Optimization of a sponge cake formulation with inulin as fat replacer: structure, physicochemical, and sensory properties

The effects of several fat replacement levels (0%, 35%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) by inulin in sponge cake microstructure and physicochemical properties were studied. Oil substitution for inulin decreased significantly (P < 0.05) batter viscosity, giving heterogeneous bubbles size distributions as it was observed by light microscopy. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy the fat was observed to be located at the bubbles’ interface, enabling an optimum crumb cake structure development during baking. Cryo-SEM micrographs of cake crumbs showed a continuous matrix with embedded starch granules and coated with oil; when fat replacement levels increased, starch granules appeared as detached structures. Cakes with fat replacement up to 70% had a high crumb air cell values; they were softer and rated as acceptable by an untrained sensory panel (n = 51). So, the reformulation of a standard sponge cake recipe to obtain a new product with additional health benefits and accepted by consumers is achieved.

Physicochemical and bioactive properties of Hymenaea courbaril L. pulp and seed lipid fraction

This study aimed to assess the nutritional composition of the fruit and the physicochemical and bioactive properties of jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) pulp and seed oils. The lipid content of both fractions was below 6%. There was a significant presence of minerals, especially, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. The main macronutrient in pulp and seed was crude fiber, and considerable amounts of Vitamin C, 51.87 and 121.45. mg/100. g respectively, were found. The physicochemical properties demonstrated the good quality of the oils. The oxidative stability index was influenced by the composition of fatty acids reaching a value of 45.97. h for the jatoba pulp oil. The most abundant bioactive compounds were α-tocopherol (886.37 and 993.63. mg/kg) and β-sitosterol (61.83 and 91.09. mg/kg) for pulp and seed oils, respectively. Among the unsaturated fatty acids in the pulp, the oleic (46.09%) and linolenic acid (14.54%) stood out. The pulp and seed oils can be considered a valuable source for new industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Physicochemical and mechanical properties of zirconium oxide and niobium oxide modified Portland cement-based experimental endodontic sealers

Aim: To evaluate the physicochemical and mechanical properties of Portland cement-based experimental sealers (ES) with different radiopacifying agents (zirconium oxide and niobium oxide micro- and nanoparticles) in comparison with the following conventional sealers: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex and Sealapex. Methodology: The materials were tested for setting time, compressive strength, flow, film thickness, radiopacity, solubility, dimensional stability and formaldehyde release. Data were subjected to anova and Tukey tests (P < 0.05). Results: MTA Fillapex had the shortest setting time and lowest compressive strength values (P < 0.05) compared with the other materials. The ES had flow values similar to the conventional materials, but higher film thickness (P < 0.05) and lower radiopacity (P < 0.05). Similarly to AH Plus, the ES were associated with dimensional expansion (P > 0.05) and lower solubility when compared with MTA Fillapex and Sealapex (P < 0.05). None of the endodontic sealers evaluated released formaldehyde after mixing. Conclusion: With the exception of radiopacity, the Portland cement-based experimental endodontic sealers presented physicochemical properties according to the specifications no 57 ANSI/ADA (ADA Professional Product Review, 2008) and ISO 6876 (Dentistry - Root Canal Sealing Materials, 2012, British Standards Institution, London, UK). The sealers had setting times and flow ability that was adequate for clinical use, satisfactory compressive strength and low solubility. Additional studies should be carried out with the purpose of decreasing the film thickness and to determine the ideal ratio of radiopacifying agents in Portland cement-based root canal sealers. © 2013 International Endodontic Journal.

Influence of two different vinification procedures on the physicochemical and sensory properties of Brazilian non-Vitis vinifera red wines

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the physicochemical properties and sensory acceptance of Brazilian red wines by applying chemometric techniques. Therefore, three winemaking processes were carried out: a traditional winemaking process and two novel winemaking processes, pre-drying and static pomace. Significant differences could be identified amongst the physicochemical properties of the wines (P<0.001). The sensory results showed greater acceptance of the wines made after pre-drying of the grapes or from the static pomace, as compared to commercial brands. Cluster analysis and Multidimensional Scaling were successfully applied and their results demonstrated the influence of the total phenolic content and color indexes on acceptance of the appearance of the wines. The odor was associated with the alcohol content, acidity, dry extract, total and reducing sugars and the body of the wines. The flavor was associated with several physicochemical properties which influenced the overall acceptance of the samples. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Microparticulated and nanoparticulated zirconium oxide added to calcium silicate cement: Evaluation of physicochemical and biological properties

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Niobium pentoxide as radiopacifying agent of calcium silicate-based material: evaluation of physicochemical and biological properties

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Correlation of the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of pDNA/Cationic Liposome Complexes with Their in Vitro Transfection

In this study, we characterized the conventional physicochemical properties of the complexes formed by plasmid DNA (pDNA) and cationic liposomes (CL) composed of egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) (50/25/25% molar ratio). We found that these properties are nearly unaffected at the studied ranges when the molar charge ratio (R-+/-) between the positive charge from the CL and negative charge from pDNA is not close to the isoneutrality region (R-+/- = 1). However, the results from in vitro transfection of HeLa cells showed important differences when R-+/- is varied, indicating that the relationships between the physicochemical and biological characteristics were not completely elucidated. To obtain information regarding possible liposome structural modifications, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments were performed as a function of R-+/- to obtain correlations between structural, physicochemical, and transfection properties. The SAXS results revealed that pDNA/CL complexes can be described as being composed of single bilayers, double bilayers, and multiple bilayers, depending on the R-+/- value. Interestingly, for R-+/- = 9, 6, and 3, the system is composed of single and double bilayers, and the fraction of the latter increases with the amount of DNA (or a decreasing R-+/-) in the system. This information is used to explain the transfection differences observed at an R-+/- = 9 as compared to R-+/- = 3 and 6. Close to the isoneutrality region (R-+/- = 1.8), there was an excess of pDNA, which induced the formation of a fraction of aggregates with multiple bilayers. These aggregates likely provide additional resistance against the release of pDNA during the transfection phenomenon, reflected as a decrease in the transfection level. The obtained results permitted proper correlation of the physicochemical and structural properties of pDNA/CL complexes with the in vitro transfection of HeLa cells by these complexes, contributing to a better understanding of the gene delivery process.

Evaluation of physicochemical and glycaemic properties of commercial plant-based milk substitutes

The market for plant-based dairy-type products is growing as consumers replace bovine milk in their diet, for medical reasons or as a lifestyle choice. A screening of 17 different commercial plant-based milk substitutes based on different cereals, nuts and legumes was performed, including the evaluation of physicochemical and glycaemic properties. Half of the analysed samples had low or no protein contents (<0.5 %). Only samples based on soya showed considerable high protein contents, matching the value of cow’s milk (3.7 %). An in-vitro method was used to predict the glycaemic index. In general, the glycaemic index values ranged from 47 for bovine milk to 64 (almond-based) and up to 100 for rice-based samples. Most of the plant-based milk substitutes were highly unstable with separation rates up to 54.39 %/h. This study demonstrated that nutritional and physicochemical properties of plant-based milk substitutes are strongly dependent on the plant source, processing and fortification. Most products showed low nutritional qualities. Therefore, consumer awareness is important when plant-based milk substitutes are used as an alternative to cow’s milk in the diet.

Moisture and tensile strength properties of starch-sugar cane nanofibre films

There is an increasing need for biodegradable, environmentally friendly plastics to replace the petroleum-based non-degradable plastics which litter and pollute the environment. Starch-based plastic film composites are becoming a popular alternative because of their low cost, biodegradability, the abundance of starch, and ease with which starch-based films can be chemically modified. This paper reports on the results of using sugar cane bagasse nanofibres to improve the physicochemical properties of starch-based polymers. The addition of bagasse nanofibre (2.5, 5, 10 or 20 wt%) to (modified) potato starch (‘Soluble starch’) reduced the moisture uptake by up to 17 % at 58 % relative humidity (RH). The film’s tensile strength and Young’s Modulus increased by up to 100 % and 200 % with 10 wt% and 20 wt% nanofibre respectively at 58% RH. The tensile strain reduced by up to 70 % at 20 wt% fibre loading. These results indicate that addition of sugar cane bagasse nanofibres significantly improved the properties of starch-based plastic films

Crystallization as a Tool for Controlling and Designing Properties of Pharmaceutical Solids

The ability to deliver the drug to the patient in a safe, efficacious and cost-effective manner depends largely on the physicochemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the solid state. In this context, crystallization is of critical importance in pharmaceutical industry, as it defines physical and powder properties of crystalline APIs. An improved knowledge of the various aspects of crystallization process is therefore needed. The overall goal of this thesis was to gain better understanding of the relationships between crystallization, solid-state form and properties of pharmaceutical solids with a focus on a crystal engineering approach to design technological properties of APIs. Specifically, solid-state properties of the crystalline forms of the model APIs, erythromycin A and baclofen, and the influence of solvent on their crystallization behavior were investigated. In addition, the physical phenomena associated with wet granulation and hot-melting processing of the model APIs were examined at the molecular level. Finally, the effect of crystal habit modification of a model API on its tabletting properties was evaluated. The thesis enabled the understanding of the relationship between the crystalline forms of the model APIs, which is of practical importance for solid-state control during processing and storage. Moreover, a new crystalline form, baclofen monohydrate, was discovered and characterized. Upon polymorph screening, erythromycin A demonstrated high solvate-forming propensity thus emphasizing the need for careful control of the solvent effects during formulation. The solvent compositions that yield the desirable crystalline form of erythromycin A were defined. Furthermore, new examples on solvent-mediated phase transformations taking place during wet granulation of baclofen and hot-melt processing of erythromycin A dihydrate with PEG 6000 are reported. Since solvent-mediated phase transformations involve the crystallization of a stable phase and hence affect the dissolution kinetics and possibly absorption of the API these transformations must be well documented. Finally, a controlled-crystallization method utilizing HPMC as a crystal habit modifier was developed for erythromycin A dihydrate. The crystals with modified habit were shown to posses improved compaction properties as compared with those of unmodified crystals. This result supports the idea of morphological crystal engineering as a tool for designing technological properties of APIs and is of utmost practical interest.

Preparation and properties of peroxy titanium malonate

The method of preparation and physicochemical properties of peroxy titanium malonate, TiO2(OOC)2CH2·3H2O are given. The reasons for the poor complexing tendency of malonic acid are discussed. The nature of the bonds between titanium and the peroxy as well as malonate groups is assigned from spectrophotometric and infra-red absorption studies.

Preparation and properties of peroxy titanium malonate

The method of preparation and physicochemical properties of peroxy titanium malonate, TiO2(OOC)2CH2·3H2O are given. The reasons for the poor complexing tendency of malonic acid are discussed. The nature of the bonds between titanium and the peroxy as well as malonate groups is assigned from spectrophotometric and infra-red absorption studies.

Effect of radio frequency power and thickness on the electrochemical properties of Li2-x MnO3-y thin films

In the present work, Li2-x MnO3-y (LMO) thin films have been deposited by radio frequency (RF) reactive magnetron sputtering using acid-treated Li2MnO3 powder target. Systematic investigations have been carried out to study the effect of RF power on the physicochemical properties of LMO thin films deposited on platinized silicon substrates. X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, surface chemical analysis and electrochemical studies were carried out for the LMO films after post deposition annealing treatment at 500 A degrees C for 1 h in air ambience. Galvanostatic charge discharge studies carried out using the LMO thin film electrodes, delivered a highest discharge capacity of 139 mu Ah mu m(-1) cm(-2) in the potential window 2.0-3.5 V vs. Li/Li+ at 100 W RF power and lowest discharge capacity of 80 mu Ah mu m(-1) cm(-2) at 75 W RF power. Thereafter, the physicochemical properties of LMO films deposited using optimized RF power 100 W on stainless steel substrates has been studied in the thickness range of 70 to 300 nm as a case study. From the galvanostatic charge discharge experiments, a stable discharge capacity of 68 mu Ah mu m(-1) cm(-2) was achieved in the potential window 2.0-4.2 V vs. Li/Li+ tested up to 30 cycles. As the thickness increased, the specific discharge capacity started reducing with higher magnitude of capacity fading.

Influence of soil type on the properties of termite mound nests in Southern India

Termite mounds are conspicuous features in many tropical ecosystems. Their shape and soil physicochemical properties have been suggested to result from the termites ecological need to control the temperature and humidity within their nests and protect themselves from predators. This study aimed to determine the influence of the parent soil properties on the shape and soil physical and chemical properties of termite mounds. Termite mounds built by the fungus-growing termite species Odontotermes obesus were compared in two forests with different soil properties (Ferralsol or Luvisol) in Southern India. Our findings confirm that soil properties influence the physicochemical characteristics of mound material and may affect the shape, but these impacts are mostly independent of the size of the mounds (i.e., the age of the colonies). Mound walls were more enriched in clay and impoverished in C and N in the Luvisol than the Ferralsol. However, their shape was more complex in the Ferralsol than the Luvisol, suggesting a possible link between the clay content in soil and the shape of termite mounds. The results also suggest that clay becomes enriched in O. obesus mound walls through a more passive process rather than solely by particle selection, and that termite mound shape results from the soil properties rather than the ecological needs of termites. In conclusion, although ecologists have mainly focused upon the influence of termite ecological needs on their nest properties, this study highlights the need for a better understanding about the role of the soil pedological properties and, as a consequence, how these properties drive the establishment and survival of termites in tropical ecosystems. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of soil pedological properties on termite mound stability

This study investigated the influence of soil properties on the density and shape of epigeous fungus-growing termite nests in a dry deciduous forest in Karnataka, India. In this environment, Odontotermes obesus produces cathedral shaped mounds. Their density, shape (height and volume) and soil physicochemical properties were analyzed in ferralsol and vertisol environments. No significant difference was observed in O. obesus mound density (n = 2.7 mound ha(-1) on average in the vertisol and ferralsol areas). This study also showed that O. obesus has a limited effect on soil physical properties. No differences in soil particle size, pH, or the C:N ratio and base saturation were measured whereas the C and N contents were reduced and CEC was higher in termite nest soils in both environments. Clay mineralogical composition was also measured, and showed the presence of higher amounts of smectite clays in termite nest soils, which thus explained the increasing CEC despite the reduced C and N content. However, the main difference was the shape of the termite mounds. The degradation of the nests created a hillock of eroded soil at the base of termite mounds in the vertisol while only a thin layer of eroded soil was observed in the ferralsol. The increased degradation of termite mounds in the vertisol is explained by the presence of smectites (2:1 swelling clays), which confer macroscopic swelling and shrinking characteristics to the soil. Soil shrinkage during the dry season leads to the formation of deep cracks in the termite mounds that allow rain to rapidly penetrate inside the mound wall and then breakdown unstable aggregates. In conclusion, it appears that despite a similar abundance, termite mound properties depend to a large extent on the soil properties of their environments. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.