ForMAX - a beamline for multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials

The ForMAX beamline at the MAX IV Laboratory provides multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials in the nanometre to millimetre range by combining small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering with full-field microtomography. The modular design of the beamline is optimized for easy switching between different experimental modalities. The beamline has a special focus on the development of novel fibrous materials from forest resources, but it is also well suited for studies within, for example, food science and biomedical research.

Lipid self-assembled structures for reactivity control in food

Lipid self-assembled structures (SASs) have recently gained considerable interest for their potential applications, especially for sustained nutrient release and protein crystallization. An additional property, which is underexploited, is their ability to control chemical reactions in food products. Here, we concentrate on SASs formed by phospholipids (PLs) and monoglycerides (MGs), those compounds being the most natural surfactants and therefore, the best compatible with food products, in view of providing new functionalities through the formation of SASs. In this work, the phase behaviour of these amphiphiles when mixed with oil and water is described and compared. Subsequently, we address the influence of these structures to the oxidation and Maillard-type reactions. Finally, we show that SASs formed by MGs can strongly increase the yield of key aroma impact compounds generated by Maillard-type reactions when compared with the reaction performed in aqueous precursor solutions. Various SASs are compared. In particular, addition of oil to a reversed bicontinuous structure formed by MG leads to a reversed microemulsion, which, considering its low viscosity, is particularly suitable for food products and act as a very efficient reactor system. The influence of oil and precursors on phase behaviour is discussed and related to the efficiency of the Maillard reactions.This article is part of the themed issue 'Soft interfacial materials: from fundamentals to formulation'.

Electrophysiological effects of the co-administration of escitalopram and bupropion on rat serotonin and norepinephrine neurons

Clinical studies indicate that addition of bupropion to selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) provides incremental benefit over SSRI monotherapy in depression. This study was designed to investigate the effects of co-administration of bupropion with escitalopram on the firing rate of 5-HT and norepinephrine (NE) neurons in anesthetized rats. Escitalopram (10 mg/kg/day x 2 days), given via subcutaneously (s.c.) implanted minipumps, decreased the firing of 5-HT and NE neurons by 70% and 55%, respectively. The firing of 5-HT neurons, unlike that of NE neurons, recovered after the 14-day escitalopram regimen. Bupropion, injected once daily (30 mg/kg/day, s.c. x 2 days), did not increase 5-HT firing but decreased that of NE by 55%. After 14 days of repeated bupropion administration, 5-HT firing was increased by 50%, and NE firing was back to baseline. Co-administration of escitalopram and bupropion doubled 5-HT firing after 2 and 14 days, whereas NE neurons were inhibited by 60% after 2 days, but partially recovered after 14 days. The responsiveness of 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors was significantly attenuated in the combination-treated rats after 2 days, indicating an early desensitization. These results provide support for contributions from 5-HT and NE mechanisms for enhanced effectiveness of combination of SSRI and bupropion treatment.