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ABSTRACT: A blend of cassava starch (CS), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and paraffin was prepared as a coating material to maintain the quality of eggs during 4 wk of storage at different temperatures. The efficacy of the CS/CMC/paraffin (6/1/0.5% w/v) coating was investigated in terms of the Haugh unit (HU), weight loss, pH, and microbial load at the end of storage. The best egg storage temperature was 4°C, which maintained an HU of grade AA in coated and uncoated eggs for 4 wk. Lower weight loss (2.14%) was observed in coated eggs at 4°C storage than at 30°C storage (3.26%). The pH in the albumen of coated and uncoated eggs at 4°C increased from 6.84 to 6.88 and 7.01 to 7.03, respectively, after 4 wk of storage. No microbes were detected in the coated and uncoated eggs at 4°C. The maximum microbial count was 728 ± 35 cfu/mL in uncoated eggs at 30°C storage. Egg coating prevented microbial contamination of eggs stored at 30°C for 4 wk. The freshness of the eggs did not affect the nutrient content. The egg-coating material effectively maintained egg quality, prevented microbial contamination of eggs, and increased the shelf life of eggs at storage temperatures of 25 and 30°C.

An egg-coating material was developed to extend the shelf-life and freshness of eggs by blending cassava starch (CS) with gelling agents and waxes. The effects of the properties of this egg coating on egg quality were investigated. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), beeswax, and paraffin wax were used. CS blended with low-molecular-weight paraffin (Paraffin(L)) and CMC coating material displayed a tensile strength of 4 MPa, 34% elongation at break, 0.0039 g day−1 m−2 water vapor permeability, and a water contact angle of 89° at 3 min. Eggs coated with CS/CMC/Paraffin(L) solutions had a Haugh unit value of 72 (AA grade) and exhibited a weight loss of 2.4% in 4 weeks. CMC improved the compatibility of CS and Paraffin(L). This improvement and the hydrophobicity of Paraffin(L) provided suitable mechanical and water-resistance properties to the coating material that helped to maintain the quality of the coated AA-grade eggs with low weight loss for 4 weeks.

Summary: An egg coating was developed to preserve the internal quality of eggs by mixing cassava starch (CS), gelling agents and fatty acids. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used as gelling agents. Palm oil fatty acid (PO) was incorporated. Coated and non‐coated eggs were evaluated over a period of 4 weeks at 28 °C by the yolk colour, weight loss, albumen pH and Haugh unit testing. The quality of non‐coated eggs deteriorated from AA to B grade after 3 weeks, with values below the detection limit at 4 weeks. The optimum coating was 6/1/3 w/v% (CS/CMC/PO3). Contact angle, solubility and swelling in the water of the coating materials indicated the improvement of water resistance by addition of CMC and PO. Weight loss of the coated eggs was 4.9% lower than that of the non‐coated eggs (6.5%) after 4 weeks. The CS/CMC/PO3 emulsion coating significantly extended egg shelf life due to the high compatibility and water resistance of CMC as well as the hydrophobic property of PO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was mixed using a two-roller mixer. Water hyacinth fiber (WHF) acted as a reinforcing agent in the preparation of the rubber composite at 10 phr (ENRC/WHF). Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was added at different concentrations (1, 5, 10, and 20 phr) as an antimicrobial and coupling agent. The tensile strength increased with a CHG content of 1 phr (4.59 MPa). The ENRC/WHF/CHG20 blend offered high hardness (38) and good morphology owing to the reduction in cavities and fiber pull-out from the rubber matrix. The swelling of the sample blends in oil and toluene decreased as the CHG content increased. Reactions of –NH2/epoxy groups and –NH2/–OH groups occurred during the preparation of the ENRC/WHF/CHG blend. The FTIR spectroscopy peak at 1730 cm−1 confirmed the reaction between the −NH2 groups of CHG and epoxy groups of ENR. The ENRC/WHF/CHG blend at 10 phr and 20 phr exhibited zones of inhibition against three bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus). CHG simultaneously acted as a crosslinking agent between ENR and WHF and as an antimicrobial additive for the blends. CHG also improved the tensile strength, hardness, swelling, and antimicrobial properties of ENR composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the impact of chicken egg size, including surface area and initial weight, on the effectiveness of cassava starch-based gel coating during storage at room temperature. The quality of a total of 540 fresh eggs in four different sizes (S, M, L and XL) was evaluated over a 4-week storage period at 25 ± 1 °C (60–65% RH). In this research, images from a scanning electron microscope revealed that the coatings maintained their integrity across all egg sizes, effectively covering pores and cracks throughout storage. The application of gel coating reduced weight loss and preserved the Haugh unit and yolk index, extending freshness by 1–2 weeks compared with uncoated eggs at 25 °C. The results indicated that the performance of the coating varied with egg size. Statistical analysis revealed that the surface area and initial weight of the egg significantly impacted the effectiveness of the coating in preserving quality (p < 0.001). Eggs with larger surface areas exhibited a reduced protective effect of the coating, resulting in higher weight loss and lower retention of Haugh unit and yolk index compared with the coated eggs with smaller surface areas. The coating application was more effective in preserving the Haugh unit of eggs with higher initial weights. Overall, the surface area and the initial weight of the egg should be considered as key factors to ensure optimal coating performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This in vitro study aimed to develop a novel nanocomposite acrylic resin with inherent antimicrobial properties. This study evaluated its effectiveness against microbial biofilm formation, while also assessing its physical and mechanical properties. Methods. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was modified with four different concentrations of chlorhexidine halloysite nanotubes (CHX-HNTs): 1%, 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5 wt.% by weight, along with a control group (0 wt.% CHX-HNTs). The biofilm inhibition ability of the modified CHX-HNTs acrylic against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus agalactiae was assessed using microtiter biofilm test. In addition, ten samples from each group were then tested for flexural strength, surface roughness, and hardness. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for comparison (P < 0.05). Results. CHX-HNTs effectively reduced the adhesion of Candida albicans and bacteria to the PMMA in a dose-dependent manner. The higher the concentration of CHX-HNTs, the greater the reduction in microbial adhesion, with the highest concentration (4.5 wt.%) showing the most significant effect with inhibition rates ≥98%. The addition of CHX-HNTs at any tested concentration (1%, 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5 wt.%) did not cause any statistically significant difference in the flexural strength, surface roughness, or hardness of the PMMA compared to the control group. Conclusions. The novel integration of CHX-HNT fillers shows promising results as an effective biofilm inhibitor on acrylic appliances. This new approach has the potential to successfully control infectious diseases without negatively affecting the mechanical properties of the acrylic resin. Clinical Relevance. The integration of CHX-HNTs into presurgical infant orthopedic appliances should be thoroughly assessed as a promising preventive measure to mitigate microbial infections. This evaluation holds significant potential for controlling infectious diseases among infants with cleft lip and palate, thereby offering a valuable contribution to their overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and natural rubber (NR) blends by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG2000) and various types of modified natural rubbers, including epoxidized natural rubber (ENR50), poly (methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (NR-g-PMMA), and poly (butyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (NR-g-PBMA). The influence of the TPS/NR blend ratio, PEG content, and type of modified NR on the properties of the blends was investigated, along with their water absorption and biodegradation. Increased ductile properties were achieved by adding pure and modified NR. Among the series of 90:10 TPS/modified NR blends by weight, the highest toughness (1,628 MJ/m3) was observed when the blend was formulated from ENR50 with 1.0 wt% of PEG. The water absorption of TPS/NR blends was lower than that of TPS but still exhibited a high-water absorption rate compared to the other conventional polymers. Biodegradation tests confirmed the biodegradation capability of TPS/NR blends, and more than 95% of the tested samples were biodegraded in soil within 120 days. These sustainable and eco-friendly TPS/NR blends could be potential materials for single or short-term use products, such as plant nursery pots and other disposable packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo cellulose fiber (BF)-reinforced epoxy (EP) composites were fabricated with BF subjected to plasma treatment using argon (Ar), oxygen (O2), and nitrogen (N2) gases. Optimal mechanical properties of the EP/BF composites were achieved with BFs subjected to 30 min of plasma treatment using Ar. This is because Ar gas improved the plasma electron density, surface polarity, and BF roughness. Flexural strength and flexural modulus increased with O2 plasma treatment. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the etching of the fiber surface with Ar gas improved interfacial adhesion. The water contact angle and surface tension of the EP/BF composite improved after 10 min of Ar treatment, owing to the compatibility between the BFs and the EP matrix. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed a reduction in lignin after treatment and the formation of new peaks at 1736 cm−1, which indicated a reaction between epoxy groups of the EP and carbon in the BF backbone. This reaction improved the compatibility, mechanical properties, and water resistance of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The objective of this research was to investigate and compare the effect of rapeseed oil, 0.5% β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin coating on egg quality attributes during storage for 28 days at 25 °C. Egg quality attributes such as weight loss (WL), air cell depth and diameter, Haugh unit (HU), albumen pH, yolk index and colour, eggshell strength and morphology were monitored. Similar initial quality attributes of control, rapeseed oil, 0.5% β‐CD and rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs were obtained at day 0. Control (uncoated) and β‐CD‐coated eggs had the worst WL, air cell diameter, air cell depth, albumen pH and a* values after storage for 28 days at 25 °C, while the rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs had lower values of air cell diameter (18.20 mm), air cell depth (7.20 mm) and albumin pH (9.12), higher eggshell breaking strength (51.21 N) and a*(25.33). At day 7 and 21, the best quality attributes were obtained by rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs, being respectively: WL, yolk index and L*. Less obvious micro‐cracks on the eggshell surface were detected especially in rapeseed oil/0.5% β‐cyclodextrin‐coated eggs, which maintained slightly improved egg quality attributes during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composite with excellent mechanical properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance was developed using a reactive melt-blending technique. PLA was melt mixed with epoxy resin (EPOXY) and bamboo pulp (PULP) to improve its reaction and mechanical properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful reaction of the PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites; the epoxy groups of EPOXY reacted with the –COOH groups of PLA and the –OH groups of PULP. The PLA/EPOXY/PULP5 composite showed a high tensile strength (67 MPa) and high toughness of 762 folding cycles, whereas the highest tensile strength was 77 MPa in the PLA/EPOXY5/PULP20 sample. SEM images presented a gap between the PLA and PULP; gap size decreased with the addition of EPOXY. The Tg of the PLA decreased with the EPOXY plasticizer effect, whereas the Tm did not significantly change. PULP induced crystallinity and increased Vicat softening of the PLA/PULP and PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites. The EPOXY reaction of the PLA/PULP composites improved their tensile properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable starch-based polymers were developed by melt-blending modified thermoplastic starch (MTPS) with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) blended with epoxy resin (Er). A modified thermoplastic starch blend with chlorhexidine gluconate (MTPSCh) was prepared by melt-blending cassava starch with glycerol and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) 1.0% wt. The Er was melt-blended with PBS (PBSE) at concentrations of 0.50%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% (wt%/wt%). The mechanical properties, water resistance, and morphology of the MTPSCh/PBSE blends were investigated. The MTPSCh/PBSE2.5% blend showed an improvement in tensile strength (8.1 MPa) and elongation at break (86%) compared to the TPSCh/PBS blend (2.6 MPa and 53%, respectively). In addition, water contact angle measurements indicated an increase in the hydrophobicity of the MTPSCh/PBSE blends. Thermogravimetric analysis showed an improvement in thermal stability when PBS was added to the MTPSCh blends. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data confirmed a new reaction between the amino groups of CHG in MTPSCh and the epoxy groups of Er in PBSE, which improved the interfacial adhesion of the MTPSCh/PBSE blends. This reaction improved the mechanical properties, water resistance, morphology, and thermal stability of the TPSCh/PBSE blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to characterize the properties of cellulose and CMC synthesized from young and mature coconut coir with different bleaching times (bleaching for the first time; 1 BT, bleaching for a second time; 2 BT, and bleaching for the third time; 3 BT) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The surface morphology, structural information, chemical compositions, and crystallinity of both cellulose and CMC were determined. H2O2 bleaching can support delignification by reducing hemicellulose and lignin, as evidenced by FTIR showing a sharp peak at wave number 1260 cm−1. The cellulose and CMC from coconut coir can be more dispersed and have greater functional characteristics with increasing bleaching times due to the change in accessibility of hydroxyl groups in the structure. The CMC diffraction patterns of coconut coir after the bleaching process showed the destruction of the crystalline region of the original cellulose. The SEM images showed that the surface of CMC was smoother than that of cellulose. The CMCy had a higher water holding capacity (WHC) compared to the CMCm as the bleaching can increase interaction between the polymer and water molecules. Therefore, the best quality of CMC corresponds to CMCy. Based on these findings, bleaching time has a strong effect on the functional properties of cellulose and CMC from coconut coir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blend with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was prepared using a two-roll mill at 130 °C. CHG was added at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10% (w/w) as an antimicrobial additive. The ENR blend with 10% (w/w) CHG showed the best tensile strength, elastic recovery, and Shore A hardness. The ENR/CHG blend exhibited a smooth fracture surface. The appearance of a new peak in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed that the amino groups of CHG reacted with the epoxy groups of ENR. The ENR with 10% CHG exhibited an inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus. The proposed blending improved the mechanical properties, elasticity, morphology, and antimicrobial properties of the ENR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of molecular weight of chitosan and the type of plasticizer used in the composition of edible coating on internal quality parameters and morphology of eggshell, an experiment with 125 eggs in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments included uncoated eggs (control), coated based on chitosan with high molecular weight (450 kDa) or low molecular weight (65 kDa) and the use of glycerol or sorbitol and 3 replicates was conducted. Coating was done by immersion method and the eggs were stored at ambient temperature for 4 weeks. The internal quality parameters of eggs including weight loss (WL), Haugh unit (HU), yolk index (YI) and albumen pH were evaluated weekly. At the end of the storage period, scanning electron microscope (SEM)micrograph were prepared for eggshell morphology. The results showed that the edible coating based on chitosan improved significantly (P<0.05) all the evaluated parameters. At the end of the week 4, among these, the lowest values of WL (7.01 ± 0.90) and pH of albumen (8.90 ± 0.15) and the highest values of HU (± 3.23) 63.80) and YI (0.34 ± 0.06) were seen in eggs containing high molecular weight chitosan -sorbitol coating (P<0.05). In the SEM micrograph, more integrated and less porous and fractured in the mentioned group. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of edible coating based on chitosan as a biocompatible packaging to increase the storage time of eggs, chitosan with higher molecular weight and sorbitol as plasticizer are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fruits/vegetables are perishable, and physical damage, moisture loss, metabolic changes and post‐harvest microbial deterioration are the main reasons for the quality loss and short shelf‐life. To address this issue, starch‐based packaging films always have been the subject of ongoing interest. The current review examines the advances in starch‐based materials, covering basic and applied research. The shelf‐life of foods can be increased by using starch‐based films with antimicrobial, antioxidant, ultraviolet resistance, oxygen and moisture barrier and pH‐reactive qualities as packaging materials. Various composites have been designed to address the shortcomings of pure starch‐based materials, including moisture sensitivity and inferior tensile qualities inherent in natural polymers. Practically, the development of entirely biodegradable starch‐based polymers is sensitive to the integration of any additives. The main challenge in commercialising starch‐based biodegradable packaging film is the structural changes in starch complex molecules that have a considerable impact on the functional qualities of films. This review also highlights using native, modified, nano‐composite and antimicrobial starch‐based films to enhance the shelf‐life and qualities of fresh produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to develop an edible multilayer coating by electrostatic layer‐by‐layer deposition (LbL) of chitosan‐pectin biopolymers to extend the shelf life of strawberries. A fixed concentration of chitosan (2% w/v) and varying pectin concentrations (0.25–1% w/v) in an LbL sequence were initially applied to coat on the low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film. The successful assembly of these biopolymers in the LDPE film was confirmed by their zeta potential (chitosan, +43 mV and pectin, −36 to −42 mV) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the range of 1800–1600 cm‐1 indicating the strong interactions between chitosan and pectin. Chitosan (2% w/v) and pectin (0.25% w/v) had the lowest water vapour permeability (WVP) of 1.86 ± 0.02 × 10−9 in gday‐1 m‐1 Pa‐1 among all other formulations. The application of the coating on strawberries extended the shelf life (9 days) compared to the control (6 days) at room temperature (25 °C) while still retaining the colour, firmness and pH of strawberries. The results obtained illuminate the potential application of safer, ecofriendly and sustainable packaging materials in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development, search for and use of increasingly complete coatings with minimal structural and functional deficiencies are currently being investigated for use on eggs for consumption. Coatings with essential oils or propolis have been studied by academia and industry to achieve extended egg quality. These safe, natural compounds have a versatile chemical composition that gives them characteristics and functionalities that make them available for participation in various formulations in the food industry. Considering the importance of minimising food waste, economic losses and unsafe food and maximising food preservation, using practical, known and commercially available products that do not induce severe harm to human health or the environment, we review the effects of biopolymers incorporated with essential oils or propolis on the quality of table eggs. These coatings can be produced by mixing biopolymers, propolis extract or essential oils, acetic acid, plasticisers and emulsifiers, among other components. Studies indicate that coatings with essential oils or propolis preserve the quality of albumen and egg yolk stored for several weeks at temperatures of 20°C or higher and guarantee their internal and external microbiological quality. In addition, essential oils and propolis have no harmful effects on eggshells. Future research needs to deepen the evaluations of coatings with these products, including assessing the complete sensory quality of the eggs, as available reports do not sufficiently address sensory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to compare the physical-chemical attributes of table eggs from three laying hen breeds housed in the cage and cage-free conditions and to characterize the morphological characteristics of the eggshell interior. A morphological and elemental analysis performed by scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed no abnormalities in the structural integrity of eggshells. The thickness of the eggshell varied in the range from 356.2 to 366.4 µm, with no statistically significant differences between the values. Eggshell membrane thickness was between 20.0 and 59.9 µm, with eggs derived from cage-housed hens, i.e., H/LS/CCE and H/HN/CCE having thinner membrane layers. The results revealed no direct relationships between eggshell and membrane thickness and physical-chemical parameters' change. However, the presence of thick and long spider-like microcracks on the eggshell surface of eggs from cage-free housed hens H/D/BWE was the main factor that presumably contributed to substantial weight loss during 36 days of egg storage. A noticeable decline in eggshell-breaking strength along with the enlargement of air cells was observed in eggs produced under an enriched cage system H/LS/CCE after 28 days. In contrast, the minor changes in air cell size occurred in eggs from cage-free housed laying hens H/D/BWE. Protein quality indicators such as albumen height and Haugh units were well correlated with each other, and the intensity of their changes during egg storage, to a greater extent, was found to be storage time-dependent. No significant depletion of egg albumen was revealed during the first 15 days of egg storage. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the quality corresponded to grade A (reasonably firm). However, after 18 days of storage, Haugh unit values were lower than 60, corresponding to grade B (weak and watery). The most apparent reduction in the Haugh unit was observed in eggs produced by enriched cage H/HN/CCE and cage-free H/D/BWE hens. The egg quality was storage time-dependent, and their deterioration rate was primarily associated with the genetic background of laying hens and housing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane separation processes are prevalent in industrial wastewater treatment because they are more effective than conventional methods at addressing global water issues. Consequently, the ideal membranes with high mechanical strength, thermal characteristics, flux, permeability, porosity, and solute removal capacity must be prepared to aid in the separation process for wastewater treatment. Rubber-based membranes have shown the potential for high mechanical properties in water separation processes to date. In addition, the excellent sustainable practice of natural fibers has attracted great attention from industrial players and researchers for the exploitation of polymer composite membranes to improve the balance between the environment and social and economic concerns. The incorporation of natural fiber in thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as filler and pore former agent enhances the mechanical properties, and high separation efficiency characteristics of membrane composites are discussed. Furthermore, recent advancements in the fabrication technique of porous membranes affected the membrane's structure, and the performance of wastewater treatment applications is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Poly(lactic acid) was melt-blended with epoxy resin without hardener and chitosan (CTS) to prepare modified PLA (PLAEC). Epoxy resin 5% and CTS 1–20% (wt/wt) were incorporated into PLA during melt mixing. PLAEC was melt-blended with an epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) 80/20 wt. The PLAEC CTS 1% blended with ENR (PLAEC1/ENR) showed a high tensile strength (30 MPa) and elongation at break (7%). The annealing process at 80 °C for 0–15 min maintained a tensile strength of approximately 30 MPa. SEM images of the PLAE/ENR blend showed phase inversion from co-continuous to ENR particle dispersion in the PLA matrix with the addition of CTS, whereas the annealing time reduced the hole sizes of the extracted ENR phase due to the shrinkage of PLA by crystallization. Thermal properties were observed by DSC and a Vicat softening test. The annealing process increased the crystallinity and Vicat softening temperature of the PLAEC1/ENR blend. Reactions of −COOH/epoxy groups and epoxy/−NH2 groups occurred during PLAE and PLAEC preparation, respectively. FTIR confirmed the reaction between the −NH2 groups of CTS in PLAEC and the epoxy groups of ENR. This reaction increased the mechanical properties, while the annealing process improved the morphology and thermal properties of the blend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of novel biomaterials in diverse food packaging uses can ensure bio-active future food packaging materials. Currently starch-generated bioplastics, polylactic acid and polyhydroxy butyrate are prevalent as active bioplastics in the food packaging segment (Wangtueai I et al i ., [26]). At the time of developing biomaterial-based food packaging, sustaining the quality and safety of food is the major concern. Advanced biomaterial-based packaging material is one of the promising areas of today's and tomorrow's research for future advancement of food quality, extension of shelf-life, and safety at the time of processing and throughout the storage period of food materials (Majid I et al i ., [14]; Bangar I et al i ., [4]). [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Eggs are one of the most nutritious products on a daily basis. The objective of present research is to investigate the impact of coatings on improving storage time and internal quality of eggs. Coating treatments included control (C), coated with chickpea protein isolate (CPI), coated with PI containing Satureja hortensis (CPISH), coated with PI containing Satureja mutica (CPISM). Internal quality was assessed by air cell depth, shell strength, weight loss, haugh unit, yolk and albumen pH, yolk index, microbial evaluation and scanning electron microscope. The weight loss increased during storage and its highest value was 6.12%. Edible coatings (CPI, CPISH, CPISM) preserved internal quality according to the haugh unit, yolk index and pH over 4 weeks (20 °C) compared with C. Haugh unit (5.04), yolk index (0.31), albumen (9.51) and yolk pH (7.04) were detected in C after 7 weeks. CPISH and CPISM protected shell is observed by scanning electron microscope and these coatings affected the internal quality and were appropriate alternatives to extend storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The edible bamboo mushroom Dictyophora indusiata, which is rich in food nutrients and has medicinal values, has been investigated for nutrition compositional analysis. Then, three parts (whole mushroom: WE; peel and green mixture: PGE; and core: CE) were determined for antioxidant, MMP‐2 inhibition, and anti‐inflammatory properties. WE depicted the highest bioactive contents among others. The CE and WE with non‐cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts gave high MMP‐2 inhibitory activity (44.93% and 30.32%, respectively), compared with l‐ascorbic acid (50.65%). For the anti‐inflammatory activity, all D. indusiata extracts significantly inhibited the nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α secretion compared with the LPS treatment in all‐time intervals (P < 0.05). Moreover, WE extract containing various bioactive compounds (polyphenolic, monosaccharide, mucopolysaccharide, allantoin, and alkaloid contents) showed similar anti‐inflammatory activity to the standard diclofenac. It can be concluded that WE could be served as functional food ingredients and potential to be health‐promoting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixture of corn starch and glycerol plasticizer (CSG) was blended with latex natural rubber (LNR) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The addition of 10 phr of CMC improved the Young's modulus (6.7 MPa), tensile strength (8 MPa), and elongation at break (80%) of the CSG/LNR blend. The morphology of the CSG/LNR/CMC blends showed a uniform distribution of LNR particles (1–3 µm) in the CSG matrix. The addition of CMC enhanced the swelling ability and water droplet contact angle of the blends owing to the swelling properties, interfacial crosslinking, and amphiphilic structure of CMC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the reaction between the C=C bond of LNR and the carboxyl groups (–COO−) of CMC, in which the Na+ ions in CMC acted as a catalyst. Notably, the mechanical properties of the CSG/LNR/CMC blend were improved owing to the miscibility of CSG/CMC and the CMC/LNR interfacial reaction. The CSG/LNR/CMC biodegradable polymer with high mechanical properties and interfacial tension can be used for packaging, agriculture, and medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava starch was blended with glycerol to prepare thermoplastic starch (TPS). Thermoplastic starch was premixed with sericin (TPSS) by solution mixing and then melt-blended with polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PEMAH). The effect of sericin on the mechanical properties, morphology, thermal properties, rheology, and reaction mechanism was investigated. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the TPSS10/PEMAH blend were improved to 12.2 MPa and 100.4%, respectively. The TPS/PEMAH morphology presented polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride particles (2 μm) dispersed in the thermoplastic starch matrix, which decreased in size to approximately 200 nm when 5% sericin was used. The melting temperature of polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (121 °C) decreased to 111 °C because of the small crystal size of the polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride phase. The viscosity of TPS/PEMAH increased with increasing sericin content because of the chain extension. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the reaction between the amino groups of sericin and the maleic anhydride groups of polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride. This reaction reduced the interfacial tension between thermoplastic starch and polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride, which improved the compatibility, mechanical properties, and morphology of the blend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) was melt-blended with epoxy resin to study the effects of the reaction on the mechanical and thermal properties of the PLA. The addition of 0.5% (wt/wt) epoxy to PLA increased the maximum tensile strength of PLA (57.5 MPa) to 67 MPa, whereas the 20% epoxy improved the elongation at break to 12%, due to crosslinking caused by the epoxy reaction. The morphology of the PLA/epoxy blends showed epoxy nanoparticle dispersion in the PLA matrix that presented a smooth fracture surface with a high epoxy content. The glass transition temperature of PLA decreased with an increasing epoxy content owing to the partial miscibility between PLA and the epoxy resin. The Vicat softening temperature of the PLA was 59 °C and increased to 64.6 °C for 0.5% epoxy. NMR confirmed the reaction between the -COOH groups of PLA and the epoxy groups of the epoxy resin. This reaction, and partial miscibility of the PLA/epoxy blend, improved the interfacial crosslinking, morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of the blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]