Influence of solvent polarity of ethonal/water binary solvent on the structural, emulsifying, interfacial rheology properties of gliadin nanoparticles

Using salted egg white in steamed bread: Impact on functional and structural characteristics

Steamed bread has long been an important part of Chinese cuisine. This study investigated the effects of salted egg white (SEW) (5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w) on the quality of steamed breads. Findings revealed that SEW notably enhanced the bread's volume and texture, with a 20% inclusion significantly boosting water retention and rheological properties, albeit reducing bread's lightness. In addition, the H-bond absorption band intensity in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed increased peak intensities with higher SEW levels, indicative of protein structure alterations. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of an amylose-lipid complex. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) imaging depicted a smooth, consistent protein network with SEW addition. Consumer sensory evaluation responded favourably to the SEW15 steamed bread, suggesting its potential for food industry application. Overall, the study considers SEW an effective ingredient for improving steamed bread quality.

Characterizing the binding interactions between virgin/aged microplastics and catalase in vitro

Microplastics (MPs) undergo physical, chemical, and biological aging in the environment, leading to changes in their physicochemical properties, affecting migration characteristics and toxicity. Oxidative stress effects induced by MPs in vivo have been extensively studied, but the toxicity difference between virgin and aged MPs and the interactions between antioxidant enzymes and MPs in vitro have not been reported yet. This study investigated the structural and functional changes of catalase (CAT) induced by virgin and aged PVC-MPs. It was shown that light irradiation aged the PVC-MPs, and the aging mechanism was photooxidation, resulting in a rough surface and appearing holes and pits. Because of the changes in physicochemical properties, aged MPs had more binding sites than virgin MPs. Fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence spectra results suggested that MPs quenched the endogenous fluorescence of CAT and interacted with tryptophane and tyrosine residues. The virgin MPs had no significant effect on the skeleton of CAT, while the skeleton and the polypeptide chains of CAT became loosened and unfolded after binding with the aged MPs. Moreover, the interactions of CAT with virgin/aged MPs increased the α-helix and decreased the β-sheet contents, destroyed the solvent shell, and resulted in a dispersion of CAT. Due to the large size, MPs cannot enter the interior of CAT and have no effects on the heme groups and activity of CAT. The interaction mechanism between MPs and CAT may be that MPs adsorb CAT to form the protein corona, and aged MPs had more binding sites. This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the effect of aging on the interaction between MPs and biomacromolecules and highlights the potential negative effects of MPs on antioxidant enzymes.

One-Step Phase Separation for Core-Shell Carbon@Indium Oxide@Bismuth Microspheres with Enhanced Activity for CO2 Electroreduction to Formate

It is a substantial challenge to construct electrocatalysts with high activity, good selectivity, and long-term stability for electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid. Herein, bismuth and indium species are innovatively integrated into a uniform heterogeneous spherical structure by a neoteric quasi-microemulsion method, and a novel C@In₂ O₃ @Bi₅₀ core-shell structure is constructed through a subsequent one-step phase separation strategy due to melting point difference and Kirkendall effect with the nano-limiting effect of the carbon structure. This core-shell C@In₂ O₃ @Bi₅₀ catalyst can selectively reduce CO₂ to formate with high selectivity (≈90% faradaic efficiency), large partial current density (24.53 mA cm^-2 at -1.36 V), and long-term stability (up to 14.5 h), superior to most of the Bi-based catalysts. The hybrid Bi/In₂ O₃ interfaces of core-shell C@In₂ O₃ @Bi will stabilize the key intermediate HCOO* and suppress CO poisoning, benefiting the CO₂ RR selectivity and stability, while the internal cavity of core-shell structure will improve the reaction kinetics because of the large specific surface area and the enhancement of ion shuttle and electron transfer. Furthermore, the nano-limited domain effect of outmost carbon prevent active components from oxidation and agglomeration, helpful for stabilizing the catalyst. This work offers valuable insights into core-shell structure engineering to promote practical CO₂ conversion technology.

Sustainable Biodegradable Biopolymer-Based Nanoparticles for Healthcare Applications

Biopolymeric nanoparticles are gaining importance as nanocarriers for various biomedical applications, enabling long-term and controlled release at the target site. Since they are promising delivery systems for various therapeutic agents and offer advantageous properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and stability compared to various toxic metal nanoparticles, we decided to provide an overview on this topic. Therefore, the review focuses on the use of biopolymeric nanoparticles of animal, plant, algal, fungal, and bacterial origin as a sustainable material for potential use as drug delivery systems. A particular focus is on the encapsulation of many different therapeutic agents categorized as bioactive compounds, drugs, antibiotics, and other antimicrobial agents, extracts, and essential oils into protein- and polysaccharide-based nanocarriers. These show promising benefits for human health, especially for successful antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The review article, divided into protein-based and polysaccharide-based biopolymeric nanoparticles and further according to the origin of the biopolymer, enables the reader to select the appropriate biopolymeric nanoparticles more easily for the incorporation of the desired component. The latest research results from the last five years in the field of the successful production of biopolymeric nanoparticles loaded with various therapeutic agents for healthcare applications are included in this review.