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Dávila-Díaz K, Díaz-Vázquez LM. Alginate-Based UV Sensor: A Simple and Inexpensive Tool for Educational Purposes. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION 2024; 101:3596-3602. [PMID: 39157435 PMCID: PMC11328127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
This document presents a simple yet highly effective demonstration for creating UV radiation sensors using alginate molecules. This demonstration can easily be aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for classroom use. Moreover, the demonstration requires only a few easily obtainable materials, and the process involved is straightforward. When exposed to UV light or sunlight, the spheres' color changes, offering a fascinating observation that is sure to capture the imagination of students of all ages. This encourages curiosity and inspires further exploration of the scientific world. It is easily understandable and suitable for people of all ages. This experiment represents a valuable addition to the scientific community's educational tools, and its potential to inspire a new generation of scientists is truly limitless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kariluz Dávila-Díaz
- University of Puerto Rico,
Rio Piedras Campus, 17
Ave Universidad STE 1701, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925-2537
| | - Liz M. Díaz-Vázquez
- University of Puerto Rico,
Rio Piedras Campus, 17
Ave Universidad STE 1701, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925-2537
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Kučuk N, Primožič M, Knez Ž, Leitgeb M. Alginate Beads with Encapsulated Bioactive Substances from Mangifera indica Peels as Promising Peroral Delivery Systems. Foods 2024; 13:2404. [PMID: 39123595 PMCID: PMC11311377 DOI: 10.3390/foods13152404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Since various bioactive substances are unstable and can degrade in the gastrointestinal tract, their stabilization is crucial. This study aimed to encapsulate mango peel extract (MPE) into edible alginate beads using the ionotropic gelation method for the potential oral delivery of bioactive substances. Mango peels, generally discarded and environmentally harmful, are rich in health-promoting bioactive substances. The alginate beads were examined for entrapment efficiency, particle size, morphology, thermal stability, physiochemical interactions, release profile under gastrointestinal conditions, and antibacterial efficacy. The study demonstrated the successful encapsulation of MPE with an efficiency of 63.1%. The in vitro release study showed the stability of the alginate beads in simulated gastric fluid with a maximum release of 45.0%, and sustained, almost complete release (99.4%) in simulated intestinal fluid, indicating successful absorption into the human body. In both fluids, the MPE release followed first-order kinetics. Encapsulation successfully maintained the antibacterial properties of MPE, with significant inhibitory activity against pathogenic intestinal bacteria. This is the first study on MPE encapsulation in alginate beads, presenting a promising oral delivery system for high-added-value applications in the food industry for dietary supplements, functional foods, or food additives. Their production is sustainable and economical, utilizing waste material and reducing environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Kučuk
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.P.); (Ž.K.)
| | - Mateja Primožič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.P.); (Ž.K.)
| | - Željko Knez
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.P.); (Ž.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maja Leitgeb
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (N.K.); (M.P.); (Ž.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Mergulhão NLON, Bulhões LCG, Silva VC, Duarte IFB, Basílio-Júnior ID, Freitas JD, Oliveira AJ, Goulart MOF, Barbosa CV, Araújo-Júnior JX. Insights from Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil: Encapsulation, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:599. [PMID: 38794169 PMCID: PMC11124181 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alginate encapsulates loaded with clove essential oil (CEO) were prepared by ionic gelation, with subsequent freeze-drying. The objective of the present work was to develop a product with the ability to protect CEO against its easy volatility and oxidation. The following techniques were used to characterize the formulations: eugenol release, degree of swelling, GC/MS, TGA/DSC, and SEM. The alginate solution (1.0%) containing different concentrations of CEO (LF1: 1.0%; LF2: 0.5%; LF3: 0.1%) was dropped into a 3.0% CaCl2 solution. After lyophilization, the encapsulated samples were wrinkled and rigid, with high encapsulation power (LF3: 76.9% ± 0.5). Three chemical components were identified: eugenol (the major one), caryophyllene, and humulene. The antioxidant power (LF1: DPPH IC50 18.1 µg mL-1) was consistent with the phenol content (LF1: 172.2 mg GAE g-1). The encapsulated ones were thermally stable, as shown by analysis of FTIR peaks, eugenol molecular structure was kept unaltered. The degree of swelling was 19.2% (PBS). The release of eugenol (92.5%) in the PBS solution was faster than in the acidic medium. It was concluded that the low-cost technology used allows the maintenance of the content and characteristics of CEO in the three concentrations tested, offering a basis for further research with essential oil encapsulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naianny L. O. N. Mergulhão
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil; (N.L.O.N.M.); (L.C.G.B.); (I.D.B.-J.); (C.V.B.)
- Program of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil;
| | - Laisa C. G. Bulhões
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil; (N.L.O.N.M.); (L.C.G.B.); (I.D.B.-J.); (C.V.B.)
- Program of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil;
| | - Valdemir C. Silva
- Program of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil;
- Estácio de Alagoas Faculty, Maceió 57035-225, Brazil
| | - Ilza F. B. Duarte
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil; (N.L.O.N.M.); (L.C.G.B.); (I.D.B.-J.); (C.V.B.)
- Program of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil;
| | - Irinaldo D. Basílio-Júnior
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil; (N.L.O.N.M.); (L.C.G.B.); (I.D.B.-J.); (C.V.B.)
| | - Johnnatan D. Freitas
- Department of Food Chemistry, Federal Institute of Alagoas, Maceió 57020-600, Brazil;
| | - Adeildo J. Oliveira
- Department of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca 57309-005, Brazil;
| | - Marília O. F. Goulart
- Program of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil;
| | - Círia V. Barbosa
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil; (N.L.O.N.M.); (L.C.G.B.); (I.D.B.-J.); (C.V.B.)
| | - João X. Araújo-Júnior
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil; (N.L.O.N.M.); (L.C.G.B.); (I.D.B.-J.); (C.V.B.)
- Program of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió 57072-900, Brazil;
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Tița O, Constantinescu MA, Rusu L, Tița MA. Natural Polymers as Carriers for Encapsulation of Volatile Oils: Applications and Perspectives in Food Products. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1026. [PMID: 38674945 PMCID: PMC11054478 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The technique of encapsulating different materials into matrices that can both protect and release their contents under specific circumstances is known as encapsulation. It serves the primary function of shielding delicate components from outside influences, including heat, light, and humidity. This can be accomplished by a variety of procedures that, depending on the method and materials selected, result in the creation of particles with various structures. The materials used for encapsulation in food applications must be of high quality, acceptable for human consumption, and stable during processing and storage. The most suitable natural polymers for food applications are carbohydrates, proteins, or mixtures thereof. Volatile oils are end products of plant metabolism, accumulated and stored in various plant organs, cells, or secretory tissues. These are natural and are characterized by the scent of the aromatic plants they come from. Because of their antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, they are being utilized more and more in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since volatile oils are highly sensitive to environmental changes, they must be stored under specific conditions after being extracted from a variety of plant sources. A promising method for increasing the applicability of volatile oils is their encapsulation into colloidal particles by natural polymers such as carbohydrates and proteins. Encapsulation hides the unfavorable taste of nutrients while shielding delicate dietary ingredients from the effects of heat, moisture, oxygen, and pH. This technique results in improved stability for volatile oils that are often sensitive to environmental factors and offers the possibility of using them in an aqueous system even if they are insoluble in water. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current advances in volatile oil encapsulation technologies and presents a variety of natural polymers used in the food industry for encapsulation. Also, a distinct section is created to highlight the current advances in dairy products enriched with encapsulated volatile oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Tița
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Doctor Ion Rațiu No. 7, 550012 Sibiu, Romania; (O.T.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Maria Adelina Constantinescu
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Doctor Ion Rațiu No. 7, 550012 Sibiu, Romania; (O.T.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Lăcrămioara Rusu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food, Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania
| | - Mihaela Adriana Tița
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Doctor Ion Rațiu No. 7, 550012 Sibiu, Romania; (O.T.); (M.A.T.)
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Santana I, Felix M, Bengoechea C. Feasibility of Invasive Brown Seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae as Source of Alginate: Characterization of Products and Evaluation of Derived Gels. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:702. [PMID: 38475385 DOI: 10.3390/polym16050702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Rugulopteryx okamurae (RO) is an invasive brown seaweed that causes severe environmental problems in the Mediterranean Sea. This work proposed an extraction method that enables their use as a raw material for producing sodium alginate. Alginate was successfully extracted from this invasive seaweed, with its gelling performance in the presence of Ca2+ ions comparable to existing commercial alginates. The mannuronic acid (M)-to-guluronic (G) acid ratio in the 1H-NMR profile indicated a higher percentage of G in the RO-extracted alginate, which implies a greater formation of so-called egg box structures. These differences resulted in their different rheological behaviour, as sodium alginate aqueous solutions exhibited a greater viscosity (η at 1 s-1 = 3.8 ± 0.052 Pa·s) than commercial alginate (2.8 ± 0.024 Pa·s), which is related to the egg box structure developed. When gelled in the presence of calcium, an increase in the value of the elastic modulus was observed. However, the value of the tan δ for the extracted alginate was lower than that of commercial alginate gels, confirming a structure more densely packed, which implies a different restructuring of the alginate chain when gelling. These results confirm the suitability of using invasive Rugulopteryx okamurae as a source of calcium alginate gels. In this way, sustainable bio-based materials may be produced from undesired biomass that currently poses a threat to the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Santana
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Calle Virgen de África, 7, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Manuel Felix
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Calle Virgen de África, 7, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carlos Bengoechea
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Calle Virgen de África, 7, 41011 Sevilla, Spain
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Bari GAKMR, Jeong JH. Comprehensive Insights and Advancements in Gel Catalysts for Electrochemical Energy Conversion. Gels 2024; 10:63. [PMID: 38247786 PMCID: PMC10815738 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Continuous worldwide demands for more clean energy urge researchers and engineers to seek various energy applications, including electrocatalytic processes. Traditional energy-active materials, when combined with conducting materials and non-active polymeric materials, inadvertently leading to reduced interaction between their active and conducting components. This results in a drop in active catalytic sites, sluggish kinetics, and compromised mass and electronic transport properties. Furthermore, interaction between these materials could increase degradation products, impeding the efficiency of the catalytic process. Gels appears to be promising candidates to solve these challenges due to their larger specific surface area, three-dimensional hierarchical accommodative porous frameworks for active particles, self-catalytic properties, tunable electronic and electrochemical properties, as well as their inherent stability and cost-effectiveness. This review delves into the strategic design of catalytic gel materials, focusing on their potential in advanced energy conversion and storage technologies. Specific attention is given to catalytic gel material design strategies, exploring fundamental catalytic approaches for energy conversion processes such as the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and more. This comprehensive review not only addresses current developments but also outlines future research strategies and challenges in the field. Moreover, it provides guidance on overcoming these challenges, ensuring a holistic understanding of catalytic gel materials and their role in advancing energy conversion and storage technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazi A. K. M. Rafiqul Bari
- School of Mechanical Smart and Industrial Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Jeong
- School of Mechanical Smart and Industrial Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Vegad U, Patel M, Khunt D, Zupančič O, Chauhan S, Paudel A. pH stimuli-responsive hydrogels from non-cellulosic biopolymers for drug delivery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1270364. [PMID: 37781530 PMCID: PMC10540072 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1270364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, there has been significant growth in the design and development of more efficient and advanced biomaterials based on non-cellulosic biological macromolecules. In this context, hydrogels based on stimuli-responsive non-cellulosic biological macromolecules have garnered significant attention because of their intrinsic physicochemical properties, biological characteristics, and sustainability. Due to their capacity to adapt to physiological pHs with rapid and reversible changes, several researchers have investigated pH-responsive-based non-cellulosic polymers from various materials. pH-responsive hydrogels release therapeutic substances in response to pH changes, providing tailored administration, fewer side effects, and improved treatment efficacy while reducing tissue damage. Because of these qualities, they have been shown to be useful in a wide variety of applications, including the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs, biological material, and natural components. The pH-sensitive biopolymers that are utilized most frequently include chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, guar gum, and dextran. In this review article, the emphasis is placed on pH stimuli-responsive materials that are based on biological macromolecules for the purposes of drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaykumar Vegad
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Megha Patel
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Dignesh Khunt
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Ožbej Zupančič
- Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH (RCPE), Graz, Austria
| | - Sanjay Chauhan
- Graduate School of Pharmacy, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Amrit Paudel
- Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH (RCPE), Graz, Austria
- Institute of Process and Particle Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
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