild species studied, which tended to exhibit a greater range of adaptability to climate and soil conditions.     

Fabrication of superhydrophobic cellulose/chitosan composite aerogel for oil/water separation

Superhydrophobic cellulose and chitosan composite aerogel (SCECS) is fabricated through a novel and simple approach for the first time. During the preparation of cellulose and chitosan composite aerogel (CECS), chitosan is selfassemble into number micron-diameter particles on the surface of aerogel, which is similar to the micromorphology of a lotus leaf. Based on the rough surface, CECS is modified by sodium stearate through electrostatic interaction and ion exchange. Water contact angles of 156° are obtained for superhydrophobic aerogel. SCECS can remove various oils from water and with absorption capacities of 10 g/g for oil. Furthermore, the special structure of a non-porous of surface and porous layer of internal is benefit to separate surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions under gravity.     

Synthetic lubricant basestocks from epoxidized soybean oil and Guerbet alcohols

Vegetable oils are biodegradable and therefore good candidates for environmentally friendly base stocks. They have excellent lubricity, but poor oxidation and low temperature stabilities. For this study, synthetic lubricant basestocks with oxidative stabilities and pour points comparable with commercial synthetic lubricant basestocks have been prepared by reacting epoxidized soybean oil with Guerbet alcohols. Four different Guerbet alcohols, C12-, C14-, C16-, and C18-Guerbet alcohols were used. Reaction of epoxidized soybean oil with a Guerbet alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid provided open-ringed products. ¹H NMR has shown that transesterification follows after ring-opening reaction under the given reaction conditions. Two types of ring-opened products, 0%- and 100%-transesterified products, could be obtained under controlled reaction conditions. Pour points of the ring-opened products ranged from −18 to −36 °C without pour point depressant (PPD) and from −21 to −42 °C with 1% of PPD. Acetylation of hydroxy groups in the ring-opened products further lowered pour points that ranged from −27 to −42 °C without PPD and from −30 to −48 °C with 1% of PPD. Oxidative stability was examined using a modified Penn State microoxidation test and compared with those of synthetic lubricant basestocks and mineral oil. Oxidative evaporations of two selected products in the microoxidation test were similar to mineral oil and less than synthetic lubricant-based oils, polyalphaolefin (PAO₄) and diisododecyl adipate. Deposits of these products were similar to synthetic lubricant-based oils and less than mineral oil.     

Emulsifying and surface properties of citric acid deamidated wheat gliadin

The properties of citric acid deamidated wheat gliadin (d-gliadin) and d-gliadin emulsions at concentrations of 2% and 0.5% at pH 7 and 3 were investigated. d-gliadin exhibited high solubility at neutral pH and had a different molecular weight distribution compared with control gliadin. Stability of d-gliadin emulsion increased after heat treatment. Heat treatment led to a red shift of the fluorescence emission maxima of emulsions, indicating the rearrangement of d-gliadin molecules and increase of the protein structure flexibility at the oil–water interface. The emulsion was sensitive to NaCl up to 150 mM due to electrostatic screening effects. d-gliadin concentration influenced the droplet size and the saturation surface load of emulsion. d-gliadin slowly adsorbed on the oil–water interface during the adsorption process. Higher d-gliadin concentration exhibited higher surface pressure. Surface adsorption properties confirmed that d-gliadin was a good emulsifier in oil–water emulsions.