Ways of strengthening biodegradable soy-dreg plastics

Effect of the heating process on the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional properties of whole cotyledon soymilk and tofu

This study focused on the effect of the heating process on the whole cotyledon soymilk and tofu. Whole cotyledon soymilk was made from soybean cotyledon and processed by enzymatic hydrolysis using cellulase and high-pressure homogeneity. In this study, a one-step heating method was selected for the cooking process of whole cotyledon soybean milk, and the whole cotyledon soybean milk was heated to 90 °C and held for 4 min. Results showed that the protein, total saccharides and dietary fiber content of the whole cotyledon soymilk were higher than those of the tradition soymilk due to the existence of bean dregs (okara). Both protein aggregation and protein-polysaccharide interaction were observed during the heating process. We also found a change in soymilk physicochemical characteristics such as particle size distribution, viscosity, surface hydrophobicity and soluble protein during the heating process. The results in this study showed that compared with traditional tofu, the phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor content in whole cotyledon tofu was lower, so its protein had higher digestibility in vitro. In conclusion, whole cotyledon tofu had better health properties and application prospects.

High-substitute nitrochitosan used as energetic materials: Preparation and detonation properties

In order to develop new high-energy materials utilizing natural products, a high-substitute nitrochitosan was prepared with different methods. Prepared processes and detonation properties of the nitrochitosan samples were systematically studied. The nitration substitute degree, nitrogen content, exothermic decomposition enthalpy, heat of combustion, impact sensitivity, detonation velocity and detonation pressure of the prepared high-substitute nitrochitosan were 2.01, 16.67 %, -2226 J g^-1, -7831.6 ± 116.3 J g^-1, >14.2 J, 7.81 km s^-1, and 24.03 GPa, respectively. Compared with nitrocellulose (NC), the nitrogen content, impact sensitivity and detonation properties of the prepared nitrochitosan were significantly improved. Nitrochitosan and RDX can form a uniform composite in acetone. With the increase of RDX content, the impact sensitivity of composite increased, but the composite was more stable and not easy to decompose. High-substitute nitrochitosan presents a potential application in solid propellants.

Investigation of Film with β-Galactosidase Designed for Stabilization and Handling in Dry Configuration

Gelatin-based films with an immobilized enzyme designed for extending the stability of the protein in dry, non-powder configuration with precise dosing attributes were subjected to stress conditions of temperature and relative humidity. β-galactosidase was used as model functional protein. The film configuration preserved the activity of the enzyme under the different storage conditions investigated, which include room temperature under low (ambient) and high (75%) relative humidity, and 36 °C under low (oven) and high relative humidity conditions for a period of 46 days. The influence of the enzyme and plasticizer (glycerol) on the physical and mechanical properties of the films was investigated using DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis). Films containing 5% β-galactosisdase and glycerol concentrations of 14% or greater exhibited greater tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break than films with equal concentrations of plasticizer but devoid of any enzyme. The surface texture of the films was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). β-galactosidase and glycerol have opposite effects on the surface morphology of the films. Increasing concentrations of the enzyme result in rougher film surface, whereas increasing the concentration of glycerol leads to films with denser and smoother surface. The results obtained suggest that the dry film configuration approach can help in facilitating the stabilization, handling, storage, and transportation of functional proteins in a cost effective manner.