Functionality and nutritional aspects of microcrystalline cellulose in food

Dissolution of denim waste in N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide monohydrate for fabrication of regenerated cellulosic film: Experimental and simulation study

Despite the significant amount of denim waste and its potential as a cellulose source, its use has been neglected. This study uses N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide, an eco-friendly solvent, to dissolve denim (including 100 % cotton) and create a denim film. Achieving a 10 % denim record solubility, a cellulosic film was also fabricated for comparison. Characterisation techniques were applied, and molecular dynamics simulations explored intramolecular interactions and the influence of indigo dye on dissolution process. FTIR spectra indicated no chemical reactions during dissolution and regeneration, though a shift in OH stretching suggested a change in crystallinity, confirmed by XRD results showing decreased crystallinity and a structural shift from cellulose I to cellulose II. 13C NMR analysis revealed disruptions in interchain hydrogen bonds after regeneration. TGA results showed lower decomposition temperatures for both films compared to the powders. Testing mechanical properties showed the denim film had higher elongation at break but lower tensile strength than the cellulose film. MD simulations indicated indigo dye did not significantly affect fundamental interactions but decreased denim solubility by reducing the diffusion coefficient. Rheological tests supported the simulation results, showing higher viscosity and molecular weight for the denim solution compared to cellulose.

Insight into the hydrophobic functionalization of cellulose microfibrils using the Passerini three-component reaction

The aqueous catalyst-free one-pot Passerini 3-component reaction (P-3CR) was employed for the functionalization of dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) derived from the periodate oxidation of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with insights provided by 13C and 15N CP-MAS NMR and FTIR analyses. The kinetics of the P-3CR revealed rapid progress within the initial 2 h, reaching a plateau between 6 and 18 h. The reaction achieved a maximum degree of substitution (DS) with only 1 equivalent of carboxylic acid and isocyanide with respect to the number of aldehydes, therefore demonstrating the atom economy character of the P-3CR performed on MFC. Variable DS values (0.08 to 0.37) were achieved by altering the degree of oxidation of DAC (ranging from 0.48 to 1.1) when reacted with heptanoic acid and tert-butyl isocyanide. Additionally, aliphatic chain lengths of carboxylic acids from C4 to C11 were successfully used for the functionalization of DAC with distinct hydrophobic chains. Furthermore, while cosolvents negatively affected the DS when using heptanoic acid, a significant increase was observed in the case of undecanoic acid due to an improved solubility of the reagent. The aqueous medium P-3CR can thus be considered a versatile tool to tailor the functionalization of MFC and provide it with hydrophobicity.

Application of scoby bacterial cellulose as hydrocolloids on physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics of mango jam

BACKGROUND

The scoby pellicle of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast is a by-product from kombucha fermentation. While a portion is used as starter culture, the remainder is often discarded, yet it can be a valuable source of bacterial cellulose.

RESULTS

Scoby from black, green and oolong tea kombucha fermentation was assessed for its hydrocolloid effects in mango jam-making through evaluation of physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics. Quality of jam was significantly improved with water activity reduction up to 22.22% to 0.679, moisture content reduction up to 37.06% to 19.92%, and a pH drop up to 5.9% to 3.19 with the use of 20 to 100 g kg-1 scoby. In colour analysis, presence of scoby led to a brighter jam due to higherL * $$ {L}^{\ast } $$ values from 30.98 to a range of 31.82 to 40.83. Texture of jam with scoby gave higher gel strength and adhesiveness, with the most prominent effects from the black tea kombucha. Overall acceptability in sensory test scoring was above 70% on a nine-point hedonic scale with the 40 g kg-1 green tea kombucha scoby jam chosen as the most preferred.

CONCLUSION

Scoby gave significant contributions to jam stability, appearance and texture, showing potential as a clean-label food ingredient. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

From Field to Pharmacy: Isolation, Characterization and Tableting Behaviour of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Wheat and Corn Harvest Residues

A lack of strategies for the utilization of harvest residues (HRs) has led to serious environmental problems due to an accumulation of these residues or their burning in the field. In this study, wheat and corn HRs were used as feedstock for the production of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by treatment with 2-8% sodium hydroxide, 10% hydrogen peroxide and further hydrolysis with 1-2 M hydrochloric acid. The changes in the FT-IR spectra and PXRD diffractograms after chemical treatment confirmed the removal of most of the lignin, hemicellulose and amorphous fraction of cellulose. A higher degree of crystallinity was observed for MCC obtained from corn HRs, which was attributed to a more efficient removal of lignin and hemicellulose by a higher sodium hydroxide concentration, which facilitates the dissolution of amorphous cellulose during acid hydrolysis. MCC obtained from HRs exhibited lower bulk density and poorer flow properties but similar or better tableting properties compared to commercial MCC (CeolusTM PH101). The lower ejection and detachment stress suggests that MCC isolated from HRs requires less lubricant compared to commercial MCC. This study showed that MCC isolated from wheat and corn HRs exhibits comparable tableting behaviour like commercial sample, further supporting this type of agricultural waste utilization.

Strategic exploration of whole grain cereals in modulating the glycaemic response

In the current context, diabetes presents itself as a widespread and complex global health issue. This study explores the significant influence of food microstructure and food matrix components interaction (protein, lipid, polyphenols, etc.) on the starch digestibility and the glycaemic response of post-prandial glycemia, focusing on the potential effectiveness of incorporating bioactive components from whole grain cereals into dietary strategies for the management and potential prevention of diabetes. This study aims to integrate the regulation of postprandial glycaemic homeostasis, including the complexities of starch digestion, the significant potential of bioactive whole grain components and the impact of food processing, to develop a comprehensive framework that combines these elements into a strategic approach to diabetes nutrition. The convergence of these nutritional strategies is analyzed in the context of various prevalent dietary patterns, with the objective of creating an accessible approach to mitigate and prevent diabetes. The objective remains to coalesce these nutritional paradigms into a coherent strategy that not only addresses the current public health crisis but also threads a preventative approach to mitigate future prevalence and impact.

Eco-Friendly Lithium Separators: A Frontier Exploration of Cellulose-Based Materials

Lithium-ion batteries, as an excellent energy storage solution, require continuous innovation in component design to enhance safety and performance. In this review, we delve into the field of eco-friendly lithium-ion battery separators, focusing on the potential of cellulose-based materials as sustainable alternatives to traditional polyolefin separators. Our analysis shows that cellulose materials, with their inherent degradability and renewability, can provide exceptional thermal stability, electrolyte absorption capability, and economic feasibility. We systematically classify and analyze the latest advancements in cellulose-based battery separators, highlighting the critical role of their superior hydrophilicity and mechanical strength in improving ion transport efficiency and reducing internal short circuits. The novelty of this review lies in the comprehensive evaluation of synthesis methods and cost-effectiveness of cellulose-based separators, addressing significant knowledge gaps in the existing literature. We explore production processes and their scalability in detail, and propose innovative modification strategies such as chemical functionalization and nanocomposite integration to significantly enhance separator performance metrics. Our forward-looking discussion predicts the development trajectory of cellulose-based separators, identifying key areas for future research to overcome current challenges and accelerate the commercialization of these green technologies. Looking ahead, cellulose-based separators not only have the potential to meet but also to exceed the benchmarks set by traditional materials, providing compelling solutions for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries.

Pathways in formulating foods for the elderly

The growth of the elderly population worldwide is posing significant challenges to human society. The progressive physical and physiological changes occur with aging, including decreased appetite, incomplete digestion, and reduced absorption of nutrients. A common feature of many elderly people's diets is a deficiency in proteins (especially easily digestible ones) and micronutrients (e.g., vitamins, zinc, iron, and calcium). One of the solutions to this problem is the incorporation of these components into suitably texture-modified foods. There is a dearth of products that meet the needs of the elderly with special medical/health conditions such as dysphagia, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as those who are in hospital and palliative care. Future research and development of foods for the elderly must address specific dietary needs of different subgroups of elderly people with underlying health conditions. The existence of different physical and physiological stages of the elderly means that their specific dietary requirements must be considered. This review summarizes current knowledge on nutritional requirements including those with underlying health problems and outlines the research and innovation pathways for developing new foods considering nutrition, texture, flavor, and other sensory aspects.

Improvement of Surimi Gel from Frozen-Stored Silver Carp

Silver Carp (SC) is an under-utilized, invasive species in North American river systems. In this study, the synergistic effects of manufactured Microfiber (MMF), Transglutaminase (TG), and chicken skin collagen (CLG)) to enhance surimi gel quality from frozen SC were studied. The gel strength, textural properties, rheological properties, water-holding capacity (WHC), water mobility, microstructure, and protein composition of the gel samples were determined to assess the impact of the additives individually and synergistically. The results suggested that TG had the most pronounced effect on the surimi gel properties by promoting protein cross-linking. Synergistic effects between TG, MMF, and CLG can bring effective gel property enhancement larger than the individual effect of each additive alone. With the established response-surface models, the combination of CLG and MMF can be optimized to produce surimi gels with less TG but comparable in properties to that of the optimal result with high TG usage. The findings of this study provided a technical foundation for making high-quality surimi gel products out of frozen-stored SC with synergistic utilization of additives, which could serve as guidelines for the industrial development of new surimi products.

Effects of two celery fibers on the structural properties and digestibility of glutinous rice starch: A comparative study

The present study focused on the extraction of water-soluble dietary fiber (CSDF) and water-insoluble dietary fiber (CIDF) from celery. It investigated their effects on glutinous rice starch's (GRS) physicochemical, structural, and digestive properties. The results showed that as the addition of the two dietary fibers increased, they compounded with GRS to varying degrees, with the complexing index reaching 69.41 % and 60.81 %, respectively. The rheological results indicated that the two dietary fibers reduced the viscosity of GRS during pasting and inhibited the short-term regrowth of starch. The FTIR and XRD results revealed that the two fibers interacted with GRS through hydrogen bonding, effectively inhibiting starch retrogradation. Furthermore, both fibers increased the pasting temperature of GRS, thus delaying its pasting and exhibiting better thermal stability. Regarding digestibility, the starch gels containing dietary fibers exhibited significantly reduced digestibility, with RS significantly increased by 8.15 % and 8.95 %, respectively. This study provides insights into the interaction between two dietary fibers and GRS during processing. It enriches the theoretical model of dietary fiber-starch interaction and provides a reference for the application development of starch-based functional foods.

Health and toxicological effects of nanocellulose when used as a food ingredient: A review

The use of nanocellulose (NC) has increased significantly in the food industry, as subtypes such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) or bacterial cellulose (BC) have been demonstrated to be a source of insoluble fiber with important benefits for human health. Despite these advantages, and due to its nanoscale size, NC must be assessed from a safety perspective that considers its exposure, fate, and biological effects in order to help more accurately estimate its potential hazards. The exposure routes of humans to NC include (i) ingestion during consumption of foods that contain cellulose as a food ingredient or (ii) contact of food with cellulose-containing materials, such as its packaging. That is why it is important to understand the potentially toxic effects that nanomaterials can have on human health, understanding that the different types of NC behave differently in terms of their ingestion, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. By analysing both in vitro and in vivo studies, the purpose of this paper is to present the most recent findings on the different types of NC and their safety when used in food. In addition, it provides an overview of relevant studies into NC and its health benefits when used as a food additive.

Enterosorbents in complex therapy of food allergies: a focus on digestive disorders and systemic toxicity in children

The review analyzes mechanisms and concomitant factors in developing IgE-associated allergic diseases provoked by food allergens and discusses clinical symptoms and current approaches for the treatment of food allergies. The expediency of using enterosorbents in complex therapy of food allergies and skin and respiratory manifestations associated with gastroenterological disorders is substantiated. The review summarizes the experience of using enterosorbents in post-Soviet countries to detoxify the human body. In this regard, special attention is paid to the enterosorbent White Coal (Carbowhite) based on silicon dioxide produced by the Ukrainian company OmniFarma.

Modification of Konjac Biodegradable Material Using Deacetylation and Reinforcement Process for Its Applications in Food Packaging

Common konjac flour, especially of low grade, is a waste material produced in large quantities during purification of konjac glucomannan (KGM). It contains impurities, particularly oxalate salts, which irritate and may cause kidney stones. Konjac flour has glucomannan as a main component. Glucomannan is characterized by low crystallinity, high thermostability, and the ability to form a strong gel. Subsequently, glucomannan has good potential for the production of biodegradable material. However, its high-water affinity limits its use in packaging. The deacetylated by thermal forming process and reinforced konjac flour with 15% and 20% of microcrystalline cellulose showed improved water absorption and thermal properties of the specimen. Moreover, the thermal forming process resulted in the reduction of soluble oxalate. Therefore, due to the conditions used in this experiment, the material will be stronger, more waterproof properties, and more highly resistant to temperatures, so it is suitable to be used as a packaging that is environmentally friendly.

Microcrystalline Cellulose Isolation and Impregnation with Sappan Wood Extracts as Antioxidant Dietary Fiber for Bread Preparation

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has gained considerable attention as a functional ingredient in bread making. This work demonstrates the isolation of MCC from sugar cane bagasse (SCB) for preparing bread. The effect of MCC on bread attributes and antioxidant activity by impregnation with sappan wood extract (SAP) was evaluated. The highest crystallinity index and suitable size of MCC were achieved at 85 °C under 90 min hydrolysis condition. Increasing MCC/SAP levels in bread showed a significant increase in bread color with decreases in the specific volume and baking loss. There was a positive correlation between bread texture and the MCC/SAP level. The addition of MCC/SAP interfered with the bread hardness. Low MCC/SAP levels have no effect on springiness and cohesiveness; however, 4% MCC/SAP has significantly decreased these attributes, with the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Therefore, MCC can be functionalized with SAP as an antioxidant fiber additive for health benefits in bakery products.

Inhibition of α-amylase and amyloglucosidase by cellulose nanofibrils with different surface charge and spectroscopic analysis of their interaction mechanism

We investigated the inhibition effect of carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils with four different surface chargeon α-amylase and amyloglucosidase via enzyme activity inhibition assay, fluorescence spectra and secondary structure change analysis. These results revealed that cellulose nanofibril with lowest surface charge displayed the greatest inhibition effects against α-amylase (9.81 mg/mL) and amyloglucosidase (13.16 mg/mL). All cellulose nanofibrils in starch model significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the starch digestion, where the inhibition effect was negatively correlated with the magnitude of particle surface charge. Cellulose nanofibrils could bind α-amylase or amyloglucosidase to form new complex in the manner of static quenching. The thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the cellulose nanofibrils-starch hydrolase (α-amylase or amyloglucosidase) complexes were formed spontaneously via hydrophobic effects. Additionally, Fourier transform Infrared spectra exhibited the changes in the fraction of secondary structures of starch hydrolase after the interactions with carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils. These data provide a convenient and simple method tailor gastrointestinal digestion of starch by changing cellulose surface charge, to control postprandial serum glucose upsurge.

Harnessing Nature's Ingenuity: A Comprehensive Exploration of Nanocellulose from Production to Cutting-Edge Applications in Engineering and Sciences

Primary material supply is the heart of engineering and sciences. The depletion of natural resources and an increase in the human population by a billion in 13 to 15 years pose a critical concern regarding the sustainability of these materials; therefore, functionalizing renewable materials, such as nanocellulose, by possibly exploiting their properties for various practical applications, has been undertaken worldwide. Nanocellulose has emerged as a dominant green natural material with attractive and tailorable physicochemical properties, is renewable and sustainable, and shows biocompatibility and tunable surface properties. Nanocellulose is derived from cellulose, the most abundant polymer in nature with the remarkable properties of nanomaterials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the methods used for nanocellulose preparation, structure-property and structure-property correlations, and the application of nanocellulose and its nanocomposite materials. This article differentiates the classification of nanocellulose, provides a brief account of the production methods that have been developed for isolating nanocellulose, highlights a range of unique properties of nanocellulose that have been extracted from different kinds of experiments and studies, and elaborates on nanocellulose potential applications in various areas. The present review is anticipated to provide the readers with the progress and knowledge related to nanocellulose. Pushing the boundaries of nanocellulose further into cutting-edge applications will be of particular interest in the future, especially as cost-effective commercial sources of nanocellulose continue to emerge.

The Influence of Starch Sweeteners on Functional Properties of Cellulose Fat Mimetics: Rheological and Textural Aspects

Starch sweeteners are commonly used in many confectionery food products. Usually, considering the trend of producing low-energy and low-fat products, these products include fat mimetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fructose sweeteners on the development of functional properties of MCG fat mimetic, such as rheological and textural behavior. Fat mimetics made from Microcrystalline cellulose gel (MCG) consist of colloidal microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and were observed in five different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10%). The amount of starch sweetener in the mixture with the fat mimetics was 20%. The effect of pure crystalline fructose and a mixture of crystalline-fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in a ratio of 1:1 was analyzed. Rheological parameters significantly decreased with the application of starch sweeteners. By adding a mixture of starch sweeteners, this decrease was further increased by 10%. At higher gel concentrations of 5, 7, and 10%, the dominance of the elastic modulus G' was preserved. Texture parameters such as firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index were reduced accordingly. The presence of starch sweeteners significantly disrupted the networking of the three-dimensional structure of the MCG gel and the proper hydration process during the formation of fat mimetics.

Insight into the composite assembly process, nanofibril structure and stability of undenatured type II collagen in the presence of different types of nanocelluloses

Four types of nanocelluloses (CNs), including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), cationic etherified nanocellulose (CCNF) and TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose (TOCNF), were incorporated into the assembly process of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II). In the presence of CNs, the kinetics of UC-II composite assembly slightly fluctuated and the magnitude of UC-II assembly increased (from 59.93 to 66.83-85.06 %). CNC and CNF disrupted the triple helix structure of UC-II while CCNF and TOCNF had weak impact on it. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were dominant driving forces of UC-II/CNs, and electrostatic interactions were also involved in the fabrication of UC-II/CCNF and UC-II/TOCNF. UC-II/CNs exhibited distinct nanostructures due to the differences in shape, level, and surface group of CNs. CCNF and TOCNF contributed to the enhanced physical stability due to the increased surface charge. In addition, the thermal stability and rheological properties of UC-II/CNs were also improved. The composite assembly process, nanofibril structure and stability of UC-II in the presence of different types and levels of CNs, which was useful to develop the novel composite nanofibrils for the application in functional foods.

Preparation of microcrystalline cellulose from agricultural residues and their application as polylactic acid/microcrystalline cellulose composite films for the preservation of Lanzhou lily

Microcrystalline celluloses were isolated from four agricultural residues, including sweet sorghum stalk, Jerusalem artichoke stalk, grains stillage, and Chinese herb residue, and characterized in terms of physicochemical and structural properties. The obtained microcrystalline celluloses were composited with polylactic acid as a packing film for the preservation of Lanzhou lily. All the agricultural residues-derived microcrystalline celluloses were in cellulose I_β structure with high purity and good thermal stability. Microcrystalline celluloses from sweet sorghum stalk had a higher degree of polymerization (327) and crystallinity (70.52 %) than others. The preservation effect of lily bulbs packaged by films were significantly improved indicated by the lessened weight loss rate and the meliorative hardness and whiteness, which ascribe to the repressed oxidation reactions. Polylactic acid/microcrystalline cellulose composite films prepared from sweet sorghum straw have been proved the most effective. This work could offer a value-added outlet for agricultural residues to produce microcrystalline celluloses-based biocompatible films for preservation of Lanzhou lily.

Chromatographic fractionation of food-grade oligosaccharides: Recognizing and avoiding sensory-relevant impurities

Flash chromatography utilizing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) stationary phases and aqueous ethanol mobile phases have shown promise for the production of food-grade oligosaccharides. The current work extends the scope of these systems by demonstrating their use for the production of food-grade maltooligosaccharide preparations enriched in high degree of polymerization (DP) components. Furthermore, it is shown herein that caution must be exercised when using these MCC-based chromatographic systems in order to avoid sensory-relevant contamination of the final oligosaccharide preparations. Such contamination, most notably off-taste, is shown to arise from impurities common to commercially available MCC that manifest under certain chromatographic scenarios. A mitigation strategy based on washing the stationary phase with appropriate aqueous-ethanol solutions (i.e., accounting for the entire mobile phase concentration range) prior to oligosaccharide fractionation is presented as a means by which to avoid contamination.

Alterations in the rumen bacterial communities and metabolites of finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets supplemented with active dry yeast and yeast culture

This study investigated the effects of active dry yeast (ADY) and yeast culture (YC) supplementation on rumen bacteria and metabolites in finishing bulls fed high-concentrate diets using the full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Supplementation with ADY improved the alpha diversity and relative abundance of rumen bacteria, while YC only affected relative abundance of rumen bacteria at the genus level. Sixty-three differential metabolites were identified in rumen fluid after ADY supplementation, and 17 after YC. PICRUSt2 functional prediction showed that ADY supplementation improved the capacity of amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, and energy metabolism in rumen bacteria (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the rumen differential metabolites following ADY supplementation were mainly related to Oligosphaera, Verruc, Mycoplasma, and Anaeroplasma. Supplementation with ADY was more effective than YC in remodeling the rumen bacterial flora structure and metabolite composition under high-concentrate diets.

Natural carriers: Recent advances in their use to improve the stability and bioaccessibility of food active compounds

In the last decades, the incorporation of bioactive compounds in food supplements aroused the attention of scientists. However, these ingredients often exhibit both low solubility and stability and their poor bioaccessibility within the gastrointestinal tract limits their effectiveness. To overcome these drawbacks, many carriers have been investigated for encapsulating nutraceuticals and enhancing their bioavailability. It is note that several different vegetable wall materials have been applied to build delivery systems. Considering their encapsulation mechanism, lipid and protein-based carriers display specific interaction patterns with bioactives, whereas polysaccharidic-based carriers can entrap them by creating porous highly stable networks. To maximize the encapsulation efficiency, mixed systems are very promising. Following the current goal of using natural and sustainable ingredients, only a limited number of studies about the isolation of new ingredients from agro-food waste are available. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the state of art in the development of innovative natural lipid-, protein- and polysaccharide-based plant carriers is presented, focusing on their application as food active compounds. Different aspects to be considered in the design of delivery systems are discussed, including the carrier structure and chemical features, the interaction between the encapsulating and the core material, and the parameters affecting bioactives entrapment.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic of Curcuminoids Formulations with an Omega-3 Fatty Acids Monoglyceride Carrier: A Randomized Cross-Over Triple-Blind Study

There is a growing interest for curcuminoids in the general population and the scientific research community. Curcuminoids, derived from turmeric spice, are lipophiles and therefore have a low solubility in water which hence have a low bioavailability in the human plasma. To circumvent this issue, a natural product developed by Biodroga Nutraceuticals combined curcuminoids with omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) esterified in monoglycerides (MAG). The objective was to perform a 24 h pharmacokinetics in humans receiving a single dose of curcuminoid formulated by three different means, and to compare their plasma curcuminoids concentration. Sixteen males and fifteen females tested three formulations: 400 mg of curcuminoids powder extract, 400 mg of curcuminoids in rice oil and 400 mg of curcuminoids with 1 g MAG-OM3. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 24 h post dose intake. Plasma samples were analyzed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Twenty-four hours after a single dose intake, the total plasma curcuminoids area under the curve (AUC) reached 166.8 ± 17.8 ng/mL*h, 134.0 ± 12.7 ng/mL*h and 163.1 ± 15.3 ng/mL*h when curcuminoids were provided with MAG-OM3, with rice oil or in powder, respectively. The C_max of total curcuminoids reached between 11.9-17.7 ng/mL at around 4 h (T_max). One-hour post-dose, the curcuminoids plasma concentration was 40% higher in participants consuming the MAG-OM3 compared to the other formulations. Thus, in a young population, plasma curcuminoids 24 h pharmacokinetics and its increase shortly after the single dose intake were higher when provided with MAG-OM3 than rice oil.

Recent Progress on Tailoring the Biomass-Derived Cellulose Hybrid Composite Photocatalysts

Biomass-derived cellulose hybrid composite materials are promising for application in the field of photocatalysis due to their excellent properties. The excellent properties between biomass-derived cellulose and photocatalyst materials was induced by biocompatibility and high hydrophilicity of the cellulose components. Biomass-derived cellulose exhibited huge amount of electron-rich hydroxyl group which could promote superior interaction with the photocatalyst. Hence, the original sources and types of cellulose, synthesizing methods, and fabrication cellulose composites together with applications are reviewed in this paper. Different types of biomasses such as biochar, activated carbon (AC), cellulose, chitosan, and chitin were discussed. Cellulose is categorized as plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose, algae cellulose, and tunicate cellulose. The extraction and purification steps of cellulose were explained in detail. Next, the common photocatalyst nanomaterials including titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and graphene, were introduced based on their distinct structures, advantages, and limitations in water treatment applications. The synthesizing method of TiO2-based photocatalyst includes hydrothermal synthesis, sol-gel synthesis, and chemical vapor deposition synthesis. Different synthesizing methods contribute toward different TiO2 forms in terms of structural phases and surface morphology. The fabrication and performance of cellulose composite catalysts give readers a better understanding of the incorporation of cellulose in the development of sustainable and robust photocatalysts. The modifications including metal doping, non-metal doping, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) showed improvements on the degradation performance of cellulose composite catalysts. The information and evidence on the fabrication techniques of biomass-derived cellulose hybrid photocatalyst and its recent application in the field of water treatment were reviewed thoroughly in this review paper.

Novel Features of Cellulose-Based Films as Sustainable Alternatives for Food Packaging

Packaging plays an important role in food quality and safety, especially regarding waste and spoilage reduction. The main drawback is that the packaging industry is among the ones that is highly dependent on plastic usage. New alternatives to conventional plastic packaging such as biopolymers-based type are mandatory. Examples are cellulose films and its derivatives. These are among the most used options in the food packaging due to their unique characteristics, such as biocompatibility, environmental sustainability, low price, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. Emerging concepts such as active and intelligent packaging provides new solutions for an extending shelf-life, and it fights some limitations of cellulose films and improves the properties of the packaging. This article reviews the available cellulose polymers and derivatives that are used as sustainable alternatives for food packaging regarding their properties, characteristics, and functionalization towards active properties enhancement. In this way, several types of films that are prepared with cellulose and their derivatives, incorporating antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, are herein described, and discussed.

Co-processed tablet excipient composition, its preparation and use: US10071059 B2: patent spotlight

Co-processing involves the incorporation of one excipients into the particle structure of other excipients to overcome the deficiencies of each excipients. The current patent describes the co-processing of microcrystalline cellulose and mannitol via fluid bed agglomeration with an aim to limit the use of lubricant in tablet composition. The co-processed excipients blend was compared with the physical blend of excipients and characterized for scanning electron microscopy, disintegration and hardness. The average particle size of co-processed excipients was less than 0.55 mm, characterized by large individual lactose coated particles whereas, the physical blend particles are uncoated and irregular in shape. Tablets made from both physical blend and co-processed excipients were compared. As per the hardness and disintegration studies, with increase in mixing time of excipients both hardness and disintegration time decreases.

Dietary fibers with low hydration properties exacerbate diarrhea and impair intestinal health and nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets

Background

This study aimed to investigate the hydration properties of different-source fibrous materials by comparing their water-binding capacity (WBC), water swelling capacity (WSC), viscosity, and in vivo effects of selected samples on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, diarrhea, and intestinal health in weaned piglets.

Methods

A total of 13 commercially available fibrous materials were first compared in chemical composition and in vitro hydration property. Subsequently, 40 weaned piglets were randomized to five experimental dietary groups (8 piglets per group): control diet (a basal diet without dietary fiber, CON), basal diet supplemented with 5% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), 5% wheat bran (WB), 5% Moringaoleifera leaf powder (MOLP), or 5% sugar beet pulp (SBP), followed by analyzing their growth performance and diarrhea rate in a 28-d experiment. After the feeding experiment, anaesthetized piglets were killed, and their intestinal and colon content or plasma samples were analyzed in nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bacterial population.

Results

In vitro studies showed low hydration properties for WB and MCC, while medium hydration properties for MOLP and SBP. In vivo studies indicated that compared with medium hydration property groups, low hydration property groups showed (1) exacerbated diarrhea, impaired intestinal health, and reduced apparent fecal digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber; (2) decreased SCFAs concentration and relative levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but increased levels of Escherichia coli and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in colon contents. Additionally, SBP showed optimal performance in reducing diarrhea and increasing SCFAs production. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation of fiber hydration properties with in vitro SCFAs production, and diarrhea index and nutrient digestibility were negatively and positively correlated with SCFAs levels in the colon contents of weaned piglets, respectively.

Conclusions

Different-source dietary fibers varied in their hydration properties and impacts on diarrhea, microbial composition and SCFAs production in weaned piglets. WB and MCC could exacerbate diarrhea and impair nutrient digestibility, probably because their low hydration properties were detrimental to gut microbial homeostasis and fermentation. Our findings provide new ideas for rational use of fiber resources in weaned piglets.

Comparison of cellulose derivatives for Ca2+ and Zn2+ adsorption: Binding behavior and in vivo bioavailability

Cellulose with distinct colloidal states exhibited different adsorption capability for ions and whether the intake of cellulose would bring positive or negative influence on the mineral bioavailability is inconclusive. This work investigated the binding behavior of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), TEMPO-oxidized nanofibrillated/nanocrystalline cellulose (TOCNF/TOCNC), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with Ca²⁺and Zn²⁺ and compared their effects on mineral bioavailability in vitro and in vivo. The results suggested that CMC displayed a higher adsorption capability (36.6 mg g^-1 for Ca²⁺ and 66.2 mg g^-1 for Zn²⁺) than the other types of cellulose because of the strong interaction between carboxyl groups of cellulose and the ions. Although the cellulose derivatives had adverse effects on ion adsorption in vitro, the fermentability endowed by TOCNF/TOCNC counterbalanced the negative impacts in vivo. The findings suggested that the colloidal states of cellulose affected the bioavailability of minerals and could provide useful guidance for applications of specific cellulose.

Lipase Catalyzed Transesterification of Model Long-Chain Molecules in Double-Shell Cellulose-Coated Oil-in-Water Emulsion Particles as Microbioreactors

Lipase-catalyzed transesterification is prevalent in industrial production and is an effective alternative to chemical catalysis. However, due to lipases' unique structure, the reaction requires a biphasic system, which suffers from a low reaction efficiency caused by a limited interfacial area. The use of emulsion particles was found to be an effective way to increase the surface area and activity. This research focuses on cellulose as a natural surfactant for oil-in-water emulsions and evaluates the ability of lipase, introduced into the emulsion's aqueous phase, to integrate with the emulsion microparticles and catalyze the transesterification reaction of high molecular weight esters dissolved in the particles' cores. Cellulose-coated emulsion particles' morphology was investigated by light, fluorescence and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, which reveal the complex emulsion structure. Lipase activity was evaluated by measuring the hydrolysis of emulsified p-nitrophenyl dodecanoate and by the transesterification of emulsified methyl laurate and oleyl alcohol dissolved in decane. Both experiments demonstrated that lipase introduced in the aqueous medium can penetrate the emulsion particles, localize at the inner oil core interface and perform effective catalysis. Furthermore, in this system, lipase successfully catalyzed a transesterification reaction rather than hydrolysis, despite the dominant presence of water.

Characterizations of Alpha-Cellulose and Microcrystalline Cellulose Isolated from Cocoa Pod Husk as a Potential Pharmaceutical Excipient

Cellulose is a non-toxic, bio-degradable, and renewable biopolymer which is abundantly available in nature. The most common source of commercial microcrystalline cellulose is fibrous wood pulp. Cellulose and its derivatives have found wide commercial applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, paper, textile, and engineering industries. This study aims to isolate and characterize cellulose forms from cocoa pod husk (CPH) and to assess its mechanical and disintegration properties as a direct compression excipient in metronidazole tablets. Two isolated cellulose types (i.e., cocoa alpha-cellulose (CAC) and cocoa microcrystalline cellulose (C-MCC)) were compared with avicel (AV). CAC and C-MCC were characterized for their physicochemical properties using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD). Metronidazole tablets were produced by direct compression with cellulose. The mechanical and disintegration properties of the tablets were evaluated. CAC and C-MCC yield was 42.3% w/w and 38.25% w/w, respectively. Particle diameters were significantly different with CAC (282.22 μm) > C-MCC (161.32 μm) > AV (72.51 μm). CAC and C-MCC had a better flow than AV. SEM revealed the fibrous nature of the cellulose. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose with crystallinity index of 69.26%, 43.83%, and 26.32% for AV, C-MCC, and CAC, respectively. C-MCC and AV are more crystalline and thermally stable at high temperatures compared to CAC. The mechanical and disintegration properties of C-MCC and AV tablets complied with pharmacopeia specifications. Taken together, C-MCC isolated from CPH displayed some fundamental characteristics suitable for use as a pharmaceutical excipient and displayed better properties compared to that of AV.

Influence of native cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and soluble cellodextrin on inhibition of starch digestibility

Cellulose is a major component of dietary fiber and it is proved to influence starch digestibility. The effects of native cellulose (NC), microcrystalline cellulose (MC), soluble cellodextrin (SC) on starch digestion have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, three types of cellulose with representative molecular weights (NC, 422500 Da; MC, 27750 Da; SC, 2202 Da) were prepared and their effects on starch digestion, glucose diffusion, α-amylase and amyloglucosidase activity were compared. The results suggested SC inhibited starch digestibility to a greater degree than those of NC and MC. When addition of SC reached 3 %, rapidly digestible starch proportion decreased from 31.2 % to 11.3 % and resistant starch proportion increased from 15.0 % to 58.0 %. Notably, hindrance effects of SC on glucose diffusion were higher than those of NC and MC. Moreover, SC reduced activity of α-amylase and amyloglucosidase to a larger extent than those of MC and NC. With the effect of starch digestion inhibition, NC, MC and SC could be utilized as functional food ingredients. Especially, the soluble property and the highest starch digestion inhibition ability of SC favors its application in food industry.

Cellulose-Based Scattering Enhancers for Light Management Applications

To manipulate the light-matter interaction effectively, we often rely on high refractive index inorganic nanoparticles. Such materials are contained essentially in everything that looks colorful or white: from paints to coatings but also in processed food, toothpaste, and cosmetic products. As these nanoparticles can accumulate in the human body and environment, there is a strong need to replace them with more biocompatible counterparts. In this work, we introduce various types of cellulose-based microparticles (CMPs) of four sizes with optimized dimensions for efficient light scattering that can replace traditional inorganic particles. We demonstrate that the produced materials can be exploited as highly efficient scattering enhancers, with designed optical performance. Finally, exploiting these cellulose colloids, we fabricated scattering materials and high transmittance/haze films with record performances with respect to the state-of-the-art values. The renewable and biocompatible nature of our systems, combined with their excellent optical properties, allows for the use of our cellulose-based particles in paints, LEDs, and solar cell devices and especially in applications where the biocompatibility of the component is essential, such as in food and pharmaceutical coatings.

The Extraction, Functionalities and Applications of Plant Polysaccharides in Fermented Foods: A Review

Plant polysaccharides, as prebiotics, fat substitutes, stabilizers, thickeners, gelling agents, thickeners and emulsifiers, have been immensely studied for improving the texture, taste and stability of fermented foods. However, their biological activities in fermented foods are not yet properly addressed in the literature. This review summarizes the classification, chemical structure, extraction and purification methods of plant polysaccharides, investigates their functionalities in fermented foods, especially the biological activities and health benefits. This review may provide references for the development of innovative fermented foods containing plant polysaccharides that are beneficial to health.