Analysis of a new type of high pressure homogeniser. A study of the flow pattern

Design and advanced characterization of quercetin-loaded nano-liposomes prepared by high-pressure homogenization

Quercetin-loaded nano-liposomes were prepared by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) at different pressures (up to 150 MPa) and number of passes (up to 3) to define the best processing conditions allowing the lowest particle size and the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE). The process at 150 MPa for 1 pass was the best, producing quercetin-loaded liposomes with the lowest particle size and 42% EE. Advanced techniques (multi-detector asymmetrical-flow field flow fractionation and analytical ultracentrifugation combined with transmission electron microscopy) were further used for the characterization of the liposomes which were oblong in shape (ca. 30 nm). Results highlight the need for several techniques to study nano-sized, polydisperse samples. The potential of quercetin-loaded liposomes against colon cancer cells was demonstrated. Results prove that HPH is an efficient and sustainable method for liposome preparation and highlight the remarkable role of process optimisation as well as the powerfulness of advanced methodologies for the characterisation of nano-structures.

Thermal and Modern, Non-Thermal Method Induction as a Factor of Modification of Inulin Hydrogel Properties

The aim of the study was to compare the properties of inulin hydrogels obtained with different methods, e.g., the traditional-thermal method and new, non-thermal methods, used in food production, like ultrasonic, high-pressure homogenization (HPH), and high hydrostatic pressures (HHPs). It was found that each of the compared induction methods allowed for obtaining inulin hydrogels. However, the use of non-thermal induction methods allows for obtaining a gel structure faster than in the case of thermal induction. In addition, hydrogels obtained with new, non-thermal methods differ from gels obtained with thermal treatment. They were characterized by higher stability (from 1.7 percent point-of-stability parameters for HHP 150 MPa to 18.8 for HPH II cycles) and in most cases, by improved microrheological properties-lower solid-liquid balance toward the solid phase, increased elasticity and viscosity indexes, and lowering the flow index. The gels obtained with the new, non-thermal method were also characterized by a more delicate structure, including lower firmness (the differences between thermal and non-thermal inductions were from 0.73 N for HHP at 500 MPa to 2.39 N for HHP at 150 MPa) and spreadability (the differences between thermal and non-thermal inductions were from 7.60 Ns for HHP at 500 MPa to 15.08 Ns for HHP at 150 MPa). The color of ultrasound-induced inulin gels, regarding the HPH and HHP technique, was darker (the differences in the L* parameter between thermal and non-thermal inductions were from 1.92 for HHP at 500 MPa to 4.37 for 10 min ultrasounds) and with a lower a* color parameter (the differences in the a* parameter between thermal and non-thermal inductions were from 0.16 for HHP at 500 MPa to 0.39 for HPH II cycles) and b* color parameter (the differences in the b* parameter between thermal and non-thermal inductions were from 1.69 for 5 min ultrasounds to 2.68 for HPH II cycles). It was also found that among the compared induction methods, the high-pressure technique has the greatest potential for modifying the properties of the created inulin hydrogels. Thanks to its application, depending on the amount of applied pressure, it was possible to obtain gels with very different characteristics, both delicate (i.e., soft and spreadable), using HHP at 150 MPa, and hard, using HHP at 500 MPa, the closest in characteristics to gels induced with the thermal method. This may allow the properties of hydrogels to be matched to the characteristics of the food matrix being created.

Modifications to structural, techno-functional and rheological properties of sesame protein isolate by high pressure homogenization

In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of high pressure homogenization (HPH) at a pressure up to 150 MPa on microstructural, techno-functional and rheological properties of sesame protein isolate (SPI). HPH treatment caused a partial change in the secondary structure of SPI, however, the changes in surface hydrophobicity and free -SH groups, indicating HPH had significant effect on the tertiary structure. After the HPH treatment, the particles dispersed homogeneously with more rougher surface. Sesame proteins had the smallest particle size (0.79 μm) and highest zeta potential (38.83 mV) at 100 MPa pressure. The most developed water/oil holding capacity, emulsification and foaming properties were achieved at 100 MPa pressure. However, the maximum stable foam formation (83.33 %) was determined at 150 MPa pressure. When the shear rate is fixed as 50 1/s, an increase in the viscosity value of the samples treated with 100 and 150 MPa pressure was detected compared to the control sample, while the lowest viscosity was determined the ones treated at 50 MPa. In all samples except 50 MPa pressure-treated proteins, viscoelastic character became dominant with increasing frequency (G' > G″). Modification with HPH resulted in a decrease of about 15 °C in the gelation temperature of SPI.

Nanostructured steady-state nanocarriers for nutrients preservation and delivery

Food bioactives possess specific physiological benefits of preventing certain diet-related chronic diseases or maintain human health. However, the limitations of the bioactives are their poor stability, lower water solubility and unacceptable bioaccessibility. Structure damage or degradation is often found for the bioactives under certain environmental conditions like high temperature, strong light, extreme pH or high oxygen concentration during food processing, packaging, storage and absorption. Nanostructured steady-state nanocarriers have shown great potential in overcoming the drawbacks for food bioactives. Various delivery systems including solid form delivery system, liquid form delivery system and encapsulation technology have been developed. The embedded food nutrients can largely decrease the loss and degradation during food processing, packaging and storage. The design and application of stimulus and targeted delivery systems can improve the stability, bioavailability and efficacy of the food bioactives upon oral consumption due to enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. The food nutrients encapsulated in the smart delivery system can be well protected against degradation during oral administration, thus improving the bioavailability and releazing controlled or targeted release for food nutrients. The encapsulated food bioactives show great potential in nutrition therapy for sub-health status and disease. Much effort is required to design and prepare more biocompatible nanostructured steady-state nanocarriers using food-grade protein or polysaccharides as wall materials, which can be used in food industry and maintain the human health.

Recent Patents and Potential Applications of Homogenisation Techniques in Drug Delivery Systems

BACKGROUND

The term homogenise means "to force or provide coalesce". Homogenisation is a process to attain homogenous particle size. The objective of the homogenisation process is to use fluid force to split the fragments or tiny particles contained in the fluids into very small dimensions and form a sustainable dispersion suitable for further production.

METHODS

The databases were collected through Scopus, google patent, science web, google scholar, PubMed on the concept of homogenisation. The data obtained were systematically investigated.

RESULTS

The present study focus on the use of the homogenisation in drug delivery system. The aim of homogenisation process is to achieve the particle size in micro-and nano- range as it affects the different parameters in the formulation and biopharmaceutical profile of the drug. The particle size reduction plays a key role in influencing drug dissolution and absorption. The reduced particle size enhances the stability and therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Homogenization technology ensures to achieve effective, clinically efficient and targeted drug delivery with the minimal side effect.

CONCLUSION

Homogenization technology has been shown to be an efficient and easy method of size reduction to increase solubility and bioavailability, stability of drug carriers. This article gives an overview of the process attributes affecting the homogenization process, the patenting of homogeniser types, design, the geometry of valves and nozzles and its role in drug delivery.

A novel conversion of marine macroalgal biomass to biofuel (biohydrogen) via calcium hypochlorite induced dispersion

Environmental pollution due to the consumption of non-renewable energy lead the search for alternative eco-friendly renewable fuel. The study details the biohydrogen production efficiency by potential macroalgal (Ulva reticulata) biomass improved by a disperser combined with calcium hypochlorite pretreatment technology. Calcium hypochlorite was added to decrease the surface energy of the medium induced by sole disperser pretreatment. Optimum condition for algal disperser treatment was 10,000 rpm with 30 min as dispersion time. The specific energy spent for the disintegration of the macroalgal biomass was 1231.58 kJ/kg TS. COD solubilization rate of 11.79% was attained with mechanical pretreatment whereas increased to 20.23% with combined pretreatment. Combination of disperser with calcium hypochlorite significantly reduced the specific energy input spent to 500 kJ/kg TS. The amount of organic materials such as carbohydrates, proteins and lipids released were 680 mg/L, 283 mg/L and 136 mg/L respectively. Thus, the combinative pretreatment with disperser rotor speed (10,000 rpm) for pretreatment time (12 min) and calcium hypochlorite dosage (0.1 g/g) derived as optimum condition for effective solubilization of macroalgal biomass. Biohydrogen production potential was maximum in the macroalgae pretreated with both disperser and calcium hypochlorite recorded highest yield (54.6 mL H₂/g COD) compared to the macroalgae pretreated with disperser alone (31.7 mL H₂/g COD) and untreated macroalgae (11.5 mL H₂/g COD).

High-Pressure Homogenization and Biocontrol Agent as Innovative Approaches Increase Shelf Life and Functionality of Carrot Juice

Recently, application of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) treatments has been widely studied to improve shelf life and rheological and functional properties of vegetable and fruit juices. Another approach that has drawn the attention of researchers is the use of biocontrol cultures. Nevertheless, no data on their possible combined effect on fruit juices shelf life and functionality have been published yet. In this work, the microbial, organoleptic, and technological stability of extremely perishable carrot juice and its functionality were monitored for 12 and 7 days (stored at 4 and 10 °C, respectively) upon HPH treatment alone or in combination with a fermentation step using the biocontrol agent L. lactis LBG2. HPH treatment at 150 MPa for three passes followed by fermentation with L. lactis LBG2 extended the microbiological shelf life of the products of at least three and seven days when stored at 10 °C and 4 °C, respectively, compared to untreated or only HPH-treated samples. Moreover, the combined treatments determined a higher stability of pH and color values, and a better retention of β-carotene and lutein throughout the shelf-life period when compared to unfermented samples. Eventually, use of combined HPH and LBG2 resulted in the production of compounds having positive sensory impact on carrot juice.

Effect of a yeast autolysate produced by high pressure homogenization on white wine evolution during ageing

The enological characteristics and the performances of a yeast autolysate produced by high pressure homogenization (HPH-YD) were investigated for the first time in white wine and model solution, in comparison with a thermolysate (T-YD) and a commercial yeast derivative (COMM). In wine-like medium, HPH-YD showed a significant release of glucidic colloids (on average, slightly higher than the other products), also leading to a greater glutathione solubilization with respect to T-YD. Concerning the volatile composition of the autolysates, HPH-YD was characterized by the highest concentration of alcohols and esters, while showing an average amount of fatty acids, carbonyls and heterocyclic compounds lower than COMM. These features are potentially linked to a more favorable impact of this product on the composition of wine aroma, should these compounds be released into the wine itself. HPH-YD determined minor modifications on wine volatile profile when added for short contact times, without releasing unwanted compounds and with a slightly lower binding capacity towards wine esters. The effects of the three yeast derivatives (YDs) on wine color during ageing was also investigated in comparison with sulfur dioxide (SO₂). HPH-YD was the most efficient preparation, limiting wine color changes due to oxidation during four months and behaving more similarly to SO₂. The use of HPH for the production of yeast autolysates for winemaking may represent an interesting alternative to thermal treatments, improving the enological characteristics of these additives, particularly their antioxidant capacity, leading anyhow a significant release of colloidal molecules and a limited impact on wine aroma composition.

Application of high-pressure homogenization to tailor the functionalities of native wheat starch

BACKGROUND

The effect of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) on the rheological and thermal properties, water retention capacity (WRC), morphology and in vitro digestion of wheat starch was evaluated. Starch suspensions (50 g kg^-1 , w/w) were treated at increasing pressures (up to 100 MPa) and numbers of cycles (up to 5) to generate a wide range of energy densities (70-500 MJ m^-3 ) delivered to the sample during processing.

RESULTS

High-pressure homogenization induced a partial starch gelatinization confirmed by higher digestibility. Gelatinization degree (GD) was between 13% and 83%, causing a wide range of functional properties. High-pressure homogenization-treated starch samples showed WRC values of 810-1910 g kg^-1 . Storage modulus (G') and complex viscosity (η^* ) of starch dispersions were almost two and three times higher than the control at 13% and 83% GD, respectively. Positive linear relationships between GD (R = 0.98, P < 0.001), WRC (R = 0.87, P < 0.05), or rheological parameters (R = 0.89÷0.90, P < 0.01) and energy density of HPH treatments were found.

CONCLUSION

High-pressure homogenization treatment represents a promising technology to obtain wheat starch with tailored rheological properties and digestibility, which allows the texture and glycemic response of food products to be adjusted. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Continuous High-pressure Cooling-Assisted Homogenization Process for Stabilization of Apple Juice

The effect of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) at 100–200 MPa (with up to 5 passes) on the quality and storage stability of apple juice was investigated. The microbiological quality, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), polygalacturonase (PG) and pectinmethylesterase (PME) activity, particle size distribution (PSD), apparent viscosity, turbidity, concentration of vitamin C, individual polyphenols and their total content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and colour of fresh, HPH-treated apple juice were all evaluated. The highest reduction in microorganisms (1.4 log) and oxidoreductase activity (~20%) was observed at 200 MPa, while hydrolases did not change significantly. HPH led to significant disintegration of the tissue and a decrease in viscosity. Vitamin C decreased by 62%, while TPC increased by 20% after HPH. Significant correlations were observed between antioxidant activity, TPC, and individual polyphenols. Chlorogenic, ferulic, and gallic acid were most stable at 200 MPa. The optimal shelf-life of the juice was estimated as 7 days.

Light-Driven Nanodroplet Generation Using Porous Membranes

A simple, fast, and contactless alternative for the generation of nanodroplets in solution is to apply light to stimulate their formation at a surface. In this work, a light-driven mechanism for the generation of nanodroplets is demonstrated by using a porous membrane. The membrane is placed at the interface between oil and water during the nanodroplet generation process. As light illuminates the membrane a photothermal conversion process induces the growth and release of water vapor bubbles into the aqueous phase. This release leads to the fluctuation of local pressure around the pores and enables the generation of oil nanodroplets. A computational simulation of the fluid dynamics provides insight into the underlying mechanism and the extent to which it is possible to increase nanodroplet concentrations. The ability to form nanodroplets in solutions without the need for mechanical moving parts is significant for the diverse biomedical and chemical applications of these materials.

Impacts of thermal and non-thermal processing on structure and functionality of pectin in fruit- and vegetable- based products: A review

Pectin, a major polysaccharide found in the cell walls of higher plants, plays major roles in determining the physical and nutritional properties of fruit- and vegetable-based products. An in-depth understanding of the effects of processing operations on pectin structure and functionality is critical for designing better products. This review, therefore, focuses on the progress made in understanding the effects of processing on pectin structure, further on pectin functionality, consequently on product properties. The effects of processing on pectin structure are highly dependent on the processing conditions. Targeted control of pectin structure by applying various processing operations could enhance textural, rheological, nutritional properties and cloud stability of products. While it seems that optimizing product quality in terms of physical properties is counteracted by optimizing the nutritional properties. Therefore, understanding plant component biosynthesis mechanisms and processing mechanisms could be a major challenge to balance among the quality indicators of processed products.

High-pressure homogenization and high hydrostatic pressure processing of human milk: Preservation of immunological components for human milk banks

Human milk (HM) constitutes the first immunological barrier and the main source of nutrients and bioactive components for newborns. Immune factors comprise up to 10% of the protein content in HM, where antibodies are the major components (mainly IgA, IgG, and IgM). In addition, antibacterial enzymes such as lysozyme and immunoregulatory factors such as soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14) and transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) are also present and play important roles in the protection of the infant's health. Donor milk processed in HM banks by Holder pasteurization (HoP; 62.5°C, 30 min) is a safe and valuable resource for preterm newborns that are hospitalized, but is reduced in major immunological components due to thermal inactivation. We hypothesized that high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) are 2 processes that can be used on HM to reduce total bacteria counts while retaining immunological components. We studied the effects of HHP (400, 450, and 500 MPa for 5 min applied at 20°C) and HPH (200, 250, and 300 MPa, milk inlet temperature of 20°C) applied to mature HM, on microbiological and immunological markers (IgA, IgG, IgM, sCD14, and TGF-β2), and compared them with those of traditional HoP in HM samples from healthy donors. The HHP processing between 400 and 500 MPa at 20°C reduced counts of coliform and total aerobic bacteria to undetectable levels (<1.0 log cfu/mL) while achieving approximately 100% of immunological component retention. In particular, comparing median percentages of retention of immunological components for 450 MPa versus HoP, we found 101.5 versus 50.5% for IgA, 89.5 versus 26.0% for IgM, 104.5 versus 75.5% for IgG, 125.0 versus 72.5% for lysozyme, 50.6 versus 0.1% for sCD14, and 88.5 versus 61.1% for TGF-β2, respectively. Regarding HPH processing, at a pressure of 250 MPa and inlet temperature of 20°C, the process showed good potential to reduce coliforms to undetectable levels and total aerobic bacteria to levels slightly above those obtained by HoP. The median percentages of retention of immunological markers for HPH versus HoP were 71.5 versus 52.0%, 71.0 versus 27.0%, 104.0 versus 66.5%, and 30.9 versus 0.2%, for IgA, IgM, IgG, and sCD14, respectively; results did not significantly differ for lysozyme and TGF-β2. The HPH at 300 MPa produced higher inactivation of immunological components, similar to values achieved with HoP.

Lactobacillus paracasei A13 and High-Pressure Homogenization Stress Response

Sub-lethal high-pressure homogenization treatments applied to Lactobacillus paracasei A13 demonstrated to be a useful strategy to enhance technological and functional properties without detrimental effects on the viability of this strain. Modification of membrane fatty acid composition is reported to be the main regulatory mechanisms adopted by probiotic lactobacilli to counteract high-pressure stress. This work is aimed to clarify and understand the relationship between the modification of membrane fatty acid composition and the expression of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis in Lactobacillus paracasei A13, before and after the application of different sub-lethal hyperbaric treatments. Our results showed that Lactobacillus paracasei A13 activated a series of reactions aimed to control and stabilize membrane fluidity in response to high-pressure homogenization treatments. In fact, the production of cyclic fatty acids was counterbalanced by the unsaturation and elongation of fatty acids. The gene expression data indicate an up-regulation of the genes accA, accC, fabD, fabH and fabZ after high-pressure homogenization treatment at 150 and 200 MPa, and of fabK and fabZ after a treatment at 200 MPa suggesting this regulation of the genes involved in fatty acids biosynthesis as an immediate response mechanism adopted by Lactobacillus paracasei A13 to high-pressure homogenization treatments to balance the membrane fluidity. Although further studies should be performed to clarify the modulation of phospholipids and glycoproteins biosynthesis since they play a crucial role in the functional properties of the probiotic strains, this study represents an important step towards understanding the response mechanisms of Lactobacillus paracasei A13 to sub-lethal high-pressure homogenization treatments.

Modifying the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Water-soluble Protein from Mussels by High-pressure Homogenization Treatment

This study investigated the changes in physicochemical and functional properties of water-soluble protein from mussels (MWP) induced by high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The results indicated that HPH treatment unfolded or disrupted the initial structure of MWP, exposing free sulfhydryl groups and buried hydrophobic groups. As the homogenization pressure increased, the aggregation of MWP particles gradually decreased. Moreover, protein solubility and dispersion stability increased in aqueous solution. Foaming and emulsifying properties were also improved. HPH treatment has proven to be an effective technique for enhancing the functional properties of shellfish protein, and 120 MPa was the optimum homogenization pressure to modify MWP.

Disperser coupled rhamnolipid disintegration of pulp and paper mill waste biosolid: Characterisation, methane production, energy assessment and cost analysis

In this study, the disintegration potential of disperser coupled rhamnolipid (RLD) was investigated on pulp and paper mill secondary sedimentation tank (PPST) sludge. Initially, RLD dosage and pH were optimized for liquefied organic content release. Maximal of liquefied organic content release of 2158 mg/L was attained at an optimized RLD dosage (0.009 g/g TS (Total solids), pH 10). To augment liquefaction of PPST sludge further, disperser and disperser coupled RLD methods were carried out. Disperser coupled RLD method has achieved maximal liquefaction rate (27%) and total suspended solids (TSS) reduction (20%) at 5128 kJ/kg TS when compared to disperser method. Subsequently, methane assay was performed in which disperser coupled RLD method yielded higher methane production of 295 mL/g VS (Volatile solids). Then, cost analysis was performed in which disperser coupled RLD method achieved a net profit of 134 $/ ton of PPST sludge.

Potential Applications of High Pressure Homogenization in Winemaking: A Review

High pressure homogenization (HPH) is an emerging technology with several possible applications in the food sector, such as nanoemulsion preparation, microbial and enzymatic inactivation, cell disruption for the extraction of intracellular components, as well as modification of food biopolymer structures to steer their functionalities. All these effects are attributable to the intense mechanical stresses, such as cavitation and shear forces, suffered by the product during the passage through the homogenization valve. The exploitation of the disruptive forces delivered during HPH was also recently proposed for winemaking applications. In this review, after a general description of HPH and its main applications in food processing, the survey is extended to the use of this technology for the production of wine and fermented beverages, particularly focusing on the effects of HPH on the inactivation of wine microorganisms and the induction of yeast autolysis. Further enological applications of HPH technology, such as its use for the production of inactive dry yeast preparations, are also discussed.

Application of high-pressure homogenization for improving the physicochemical, functional and rheological properties of myofibrillar protein

The present work investigated effects of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) pressure (0, 40, 80 and 120 MPa) on physicochemical, functional and rheological properties of clam myofibrillar protein (CMP). Results showed that HPH changed the CMP secondary and tertiary structures. Absolute zeta potential and protein solubility increased but particle size and turbidity of CMP decreased after HPH treatment. Both of emulsifying properties and foaming properties were significantly improved. The shear stress, apparent viscosity and the viscosity coefficients reduced, but flow index increased. Application of HPH improved the physicochemical, functional and rheological properties of CMP, and 120 MPa was the optimal pressure for modification.

(Ultra) High Pressure Homogenization Potential on the Shelf-Life and Functionality of Kiwifruit Juice

The increasing competition within the food industry sector makes the requisite of innovation in processes and products essential, leading to focus the interest on the application of new processing technologies including high pressure homogenization (HPH) and ultra high pressure homogenization (UHPH). In this context, the present research aimed at evaluating the effects of two UHPH treatments performed at 200 MPa for 2 and 3 cycles on quality and functionality of organic kiwifruit juice stored at three different temperatures, i.e., 5, 15, and 25°C. The results showed that only the treatment performed at 200 MPa for 3 cycles was able to significantly increase the shelf-life of organic kiwifruit juices when stored at refrigeration temperature, avoiding also phase separation that occurred in the sample treated at 0.1 MPa (control) after 20 days of refrigerated storage. The obtained data showed also that the highest applied pressure was able to increase some quality parameters of the juice such as viscosity and luminosity (L^∗) and increased the availability of total phenol content consequently enhancing the juice total antioxidant activity. The application of a treatment at 200 MPa for 3 cycles allowed to obtain a stable kiwifruit juice for more than 40 days under refrigerated storage. A challenge to implement this technology in food process as full alternative to thermal treatment could be represented by the adoption of pressure level up to 400 MPa followed by the packaging in aseptic conditions.

Application of multi pass high pressure homogenization to improve stability, physical and bioactive properties of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) nectar

The effect of high pressure homogenization (HPH) on physical and bioactive properties of rosehip nectar was investigated. Rosehip nectar has a sedimentation problem while waiting on the market shelf during the sale, for solving this problem, nectars were passed 1, 2 and 3 times through 75, 100 and 125 MPa pressures. Mean particle size decreased as pressure and pass number increased (p < 0.05), whereas zeta potential did not change (p > 0.05). Microstructural images revealed that HPH treatment disrupted the cells and caused to release of cell materials to serum. HPH treatment increased the ΔE values (from 2.48 to 6.03). HPH treated samples showed no sedimentation during storage for 15 days. All samples showed shear thinning behavior and were characterized as weak gel network (G' > G″). Total phenolic content and ascorbic acid results were decreased by HPH treatments due to increasing outlet temperatures of product, however, antioxidant capacity of nectars increased after treatment due to increasing total carotenoid content. This study indicated that HPH treatment could solve the sedimentation problem during shelf life with minimally affecting bioactive and physical properties of rosehip nectar.