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The conventional use of polyurethane in various applications is hindered by significant challenges, such as toxicity concerns, moisture sensitivity, and environmental impact. In response, there has been a notable surge in research focusing on bio-based alternatives, particularly non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs), aligning with sustainable development objectives. NIPUs offer a promising solution by eliminating the need for isocyanates, employing cyclic carbonates and diamines instead. Out of various sources available, non-traditional vegetable oils present a viable starting material for cyclic carbonate synthesis due to their availability, renewability, and affordability. However, despite the growing interest in NIPUs, there remains a scarcity of literature on the utilization of non-traditional oils for their development. This short review aims to fill this gap by providing an overview of bio-based NIPUs synthesized from non-traditional vegetable oils such as jatropha oil, castor oil, lignin oil, linseed oil, and rubber seed oil. The review covers the synthesis methods of NIPUs via polyaddition reactions of carbonates and amines, detailing properties, advantages, and applications of each oil-based NIPU. Furthermore, by identifying research gaps and proposing potential solutions, this paper aims to encourage researchers to consider non-traditional oils for NIPU synthesis, facilitating significant advancements in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation highlights the necessity of monitoring some basic physico-chemical water quality indicators and their phytotoxic effect using ecotoxicological bioassays such as "seed germination tests." The phytotoxicity of raw and treated vegetable oil refinery wastewater (VORW) using different treatment processes was assessed through some physiological responses (relative seed germination (RSG), seedling elongation, and germination index (GI)) using Lactuca sativa cultivar. Biotest results of different raw water samples revealed a noticeable correlation between the organic matter content and water phytotoxicity. In fact, VORW showed a very low RSG (17 ± 0.7 to –47 ± 0.58%) and high phytotoxic effects (GI < 50%). The use of coagulation/flocculation (CF) allowed a satisfactory phytotoxicity removal where RSG obtained ranged from 83 ± 1.58 to 90 ± 1.2%. However, the effluent still presents high to moderate phytotoxicity since GI remained below 80% which indicates the presence of toxic elements remaining after CF treatment. When VORW were treated using membrane processes, their phytotoxicity was gradually decreased with the decrease in the membrane pore size. The use of microfiltration membranes (MF), with pore size of 5 µm, 1.2 µm, 0.45 µm, and 0.22 µm, showed RSG values ranged from 37 ± 1.15 to 77 ± 1.68% and GI of less than 80% indicating a moderate to high phytotoxicity. However, the use of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 100 kDa, 30 kDa, and 10 kDa made it possible to achieve an RSG of 100% and an IG exceeding 80% showing that the VORW-treated using UF does not exhibit any phytotoxicity effect. Hence, UF appears to be the most efficient and environmentally friendly technology that could be used for safely treated VORW irrigation purposes compared to CF and MF processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of various organic pollutants in soil always draws extensive attention because of their difficulties and complexity for remediation. Especially, the impacts of bioremediation on soil co-contaminated with benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene (TCE) have seldom been comprehensively evaluated yet. In this study, the contributions of biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and their combination for the bioremediation of the co-contaminated soil containing benzene, toluene, and TCE were systematically investigated. The addition of nutrients ((NH4)2SO4 (as N source), K2HPO4 (as P source), vegetable oil and CH3COONa (as C sources)) enhanced the degradation efficiency of the co-contaminated soil by 10.19% to 49.62%. The optimal biostimulation condition involved using vegetable oil as the carbon source with a C: N: P ratio of 100: 10: 1. Meanwhile, the addition of the microbial cultures screened and domesticated from the co-contaminated soil, named B-T, effectively enhanced the removal rate of contaminants by 33.02% to 37.55%. The genera comprising Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Chryseobacterium in B-T exhibited the highest relative abundance, suggesting their potential for the removal of benzene, toluene, and TCE. Besides, the coupling of biostimulation and bioaugmentation enhanced the degradation efficiency by 62.38% to 68.84%, showing the most effective biodegradation effects. The coupled strategy showed synergistic effects of both, increasing the quantity and activity of microorganisms and accelerating the biodegradation of target contaminants. The findings indicated that the coupling of bioaugmentation and biostimulation treatment strategy holds promise for the bioremediation of benzene, toluene, and TCE from co-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and simple method for identification of oil and fatty products of plant origin by their own fluorescence and diffuse reflection of IR radiation using colorimetry and near-IR spectroscopy is proposed. Analytical signals were recorded using 3D-printed devices with built-in UV and IR LED matrices (390 and 850 nm) and a smartphone with the PhotoMetrix PRO® application installed and FTIR spectroscopy in the near-IR region (10,000–4000 cm–1) with the NIRA attachment used for the analysis of solids. Diffuse reflectance spectra were processed using the TQ Analyst and The Unscrambler X applications. The studied objects were identified and differentiated using chemometric algorithms, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The mass fraction of fat in the declared products was determined using univariate and multivariate (PLS algorithm) analyses. Adulterated butter was located separately from natural products on the PCA and HCA graphs. They did not intersect with each other on the dendrogram. Samples of butter with different milk fat mass fractions (61.5, 72.5, 82.5, and 99.0%) were used to construct a calibration relationship and determine the milk fat concentration using the PLS method and univariate analysis. The calibration error (RMSEC) were ≤1.31%; the predictive properties (RMSEP), ≤4.45%. The methods under consideration were tested with samples of butter and vegetable oil products from various manufacturers. The RMSEP values for dairy products was ≤4.97%; for margarine, >10% using multivariate analysis. The relative deviation of the results from the mass fractions of fat indicated on the packaging was ≤4.8% when using univariate analysis. This parameter for margarine was in the range 96.3–96.5%. The results correlated with those of FTIR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental issues, including climate change and plastic pollution, have compelled scientists to look at alternatives to traditional polymers. Scientists are actively researching biobased hyperbranched polymers, an emerging group of highly branched polymers made from sustainable resources. They are seen as a promising alternative to petrochemical-based polymers. Hyperbranched polymers can be made using single- and double-monomer techniques. This review provides an extensive perspective of the synthesis and properties of biobased hyperbranched polymers made from a variety of renewable starting materials, including starch, lignin, vanillin, levulinic acid, furfurylamine, ferulic acid, citric acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and tannic acid and various vegetable oils have been investigated till date. Most of these biobased hyperbranched polymers have been created using vegetable oil as their raw materials because numerous vegetable oil derivatives like monoglycerides, polyols, and fatty acids can be potentially used as monomers for the polymer. In the paper, specifics about modified biobased hyperbranched polymers, their composites, nanocomposites, and functionalized versions are highlighted. These materials belong to a class that combines the special characteristics of hyperbranched polymers with the reinforcing and functionalizing effects of fillers like silver, carbon, silicone, clay, etc. Lastly, the paper also discusses the various practical applications of biobased hyperbranched polymers in various industrial sectors and their prospects for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privet (Ligustrum vulgare L.) fruit is a shiny blackberry with seeds. Oil was extracted from the pulp by solvent and from seeds using cold press. The pulp contained 2.6% oil, with the main fatty acid being oleic acid (47.21%), followed by linoleic acid (37.80%) and palmitic acid (6.62%). Furthermore, the major tocopherols and phytosterols included α-tocopherol (904.20 µg/g) and stigmasterol (1378.37 µg/g). The seeds contained 10% oil, which was then stored for 90 days to assess changes in the oil quality. Oleic acid (49.1%) was the major fatty acid in the seed oil, followed by linoleic acid (39.73%), and palmitic acid (4.59%). Significant increases were observed in acid and peroxide values and phenolic contents during storage for 90 days in the dark. Major sterol compositions included sitosterol (685.48 µg/g), Δ5-avenasterol (356.69 µg/g) and stigmasterol (127.43 µg/g), which were generally unchanged during storage. Moreover, the seed oil contained α-tocopherol (477 µg/g), followed by δ-tocopherol (44 µg/g), both of which decreased during storage by 15%, and 56%, respectively. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the seed has a reasonably high oil, and bioactive components and the stability of these during storage suggests that privet fruits can provide a novel vegetable oil source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils show a strong potential as renewable resources for developing new monomers and polymers. Unsaturated fatty acids offer opportunities for chemical modifications such as epoxidation and acrylation. In parallel, the rise of additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing by stereolithography process, provides a green approach for the fabrication of polymeric materials with diverse architectures and shapes for various fields, including biomedical, electronics, and aerospace. This work reports the synthesis and application of a novel 3D printable, renewable biomass-derived monomer obtained from passion fruit vegetable oil. We comprehensively assessed its conversion under different monomeric mixtures containing type 1 or type 2 photoinitiators under ultraviolet and blue irradiations. The mixture containing type 1 photoinitiator demonstrated superior performance under UV light and was further characterized for its suitability as a 3D printing resin. Subsequent investigations revealed that a photoinitiator concentration as low as 0.5 wt.% suffices for effective 3D printing. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing this passion fruit vegetable oil-derived, renewable monomer for additive manufacturing of bio-based polymers while minimizing the dependence on photoinitiators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on the characterization of lignin residues from bioethanol production of olive stones (OS) and the use of these residues to chemically thicken epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). OS were processed by an acid/steam explosion pretreatment, followed by pre-saccharification, using different enzyme dosages, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The chemical composition of the OS lignin residues was analysed, revealing a high lignin content (66.6–69.5%), and lower quantities of glucan (17.4–19.3%) and xylan (2.8–2.9%). Whereas, the structural properties of OS lignin residues were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). OS lignin residues displayed the main inter-unit linkages (β–β′ resinol (51.0–59.0%), followed by β-O-4′ alkyl aryl ethers (27.0–35.2%) and β-5′ phenylcoumaran (11.4–13.2%) substructures), high molecular weights (22,000–25900 Da), low S/G ratios (1.2–1.5) and phenolic groups content (48–55 mg GAE/g lignin). Moreover, OS lignin residues were dispersed in ELO to obtain thickened formulations, which were characterized by FTIR and NMR. Oil thickening was achieved by promoting the chemical crosslinking between lignocellulose hydroxyl groups and ELO epoxy groups, enabling the compatibilization of both components. Up to tenfold viscosity increment of the resulting thickened formulations in relation to ELO's viscosity was observed. Besides, thickened formulations exhibited viscoelastic properties, evincing oil structuration to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed triacylglycerol (TAG), a major component of vegetable oil, consists of a glycerol esterified with three fatty acids. Vegetable oil has industrial applications and is widely used as edible oil. The increasing demand for plant oils, owing to population growth, it is crucial to enhance the oil content in seeds. We found castor WRINKLED1A (RcWRI1A) and R2R3-type MYB domain protein 306 (RcMYB306) which have homology with Arabidopsis WRI1 (AtWRI1) and AtMYB96 which regulate genes involved in fatty acid and TAG synthesis, respectively. These castor genes were separately and jointly overexpressed using seed-specific promoters in an oil crop, camelina (Camelina sativa). Overexpression of RcWRI1A, RcMYB306, or RcWRI1A + RcMYB306 increased the total seed oil content in camelina. However, this increase was not significantly different from that observed during the overexpression of RcWRI1A or/and RcMYB306. RcWRI1A overexpression increased the fatty acid content, including 16:0, 18:2, 18:3. Contrastingly, RcMYB306 overexpression increased the 18:1, 18:2, 18:3, 20:0 and 20:1 fatty acid. In the RcWRI1A + RcMYB306 lines, changes in fatty acid composition demonstrated the combined effects of these transcription factors. These results suggest that RcWRI1A and RcMYB306 can be used to improve the productivity of oil crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformer mineral oil is generally hydrocarbon-based and is not environmentally friendly, so it holds a significant share in environmental pollution. As an alternative to conventional transformer oil, plant-based insulation oil has been investigated globally in the past few decades. Even though vegetable oils are considered an environmentally viable alternative to mineral oil, the extensive utilization of vegetable oils could create a threat to Indian food security. The present work focuses on using Pongamia Pinnata oil (PPO) as a significant alternative to conventional transformer oil (CTO) in distribution transformers. The effectiveness of the proposed PPO is experimentally verified using thermal studies and electrical studies through a low-level distribution transformer of 1 kVA. A comparative analysis was carried out between the proposed and conventional oil regarding physical, chemical, and thermal properties. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis have been carried out for fibreglass cloth insulation material with PPO and CTO to ensure the intrinsic structural strength of the insulation material. The structural strength ensures the bonding and life span of the insulation in the transformer. The cost–benefit analysis is also favourable for the proposed oil as a better green liquid dielectric for transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the use of waste cooking oil (WCO) as a substrate for medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA) production by Pseudomonas rhizophila S211. The genome analysis revealed that the S211 strain has a mcl-PHA cluster (phaC1ZC2DFI) encoding two class II PHA synthases (PhaC1 and PhaC2) separated by a PHA depolymerase (PhaZ), a transcriptional activator (PhaD) and two phasin-like proteins (PhaFI). Genomic annotation also identified a gene encoding family I.3 lipase that was able to hydrolyze plant oils and generate fatty acids as favorable carbon sources for cell growth and PHA synthesis via β-oxidation pathway. Using a three-variable Doehlert experimental design, the optimum conditions for mcl-PHA accumulation were achieved in 10% of WCO-based medium with an inoculum size of 10% and an incubation period of 48 h at 30 °C. The experimental yield of PHA from WCO was 1.8 g/L close to the predicted yield of 1.68 ± 0.14 g/L. Moreover, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis confirmed the extracted mcl-PHA. Overall, this study describes P. rhizophila as a cell factory for biosynthesis of biodegradable plastics and proposes green and efficient approach to cooking oil waste management by decreasing the cost of mcl-PHA production, which can help reduce the dependence on petroleum-based plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HVO has been noted as a more sustainable fuel, not only leading to lower total CO2 emissions, but also resulting in lower emissions of toxic substances upon fuel burning. The environmental impact of HVO and HVO diesel blends when accidentally spilled into the soil and ground water has, however, received little attention. While HVO and diesel exhibit nearly identical viscosity and density, their behavior in soils differs due to varying water solubility and fuel additives. In laboratory- and pilot-scale soil columns and lysimeters, we compared the migration and biostimulation-enhanced degradation of HVO, HVO-diesel blend (HVO15), and fossil diesel over 120 days. Additionally, we investigated the impact of fuel additives on migration by comparing HVO without additives to HVO15 and diesel in wet and dry soil columns over 21 days. Notably, HVO migrated through soil more rapidly and in greater quantities than diesel. In wet soil, 69% of added HVO, 8.4% of HVO15, and 21% of diesel leached through as light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL). Dry soil showed smaller differences in fuel migration, but HVO did not mobilize when water was added, unlike HVO15 and diesel. Biostimulation reduced HVO leaching by 15% more than HVO15 and 48% more than diesel. Overall, HVO's behavior in soil differs significantly from fossil diesel, with factors like lower water solubility, reduced mobilization from dry soil, and higher in situ degradability contributing to its reduced environmental risk compared to fossil fuel alternatives in accident scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive consumption of fossil fuels and alarming environmental degradation are motivating researchers to learn about alternative fuels. Straight vegetable oils are an alternative to fossil fuels to meet the standards. Microalgae is also a viable carbon–neutral alternative to depleting conventional fuel sources, a solution to the industrial requirement of organic consumables and an option for a green and sustainable economy for biofuels. In the present study, lipid was extracted from Karanja seeds and Dunaliella salina biomass. These were used to prepare different binary and ternary fuel blends with conventional reference diesel fuel with different proportions along with used cooking oil with their concentrations ranging from 10 to 20% (v/v). The influence of these blends on performance and emissions characteristics in CI engines has delved at varying engine loads from 0 to 100%. The binary blend with Dunaliella salina oil has increased the performance characteristics while decreasing all the major emission parameters compared to reference diesel fuel and shows a significant improvement among binary blends. Ternary blends with Dunaliella salina oil, on the other hand, have improved performance while lowering emission parameters when compared to reference diesel fuel and demonstrate a substantial improvement across ternary blends. For predicting the performance and emission characteristics of binary and ternary blends, an artificial neural network-based model was developed. The optimum blends, OB6 (90% RDF, 10% DO) and OB8 (80% RDF, 10% DO, 10% UCO), improved BSFC by 10.71%, BTE by 14.23%, and reduced BSEC by 12.45% at full load. Emissions were generally reduced, with CO2 decreasing by up to 39.39%. The simulation results demonstrated that the created 4–7-7 model was capable of accurately predicting the performance and emission characteristics of various alternative fuel blends and indicating a stronger correlation between the predicted and observed values, having a high correlation coefficient of 0.9974. Binary and ternary blends with straight vegetable oils improved CI engine performance and pollutants compared to reference diesel fuel, indicating they have the potential to replace conventional fuels for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work is devoted to studying changes in the physicochemical and colloid–sorption properties of bleaching clay thermotreated after its use in the process of refining vegetable oil. Bleaching clay thermotreated at different temperatures has been used for comparison. The colloid–sorption properties have been studied by measuring adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions. It has been shown that clay annealed at 350°C adsorbs methylene blue most efficiently. In the saturation region, the adsorption by clay thermotreated at 350°C has amounted to 0.28 mmol/g or 89.6 mg/g, while the adsorption by clay annealed at 250°C has appeared to be 0.24 mmol/g or 76.8 mg/g. When the annealing temperature is elevated above 500°C, the adsorption properties of the bleaching clay waste decrease, probably, due to the combustion of the carbon layer. Using bleaching clay waste from the Alekseevsky oil extraction plant as an example, it has been revealed that, during the thermal treatment of the material, various types of water (free, interpackage, and chemically bound one) are removed, thus leading to changes in the colloid–sorption properties, such as particle surface relief, specific surface area, sorption capacity, and ζ potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethanes are renowned for their incredible versatility. They are available in various forms, such as foams, thermoplastics, elastomers, and paints. These polymers are synthesized from two chemical substances: isocyanates and polyols. The increasing interest in the utilization of materials from renewable sources has spurred significant research in search of replacements for these two substances. For instance, castor oil can be used as a substitute for polyol, in addition to being an abundant renewable source. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate how the variables temperature (2 °C, 24 °C, and 70 °C) and mass ratio (2:1, 1:1, and 1:2) influence the final properties of polyurethane foams. The foams were prepared using the one-shot method under controlled agitation. The results indicated that replacing polyol with vegetable oil was successful, as evidenced by the appearance of reference bands in the FTIR spectra. XRD and DSC analyses confirmed the amorphous nature of the polyurethanes, and TG tests demonstrated that a temperature of 70 °C significantly reduced the thermal stability of the foams, especially those based on vegetable sources. However, synthesis temperatures of 2 °C and 24 °C did not show considerable alteration in thermal stability. And the analysis of the effect of the sol fraction variables demonstrated that the polyol/isocyanate ratio has a significant effect, especially in vegetable-based foams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A relationship between EPR and spectrophotometric parameters related to beer staling and antioxidant activity, was identified. AUC (area under the curve), intensity at 150 min (T150), radical scavenging activity (RSA), total phenolic compounds (TPC), hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity (HRSC) and one parameter linked to staling degree of beers (thiobarbituric index, TBI) were related. Temperature was modified to find the proper working conditions for EPR spin-trapping experiments and it was found that it affected the kinetic of PBN adduct evolution. For the samples reaching a maximum intensity signal, the higher the heating temperature, the shorter the time interval needed to reach it. No linear relationship was detected among parameters obtained with EPR spin trapping experiments and RSA, TPC, TPI, and HRSC when correlating one parameter with another. On the contrary, a good linear relationship was found among AUC or T150 and a combination of RSA, TPC, TPI, and HRSC (R2 = 0.9562 and 0.9694, respectively). The goodness of fit increased to R2 = 1 when a combination of AUC and T150 was related to a combination of RSA, TPC, and TPI, and HRSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liamocins, a group of high-density glycolipids, are only produced by certain strains of the yeast-like fungi in the genus Aureobasidium. Until now, few studies have focused on the surfactant properties of liamocins produced from the highly diverse tropical strains of Aureobasidium. Therefore, the aims of this research were to screen the liamocin production from tropical strains of Aureobasidium spp. and to characterize their surfactant properties. A total of 41 strains of Thai Aureobasidium spp. were screened for their ability to produce liamocins, and the products were detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and thin-layer chromatography. Of those strains, 30 strains of Aureobasidium spp. tested were found to produce liamocins with yields ranging from 0.53 to 10.60 g/l. The nature of all crude liamocins was heterogeneous, with different compositions and ratios depending on the yeast strain. These liamocins exhibited relatively high emulsifying activity against vegetable oils tested, with an emulsification index of around 40–50%; the emulsion stability of some liamocins was up to 30 days. The obtained critical micelle concentration values were varied, with those ​​of liamocins produced from A. pullulans, A. melanogenum and A. thailandense falling in ranges from 7.70 to 119.78, 10.73 to > 1,000, and 68.56 to > 1,000 mg/l, respectively. The emulsification activity of liamocins was higher than that of the analytical grade rhamnolipids. These compounds showed strong surface tension reduction in a sodium chloride concentration range of 2–12% (w/v), pH values between 3 and 7, and temperatures between 4 and 121 °C. This is the first report of liamocins produced by A. thailandense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial activities contribute to environmental pollution, particularly through unregulated effluent discharges, causing adverse effects on ecosystems. Vegetable oils, as insoluble substances, exacerbate this pollution, forming impermeable films and affecting the oxygen transfer, leading to serious habitat disruption. Organic wastes, such as soybean texturized waste, spent mushroom substrate, and stabilized poultry litter, were assessed for their efficacy in enhancing the degradation of vegetable oil in contaminated soil. For this purpose, contaminated soil was amended with each of the wastes (10% w/w) using microcosm systems, which were monitored physico-chemically, microbiologically and toxicologically. Results indicate that the wastes promoted significant oil degradation, achieving 83.1, 90.7, and 86.2% removal for soybean texturized waste, spent mushroom substrate, and stabilized poultry litter, respectively, within a 90-day period. Additionally, they positively influenced soil microbial activity, as evidenced by increased levels of culturable microorganisms and hydrolytic microbial activity. While bioassays indicated no phytotoxicity in most cases, soybean texturized waste exhibited inhibitory effects on seed germination and root elongation of Lactuca sativa. This study significantly enhances our comprehension of remediation techniques for sites tainted with vegetable oils, highlighting the critical role of organic waste as eco-friendly agents in soil restoration. Emphasizing the practical implications of these findings is imperative to underscore the relevance and urgency of addressing vegetable oil contamination in soil. Moving forward, tailored strategies considering both contaminant characteristics and soil ecosystem traits are vital for ensuring effective and sustainable soil remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic pennycress seed oil (GPSO) was recovered by pressing, Soxhlet extraction, and maceration. All obtained GPSOs are characterized by high viscosity and low iodine value. The oils have a lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a higher content of saturated fatty acids compared to other Brassicaceae plant oils. The most common fatty acids are oleic and linoleic acids (with a content of over 30%) followed by behenic acid (average content of 14.3%). The phenomenological and diffusional kinetic models were reliable for modelling the kinetics of GPSO maceration (mean relative percentage deviations between experimental and modelled oil yields are ± 1.7% and ± 3.5%, respectively). Based on the thermodynamic analysis, the process is endothermic, irreversible, and spontaneous. The GPSO maceration was statistically evaluated, modeled, and optimized using a 33 full factorial design. The oil yield is affected by extraction temperature, solvent-to-seed ratio, and extraction time, and the most significant factor is extraction temperature. Based on the developed quadratic model, the optimal maceration conditions were determined as follows: extraction temperature 70 °C, solvent-to-seed ratio 10:1 mL/g, and extraction time 10 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils and animal fats are considered as base materials for the development of biodegradable lubricants. Classification of such materials was carried out using the Ward method based on the Euclidean distance, followed by refinement by the k-means method based on the physico–chemical properties. The selection of a material with the optimal characteristics was carried out using the TOPSIS method. Based on the calculated coefficients of relative closeness to an "ideal" material, a rating of lubricants was built, among which rapeseed oil is of the greatest interest. The comparative tribological characteristics of vegetable oils with the best ratings are presented. It is shown that vegetable oils are not inferior to mineral and synthetic oils. The ranking results can be used in further fundamental and applied research on the development of biodegradable lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global demand for seafood surges, the expanding aquaculture industry faces a pressing need for viable aquafeed ingredients. The raw material for fish oil is limited and expensive due to unpredictable fishery resources in the fishing zones and the overexploitation of wild fisheries, underscoring the urgency of finding alternatives. This review explores diverse plant oil sources, including soybean, rapeseed, linseed, and algal oils, emphasizing their crucial role in nutritionally balanced aquafeeds. These oils support aquatic animals' growth, health, and development, influencing membrane structure, energy storage, and hormone production. Genetically modified oilseeds (GM), such as camelina and canola, offer a controlled nutrient content, enabling customized nutrient profiles. This comprehensive review provides an overview of different plant oil sources, elucidates their nutrient profiles, and assesses their potential applications in aquaculture. The discussion encompasses their impact on growth, feed efficiency, lipid profile, health, immunological status, disease resistance, and overall performance of both freshwater and marine fish. Furthermore, the review compiles relevant data on the current status of genetically modified plant oils and explores their potential integration into aquaculture practices. In summary, substituting plant oils for fish oil in aquafeed presents a promising solution to aquaculture industry challenges to meet nutritional requirements for fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential substitution of traditional cutting fluids with green Metalworking fluids (MWFs) is frequently explored because of their non-toxic and environmentally friendly characteristics. These green MWFs have often been evaluated for their tribological behavior and machining performance under various operating conditions. However, very few studies have analyzed the green metalworking fluids' ecological and eco-toxicological characteristics. With an aim to explore the potential impact and the related concerns of the developed green MWFs on the environment and eco-life, ecological and eco-toxicological experimental studies were performed in this research. This research study offers a comprehensive analysis of the biodegradability, soil eco-toxicity, cell viability, corrosion responsiveness, and reusability characteristics of the in-house developed nanoparticles-modified vegetable oil MWFs (MVO-MWFs). The findings from biodegradability studies demonstrate the inherent and readily biodegradable nature of the developed MWFs. Subsequently, soil eco-toxicity tests reveal the non-harmful nature of developed MWFs to the ecological organisms at the tested concentrations. Furthermore, during the cell viability assays, no evidence of cell death was observed in normal and cancer-affected cells under tested conditions. Additionally, the reusability studies on MQL imply that a considerable amount of MWF can be collected and reused to enhance the sustainability of the MWF system. This study established a decision-making approach to identify the optimal NP-based MWF combination by correlating multivariate data. Based on this work, a step-by-step methodology is recommended with four decision points to conduct a series of ecological and eco-toxicological protocols for the new or existing NP-based MWFs. This study contributes to the manufacturing research community and industry by shedding light on hitherto unexplored aspects of ecological and eco-toxicological investigations on the NP-based MVO-MWFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental constraints associated with fossil fuels have driven researchers to find a novel, potential and environmentally benign alternative fuel. Biodiesel, vegetable oil, and alcohol have gained rapid momentum thanks to their renewable nature and comparable energy contents in recent years. Accordingly, a Ternary fuel blend is prepared comprising three fuels namely diesel, biodiesel, and pentanol. Waste cooking oil was identified as the source for biodiesel and Pentanol was chosen among various alcohol alternatives due to improved energy density, reduced toxicity. These are endorsed to the enhancement in surface area-volume ratio of nano additives which boosts the catalytic combustion activity and also causing lesser fuel to take part in combustion for maintaining a constant engine speed. The experimentation is done with ternaryfuel blends with varying pentanol and biodiesel concentrations of diesel, biodiesel and pentanol). Upon experimentation, it was observed that, ternary fuel blend 'TF' comprising 70% diesel, 20% biodiesel and 10% pentanol, yielded best performance and was used for doping of Alumina oxide (Al2O3) nano additives. The Al2O3 nanoparticles were doped with ternary blends at fractions of 10 ppm, 20 ppm, and 30 ppm. It was observed that 20 ppm Al2O3 nanoparticle blended TF blend improved BTE and lowered BSFC by about 12.01% and 22.57% respectively. The performance tremendously along with lowered the CO emission by 49.21%, HC emission by 18.91% and smoke opacity by 9.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a technology for producing base oil by oxidizing organosulfur compounds, contained in petroleum distillates and deasphaltisates, with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of vegetable (rapeseed and castor) oils, followed by extraction of oxidates and dewaxing of raffinates. Extraction of the resulting oxidized mixture (oxidate) was carried out with N-methylpyrrolidone. The content of rapeseed oil contained in the raffinate and extract was determined. The extract solution from a medium-viscosity oil distillate was cooled to obtain a secondary raffinate represented by a sulfoxide concentrate. The secondary raffinate was used as a base oil for producing a lubricant with high tribological properties for use in heavily loaded friction units. The rapeseed oil remained in the raffinate improves its viscosity index and lubricating properties. The raw materials and obtained raffinates were analyzed to assess their physicochemical and tribological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enriched olive oil combines olive oil with plants for enhanced flavor and potential health benefits, offering a versatile culinary ingredient. This process combines the natural goodness of olive oil with the unique characteristics of plants. The aim of this work was to study the effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a food additive (E 392) in the enrichment of ripe and fallen olives on the quality of the resulting flavored olive oil. Olive fruits at different stages of maturation green (ST1), mixed (ST2), black (ST3), and fallen in the ground (FO) were crushed with rosemary at two different percentages (2 and 5% w/w). Quality parameters, fatty acid profile, antioxidant profile, and volatile composition were evaluated. For ST3 and FO, rosemary addition decreased free acidity values, peroxide index, K232, and pigment content. Total phenols increased by 34 and 55% for ST3 and FO, respectively with 2% rosemary. As for bio-phenols, this process influenced antioxidant activity. In fact, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity is improved by 59 and 51%, respectively, for ST3 and FO oils flavored with 5% rosemary. As anticipated, the volatile profile changed significantly due to the rosemary addition, inducing the presence of terpene compounds, such as α-pinene, α-cymene, camphene, β-pinene, and α-terpineol. These findings prove that aromatization process improves the quality and the antioxidant profile of olive oils obtained from mature and fallen olives, and could help in solving the economic problems of oil mills. Other plants such as garlic, lemon, thyme, and others can be studied to find out if better results can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saturated and trans fat intake have been linked to an increased risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular and coronary heart disease, obesity, and myocardial infarction. As a result of the actions and regulations proposed to reduce and eliminate the content of saturated and trans fats, it is necessary to develop and implement new structuring technologies, such as oleogelation. Oleogelation is a promising strategy for structuring liquid oil, that allows the incorporation of vegetable oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids into food matrix and which can provide the functionality of solid fats and improved nutritional characteristics. The partial or total replacement of conventional fats with oleogels in pastry products is of great interest due to their larger consumption. In this research paper, the puff (jam-filled puff pastry) and tender pastries (bow tie cookies, cheese crackers, apple pie, and cookies) have been reformulated by totally replacing of conventional fats with oleogel and the structural behavior in the dynamics of the technological process was evaluated. The textural properties of oleogel were comparable to those of some conventional fats, but frequency sweep measurements showed that the oleogel formulated with refined sunflower oil and carnauba wax (10% w/w) had the highest storage modulus G' and loss modulus G" values when compared to conventional fats (commercial margarine, butter, a mixture of 73% margarine and 27% lard, and puff pastry margarine). The textural properties of oleogel (2.34 N and 2.30 mJ) were significantly different from those of puff pastry margarine (9.78 N and 21.73 mJ), but compared to other conventional fats, the values of hardness (1.42–2.70 N) and adhesiveness (4.40–5.17 mJ) were similar. For conventional and oleogel doughs the storage modulus (Gʹ) were higher than loss modulus (G″) and both increased with the applied frequency (Hz). In terms of the products textural profile, the prototypes formed with oleogel exhibited lower hardness values (2.37–15.64 N) than the conventional products (8.83–19.89 N), indicating the tenderizing effect produced by the oleogel. The fat losses determined during 14 days of storage showed a lower physical stability of the doughs and products formulated with oleogel, most probably due to the destabilization kinetics of the lipid system during the operations of the technological process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is a promising alternative fuel derived from renewable feedstocks like vegetable oils and animal fats. However, biodiesel usage in compression ignition (CI) engines reduces performance and increases NOx emissions compared to petroleum diesel. This study aims to improve the efficiency of juliflora methyl ester (JFME) biodiesel and simultaneously reduce NOx emissions by converting a CI engine into low heat rejection (LHR) mode and adding natural and synthetic antioxidants. The transesterification process produced JFME biodiesel from Juliflora seeds. A 20% blend of JFME biodiesel with diesel (JFME20) was optimal based on fuel property analysis. The CI engine was coated with lanthanum oxide to create a LHR engine. Natural (Albizia lebbeck leaf extract) and synthetic antioxidants were added to JFME20 at 0.01% concentration. Engine tests showed that JFME20 with natural antioxidants in LHR mode decreased NOx by 15.4% and smoking by 5.48% compared to baseline diesel in a normal CI engine at full load. The brake thermal efficiency of the LHR engine with natural antioxidants increased by 1.8%. CO and HC emissions reduced by 30.76 and 36.95%, respectively. The synthetic antioxidant was less effective than the natural one. In summary, the antioxidant-enriched JFME20 biodiesel blend in the LHR engine demonstrated superior performance over baseline diesel while substantially reducing NOx and other emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of graphene oxide nanoparticles (50 ppm) and hydrogen enrichment on the Nerium oleander methyl ester-diesel blend is investigated in the present research study using a compression ignition engine in a dual-fuel mode. Biodiesel is derived from Nerium oleander oil, and 20% (v/v) is blended with 80% of diesel fuel. Following that, Novel carbon-based additives are dispersed in biodiesel–diesel blend and supplied as a piloted fuel. On the other hand, the variable volume flow rates (5 and 10 lpm) of hydrogen gas are supplied via the intake manifold as a secondary fuel. The effects of piloted fuel blends and secondary hydrogen fuel enrichment on overall combustion, performance, and emissions are explored by investigating the cylinder pressure, net and cumulative heat release rate brake thermal efficiency, brake-specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and smoke emissions. Combustion parameters, including cylinder pressure, net heat release rate, cumulative heat release rate, are improved by 16, 9.02, and 12.84%, respectively, for B20 + GO + 10H2 blend at maximum engine power when compared to biodiesel–diesel blend. The blend B20 + GO + 10H2 increases the brake thermal efficiency by 12.35% and decreases brake-specific fuel consumption by 15.15% at a maximum power output when compared to the biodiesel–diesel blend. The synergistic effect of B20 + GO + 10H2 decreases carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and smoke opacity emissions by 24.51, 27.04, and 7.5%, respectively, at a higher power output when compared to diesel. However, the carbon dioxide and formation of nitrogen oxide increased by 9.57 and 11.98% at a higher power output as compared to diesel. This is owing to the rapid flame speed of hydrogen, as well as the enhanced thermal conductivity and catalytic activity of a biodiesel–diesel blend, including graphene oxide nano-additions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the scientific community's main goal is the long-term sustainability. Vegetable oils are easily accessible, non-depletable, and cost-effective materials. Vegetable oils are used to prepare polymeric alkyd surfaces. Novel and exciting designs of alkyd/graphene nanocomposites have provided eco-friendly thermal stability and protective coating surfaces. This review has briefly described important graphene-based alkyd nanocomposites along with their applications as protective coatings. These alkyd composites have high hydrophobicity, corrosion resistance, and durability. Graphene-based alkyd nanocoatings have many industrial and research interests because of their exceptional thermal and chemical properties. This work introduces an advanced horizon for developing protective nanocomposite coatings. The anti-corrosion properties and coatings' longevity may be improved by combining the synergistic effects of hybrid nanofillers introduced in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of supramolecular deep eutectic solvent eddy-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction utilizing 2-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (SUPRADES) has been identified as a successful method for pre-enriching Cu, Zn, and Mn in vegetable oil samples. Determination of each element was conducted by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after digestion of metal-enriched phases. Various parameters were examined, including the composition of SUPRADES species [2HP-β-CD: DL-lactic acid], a cyclodextrin mass ratio of 20 wt%, a water bath temperature of 75 °C, an extractor volume of 800 μL, a dispersant volume of 50 μL, and an eddy current time of 5 min. Optimal conditions resulted in extraction rates of 99.6% for Cu, 105.2% for Zn, and 101.5% for Mn. The method exhibits a broad linear range spanning from 10 to 20,000 μg L−1, with determination coefficients exceeding 0.99 for all analytes. Enrichment coefficients of 24, 21, and 35 were observed. Limits of detection ranged from 0.89 to 1.30 μg L−1, while limits of quantification ranged from 3.23 to 4.29 μg L−1. The unique structural characteristics of the method enable the successful determination of trace elements in a variety of edible vegetable oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbia, one of the largest genera of flowering plants, is well-known for containing many biofuel crops. Euphorbia tirucalli, an evergreen succulent mainly native to the Africa continent but cultivated worldwide, is a promising petroleum plant with high tolerance to drought and salt stress. However, the exploration of such an important plant resource is severely hampered by the lack of a reference genome. Here, we present the chromosome-level genome assembly of E. tirucalli using PacBio HiFi sequencing and Hi-C technology. Its genome size was approximately 745.62 Mb, with a contig N50 of 74.16 Mb. A total of 743.63 Mb (99.73%) of the assembled sequences were anchored to 10 chromosomes with a complete BUSCO score of 97.80%. Genome annotation revealed 26,304 protein-coding genes, and 76.37% of the genome was identified as repeat elements. The high-quality genome provides valuable genetic resources that would be useful for unraveling the genetic mechanisms of biofuel synthesis and evolutionary adaptation of E. tirucalli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for environmentally friendly epoxides made from vegetable oils, including castor oil. This study aims to produce epoxidized castor oil derived ricinoleic acid (ECORA) with applied synergistic sulfate-impregnated zeolite ZM-5 as catalyst. To date, there is no published work on production of ECORA by peracetic acids mechanism using hybrid homogenous–heterogenous catalyst. Peracetic acid produced in situ was used to produce ECORA. By combining acetic acid, which acts as an oxygen carrier, with hydrogen peroxide, which acts as an oxygen donor, peracetic acid was formed. The ratio of ricinoleic acid to acetic acid was used at a ratio of 1:1, while a 1:1 molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to castor oil was introduced. The epoxidation process has been conducted at a temperature of 55 °C. The mixture was then stirred continuously at a fixed speed of 200 rpm. The maximum conversion to oxirane was achieved at 58%. Overall, ECORA was successfully produced via in situ epoxidation of castor oil with applied hybrid catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodeterioration of monumental complexes is in large part due to the proliferation of various microorganisms that attack the physical–chemical structures of support materials. Various conservation and restoration interventions use commercial biocides of synthetic origin, which exhibit some human and environmental toxicity and sometimes side effects on support materials. The main objective of this work is the assessment of new biocides obtained from endemic Mediterranean plants, to be used in the preservation of cultural heritage with the goal of contributing to the sustainable use of ecosystems and to the development of Mediterranean local communities. The biocidal potential of essential oils (EOs) and solvent extracts (SEs) (ethanol and n-hexane) obtained from four plants were evaluated: Thymus mastichina (Tm), Mentha pulegium (Mp), Foeniculum vulgare (Fv), and Lavandula viridis (Lv). Microorganisms collected at an emblematic site of Portuguese cultural heritage, the ruins of the Roman city of Conímbriga, were used to evaluate the biocidal activity of the EOs and SEs. It can be concluded that (i) SEs did not exhibit fungicidal nor bactericidal activity, except for one fungus specie; (ii) biocidal activity of EOs depends on the microorganism specie. The EOs showed a relative average biocidal activity (when compared to the commercial biocide Biotin T (1% v/v)) of 64%, 32%, 30%, and 25% for Mp, Fv, Lv, and Tm. On carbonate rocks, the application of Fv and Mp EOs up to 3 layers do not promote significant color/tonality changes in the surface of the rock. And the application of three layers of Lv and four layers of Fv, Mp, and Lv OEs only promote the occurrence of blurs or stains (variation of tonality) on rocks that presents very low porosity. It can also be noted that the EO of Mp has the broadest spectrum of activity. The results allow considering the use of Mp, Fv, Lv, and Tm EOs as valid alternatives to commercial biocides, providing a prospective application in the field of green conservation of building heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to assess the potential use of algal oil (AO) and vegetable (soya and palm oil; 1:1) oil (VO) mixtures as replacers for fish oil (FO) in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) diets. Six iso-nitrogenous (45% crude protein) and iso-lipidic (10% crude lipid) diets were formulated incorporating FO, VOs, and AO at 100:0:0 (T1), 0:0:100 (T2), 50:25:25 (T3), 25:50:25 (T4), 0:50:50 (T5), and 0:75:25 (T6), respectively. Each diet was given to five tanks (100 L with 10 fish in each) of juvenile fish (3.89±0.23 g initial weight) fed to satiation for 8 weeks. At termination, five replicate groups of fish were used for survival rate (SR), final weight, weight gain, consumed feed, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and specific growth rate (SGR) determination. Proximate composition, nutrient utilization, digestive enzyme activities of the pyloric caeca and intestine, and immune parameters were assessed using fish from three replications. A pooled sample consisting of three replicates was used for the determination of fatty acid profile and lipid quality indices. The liver samples from four replicate groups of fish were pooled into two samples and analyzed for Δ6-desaturase and Elovl5 gene expressions. The SR, growth performance, and feed conversion ratio were not significantly different (p>0.05) among treatments; however, feed consumption was significantly different (p<0.05) among treatments. The highest feed consumption (36.45±2.01 g/fish), final weight (32.41±2.78 g fish−1), and weight gain (28.53±2.78 g fish−1) were observed in T4 feeding group. Moreover, substituting FO with AO and VOs significantly affected (p<0.05) viscerosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat, carcass lipids, and lipid retention efficiency (LRE). The VSI (5.45±0.42) and IPF (1.53±0.03) were the lowest in the T4 feeding group (p<0.05). The 100% AO feeding group (T2) showed significantly lower carcass lipid and LRE (p<0.05). Specific lipase activity in pyloric caeca was significantly higher in T4 feeding group (p<0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) contents of fish carcasses were higher in the 100% AO-fed group. There was a significant (p<0.05) impact on the expression of Δ6-desaturase and Elovl5 genes in liver tissue. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in innate immune parameters among the treatments. The findings of this study indicate that 75% of FO can be replaced by a combination of 25% AO and 50% VOs in Asian seabass (L. calcarifer) diets without impairing growth performance, nutrient utilization, and health status. These results can be used to develop more sustainable feeds that are less reliant on marine resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histological events occurring in the calluses of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. at the initial stages of in vitro culture (one passage) were described for the first time. It was found that the non-morphogenic callus is mainly represented by parenchymal tissue with few morphogenetic foci, which are mostly degenerated. In morphogenic calluses the in vitro morphogenesis pathways such as de novo organogenesis and indirect in vitro somatic embryogenesis have been identified and multiple developing morphogenetic foci have also been noted. The question of the implementation of the pluri- and totipotency properties of callus cells in vitro is discussed. The histological data can be used in choosing the direction of application of regenerants obtained from calluses of this valuable essential oil and medicinal plant in various cell technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a highly destructive insect pest that negatively affects various agricultural crops. For environmentally safe means of its control, we evaluated the effectiveness of four plant essential oils: mint, Mentha piperita, citrus lime, Citrus sinensis, lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, and eucalyptus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, against S. frugiperda larvae in terms of mortality rate and their antifeedant activity. A total of 78, 73, 52 and 26 compounds were detected in EOs of C. citratus, E. camaldulensis, C. sinensis and M. piperita, respectively. A high variation in the major compounds and percentages of these compounds was: C. citratus (3,8-nonadien-2-one, 4,8 dimethyl, 23.66%), E. camaldulensis (eucalyptol, 42.21%), C. sinensis (apiol, 5.59%) and M. piperita (cubenol, 8.43%). Three different concentrations (1.0%, 3.0% and 5.0%) of each essential oil were tested against 3rd larval instar. All essential oils caused mortality, but M. piperita and E. camaldulensis were the most effective at higher concentration. At concentration of 5.0%, M. piperita caused 93.3% larval mortality after 72 h of application. Similarly, E. camaldulensis oil caused 83.3% larval mortality after 72 h with 5.0% concentration. Furthermore, at 5.0% concentration, M. piperita oil had an antifeedant activity of 80.4%, and E. camaldulensis oil showed 71.3%. The findings indicate the potential use of M. piperita and E. camaldulensis oils to control S. frugiperda. The utilization of these oils offers an environment friendly approach, which can effectively address the issue of insecticide resistance in S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum spore oil (GLSO) that usually blended with other low-cost vegetable oils not only disrupts the market but have negative influences on consumer confidence. Thus, it is urgent to develop a new method based on headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) to identify GLSO adulterated with other commercial vegetable oils. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of 79 volatile substances in adulterated GLSO were isolated by establishing ion mobility spectra and fingerprint plots, and analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) technology to identify and classify adulterated GLSO. Results showed that the contents of GLSO characteristic volatile substances decreased as the proportion of adulterated vegetable oil increased. The intensity of characteristic signals in the fingerprint spectrum was significantly reduced, and the identification rate of PCA adulteration could be as low as 5%. In conclusion, adulterated GLSO could be reliably and quickly identified by HS-GC-IMS that has been proved an important analytical technique for evaluating the quality of GLSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a blend of dimethyl ketone (DMK) and methyl esters extracted from vegetable sesame oil (VSO) as a flow improver. The rheological impact of the additive on crude oil was assessed at various ratios (500, 1000, and 1500 ppm), shear rates (1.86–233 s−1), and temperatures (5–30 °C). This study employed three models, Bingham plastic, power law, and Herschel–Bulkley, to evaluate the experimental data and determine the consistency factor and flow index of the oil samples considered. The average viscosity reduction (VR), thermal effects, activation energy, and yield stress of the additive were also assessed. The findings revealed that the blend enhanced crude oil flowability at low temperatures. Furthermore, at 1500 ppm and 1.86 and 46.5 s−1 shear rates, the viscosity was diminished to 90.5% and 89.8%, respectively. The viscosity reduction was more significant at and over 100 s−1 shear rates at temperatures up to 30 °C. Increasing dosage and temperature decreased yield stress and activation energy, E a , which reached 30.479 kJ mol−1. The experimental data obtained in this study fitted the Herschel–Bulkley and power law models, approaching Newtonian behaviour at 1000 ppm. Moreover, the consistency index (k) of the crude oil incorporated with the additive diminished to 0.10386 and 0.029712, respectively. At 1500 ppm, the flow behaviour index (n) of the crude oil improved to 0.9665 and 0.9894 at 5 °C and 30 °C, respectively. The results demonstrated that the additive derived from natural seeds was an eco-friendly alternative flow improver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterologous production of proteins in Escherichia coli has raised several challenges including soluble production of target proteins, high levels of expression and purification. Fusion tags can serve as the important tools to overcome these challenges. SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) is one of these tags whose fusion to native protein sequence can enhance its solubility and stability. In current research, a simple, efficient and cost-effective method is being discussed for the construction of pET28a-SUMO vector. In order to improve the stability and activity of lysophospholipase from Pyrococcus abyssi (Pa-LPL), a 6xHis-SUMO tag was fused to N-terminal of Pa-LPL by using pET28a-SUMO vector. Recombinant SUMO-fused enzyme (6 H-S-PaLPL) works optimally at 35 °C and pH 6.5 with remarkable thermostability at 35–95 °C. Thermo-inactivation kinetics of 6 H-S-PaLPL were also studied at 35–95 °C with first order rate constant (kIN) of 5.58 × 10− 2 h-1 and half-life of 12 ± 0 h at 95 °C. Km and Vmax for the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl butyrate were calculated to be 2 ± 0.015 mM and 3882 ± 22.368 U/mg, respectively. 2.4-fold increase in Vmax of Pa-LPL was observed after fusion of 6xHis-SUMO tag to its N-terminal. It is the first report on the utilization of SUMO fusion tag to enhance the overall stability and activity of Pa-LPL. Fusion of 6xHis-SUMO tag not only aided in the purification process but also played a crucial role in increasing the thermostability and activity of the enzyme. SUMO-fused enzyme, thus generated, can serve as an important candidate for degumming of vegetable oils at industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functionality of fats in food is determined by the total amount of fat crystals, measured as percent solid fat content (SFC). The SFC is a physical parameter conventionally evaluated by either nuclear magnetic resonance or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which is time-consuming. This study investigated the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for the prediction of SFC in fats. Fat and oil blends consisting of lard, tallow, peanut oil, palm oil, and canola oil were analyzed for values of SFC (%) at 0, 10, 20, and 30 °C by using the DSC. The spectra were obtained using a NIR spectroscopy (1159–2169 nm). A partial least square regression (PLSR) algorithm was used to build correlation models based on full wavelengths. Successive projection algorithm (SPA), and regression coefficients (RCs) were used to select effective wavelengths to build new PLSR models. An independent sample set was used to validate the models. The models were evaluated in terms of coefficient of determination of prediction R p 2 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). The optimal model based on the full spectra (125 variables) showed accurate results ( R p 2 = 0.96, RMSEP = 2.16 %) in the prediction dataset at 20 °C, while the new models equally yielded good correlation for the SPA (14 variables) ( R p 2 = 0.92, RMSEP = 2.63%) and RC (10 variables) ( R p 2 = 0.93, RMSEP = 2.8%) based PLSR models at 10 °C and 20 °C respectively. The promising result in this study shows the potential of NIR spectroscopy to be a good alternative to the time-consuming methods for monitoring SFC in fat. The selected wavelengths could be used to develop a multispectral spectrometer for an industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the pharmacological properties of erucic acid (EA) and highlight areas that require further research. EA is an omega-9 fatty acid found in certain vegetable oil, such as rapeseed oil has demonstrated favourable effects in rodents, including ameliorating myocardial lipidosis (fat accumulation in the heart muscle), congestive heart disease, hepatic steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver), and memory impairments. These findings have prompted regulatory bodies to establish limits on EA content in food oils. The studies were performed on rodents and led to caution on ingesting the EA at high levels. Moreover, EA is frequently utilized as a nutritional supplement for the treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy, myocardial disease, and memory improvement. The review of the article indicated that EA improves cognitive function, has a part in Huntington's disease, interacts with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, inhibits elastase and thrombin, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties, and inhibits influenza A virus. This article elucidates the pharmacological effects of EA, an omega-9 fatty acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oil refineries, while playing a crucial role in food and industrial production, are also responsible for generating significant quantities of wastewater. The complex composition of this wastewater, including contaminants, causes significant environmental impact, particularly on aquatic ecosystems. This study aims at improving the effectiveness of wastewater treatment from vegetable oil refineries. It examines a combined method, starting with natural flotation and continuing with chemical precipitation using caustic soda (NaOH). Natural flotation presents a good removal efficiency of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate ions (NO3−), Total Phosphorus (TP), and polyphenol of 97.3%, 38.5%, 78.6%, 97.7, and 91.6%, respectively. Chemical precipitation reduces turbidity, COD, nitrates, ammonium, color, polyphenols, and absorbance at 254 nm by 99%, 25%, 83.2%, 96%, 38.3%, 62.2%, and 52.9%, respectively. The study shows that treatment by natural flotation followed by precipitation is a simple and efficient means for small and medium-sized companies to reduce the pollution impact of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) is a soybean oil derivative recently utilized as a green raw material in biopolymer synthesis. However, its potential as a photo-polymerizable feedstock in multifunctional tissue engineering scaffolds remains underexplored. While AESO exhibits strong biocompatibility, its rapid biodegradation and limited mechanical properties constrain its biomedical applications. Here, we present antibacterial scaffolds using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), AESO, curcumin, and graphene oxide (GO) with high potential for tissue engineering applications. Our results showed that the scaffolds possess a semi-crystalline structure and the presence of PVDF could effectively support the mechanical integrity of the AESO phase. Fabricated scaffolds presented Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation at break of 105–250 MPa, 8–10 MPa, and 17–25%, respectively, that could fulfill the requirements for supporting a range of stiff tissues. Curcumin-containing scaffolds demonstrated desirable antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. As well the capacity of the PVDF/AESO matrix for drug release was studied. As expected, hydrophilicity and biodegradation rates were influenced noticeably by incorporating GO nanosheets. Finally, the fabricated scaffold showed in-vitro biocompatibility with desirable attachment and proliferation of MG-63 cells. Our findings indicate the potential of AESO for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. The employing of AESO in this study inspires the investigation of other plant oils and their derivatives as resins for fabricating biomedical scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant essential oils contain many secondary metabolites, some of which can effectively inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, so it is a very promising antibacterial agent. In this study, a qualitative and quantitative method based on high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of three bioactive substances, cinnamaldehyde (CNM), thymol (THY), and eugenol (EUG), in the essential oils of plants. Necessary tests for linearity, limit of quantification, recovery, carryover contamination and precision of the method were carried out. Then, the antibacterial activity of 3 bioactive compounds against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentration and the synergistic antimicrobial effect. The results indicated that CNM, THY and EUG had good antibacterial activity. According to the results of fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), it is considered that CNM + THY and CNM + THY + EUG has obvious synergistic inhibitory effect on E. coli, and CNM + THY and CNM + EUG has obvious synergistic inhibitory effect on S. aureus. Finally, we analyzed the effect of the bioactive compounds on trace elements in bacteria and found significant changes in magnesium, calcium, copper and iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop-specific cultivation practices including crop rotation, cover cropping, and fertilisation are key measures for sustainable farming, for which soil microorganisms are important components. This study aims at identifying links between agronomic practices, potato yield and quality as well as soil microorganisms. We analysed the roles of cover crops and of the soil prokaryotic, fungal, and protistan communities in a long-term trial, differing in crop rotation, i.e. winter wheat or silage maize as pre-crop, presence and positioning of oil radish within the rotation, and fertilisation, i.e. mineral fertiliser, straw, manure, or slurry. Up to 16% higher yields were observed when oil radish grew directly before potatoes. Losses of potato quality due to infection with Rhizoctonia solani-induced diseases and common scab was 43–63% lower when wheat + oil radish was pre-crop under manure or straw + slurry fertilisation than for maize as pre-crop. This contrast was also reflected by 42% higher fungal abundance and differences in β-diversity of prokaryotes, fungi, and protists. Those amplicon sequence variants, which were found in the treatments with highest potato qualities and differed in their abundances from other treatments, belonged to Firmicutes (2.4% of the sequences) and Mortierellaceae (28%), which both comprise potential antagonists of phytopathogens. Among protists, Lobosa, especially Copromyxa, was 62% more abundant in the high potato quality plots compared to all others, suggesting that specific higher trophic organisms can improve crop performance. Our findings suggest that successful potato cultivation is related (1) to planting of oil radish before potatoes for increasing yield and (2) to fertilisation with manure or straw + slurry for enriching the microbiome with crop-beneficial taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel stands out as a promising contender in the quest for renewable energy solutions, offering a greener alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Derived primarily from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, biodiesel offers an eco-friendly energy avenue with a minimized carbon footprint. Catalysts are central to the success of this process, which significantly enhance yield rates. Geopolymers, traditionally associated with construction applications due to their inorganic nature, have been derived from aluminosilicate sources activated using alkaline solutions. However, recent advancements spotlight geopolymers in a new light, emphasizing their prospective role as nanocatalytic agents for biodiesel synthesis. This paradigm shift suggests improved production efficiency and an innovative method of repurposing industrial waste. This study centers on the pioneering application of geopolymers, fortified with magnetite, as potent heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel generation from soybean and safflower oils. By leveraging a meticulously crafted geopolymer matrix—consisting of metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, and magnetite—this research replaced traditional catalysts with this advanced nanostructured geopolymer variant in the biodiesel methylation process. The research delved deep to ascertain the prime synthesis conditions. Furthermore, utilizing cutting-edge machine learning methodologies provided an analytical lens to navigate the extensive experimental data, thereby fine-tuning the optimization trajectory. One of the salient takeaways from this research is the validation that geopolymer catalysts, rooted in kaolinite, can be ingeniously tailored to ensure elevated biodiesel yields across a spectrum of oil sources, underscoring their unparalleled efficiency and versatility in the biofuel domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy thermosets, sourced from plant oils and compatible curing agents, have emerged as environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil-based polymers. The choice of curing agent strongly influences the curing kinetics and final properties. Compounds based on epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) were cured with carboxylic acids, i.e., salicylic (SA), maleic (MA), and citric (CA). The curing process was monitored using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the disappearance of epoxy group bands at 813 and 950 cm−1 was observed, indicating epoxy-acid reaction. ESO/CA and ESO/SA exhibited a gel content (GC) > 80%, indicating the formation of a 3D network with higher crosslinking density, when compared to ESO/MA. Gases released during degradation were evaluated through TG-IR and showed signals with a maximum volume of products released around 350–500 °C, confirming the complexity of degradation process. TG scans showed similar degradation behavior with good thermal stability, with T5% and Tmax ranging from 79 to 221 °C and from 391 to 401 °C, respectively. The degradation kinetics were modeled using the Friedman and Vyazovkin equations, obtaining R2 values of 0.99996, 0.99969, and 0.99987 for ESO/CA, ESO/MA, and ESO/SA, respectively (Friedman), and 0.99990, 0.99965, and 0.99981 for ESO/CA, ESO/MA, and ESO/SA, respectively (Vyazovkin), confirming the suitability of the models. Among the investigated compounds, ESO/SA and ESO/CA exhibited the highest GC and thermal stability, making it the best-performing option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials based on xanthan (XG), lignin (LB), lignin esters (LBOL and LBST), and montmorillonite (CL) were successfully obtained and used as altered oils adsorbents. The density, porosity, and mechanical properties of the obtained materials were determined. Also, the dynamic vapor sorption test (DVS) was performed to evaluate the sorption capacity and specific surface area of the adsorbents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological aspect of materials. Adsorption experiments of altered argan and sunflower oil onto studied materials were carried out. It was found that XG/CL and XG/CL/LBOL retained the highest amount of both oils (over 75% of the total oil quantity). Kinetic studies indicated that the Pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model provided a better fit to the data. Adsorption equilibrium data were well fitted to Henry, Langmuir, and Freundlich isotherm models. The addition of CL has provided materials with well-organized structures, and reusability in several adsorption/desorption cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Oreocallis grandiflora" discusses the chemical composition and medicinal properties of the essential oil obtained from Oreocallis grandiflora, a plant found in southern Ecuador to northern Peru. The essential oil is mainly composed of aromatic compounds, monoterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated monoterpenes. The article also mentions the traditional medicinal uses of O. grandiflora, including anti-inflammatory, digestive, diuretic, hepatic, hypoglycemic, and vulnerary properties. Additionally, the essential oil exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, suggesting potential applications in natural medicine and food preservation. [Extracted from the article]

Typical plant membranes and storage lipids are comprised of five common fatty acids yet over 450 unusual fatty acids accumulate in seed oils of various plant species. Plant oils are important human and animal nutrients, while some unusual fatty acids such as hydroxylated fatty acids (HFA) are used in the chemical industry (lubricants, paints, polymers, cosmetics, etc.). Most unusual fatty acids are extracted from non-agronomic crops leading to high production costs. Attempts to engineer HFA into crops are unsuccessful due to bottlenecks in the overlapping pathways of oil and membrane lipid synthesis where HFA are not compatible. Physaria fendleri naturally overcomes these bottlenecks through a triacylglycerol (TAG) remodeling mechanism where HFA are incorporated into TAG after initial synthesis. TAG remodeling involves a unique TAG lipase and two diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) that are selective for different stereochemical and acyl-containing species of diacylglycerol within a synthesis, partial degradation, and resynthesis cycle. The TAG lipase interacts with DGAT1, localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (with the DGATs) and to puncta around the lipid droplet, likely forming a TAG remodeling metabolon near the lipid droplet-ER junction. Each characterized DGAT and TAG lipase can increase HFA accumulation in engineered seed oils. Triacylglycerol remodeling in Physaria fendleri changes the seed oil fatty acid composition after initial synthesis to overcome metabolic bottlenecks in the accumulation of valuable unusual fatty acids. This process enhances designer oil engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]