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Homogeneous sphere NiO-8YSZ composite powder with a narrow size distribution is significant for the fabrication of high-quality solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes. In this study, spray drying was used to prepare evenly distributed and spherical NiO-8YSZ composite particles used for the fabrication of SOFC anodes. The result showed that the particles prepared with a solid content of 65 wt %, atomizing pressure of 60 kPa, drying temperature of 180 °C, and sintering at 1200 °C for 2 h exhibited the best holistic quality with high sphericity (90 % over 0.84), narrow size distribution (D 10 = 27.78 μm, D 90 = 45.49 μm), high collection rate (70 %), and low content of unstable phases. The influence of these main parameters on the quality of the prepared particles was investigated and discussed as well. It was found that the solid content and the atomizing pressure demonstrated opposite effects on the particle size, with the former showing a positive correlation and the latter showing a negative correlation. The drying temperature decided the agglomeration degree of the prepared powder, which was involved in the presence of grape-like particles. In addition, the collection rate appeared to be positively correlated with the solid content and the atomizing pressure. The atmospheric plasma sprayed coating fabricated using the sprayed-dried powder prepared with the optimal parameters demonstrated significantly improved micromorphology and structure when compared with the coating fabricated using the mechanical mixed composite powder, which proved the prominent advantage of the powder produced through this spray drying method. All these progresses were considered good instructions for the studies on powder granulation and its applications in manufacturing high-quality coating materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vildagliptin (VLG), an antidiabetic agent, presents a potential solution to this widespread affliction. It exhibits notable attributes, such as a high solubility and a shorter elimination half-life. The current study uses a microreactor to fabricate sustained-release VLG-encapsulated cross-linked chitosan–dextran sulfate nanoparticles (VLG-CDNPs). The fabrication was systematically optimized using the design of experiment approach. Results: The optimized VLG-CDNPs had an average particle size of 217.4 ± 12.3 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 78.25 ± 3.0%. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the nanoparticles had a smooth spherical shape. Spray drying was used for drying, and the reconstitution ability was close to ideal (~ 1.33). In vitro studies revealed sustained VLG release over 12 h, with ~ 58% in acidic and ~ 83% in basic conditions. Cell viability remained at 80% even at 100 μg/mL, and glucose uptake in L6 cells was significantly enhanced with VLG-CDNPs (78.34%) compared to pure VLG (60.91%). VLG-CDNPs also showed moderate inhibitory activity against α-amylase (41.57%) and α-glucosidase (63.48%) compared to pure VLG, which had higher inhibition levels. Conclusion: The study's outcome suggested that the optimized VLG-CDNPs may serve as an effective and promising nanoformulation for managing diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis: Porous carbon microspheres (PCMs) with embedded tin di‐oxide (SnO2) quantum dots (QDs) (P‐SnO2@PCMs) are synthesized and employed as polysulfide barriers to enrich the electrochemical properties. Experiments: This composite structure is prepared by spray drying procedure and followed by heat‐treatment, resulting in well‐arranged macropores with a diameter of 59 nm generated by the polystyrene (PS) nanobeads (ϕ = 150 nm) decomposition. P‐SnO2@PCMs is functioned as an electrocatalytic interlayer and offer advantages such as reduced diffusion length for charged particles that guarantees immediate transfer, improved electrode wetting due to efficient electrolyte infiltration, and accommodation of large volume fluctuations during the redox reactions. Furthermore, the incorporation of polar SnO2 QDs within the microspheres allows for efficient chemical confinement and alteration of trapped polysulfide species due to catalytic activity, leading to an extensive use of the active material. Findings: Advancing from the nanostructural eminence, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) cells paired with P‐SnO2@PCMs‐coated separator and conventional sulfur electrode showed outstanding rate performance (321 mA h g−1 at 2.0 C) and prolonged cyclic steadiness at 0.1 C. This innovative synthesis strategy provides valuable insights for developing novel nanostructures applicable to various rechargeable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying is a standard method for preserving bioactive ingredients and enhancing their storage stability. This study aimed to produce entirely plant-based spray-dried powders by using hemp, canola, and flax seed proteins, combined with maltodextrin, as wall material, while chokeberry extract from wine waste served as core material. We conducted a thorough analysis of the oil-seed proteins, examining their nitrogen solubility index, emulsification, and foaming capacities. The encapsulation process was evaluated based on its yield and efficiency. The spray-dried powders were further assessed through colour analysis, particle morphology and size distribution, hygroscopicity, and storage stability measurements. The encapsulation yield with oil-seed proteins ranged from 75.0 ± 6.2 to 78.5 ± 1.3%, and the efficiency from 58.4 ± 0.8 to 77.5 ± 1.9%. These plant-based spray-dried powders exhibited similar colour parameters, morphology, and stability to those of whey protein powders. The study highlights the significant potential of oil-seed proteins in producing plant-based spray-dried powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study investigated the survival dynamics of Lactobacillus plantarum BG24, a probiotic strain, within reconstituted skim milk (RSM) and yeast extract (YE) matrices during the spray–drying (SD) process, encompassing of inlet/outlet air temperatures. Notably, optimum SD parameters were found to be an inlet air temperature of 150°C and outlet air temperature of 83°C, that achieving high viability (92.23%), and reducing both moisture content (MC) (3.57%) and water activity (aw) (0.266). The use of soy protein isolate (SPI), gum Arabic (GA), RSM, maltodextrin (MD), sucrose (SUC), and lactose in binary mixtures or alone was investigated in terms of the best survival rate of probiotic bacteria, and RSM alone and RSM + GA and SPI alone were found to be the best drying carriers giving higher viability during SD. SD at optimum process temperatures and freeze drying (FD) were compared in the survival rate of probiotic bacteria in the carrier of RSM with YE, and FD samples showed a higher survival rate (97.69%) than SD samples. It was determined that the storage temperature (4°C and 20°C) had an impact on the glass transition temperature, MC, aw, and cell viability. Increased storage temperature led to a greater decrease in cell viability, especially for SD probiotic powders. These findings furnish critical insights into the intricate interplay among process parameters, carrier agents, drying techniques, and storage conditions, thereby elucidating avenues for refining probiotic preservation strategies within the ambit of SD, and by extension, in the domains of food and pharmaceutical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) is strongly dependent on the quality of the feedstock powders, which usually are fabricated by conventional spray drying and multi-step sintering methods. In this work, a novel supersonic plasma spheroidization technology was employed to fabricate the spherical nanocrystalline Sc 2 O 3 -Y 2 O 3 co-stabilized ZrO 2 (ScYSZ) powder. The deformation process from the irregular powder to the spherical one was stimulated by the COMSOL phase field simulation. The results suggested that the original irregular pyrolysis products of ScYSZ precursors were aggregated into spherical powders by plasma spheroidization technology. The COMSOL simulations verified that the powder changed from irregular particles to spherical ones. The spheroidized ScYSZ particles exclusively consisted of non-transformed t' -ZrO 2 phase and showed good fluidity, smooth surface and high apparent density, which were expected to have a broader application prospect in the field of TBCs and other ceramic coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenosides are the primary active substance in ginseng plants and have a variety of benefits. However, its light and heat stability are weak and easy to decompose. This study used gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials, and 1% Tween 80 was used as emulsifier. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the preparation process of total saponins in the stems–leaves of Panax notoginseng (SLPNs) (SSLP) microcapsules by spray drying and freeze drying techniques. Under optimal process conditions, the two microcapsules have better solubility and lower moisture content (MC). The color of spray‐dried SSLP microcapsules was greener and bluer, and the color was brighter. In morphology, the spray‐dried SSLP microcapsules were spherical with a slightly shrunk surface, whereas the freeze‐dried ones were lamellar and porous. The two microcapsules have strong stability under different storage conditions and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation. In addition, both microcapsules and free SSLP contained multiple ginsenosides. At the same time, both microcapsules had good free radical scavenging ability. These results indicate that the microencapsulation technology could improve the stability and bioavailability of SSLP, which is expected to provide a reference for the intensive processing of the SLPN. Practical Application: After microencapsulation, the stem and leaf extract of Panax notoginseng improved its stability and taste, which laid a foundation for making more nutritious and better tasting food of the stem and leaf of P. notoginseng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pingyin rose is an edible flower rich in anthocyanins. In this study, antioxidant capacity and color were used as the main evaluation indexes to investigate the effects of common physical and chemical factors on the stability of rose anthocyanin extracts (RAEs). In addition, the physicochemical properties of the whey protein isolate (WPI)‐RAEs complex after spray drying were studied. Vitamin C, temperature, and some metal ions can cause different degrees of discoloration of RAEs solution. More importantly, heat treatment, as well as most metal ions and sugars, had no significant effect on the antioxidant capacity of RAEs solution (p > 0.05). Moreover, compared to spray‐dried pure WPI, the WPI‐RAEs powder was delicate and uniform, and had higher particle size, bulk density, moisture activity, and better gel properties. The release rate of all WPI‐RAEs sol/gel to RAEs reached about 89% in the intestinal digestion stage, but the WPI‐RAEs interaction reduced the digestibility of protein in the intestinal digestion stage. We hope that this study can provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of WPI‐RAEs as food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal conditions (maltodextrin concentration and inlet air temperature) for spray drying Inca peanut meal protein hydrolysate (IMPH) were determined. The maltodextrin concentration was varied at 5, 10 and 15% by weight, and inlet air temperature was varied at 150, 160 and 170 °C. The IMPH was subjected to spray drying, where the feed solution was atomized into fine droplets and exposed to a hot air stream, leading to rapid drying and the formation of powder. The moisture, protein, yield, water activity and water solubility index (WSI) of IMPH powder were analyzed. The optimal condition for spray drying IMPH powder utilized 10% maltodextrin and an inlet air temperature of 160 °C. Under these conditions, the moisture, protein, yield and WSI of IMPH powder were 2.93, 36.93, 38.95 and 99.59%, respectively, while water activity was 0.41. IMPH powder particles were spherical and non-agglomerate. Inca peanut meal protein powder drink mix (IMPD) with cocoa flavor was the most acceptable. The IMPD with cocoa flavor could be promoted as a high protein and high dietary fiber product. It could be kept at 35 ± 2 °C for 12 weeks, whilst retaining good microbiological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial nanocellulose has been commonly used as a gelling or stabilizing agent in the food industry and as an excipient in pharmacology. However, due to its physical and chemical properties, such as its high degradation temperature and the ease with which it can interact with other molecules, bacterial nanocellulose has been established as a material with great potential for the protection of bioactive compounds. This research shows the capacity of bacterial nanocellulose to establish interactions with B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 and B12) through different sorption isotherms, mainly by means of the BET, GAB and TSS models. First, the degradation of the vitamin B complex, which mostly occurs upon heating, is minimized in the presence of BNC, herein proposed as a thermal stabilizer. Secondly, BNC is shown to bind to micronutrients and act as dietary fiber. BNC acts as a thickening and water-binding agent. The effects of BNC are determined to occur as an encapsulation system that facilitates affinity adsorption in mono- and multilayers. Finally, bacterial nanocellulose was used as an encapsulating agent for the vitamin B complex by spray drying. It is demonstrated that BNC is a very successful new nanomaterial for encapsulation, with a high level of adsorption, and for the protection of hydro-soluble vitamins. BNC has shown great potential to adsorb vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B12 owing to their hydroxyl groups, which are responsible for its water or vitamin sorption. Due to the features of bacterial nanocellulose, it is possible to use it as a raw material in the food industry to protect micronutrients during the thermal process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of whey protein concentrates (WPC) from camel milk whey represents an effective approach to valorize this processing byproduct. These concentrates harbor active ingredients with significant bioactive properties. Camel WPC were spray-dried at inlet temperature of 170, 185 and 200°C, or ultrasonicated (US) for 5, 10, and 15 min, then freeze-dried to obtain fine powder. The effect of both treatments on protein degradation was studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE and reverse-phase ultraperformance liquid chromatography techniques. Significantly Substantially enhanced protein degradation was observed after US treatment when compared with spray-drying (SPD). Both SPD and US treatments slightly enhanced the WPC samples' antioxidant activities. The US exposure for 15 min exhibited the highest 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging activity (12.12 mmol Trolox equivalent per gram). Moreover, US treatment for 10 min exhibited the highest in vitro antidiabetic properties (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition), and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory activity among all samples. In addition, the US for 10 min and SPD at 170°C showed the lowest median inhibitory concentration (IC 50) values for in vitro antihypercholesterolemic activities in terms of pancreatic lipase and cholesteryl esterase inhibition. Conclusively, these green techniques can be adapted in the preservation and processing of camel milk whey into active ingredients with high bioactive properties. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this study, we developed a transient convective heat and mass transfer model of an acoustically levitated slurry droplet evaporating in an atmosphere of air, water vapor, and soluble gas. The advanced model considers the effects of acoustic streaming, forced convection, non-isothermal gas absorption, and adsorption of dissolved gas on the evaporation rate of a liquid droplet containing small active solid particles. Adsorption of dissolved in a droplet soluble gas by solid particles leads to decreased dissolved gas concentration in a liquid droplet. A reduction in dissolved gas concentration in a liquid droplet causes an increase in the mass flux of active soluble gas from a gaseous phase to a slurry droplet, which causes a rise in the heating effect of absorption and an increase in evaporation rate of a droplet. The heat effect of adsorption also intensifies the evaporation rate. It is shown that the time of porous shell formation is essentially shorter when solid particles in slurry droplets are active compared to inert particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of astaxanthin esters, inclusion complexes of Z‐isomer‐enriched astaxanthin esters with water‐soluble carriers were prepared using a spray drying technique. A food‐grade Haematococcus alga extract was used as the source of astaxanthin esters, and the Z‐isomerization was performed via direct heating of the extract. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) were used as water‐soluble carriers. The effects of spray drying conditions on the encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin esters in the carriers and the total Z‐isomer ratio of encapsulated astaxanthin esters were investigated, and the physical properties and storage stability of the resulting composites were evaluated. Under optimum spray drying conditions, efficient production of highly water‐soluble Z‐isomer‐rich astaxanthin esters was achieved in both carriers: >95% encapsulation efficiency and >55% total Z‐isomer ratio. The physical properties, such as surface morphology and particle size distributions, of the resulting particles differed significantly between PVP and HP‐β‐CD. Storage tests demonstrated that the formulated Z‐isomer‐rich astaxanthin esters were highly stable. Our findings will contribute to the practical applications of Z‐isomer‐rich astaxanthin materials. Practical Applications: The formulation technology developed in this study has the potential to address the industrial challenges of using astaxanthin, that is, low water solubility and low bioavailability. Furthermore, the low storage stability of astaxanthin Z‐isomers, which hinders their industrial use, can be solved simultaneously. The resulting Z‐isomer‐rich astaxanthin powders are expected to be used in a wide range of applications, including nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying is a widely used method for producing food powders in large quantities, but it also has a high energy demand. To address this, researchers have long aimed to increase the solid content of liquid feeds, which poses the challenge of atomizing high-viscosity liquids into fine droplets. The Air-Core-Liquid-Ring (ACLR) nozzle offers a potential solution by inducing an internal annular flow, though it faces its own limitations due to internal flow instabilities. This study investigates how the nozzle flow conditions impact spray performance under different process conditions and liquid viscosities. We found that internal lamella thickness and atomization uniformity vary with pressure, viscosity, and liquid volume flow. Nonetheless, pressure appears to be the real critical factor in that case. The Air-to-Liquid Ratio (ALR) might be more decisive for the droplet size distribution than liquid viscosity. Future research should explore higher viscosities and consider simulations to circumvent experimental limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying of emulsions is a widespread encapsulation technique to produce a large variety of powdered formulations. The oil droplet size (ODS) in the powder is critical for product quality, influencing key product parameters such as the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the oil. To expand the understanding of changes in ODS and structure formation during the drying step. For this purpose, model oil-in-water emulsions were spray-dried at varying air inlet and outlet temperatures. The powders were characterized regarding ODS and EE. Smaller ODS were observed for parameter combinations where higher drying rates are expected due to decreased coalescence. The results for the EE revealed no clear trend. An increase of air outlet temperature first led to a small decrease in EE followed by a distinct increase of EE. The first decrease may indicate a collapse of the particle morphology but more detailed investigations are necessary to explore these phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop turmeric extract-loaded chitosan microparticles for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Methods: The microparticles were prepared using a spray-drying process, optimised the characteristics by biomarker loading, and encapsulation efficiency, and assessed for bioactivities related to gastrointestinal diseases. Results: The optimised microparticles were spherical, with a mean diameter of 2.11 ± 0.34 µm, a SPAN of 4.46 ± 0.68, a zeta potential of +37.6 ± 0.2 mV, loading of 15.7% w/w curcuminoids, 5.4% w/w ar-turmerone, and encapsulation efficiency of 63.26 ± 1.62% w/w curcuminoids and 43.75 ± 1.33% w/w ar-turmerone. Encapsulation of turmeric extract improved release at 6 h by 20 times and mucoadhesion by 3.6 times. The microparticles exhibited high acid-neutralising capacity (1.64 ± 0.34 mEq/g) and inhibited nitric oxide production about twice as effectively as the turmeric extract, while maintaining antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Conclusion: Encapsulation of turmeric extract in chitosan microparticles effectively enhanced therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study examines microencapsulation as a method to enhance the stability of natural compounds, which typically suffer from inherent instability under environmental conditions, aiming to extend their application in the pharmaceutical industry. Methods: We explore and compare various microencapsulation techniques, including spray drying, freeze drying, and coacervation, with a focus on spray drying due to its noted advantages. Results: The analysis reveals that microencapsulation, especially via spray drying, significantly improves natural compounds' stability, offering varied morphologies, sizes, and efficiencies in encapsulation. These advancements facilitate controlled release, taste modification, protection from degradation, and extended shelf life of pharmaceutical products. Conclusion: Microencapsulation, particularly through spray drying, presents a viable solution to the instability of natural compounds, broadening their application in pharmaceuticals by enhancing protection and shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying is a promising technique for embedding and stabilizing lactic acid bacteria. However, bacteria are unable to withstand high-temperature environment. Naturally small molecules fall short in meeting the evolving demands of production. Therefore, it is imperative to explore non-chemical pretreatment methods urgently, with the aim of enhancing their protective efficacy. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were synthesized by glycerin-betaine to improve the survival rates of spray-dried Lactobacillus bulgaricus sp1.1. Results revealed that the spray drying survival rate of L. bulgaricus sp1.1 after adding NADES was 30.54%, which was 4.72 times higher than adding equal amounts of untreated glycerin and betaine, and the number of viable bacteria decreased less than 1 log after 6 months of storage. The investigation revealed that the impact of NADES was localized external to the cell rather than within. Through crosslinking with the peptidoglycan on the cell wall, NADES bolstered the cell wall structure thereby creating a protective barrier. This resulted in a reduction of damage to the membrane and ribosome induced by high temperatures during the lactic acid bacteria's exposure. This study synthesized NADES using current protective agents as an effective method to enhance heat resistance of lactic acid bacteria for spray drying for the first time, and the lactic acid bacteria powder with high survival rate and high storage stability was successfully prepared, which provides a new approach for its industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate peel waste is a valuable reservoir of heat‐sensitive total hydrolysable tannins (THT), with potential applications in food and pharmaceuticals. Preserving THT is challenging due to degradation post‐extraction. We explore ionic gelation as an encapsulation method to optimize THT utilization. RESULTS: Through external gelation, we optimized the process variables using Box–Behnken design. At 40 g kg−1 sodium alginate, 25 g kg−1 calcium chloride, and 300 g kg−1 pomegranate peel extract (PPE), we achieved an 83.65% encapsulation efficiency. Compared to spray drying, external gelation demonstrated superior performance, with enhanced release percentages and stability. Physical, phytochemical, and release profiles of encapsulates were extensively analysed. External gelation achieved an 87.5% release in 30 min, outperforming spray‐dried counterparts (69.7% in 25 min). Encapsulated PPE exhibited robust antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) in powdered infant formula, with a 32 ± 0.01 mm zone of inhibition and 300 μg mL−1 minimum inhibitory concentration. Insights into S. aureus growth curves underlined the mechanism of action via membrane potential alterations. The results of carried investigations also showed that the antibacterial activity of the encapsulated PPE extracts against the targeted organism was identical to the antibacterial activity exhibited by synthetic antibiotics used generally to kill microorganisms in food. Therefore, from the findings, it can be concluded that the PPE encapsulate produced using the external gelation technique at the optimized condition displayed superior storage stability possessing strong antimicrobial activity when compared to encapsulate produced using the spray drying technique. CONCLUSIONS: External gelation emerges as a potent technique for developing effective encapsulates enriched with natural antimicrobials or antibiotics. This approach holds promise for applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, enhancing stability and efficacy while reducing reliance on synthetic antibiotics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Kombucha is a widely consumed fermented beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The dynamic nature of microbial communities in SCOBY may pose challenges to production scale‐up due to unpredictable variations in microbial composition. Using identified starter strains is a novel strategy to control microorganism composition, thereby ensuring uniform fermentation quality across diverse batches. However, challenges persist in the cultivation and maintenance of these microbial strains. This study examined the potential of microencapsulated kombucha fermentation starter cultures, specifically Komagataeibacter saccharivorans, Levilactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, through spray‐drying and freeze‐drying. RESULTS: Maltodextrin and gum arabic–maltodextrin were employed as carrier agents. Our results revealed that both spray‐dried and freeze‐dried samples adhered to physicochemical criteria, with low moisture content (2.18–7.75%) and relatively high solubility (65.75–87.03%) which are appropriate for food application. Freeze‐drying demonstrated greater effectiveness in preserving bacterial strain viability (88.30–90.21%) compared to spray drying (74.92–78.66%). Additionally, the freeze‐dried starter strains demonstrated similar efficacy in facilitating kombucha fermentation, compared to the SCOBY group. The observations included pH reduction, acetic acid production, α‐amylase inhibition and elevated total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Moreover, the biological activity, including antioxidant potential and in vitro tyrosinase inhibition activity, was enhanced in the same pattern. The freeze‐dried strains exhibited consistent kombucha fermentation capabilities over a three‐month preservation, regardless of storage temperature at 30 or 4 °C. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the suitability of freeze‐dried starter cultures for kombucha production, enable microbial composition control, mitigate contamination risks and ensure consistent product quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a wall material using pea protein isolate and pectin to optimize the encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei by spray drying. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to analyze the effect of processing parameters. Findings: The results showed that both RSM and ANN could be used to successfully characterize the experimental data, although ANN demonstrated greater predictive accuracy than RSM due to a higher R2 and lower mean square error (MSE). Conclusion: ANN was observed to show more suitability than RSM. The encapsulation efficiency (90.7%), yield (45.5%), and wettability (169 s) of spray‐dried probiotic powder obtained under optimal spray drying conditions (inlet air temperature (132°C); feed flow rate (9.5 mL/min) and pea protein isolate concentration (7.1%)) were observed to be not significantly different (p <.05) from predicted values for all three parameters, demonstrating the validity of applied model. Significance and Novelty: In this study, production technology of vegan base probiotic powder has been developed using mathematical modeling through the spray‐drying method. Therefore, this data can be useful for food processing industries to develop a high‐quality probiotic powder through spray drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying is an important industrial method for the preparation of B. thuringiensis powder from fermentation liquor. The effect of spray drying on the crystal proteins, however, has not been reported in the literature so far. The present study systematically investigated the effect of inlet air temperature, outlet air temperature, atomizing air pressure and additives (including organic and inorganic auxiliaries) on the thermal destruction of crystal proteins of B. thuringiensis. The results indicated that the content of crystal proteins of B. thuringiensis powder decreased with increased inlet air temperature, outlet air temperature and atomising air pressure. The pseudo-z values for inlet air temperature, outlet air temperature and atomizing air pressure were 826.4 ℃, 204.0 ℃ and 4.74 MPa, respectively. Among them, the outlet air temperature was a major parameter influencing the thermal destruction of crystal proteins, therefore, the decrease of the outlet air temperature was beneficial to increase the protein content in powder. Although the spray drying had an adverse effect on crystal proteins, the crystal protein content in spray-dried powder approached that in freeze-dried powder when the inlet air temperature of 165 ℃, outlet air temperature of 70 ℃ and atomizing air pressure of 0.15 MPa were employed. The addition of some organic and inorganic auxiliaries to fermentation liquor can protect the crystal proteins from heat damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSpray drying (SD) is a unit operation that efficiently converts solutions or suspensions into solid products in a simple, versatile, and continuous manner. It is widely used across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical materials, for product development. In this study, we used Citespace to examine how SD has been applied in food research over the past decade, highlighting its significant role in the development of food materials. This review focuses on diverse applications of SD in the food industry, particularly the adjustments of parameters to control particle size, morphology, and composition. Despite recent advancements in SD, several challenges persist, such as high energy consumption and the difficulty of optimizing conditions for different types of materials, which underscore the need for further research. Therefore, we explore potential solutions used for simulating process parameters and droplet variations to produce powders with optimized properties. In addition, we discuss various energy-saving strategies aimed at improving the sustainability of SD and broadening its applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea is a rich source of phytochemicals; their composition in tea extracts varies depending on the cultivar, climate, production region, and processing and handling processes. The method of extraction plays a crucial role in determining the biological effects of the bioactive compounds in tea leaves. However, reports on the catechin profiles and antioxidant activities of the extracts obtained from leaves at different stages of maturity are limited. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) and different drying methods, freeze drying (FD) and spray drying (SD), on the composition of bioactive compounds, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from different part of leaves, top (TT), middle (ML), and mature (MT), of Assam tea cultivar (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) cultivated in Thailand (Thai Assam tea). High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the extracts obtained by UAE with FD from TT leaves (UAEFD‐TT) had the highest catechins (341.38 ± 0.11 mg/g extract) and caffeine (93.20 ± 0.36 mg CF/g extract) contents compared with those extracted from ML and MT using the same method as well those obtained by SD. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were the highest in UAEFD‐TT extracts (456.78 ± 4.31 mg GAE/g extract and 333.98 ± 0.83 mg QE/g extract, respectively). In addition, UAEFD‐TT exhibited the highest antioxidant activity; the IC50 values obtained by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays were 1.31 ± 0.02 and 7.51 ± 0.03 μg/mL, respectively. In the ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, the UAEFD‐TT extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (324.54 ± 3.33 μM FeSO4/mg extract). These results suggest that extraction from TT using UAE followed by FD produced the highest amount of antioxidant compounds in Thai Assam tea extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDrying plays an important role in the preparation of powders, especially in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, as it enhances the stability, solubility, and dissolution of the material. The spray drying (SD) process is a well-established continuous method widely used in these industries to produce dry powders. However, the complexity of the particle formation process in SD, combined with the diversity of configurations used to achieve the target product, makes it a noteworthy area of research. This review briefly examines key research trends in SD within the pharmaceutical and chemical fields. It also discusses the processes, configurations, and applications of SD, providing valuable insights for researchers, industrialists, and readers interested in the development of pharmaceutical and chemical materials using SD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is crucial for the optimal (Opt) growth of bivalves, but the precise dietary DHA requirement remains undetermined in bivalves. Our study identifies the optimal dietary DHA requirement for razor clam Sinonovacula constricta and demonstrates its effects on fatty acid profiles and gene expression related to inflammation and detoxification. Microencapsulated feeds with different DHA levels (DHA1–6 groups: 1.68, 4.85, 9.49, 12.6, 15.59, and 16.95 mg g−1 dry matter) were prepared using spray drying. Razor clams (initial wet weight: 3.8 ± 0.6 mg) were fed these microcapsules for a period of 20 days. The present study showed that the clams in the DHA1 group exhibited significantly lower weight and shell length gain rates compared to those in the DHA3, DHA4, DHA5, and DHA6 groups. Based on the shell length gain rate, the Opt dietary requirement of DHA for clam is approximately 6.42 mg g−1 dry matter. The clams in the DHA2 group had significantly higher crude lipid content compared to those in the DHA1 and DHA6 groups, while the clams in the DHA1 group had the highest ash content, significantly higher than that in the DHA4 and DHA6 groups. The DHA levels in the clams increased with the increase in DHA content in the microcapsules, while the levels of total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acid (LA), and alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) decreased. The mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (cox2) and 5-lipoxygenase type 2 (5-lox-2) were higher in the DHA1 and DHA6 groups compared to other microcapsule groups. As dietary DHA levels increased, the mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa B (nfκb) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (nrf2) decreased. Additionally, the mRNA levels of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (gclc) and glutathione S-transferase (gst) were highest in the DHA1 group. This is the first study to determine the Opt DHA requirement for juvenile razor clams using microcapsules with different DHA levels, and this study further reveals that dietary DHA can help reduce inflammation and oxidative status in clams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop microcapsules with wheat gluten–coated oil droplets to enhance the oxidation stability and control the digestibility of flaxseed oil. The microcapsules were fabricated using a three‐step procedure: (i) flaxseed oil was homogenized with an alkaline gluten solution to form oil‐in‐water emulsions containing small gluten‐coated oil droplets (320–400 nm); (ii) the pH of these emulsions was then neutralized to facilitate the deposition of gluten around the oil droplets, thereby forming a thick layer; (iii) a flaxseed oil microcapsule powder was then prepared by spray drying. During the microcapsule formation, intermolecular interactions, including hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, were involved in the coacervation of gluten at the emulsion surface. The resultant microcapsules with a multiple‐core structure had external diameters of 4–26 µm and encapsulation efficiencies of 90%–94%. The microencapsulated oil powders contained a relatively high flaxseed oil content (60%–80%). Among them, the sample with 60% oil content demonstrated the best stability in resisting oil droplet coalescence; thus, it exhibited a higher lipolysis rate and extent during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. A 30‐day accelerated storage study showed that encapsulation of the flaxseed oil improved its resistance to oxidation. These findings suggest that the pH‐deposition method can successfully produce microencapsulated polyunsaturated lipids using all plant‐derived ingredients, which may facilitate their use in new plant‐based foods through a green and sustainable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study investigates the drying kinetics of maltodextrin droplets using experimental and numerical methods. Single droplet drying experiments, conducted under controlled conditions (air velocity 5 cm/s, air humidity 5 g/kg) using the filament method, aim to determine the critical moisture content for surface locking of droplets (initial diameter 1200 − 1600 µm). The experiments examine how this critical moisture content varies with initial solids content of the droplets (20–40% w/w) and air temperature (80–120 °C). A spatially resolved single droplet drying model (complex model) is adapted and validated, showing excellent agreement with experimental drying curves. This model is then employed to simulate conditions more representative of spray drying. A parametric study assesses the influence of air temperature (60–240 °C), initial droplet diameter (30 − 500 µm), and air velocity (0.01–5 m/s) on drying rates, highlighting the interplay among these variables. For these conditions, the complex model is finally reduced to a characteristic drying curve model whose computational simplicity makes it suitable for implementation in computational fluid dynamics simulations of spray drying. To further improve the model predictions and account for the influence of process conditions, an extension modulating the model parameter n (ranging from 0.88 to 1.62, with a median of 1.07) is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of spherical CL-20-based co-particles, which incorporate nanosized nLLM-105@PDA and nFOX-7@PDA crystals at different ratios (1%, 5%, and 10%), has been achieved using a spray drying technique. This innovative approach results in solid spherical co-particles where the nanosized inclusions are tightly integrated in CL-20 based composite crystals, where the outer shell is primarily composed of CL-20. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms the structural integrity of these co-particles, and nano-computed tomography further elucidates the intricate interfacial structure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses reveal that these co-particles undergo a single-step decomposition process, akin to their energetic co-crystals. This behavior is indicative of a unified and predictable thermal response. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, employing a reactive forcefield, have been conducted to track their thermal decomposition products. Although the CL-20 polymorph in both co-LLM-105P/CL-20 and co-LLM-105P/CL-20 co-particles is in the β-phase, their impact initiation energy is approximately 4 to 6 times higher than that of raw ε-CL-20. Moreover, the co-particle formulation does not adversely affect the velocity of detonation (VoD) and detonation pressure (PC–J), showing that the energy density is preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying is a widely utilized method in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries for producing powdered products. However, a recurring challenge in this process is the persistent issue of surface stickiness, which diminishes product quality and operational efficiency. This paper examines the current trend of surface stickiness in spray drying and explores physicochemical approaches to mitigate fouling and enhance overall productivity. The stickiness is often attributed to the formation of lumps on drying chamber surfaces, adversely affecting the final product's characteristics. The paper reviews existing literature on the causes and consequences of surface stickiness, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to address this challenge. Promising solutions are emerging in the form of physicochemical approaches, involving the modification of drying chamber materials, applying different operational approaches, optimization of process parameters, and the introduction of drying aids. Researchers aim to alter the surface properties of drying chamber components, minimizing particle and wall deposition to prevent surface stickiness. The present review also delves into the impact of various physicochemical factors on spray drying performance, including temperature, airflow dynamics, and formulation composition. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce fouling and enhance overall productivity in spray drying processes. This review sheds light on the prevalent issue of spray drying surface stickiness and underscores the significance of physicochemical approaches in overcoming this challenge. By addressing stickiness issues through innovative strategies, researchers and industry professionals can improve the efficiency and reliability of spray drying processes, ultimately elevating the quality of powdered products in pharmaceutical, food, and chemical manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ordered macroporous silica particles as a photomaterial transparent solid matrix were synthesized from sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as a silica source and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, an anionic surfactant), as a template to form pores via the consecutive sol–gel spray drying. The investigation is carried out in two stages, (1) controlling the particle morphology to obtain a spherical shape and (2) controlling the pore structure. The concentrations of the SiO2 precursor, carrier gas flow rate, feeding rate, and drying temperature were varied to identify their effects on particle morphology. Spherical and donut-shaped particle morphologies are more prominent when these parameters are used. On the other hand, the addition of SLS to the SiO2 precursor resulted in controlled macroporous silica particles, depending on the SLS concentration. The deposition of ZnO quantum dots (QDs) on the silica surface stabilizes the optical properties of ZnO by increasing the intensity of photoluminescence (PL) emission and demonstrating excitation-wavelength-dependent photoluminescence. The ZnO/SiO2 composite particles demonstrated the highest PL intensity with the use of 1 CMC SLS addition and a ZnO concentration of 25% mol, which was almost 30,000 times greater than that of pure ZnO particles. Therefore, an even distribution of ZnO QDs on the silica surface, which is influenced by the silica morphology and its ZnO concentration ratio, can minimize ZnO QDs agglomeration, directly reducing its functional characteristics as a photomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION In the present study, the optimization of ultrasound‐assisted alkaline extraction (UAAE) and isoelectric precipitation (IEP) was applied to white button (WBM) and oyster (OYM) mushroom flours to produce functional spray dried mushroom protein concentrates. Solid‐to‐liquid ratio (5–15% w/v), ultrasound power (0–900 W) and type of acid [HCl or acetic acid (AcOH)] were evaluated for their effect on the extraction and protein yields from mushroom flours submitted to UAAE‐IEP protein extraction.Prioritized conditions with maximized protein yield (5% w/v, 900 W, AcOH, for WBM; 5% w/v, 900 W, HCl for OYM) were used to produce spray dried protein concentrates from white button (WBM‐PC) and oyster (OYM‐PC) mushrooms with high solids recovery (62.3–65.8%). WBM‐PC and OYM‐PC had high protein content (5.19–5.81 g kg−1), in addition to remarkable foaming capacity (82.5–235.0%) and foam stability (7.0–162.5%), as well as antioxidant phenolics. Highly pH‐dependent behavior was observed for solubility (> 90%, at pH 10) and emulsifying properties (emulsification activity index: > 50 m2 g−1, emulsion stability index: > 65%, at pH 10). UAAE‐IEP followed by spray drying increased surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl groups by up to 196.5% and 117.5%, respectively, which improved oil holding capacity (359.9–421.0%) and least gelation concentration (6.0–8.0%) of spray dried mushroom protein concentrates.Overall, the present study showed that optimized UAAE‐IEP coupled with spray drying is an efficient strategy to produce novel mushroom protein concentrates with enhanced functional attributes for multiple food applications. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have demonstrated potential of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) in various applications. However, no protocols are available for the production of spray-dried CNF with high water redispersibility; interfibrillar hydrogen bonding that occurs during spray drying is believed to be responsible for such lack of redispersibility. The present study therefore aimed to develop a protocol that can be used to prepare CNF powders from Centella asiatica via spray drying, with maltodextrin (MD) at CNF-to-MD ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2 and 1:2.5 as the drying aid. Chlorophylls within such plant were also complexed with zinc in order to allow the resulting redispersed CNF to exhibit thermally stable green color. The resulting powders were analyzed for their morphology, XRD pattern and FTIR spectra to confirm the interaction between CNF and MD. Appropriate CNF-to-MD ratios were determined based on the sedimentation behavior, morphology, fiber sizes and viscoelasticity of the redispersed suspensions. Only spray-dried powders with CNF-to-MD ratios of 1:2 and 1:2.5 showed no sedimentation during the entire storage period. Suspensions prepared from the powders produced at these ratios were also capable of regaining morphology and nanofibrous widths (19–20 nm) comparable to those of freshly prepared CNF suspension, with gel-like behavior and viscoelasticity remained unchanged. Zinc-chlorophylls complex possessed thermal stability under the employed spray drying condition, as confirmed by the retention of chlorophylls in the powders. Green color of redispersed CNF suspensions was similar to that of freshly prepared CNF suspension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the efficacy of additives in preventing the crystallization of functional ingredients during the spray-drying process. Spray-drying of a hydrophobic drug from alcohol in the presence of a hydrophilic carrier-forming agent was utilized as a representative scenario, which frequently leads to the crystallization of the main drug component induced by the drying process. Ibuprofen (IBP) and its four congeners were employed as representatives of readily crystallizable hydrophobic pharmaceutical compounds. Disaccharides were intentionally employed as components of the drug carrier to create conditions conducive to crystallization. Ten materials, including the IBP congeners, were investigated for their anti-crystallization properties. The findings indicated that additives with a hydrophobic moiety similar to that of IBP and a carboxylic acid salt moiety effectively prevented IBP and its congeners from crystallizing when the additive content was ≥0.2 g/g-drug during spray-drying and storage at 30 °C over silica gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of dryer scale-up is to increase batch size, or throughput of a continuous process, while maintaining final moisture content, product quality, end-use properties, safety and reliability. This article reviews and updates previously published material on scale-up processes of dryers in general and individual dryer types, particularly material from a Drying Technology special issue on scale-up in 1994. This is adapted to give a basic generic theory for scale-up, applying this to various dryers and noting specific exceptions. It is demonstrated that simplifying assumptions can often be reliably made for scale-up which reduce the level of complexity for modeling compared to equipment design and performance calculations. For example, prediction of drying rate and drying time in spray and flash dryers needs a kinetic model, but for scale-up a heat balance and scaling calculation usually suffices. Approximations such as a one-third power law for drying time are often effective. It is shown that there is some theoretical basis for empirical scale-up rules that have been used by dryer manufacturers. Scale-down is also important, selecting the most appropriate conditions for small-scale tests that will correspond to the desired performance at commercial scale. The individual concepts are not new, but they have not previously been unified into a simply stated general basis for scale-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstarct: The antifungal properties of Tetraclinis articulata essential oil (EO) have shown considerable promise for use as a natural fungicide in agriculture, yet its practical application is limited by its inherent volatility and sensitivity to external conditions. This study aimed to explore the potential of T. articulata EO as a sustainable biofungicide through nanoencapsulation, thereby enhancing its stability and efficacy. To achieve this, T. articulata EO was nanoencapsulated using complex coacervation and spray drying, with milk powder as the wall material, and assessed for physicochemical stability and antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Results demonstrated that the encapsulated EO effectively inhibited the germination of B. cinerea conidia in vitro and, when applied to tomato plants inoculated with B. cinerea, significantly enhanced total antioxidant capacity and reducing power compared to synthetic fungicide treatments. Moreover, encapsulated EO treatment resulted in a notable decrease in malondialdehyde accumulation and an increase in carotenoid content, indicating activation of plant defense mechanisms. These findings suggest that nanoencapsulation of T. articulata EO not only stabilizes its chemical composition but also preserves its antifungal efficacy, positioning it as a viable natural alternative to chemical pesticides in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehension of the mechanics leading to the outcomes of the drop–drop collisions is essential for several industrial applications, including design of combustion chambers, development of spray drying techniques, agricultural spraying, and spray coating. In the broader context of several areas of applications, the stretching separation as well as transition between the reflexive and the stretching separation are required to be analyzed thoroughly. In this study, collision dynamics of two drops of equal size undergoing head-on and oblique collisions are studied using three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations. The outcomes of collisions resulting in permanent coalescence, reflexive separation, and stretching separation are analyzed for a set of Weber numbers and impact parameters. The reflexive separation is an outcome of head-on collision for small values of the impact parameter. The stretching separation occurs owing to oblique collisions where the value of the impact parameter is larger. An accurate mass transfer mechanism coupled with the three-dimensional multi-phase simulations is deployed to study the collision outcomes of the evaporating drops for head-on and oblique collision scenarios. Simulations are performed for various levels of superheat between the drops and their surroundings to understand the effect of increasing mass transfer. The velocity field during the collision processes are altered when mass transfer due to evaporation plays an important role. The evolution of energy budgets and liquid volumes for all three collision regimes are presented for various levels of superheat considered in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food preservation and fortification pose significant challenges in the fruit and dairy sectors, particularly in developing regions with limited infrastructure and rising production volumes. Cashew apples, rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds, often go to waste due to their high perishability. In Goa, India, these discarded fruits are used to produce "Feni," an alcoholic beverage, but broader utilization strategies are still needed. This study introduces a novel approach to extend the shelf life of dairy products like milk powder and enhance their nutritional content by fortifying it with cashew apple juice (CAJ) through spray drying. In order to reduce moisture content during spray drying and to obtain a free‐flowing powder of the final product, maltodextrin was added. Maltodextrin alters the adhesive properties of the fruit juice droplets on surfaces and facilitates the formulation of free‐flowing powder. The key parameters including solubility, bulk density, and glass transition temperature, along with structural analyses such as X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were evaluated to compare the fortified CAJ milk powder with its commercial counterparts. Experiments determined optimal spray‐drying conditions, achieving a free‐flowing powder at inlet and outlet temperatures of 140 and 60°C, respectively, with a 7% maltodextrin concentration (18 DE). The resulting milk powder displayed a Tg value of 76.7 ± 2.3°C, falling within the acceptable range of 65 to 98°C, demonstrating the feasibility of this fortification method based on the spray‐drying process parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eugenol is a colourless or yellowish compound whose presence in clove essential oil surpasses the 75% of its composition. This phenylpropanoid, widely used as an antiseptic, anaesthetic and antioxidant, can be extracted by steam distillation from the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (L.). Due to its chemical instability in presence of light and air, it should be protected when developing a formulation to avoid or minimise its degradation. Methods: A promising approach would be encapsulation by spray drying, using natural coating products such as maltodextrin, gum arabic, and soy lecithin. To do so, a factorial design was carried out to evaluate the effect of five variables at two levels (inlet temperature, aspirator and flow rate, method of homogenisation of the emulsion and its eugenol:polymers ratio). Studied outcomes were yield and outlet temperature of the spray drying process, eugenol encapsulation efficiency, and particle size expressed as d(0.9). Results: The best three formulations were prepared by using a lower amount of eugenol than polymers (1:2 ratio), homogenised by Ultra-Turrax®, and pumped to the spray dryer at 35 m3/h. Inlet temperature and flow rate varied in the top three formulations, but their values in the best formulation (DF22) were 130 °C and 4.5 mL/min. These microcapsules encapsulated between 47.37% and 65.69% of eugenol and were spray-dried achieving more than a 57.20% of product recovery. Their size, ranged from 22.40 μm to 55.60 μm. Conclusions: Overall, the whole spray drying process was optimised, and biodegradable stable polymeric microcapsules containing eugenol were successfully prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, clean energy storage, and other fields due to their long service life, high energy density, and low self‐discharge rate, which also puts forward higher requirements for the performance of lithium‐ion batteries. As an anode for lithium‐ion batteries, SiO materials have garnered significant attention from researchers due to its high specific capacity (2400 mAh g−1), abundance of raw materials, and simple preparation. However, its large volume change (~200 %) and poor electrical conductivity hinder its large‐scale commercial application. Researchers employ various methods to reduce the volume change of SiO during lithium intercalation and improve its structural stability during cycling. This work mainly reviews the chemical structure and lithium storage mechanism of SiO, as well as the latest research progress on the preparation methods of SiO/C anode materials, focusing on summarizing the following preparation strategies: chemical vapor deposition, mechanical ball milling, spray drying, and in‐situ reduction/oxidation methods. The obtained SiO‐based anode materials' structural characteristics and electrochemical properties are compared and summarized. Finally, this review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the current preparation methods, the future research directions, and the development prospects of SiO‐based anode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The size and morphology of particles impact the quality and functionality of food in derived particulate systems. This review presents an extensive bibliometric analysis targeting food science and technology. Through keyword compilation and bibliographic coupling analysis, the research topics identified are as follows: stability and functionality of food systems, ultrasound‐assisted processes, food oral processing and digestion, starch properties and modifications, and spray drying and microencapsulation. This comprehensive overview details the primary methods employed in particulate systems and highlights the influence of particles in the design of food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Feasibility of using konjac glucomannan hydrolysate (KGMH) as prebiotics and wall material for encapsulating probiotics was investigated. Prebiotic activity scores (PASs) were determined for KGMH, inulin, fructooligosaccharides and konjac glucomannan to assess their effectiveness in promoting growth of probiotics and inhibiting enteric mixture. Thermal tolerances of probiotics were also assessed. Lactobacillus rhamnosus L34 and L. acidophilus LA5 exhibited higher PASs and thermal tolerances and were selected for encapsulation; freeze drying and spray drying were used to form and dry encapsulated probiotics. Maltodextrin (MD), soy protein isolate (SPI) and KGMH, either individually or in combination, were comparatively used as wall materials. Freeze drying with SPI and KGMH resulted in highest survival rates for L. rhamnosus L34 (97.92%) and L. acidophilus LA5 (88.94%). In case of spray drying, MD, KGMH and combination of MD and KGMH resulted in drying yields of 55–71%; SPI‐containing formula resulted in lower yields (20–23%). Spray‐dried probiotics exhibited lower survival rates compared to their freeze‐dried counterpart. KGMH, particularly in combination with SPI, emerged as promising material for enhancing probiotics survival during encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron‐based mixed polyanion phosphate Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) is recognized as a promising cathode for Sodium‐ion Batteries (SIBs) due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. However, its inherent low conductivity and sluggish Na+ diffusion limit fast charge and low‐temperature sodium storage. This study pioneers a scalable synthesis of hollow core–shelled Na4Fe2.4Ni0.6(PO4)2P2O7 with tiny‐void space (THoCS‐0.6Ni) via a one‐step spray‐drying combined with calcination process due to the different viscosity, coordination ability, molar ratios, and shrinkage rates between citric acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone. This unique structure with interconnected carbon networks ensures rapid electron transport and fast Na+ diffusion, as well as efficient space utilization for relieving volume expansion. Incorporating regulation of lattice structure by doping Ni heteroatom to effectively improve intrinsic electron conductivity and optimize Na+ diffusion path and energy barrier, which achieves fast charge and low‐temperature sodium storage. As a result, THoCS‐0.6Ni exhibits superior rate capability (86.4 mAh g−1 at 25 C). Notably, THoCS‐0.6Ni demonstrates exceptional cycling stability at −20 °C with a capacity of 43.6 mAh g−1 after 2500 cycles at 5 C. This work provides a universal strategy to design the hollow core–shelled structure with tiny‐void space cathode materials for reversible batteries with fast‐charge and low‐temperature Na‐storage features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean evergreen carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) produces pods, that may be edible and even therapeutic. The purpose of this study was to determine how ethanolic extracts of carob pods from Morocco, prepared with ultrasonic assistance were affected by microwave (525 °C for 2.5 min), hot air (65 °C for 16 h), and spray drying (input and output air temperatures 180 and 90 °C, respectively, feed flow rate 2.5 mL/min and 5 bars, respectively), in terms of their physicochemical composition and biological activity. Colorimetric techniques were utilized to ascertain the phytochemical contents of pod extracts, whereas standardized in vitro methodologies were employed to quantify the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Physicochemical analysis showed that microwaved powders of carob pods presented significantly high (p < 0.05) values of L* (62.15±0.06) and b* (21.32±0.06), and lower values of a* (4.16±0.03), as compared to spray dried and hot air-dried powders. Significantly high (p < 0.05) amounts of ash (3.92±0.05 %), fat (1.48±0.02 %), fiber (7.45±0.12 %) and protein (2.65±0.06 %) were found in microwave dried powders, followed by spray dried and hot air dried. Significant difference in macro and micro minerals among three powders was also observed, as microwave dried powders were found to be significantly high (p < 0.05) in Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Mn, followed by spray dried powders, whereas hot air-dried powders presented lowest values. Similarly, spectrophotometric analysis of phytochemicals revealed that ultrasonic assisted ethanolic extracts of microwave dried powders were found to be highest in total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids, with values 69.18±0.15 mg GAE/g, 34.88±0.08 mg QE/g and 24.05±0.15 mg g-1, respectively. In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial analysis also showed a similar trend as, extracts of microwave dried powders exhibited significantly high (p < 0.05) antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, followed by spray dried and hot air-dried. As compared to hot air and spray drying, the microwave drying and ultrasonic assisted extraction using 70 % ethanol as solvent could be employed on carob pods, to obtain powders and extracts, respectively, with minimum degradation of physicochemical characteristics, and maximum retention of nutritional, bioactive and antioxidant contents. In recent years, Morocco has become more and more dependent on the use of carob fruit and its powders. Nonetheless, very rare is known about the composition and carob pod quality of those grown in Mediterranean nations. The current study presents a comparison of the effects of three distinct commercial drying methods on the composition and physical characteristics of flour made from carob pods. The study's findings can also be used to evaluate how well information is composed, processed, and preserved for use in future research and commercial applications. [Display omitted] • Comparative analysis of hot air, spray, and microwave drying of carob pods powder. • Microwave drying, provides optimum physicochemical retention of carob powder. • Phytochemical of carob powder are highly affected under different drying conditions. • Sonicated extract of microwave dried powder provided highest amount of bioactives. • These showed significantly high in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying is a well-established, energy efficient, and scalable process widely used in the food industry, however it may lead to thermal degradation of susceptible compounds, such as (poly)phenols, resulting in biological activity loss to some extent. In this study, we aimed to improve the physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility of (poly)phenols from Rosa pimpinellifolia fruit extract (Rosa extract) loaded in liposomes by generating solid particles via spray drying. Liposomes were conjugated with chitosan (Ch) and whey protein (Wp) to optimize the biopolymer concentrations by monitoring mean particle diameter, polydispersity index, and surface charge. The mean diameter of liposomes ranged between 135 and 210 nm upon optimal addition of Ch (0.4%, w/v) and Wp (4.0%, w/v) which also increased the entrapment efficiency of (poly)phenols from 74.2 to 77.8% and 79.1%, respectively. After spray drying, about 65–76% of the antioxidant capacity were retained in biopolymer-conjugated liposomes (Ch or Wp) while the retention rate was 48% in only spray-dried extract (Rosa extract powder). Compared to unencapsulated Rosa extract, spray drying (Rosa extract powder) and conjugation with Ch (Ch-Lip powder) or Wp (Wp-Lip powder) significantly increased the bioaccessibility of (poly)phenols and preserved their antioxidant capacity. Based on the findings of this study, Ch- or Wp-conjugation of liposomes prior to spray drying could improve physicochemical stability and protect (poly)phenols loaded in liposomes against processing stress and passage through the digestive tract. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations on a variety of bioactive compounds may draw more attention to their potential as functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a combination of Serratia nematophila L2 and Bacillus velezensis W24 was used to biocontrol Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. When the mixed ratio of L2 to W24 was 1:1, the inhibition rate on the growth of S. sclerotiorum was 88.1 %. To gain a large number of bacteria, the culture medium and conditions were optimized. When the medium formula involved molasses (8.890 g/L), soy peptone (6.826 g/L), and NaCl (6.865 g/L), and the culture conditions were 32 °C, inoculum 4%, rotation speed 200 rpm, and pH 7, the maximum amounts of bacterial cells obtained. In order to prepare microcapsules, spray drying conditions were optimized. These conditions included the soluble starch concentration of 30 g/100 mL, the inlet air temperature of 160 °C, and the feed flow rate of 450 mL/h. Under these optimized conditions to prepare microcapsules, the mixed strain (L2 and W24) exhibited a survival rate of 93.9 ± 0.9% and a viable bacterial count of 6.4 × 1012 cfu/g. In addition, microcapsules (GW24Ms) which contained strains L2 and W24 had good storage stability. In the pot experiment, GW24Ms could effectively reduce the disease of soybean plants and the control effect was 88.4%. Thus, the microbial agent represents a promising biocontrol solution for managing Sclerotinia in soybean. • The GW24 (W24 and L2 strains were mixed) could inhibit the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. • The culture conditions and medium of GW24 were optimized. • The GW24 microcapsules were prepared by spray drying. • The GW24 microcapsules had great storage ability. • The GW24 microcapsules had great effects on S. sclerotiorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon hollow microspheres (CHM) have been heralded as a seminal material, manifesting a multifaceted utility in domains such as catalysis, adsorption, energy storage, and conversion. In this study, the present investigation delves into the fabrication of lignin-formaldehyde resin (LFR) carbon hollow microspheres (LFR-CHM) via the nuanced methodologies of spray drying and subsequent carbonization. The precursor for CHM, a thermosetting LFR, was crafted via polycondensation in an alkaline milieu. Precision-tuning of the spray drying parameters enabled the realization of LFR hollow microspheres, characterized by particle diameters spanning 3.37 μm–24.4 μm, and shell thickness between 0.25 μm and 4.0 μm. Adjusting the inlet temperature from 110 to 180 °C resulted in LFR hollow microspheres with varying bulk densities from 0.31 g/cm3 to 0.49 g/cm3. The microporous structure of the LFR-CHM shell exhibited a malleable specific area and pore dimensionality, intricately tethered to the carbonization thermal gradient. Furthermore, changes in crystallinity and chemical bonds of LFR-CHM were noted during carbonization process. Significantly, the residual weight of LFR-CHM reached 52 % after carbonization at 800 °C, underscoring the benefits of using thermosetting lignin-formaldehyde resin as a CHM precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]