Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 93 in total

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  1. Spatially varying correlation between environmental conditions and human leptospirosis in Sarawak, Malaysia
    Kira R, Bilung LM, Ngui R, Apun K, Su'ut L
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):31-39.
    PMID: 33973570 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.034
    The spatial distribution of environmental conditions may influence the dynamics of vectorborne diseases like leptospirosis. This study aims to investigate the global and localised relationships between leptospirosis with selected environmental variables. The association between environmental variables and the spatial density of geocoded leptospirosis cases was determined using global Poisson regression (GPR) and geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR). A higher prevalence of leptospirosis was detected in areas with higher water vapour pressure (exp(â): 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.25) and annual precipitation (exp(â): 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.31), with lower precipitation in the driest month (exp(â): 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75 - 0.96) and the wettest quarter (exp(â): 0.88; 95% CI: 0.77 - 1.00). Water vapor pressure (WVP) varied the most in the hotspot regions with a standard deviation of 0.62 (LQ: 0.15; UQ; 0.99) while the least variation was observed in annual precipitation (ANNP) with a standard deviation of 0.14 (LQ: 0.11; UQ; 0.30). The reduction in AICc value from 519.73 to 443.49 indicates that the GWPR model is able to identify the spatially varying correlation between leptospirosis and selected environmental variables. The results of the localised relationships in this study could be used to formulate spatially targeted interventions. This would be particularly useful in localities with a strong environmental or socio-demographical determinants for the transmission of leptospirosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  2. Fulltext Enhancement of tensile strength of oil palm mesocarp fiber/poly(butylene succinate) biocomposite via superheated steam-alkali treatment of oil palm mesocarp fiber
    Then, Yoon Yee, NorAzowa Ibrahim, Norhazlin Zainuddin, Hidayah Ariffin, Wan MdZin Wan Yunus
    Scientific Research Journal, 2014;11(2):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Natural fiber is incompatible with hydrophobic polymer due to its hydrophilic nature. Therefore, surface modification of fiber is needed to impart compatibility. In this work,superheated steam (SHS)-alkali was introduced as novel surface treatment method to modify oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) for fabrication of biocomposites. The OPMF was first pre-treated with SHS and subsequently treated with varying NaOH concentration (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%) and soaking time (1, 2, 3 and 4h) at room temperature. The biocomposites were then fabricated by melt blending of 70 wt% SHS-alkali treated-OPMFs and 30 wt% poly(butylene succinate) in a Brabender internal mixer followed by hot-pressed moulding. The combination treatment resulted in fiber with rough surface as well as led to the exposure ofmicrofibers. The tensile test result showed that fiber treated at 2% NaOH solution and 3h soaking time produced biocomposite with highest improvement in tensile strength (69%) and elongation at break (36%) in comparison to that of untreated OPMF. The scanning electron micrographs of tensile fracture surfaces of biocomposite provide evident for improved adhesion between fiber and polymer after thetreatments.This work demonstrated that combination treatments of SHS and NaOH could be a promising way to modify OPMF for fabrication of biocomposite.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  3. Fulltext Saving primary energy consumption through exergy analysis of combine distillation and power plant
    Alhassan Salami Tijani, Nazri Mohammed, Werner Witt
    Scientific Research Journal, 2012;9(2):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Industrial heat pumps are heat-recovery systems that allow the temperature of waste-heat stream to be increased to a higher, more efficient temperature. Consequently, heat pumps can improve energy efficiency in industrial processes as well as energy savings when conventional passive-heat recovery is not possible. In this paper, possible ways of saving energy in the chemical industry are considered, the objective is to reduce the primary energy (such as coal) consumption of power plant. Particularly the thermodynamic analyses of integrating backpressure turbine of a power plant with distillation units have been considered. Some practical examples such as conventional distillation unit and heat pump are used as a means of reducing primary energy consumption with tangible indications of energy savings. The heat pump distillation is operated via electrical power from the power plant. The exergy efficiency of the primary fuel is calculated for different operating range of the heat pump distillation. This is then compared with a conventional distillation unit that depends on saturated steam from a power plant as the source of energy. The results obtained show that heat pump distillation is an economic way to save energy if the temperature difference between the overhead and the bottom is small. Based on the result, the energy saved by the application of a heat pump distillation is improved compared to conventional distillation unit.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  4. Fulltext Effect of superheated steam cooking on fat and fatty acid composition of chicken sausage
    Asmaa, A.A., Zzaman, W., Tajul, A.Y.
    International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(2):598-605.
    MyJurnal
    The influence of superheated steam cooking on fat and fatty acid composition of chicken sausage were investigated at various temperatures (150, 200, and 250°C) with different time domains (2-6 min). It has been found that the fat content of raw sample was higher than that of all cooked samples. The total fat content of cooked sample, showed a linear decreasing with time at all investigated temperatures. Superheated steam produce changes in saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in which their values were found to decrease in cooked samples. When different cooking conditions (temperature, time) were applied, the fatty acids were decreased as the time and temperature increased. The PUFA and MUFA were less prone to decrease at 150°C, while at this temperature there was a remarkable loss in SFA content. This cooking method considerably reduced the level of fat and SFA which have a positive effect on health. In addition it could imply a great choice for consumers to choose the healthier technique for cooking food.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  5. Data on modeling mycelium growth in Pleurotus sp. cultivation by using agricultural wastes via two level factorial analysis
    Dzulkefli NA, Zainol N
    Data Brief, 2018 Oct;20:1710-1720.
    PMID: 30263925 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.09.008
    In this article, five variables including type of substrates, sizes of substrates, mass ratio of spawn to substrates (SP/SS), temperature and pretreatment of substrates were used to model mycelium growth in Pleurotus sp. (oyster mushroom) cultivation by using agricultural wastes via two level factorial analysis. Two different substrates which were empty fruit bunch (EFB) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) were used. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for both mycelium extension rate (M) and nitrogen concentration in mycelium (N) showed that the confidence level was greater than 95% while p-value of both models were less than 0.05 which is significant. The coefficient of determination (R2) for both M and N were 0.8829 and 0.9819 respectively. From the experiment, the best condition to achieve maximum M (0.8 cm/day) and N (656 mg/L) was by using substrate B, 2.5 cm size of substrate, 1:14 for SP/SS, incubated at ambient temperature and application of steam treatment. The data showed that EFB can be used to replace sawdust as a media for the oyster mushroom cultivation. Data analysis was performed using Design Expert version 7.0.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  6. Fulltext Review article: appropriate hydrothermal pretreatment of oil palm biomass in palm oil mill
    Khairiatul Nabilah Jansar, Ahmad Muhaimin Roslan, Mohd Ali Hassan
    The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2018;4(1):31-40.
    MyJurnal
    Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is one of the most planted trees in Malaysia for the palm oil production. Thus, solid biomass had been generated from this industry such as empty fruit bunch, shell, mesocarp fibre, frond and trunk produced that causes problematic to the nation and expected to escalate up to 85-110 million tonnes by 2020. Besides that, palm oil mill effluent and excessive steam also generated from the production of palm oil. In situ hydrothermal pretreatment means the utilisation of excessive steam produced by the oil palm mill and at the same time, generating value added product as well as reducing the biomass. Oil palm biomass is rich in lignocellulosic materials which comprised of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose. Refinement of lignocellulosic from oil palm biomass can be utilised to form fermentable sugar, bioethanol and other potential chemicals. Recalcitrant property of lignocellulosic reduces the ability of enzymes to penetrate, thus pretreatment is required prior to hydrolysis process. Pretreatment can be either physical, chemical, biological or combined. In this review paper, three types of hydrothermal pretreatment were discussed as suitable in situ pretreatment process for oil palm biomass; in palm oil mill. The suitability was measured based on the availability of excess steam and energy in the mill. Furthermore, physicochemical pretreatment also facilitate the saccharification process, whereby it loosened the lignocellulose structure and increase the surface area. The effects and factors in choosing right pretreatment are highlighted in this paper.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  7. Fulltext Chinese steamed bread fortified with green banana flour
    Loong, C.Y.L., Wong, C.Y.H.
    Food Research, 2018;2(4):320-330.
    MyJurnal
    Incorporation of Green Banana Flour (BF) into Chinese steamed bread (CSB) may be a
    strategy to fortify the traditional CSB due to its health benefits. However, BF-incorporated
    foods in general, have poorer sensory properties affecting consumer acceptability. The aim
    of this study was to examine the adjustment of water content from the original formulation
    and addition of coffee flavour on physical properties and consumer acceptability of BFincorporated
    CSB. Wheat flour as control was substituted with 15% BF varied by addition
    of 30% water and coffee flavour. Physical analysis (colour, volume, spread ratio and
    texture) of CSB and hedonic test for appearance, aroma, flavour, overall acceptability and
    preference ranking of CSB were conducted. Results showed no significant differences
    (p>0.05) in specific volume, springiness, and adhesiveness among samples. A significant
    increase (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  8. Fulltext Mechanical and physical properties of gellan gum (GG) biofilm: effect of glycerol
    Razali, M.H., Ismail, N.A., Osman, U.M., Amin, K.A.M.
    ASM Science Journal, 2018;11(101):158-165.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of glycerol concentration on mechanical
    and physical properties of gellan gum (GG) biofilm. The biofilm was prepared using solvent
    casting method and the effective glycerol concentration was found to be within 30-50%
    w/w (based on GG weight). At 60 and 70 w/w% of glycerol, the films started to distort
    because the films was flexible and brittle. As glycerol concentration was increased the tensile
    strength (TS) and Youngs modulus (E) of films decreased. Somehow, elongation at break
    (EAB), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and swelling of films was increased. Glycerol
    plasticized GG biofilm was thermally stable and flexible, proposed its can be exploited as
    film-forming material and with optimized glycerol concentration it has good mechanical and
    physical properties for edible biofilm.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  9. Fulltext The effect of multiple sterilisation cycles on cutting efficiency of a diamond bur
    Husniyati Roslan, Fatanah M. Suhaimi, Zawiah Musa, Nizuwan Azman, Nur Jihan Mohd Zukhi
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(102):1-7.
    MyJurnal
    Sterilisation is an essential step in the reprocessing of reusable dental instruments including burs that have become contaminated, or potentially contaminated. Transmission of disease or infection may happen as an effect of improper sterilisation of the reused instruments. Dental burs are one of the essential tools in any conservative dental procedures, which undergo multiple sterilisation cycles before being discarded. However, repeated sterilisation process is associated with the reduction in cutting efficiency of a bur that is potentially due to corrosion. Thus, this study aims to compare the effect of two sterilisation methods on cutting efficiency of a diamond bur that is commonly used in dental procedures. Methods: 30 fissure diamond burs were randomly divided into three sterilisation groups: Group A (dry heat), B (steam under pressure) and C (control). Each bur was used to cut teeth for 45 seconds for ten cycles. Between cuts, the burs underwent sterilisation based on their sterilisation groups. Amount of cutting weight was measured after each cut. Results: This study shows that no significant difference (p>0.05) in the cutting efficiency of the burs following sterilisation of Groups A and B. However, there is a significant mean difference (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  10. In vitro digestion and domestic cooking improved the total antioxidant activity and carbohydrate-digestive enzymes inhibitory potential of selected edible mushrooms
    Ng ZX, Rosman NF
    J Food Sci Technol, 2019 Feb;56(2):865-877.
    PMID: 30906044 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-018-3547-6
    This study aimed to investigate the effect of in vitro digestion on the antioxidant activity and carbohydrate-digestive enzymes inhibitory potential of five edible mushrooms after subjected to four domestic cooking; namely, boiling, microwaving, steaming and pressure-cooking. The water extracts of raw (uncooked), cooked and in vitro digested mushrooms were compared for their water-soluble phenolic content (WPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), radical scavenging activity (TEAC and DPPH), anti-α-amylase and anti-α-glucosidase activities. Among the raw samples, Lentinula edodes possessed the highest antioxidant activities (FRAP, TEAC, DPPH) and WPC while Pleurotus sajor-caju displayed the highest TFC, anti-α-amylase and anti-α-glucosidase activities. The antioxidant and carbohydrate-digestive enzyme inhibitory activities significantly varied according to mushroom species and cooking methods applied. Short duration of microwaving (Agaricus bisporus and Flammulina velutipes), boiling (Auricularia polytricha) and pressure cooking (L. edodes and P. sajor-caju) yielded the best antioxidant and carbohydrate-digestive enzymes inhibition values in the mushroom extracts. TFC was positively correlated with the antioxidant activities and anti-α-glucosidase activity in the mushroom extracts. In vitro digestion significantly improved the total antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activities but decreased the anti-α-amylase activity in the cooked mushroom extracts. Principle component analysis showed that in vitro digestion and the cooking process accounted for respective 48.9% and 19.7% of variation in the observed activities. Domestic cooking and in vitro digestion could potentiate the total antioxidant and carbohydrate-digestive enzymes inhibitory activities in the selected water extract of edible mushrooms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  11. Fulltext Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Ethanol over Nickel Catalysts Supported on Sol Gel Made Alumina: Influence of Calcination Temperature on Supports
    Yaakob Z, Bshish A, Ebshish A, Tasirin SM, Alhasan FH
    Materials (Basel), 2013 May 30;6(6):2229-2239.
    PMID: 28809270 DOI: 10.3390/ma6062229
    Selecting a proper support in the catalyst system plays an important role in hydrogen production via ethanol steam reforming. In this study, sol gel made alumina supports prepared for nickel (Ni) catalysts were calcined at different temperatures. A series of (Ni/AlS.G.) catalysts were synthesized by an impregnation procedure. The influence of varying the calcination temperature of the sol gel made supports on catalyst activity was tested in ethanol reforming reaction. The characteristics of the sol gel alumina supports and Ni catalysts were affected by the calcination temperature of the supports. The structure of the sol gel made alumina supports was transformed in the order of γ → (γ + θ) → θ-alumina as the calcination temperature of the supports increased from 600 °C to 1000 °C. Both hydrogen yield and ethanol conversion presented a volcano-shaped behavior with maximum values of 4.3 mol/mol ethanol fed and 99.5%, respectively. The optimum values were exhibited over Ni/AlS.G800 (Ni catalyst supported on sol gel made alumina calcined at 800 °C). The high performance of the Ni/AlS.G800 catalyst may be attributed to the strong interaction of Ni species and sol gel made alumina which lead to high nickel dispersion and small particle size.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  12. Fulltext Physical and functional properties of fish gelatin-based film incorporated with mangrove extracts
    Nurdiani R, Ma'rifah RDA, Busyro IK, Jaziri AA, Prihanto AA, Firdaus M, et al.
    PeerJ, 2022;10:e13062.
    PMID: 35411257 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13062
    BACKGROUND: The fishery processing industry produces a remarkable number of by-products daily. Fish skin accounts for one of the significant wastes produced. Fish skin, however, can be subjected to extraction to yield gelatine and used as the primary raw material for edible film production. To increase the functionality of edible films, bioactive compounds can be incorporated into packaging. Mangroves produce potential bioactive compounds that are suitable as additional agents for active packaging. This study aimed to create a fish gelatine-based edible film enriched with mangrove extracts and to observe its mechanical and biological properties.

    METHODS: Two mangrove species (Bruguiera gymnorhiza and Sonneratia alba) with four extract concentrations (control, 0.05%, 0.15%, 0.25%, and 0.35%) were used to enrich edible films. The elongation, water vapour transmission, thickness, tensile strength, moisture content, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the resulting packaging were analysed.

    RESULTS: The results showed that the mangrove species and extract concentration significantly affected (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  13. Long-term evaluation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) steam reforming over lanthanum-based perovskite oxides
    Cheng YW, Chong CC, Cheng CK, Wang CH, Ng KH, Witoon T, et al.
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Feb;351:119919.
    PMID: 38157572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119919
    To replace the obsolete ponding system, palm oil mill effluent (POME) steam reforming (SR) over net-acidic LaNiO3 and net-basic LaCoO3 were proposed as the POME primary treatments, with promising H2-rich syngas production. Herein, the long-term evaluation of POME SR was scrutinized with both catalysts under the optimal conditions (600 °C, 0.09 mL POME/min, 0.3 g catalyst, & 74-105 μm catalyst particle size) to examine the catalyst microstructure changes, transient process stability, and final effluent evaluation. Extensive characterization proved the (i) adsorption of POME vapour on catalysts before SR, (ii) deposition of carbon and minerals on spent SR catalysts, and (iii) dominance of coking deactivation over sintering deactivation at 600 °C. Despite its longer run, spent LaCoO3 (50.54 wt%) had similar carbon deposition with spent LaNiO3 (50.44 wt%), concurring with its excellent coke resistance. Spent LaCoO3 (6.12 wt%; large protruding crystals) suffered a harsher mineral deposition than spent LaNiO3 (3.71 wt%; thin film coating), confirming that lower reactivity increased residence time of reactants. Transient syngas evolution of both SR catalysts was relatively steady up to 4 h but perturbed by coking deactivation thereafter. La2O2CO3 acted as an intermediate species that hastened the coke removal via reverse Boudouard reaction upon its decarbonation. La2O2CO3 decarbonation occurred continuously in LaCoO3 system but intermittently in LaNiO3 system. LaNiO3 system only lasted for 13 h as its compact ash blocked the gas flow. LaCoO3 system lasted longer (17 h) with its porous ash, but it eventually failed because KCl crystallites blocked its active sites. Relatively, LaCoO3 system offered greater net H2 production (72.78%) and POME treatment volume (30.77%) than LaNiO3 system. SR could attain appreciable POME degradation (>97% COD, BOD5, TSS, & colour intensity). Withal, SR-treated POME should be polished to further reduce its incompliant COD and BOD5.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  14. Fulltext The influence of green surface modification of oil palm mesocarp fiber by superheated steam on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of oil palm mesocarp fiber/poly(butylene succinate) biocomposite
    Then YY, Ibrahim NA, Zainuddin N, Ariffin H, Yunus WM, Chieng BW
    Int J Mol Sci, 2014;15(9):15344-57.
    PMID: 25177865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915344
    In this paper, superheated steam (SHS) was used as cost effective and green processing technique to modify oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) for biocomposite applications. The purpose of this modification was to promote the adhesion between fiber and thermoplastic. The modification was carried out in a SHS oven at various temperature (200-230 °C) and time (30-120 min) under normal atmospheric pressure. The biocomposites from SHS-treated OPMFs and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) at a weight ratio of 70:30 were prepared by melt blending technique. The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the biocomposites were evaluated. This study showed that the SHS treatment increased the roughness of the fiber surface due to the removal of surface impurities and hemicellulose. The tensile, flexural and impact properties, as well as dimensional stability of the biocomposites were markedly enhanced by the presence of SHS-treated OPMF. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed improvement of interfacial adhesion between PBS and SHS-treated OPMF. This work demonstrated that SHS could be used as an eco-friendly and sustainable processing method for modification of OPMF in biocomposite fabrication.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam*
  15. Synergistic cytotoxic effects of combined δ-tocotrienol and jerantinine B on human brain and colon cancers
    Abubakar IB, Lim KH, Kam TS, Loh HS
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2016 May 26;184:107-18.
    PMID: 26947901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.03.004
    The genus Tabernaemontana has widespread distribution throughout tropical and subtropical parts of the world, i.e. Africa, Asia and America which has long been used for treatments of different disease conditions including tumours, wounds, syphilis, stomach ache and headache. Some Tabernaemontana species are used for treatment of piles, spleen and abdominal tumours in India. In particular, the leaf of Tabernaemontana corymbosa is used for treatment of tumours in Bangladesh. Parts of the plant or whole plants are used as decoctions, steam bath, powder and ointments.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam Bath
  16. Fulltext Green tea yogurt: major phenolic compounds and microbial growth
    Amirdivani S, Baba AS
    J Food Sci Technol, 2015 Jul;52(7):4652-60.
    PMID: 26139940 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-014-1670-6
    The purpose of this study was to evaluate fermentation of milk in the presence of green tea (Camellia sinensis) with respect to changes in antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds and the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Pasteurized full fat cow's milk and starter culture were incubated at 41 °C in the presence of two different types of green tea extracts. The yogurts formed were refrigerated (4 °C) for further analysis. The total phenolic content was highest (p steam-treated green tea (JGT) and plain yogurts. Four major compounds in MGTY and JGTY were detected. The highest concentration of major phenolic compounds in both samples was related to quercetin-rhamnosylgalactoside and quercetin-3-O-galactosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside for MGTY and JGTY respectively during first 7 day of storage. Diphenyl picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods showed highest antioxidant capacity in MGTY, JGTY and PY. Streptococcus thermophillus and Lactobacillus spp. were highest in MGTY followed by JGTY and PY. This paper evaluates the implementation of green tea yogurt as a new product with functional properties and valuable component to promote the growth of beneficial yogurt bacteria and prevention of oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant activity of yogurt.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  17. Fulltext Synthesis, characterization and application of gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose blend films for preservation of cherry tomatoes and grapes
    Samsi MS, Kamari A, Din SM, Lazar G
    J Food Sci Technol, 2019 Jun;56(6):3099-3108.
    PMID: 31205364 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-019-03809-3
    In the present study, gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose blend film was synthesized, characterized and applied for the first time to preserve cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) and grapes (Vitis vinifera). Gelatin (Gel) film forming solution was incorporated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at three volume per volume (Gel:CMC) ratios, namely 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75. CMC treatment has improved the transparency, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability of gelatin films. A pronounced effect was obtained for 25Gel:75CMC film. The TS and EAB values were increased from 25.98 MPa and 2.34% (100Gel:0CMC) to 37.54 MPa and 4.41% (25Gel:75CMC), respectively. A significant improvement in antimicrobial property of gelatin films against two food pathogens, namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was obtained in the presence of CMC. The effectiveness of gelatin-CMC blend films to extend the shelf life of agricultural products was evaluated in a 14-day preservation study. The gelatin-CMC films were successfully controlled the weight loss and browning index of the fruits up to 50.41% and 31.34%, respectively. Overall, gelatin-CMC film is an environmental friendly film for food preservation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  18. Mango leaf extract incorporated chitosan antioxidant film for active food packaging
    K R, G B, Banat F, Show PL, Cocoletzi HH
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2019 Apr 01;126:1234-1243.
    PMID: 30584938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.196
    Health hazards associated with usage of plastic films for food preservation demands for development of active films from non-toxic and antioxidant rich bio-sources. The reported work highlights the development, characterization and application studies of chitosan films enhanced for their antioxidant activity by mango leaf extract (MLE) incorporation. Effect of MLE variation (1-5%) on the morphology, optical nature, water exposure and mechanical characteristics of the chitosan-MLE composite films was studied. Increase in the MLE concentration resulted in films with increased thickness and decreased moisture content. Contact angle, water solubility and vapor permeability analysis demonstrated the reduced hydrophilicity and water vapor penetrability of the films due to MLE inclusion. MLE films possessed better tensile strength (maximum of 23.06 ± 0.19 MPa) with reduced elongation ratio than the pure chitosan film (18.14 ± 0.72 MPa). Antioxidants assessment in terms of total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing power and ABTS radical scavenging showed improved antioxidant activity with the incremental amounts of MLE in the chitosan films. Microscopic studies revealed the smooth, compact and dense nature of the MLE-chitosan films favouring low oxygen transport rates. Application studies to cashew nuts preservation for 28 days storage indicated 56% higher oxidation resistance for the 5% MLE film than a commercial polyamide/polyethylene film. Results highlight the potential and promising nature of MLE impregnated chitosan films as suitable alternative for active packaging films for food preservation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  19. Metal-Organic Framework Decorated Cuprous Oxide Nanowires for Long-lived Charges Applied in Selective Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to CH4
    Wu H, Kong XY, Wen X, Chai SP, Lovell EC, Tang J, et al.
    Angew Chem Int Ed Engl, 2021 Apr 06;60(15):8455-8459.
    PMID: 33368920 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202015735
    Improving the stability of cuprous oxide (Cu2 O) is imperative to its practical applications in artificial photosynthesis. In this work, Cu2 O nanowires are encapsulated by metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) of Cu3 (BTC)2 (BTC=1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate) using a surfactant-free method. Such MOFs not only suppress the water vapor-induced corrosion of Cu2 O but also facilitate charge separation and CO2 uptake, thus resulting in a nanocomposite representing 1.9 times improved activity and stability for selective photocatalytic CO2 reduction into CH4 under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, direct transfer of photogenerated electrons from the conduction band of Cu2 O to the LUMO level of non-excited Cu3 (BTC)2 has been evidenced by time-resolved photoluminescence. This work proposes an effective strategy for CO2 conversion by a synergy of charge separation and CO2 adsorption, leading to the enhanced photocatalytic reaction when MOFs are integrated with metal oxide photocatalyst.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
  20. Fulltext Antimicrobial Activities of Starch-Based Biopolymers and Biocomposites Incorporated with Plant Essential Oils: A Review
    Syafiq R, Sapuan SM, Zuhri MYM, Ilyas RA, Nazrin A, Sherwani SFK, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Oct 19;12(10).
    PMID: 33086533 DOI: 10.3390/polym12102403
    Recently, many scientists and polymer engineers have been working on eco-friendly materials for starch-based food packaging purposes, which are based on biopolymers, due to the health and environmental issues caused by the non-biodegradable food packaging. However, to maintain food freshness and quality, it is necessary to choose the correct materials and packaging technologies. On the other hand, the starch-based film's biggest flaws are high permeability to water vapor transfer and the ease of spoilage by bacteria and fungi. One of the several possibilities that are being extensively studied is the incorporation of essential oils (EOs) into the packaging material. The EOs used in food packaging films actively prevent inhibition of bacteria and fungi and have a positive effect on food storage. This work intended to present their mechanical and barrier properties, as well as the antimicrobial activity of anti-microbacterial agent reinforced starch composites for extending product shelf life. A better inhibition of zone of antimicrobial activity was observed with higher content of essential oil. Besides that, the mechanical properties of starch-based polymer was slightly decreased for tensile strength as the increasing of essential oil while elongation at break was increased. The increasing of essential oil would cause the reduction of the cohesion forces of polymer chain, creating heterogeneous matrix and subsequently lowering the tensile strength and increasing the elongation (E%) of the films. The present review demonstrated that the use of essential oil represents an interesting alternative for the production of active packaging and for the development of eco-friendly technologies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Steam
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