Production of salad dressings via the use of economically prepared cellulose nanofiber from lime residue as a functional ingredient

Production of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) via the use of a more economical and less energy-intensive means is desirable. Once formed, it is necessary to determine whether or not the prepared CNF would be capable of forming a Pickering emulsion as in the case of traditionally prepared nanofiber. In the present study, oil-in-water emulsions, namely, salad dressings, with CNF as a functional ingredient, were prepared. Lime residue powder as the source of dietary fiber was subject to high-shear homogenization to form CNF suspension, which was then mixed with other ingredients. Different contents of fat (20%-40%), egg yolk (0%-4%), and lime residue powder (0%-4%) were tested. The formed CNF successfully acted as a Pickering emulsifier and allowed the production of salad dressings with desirable characteristics at 30%-40% fat, 2% egg yolk, and 2% lime residue powder. The dressings exhibited adequate physicochemical properties and remained stable throughout the storage period of 28 days. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The presently proposed means would allow the industry to produce cellulose nanofiber (CNF) in a more economical and less energy-intensive manner. The so-produced CNF exhibits comparable properties as traditionally prepared nanofiber and can be used as a stabilizer in food emulsions.

Higher DNA Yield for Epidemiological Studies: A Better Method for DNA Extraction from Blood Clot

BACKGROUND

Blood clots can be used to extract DNA, but they are not as widely used as whole blood or buffy coats. This is due not only because of the relatively low DNA yields and quality obtained from blood clots, but also because sampling prior to DNA extraction is more difficult.

METHODS

To solve these problems, we compared several clot liquefaction methods, determined the four most feasible methods, and subsequently performed a comparative analysis among them. We compared the yields and optical density ratios of the resulting DNA samples and assessed their integrity using agarose gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).

RESULTS

Each of the four methods has advantages and disadvantages. But in general, higher yields of DNA with better quality and integrity were obtained using the high-shear homogenization method than using the other three methods. Additionally, this method is cost-effective and feasible at large operational scales. The DNA yields and A260/280 ratios were optimal and stable, the operation time and labor costs were acceptable, and the success rate of NGS applications was 99.74%. Furthermore, we developed a simple and rapid method for cleaning the homogenizer head to remove residual samples. According to our experimental results, our cleaning method effectively eliminated the risk of cross-contamination caused by the homogenizer head.

CONCLUSION

We recommend high-shear homogenization as a superior method for clot liquefaction. We believe that this method is worthy of large-scale application as it can improve the efficiency of DNA extraction from clots, thus reducing labor and economic costs.

Development of solid lipid nanoparticles containing total flavonoid extract from Dracocephalum moldavica L. and their therapeutic effect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Total flavonoid extract from Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) contains effective components of D. moldavica L. that have myocardial protective function. However, the cardioprotection function of TFDM is undesirable due to its poor solubility. In order to improve the solubility and efficacy of TFDM, we developed TFDM-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TFDM-SLNs) and optimized the formulation of TFDM-SLNs using central composite design and response surface methodology. The physicochemical properties of TFDM-SLNs were characterized, and the pharmacodynamics was investigated using the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury model in rats. The nanoparticles of optimal formulation for TFDM-SLNs were spherical in shape with the average particle size of 104.83 nm and had a uniform size distribution with the polydispersity index value of 0.201. TFDM-SLNs also had a negative zeta potential of -28.7 mV to ensure the stability of the TFDM-SLNs emulsion system. The results of pharmacodynamics demonstrated that both TFDM and TFDM-SLN groups afforded myocardial protection, and the protective effect of TFDM-SLNs was significantly superior to that of TFDM alone, based on the infarct area, histopathological examination, cardiac enzyme levels and inflammatory factors in serum. Due to the optimal quality and the better myocardial protective effect, TFDM-SLNs are expected to become a safe and effective nanocarrier for the oral delivery of TFDM.

New surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles using N-glutaryl phosphatidylethanolamine as the outer shell

BACKGROUND

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are colloidal carrier systems which provide controlled-release profiles for many substances. In this study, we prepared aqueous dispersions of lipid nanoparticles using a modified, pH-sensitive derivative of phosphatidylethanolamine.

METHODS

SLNs were prepared using polysorbate 80 as the surfactant and tripalmitin glyceride and N-glutaryl phosphatidylethanolamine as the lipid components. Particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were examined by photon correlation spectroscopy. Morphological evaluation was performed using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry.

RESULTS

Photon correlation spectroscopy revealed a particle hydrodynamic diameter of 165.8 nm and zeta potential of -41.6.0 mV for the drug-loaded nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy investigation showed the nanoparticles to be 50-600 nm in length and 66.5 nm in height. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the majority of SLNs possessed less ordered arrangements of crystals compared with corresponding bulk lipids, which is favorable for improving drug-loading capacity. Drug-loading capacity and drug entrapment efficiency values for the SLNs were 25.32% and 94.32%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The SLNs prepared in this study were able to control the release of triamcinolone acetonide under acidic conditions.