•BRDF generated in biomass boiler was evaluated in terms of physicochemical properties and combustion behavior as a fuel in thermal power plants.•BRDF were analyzed and compared with RWP, TWP, and ...coal.•Higher heating value and grindability for BRDF become higher than those of RWP, TWP.•BRDF has maximum combustion reaction rate compared to others.
Recently, a 125 MW biomass power plant in South Korea has been operating annually using 600,000 tons of wood pellets as fuel, producing approximately 6,000 tons of biomass refuse-derived fuel (BRDF) each year. Owing to challenges in pulverizing biomass, large particles are introduced into the boiler furnace during power generation. However, their size hinders complete combustion, and approximately 1.0 % of the fuel input to the boiler descends to the bottom and is subsequently collected in the ash hopper; it corresponds to BRDF. This study evaluated the recyclability and applicability of BRDF in boilers by comparing its fuel properties with those of raw wood pellets (RWP), torrefied wood pellets (TWP), and coal. Furthermore, we analyzed and assessed the physicochemical properties and fundamental combustion characteristics using the thermally treated biomass grindability index (TTBGI), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The fixed carbon content of BRDF increased, whereas the volatile matter content decreased compared with that of RWP. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios of BRDF were similar to those of coal, and the higher heating value (HHV) of BRDF was improved compared with the other samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed significant pore development in the BRDF, and BET analysis indicated an increase in the specific surface area. The TTBGI measurements indicated improved grindability of the BRDF and increased lignin content. In particular, Cmean (%/min) and Cmax (%/min) increased compared with RWP, and the combustion characteristics of the BRDF improved. Therefore, this study suggests that BRDF has the potential to be utilized as a fuel in existing boilers.
Native and modified starches are important raw materials used in the industry. Gelatinization and rheological properties of starch are primary physicochemical properties to determine its ...applications. Starch gelatinization refers to a process that starch loses the native order and crystalline structure of the granules and becomes amorphous. Key rheological properties of starch include pasting property, viscosity of starch paste, and rheological features of starch gel. In this review, gelatinization and rheological properties of native starches from different botanical sources are compared and impacts of other ingredients, including sugars, salts, and lipids, on the properties are summarized. The review also covers current understandings of the gelatinization and rheological properties of modified starches with different structures. The information provided will be useful for the applications of starch in the industry as well as fundamental research in this field.
Various fermented beverages have been produced and consumed across the world. Many of the low alcoholic traditional fermented beverages are valued for their nutritional values, safety and means of ...livelihood. The objective of this study was to assess microbial quality, physicochemical properties, and proximate composition of selected Ethiopian traditional fermented beverages. . The microbial analysis was conducted by homogenizing 25 ml of each sample in 225 ml sterile peptone water followed serial dilution, plating on respective culture media, incubation, and enumeration. Physicochemical and proximate analyses were done following standard analytical methods. Lactic acid bacteria (6.09–8.13 log CFU ml−1) and yeast (6.13–8.43 log CFU ml−1) dominated microbiology of all the three beverages, with highly significant (P = 0.000) differences in mean microbial count among samples. Physico-chemically, tej had more alcohol contents (8.23 ± 2.07) than grawa (4.8 ± 0.54) and borde (3.35 ± 0.64). Likewise, content (g/100 ml) of carbohydrate (6.88 ± 1.74), protein (3.20 ± 0.39) and ash (0.78 ± 0.12) of borde were significantly higher (P = 0.000) than that of grawa and tej. In general, borde had relatively higher microbial load and better nutritional quality. Thus, having improved the microbiological quality and designed mechanism for extension of the product's shelf life, borde could be used as nutritious local beverages.
•LAB and yeasts dominated microbiology of Ethiopian traditional fermented beverages.•Physicochemical and proximate composition of traditional fermented beverages vary.•LAB of beverage origin are candidates for probiotic and starter culture application.
Summary Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common cause for drug withdrawal from the market and although infrequent, DILI can result in serious clinical outcomes including acute ...liver failure and the need for liver transplantation. Eliminating the iatrogenic “harm” caused by a therapeutic intent is a priority in patient care. However, identifying culprit drugs and individuals at risk for DILI remains challenging. Apart from genetic factors predisposing individuals at risk, the role of the drugs’ physicochemical and toxicological properties and their interactions with host and environmental factors need to be considered. The influence of these factors on mechanisms involved in DILI is multi-layered. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on 1) drug properties associated with hepatotoxicity, 2) host factors considered to modify an individuals’ risk for DILI and clinical phenotypes, and 3) drug-host interactions. We aim at clarifying knowledge gaps needed to be filled in as to improve risk stratification in patient care. We therefore broadly discuss relevant areas of future research. Emerging insight will stimulate new investigational approaches to facilitate the discovery of clinical DILI risk modifiers in the context of disease complexity and associated interactions with drug properties, and hence will be able to move towards safety personalized medicine.
The effects of high-power ultrasound (HP-US) treatment with different frequencies, temperatures, and durations on the physicochemical and structural properties of untreated and HP-US-treated egg ...white protein (EWP) were evaluated. Results indicated that the solubility of EWP was significantly improved after HP-US treatment, especially under the continuous dual frequency of 20/40 kHz. The foaming capacity of the EWP also depended on the treatment frequency, temperature, and duration, and foaming stability increased considerably in the HP-US-treated EWP compared with the untreated one. The particle size of the HP-US-treated EWP greatly decreased compared with that of untreated EWP. Results of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated that more water molecules were trapped in the EWP gel structure as free water after HP-US treatment. Therefore, the green technology of HP-US treatment can improve the physicochemical properties of EWP because of its sonochemical effect on the molecular conformation of EWP.
•High power ultrasound (HP-US) reduced the particles size of egg white protein (EWP).•HP-US can improve the solubility and foaming properties of EWP.•HP-US improved the water-holding ability of EWP gel.
The field of thermo-thickening polymer interacting with clay has long been shrouded in mystery and ambiguity. Despite numerous studies and investigations, the complex interactions, underlying ...mechanism and binding forces remain elusive, imposing further exploration and elucidation. In this study, three thermo-thickening polymers such as poly(acrylamide methylpropane sulfonic acid-co-N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNV), poly(acrylamide methylpropane sulfonic acid-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDM), and poly(acrylamide methylpropane sulfonic acid-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNP) with clay fluids (CFs) were investigated to gain deeper understanding of the underlying physicochemical interactions. Techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and elemental analysis (EA) elucidated the structural properties, whereas turbidimetry and rheometric analysis elucidated the temperature-induced phase transitions. The interactions between the different polymer side chains and clay double-sheets were investigated through isothermal adsorption testing, probing chemisorption and hydrogen bonding tuned the chemical properties, whereas electrostatic forces (ionic/van der Waals) bind the physical properties as demonstrated by Zeta (ζ) potential, XRD, high-resolution spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The addition of 0.2–1.5 wt% of the polymers induced significant effect on the rheological properties of CFs, with increase in low shear viscosity and plastic viscosity, attributed to the formation of gel-like structures at high temperatures. PNV/Clay (NVBF)-modified fluid demonstrated exceptional fluid thickening and suspension behaviors compared to linear PDM/Clay (DMBF) and PNP/Clay (NPBF)-modified fluids. In addition, NVBF exhibited significantly higher adsorption energies and basal spacings, along with more crystalline patterns suited to embed clay particles. Overall, the synergistic effect of the different polymer side chains with clay particles provides valuable insights on the mechanistic and enhancement of rheological properties of CFs effective as shale inhibition, viscosifier and wellbore stabilization.
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•Water hyacinth roots (WHR), stems and leaves (WHSL) were pyrolyzed.•Mean activation energy of devolatilization was 173 and 230 kJ/mol for WHSL and WHR.•Pyrolysis emitted more carbon ...dioxide and C=O (acids, aldehydes and ketones) and less carbon monoxide.•Main by-products were phenols and furans for WHR and nitrides and phenols for WHSL.•Bioenergy generation potential was greater for WHSL than WHR.
This study aimed to quantify the pyrolytic bioenergy potential of water hyacinth roots (WHR), stems and leaves (WHSL) by assessing their physicochemical properties, pyrolysis performances, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Their gas emissions and other by-products were also detected using thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses. The WHR and WHSL pyrolysis consisted of the three consecutive stages of the moisture removal, devolatilization, and the decomposition of residuals. The main pyrolysis temperature varied between 200 and 600 °C. The elevated heating rate raised both initial devolatilization and peak temperatures and shortened the reaction times of the thermochemical conversions of both samples. According to the comprehensive pyrolysis index, WHSL outperformed WHR. The average activation energy estimates pointed to a lower decomposition cost for WHSL (172.09–173.09 kJ/mol) than WHR (230.11–232.06 kJ/mol). The fluctuating thermodynamic parameters indicated a complicated pyrolysis mechanism for WHR and WHSL. The main gases evolved from the WHR and WHSL pyrolysis in decreasing order were CO2, CO, C–O, SO2, CC, H2O, CH4, and CO. The main pyrolytic by-products were phenols (19.2%), and furans (12.4%) for WHR and nitrides (11.9%), and phenols (10%) for WHSL. Our results provide insights into scaling-up bioenergy potential, value-added by-products, and emission controls based on the pyrolysis of the water hyacinth biomass parts.
Interests in cod proteins (CPs) in food industry are growing due to their high nutritional attributes and the largest fishing amount worldwide. However, CPs are usually consumed as low value-added ...products, and limited attention has been paid to their emulsifying properties. In this study, the effects of preheat treatment at different temperatures (70–100 °C) and time (5–60 min) on the physicochemical and interfacial properties of CPs were investigated. Results revealed that increasing the preheating temperature and time led to smaller particle size, lower contents of sulfhydryl sites, and higher surface hydrophobicity of CPs. Preheat treatment further significantly increased the ratios of CPs-absorption at the oil-water interface of emulsions that presented smaller droplet size and lower interfacial tension due to promoted surface active properties of CPs. Non-reducing SDS-PAGE showed that CPs at the interface were mainly composed of tropomyosin, actin, as well as disulfide bonds cross-linked moieties, which formed a highly viscoelastic film. The interfacial physical barrier hampered the coalescence of adjacent droplets, as verified by lower creaming index, which demonstrated the enhanced stability of preheated CPs-coated emulsions. The findings expand the application potential of CPs as promising emulsifiers by a straightforward preheat treatment.
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•Preheating improved the emulsifying properties of cod proteins.•Preheating promoted the adsorption of cod proteins at the interface.•Preheating led to cod proteins with smaller size.•Preheated cod proteins possessed larger unfolding extent.
The nucleus contains diverse phase-separated condensates that compartmentalize and concentrate biomolecules with distinct physicochemical properties. Here, we investigated whether condensates ...concentrate small-molecule cancer therapeutics such that their pharmacodynamic properties are altered. We found that antineoplastic drugs become concentrated in specific protein condensates in vitro and that this occurs through physicochemical properties independent of the drug target. This behavior was also observed in tumor cells, where drug partitioning influenced drug activity. Altering the properties of the condensate was found to affect the concentration and activity of drugs. These results suggest that selective partitioning and concentration of small molecules within condensates contributes to drug pharmacodynamics and that further understanding of this phenomenon may facilitate advances in disease therapy.
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