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Crystalline active pharmaceutical ingredients with comparable size and surface area can demonstrate surface anisotropy induced during crystallization or downstream unit operations such as milling. To the extent that varying surface properties impacts bulk powder properties, the final drug product performance such as stability, dissolution rates, flowability, and dispersibility can be predicted by understanding surface properties such as surface chemistry, energetics, and wettability. Here, we investigate the surface properties of different batches of Odanacatib prepared through either jet milling or fast precipitation from various solvent systems, all of which meet the particle size specification established to ensure equivalent biopharmaceutical performance. This work highlights the use of orthogonal surface techniques such as Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, contact angle, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to demonstrate the effect of processing history on particle surface properties to explain differences in bulk powder properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High production rates and the constant expansion of production capacities for lithium-ion batteries will lead to large quantities of production waste in the future. The desired achievement of a circular economy presupposes that such rejects could be recovered. This paper presents a two-staged process route that allows one to recover graphite and conductive carbon black from already coated negative electrode foils in a water-based and function-preserving manner, and it makes it directly usable as a particle suspension for coating new negative electrodes. In a first step, coating residues, which accumulate in production (as offcuts or rejects for example), are decoated in an aqueous ultrasonic bath. The ultrasonic bath also serves as a pre-thickener. As a result, high mass concentrations of active material can already be achieved in the water after the first process step. Water is then removed from the negative electrode suspension in a subsequent step by applying dynamic cross-flow filtration. With this unit operation, it is possible to concentrate the slurry residue to a solid content similar to that of the new electrode slurries used for coatings. An important criterion for the direct utilization of production waste is that the particle properties are affected as little as possible so that the suspension can be used directly for coating new films. This work presents the individual recycling process steps and their influence on the particle and slurry properties. The aim is to assess whether the recyclate is suitable for a coating of new negative electrodes and thus also for manufacturing batteries from 100% recycled material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) was employed as a computational approach to analyse the bulk behaviour of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. 'Pionier') under compressive loading. A laboratory compression apparatus was utilised as a basis for the acquisition of data from compression tests. To ensure accurate DEM predictions, the physical, mechanical, and interaction properties of wheat kernels were experimentally determined for two different moisture contents (12.4% and 25.4% w.b.). Five particle models were constructed to represent the geometric shape of the kernel, with the model composed of five sub-spheres identified as the most suitable, ensuring an optimal balance between computational complexity and simulation accuracy. The bulk compression results from DEM simulations were compared to experimental data, revealing a good agreement for volumetric strain, bulk density increase, and bulk compressibility within the specified range of applicability. Simulations provided valuable insights into temporal and spatial variations of forces and deformations acting on individual particles, thereby enhancing the understanding of bulk behaviour at different compression levels. The moisture content was found to significantly affect the particle compressive forces, deformation capabilities, and bulk compression characteristics. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the great potential of DEM in predicting the bulk behaviour of wheat under compression, providing valuable information for practical storage and handling processes. • Bulk behaviour of wheat during compressive loading was studied using DEM. • DEM-relevant modelling parameters were determined experimentally. • Bulk volumetric strain, bulk density and compressibility were investigated. • Mechanical response of particles under bulk compression was analysed. • Moisture content effect on product properties and compression characteristics was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different waste streams from electro discharge machining (EDM) were investigated for an upcycled usage in processes for additive manufacturing (AM). These erosion sludges accumulate in filter cartridges and at the bottom of machining basins. The enclosed particles were extracted, sieved and investigated via laser diffraction, dynamic image analysis, scanning electron microscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, elemental analysis and flowability measurements. Additionally, thermal, crystallographic and metallographic investigations as well as X-ray micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) were utilized for the characterization of particle and material properties. In general, eroded powders fulfill the requirements for AM regarding particle size and shape very well, which is confirmed in morphological investigations and powder flow characteristics showing similar properties as the H11 AM reference material. The chemical composition of the powders is equal to the machined H11 alloy, except for the high carbon content. Carbon is entrapped in the iron lattice originating from pyrolysis of the present dielectric fluid and the graphite electrode during rapid solidification, which leads to a transition from martensite to cementite structures. This change is observed in the microstructure of powders, in which acicular primary cementite and austenite are present. After remelting with slow heating and cooling rates the microstructure changed to ledeburite II with retained austenite and martensitic phases. The pore size and shape distributions obtained by µ-CT measurements showed a pore formation in the compact sample. These results provide a fundament of major properties as well as handling and recycling suggestions for eroded particles enclosed in waste sludges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by the trend toward sustainable foods, insoluble fiber particles from by-products have attracted interest as Pickering stabilizers. In this work, the relationship between particle/structural properties and emulsion-stabilizing properties of ultrasonic autoclaving alkaline-treated insoluble soybean fiber (ISF) from okara as a novel stabilizer and the stability of ISF-stabilized emulsions under different environmental conditions were investigated. The results showed that when the contact angle of ISF was close to 90° and the structural looseness of ISF and the interaction between ISF were at moderate levels, the ISF-stabilized emulsions exhibited relatively high stability against creaming and ISF particle deposition. The ISF-stabilized oil droplets existed in well-dispersed and aggregated forms, and the latter was formed by the simultaneous adsorption of a large number of oil droplets onto the multi-branched clustered ISF. After heating at 85 °C for 30 min or treatment with 100 mM NaCl or pH 5, the emulsions maintained good anti-creaming stability and long-term storage stability. Analysis of the microstructure, elastic modulus G', and ζ-potential of the emulsions indicated that the aforementioned stable oil droplet aggregates and the gel-like network structure played a major role in the stabilization of the emulsions, while the electrostatic repulsion played a minor role. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of ISF from okara in food emulsion formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline active pharmaceutical ingredients with comparable size and surface area can demonstrate surface anisotropy induced during crystallization or downstream unit operations such as milling. To the extent that varying surface properties impacts bulk powder properties, the final drug product performance such as stability, dissolution rates, flowability, and dispersibility can be predicted by understanding surface properties such as surface chemistry, energetics, and wettability. Here, we investigate the surface properties of different batches of Odanacatib prepared through either jet milling or fast precipitation from various solvent systems, all of which meet the particle size specification established to ensure equivalent biopharmaceutical performance. This work highlights the use of orthogonal surface techniques such as Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, contact angle, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to demonstrate the effect of processing history on particle surface properties to explain differences in bulk powder properties.

High production rates and the constant expansion of production capacities for lithium-ion batteries will lead to large quantities of production waste in the future. The desired achievement of a circular economy presupposes that such rejects could be recovered. This paper presents a two-staged process route that allows one to recover graphite and conductive carbon black from already coated negative electrode foils in a water-based and function-preserving manner, and it makes it directly usable as a particle suspension for coating new negative electrodes. In a first step, coating residues, which accumulate in production (as offcuts or rejects for example), are decoated in an aqueous ultrasonic bath. The ultrasonic bath also serves as a pre-thickener. As a result, high mass concentrations of active material can already be achieved in the water after the first process step. Water is then removed from the negative electrode suspension in a subsequent step by applying dynamic cross-flow filtration. With this unit operation, it is possible to concentrate the slurry residue to a solid content similar to that of the new electrode slurries used for coatings. An important criterion for the direct utilization of production waste is that the particle properties are affected as little as possible so that the suspension can be used directly for coating new films. This work presents the individual recycling process steps and their influence on the particle and slurry properties. The aim is to assess whether the recyclate is suitable for a coating of new negative electrodes and thus also for manufacturing batteries from 100% recycled material.

In water and wastewater, microplastics (MPs) are regarded as one of the emerging contaminants. Understanding how microplastics are removed in the current wastewater and water treatment system is important. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the coagulation process affected the removal of two different types of microplastics from tap water, including polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and their mixture. Regarding the effectiveness of microplastic removal, the effects of different types of coagulants, such as AlCl3·6H2O and FeCl3·6H2O, doses of coagulants, solution pH, microplastic concentration, and water characteristics, as well as addition of surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), were thoroughly examined. The neutral pH value of tap water and the coagulant dose of 0.05 g/L resulted in the highest removal of MPs. When tap water was compared with ultrapure water, tap water with humic acid, and tap water with NaCl, the best coagulation efficiency was observed in tap water. The effectiveness of PE and PVC removal in both Al salt and Fe salt coagulation was greatly improved by the addition of SDBS. The elimination of PE and PVC was more than 90% successful for both tested coagulants at a dose of 0.025 g/L. Optimal parameters were also used to remove the analyzed materials in the mixture of PE and PVC. The efficiency of microplastic removal with the use of Al and Fe coagulants and SDBS was obtained at the level of 95.92% and 98.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide a theoretical foundation and a good understanding for the real manufacturing granulation process, this paper investigates the effect of particle properties on the mixing process in the high-shear wet granulator, a common equipment in one of the key technologies in the growth of the pharmaceutical industry that has rarely been used to examine particle mixing-related problems in previous numerical simulations. The discrete element method (DEM) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) to explore binary particle systems with a range of sizes, densities, and volume fractions, and measure the mixing homogeneity of the particles. Results show that, for binary particle systems, particle size, density, and volume fraction all significantly affect mixing homogeneity, with good mixing occurring for a single size and a 1:1 volume fraction for the same density. Similar Brazil nut effect and Reverse-Brazil nut effect occurrences were discovered for many particle systems at various stages. There is a size threshold for a given binary particle system. Then, in a binary system, particles of a single size and density had nearly similar vertical driving forces, and these forces may vary by up to 10 times with changes in size or density. In the end, granular temperature rises with radial position and reaches its highest point at the pelletizer's wall and the top of the impeller. Density has less of an impact on granule velocity fluctuation than size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cylindrical particles are common in nature and many industries and their stacking behavior will affect production. The slope angle and porosity are two main parameters affecting the packing and mixing phenomenon. In this work, the influences of the properties of cylindrical particles on the shape, slope angle, and packing fraction of particle piles were investigated using discrete element method (DEM). The results showed that Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of cylindrical particles have minor influences on pile formation. The slope angle and packing fraction both decrease with increases in the restitution coefficient. Furthermore, the static and rolling friction coefficients directly affect the shape and slope angle of the pile. The effect of the sliding friction coefficient on the packing fraction at the bottom of the pile is much greater than that of the rolling friction coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational modeling, machine learning, and statistical data analysis are increasingly utilized to mitigate chemistry, manufacturing, and control failures related to particle properties in solid dosage form manufacture. Advances in particle characterization techniques and computational approaches provide unprecedented opportunities to explore relationships between particle morphology and drug product manufacturability. Achieving this, however, has numerous challenges such as producing and appropriately curating robust particle size and shape data. Addressing these challenges requires a harmonized strategy from material sampling practices, characterization technique selection, and data curation to provide data sets which are informative on material properties. Herein, common sources of error in particle characterization and data compression are reviewed, and a proposal for providing robust particle morphology (size and shape) data to support modeling efforts, approaches for data curation, and the outlook for modeling particle properties are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strongest fortresses often disintegrate from the inside. Likewise, soil internal forces play a critical role in the initial breakdown process of soil aggregate, thus accelerating soil erosion and the release of soil colloid particles. To date, research on the effect of soil internal forces, especially separating the electrostatic force, and on the process of soil aggregate breakdown with particle release and transport in soil is largely inadequate. Therefore, column experiments were used to investigate the properties of transport and soil particles released from the disintegration of model soil aggregates caused by different levels of electrostatic forces. We found that the increase of electrostatic repulsive pressure was the immediate cause of soil aggregate breakdown, that the highest concentration of released soil particles could reach 808.36 mg L−1, and that the mean particle sizes of the released soil ranged from 100 nm to 300 nm. The particle size distributions and clay mineral composition of the released soil particles were not dominated by the electrostatic force. In practice, the change of external conditions of agricultural soil would lead to the change of soil internal forces, then affect soil aggregate stability. This study aims to provide a micro perspective to understand the release of fine particles from soil matrix and its implication for agricultural soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems with the availability of particleboards are a challenge for constructors and production companies that use this material in the technology of their products. During the production process of technical door leaves, a significant amount of wood-based panel residues is created, which is a large base of potential raw material on an annual basis. Given the conceptual link between circular economy (CE) activities, resources, and waste management, efforts should be made to process and reuse them to produce new particleboards. The aim of the study was to determine the physical and hygienic properties of particles obtained from the grinding of lignocellulosic composites used in production. It was found that in terms of dimensions, density as well as formaldehyde content, they have the potential to be an alternative source of raw material for the production of particleboards. However, selecting the type of materials should be carried out, and in the future, the hygienic properties of the manufactured particleboards should be controlled.

Introduction: Damming significantly modifies the function of natural river networks and influences sediment dynamics with a reservoir’s operation. The dissolved organic matter (DOM) in reservoir sediments severely affects carbon flow from land to sea. However, the properties of DOM (e.g., quantity and quality) in reservoir sediments and their relationship with carbon cycling remain unclear as complex reservoir construction interrupts the environmental processes.Methods: This study characterizes the optical and molecular properties of sediment water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) in the Daning and Shennong tributaries of the world’s largest reservoir—the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR)—by applying optical techniques and ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS).Results and Discussion: We first assessed the link between light-absorbing components and the individual molecules in WEOM, which were significantly different than DOM in water and indicated that there might be an intrinsic variation between DOM in sediment and in water. Then, with the unique optical–molecular property linkage assessed, multiple sources (autochthonous and terrestrial) were identified, and a declining trend of terrestrial and recalcitrant WEOM was revealed from the tributaries upstream to downstream. Finally, through covariance analysis of the properties between WEOM and sediment particles, we demonstrated that the WEOM dynamic was most likely regulated by hydrologic sorting-induced particle size and mineral composition variations of sediment. Moreover, assessment between lability and WEOM molecular properties suggested that the WEOM dynamic likely contributes to carbon burial in the reservoir. This study emphasizes the influence of dam construction on organic matter accumulation and riverine carbon cycling.

Recently, wet blast cleaning of paint has attracted attention in remanufacturing processes, owing to its high efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, studies of removal mechanism have rarely considered the properties of abrasive particles; thus, there is insufficient theoretical guidance on the process optimization, resulting in energy waste during the cleaning process. Therefore, the mechanism in wet blast cleaning of paint was researched in this study, which focused on the effects of abrasive particle shape and size on mechanism. The results indicate that the removal mechanisms of angular and spherical abrasive particles are significantly different, and that of angular abrasive particles is not affected by the particle size, whereas that of spherical abrasive particles is significantly affected. The main removal mechanism for all angular abrasive particles is brittle fracture caused by large impact stresses. For large spherical abrasive particles (≥60-mesh), the main mechanism is brittle fracture due to the intersection of longitudinal-through fatigue cracks and interface cracks, and for small spherical abrasive particles (≤80-mesh), it is brittle fracture due to fatigue cracks and impact cracks. This study provides good insight into abrasive particles and serves as a good basis for exploring the process parameters for wet blast cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdered ingredients from maqui wastes were produced and the effect of drying method (air- and freeze-drying) and particle size on physicochemical and bioactive properties was investigated. Among the particulate systems of smaller particle size that showed the most balanced insoluble to soluble fiber ratio and the best hydration and oil absorption properties, the freeze-dried ones presented the best retention of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity. These powders could be used as ingredients in premixes for the development of foods for diabetes or gluten-free diets. The powders of higher granulometry presented excellent flowability and more dispersed particle size distribution, being more adequate for the development of composite foods or nutraceutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound has shown its benefits in the manufacturing processes of many pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. This study focused on the reactive crystallization system of an aromatic amine and explored the potential uses of ultrasound in both batch and continuous modes. In batch experiments, we studied the effects of different sonication conditions including power, duration, and starting point on final particle properties. Under ultrasound, the crystal form and crystal morphology remained well maintained. The results of particle size and size distribution suggested that ultrasound reduced the mean sizes by improving the nucleation process and breaking up large particles. Additionally, the presence of ultrasound in continuous experiments was capable of inducing nucleation and the crystal products collected had a suitable distribution. Integrating ultrasound into the beginning of the continuous crystallization process can be an alternative to the seeding technique. The increasing sonication power did not reduce the induction time substantially. This indicated that a rational sonication condition should balance the overall process efficiency and energy consumption. The findings from batch and continuous experiments indicate that ultrasound could intensify industrial crystallization of the aromatic amine. Incorporating energy-efficient ultrasound with the continuous process will potentially lead to increased production efficiency and a well-controlled product quality., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

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Selection of food particles for consumption by larvae impacts nutritional gain needed for growth, development, and metamorphosis. Past work has suggested that molluscan larvae are capable of collecting food within a narrow size range. Recent studies have found evidence of size‐independent food selection in molluscan larvae, but relatively little is known about the characteristics of particles that larvae preferentially capture. Therefore, we conducted experiments with the larvae of two mussels, Mytilus trossulus and Mytilus edulis, to determine whether they are selective feeders, and if so, whether we could determine the characteristics of particles selected as food. We fed larvae microalgae and polystyrene microspheres of different sizes, nutritional content, surface charge, and hydrophobicity. We found that for both species, there was no effect of size on particle selection for particles 2–8 μm, but, surprisingly, these two congeners preferentially captured particles with different characteristics. Larvae of M. trossulus preferentially captured particles that were more hydrophilic and had a more negative surface charge, but there was no effect of nutritional content. The larvae of M. edulis showed a different pattern; they preferentially captured particles with low surface charge and greater food value, but hydrophobicity did not affect selection. Larvae of these two congeners are indeed selective in which particles they collect but appear to be using different rules for selection. More work is needed to determine whether there are any general patterns that govern particle selection for larvae and mechanisms that could produce the observed patterns. Such work is needed to help us to determine whether individual species use different rules or whether there are general patterns in the types of particles larvae select. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calibration of Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations is challenging and non-standardised. A common approach involves deducing particle properties from bulk measurements obtained through powder characterisation instruments. However, choosing the best bulk measurements for calibrating DEM simulations depends on the specific material and system. This paper presents a detailed sensitivity analysis of four commonly used bulk measurements to aid in selecting the best measurements for DEM calibration: Beverloo C fitting term (flowing density), angle of repose, dynamic angle of repose, and cohesive index. Rolling friction and cohesion significantly impact these measurements, with systems showing higher sensitivity to frictional properties in faster flow conditions, while the coefficient of restitution has low sensitivity. The cubic term of a polynomial fit to the free surface of a rotating drum was investigated for measuring the coefficient of restitution. This method demonstrated better sensitivity, particularly at lower rotational speeds. [Display omitted] • Rolling friction and cohesive energy density have the most influence on the bulk measurements. • The sensitivity to frictional parameters increases with rotation rate in the rotating drum. • The coefficient of restitution typically has the smallest influence on bulk measurements. • An alternative bulk measurement has the potential to determine the coefficient of restitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of particle ensembles are defined by a complex multidimensional parameter space, namely particle size, shape, surface, structure, composition and their distributions. Macroscopic product properties are a direct result of these disperse particle properties. Therefore, the comprehensive multidimensional characterization of particle ensembles is a key task in any product design. However, the determination of complex property distributions is major challenge. We provide a broad overview of the current tools for multidimensional particle characterization. First, the mathematical handling of multidimensional (nD) property distribution is outlined as a necessary framework for the correct handling of nD particle size distributions (PSDs). Then, well-established techniques as well as recent developments with the potential to extract nD property distributions are reviewed. Ex situ imaging techniques like electron tomography or Raman spectroscopy with AFM co-localization, for instance, provide a resolution on the level of single particles but are limited in terms of sample statistics. A particular focus lies therefore on methods in the gas and the liquid phase, which provide multidimensional particle properties either directly or by a combination of one-dimensional techniques.

The development of air bubbles determines the quality of air-void structure and the durability of concrete. Recently, air bubbles stabilized by nanoparticles has received considerable attention for the improvement of air-void structure in cement mortar. However, the relationship between particle properties and the resulting bubbles quality and stability remains unclear. In this study, the SiO 2 particles with different wettability, sizes and charge types were obtained by chemical modification. These modified SiO 2 particles were added to the solutions and cement mortars and the prepared mixtures were characterized for the evolution and structure of the entrained bubbles. The influence mechanism of particle properties on the bubbles in solutions and cement mortars was also investigated. The experimental results show that the particles with intermediate wettability (60° ≤ θ ≤ 110°) and smaller sizes (around 50 nm) decreased the time-dependent changes of air contents, meanwhile induced smaller bubble size in both solution and mortars. Since most of the air-entraining agents were charged surfactants, which have electrostatic attraction interactions with oppositely charged SiO 2 particles, thus the addition of oppositely charged SiO 2 particles further inhibit the loss of air contents within 2 h. The analysis of granule structure around bubbles reveals that the particles with suitable structures tend to strongly absorb on both the surface and interlayer of bubbles as aggregates, forming a rigid and incompressible grid structure to prevent the Ostwald ripening of bubbles. [Display omitted] • The hydrophobicity of SiO 2 particles was adjusted by controlling the content and chain length of the silica coupling agent and the charge properties of particles can be changed by introducing amino group. • Particles with intermediate wettability are most beneficial for the stability of bubbles and excessive hydrophobicity of particles shows a defoaming performance. • The stability of bubbles in solution and mortar increases with the decrease in particle size. • Surfactants have favorable electrostatic interaction with oppositely charged particles, which improve the bubble stability in solution and mortar. • Particles with the right properties tend to arrange around the bubble as aggregates, forming a dense network structure to suppress the Ostwald ripening of bubbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex cellular structure of plant-based purees has a great impact on their rheological properties, as affected by particle-related factors such as their shape, size and concentration. The aim of this study was to unravel the impact of particles characteristics on viscoelastic properties of fractions from a red lentil puree containing high contents of starch and protein. Four particle fractions were separated from the puree: cell fragments (CF), single cells (SC), cell clusters (CC), and a mix of all particles (MP). Their composition, structural properties, stability upon dilution and dynamic rheological properties after reconstitution at three pulp contents were investigated. CF was mostly made of aggregated cell fragments containing extracellular starch, SC was characterized by dispersed parenchyma cells filled with intracellular starch, and CC of cell clusters containing some intracellular starch. The viscoelastic properties seemed driven by starch location, as SC and CC had higher power law constant values (K') and flow stress (σ f), with lower yield strain (γ y) than CF: extracellular starch could form a continuous entangled network, entrapping particles and decreasing the gel strength. CF was also the most stable to dilution, which emphasized the role of extracellular starch on networks cohesion. K' and σ f were higher in CC than in SC, probably because of the roughness of cell clusters assessed by their low solidity values, as opposed with single cells of smoother surface. Such work on pulse puree particle networks helped to understand the mechanisms involved in a complex structured food system rich in starch and protein. [Display omitted] • Red lentil puree is made of cell fragments, single cotyledon cells and cell clusters. • Starch location impacts the rheological properties of the puree particle networks. • Intracellular starch contributes to increase particle networks elasticity. • Extracellular starch reinforces the particle networks stability upon dilution. • Size and surface heterogeneity of cell clusters increase flow resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterising powder flowability can be a challenge if only a small quantity of samples is available, e.g. pharmaceutical formulations. The paper focuses on a new method for assessing powder flowability based on physical properties and cohesiveness of particles using a few grams of powders. The technique applies Bond number to represent powder cohesiveness, which detects particle adhesion at median particle size using a mechanical surface energy tester developed at the Wolfson Centre. To establish the method, correlations between the Bond numbers and the flow functions of several powders measured on a shear cell tester have been explored empirically. With the correlations, a prediction model has been developed not only for powder flow functions but also for other flow properties such as compressibility, internal friction angles and true friction angles. This investigation has been undertaken using a wide range of materials from free-flowing to very cohesive for the method establishment and a group of different types of materials for a blind validation of the method. The methodology shows promising results for powder flowability prediction and other flow properties such as compressibility and internal friction angles. The validation results show a good agreement against the results measured using a shear cell tester. [Display omitted] • Prediction for powder flowability based on material properties and cohesiveness. • Bond number is used to represent the powder cohesiveness. • Linear correlations developed between the Bond number and the flowability. • The model is widely applied for many powders, but better for cohesive powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of particle ensembles are defined by a complex multidimensional parameter space, namely particle size, shape, surface, structure, composition and their distributions. Macroscopic product properties are a direct result of these disperse particle properties. Therefore, the comprehensive multidimensional characterization of particle ensembles is a key task in any product design. However, the determination of complex property distributions is major challenge. We provide a broad overview of the current tools for multidimensional particle characterization. First, the mathematical handling of multidimensional (nD) property distribution is outlined as a necessary framework for the correct handling of nD particle size distributions (PSDs). Then, well-established techniques as well as recent developments with the potential to extract nD property distributions are reviewed. Exsitu imaging techniques like electron tomography or Raman spectroscopy with AFM co-localization, for instance, provide a resolution on the level of single particles but are limited in terms of sample statistics. A particular focus lies therefore on methods in the gas and the liquid phase, which provide multidimensional particle properties either directly or by a combination of one-dimensional techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanhua Zhao,1,2 Zhe Zhu,1 Lei Ma,1 Yingbo Li1 1Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yingbo Li Tel +86 13888034695Email lyb@imbcams.comBackground and Purpose: Adjuvant can reduce vaccine dosage and acquire better immune protection to the body, which helps to deal with the frequent outbreaks of influenza. Nanoemulsion adjuvants have been proved efficient, but the relationship between their key properties and the controlled release which greatly affects immune response is still unclear. The present work explores the role of factors such as particle size, the polydispersity index (PDI), stability and the safety of nanoemulsions by optimizing the water concentration, oil phase and modes of carrying, to explain the impact of those key factors above on adjuvant effect.Methods: Isopropyl myristate (IPM), white oil, soybean oil, and grape-kernel oil were chosen as the oil phase to explore their roles in emulsion characteristics and the adjuvant effect. ICR mice were immunized with an emulsion-inactivated H3N2 split influenza vaccine mixture, to compare the nanoemulsion’s adjuvant with traditional aluminium hydroxide or complete Freund’s adjuvant.Results: Particle size of all the nanoemulsion formed in our experiment ranged from 20 nm to 200 nm and did not change much when diluted with water, while the PDI decreased obviously, indicating that the particles tended to become more dispersive. Formulas with 80% or 85.6% water concentration showed significant higher HAI titer than aluminium hydroxide or complete Freund’s adjuvant, and adsorption rather than capsule mode showed higher antigen delivery efficiency. As mentioned about oil phase, G (IPM), F (white oil), H (soybean oil), and I (grape-kernel oil) showed a decreasing trend in their adjuvant efficiency, and nanoemulsion G was the best adjuvant with smaller and uniform particle size.Conclusion: Emulsions with a smaller, uniform particle size had a better adjuvant effect, and the adsorption mode was generally more efficient than the capsule mode. The potential adjuvant order of the different oils was as follows: IPM > white oil > soybean oil > grape-kernel oil.Keywords: nanoemulsion, influenza vaccine, particle properties, mode of carrying, oil phase

The strongest fortresses often disintegrate from the inside. Likewise, soil internal forces play a critical role in the initial breakdown process of soil aggregate, thus accelerating soil erosion and the release of soil colloid particles. To date, research on the effect of soil internal forces, especially separating the electrostatic force, and on the process of soil aggregate breakdown with particle release and transport in soil is largely inadequate. Therefore, column experiments were used to investigate the properties of transport and soil particles released from the disintegration of model soil aggregates caused by different levels of electrostatic forces. We found that the increase of electrostatic repulsive pressure was the immediate cause of soil aggregate breakdown, that the highest concentration of released soil particles could reach 808.36 mg L−1, and that the mean particle sizes of the released soil ranged from 100 nm to 300 nm. The particle size distributions and clay mineral composition of the released soil particles were not dominated by the electrostatic force. In practice, the change of external conditions of agricultural soil would lead to the change of soil internal forces, then affect soil aggregate stability. This study aims to provide a micro perspective to understand the release of fine particles from soil matrix and its implication for agricultural soil.

[Display omitted] • Using EAI for constructing a CL could be a strategic approach toward the digitalization. • SHAP-XGBoost as a robust EAI could translate industrial datasets to human basis information. • HPGR particle size productions could accurately model with a SHAP-XGBoost system. • As a benchmark, the SHAP-XGBoost could digitize powder technology industries. High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR), as a modified type of roll crushers, could intensively reduce the energy consumptions in the mineral processing comminution units. However, several problems counted for their operational modeling, especially in the industrial scales. Expanding a conscious laboratory (CL) as a recently developed concept based on the recorded datasets from the HPGR operational variables could be tackled those complications and fill the gap. Moreover, constructing such a CL base on explainable artificial intelligence (EAI) systems would be an innovative point for the digitalizing powder technology industries. Using a robust EAI model as a strategic approach could significantly improve system transparency and trustworthiness to convert any complicated black-box machine learning to a logical human basis system. This study introduced the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) as the latest powerful EAI tool for the CL modeling of the particle sizes produced by an industrial HPGR (P 80) in the Fakoor Sanat iron ore processing plant (Kerman, Iran). SHAP precisely assessed multivariable relationships between the monitored operational variables and correlated them with the HPGR P 80. SHAP values showed relationship magnitudes among variables and ranked them based on their effectiveness on the P 80 prediction. The working gap demonstrated the highest importance for the P 80 prediction. XGBoost could precisely predict the P80 and showed higher accuracy than typical machine learning methods (random forest and support vector regression) for constructing the CL of HPGR. These significant outcomes would open a new window for robust consideration of the EAI models within powder technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of anthropogenic CO2 emissions alone will not sufficiently restrict global warming and enable the 1.5°C goal of the Paris agreement to be met. To effectively counteract climate change, measures to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are required. Artificial upwelling has been proposed as one such carbon dioxide removal technique. By fueling primary productivity in the surface ocean with nutrient-rich deep water, it could potentially enhance downward fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) and carbon sequestration. In this study we investigated the effect of different intensities of artificial upwelling combined with two upwelling modes (recurring additions vs. one singular addition) on POC export, sinking matter stoichiometry and remineralization depth. We carried out a 39 day-long mesocosm experiment in the subtropical North Atlantic, where we fertilized oligotrophic surface waters with different amounts of deep water. The total nutrient inputs ranged from 1.6 to 11.0 μmol NO3– L–1. We found that on the one hand POC export under artificial upwelling more than doubled, and the molar C:N ratios of sinking organic matter increased from values around Redfield (6.6) to ∼8–13, which is beneficial for potential carbon dioxide removal. On the other hand, sinking matter was remineralized at faster rates and showed lower sinking velocities, which led to shallower remineralization depths. Particle properties were more favorable for deep carbon export in the recurring upwelling mode, while in the singular mode the C:N increase of sinking matter was more pronounced. In both upwelling modes roughly half of the produced organic carbon was retained in the water column until the end of the experiment. This suggests that the plankton communities were still in the process of adjustment, possibly due to the different response times of producers and consumers. There is thus a need for studies with longer experimental durations to quantify the responses of fully adjusted communities. Finally, our results revealed that artificial upwelling affects a variety of sinking particle properties, and that the intensity and mode with which it is applied control the strength of the effects.

• It is important to consider food component properties in membrane process design. • Microfluidic observations can turn into insights to improve membrane separation. • Pore geometry is a possible leading factor when component properties are considered. Membrane filtration plays a prominent role in the production of food ingredients. Currently, membranes are used at very large scale, and at relatively low energy input compared to other separation methods. For those membrane separation processes most relevant for food (micro, ultra, nanofiltration, and also reverse osmosis), membrane choice is based on component size relative to the pore size, often in combination with mass transfer considerations. What is missing are considerations related to the specific properties of the food ingredients, such as their deformability, which makes them stand out from other components. In this review, we distinguish processes used to concentrate (removal of low(er) molecular weight components), and to fractionate components (separation of components close in size leading to enrichment of one of the components present). For the latter option, deformability most probably plays a more prominent effect, since this co-determines the probability of passage/retention by a membrane that is relatively free of accumulated components; for concentration, accumulated components will enhance retention greatly, especially if they are deformable. In fundamental sciences, important hints are available that allow for estimation of effects related to deformability of components under conditions as would occur during filtration (pressure, flow etc.). A special class of tools to investigate these phenomena are microfluidic devices, the so-called micro-membranes, that can be used to emulate underlying mechanisms. From pioneering work, it became clear that flexible gel particles are able to pass constrictions/pores through shape changing, and deswelling, depending on the size of the particle, and the geometry of the pore. Furthermore, collective particle behaviour that may enhance (by migration in flow) as well as deteriorate separation by clogging have been reported. In the current review, we try to translate the learnings taken from there, to process design suggestions and guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great interest in the production of heat-stable and clear beverages containing high levels of whey proteins. A challenge of incorporating whey proteins in sports beverages is hot-fill treatment (88 °C, 2 min). The objective of this research was to analyze the effects of thermal treatment on the profile of whey proteins in a whey protein beverage (WPB). WPB were prepared mixing 5 % whey protein with 0.04 % potassium sorbate and 0.5 M phosphoric acid was used to adjust pH to 3.0 and 7.0. The protein particle size and zeta-potential were tested using a spectrophotometer. Finally, the protein profile of beverages containing whey was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Hot-fill treatment had a negative impact on the physiochemical properties of whey proteins. The formation of protein-protein complexes produced an increase in particle size and absolute zeta potential in WPB formulations at both pH 3.0 and 7.0.