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This research intends to create biodegradable packaging films using solution casting method. The films are composed of guar gum, carboxymethylcellulose, and blends of these materials with citric acid as a crosslinking agent. The concentration of citric acid ranges from 10 to 30% (w w−1). This study performs a curing treatment at 140°C for 30 min on the dried films containing the crosslinking additive to promote the esterification between the polymeric matrix and the crosslinking agent. The thin films have a smooth, homogeneous, and transparent aspect. Although the crosslinking reaction – evidenced by FTIR spectra – does not affect the thickness of the material, it causes a slight color variation making the samples assume a yellowish shade. Moreover, the crosslinking process enhances the water resistance, decreases the crystallinity index, and improves the water vapor barrier and thermal resistance of the films. The SEM images reveal the excess of unreacted crosslinking agent accumulated on the samples; these particles work as a plasticizer, affecting the morphology of the films as well as their water resistance, crystallinity, and thermal resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to explore the influence of the guar and xanthan gum complex (GG/XG) on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and sizing efficiency of alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) loaded emulsions. The centrifugal stability of the emulsions was measured using a Turbiscan equipment, the droplets morphology through an optical microscopy, the size of droplets and its distribution through a Mastersizer, and the sizing efficiency through the penetration method. Furthermore, Cryo-SEM and CLSM were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of polysaccharides at the ASA-water interface. When the concentration of GG/XG exceeded 0.35%, the ASA emulsions displayed excellent stability and low viscosity, and no water separation was observed even after high-speed centrifugation. By absorbing GG/XG at the oil-water interface, a dense interfacial film was formed, which blocked any interaction between the oil and water, thus hindering the hydrolysis of ASA. The sizing degree of the paper sized by ASA emulsion stored for 2 h was still higher than 88 s. By encapsulating ASA in emulsions that are stabilized exclusively by natural polysaccharides, the need for surfactants is eliminated, which in turn decreases the amount of foam present in the papermaking process, thus making it a more environmentally friendly production method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A goal of this study was to investigate the influence of fluidised bed agglomeration process with guar gum (GG) binder (0–0.3%) on the physical and rheological properties of agglomerated milk protein isolate (MPI). Larger and more porous particles were formed by the agglomeration process, resulting in an improvement in powder flowability, wettability and solubility. The agglomerate with 0.1% GG binder exhibited higher viscoelastic properties than other agglomerates, with viscoelastic moduli values decreasing as the binder concentration increased (0.1–0.3%). The findings demonstrate that the agglomeration process with GG improved the powder characteristics of MPI and influenced its rheological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The gastrointestinal tract serves as a pivotal physical barrier that prevents the translocation of exogenous substances from the intestinal lumen into the systemic circulation. Dysfunction of intestinal barrier function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as metabolic disorders. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a critical role in maintaining the resilience and viability of epithelial cells when exposed to stressors. Evidence suggests that dietary fibre (DF), a known inducer of HSP production, may be a promising candidate for strengthening the intestinal barrier. Understanding the regulation of intestinal HSPs and the protective effect of DF is critical to defending against environmental threats and preserving human health. To date, six DFs—pectin, chicory, psyllium, guar gum, partially hydrolysed guar gum, and xylooligosaccharide—have been reported to have promotive effects on intestinal HSP induction. DF promotes intestinal HSP induction through gut microbiota‐dependent and independent mechanisms. DF is fermented by gut microbiota to produce short‐chain fatty acids, specifically butyrate and propionate, to promote HSP production. Meanwhile, DF also promotes intestinal HSP induction through direct interaction with intestinal epithelial cells, independent of gut microbiota activity, although the precise mechanism is still unclear. Regulation of intestinal HSP occurs by transcriptional modulation through activation of heat shock transcription factors, primarily heat shock factor 1, or at the post‐transcriptional level by modulation of the translation process. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role of DF in improving intestinal barrier function, with particular emphasis on the regulatory mechanisms of intestinal HSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research helps with the creation, assessment, and characterization of a new hybrid protective coating for carbon steel alloy in acid conditions. The findings of this study will be useful for both chemical and petrochemical companies as well as scientists. This study aims to protect C-steel in acid pickling solution 1.0M HCl and formulate new hydrophobic protective hybrid organic–inorganic coatings from biopolymers chitosan and plant resin guar gum. Eight coating samples of chitosan in the absence and the presence of guar gum, silica and two heterocyclic compounds are prepared at feasible operational conditions using hot melt method. The aiding additives improved compatibility between coating constituents as confirmed by using different methods of analysis. This new processing approach has addressed the problems of using chitosan in corrosion control such as solubility in acid media and low mechanical strength. Coating samples of chitosan and its composites with the heterocyclic compounds (2-Hydrazinyl-6-methyl-4, 5-dihydro pyrimidine-4-on) or (2-Hydrazinyl-6-phenyl-4, 5-dihydro pyrimidine-4-on) are potent biocides. Coating shifts corrosion potential of carbon steel by 30 mV to more noble direction relative to the active potential 520 mV of bare carbon steel surface. Impedance and polarization measurements indicate that coating samples protect metal surface as mixed-type inhibitor by adsorption mechanism. There is a good agreement between percentages protection %P of coating calculated using the values of charge transfer resistance, Rct, and corrosion current density, icorr. All %P values are above 99% for all coating samples. Guar gum plant resin increases gloss of the coating film. Silica fills the pores in the polymeric film and increases the stuffiness of the polymeric coating film by modifying the particle size. All coated samples have high contact angle ranging from 150° to 165° indicating low wettability and high hydrophobicity of coating film on the metal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar gum, the main product of the guar crop, is used widely in the USA as an emulsifier in the food industry and as fracturing fluid additive in the oil and gas industry. The USA is the number one global importer of guar, and interest has grown to domestically cultivate guar in the USA. Guar is an annual desert legume native to India and Pakistan. The goal of this study was to evaluate the environmental sustainability of growing guar in the USA via a life cycle analysis (LCA). The LCA helps identify the information gap for US agriculture and guide future field studies to optimize guar cultivation in the USA. This study concluded that in terms of environmental sustainability, irrigation, harvesting, and P-fertilization methods offer the most opportunity for improved guar agricultural sustainability. This is promising because one of guar's prominent characteristics is its high water use efficiency and ability to grow in marginal soils. Lowering irrigation and water use can be implemented with simple management practice changes such as optimizing irrigation. In addition, this study shows that there is an opportunity for field trials to optimize fertilizer application rates to achieve the greatest yields. This study also found a knowledge gap with respect to carbon soil fluxes and field emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus from guar agriculture. As the USA considers adopting guar agriculture in the southwest, through research collaborations such as the USDA Sustainable Bioeconomy of Arid Regions Center of Excellence, it will be critical to evaluate irrigation to achieve maximum yields (e.g., drip, flood, sprinkler) and fill fertilizer and emissions knowledge gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), a summer legume, is becoming increasingly important as an industrial crop due to its high gum and viscosity content. This study investigated the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), chitosan (CH), and their combination on the growth, yield, and quality of guar under irrigation regimes. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using a factorial design to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with MeJA (5, 25, and 50 µM), CH (100, 150, and 200 mg/L), their combination (25 µM MeJA + 150 mg/L CH), and control on two commercial guar varieties (RGC-986 and BR-2017) under different irrigation regimes (100%, 70%, and 40% field capacity). The results showed that the exogenous application of MeJA and CH, individually and in combination, significantly enhanced various morphological traits and yield components in guar, including plant height, pod characteristics, seed yield, and root development. Additionally, the combination treatments improved seed quality parameters, such as gum percentage and viscosity content. Leaf analysis revealed increased levels of total phenolic content, total flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. The BR-2017 variety showed superior performance in most morphological and qualitative traits, demonstrating greater resistance to irrigation regimes. It maintained yield and quality characteristics under water-deficit conditions, particularly when treated with 25 µM MeJA and 150 mg/L CH. The highest gum percentage (33.67%) and viscosity (4768.5 cP) were observed in the RGC-986 variety, along with enhanced levels of secondary metabolites. This study provides new insights into how MeJA, CH, and their combination can improve the yield and quality of guar under water deficit stress conditions. The results suggest that the use of these elicitors, especially in combination, represents an innovative strategy for improving guar production and quality, with potential variety-specific responses to water-deficit stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between uncertainty indicators and volatility of commodity futures, with a specific focus on agriculture and energy sectors. Design/methodology/approach: The authors analyse the volatility of Indian agriculture and energy futures using the GARCH-MIDAS model, taking into account different types of uncertainty factors. The evaluation of out-sample predictive capability involves the application of out-sample R-squared test and computation of various loss functions. Findings: The research outcomes underscore the significant impact of diverse uncertainty factors such as domestic economic policy uncertainty (EPU), global EPU (GEPU), US EPU and geopolitical risk (GPR) on long-run volatility of Indian energy and agriculture (agri) futures. Additionally, the study demonstrates that GPR exhibits superior predictive capability for crude oil futures volatility, while domestic EPU stands out as an effective predictor for agri futures, particularly castor seed and guar gum. Practical implications: The study offers practical implications for market participants and policymakers to adopt a comprehensive perspective, incorporating diverse uncertainty factors, for informed decision-making and effective risk management in commodity markets. Originality/value: The research makes an inaugural attempt to examine the impact of domestic and global uncertainty indicators on modelling and predicting volatility in energy and agri futures. The distinctive feature of considering an emerging market also adds a novel dimension to the research landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges in sustainable food packaging include ensuring effective moisture and oil barriers, antimicrobial protection, and developing cost‐effective, scalable production methods. This study introduces a hydrophobic, oil‐repelling, antimicrobial coating of a guar gum (GG)‐chitosan (CS) blend applied via a dip coating approach on blotting paper. By incorporating sodium tri‐polyphosphate (STPP) as a cross‐linker, the optimized formulation (1.5% guar gum, 0.09% STPP, 1% chitosan, and 1.5% glycerol) achieved notable hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 136.1 ± 2.2°. This study is significant as it offers a sustainable, eco‐friendly food packaging solution with enhanced hydrophobic, oil‐repellent, and antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar is a typical legume cash crop native to India. Guar beans are ever-rising in the market share at present. Among them, the guar gum of its seed endosperm has been mainly used in the oil exploration industry. Water-based fracturing fluid can be formulated to increase the permeability of oil-bearing strata during oil production. In addition, guar gum is also widely used in paper making, textiles, food, spices, drugs, as well as mining and metallurgical industries. The nutrient-rich green seeds of guar beans are edible for food vegetables, due to a large amount of protein and a small amount of fat. The plant can be used as fodder and green manure. However, the low supply of guar gum on the market cannot fully meet the broad market space. Only a small number of planting areas of guar beans are suitable for the cultivation of guar beans in the food industry. Among them, Xinjiang located in the northwestern inland arid zone is very similar to the unique geographic conditions for the production and cultivation of guar beans. The temperature and heat conditions are suitable for the origin of guar, rich in the light and heat resources under the soil and water environment, with the high temperature difference between day and night, due to the scarce rainfall and high evaporation. But the relatively small region of guar bean planting still remains so far. Therefore a broad prospect can be expected to optimize the water and nitrogen management for the high crop yield and efficient use of water and nitrogen. This study aims to explore the water and nitrogen mode suitable for drip irrigation of guar beans under film in the Xinjiang area of China. Four irrigation levels were set: W1:1170 m³/hm², W2:1 530 m³/hm², W3:1 890 m³/hm², W4: 2 250 m³/hm²; Two levels of nitrogen application were: N1:30 kg/hm², N2:50 kg/hm². A systematic investigation was made to clarify the effects of water and nitrogen interaction on the growth index, yield, water, and nitrogen use efficiency, as well as the quality of guar bean during drip irrigation under film. The results showed that the coupling effect of water and nitrogen shared a significant effect on the yield, irrigation water use efficiency, and partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertilizer (W3>W4>W2>W1). There was an increase in the plant height, stem diameter, dry matter accumulation, yield, water use efficiency, galactomannan, soluble sugar, and polysaccharide content of Guar bean under the N2 level, compared with the N1 level. Only the partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer decreased slightly. Principal component and membership function analysis showed that the optimal treatment was achieved in the irrigation amount of 1 890 m³/hm² and the nitrogen application rate of 50 kg/hm²(W3N2). The finding can also provide a theoretical basis to promote the yield, water, and nitrogen use efficiency of Guar bean under mulched drip irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe Guar Gum Xanthate based hydrogel GGmX-g-poly(AA-co-HEMA) has been successfully synthesized by using the graft copolymerization of two monomers, acrylic acid (AA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) hydrogel. The synthesis follows the free-radical graft polymerization method. UV-visible spectroscopy (UV), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Point zero charge (PZC), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were employed for the characterization of the synthesized hydrogel. This hydrogel has shown a high swelling ratio of 430.2 g/g and retention of 75.82% in distilled water which is a notable result. By using GGmX-g-poly(AA-co-HEMA) hydrogel, the maximum percentage of heavy metal ions removal from wastewater was found to be 98.5(±1.5)% and 97.1(±1.5) at optimum pH 6 and 6.5 for Cu2+ and Ni2+ solutions respectively. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm fits best for the adsorption data indicating a monolayer adsorption with maximum adsorption capacity of 423.72 (±26.1) mg/g and 404.85 (±31.4) mg/g for Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provides the most accurate depiction of adsorption kinetics with rate constant 9.1 × 10−4 (±1.37×10−4)g/(mg.min) for Cu2+ and 8.3 × 10−4 (±1.24×10−4)g/(mg.min) for Ni2+ ions, respectively. The negative ΔG value (-4.75 kJ/mol for Cu2+ and −3.26 kJ/mol for Ni2+ ions) and positive value of ΔH (57.55 (±5.41) kJ/mol for Cu2+ and 40.60(±5.37) kJ/mol for Ni2+ ions) suggested the process to be spontaneous, endothermic, and feasible. It has been found that the hydrogel has excellent regenerative capacity with the % adsorption has been found to be 84.8% for Cu2+ and 82.4% for Ni2+ ions for the fifth cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loquat leaf extract (LLE) was added to guar gum and pullulan as an environmentally friendly packaging film (GPE) to preserve Chinese water chestnuts (CWCs). The effect of the amount of LLE on the guar gum/pullulan composite film was investigated. The optimal amount of LLE was 4% (GPE4), with lower water vapor permeability (WVP) and greater mechanical strength, antioxidant, and comparable antibacterial performance than many pullulan-based films. Upon packing the CWCs for 4 days, the weight loss rate of GPE4 was only 1.80 ± 0.05%. For GPE4, the POD activity, the soluble solid content, and the vitamin C (Vc) content of the CWCs were 21.61%, 36.16%, and 26.22% higher than those of the control sample, respectively. More importantly, GPE4 was effective in preserving the quality of CWCs after 4 days of storage, better or at least comparable to non-biodegradable plastic wrapping (PE). Therefore, it can be concluded that GPE films hold significant promise as a sustainable alternative packaging material for preserving fruit-based foods like CWCs, potentially replacing PE in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The encapsulation of metagenome-derived multi-enzymes presents a novel approach to improving poultry feed by enhancing nutrient availability and reducing anti-nutritional factors. By integrating and encapsulated enzymes such as carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, protease, lipase, and laccase into feed formulations, this method not only improves feed digestibility but also potentially contributes to animal health and productivity through antimicrobial properties. Results: This study investigates the encapsulation of metagenome-derived enzymes, including carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, protease, lipase, and laccase, using Arabic and Guar gums as encapsulating agents. The encapsulated multi-enzymes exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, achieving a 92.54% inhibition rate against Escherichia coli at a concentration of 6 U/mL. Fluorescence tracking with FITC-labeled enzymes confirmed efficient encapsulation and distribution, while physical characterization, including moisture content and solubility assessments, along with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging, validated successful encapsulation. The encapsulated enzymes also effectively hydrolyzed poultry feed, leading to an increase in phenolic content and antioxidant activity, as confirmed by 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Conclusions: The encapsulated multi-enzymes improved the overall feed quality by increasing reducing sugars and enhancing physical properties such as solubility and water-holding capacity. The encapsulated multi-enzymes improved the overall feed quality by increasing reducing sugars, antioxidant activity and enhancing physical properties such as solubility and water-holding capacity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the enzymatic breakdown of the feed structure. These results suggest that supplementing poultry feed with encapsulated multi-enzymes can enhance its physical, nutritional, and functional properties, leading to improved digestibility and overall feed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION This study investigated the contribution of 11 polysaccharides (2%, w/w), including pectin (PC), κ‐carrageenan (KC), ι‐carrageenan (IC), gellan gum (GG), guar gum (GM), sodium alginate (SA), konjac gum (KG), gum arabic (GA), fucoidan (FC), locust bean gum (LBG), and curdlan (CD), to the gel and microstructural properties of Meretrix meretrix clam gel (MMG).The hardness, springiness and chewiness of MMG with KC, IC, GG, SA and FC addition increased by ~10%–250%, while PC, GM, KG and LBG groups decreased by ~0.6% to 69%. KC, IC, SA, GG and FC decreased the cooking loss rate (CLR) by 69.4% to 88.7% and correspondingly enhanced the water holding capacity (WHC) by 10.2% to 21.4%, which was accompanied by an increased bound water and immobilized water area and high hydrogen proton density. The addition of KC transformed the MMG microstructure from a loose network with large pores to a compact, dense network, reducing lacunarity by 57.9%. The primary intermolecular forces in MMG with the incorporation of KC, IC, GG, SA and FC were hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds, which increased by 32.8%‐105.3% and 45.6%‐114.5% than MMG alone, respectively.Collectively, KC, IC, GG, SA and FC could improve the gel properties of MMG and the strongest synergistic combination was found in the MMG/KC system. This study suggests that the incorporation of polysaccharides is a strategy with potential for modifying the gel properties of shellfish surimi products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fracturing operations can effectively improve the production of low-permeable reservoirs. The performance of fracturing fluids directly affects the fracturing efficiency and back flow capacity. As polymerbased fracturing fluids (such as guar gum (GG), polyacrylamide (HPAM), etc.) are high-viscosity fluids formed by viscosifiers and crosslinking agents, the degree of gel breakage after the fracturing operation directly influences the damage degree to the reservoir matrix and the mobility of oil angd gas produced from the reservoir into the wellbore. This study compared the viscosity, molecular weight, and particle size of the fracturing fluid after gel breakage prepared by GG and HPAM as viscosifiers, as well as evaluate their damage to the core. Results show that the viscosities of the gel-breaking fluid increased with the concentration of the viscosifier for both the HPAM-based and GG-based fracturing fluids. For the breaking fluid with the same viscosity, the molecular weight in the HPAM-based gel-breaking fluid was much larger than that in the GG-based system. Moreover, for the gel-breaking fluid with the same viscosity, the molecular particle size of the residual polymers in the HPAM-based system was smaller than that in the GG-based system. The damage to the core with the permeability of 1 × 10-3 μm² caused by both the HPAM-based and GG-based gel-breaking fluids decreased with the increase in the solution viscosity. For the gel-breaking fluid systems with the same viscosity (i.e., 2-4 mPa s), the damage of HPAM-based fracturing fluid to low-permeability cores was greater than the GG-based fracturing fluid (45.6%e80.2%) since it had a smaller molecular particle size, ranging from 66.2% to 77.0%. This paper proposed that the damage caused by hydraulic fracturing in rock cores was related to the partilce size of residual polymers in gel-breaking solution, rather than its molecular weight. It was helpful for screening and optimizing viscosifiers used in hydraulic fracturing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magwinya, a deep‐fried cereal dough, is usually produced using cake or bread wheat flour due to the naturally beneficial proteins found in wheat. In this study, sorghum flour, a gluten‐free cereal grain, was used to produce magwinya. The aim was to develop and characterize gluten‐free fried dough using sorghum flour. Xanthan and guar gum hydrocolloids were added to the sorghum flour in ratios of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% and 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%, respectively, for magwinya production. The physicochemical characteristics of the magwinya were compared. The hardness of magwinya was significantly lower in sorghum: guar gum (SGG) samples due to their high moisture content. Ash and fiber content were also significantly higher in SGG samples. Increasing the level of SGG increased the volume (63.33–66.67 cm3). There was no significant difference in the weight of the samples. An increase in diameter (50.33–52.17 mm) was observed in SGG samples. Color analysis showed a significant increase in the L* (Lightness) of the crumb (46.28–49.12) compared to the crust (26.96–30.11) in the SX (sorghum: xanthan gum) and SGG samples. Redness (12.28–13.77) increased with levels, while yellowness (11.86–14.02) decreased with levels in SX and SGG crust. This study's findings are significant as they indicate that guar gum was the better binder for developing cereal fried dough (magwinya) from sorghum. These findings could have practical applications in the food industry, particularly in the development of gluten‐free products and in the use of alternative grains like sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Gluten‐free rice penne (GFRP) was developed from low amylose rice flour by incorporating egg white protein, soy protein isolate, guar gum and xanthan gum to produce penne with low estimated glycaemic index (eGI). The rheology of rice flour, textural properties, cooking quality, resistant starch (RS) and eGI of GFRP were investigated. Addition of proteins and hydrocolloids increased the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″). Rice gel with proteins and hydrocolloids formed a stronger and more elastic gel than the control, with highest G′ observed in rice gel with 5% egg white protein and 1% guar gum. Incorporation of proteins and hydrocolloids in GFRP significantly increased firmness, improved cooking quality and increased RS content. The eGI of GFRP added with egg white protein and guar gum reduced from seventy‐one to fifty‐three. Results suggested that the development of low eGI penne was possible by incorporating egg white proteins and guar gum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retention of drug in the harsh environment of gastrointestinal tract is a major problem faced in oral delivery system as drugs are prone to a pre-mature release in the presence of digestive enzymes in the acidic media. This reduces the bioavailability of the drug and causes other side effects in the stomach. The composite is prepared through an economically viable and green method consisting of polymers such as guar gum, chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) for retention of metformin in the gastric media. Montmorillonite clay was incorporated into the composite to improve its mechanical property. Physical properties such as thickness, folding endurance, swelling capacity and transparency of the films were assessed and further characterized using techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry, X-Ray Diffractometry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The prepared films were thin and flexible with an average thickness of 90 μm and exhibited good UV resistance. Metformin containing formulation exhibited ≤ 12% drug release in the simulated gastric fluid (1.2 pH), which satisfied the primary aim of the work. The drug release kinetics evaluated using various mathematical models revealed that Korsemeyer-Peppas was the best fit model and showed R2 ≥ 0.986 revealing diffusion-controlled release pattern. Based on the results, the prepared composites could significantly resist early release of metformin in the stomach and improve its bioavailability in the system. This pH-sensitive composite can be anticipated as potential carrier for drugs experiencing pre-mature release in the gastric media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability, polysaccharide-based aerogels produced through supercritical fluid drying attract a lot of attention in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, tissue regeneration, etc. The aim of this study is to systematically review the types of polysaccharides used for aerogel fabrication, the approaches to their gelation before supercritical fluid drying, and the conditions of the drying. The literature screening was conducted according to the PRISMA protocol to give a full picture. Aerogels can be made using a wide range of polysaccharides (alginates, chitosan, agar, cellulose, carrageenans, starch, pectin, chitin, b-glucans, xanthan, guar gum, gellan gum, hyaluronic acid, tragacanth gum, locust bean gum), as well as polysaccharide-based biomaterials and artificial composites containing inorganic substances. The natural origin of the polysaccharides and a diversity of their chemical structure allow to explore a wide range of processing conditions for fabrication of aerogels for various applications. Different strategies to dissolve and gel the polysaccharides, aiming to reduce a number of required steps to aerogel formation and control its morphology, were reported. An analysis of the protocols used for supercritical drying of the formed gels showed trends toward process simplification and the implementation of one-pot strategies, as well as the better control over aerogel morphology, which open up opportunities for a wide application of polysaccharide-based aerogels in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry showed excellent stability and mobility performance. • Higher GG concentration, pH, and low ionic strength are beneficial to improve the transportability of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry. • Brownian action dominates S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry deposition in saturated porous media. • CFT, XDLVO, and kinetic fitting were combined to explain attenuated Brownian motion and GG spatial repulsion play a key role in migration. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI), which has the advantages of small particle size, large specific surface area, and high reactivity, is often injected into contaminated aquifers in the form of slurry. However, the prone to passivation and agglomeration as well as poor stability and mobility of NZVI limit the further application of this technology in fields. Therefore, sulfided NZVI loaded on reduced graphene oxide (S-NZVI/rGO) and guar gum (GG) with shear-thinning properties as stabilizers were used to synthesize S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurries. SEM, TEM, and FT-IR confirmed that the dispersion and anti-passivation of NZVI were optimized in the coupled system. The stability and mobility of the slurry were improved by increasing the GG concentration, enhancing the pH, and decreasing the ionic strength and the presence of Ca2+ ions, respectively. A modified advection-dispersion equation (ADE) was used to simulate the transport experiments considering the strain and physicochemical deposition/release. Meanwhile, colloidal filtration theory (CFT) demonstrated that Brownian motion plays a dominant role in the migration of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry, and the maximum migration distance can be increased by appropriately increasing the injection rate. Extended-Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory showed that the excellent stability and migration of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry mainly came from the GG spatial forces. This study has important implications for the field injection of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry. According to the injection parameters, the injection range of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry is effectively controlled, which lays the foundation for the promotion of application in actual fields. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flotation characteristics of chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite in the system with dextrin, sodium humate (HA-Na), cationic guar gum (CGG) and DP115 (modified polyacrylamide) as inhibitors and Z-200 as collector were investigated. The results showed that compared with the traditional system of adding macromolecular organic inhibitor first and then adding Z-200 collector, the three sulfide minerals showed different flotation behaviors in the system of adding Z-200 first and then adding macromolecular organic inhibitor. Chalcopyrite was basically not affected by dextrin, while dextrin more strongly inhibits galena, sphalerite was slightly activated by lower dosage of dextrin and was equivalent to that of adding dextrin first and then adding Z-200, and higher dosage of dextrin slightly enhanced the inhibition of sphalerite. HA-Na weakened the inhibition of three sulfide minerals. The inhibition of CGG on sphalerite, especially chalcopyrite, was enhanced, while the inhibition of galena was basically equivalent to that of CGG when added first. Chalcopyrite was basically not affected by DP115, and the lower amount of DP115 more strongly inhibited galena and sphalerite, while the inhibition of higher amount of DP115 on galena and sphalerite was basically the same as that of adding DP115 first and then Z-200. The research results can provide reference for the selection of organic macromolecular inhibitors and the improvement of flotation separation efficiency when Z-200 was used as collector in the flotation separation of copper-lead-zinc sulfide ore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si), known for its high theoretical capacity, holds promise for developing high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the intrinsic low conductivity and substantial volume expansion limit its commercial application. Developing a binder that can suppress the massive volume expansion while improving Si conductivity is particularly important for LIBs based on Si anode. Here, grafting natural adhesive cationic guar gum (CGG) with small molecular acrylamide (AM) is proposed and applied it to the Si‐based anode. The rigid guar gum main chain and the elastic polymerized acrylamide (pAM) side chain forms a 3D network that completely encapsulated Si nanoparticles and cross‐linked with the natural hydroxyl groups on the surface of Si particles through abundant functional groups. Numerous link anchors and robust mechanical networks facilitate lithium‐ion transport and effectively mitigated the significant stress generated by silicon during charge and discharge cycles. Based on this innovative design, the Si@CGG@pAM@SP (Super P) electrode demonstrates excellent long‐term cycle stability and rate performance. The Si@CGG@pAM@SP electrode preserves 2086 mAh g−1 discharge capacity after 100 cycles (corresponding to 91.5% capacity retention). Physical characterization and electrochemical tests confirm the rationality of the polymer binder design, serving as a valuable reference for the material design of lithium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants derived from food by-products are known for their bioactive properties and impact on human health. However, the gastrointestinal behavior is often poor due to their degradation during digestion. The development of Ca(II)–alginate beads supplemented with biopolymers and enriched with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) extract could represent a novel environmentally friendly technological solution to produce functional ingredients in the food industry. The present study evaluates the impact of in vitro digestion/fermentation by analyzing global antioxidant response (GAR), production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a modulation of gut microbiota, and behavior of proton transverse relaxation times by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (as an indicator of gelation state and characterization of microstructure). Results revealed that guar gum and cowpea protein preserved a high GAR of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and FRAP methods after digestion/fermentation, promoting an adequate protection of the bioactives for their absorption. Alginate-based beads have great potential as prebiotics, with the guar gum-containing system contributing the most to SCFAs production. Finally, the overall higher mobility of protons observed in the intestinal phase agrees with structural changes that promote the release of phenolic compounds during this stage. Beads are excellent carriers of bioactive compounds (cowpea phenolic compounds and peptides) with potential capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to create Tolbutamide extended-release (ER) tablets and evaluate their efficacy in comparison to the gold standard, hydrophobic polymer (HPC). The natural polymers that were considered for this study included guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia gum, and fenugreek mucilage. The mechanical characteristics, drug release patterns, and stability under accelerated settings of tablets produced employing direct compression at different polymer concentrations (25%, 50%, and 75%) were studied. With a release rate of 94.5 percent over 24 hours, the optimized formulation (TF6 with 75% Guar gum) offered the best sustained drug release. As for controlled-release qualities, Xanthan gum showed promise with a cumulative release of 93.45% and Acacia gum was dependable, though not quite as efficient. Fenugreek mucilage was not well suited for endotracheal formulations due to its rapid drug release. The optimized formulation (TF6) kept its mechanical integrity, drug content, and constant drug release profile throughout three months at 40°C/75% RH, according to stability testing. This study offers additional evidence that natural polymers, specifically Guar gum can effectively replace synthetic binders in sustained-release formulations. Additional research should explore alternative combinations of these natural binders to enhance formulation efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop honey fillings for cookies using a variety of hydrocolloids, including xanthan gum (XG), guar gum (GG), and gelatin. The optimization of hydrocolloids concentration in honey for developing honey fillings was successfully achieved through a Box-Behnken design, involving three independent variables: XG (5–10% w/w), GG (0.1–1.5% w/w), and gelatin (8–12% w/w). The effects of these variables were assessed in terms of the honey filling's baking stability, antioxidant capacity, firmness, and water activity. The ideal concentrations for the honey filling were identified as 5.23% XG, 1.4% GG, and 10.46% gelatin. The physicochemical, antioxidant, and rheological characteristics of the optimized honey filling (OHF) were analyzed and compared to a commercial chocolate filling (CCF) as a reference. OHF displayed slightly lower viscoelastic properties but higher structural stability across all entire strain. OHF demonstrated 24.29% enhancement in antioxidant activity and 29.15% reduction in fat content relative to CCF. Subsequently, OHF was employed as a filling ingredient in cookies and compared to non-filled cookies and CCF-based cookies. The OHF-based cookies exhibited comparable textural attributes and sensory appeal to the CCF-based cookies. However, they displayed 29.37 and 19.89% increase in TPC, 129.89 and 29.93% increase in antioxidant activity, and 35.82 and 120.31% decrease in fat content as compared to non-filled and CCF-based cookies, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD), including alcoholic fatty liver, is a serious problem in many countries, and its economic costs to society are enormous. There is evidence indicating the relations between gut environments and liver disease, and thus, improvement of gut environment is expected to be an effective approach for ALD prevention. In this study, we explored the preventive effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) on ALD focusing on the gut–liver axis. Two weeks of PHGG pre‐feeding suppressed the liver fat accumulation in the experimental binge alcohol model mouse. In cecal microbiome, PHGG pre‐feeding increased beneficial Bifidobacterium with its metabolite acetate concentration and suppressed the alcohol‐induced increase in the potential pathobiont Streptococcus. PHGG pre‐feeding increased colonic gene expression of angiogenin genes, which act as antimicrobial peptides and decreased expression of genes for mast cell protease, which suggests a potential involvement in leaky gut. Correlation network analysis based on evaluated parameters revealed four relations worth noticing. (i) The abundance of Bifidobacterium positively correlated with cecal acetate. (ii) Cecal acetate negatively correlated with Streptococcus via colonic angiogenin expression. (iii) Streptococcus positively correlated with liver fat area. (iv) Cecal acetate had direct negative correlation with liver fat area. Considering these relations comprehensively, acetate produced by Bifidobacterium may be a key mediator in ALD prevention; it inhibited growth of potential pathobiont Streptococcus and also directly regulated liver lipid metabolism reaching through portal vein. This study demonstrated that regularly intake of PHGG may be effective in reducing the risk of alcoholic fatty liver via gut–liver axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Oilfield Chemistry is the property of Sichuan University, Oilfield Chemistry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research article introduced a novel one-pot method for synthesizing hydrogels, utilizing iron ions (Fe3+) and guar gum succinate (GGS) as cross-linkers. These hydrogels were characterized as cross-linked networks, with hydrogen bonds forming a sacrificial network and coordination bonds serving as the primary network. The reversible nature of these networks was attributed to the hydrogels' exceptional toughness and remarkable self-healing properties. The hydrogel's chemical structure was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. XRD analysis highlighted the disruption of the crystalline nature of GGS upon cross-linking with Fe3+. By controlling the Fe3+ concentration, the hydrogels' mechanical properties were tailored. Rheological measurements demonstrated mechanical and self-healing properties, while swelling studies revealed pH-dependent behavior. In vitro studies showed the hydrogels' significant anti-proliferative effect against U-87MG (human glioblastoma) cancer cells, while remaining biocompatible with normal cell lines (HEK-293). These results indicated the potential application of these hydrogels in advancing cancer treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of yarns and synthetic fibers is of great importance for numerous industrial sectors, such as the textile, composite material, biomedical, and civil construction industries. The utilization of cellulose microfibrils (CNFs) for filament production still requires further research, given the challenges associated with the coagulation process. Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to the development of materials that can be combined with CNFs to improve coagulation. This study aimed to develop an acetone spinning method to produce filaments from CNFs combined with xanthan (XG) and guar (GG) gums. Three types of filament architecture were tested: monocomponent (MONO), bicomponent (BI), and mixed component (MIX). XG filaments were evaluated at three coagulation times (90, 120, and 150 s) and GG filaments at a single coagulation time (120 s). Morphological analysis showed that gums contributed to improving external structure. BI filaments were rounder, exhibited lower stress concentration, and showed the highest mechanical resistance after 120 s of coagulation (XG = 27.97 MPa, GG = 28.69 MPa). Water absorption tests showed that the developed filaments hold great potential as absorbent materials, representing an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic polymer absorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary metabolites they contain, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, tannins, as well as carbohydrates, in particular galactomannan, which is the focus of the current study. The presence of an equal number of galactose and mannose residues (Gal/Man ratio of 1:1) prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mannose ones. This determines the good solubility of fenugreek galactomannan in cold water, even at low concentrations. The water solubility would be significantly better than that of carob and even slightly higher than that of guar gum, precisely due to their structural characteristics, which contribute to their possible advantages. Moreover, it is a good alternative as an excipient for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as in the preparation of food products, affecting not only their structure but also their shelf life. Furthermore, it has promising applications not only in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutics but also offers environmental benefits. All of the above-mentioned factors are of high interest and qualify fenugreek galactomannan as a versatile polysaccharide, which is the reason for summarizing its benefits in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-stability gel foam is successfully prepared by forming a gel structure in the liquid film using polymer and crosslinker. The foaming properties, gel characteristics, foam stability, and microstructure of the high-stability gel foam are systematically studied. Although increasing the viscosity of the liquid film reduces the foam volume, it significantly enhances the foam stability. Considering the foaming properties, gel characteristics, and economic benefits, the optimal formulation of the gel foam system is determined to be 0.8% surfactant, 0.3% hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG), and 0.2% organic titanium crosslinker (ATC). Microstructural analysis revealed that, compared to water-based and polymer foams, gel foam has smaller bubble sizes, lower drainage rates, and slower coarsening rates. This improvement is mainly attributed to the increased viscosity and thickness of the liquid film after gel and the formation of a three-dimensional network structure. Water loss rate experiment shows that the foam stability is stronger when the liquid film has certain viscosity and elasticity to resist external disturbances. However, higher viscosity and film strength do not necessarily result in better foam stability. The final water loss rate of the gel foam after being placed at 100 °C for 10 h is 74.45%, much lower than that of other higher-strength gel foams (greater than 99%). Fracture plugging experiments demonstrated that the plugging rate of gel foam is high (80%), whereas water-based foam achieved only 37.5%. The gel foam can effectively plug fractures and expand the swept volume, showing great potential for improving oil reservoir recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study developed and characterized hydrogels (HG-CGG) and films (F-CGG) based on cationic guar gum (CGG) for application in wound healing. Methods: HG-CGG (2% w/v) was prepared by gum thickening and evaluated for pH, stability, spreadability, and viscosity. F-CGG was obtained using an aqueous dispersion of CGG (6% w/v) and the solvent casting method. F-CGG was characterized for thickness, weight uniformity, morphology, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and swelling potential. Both formulations were evaluated for bioadhesive potential on intact and injured porcine skin, as well as antioxidant activity. F-CGG was further studied for biocompatibility using hemolysis and cell viability assays (L929 fibroblasts), and its wound-healing potential by the scratch assay. Results: HG-CGG showed adequate viscosity and spreadability profiles for wound coverage, but its bioadhesive strength was reduced on injured skin. In contrast, F-CGG maintained consistent bioadhesive strength regardless of skin condition (6554.14 ± 540.57 dyne/cm2 on injured skin), presenting appropriate mechanical properties (flexible, transparent, thin, and resistant) and a high swelling capacity (2032 ± 211% after 6 h). F-CGG demonstrated superior antioxidant potential compared to HG-CGG (20.50 mg/mL ABTS+ radical scavenging activity), in addition to exhibiting low hemolytic potential and no cytotoxicity to fibroblasts. F-CGG promoted the proliferation of L929 cells in vitro, supporting wound healing. Conclusions: Therefore, CGG proved to be a promising material for developing formulations with properties suitable for cutaneous use. F-CGG combines bioadhesion, antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, cell proliferation, and potential wound healing, making it promising for advanced wound treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the contradiction between reducing water-insoluble content and maintaining high viscosity in the preparation of modified guar gum for oilfield fracturing fluid, in this work, sodium 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropylsulfonate was used as a modifier to prepare sulfonated guar gum. Orthogonal and single-factor extrapolation experiments were conducted to explore the effects of reaction conditions and the optimal process was determined as follows: reaction temperature of 26 oC, reaction time of 2.0 h, sodium hydroxide as a mass fraction of guar gum of 1.0%, and sodium 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl sulfonate dosage as a mass fraction of guar gum of 0.5%. Furtherly, the temperature stability, filtration property, and inhibition of formation clay of the sulfonated products were investigated. The results showed that the apparent viscosity of 0.6% solution of guar gum was increased by 33%, the water-insoluble content was decreased by 0.42%, and the temperature stability, filtration resistance, and clay inhibition were all improved. Especially, the viscosity of cross-linked sulfonated guar gum is 100% higher than that of unmodified guar gum. The structure of sulfonated guar gum was characterized and confirmed by infrared spectrum, DSC, thermogravimetric, and elemental analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid polymer electrolytes play a vital role in energy storage devices, especially in the battery industry, to improve compatibility and portability. Natural polymers made from biowaste material are biodegradable and have been utilized for electrolyte preparation. Biopolymer-based electrolyte leads to sustainability due to their low cost, eco-friendly nature and non-toxicity. This work pertains to the preparation of one such natural polymer electrolyte based on guar gum as the host polymer, sodium iodide as an ionic dopant and 1,2 dimethoxy ethane as the plasticizer. Traditional Solution casting technique has been used for the preparation of electrolytes. The complexation between guar gum (GG) and NaI has been revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. The biopolymer electrolyte is stable up to 300–350°C and was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis. The surface roughness factor (Ra) was measured by 3D-optical profilometry. The transference number was determined by the chronoamperometry technique. AC impedance spectroscopy exhibited that the biopolymer electrolyte containing 0.4 g GG: 0.75 wt% NaI has the highest ionic conductivity of 7 × 10–3 S cm–1. Hence with suitable electrodes, the prepared electrolyte may be used in the fabrication of coin cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the potential of annealed Bambara starch as a locally sourced stabilizer for ice cream, aimed at addressing the high cost of imported stabilizers. Annealed Bambara starch, modified at various temperatures (45, 50, 55, and 60 °C), was incorporated into ice cream formulations and compared with ice cream stabilized using xanthan gum and guar gum. The ice creams exhibited variations in percentage overrun (77.03–124.61%), foam stability (90.88–96.61%), viscosity (24.87–33.26%), and melting resistance. Conventionally stabilized ice cream outperformed in overrun, foam stability, viscosity, and melting rate properties. Descriptive sensory tests showed high intensity scores for color, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and body attributes across all samples, with no weak intensity scores. Considering the performance of conventionally stabilized ice cream, those stabilized with Bambara starch annealed at 45 and 50 °C were recommended as potential alternatives, highlighting the potential of annealed Bambara starch as a cost-effective and locally sourced stabilizer for ice cream. Further studies should investigate the impact of annealing at different temperatures on the structural changes of Bambara starch to gain more insights into its effects on ice cream structure, facilitating its use in other food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenicity of the fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, commonly referred to as the green muscardine fungus, has been demonstrated against numerous insect species inhabiting various habitats. Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the impact of naturally derived adjuvants on the growth and spore characteristics of M. anisopliae. The natural polysaccharide (guar gum, gum acacia and carboxymethyl cellulose), vegetable oil (groundnut and cottonseed oil) and a synthetic adjuvant were used in the study at three distinct concentrations: 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% v/v or w/v. Among the various adjuvants tested, both gum acacia and guar gum at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% were observed to have a positive impact on the growth of the fungus, resulting in enhanced radial mycelial growth, conidiospore production, surface area coverage, and conidiospore germination. Conversely, this fundamental study highlights the detrimental effects of synthetic adjuvants on the growth and spore characteristics of M. anisopliae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using non-conventional protein sources of plant origin (guar meal) as a promising strategy for improving feed efficiency in Awassi sheep. This study included: (i) investigation of the nutrient intake and productive performance of lambs, (ii) appraisal nutrients digestibility and ruminal parameters (pH, N-H3 and volatile fatty acids), where experiment 1 used 18 Awassi lambs (age 2.5-3 months) distributed and assigned into three groups (randomly), and experiment 2 used nine lambs in randomized block design with three replicates. Three experimental concentrate diets were formulated to be isonitrogen (crud protein [CP] content 15.6%) and isoenergy (metabolic energy [ME] content 2.4 Mcal/kg). The results showed that the final body weight and dry matter intake (kg/day and g/kg of body weight) were not significantly affected (p = .05) despite the improvements occurring. In addition, the guar meal significance increased (p = .05) of average daily gain than total weight compared to the other experimental diets. The guar meal affected NH3 concentration (p = .037), total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) (p = .001), and molar proportions of acetate and propionate (p = .027). The molar proportions of valerate (p < .05) and caproate (p < .05) were significantly reduced when replacing traditional sources of protein. No difference (p > .05) in the dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein digestibility was observed among the three diets. In conclusion, guar meal could replace traditional conventional protein sources in ruminant diets with no adverse effects on feed intake, or digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conformational difference in gum arabic (GA) in aqueous and emulsion systems can influence its interaction with guar gum (GG). Therefore, in this study, the rheological and tribological properties of GG mixed with an orange oil emulsion containing GA at varying concentrations were investigated and compared with those of GG-GA mixtures. As the GA concentration was increased, the apparent viscosity of GG mixtures with either GA or GA-based emulsion (GAE) tended to decrease. Specifically, with a higher GA concentration (> 1.5%), the GG-GA mixtures showed a lower relative apparent viscosity than the GG-GAE mixtures. In contrast, except for GG-GA mixture with 6.0% GA, all other mixtures showed lower tan δ values (0.66–0.69) than GG alone (0.72), indicating an enhancement of weak gel-like properties. At a lower GA concentration (< 3.0%), GG-GA interactions in the aqueous system produced a lower relative tan δ value than those in the emulsion system, whereas the opposite result was observed with a higher GA concentration (> 4.5%). In addition, each type of mixture exhibited different tribological properties. As the GA concentration was increased, the friction coefficient (μ) values of both tended to decrease. Especially, the GG-GAE mixtures attained lower μ values than the GG-GA mixtures, thereby indicating that the former have better lubricant properties. These results demonstrated that the conformational change in GA while emulsifying oil droplets influences its interactions with GG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop HGs based on cationic guar gum (CGG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), propylene glycol (PG), and citric acid (CA) using a 2k factorial experimental design to optimize their properties. HGs were characterized through FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biological activities of HGs were determined by evaluating their mucoadhesive capacity and antibacterial activity in vitro, whereas their toxicity was analyzed using Artemia salina nauplii as an in vivo model. Results revealed that HGs were successfully optimized for their viscosity, pH, and sensory properties, and it was observed that varying concentrations of PEG-75 did not influence them. Through SEM analyses, it was noted that increased levels of PEG-75 resulted in HGs with distinct porosity and textures, whereas FTIR and Raman spectroscopy exhibited representative peaks of the raw materials used during the synthesis process. TGA studies indicated the thermal stability of HGs, as they presented degradation patterns at 100 and 300 °C. The synthesized HGs exhibited similar mucoadhesion kinetic profiles, demonstrating a displacement factor at an equilibrium of 0.57 mm/mg at 5 min. The antibacterial activity of HGs was appraised as poor against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria due to their MIC90 values (>500 μg/mL). Regarding A. salina, treatment with HGs neither decreased their viability nor induced morphological changes. The obtained results suggest the suitability of CGG/PEG HGs for oral mucosa drug delivery and expand the knowledge about their mucoadhesive capacity, antibacterial potential, and in vivo biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the effects of using edible gel coatings and bio-based packaging materials on extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Two edible gel coatings (guar gum and guar gum +5% of a lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck pomace extract obtained in the research laboratory) were applied on cherry tomatoes, then they were packaged in bio-based materials (cellulose tray + PLA lid). Guar gum, glycerol, sorbitol, extra virgin olive oil, and tween 20 were used in coating formulation. Uncoated tomatoes packed in bio-based materials and conventional plastic (PET trays + lid) were tested as a control. Samples were stored for 45 days at 20 °C and their quality parameters were evaluated. Coated tomatoes maintained firmness and weight, and the enriched coated samples showed a significant increase in phenol content, derived from the antioxidant extract. Samples packed in PET showed a sensory unacceptability (<4.5) after 45 days correlated with a greater decline in firmness (from 10.51 to 5.96 N) and weight loss (from 7.06 to 11.02%). Therefore, edible gel coating and bio-based packaging proved to be effective in maintaining the overall quality of cherry tomatoes for 45 days, offering a promising approach to reduce plastic polymer use and food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Petroleum Machinery is the property of China Petroleum Machinery Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The gut microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Modulating the gut microbiome can lead to eubiosis and treatment of various metabolic conditions. However, there is no proper study assessing the delivery of microbial technology for the treatment of such conditions. The present study involves the development of guar gum-pectin-based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) containing curcumin (CCM) and fecal microbiota extract (FME) for the treatment of PCOS. The optimized S-SNEDDS containing FME and CCM was prepared by dissolving CCM (25 mg) in an isotropic mixture consisting of Labrafil M 1944 CS, Transcutol P, and Tween-80 and solidified using lactose monohydrate, aerosil-200, guar gum, and pectin (colon-targeted CCM solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system [CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS]). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation was carried out on letrozole-induced female Wistar rats. The results of pharmacokinetic studies indicated about 13.11 and 23.48-fold increase in AUC of CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS without FME (CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (WFME)) and CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS with FME [(CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (FME)) as compared to unprocessed CCM. The pharmacodynamic study indicated excellent recovery/reversal in the rats treated with CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS low and high dose containing FME (group 13 and group 14) in a dose-dependent manner. The developed formulation showcasing its improved bioavailability, targeted action, and therapeutic activity in ameliorating PCOS can be utilized as an adjuvant therapy for developing a dosage form, scale-up, and technology transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing food spoilage and prolonging its shelf life are of great importance to meet the increasing food demand. Dietary fibers in red pitahaya are known to help maintain food freshness. Lactic acid bacteria have probiotic properties and can be a good alternative to additives in food production. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential use of gum-based edible films containing red pitahaya extract and probiotic as a coating material in the food industry. Firstly, we determined the antimicrobial activity of red pitahaya peel and flesh extracts against pathogenic microorganisms and probiotic strains. Then, we employed the well diffusion method to determine the antimicrobial activity of the edible films containing red pitahaya extracts and Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 used as a probiotic strain. The largest inhibition zone diameters of peel and flesh extracts were 12.97 and 13.32 mm, respectively, against Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The inhibition of the growth of lactic acid bacteria was lower as the extract concentration decreased. The gum-based films with flesh extract and probiotic had the largest inhibition zone diameters of 21.63 and 21.52 mm, respectively, against Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC19570 and C. albicans ATCC 10231. The edible films containing red pitahaya extract and L. fermentum MA-7 may have the potential to prevent spoilage caused by microorganisms in the food industry and to extend the shelf life of foods.

This study aimed to improve the physical stability of ultra-high temperature (UHT) oat beverage by adding hydrophilic colloids (guar gum [GG] and xanthan gum [XG]) and a natural emulsifier (soluble soybean polysaccharide [SSPS]). The stability of the oat beverage was characterized by particle size, zeta potential, rheological properties, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, backscattered light intensity (ΔBS), and microstructure. The results indicated that XG reduced the average particle size and size distribution of the beverage, indicating that XG could prevent particle aggregation. GG increases the apparent viscosity of the oat beverage without affecting the zeta potential. When SSPS was added to the oat beverage, it increased the absolute value of the zeta potential and the infrared absorption peak intensity, while the average particle size and backscattered light intensity (ΔBS) decreased, resulting in a more uniform microstructure. The zeta potential reached a maximum value of 32.12 when GG, XG, and SSPS were combined, indicating that the physical stability of the oat beverage was effectively improved when all three were present simultaneously. This study may provide some suggestions for the industrial production of low-viscosity cereal beverages with good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of biopolymer treatment presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional binders such as cement, lime, and chemicals and has the potential to mitigate the carbon footprint significantly. The guar gum (GG) biopolymer used in this investigation exhibits viscoelastic behavior and establishes strong bonds with the fine fly ash particles, enhancing the dynamic response of fly ash. A comparative analysis was conducted between untreated fly ash (UFA) and GG-treated fly ash (GGFA) in terms of dynamic properties and excess pore pressure (EPP) response using cyclic triaxial testing, considering different GG dosages (0.50%, 0.40%, 0.30%, and 0.20%), curing periods (7, 14, and 28 days), and cyclic shear strains (0.45%, 0.75%, 1.125%, 1.50%, and 1.875%). Test results revealed that only 0.50% of GG was required for optimal performance, very small compared to conventional binders. At optimal dosage of GG, the 28-day dynamic shear modulus and the damping ratio exhibit increases of 284% and 364%, respectively, whereas the EPP exhibits a reduction of 32% compared with UFA. Also, the stress paths of UFA and GGFA were developed to understand the dynamic response better. Microanalysis of UFA, 7-day-cured GGFA, and 28-day-cured GGFA showed evidence of binding networks between the GG and fly ash particles through a pore-clogging mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gluten-free and gum-free breads were developed, with the focus on the impact of raw materials (rice grain or flour) and processing conditions (pre-hydration and mixing time). The evaluation of bread quality primarily involved after the measurement of specific volume (BV), alveolar area (AA), and crumb hardness both before and storage. BV varied within 1.99–2.97 ml/g for rice bread and 2.14–2.26 ml/g for flour bread, with control (containing xanthan gum) values of 2.65 and 3.11 ml/g for rice and flour bread, respectively. An increase in AA was observed (rice: 0.5–1.9 mm2 and flour: 0.76–2.0 mm2) compared to controls with gum (rice: 0.36 and flour: 1.41 mm2). Pre-hydration of ingredients and reduced mixing time improved bread quality: volume of bread from hydrated rice and 4 min of mixing time was comparable to that of gum control. Although the aging process, measured by hardness, was faster than in gum-containing bread, process conditions were identified that delayed aging. This information is essential and valuable for future research.

Abstract Optimized production of Aspergillus niger ATCC 26011 endo-β-mannanase (ManAn) on copra meal resulted in 2.46-fold increase (10,028 U/gds). Purified ManAn (47 kDa) showed high affinity towards guar gum (GG) as compared to konjac gum and locust bean gum with Km 2.67, 3.25 and 4.07 mg/mL, respectively. ManAn efficiently hydrolyzed GG and liberated mannooligosaccharides (MOS). Changes occurring in the rheological and compositional aspects of GG studied using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed increased thermal stability and crystallinity of the partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG). Parametric optimization of the time and temperature dependent hydrolysis of GG (1% w/v) with 100 U/mL of ManAn at 60 °C and pH: 5.0 resulted in 12.126 mg/mL of mannotetraose (M4) in 5 min. Enhanced growth of probiotics Lactobacilli and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) that inhibited enteropathogens, confirmed the prebiotic potential of PHGG and M4.