Search

Humic acid (HA) is widely used in agriculture as a biostimulant to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. Studies on the early growth promotion of agarwood seedlings using plant biostimulants have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to extract and characterize peat-derived HA and to determine the optimum rate that would exert biostimulant action on the early growth of agarwood seedlings at the nursery stage. HA was extracted from peat soil using a modified rapid alkaline hydrolysis method. Produced peat humic acid (PHA) was compared with commercial humic acid (CHA) for its chemical and spectroscopic characteristics. One-month-old agarwood seedlings were treated with PHA at different rates (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg kg−1) before the commencement of the experiment. The study was conducted for four months. The C/N ratio of both PHA and CHA were 25.85 and 26.93, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra observation reveals that PHA and CHA have similar surface morphology and functional groups respectively. Results revealed that agarwood seedlings treated with 80 mg kg−1 of PHA significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter weight, N and P concentrations in plant tissues, and N, P and K uptakes. Based on the findings, incorporation of PHA at the rate of 80 mg kg−1 with planting medium could be used as an optimum rate to enhance the growth of agarwood seedlings in the nursery stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An effective recovery of antioxidants was obtained from breweŕs spent grain. • A comparison among chemical, enzymatic and hydrothermal hydrolysis was conducted. • The highest ferulic acid yield was 7.2 g FA/kg BSG for the hydrothermal treatment. • Alkaline hydrolysis showed the lowest operating costs: €34.5/kg FA at 100 kgBSG/m3. Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the main byproduct from the brewing industry, which accounts for 85 % of the total waste generated during beer production. This lignocellulosic material is traditionally used as livestock feed and sold at a low price. However, BSG can be used as a low-cost feedstock for the production of bioactive molecules and chemicals precursors, upgrading the value of this byproduct. In this context, BSG is a promising feedstock for the extraction of antioxidants like ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (p -Cu). The effectiveness of three hydrolysis treatments were evaluated for the extraction of FA and p -Cu from BSG, namely enzymatic (based on the synergistic cooperation between a feruloyl esterase and an endo -1,4-β-xylanase), alkaline and hydrothermal. The hydrothermal treatment produced the highest extraction yields (7.2 g/kgBSG and 1.4 g/kgBSG for FA and p -Cu, respectively) in a short extraction time (an hour). On the other hand, enzymatic hydrolysis extracted 4.3 g/kgBSG for FA and negligible yields for p -Cu in 4 h of incubation at 25 °C. Yields of 5.5 g/kgBSG for FA and 0.6 g/kgBSG for p -Cu were obtained in more than 5 h of alkaline treatment at 120 °C. The mass and energy balances revealed the high dependence of the operating costs on the concentration of BSG used during the extraction process, with costs of 34.5 €, 6607 € and 205.5 € per kg of FA for the chemical, enzymatic and hydrothermal extraction methods at 100 kg BSG/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicine could be an option for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment for those suffering from global public health. HMB is a new combination of three herb extracts, consisting of the Ha‐Rak (HR) remedy extract, Piper betle (PB) extract, and Garcinia mangostana (GM) extract in equal proportions, using Thai traditional medicine theory, that uses a combination of medications that can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects and toxicity. HMB extract has anti‐inflammatory and antiallergic properties, is a component for AD treatment, and tends to develop topical products. Drug registration requires stability data. Results from drug stability testing affect not only the efficacy of the drug but also its safety. The aim of this study was to investigate stability through forced degradation and an accelerated study of extracts. Chemical content analysis and in vitro biological activities such as anti‐inflammatory and antiallergic activities determined the effects of all examined samples. Anti‐inflammatory and antiallergic effects were assessed by inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells and β‐hexosaminidase release in RBL‐2H3 cells, respectively. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assessed content indicators. Moisture and temperature hydrolysis had no significant differences in the chemical or biological properties of the HMB. However, the HMB demonstrated sensitivity to alkaline hydrolysis, showed low anti‐inflammatory activity, and decreased hydroxychavicol, eugenol, and α‐mangostin contents. The contents of the three compounds also decrease with acid hydrolysis. For the accelerated study, anti‐inflammatory and antiallergic effects and hydroxychavicol amount were not significantly different after 180 days at 40°C and 75% RH. Therefore, the contents of eugenol and α‐mangostin were changed. Eugenol in HMB decreased significantly from the 15th day until the 180th day of storage. In addition, α‐mangostin amounts in HMB decreased slightly on 180th day. Fortunately, reducing the two chemicals did not affect anti‐inflammatory or antiallergic effects. For stability, combination extract should be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator at a low temperature and protected from light, high temperature, oxygen, and pH. Further HMB development should avoid pH or oxidation processes or components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research has been dedicated to exploring the potential reuse and creation of value‐added products from corn stover. Existing gaps in current research underscore the need for waste biorefineries that adhere to the principles of a circular bioeconomy to maximize the value of corn stover. This review uses bibliometric analysis from the past decade to examine the potential and pathways for converting corn stover into energy and value‐added products within the biorefinery framework. The data were processed using the Web of Science® database and analyzed with the VosViewer® bibliometric software's, Bibliometrix package in R and Gephi, generating keyword‐based maps. A total of 2557 experimental articles and 30 reviews on corn stover research were analyzed. The bibliometric study revealed that the primary research focuses on pretreatment technologies for converting corn stover into value‐added products, bioenergy and biofuels. The main technologies employed include acid, alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as torrefaction anaerobic digestion and steam explosion. The pretreatment processes yield sugars, xylooligosaccharides and organic acids. Additionally, the studies explored the use of corn stover biochar for soil remediation and adsorption processes. This review aims to enhance the understanding of technological pathways explored in previous research, contributing to the evaluation of sustainable processes for utilizing corn stover byproducts. Ultimately, it promotes environmentally conscious agroindustry practices that align with circular economy principles and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoexcitation of cellular as well as isolated DNAs upon exposure to the UV portion of sunlight or other UV sources can lead to the covalent dimerization of adjacent intra‐strand stacked pyrimidine nucleobase rings (i.e., at 5′‐Py‐p‐Py‐3′ sites). These modifications generate, in mammalian DNA as well as the DNA of all other forms of life, lesions such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6‐4PPs); and, in bacterial endospores, spore photoproducts (SPs). Importantly, the lesions formed in higher organisms can lead to disease states including cancer. While the formation, structure, and biological outcomes of pyrimidine dimer lesions have been the focus of much research, less has been known about their fundamental chemical properties until recently. Such an understanding of these lesions may lead to novel means to chemically identify and quantitate their presence in the genome. This review is intended to provide an overview of intra‐strand pyrimidine dimer lesions derived from 5′‐T‐p‐T sites with a focus on presenting what is currently known about their individual in vitro alkaline chemical reactivities. Included here are descriptions of investigations of the DNA lesions CPD, 6‐4PP, and SP, and, for comparison, the monomeric pyrimidine lesion 5,6‐dihydo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (dHdU). Of interest, the alkaline hydrolyses of these various lesions are all found to be centered on the loss of aromaticity of a lesion Py ring (T) leading to a carbonyl “hot spot,” the focal point of initial hydrolytic attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The B, N co-doped carbon matrix loaded with ultra-small Ru nanoparticles (Ru/BNC) is an excellent bifunctional catalyst capable of efficiently catalyzing ammonia borane hydrolysis and alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen evolution. [Display omitted] Developing a straightforward and general strategy to regulate the surface microenvironment of a carbon matrix enriched with N/B motifs for efficient atomic utilization and electronic state of metal sites in bifunctional hydrogen production via ammonia-borane hydrolysis (ABH) and water electrolysis is a persistent challenge. Herein, we present a simple, green, and universal approach to fabricate B/N co-doped porous carbons using ammonia-borane (AB) as a triple functional agent, eliminating the need for hazardous and explosive functional agents and complicated procedures. The pyrolysis of AB induces the regulation of the surface microenvironment of the carbon matrix, leading to the formation of abundant surface functional groups, defects, and pore structures. This regulation enhances the efficiency of atom utilization and the electronic state of the active component, resulting in improved bifunctional hydrogen evolution. Among the catalysts, B/N co-doped vulcan carbon (Ru/BNC) with 2.1 wt% Ru loading demonstrates the highest performance in catalytic hydrogen production from ABH, achieving an ultrahigh turnover frequency of 1854 min−1 (depending on the dispersion of Ru). Furthermore, this catalyst shows remarkable electrochemical activity for hydrogen evolution in alkaline water electrolysis with a low overpotential of 31 mV at 10 mA cm−2. The present study provides a simple, green, and universal method to regulate the surface microenvironment of various carbons with B/N modulators, thereby adjusting the atomic utilization and electronic state of active metals for enhanced bifunctional hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on evaluating the enzyme inhibition (acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, pancreatin lipase), antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the "Modesto" apricot, "Stanley" plum, and their hybrid the "Stendesto" plum–apricot. The "Stendesto" is the only successful plum–apricot hybrid in Bulgaria. A spectrophotometric approach was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity following four complementary assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC). The "Stendesto" plum–apricot revealed its enhanced antioxidant potential compared to its parental lines. Apart from the free phenolics extraction, two other techniques (alkaline and acid hydrolysis) were applied to reveal the biological potential of the studied fruit. Not only free but also bound phenolic extracts were able to inhibit α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase, while none of the extracts inhibited lipase or α-amylase. None of the apricot extracts had antimicrobial activity, while the other fruit had limited antimicrobial activity. The proposed results undoubtedly reveal that hybrid fruits possess enhanced biological activity compared to their parents. This is a first comprehensive evaluation of hybrid fruits with reference to parental lines. This makes them an interesting research topic that should be better explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) biocomposites were generated from spent coffee grounds (SCGs) or torrefied SCG (TSCGs) using a melt compounding process. TSCGs were obtained at torrefaction temperatures of 230, 245, 260, 275, or 290°C for a duration of 60 min. Torrefaction enhanced the hydrophobicity, grindability, and biomass stability of the resulting composites by eliminating hemicellulose. Various concentrations of SCGs (10 and 20 wt.%) and TSCGs (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) were compounded into PBAT. The thermal, mechanical, and degradation properties of PBAT biocomposites were investigated. As SCGs and TSCGs were introduced, the crystallization temperature drastically increased. Compared with PBAT biocomposites with SCGs, PBAT biocomposites with TSCGs exhibited higher thermal stability and hydrophobicity, and improved mechanical properties. Further, alkaline hydrolysis occurred at a faster rate for biocomposites with biofillers than for neat PBAT. Therefore, this study demonstrated the improved compatibility between SCGs and PBAT by torrefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encequidar mesylate salt is a novel, little‐absorbed P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) that facilitates oral absorption. It is a substance that stops the P‐gp adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter from working. To ascertain the drug substance's inherent stability, it underwent stress testing under a variety of degradation conditions, including acidic hydrolysis, alkaline hydrolysis, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic, in accordance with regulatory requirements. It was discovered that the drug substance is highly unstable in alkaline conditions, and the degradation leads to the formation of two unique, unknown degradation products. Utilizing UHPLC–ESI/MS for identification and mass‐triggered preparative HPLC for isolation, the degradants' structures were definitively determined by using high‐resolution mass spectrometry and 2D NMR methodologies. These unique degradation products were determined to be novel impurities of the encequidar drug substance and were firmly proven to be its hydrolysis components on the basis of spectral and chromatographic data. Possible potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain the formation of the degradants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) show promise as electrocatalysts due to their unique intrinsic features, their activity and stability often fall short. Herein, NiFe‐MOFs is used as a model to introduce group VIB metalates (Na2WO4, Na2CrO4, and Na2MoO4) into the topological conversion process of layer double hydroxide (LDHs)/MOFs, creating a series of interstitial VIB element‐doped LDHs/MOFs catalysts. The metalates engage in the alkaline hydrolysis process of MOF, generating LDHs on the MOF surface. Furthermore, altering the pH value in the reaction environment can modify the catalysts' morphology, dopant/LDHs content, and electronic structure. Consequently, the prepared interstitial W‐doped NiFe‐LDHs/MOFs catalyst displays superior catalytic performance, with overpotentials of only 250 mV at 500 mA cm−2. Moreover, a homemade anion‐exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) system featuring the fabricated electrocatalyst as the anode can operate stably for 500 hours at 1 A cm−2. The exceptional catalytic activity and stability stem from optimized intermediate adsorption/desorption behavior and the unique LDHs/MOFs nanostructure. This work not only highlights the potential of the catalysts for practical applications but also offers a new design approach for modulating MOFs using an alkaline hydrolysis strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTri-iso-amyl phosphate (TiAP) is being proposed as a suitable alternate to tri-butyl phosphate mainly for the reprocessing of high-Pu-content spent fuel from fast reactors. After its use in a few cycles, the solvent has to be categorized as organic waste, which needs further treatment and disposal. Toward this, systematic studies have been carried out on the alkaline hydrolysis of TiAP in n-dodecane (n-DD) using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The experiments were carried out in a stainless steel autoclave with a reactor vessel having a 1 L processing capacity. The parameters, such as mixing intensity, temperature, aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio, and initial NaOH concentration, that can affect the kinetics of the hydrolysis reaction were studied. During each experiment, the TiAP concentration in the organic phase decreased steadily with time followed by a sudden decrease, which could be due to the autocatalytic hydrolysis of TiAP. After the completion of the hydrolysis reaction, the organic phase was mainly n-DD with iso-amyl alcohol, suggesting complete hydrolysis of TiAP to its aqueous-soluble hydrolysis products. Based on the studies, it was observed that temperature and initial NaOH concentration, among other parameters, highly influence the rate of hydrolysis of TiAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cupric ions (Cu2+), pyrophosphate (PPi), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are involved in a variety of biochemical processes such as DNA replication, cellular metabolism and play an important role in human growth and development. It is of great significance to establish a method for the sensitive detection of Cu2+, PPi and ALP. In this work, polyethyleneimine-capped silver nanoclusters (PEI-AgNCs) were successfully synthesized by a one-pot method using hydrazine sulfate as reductant, exhibiting a unique strong fluorescence emission in the near-ultraviolet region at ∼339 nm. Since the fluorescence of PEI-AgNCs can be quenched by Cu2+ through inner filtering effect (IFE), then recovered by competitive binding of pyrophosphate and Cu2+, and later weakened again by catalytic hydrolysis of alkaline phosphatase, a sensitive and selective strategy based on the changes of fluorescence "ON" or "OFF" was established to detect Cu2+, PPi and ALP. The LODs of these three analytes were 36 nM, 0.2 μM, and 0.14 U L−1 at a S/N ratio of 3, respectively. A series of logic gate circuits for sensing cupric ions, pyrophosphate, and alkaline phosphatase were successfully constructed. The established methods have the potential for biosensing and environmental analysis and the specific UV-A fluorescence property of PEI-AgNCs may be helpful in photonic and optical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the activation of surface groups of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers in woven fabric by hydrolysis and their functionalization with chitosan. Two types of hydrolysis were performed—alkaline and enzymatic. The alkaline hydrolysis was performed in a more sustainable process at reduced temperature and time (80 °C, 10 min) with the addition of the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride as an accelerator. The enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using Amano Lipase A from Aspergillus niger (2 g/L enzyme, 60 °C, 60 min, pH 9). The surface of the PET fabric was functionalized with the homogenized gel of biopolymer chitosan using a pad–dry–cure process. The durability of functionalization was tested after the first and tenth washing cycle of a modified industrial washing process according to ISO 15797:2017, in which the temperature was lowered from 75 °C to 50 °C, and ε-(phthalimido) peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP) was used as an environmentally friendly agent for chemical bleaching and disinfection. The influence of the above treatments was analyzed by weight loss, tensile properties, horizontal wicking, the FTIR-ATR technique, zeta potential measurement and SEM micrographs. The results indicate better hydrophilicity and effectiveness of both types of hydrolysis, but enzymatic hydrolysis is more environmentally friendly and favorable. In addition, alkaline hydrolysis led to a 20% reduction in tensile properties, while the action of the enzyme resulted in a change of only 2%. The presence of chitosan on polyester fibers after repeated washing was confirmed on both fabrics by zeta potential and SEM micrographs. However, functionalization with chitosan on the enzymatically bioactivated surface showed better durability after 10 washing cycles than the alkaline-hydrolyzed one. The antibacterial activity of such a bio-innovative modified PET fabric is kept after the first and tenth washing cycles. In addition, applied processes can be easily introduced to any textile factory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic competitiveness of 2G-bioethanol technology should improve through the improvement of the sugar release and the valorization of by-products, especially lignin. Thus, an integrated scheme with corncob was developed to produce ethanol using low dosages of cellulases and value-added products from the semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSSF) residue. Enzymatic hydrolysis and SSSF of acid pretreated corncob (< 20 mesh and > 20 mesh) were carried out under cellulase dosages of 5, 10, and 15 FPU/g in the absence and presence of polyethylene glycol 1500 (PEG 1500). The SSSF residue was used to obtain lignosulfonate via sulfomethylation reaction and phenolic acids via alkaline hydrolysis using 4% (w/v) sodium hydroxide and 0–5% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide. Pretreated corncob < 20 mesh allowed the reduction of cellulase dosage to 5 FPU/g without compromising sugar release. The addition of PEG 1500 boosted sugar release, reaching 56.73 g/L glucose under 20% (w/v) solids. The maximum ethanol production of 31.64 g/L was obtained using 5 FPU/g cellulases, 2% (w/w) PEG 1500, and 20% (w/v) solids (gradual addition). FTIR confirmed the preparation of lignosulfonate from SSSF residue, and the surfactant showed good stabilization performance in oil/water systems (emulsification index≈30%). High yields of p-coumaric acid (8045.3 mg/100 g) and ferulic acid (1429.4 mg/100 g) were obtained in alkaline hydrolysis with 5% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide. Based on these findings, corncob is versatile and can create a biorefinery with high economic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a natural zeolite supported Co-B catalyst (Co-B/Zeolite) with a Co content of 10 wt.% was prepared by impregnation and chemical reduction method to release hydrogen gas from an alkaline sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution. The synthesized catalyst was characterized with various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. It was found that the BET specific surface area of Co-B/Zeolite (26.03 m2 g−1) was roughly double that of the zeolite (13.12 m2 g−1). The Co ratio in the catalyst was found to be 12.02 wt.% by EDX analysis. ICP-MS examination of the catalyst revealed a B/Co atomic ratio of 0.64. No peaks associated with Co-B were observed in the XRD pattern of the catalyst, indicating the amorphous nature of the component. Parameters that have significant effects on the hydrolysis reaction, such as catalyst amount, sodium hydroxide and sodium borohydride concentrations, and reaction temperature, were investigated. The hydrogen generation rate (HGR) was found to be 1732 mL min−1 gcat−1 in the presence of 100 mg of Co-B/Zeolite in 5 wt.% NaOH and 5 wt.% NaBH4 solution at 50 °C. The experimental results were well fitted to the zero-order kinetic model (k0 = 0.0296–0.1619 mol min−1 gcat−1 for 20–50 °C). The activation energy (Ea) of the catalytic reaction was found to be 44.98 kJ mol−1. Meanwhile, the reusability evaluations showed that the catalyst preserves high stability and can still sustain 73% of its initial activity after 5 catalytic cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Radical copolymerization of coumarin with N-vinylamides (N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylformamide, and N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide) initiated by 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile in bulk at 65°C has been studied. The comonomer reactivity ratios for the monomer pairs N-vinylformamide/coumarin (r1 = 0.22±0.03, r2 = 0) and N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide/coumarin (r1 = 0.08±0.01, r2 = 0) have been determined. Water-soluble copolymers of N-vinylamides with salts of oxycinnamic acid have been synthesized via alkaline hydrolysis of the obtained coumarin copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the wash resistance of polyester fabrics functionalized with chitosan, a biopolymer known for its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, biodegradability and environmentally friendly properties. The interaction of chitosan with synthetic polymers, such as polyester, often requires surface treatment due to the weak natural affinity between the two materials. To improve the interaction and stability of chitosan on polyester, alkaline hydrolysis of the polyester fabric was used as a surface treatment method. The effectiveness of using cross-linking agents 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in combination with ammonium persulphate (APS) to improve the stability of chitosan on polyester during washing was investigated. The wash resistance of polyester fabrics functionalized with chitosan was tested after 1, 5 and 10 washes with a standard ECE detergent. Staining tests were carried out to evaluate the retention of chitosan on the fabric. The results showed that polyester fabrics functionalized with chitosan without cross-linkers exhibited better wash resistance than the fabrics treated with crosslinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the isolation and identification of four new compounds from the leaves of Turpinia montana Kurz, a medicinal plant used in Vietnam. The compounds were analyzed using techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The study provides valuable information for further research on the phytochemical properties of Turpinia montana. The document describes the experimental procedures, results, and spectral data for the compounds, as well as acknowledging the financial support received for the research. Supplementary figures showing the spectra of the compounds are also included. [Extracted from the article]

Crocetin is an aglycone of crocin naturally occurring in saffron and has been proved to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. In this experiment, the protective effect of crocetin on vital organs in high-altitude hypoxia rats was studied. Crocetin was prepared from gardenia by the alkaline hydrolysis method, and its reducing ability and free radical scavenging ability were tested. The in vitro anti-hypoxia vitality was studied on PC12 cells. The anti-hypoxic survival time of mice was determined in several models. The acute hypoxic injury rat model was established by simulating the hypoxic environment of 8000 m-high altitude for 24 h, and the anti-hypoxia effect of crocetin was evaluated by intraperitoneal injection with the doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. The water contents of the brain and lung were determined, and the pathological sections in the brain, lung, heart, liver, and kidney were observed by HE staining. The levels of oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, H2O2, GSH, GSH-Px, MDA) and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, VEGF) in rat brain, lung, heart, liver, and kidney tissues were detected by ELISA. The results indicated that crocetin exhibited strong reducing ability and free radical scavenging ability and could improve the activity of PC12 cells under hypoxia. After intraperitoneal injection with crocetin, the survival time of mice was prolonged, and the pathological damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats' tissue were ameliorated. The protective activity of crocetin on vital organs in high-altitude hypoxia rats may be related to reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roughness of woven fabric surface has so far been mainly investigated as a key characteristic of comfort in contact with the skin. The analysis of roughness can be extended to various contexts and applications, becoming an important tool for understanding how textile materials react in interaction with different finishing agents, as well as for gaining insight into the durability and effectiveness of treatments. This research presents a comprehensive study on the impact of alkaline hydrolysis and chitosan coating on the roughness of polyester woven fabric, utilizing both novel and adapted methods. The study employed contact and optical methods to analyze fabric and fiber surface characteristics, highlighting the significance of roughness profile parameters in understanding material changes post-treatment. The investigation revealed that mechanical action, alkaline medium, washing temperature, and detergent residues contribute to fabric erosion and modification during washing, with chitosan coatings creating pronounced surface irregularities. Comparative analysis showed significant fabric roughness changes post-washing, while fiber roughness changes were treatment specific. Despite initial increases in fiber roughness due to treatments, their durability decreased after washing. These findings emphasize the importance of roughness analysis in optimizing textile finishing processes and washing cycles, impacting both comfort and treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline hydrolysis can lay claim to being a resource-efficient, effective, economical and environmentally sound method of final body disposition, relative to burial and cremation. On technical grounds it may have much to recommend it, however, like many other technical innovations, its take-up is hindered by the fact that it lacks a clear position in the public imagination. For this position to take shape, an understanding of just what it is and what it offers is required by proponents in the funeral industry who advise the bereaved, as well as by the material representations of the alkaline hydrolysis technologies themselves. In this article, we describe and analyse four extant alternative material and discursive forms of alkaline hydrolysis and how they variously occupy the fraught space where morality, death and marketing converge. Currently, each of the four forms of alkaline hydrolysis struggle to represent themselves in a public narrative that conveys their different ontologies and their competitive advantage, relative to burial and cremation, and this paper describes some key rhetorical and technical aspects of these struggles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to examine the association between the changes in the surface hydrophobicity and surface activity of soybean protein isolate (SPI) following structural alterations. To this end, the effects of heating, pH modification, ultrasonication, surfactant (SDS, sodium dodecyl sulphate) treatment, alkaline protease hydrolysis, peracetic acid treatment, and acylation on the surface activity and surface hydrophobicity of SPI were investigated. The results demonstrated that the changes in the surface hydrophobicity of SPI could accurately reflect the changes in its surface activity. A strong correlation between surface hydrophobicity and surface activity alterations was noted after the SPI molecules underwent structural modifications. The higher the surface hydrophobicity of the treated SPI, the greater its surface activity. Given that the surface hydrophobicity of SPI reflects the actual distribution of hydrophobic residues on its surface, this parameter can serve as a key indicator for evaluating and predicting changes in the surface activity of SPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the changes in the performance of polyester fibers prepared by different processes under alkaline conditions, high tenacity (HT) polyester industrial fiber and fully drawn polyester yarn (FDY) of high speed spinning were selected for artificial accelerated aging tests in alkaline conditions at 85 °C. The mechanical properties of fibers were tested during the processes. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering and intrinsic viscosity were used to study the change in crystalline, lamellar structure and chemical structure of polyester fibers. The results showed that the changes in structure and properties of two polyester fibers in alkaline conditions can be divided into three stages. At the initial stage, the breaking strength and degree of orientation of the fibers first decreased significantly due to the effect of water and heat, while crystallinity remained constant. It was caused by the disorientation of amorphous orientated molecular chain segments in the frozen state, resulting in shrinkage. Then the decrease in breaking strength of fibers was slowed down, which was attributed to the breakage of amorphous molecular chains and the formation of a few new crystal structures. In the final stage of alkaline hydrolysis, the breaking strength of the fibers decreased significantly, while the crystallinity of fibers began to decline and the intrinsic viscosity reduced constantly, indicating that the breakage of amorphous molecular chain became the dominant factor. The alkaline hydrolysis reaction rate and the change degree of microstructure and mechanical property parameters of HT fibers were lower than those of FDY fibers, owing to the greater crystallinity and crystal size of HT fibers, which inhibited the erosion of water and OH-. As a result, HT fibers had a better alkaline hydrolysis resistance than FDY fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review investigates innovative strategies for upcycling agricultural residues into valuable pharmaceutical compounds. The improper disposal of agricultural residues contributes to significant environmental issues, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem degradation. Upcycling offers a sustainable solution, transforming these residues into high-value bioproducts (antioxidants, antitumor agents, antidiabetic compounds, anti-inflammatory agents, and antiviral drugs). Nanotechnology and microbial biotechnology have a crucial role in enhancing bioavailability and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds. Advanced techniques like enzymatic hydrolysis, green solvents, microwave processing, pyrolysis, ultrasonic processing, acid and alkaline hydrolysis, ozonolysis, and organosolv processes are explored for their effectiveness in breaking down agricultural waste and extracting valuable compounds. Despite the promising potential, challenges such as variability in residue composition, scalability, and high costs persist. The review emphasizes the need for future research on cost-effective extraction techniques and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of bioproducts. The upcycling of agricultural residues represents a viable path towards sustainable waste management and production of pharmaceutical compounds, contributing to environmental conservation and public health improvements. This review provides an analysis of the current literature and identifies knowledge gaps, offering recommendations for future studies to optimize the use of agricultural residues in the drug industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, ZnO/g-C3N4/biochar was prepared, and it was used for visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of some colorants (methylene blue, rhodamine B, methyl orange) and some antibiotics (doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, amoxicilline). Biochar was prepared by pyrolysing Phragmites australis biomass. The ZnO/g-C3N4/biochar composite was synthesized with the alkaline hydrolysis method. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transition electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray/elemental mapping, ultraviolet-visible-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that ZnO nanoparticles with a large surface area are highly dispersed on the g-C3N4 particle surface and biochar. The composite exhibits superior photocatalytic degradation ability toward doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the tetracycline compared with individual components (ZnO or g-C3N4) and satisfies stability after six treatment cycles. The kinetics and degradation mechanisms of doxycyline were also addressed. In addition, the present catalyst also exhibits the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, rhodamine B, methyl orange, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin in visible-light regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analcime plays a significant role in sandstone reservoirs as an authigenic diagenetic mineral in the Junggar Basin (northwestern China). However, the origin and controls on the reservoirs have received remarkably little attention. This study investigates the formation mechanism of analcime in the Middle Permian strata in the Jinan sag (southern Junggar Basin) through petrography and geochemistry. The results show that analcime is formed through early alkaline hydrolysis of volcanic materials under specific temperature and pressure conditions. The reservoir rocks primarily consist of various lithic sandstones, including volcanic debris such as basalt, andesite, and tuff. Analcime is characterized as rich in aluminium and poor in sodium, classified as low- silica analcime with a low Si-Al ratio (1.98-2.38). Furthermore, various other diagenetic minerals, such as glauconite, chlorite, albite, and calcite have been identified. The primary reservoir space chiefly consists of intragranular dissolved pores of analcime, while secondary pores are formed by intragranular pores of feldspar and lithic, along with some remaining intergranular pores. Cementation of analcime during early diagenesis changes primary pore structures and reduces reservoir properties. The low-silica analcime dissolves due to acidic pore fluids associated with three stages of oil and gas charging, transforming into albite and creating numerous secondary pores, thereby enhancing reservoir quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pretreatment and different technological conditions on the course of ABE fermentation of rye straw (RS) and the composition of volatile compounds in the distillates obtained. The highest concentration of ABE and butanol was obtained from the fermentation of pretreated rye straw by alkaline hydrolysis followed by detoxification and enzymatic hydrolysis. After 72 h of fermentation, the maximum butanol concentration, productivity, and yield from RS were 16.11 g/L, 0.224 g/L/h, and 0.402 g/g, respectively. Three different methods to produce butanol were tested: the two-step process (SHF), the simultaneous process (SSF), and simultaneous saccharification with ABE fermentation (consolidation SHF/SSF). The SHF/SSF process observed that ABE concentration (21.28 g/L) was higher than in the SSF (20.03 g/L) and lower compared with the SHF (22.21 g/L). The effect of the detoxification process and various ABE fermentation technologies on the composition of volatile compounds formed during fermentation and distillation were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyapatites (HAps) synthesized from waste animal bones have recently gained attention due to their outstanding properties. This is because there is a need to fabricate scaffolds with desirable mechanical strength, ability to withstand high temperatures, and insoluble in solvents such as water, acetone, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol. This study is an extensive summary of many articles on the routes of synthesis/preparation of HAp, and the optimum processing parameter, and the biomedical application areas, such as: drug administration, dental implants, bone tissue engineering, orthopedic implant coatings, and tissue regeneration/wound healing. A broad catalog of the synthesis methods (and combination methods), temperature/time, shape/size, and the calcium‐to‐phosphorous (Ca/P) value of diverse waste animal bone sources were reported. The alkaline hydrolysis method is proposed to be suitable for synthesizing HAp from natural sources due to the technique's ability to produce intrinsic HAp. The method is also preferred to the calcination method owing to the phase transformation that takes place at high temperatures during calcinations. However, calcinations aid in removing impurities and germs during heating at high temperatures. When compared to calcination technique, alkaline hydrolysis method results in crystalline HAp; the higher degree of crystallinity is disadvantageous to HAp bioactivity. In addition, the standardization and removal of impurities and contaminants, thorough biocompatibility to ensure clinical safety of the HAp to the human body, and improvement of the mechanical strength and toughness to match specific requirements for the various biomedical applications are the important areas for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resulting properties of cotton and polyester blends make polycotton the most common fabric in textile industry. Separation technologies are key for the chemical processing of the massive amount of polycotton waste produced worldwide. The very different chemical nature of cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate determines the fractionation strategies to obtain two valuable monomaterial streams. In this work, we propose separation pathways seeking the conversion both polymers. First, polyester was depolymerised into its monomeric units through catalytic alkaline hydrolysis. The combined effect of alkali concentration and the catalyst was analysed to overcome the hydrophobic nature of polyester and optimise its conversion rate minimising the damaged caused to the cellulose chains. Conversion rates up to 80% were reached in a single separation stage with a limited effect of the polymer chain distribution of cellulose which remains a fiber-grade feedstock. Alternatively, cellulose was fully removed by selective dissolution in ionic solvent and subsequent filtration resulting in a spinnable mixture. Finally, enzymatic treatments for the conversion of cellulose into fermentable sugars were studied. Single stage conversions of 65% were achieved after maximizing the enzymatic activity. Structural and spectroscopic analysis showed that crystalline domains of textile-grade cotton limit the enzymatic activity. Optimal fractionation process is, in our view, highly context dependent what conveys to seek a variety of alternatives seeking for chemical processes driven by the ulterior up-cycling of the monomaterial streams [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the extension of the common β-diketimine proligand class, RArnacnacH (HC(RCNAr)2H), where R is an alkyl group such as Et or iPr, plus Ph, and Ar is a sterically demanding aryl substituent such as Dip = 2,6-diispropylphenyl, Dep = 2,6-diethylphenyl, Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl or mesityl, Xyl = 2,6-dimethylphenyl, via one-pot condensation procedures. When a condensation reaction is carried out using the chemical dehydrating agent PPSE (polyphosphoric acid trimethylsilylester), β-diketiminate phosphorus(V) products such as (iPrMesnacnac)PO2 can also be obtained, which can be converted to the respective proligand iPrMesnacnacH via alkaline hydrolysis. The RArnacnacH proligands can be converted to their alkali metal complexes with common methods and we have found that deprotonation of iPrDipnacnacH is significantly more sluggish than that of related β-diketimines with smaller backbone alkyl groups. The basicity of the RArnacnac− anions can play a role in the success of their salt metathesis chemistry and we have prepared and structurally characterised the EtDipnacnac-derived silicon(II) compounds (EtDipnacnac)SiBr and (EtDipnacnac')Si, where EtDipnacnac' is the deprotonated variant MeCHC(NDip)CHC(NDip)Et. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: As per International Council for Harmonization (ICH) drug stability test guideline Q1A(R2), inherent stability characteristics of a drug should be studied. This work was designed to investigate inherent degradation characteristics of the drug idelalisib under ICH prescribed stress conditions, identify its degradation products, and postulate their corresponding degradation pathways. Methods: Idelalisib was subjected to the ICH prescribed conditions of hydrolytic (neutral, acidic, and alkaline), photolytic, oxidative, and thermal stress according to ICH guideline Q1A(R2). An ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array (UHPLC‐PDA) method was developed to adequately resolve the drug from its degradation products, validated as per the ICH guidelines, and subsequently extended to UHPLC with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐QTOFMS) studies to identify the degradation products. Results: Significant degradation was noted under conditions of acidic/alkaline hydrolysis, acid photolysis, and oxidative stress. The UHPLC/ESI‐QTOFMS studies revealed the generation of four degradation products (I–IV), which were satisfactorily resolved from the drug by UHPLC on a Kinetex® C18 (100 × 4.6 mm; 2.6 μm) column by the developed isocratic elution method. Detection wavelength was selected as 270 nm. All the degradation products (I–IV) could be identified and characterized from their mass spectral data. The degradation pathways for the generation of various products from the drug were postulated. Conclusions: A UHPLC‐PDA method was developed and validated for idelalisib. Four degradation products of idelalisib were revealed through UHPLC/ESI‐QTOFMS studies, and corresponding degradation pathways were postulated for the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal waste biomass could be valorized as an alternative feedstock to produce compounds beneficial for agricultural applications. The foliar spray application of biostimulants emerges as a promising and innovative technique due to its environmental safety and ability to enhance crop yields. In recent years, the exploitation of biopolymers obtained through alkaline hydrolysis of the solid anaerobic digestate from municipal biowastes has attracted researchers' interest. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects on lettuce growth of a product obtained through alkaline hydrolysis from municipal biowaste, Biopolymers (BPs), and of a derivate subjected to a further oxidation process, Biopolymers Oxidate (BPs OX). The effects of the treatments at various concentrations were evaluated by monitoring plant growth and observing the trends in the activities of the main enzymes involved in the nitrogen metabolic pathway of lettuce. Results suggest that the best treatments in terms of fresh weight were achieved by using BPs at 10 mg/L and BPs OX at 100 mg/L, increasing yield by around 28% and 34%, respectively. The innovative aspect of this work was to make easier for farmers the biopolymers application by testing a foliar spray methodology for BPs and BPs OX, which has never been tested before in any crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation enhances the catalytic efficiency of Co–B/CNTs for hydrogen production via sodium borohydride hydrolysis by doping with 5%Y 2 O 3. Such doping significantly boosts hydrogen evolution rates, with Co–Y 2 O 3 –B/CNTs achieving a production rate of 1083.43 ml g−1·min−1—surpassing Co–B/CNTs by 1.5 times and tripling that of Co–B catalysts. SEM and XRD analyses show Y 2 O 3 doping reduces particle aggregation and maintains the catalyst's amorphous state, thereby increasing the active surface area. Furthermore, XPS analysis demonstrates that introducing yttrium into Co–B/CNTs catalysts improves their surface elemental composition and valence states. This improvement boosts catalyst performance and stability by enhancing electron transfer and particle size optimization. Optimal hydrolysis is achieved at an NaOH concentration of 2.5 mol/L, with higher concentrations diminishing hydrogen production due to increased viscosity from by-product formation. Additionally, Co–Y 2 O 3 –B/CNTs catalysts exhibit commendable durability, maintaining more than two-thirds of their initial activity after five reuse cycles, outperforming comparable catalysts to a moderate extent. These findings underscore the beneficial role of Y 2 O 3 in the Co–B/CNTs framework, promoting Y 2 O 3 -doped catalysts for their enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and hydrogen production capabilities. • Key Findings : • Y 2 O 3 doping in Co–B/CNTs catalysts significantly boosts the hydrogen production rate, achieving 1083.43 ml g⁻1 min⁻1, which is 1.5 times higher than Co–B/CNTs and three times that of Co–B catalysts alone. • The introduction of Y 2 O 3 reduces particle aggregation and enhances the amorphous nature of the catalyst, increasing the active surface area and improving electron transfer for enhanced catalytic performance. • Significance of the Research : • This study provides a substantial improvement over existing Co–B/CNTs catalysts by incorporating Y 2 O 3 , which mitigates issues like particle aggregation and low catalytic activity, common in traditional cobalt-based catalysts. • The findings offer a viable alternative to noble metals, presenting a more cost-effective and abundant material for hydrogen production that can be crucial for scalable green energy solutions. • Methodological Innovations : • The catalyst's synthesis involves a unique doping process with Y2O3 using a chemical reduction technique that maintains the structural integrity of CNTs while enhancing the catalytic surface through yttrium's interaction. • Advanced characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, and XPS were employed to deeply analyze the catalyst's microstructure and surface chemistry, providing insights into the mechanisms behind the improved performance. • Practical Applications : • The enhanced hydrogen production capabilities of Y 2 O 3 -doped Co–B/CNTs catalysts are particularly suitable for industrial applications where cost and efficiency are critical, such as in fuel cell technologies or large-scale hydrogen generation plants. • The catalyst's stability and reusability, maintaining significant activity after multiple cycles, make it an attractive option for sustained hydrogen production in renewable energy systems. • Future Research Directions : • Investigate the effects of different Y2O3 doping levels on catalytic efficiency to find the optimal ratio. • Explore the impact of doping with other rare earth elements to further improve catalyst stability and activity. • Develop new synthesis methods to reduce costs and improve catalyst recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the environmental impact of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) disposal highlights the need for efficient recycling methods. Chemical recycling, specifically alkaline hydrolysis, presents a promising avenue for PET waste management by depolymerizing PET into its constituent monomers. This study focuses on optimizing the pressurized alkaline hydrolysis process for post-consumer PET residues obtained from packaging materials. Post-consumer PET packaging waste was chemically recycled by means of an alkaline hydrolysis reaction in a 2 L pressurized reactor under varying conditions of the NaOH/PET ratio and temperature. The reaction's progress was monitored by sampling the liquid phase hourly over a four-hour period. The obtained products were purified, with a focus on isolating terephthalic acid (TPA). Higher temperatures (150 °C) resulted in superior TPA yields (>95%) compared to lower temperatures (120 °C). The NaOH/PET ratio showed minimal influence on the TPA yield. The optimal conditions (T = 150 °C; NaOH:PET = 2) were identified based on TPA yield and reaction cost considerations. This study demonstrates the feasibility of pressurized alkaline hydrolysis for PET recycling, with optimized conditions yielding high TPA purity and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pomegranate processing industry generates worldwide enormous amounts of by-products, such as pomegranate peels (PPs), which constitute a rich source of phenolic compounds. In this view, PPs could be exploited as a sustainable source of ellagic acid, which is a compound that possesses various biological actions. The present study aimed at the liberation of ellagic acid from its bound forms via ultrasound-assisted alkaline hydrolysis, which was optimized using response surface methodology. The effects of duration of sonication, solvent:solid ratio, and NaOH concentration on total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and punicalagin and ellagic acid content were investigated. Using the optimum hydrolysis conditions (i.e., 32 min, 1:48 v/w, 1.5 mol/L NaOH), the experimental responses were found to be TCP: 4230 ± 190 mg GAE/100 g dry PPs; AABTS: 32,398 ± 1817 µmol Trolox/100 g dry PPs; ACUPRAC: 29,816 ± 1955 µmol Trolox/100 g dry PPs; 59 ± 3 mg punicalagin/100 g dry PPs; and 1457 ± 71 mg ellagic acid/100 g dry PPs. LC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS analysis of the obtained PP extract revealed the presence of various phenolic compounds (e.g., ellagic acid), organic acids (e.g., citric acid), sugars (e.g., fructose) and amino acids (e.g., glycine). The proposed methodology could be of use for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics applications, thus reinforcing local economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, huge amounts of cotton and sunflower stalks are generated annually. These wastes are being underutilized since they are mostly burned in the fields. So, in this work, we proposed a three-step method consisting of acid pre-treatment, alkaline hydrolysis, and bleaching for the extraction of cellulose pulps. These pulps were characterized to assess their morpho-structural and thermal properties. The design of experiments and response surface methodology were used for the optimization of the acid pre-treatment in order to achieve maximum removal of non-cellulosic compounds and obtain pulps enriched in cellulose. For cotton stalks, optimal conditions were identified as a reaction time of 190 min, a reaction temperature of 96.2 °C, and an acid (nitric acid) concentration of 6.3%. For sunflower stalks, the optimized time, temperature, and acid concentration were 130 min, 73.8 °C, and 8.7%, respectively. The pulps obtained after bleaching contained more than 90% cellulose. However, special care must be taken during the process, especially in the acid pre-treatment, as it causes the solubilization of a great amount of material. The characterization revealed that the extraction process led to cellulose pulps with around 69–70% crystallinity and thermal stability in the range of 340–350 °C, ready to be used for their conversion into derivatives for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicate-based drilling fluid (SDF) has a strong inhibition effect on shale swelling and provides good wellbore stability. SDF has also been widely used in drilling through the reservoir in recent years. However, SDF has certain damage effects on the reservoir, and its damage mechanism is not well understood. In this work, the damage of the tight sandstone formations induced by SDF was assessed by conducting fluid displacement and filtrate imbibition experiments. In addition, the damage mechanisms were further analyzed based on microscopic experiments. The research results mainly included the following four aspects: First, SDF caused significant reservoir damage by solid-phase particles and filtrate intrusion in tight sandstone reservoirs, and the latter was the main reason. Second, the incompatibility between the filtrate of the SDF and formation led to reservoir damage. This was because the SiO32−, CO32−, and OH− in the SDF reacted with Ca2+, Mg2+, and Al3+ in the formation, resulting in the generation of new minerals such as kaolinite and gibbsite. Third, the filtrate of the SDF increased the hydrophilicity of the rock surface, which induced the aqueous trapping damage. Finally, SDF was strongly alkaline (pH = 13.08), in which OH− produced by sodium metasilicate hydrolysis had alkaline corrosion effect on minerals, enhancing pore permeability. This work provides experimental evidence for the feasibility discussion of the SDF in tight sandstone reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraction parameters are important in determining the physicochemical properties of extracts. This work aimed to investigate the effect of extraction parameters on the physicochemical properties of keratin powder obtained from chicken feather wastes. Keratin was extracted using alkaline hydrolysis under different experimental conditions viz: concentration of sodium hydroxide, retention time and temperature. Extracted keratin powder was subjected to physicochemical, bulk powder and microbiological investigations. The powder was also subjected to high-resolution analyses such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). An optimal yield of 62% keratin was obtained from 3.0 M NaOH solution at 37°C and 24 hours’ reaction time. Extracted keratin powder was odourless, light-brown and insoluble in neutral and acidic solutions but soluble in alkaline medium. It exhibited a moisture sorption capacity of 98% with fair to good flowability. SEM revealed a rough surface powder particle with a mean diameter of 100 µm. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of amide groups while DSC showed a melting point of 110°C. Extraction conditions impacted yield, physicochemical and powder properties of keratin from chicken feathers. The powder may be useful as an excipient in colon-targeted drug delivery due to its pH-dependent solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and simple method for the determination of stearic acid and 12-hydroxystearic acid in PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil by high performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection was established. The oil sample was first pretreated by alkaline hydrolysis. The analysis was performed on a Zhongpu Develop XD-C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with gradient elution of methanol and 1% acetic acid aqueous solution at a flow rate of 1.2 mL·min−1 and a column temperature of 40 °C. The drift tube temperature of the evaporative light scattering detection system was set at 40 °C, and the pressure of carrier gas (N2) was 337 kPa. The regression equation revealed a good linear relation (r = 0.9993–0.9995) during the test ranges (119.1–1190.7 μg·mL−1 for 12-hydroxystearic acid, 10.7–107.4 μg·mL−1 for stearic acid). The detection limits of 12-hydroxystearic acid and stearic acid were 1.1 and 2.5 μg·mL−1, the limits of quantitation were 3.2 and 7.4 μg·mL−1, respectively. And the mean recoveries were 101.5 and 101.0%, the corresponding relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 2.1 and 2.8%, respectively. The RSDs corresponding to repeatability (n = 6) were both less than 1.7% in terms of precision. As to the stability, the test results remained stable after 8 h at room temperature (RSDs were both less than 2.6%). The developed method showed high sensitivity, recovery, repeatability and stability, which indicated that the method could be applied as a quality evaluation method for the determination of stearic acid and 12-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid in PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyra sensu lato is one of the most economically significant and widely cultured and consumed algae in the world. Porphyra species present excellent nutraceutic properties due to their bioactive compounds (BACs). This research aimed to find the most efficient aqueous extraction method for BACs by examining alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis with 2.5% sodium carbonate (SC) and at 80 °C proved optimal for extracting all BACs (phycobiliproteins, soluble proteins, polyphenols, and carbohydrates) except mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which were best extracted with water only, and at 80 °C. Enzymatic hydrolysis, particularly with the 'Miura' enzymatic cocktail (cellulase, xylanase, glycoside hydrolase, and β-glucanase), showed superior results in extracting phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC), soluble proteins, and carbohydrates, with increases of approximately 195%, 510%, 890%, and 65%, respectively, compared to the best alkaline hydrolysis extraction (2.5% SC and 80 °C). Phenolic content analysis showed no significant difference between the 'Miura' cocktail and 2.5% SC treatments. Antioxidant activity was higher in samples from alkaline hydrolysis, while extraction of MAAs showed no significant difference between water-only and 'Miura' treatments. The study concludes that enzymatic hydrolysis improves the efficiency of BACs extraction in P. linearis, highlighting its potential for the nutraceutical industry, and especially with respect to MAAs for topical and oral UV-photoprotectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melamine formaldehyde foam (MFF) generates many poisonous chemicals through the traditional recycling methods for organic resin wastes. Herein, a high MFF degradation ratio of ca. 97 wt.% was achieved under the mild conditions (160 °C) in a NaOH–H2O system with ammelide and ammeline as the main degradation products. The alkaline solvent had an obvious corrosion effect for MFF, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The reaction process and products distribution were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Besides, the MFF degradation products that have the similar chemical structures and bonding performances to those of melamine can be directly used as the raw material for synthesis of melamine urea-formaldehyde resins (MUFs). Moreover, the degradation system demonstrated here showed the high degradation efficiency after reusing for 7 times. The degradation process generated few harmful pollutants and no pre- or post-treatments were required, which proves its feasibility in the safe removal or recovery of waste MFF.

A highly efficient low-cost adsorbent was prepared using raw and chemically modified cellulose isolated from sugarcane bagasse for decontamination of Cr(VI) from wastewater. First, cellulose pulp was isolated from sugarcane bagasse by subjecting it to acid hydrolysis, alkaline hydrolysis and bleaching with sodium chlorate (NaClO3). Then, the bleached cellulose pulp was chemically modified with acrylonitrile monomer in the presence Fenton's reagent (Fe+2/H2O2) to carry out grafting of acrylonitrile onto cellulose by atom transfer radical polymerization. The developed adsorbent (acrylonitrile grafted cellulose) was analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Both raw cellulose and acrylonitrile grafted cellulose were used for chromium removal from wastewater. The effects of metal ion concentration, pH, adsorbent dose and time were studied, and their values were optimized. The optimum conditions for the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto raw and chemically modified cellulose were: metal ion concentration: 50 ppm, adsorbent dose: 1 g, pH: 6, and time: 60 min. The maximum efficiencies of 73% and 94% and adsorption capacities of 125.95 mg/g and 267.93 mg/g were achieved for raw and acrylonitrile grafted cellulose, respectively. High removal efficiency was achieved, owing to high surface area of 79.92 m2/g and functional active binding cites on grafted cellulose. Isotherm and kinetics studies show that the experimental data were fully fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo first-order model. The adsorbent (acrylonitrile grafted cellulose) was regenerated using three different types of regenerating reagents and reused thirty times, and there was negligible decrease (19%) in removal efficiency after using it for 30 times. Hence, it is anticipated that acrylonitrile could be utilized as potential candidate material for commercial scale Cr(VI) removal from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lignocellulosic residue cassava peel is an unexplored source of bioactive compounds, such as hemicellulose-based xylooligosaccharides (XOS) that present prebiotic properties. In this sense, this work aimed to produce XOS from cassava peels that were pretreated with NaOH (xylan extraction and lignin removal) followed by enzymatic hydrolysis (endo-1–4-β-xylanase). The cassava peels were pretreated sequentially: starch removal, alkaline hydrolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis. The aqueous-mechanical reduction and sieving for 15 cycles removed ≈16% of starch (iodometric method). The alkaline pretreatments were carried out with 2, 4, and 6% (w/v) NaOH, 1:100/solid:liquid at 121 °C and 1.1 bar for 30 or 60 min. The enzymatic kinetics was evaluated with enzyme concentration at 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0% (v/v). The highest alkaline hydrolysis reached 34.20% of lignin removal (2% (w/v) NaOH for 30 min). The highest XOS yield was 396.5 mg XOS/g xylan after 48 h and 3.0% enzyme concentration. Regarding the mass balance, from 300 g of cassava peels (an agroindustrial residue), it is possible to obtain up to 3.27% XOS. Therefore, the fractionation of hemicellulose from cassava peels was technically viable from the concepts of biorefinery and bioeconomy, being one of the first researches to approach the extraction of xylan from cassava peel to obtain XOS through an enzymatic route with a highly promising yield. Highlights: • The high starch content is a drawback to producing cassava peel-based xylooligosaccharides. • Delignification and extraction of xylan from cassava peels by alkaline hydrolysis were performed. • Xylooligosaccharides were produced by enzymatic hydrolysis with endo-1–4-β-xylanase. • The highest yield of cassava peel-based xylooligosaccharides, already reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an attempt has been made to recover the lignin and enhance the sugar yield from the de-oiled Jatropha curcas waste (DJW) through alkaline hydrolysis and saccharification. The alkaline hydrolysis process was performed using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for a solid loading rate of 10% w/v. The process parameters considered for the optimization study using RSM were — time (6.36–73.63 min), NaOH concentration (0.6137–12.38%), and temperature (85.68–156.3°C). The maximum kraft lignin (KL) recovered at the optimum conditions for the response was found to be 93.4%. The functional groups in the treated and untreated Jatropha curcas seed cake and the recovered lignin were studied using FTIR. The recovered kraft lignin has been characterized using 1H-NMR and FTIR. The enzymatic saccharification efficiency was estimated based on the release of glucose. Maximum glucose yield (%) was found to be 92.45% for NaOH pretreated DJW compared to the untreated biomass, for which the glucose yield was only 46.64%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]