Designing and characterization of bilayer films based on bitter vetch seed protein and polylactic acid for enhanced food packaging.

Packaging films based on natural biopolymers often suffer from inadequate barrier and mechanical properties. To address these challenges, multilayer films have emerged as potential solutions. In this study, we prepared bilayer films using bitter vetch seed protein (BVSP) and polylactic acid (PLA).

Antimicrobial Efficacy of L. Extracts for Dental Caries: Green Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Compounds.

Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic condition globally. In recent years, scientists have turned to natural compounds such as plant extracts as an alternative to address concerns related to biofilm-mediated disease transmission, increasing bacterial resistance, and the adverse impacts of antibiotics. Consequently, this study investigated the antimicrobial properties of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts of L.

Effect of Physical Treatments on Functional Properties of Whey and Soy Protein Isolates in Oleogel Production Through Foam Template Method.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical treatments, namely heat (70 °C for 48 h), atmospheric cold plasma (10 kW for 20 min), and ultrasonic frequency (40 kHz for 15 min), on the physicochemical and interfacial properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI) in the context of oleogel production by foam template (cryogel) method. The physical modification of both SPI and WPI was monitored using SDS-PAGE, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), measuring interfacial tension, color, solubility, foam volume, foam stability, and, finally, the density and oil absorption of the produced cryogel. The findings revealed that the application of ultrasonic waves resulted in a significant reduction in the content of alpha-helical of SPI and WPI while the other treatments increased the content of random coil proteins.

Visual tracking of real-time freshness of fish using an agar hydrogel colorimetric indicator containing CuNPs/NCQDs.

A simple, selective, and affordable dual fluorescence-colorimetric indicator for hydrogen sulfide was developed based on a complex of copper nanoparticles and N-doped carbon quantum dots (CuNPs/NCQDs). Real-time and visual freshness tracking of fish was done using a colorimetric indicator by incorporating CuNPs/NCQDs into agar hydrogel (AH-CuNPs/NCQDs). The fluorescence response of the CuNPs/NCQDs solution is quenched upon exposure to HS.

Development of an active agar aerogel with dual antioxidant and UV-blocking activities using chlorine-doped graphene quantum dots.

Active packaging is of great interest in the modern food industry due to increasing shelf life and enhancing food quality. The importance of this technology increases when natural polymers are used in the construction of active packages. Development of a natural, biodegradable, and dual-active film was aimed in this study.

Natural resin as a biosource and bio-based plasticizer for edible resin/ethylcellulose composite film preparation.

Nowadays, finding natural and inexpensive resources that can be easily used to make food films has been considered. Despite the widespread use of synthetic resins, natural resins are rarely used. Opopanax resin (OR) was used in this study as a new biosource to prepare the hydrophobic edible film.

Enhancing hamburger shelf life and quality using gallic acid encapsulated in gelatin/tragacanth gum complex coacervate.

Considering mitigating oxidative degradation and inhibiting microbial proliferation in meat products, incorporating antioxidant and antimicrobial materials is critical to enhance shelf life, maintain quality, and ensure food safety. So, this study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of encapsulated gallic acid on the quality of hamburgers during 30 days of storage. Gallic acid was microencapsulated in tragacanth gum/gelatin complex coacervate, and its encapsulation efficiency was optimized by the response surface method.

Development and characterization of antioxidant bilayer film based on poly lactic acid-bitter vetch seed protein incorporated with extract for active food packaging.

This study focuses on designing an active bilayer food package film based on polylactic acid (PLA) and bitter vetch seed protein incorporated with extract (PTE). The effect of PTE on the physicochemical, barrier, structural, mechanical, and antioxidant properties of the active film was determined. Moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the active films indicated that the addition of PTE increased its suitability for food packaging.

Segregative phase separation of gelatin and tragacanth gum solution and Mickering stabilization of their water-in-water emulsion with microgel particles prepared by complex coacervation.

This study aimed to investigate the segregative interaction of gelatin (G) and tragacanth gum (TG) and the stabilization of their water-in-water (W/W) emulsion by G-TG complex coacervate particles. Segregation was studied at different pHs, ionic strengths and biopolymer concentrations. Results showed that incompatibility was affected by increasing the biopolymer concentrations.

Cold plasma treatment to prepare active polylactic acid/ethyl cellulose film using wheat germ peptides and chitosan.

In this study, the surface of the polylactic acid/ethyl cellulose (PLA/EC) blend film was modified by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment to facilitate the spin-coating of chitosan (CH) and wheat germ bioactive peptides (PEP) obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of defatted wheat germ protein isolate on the surface of the film. The suitable plasma treatment condition was 5 min at 20 kV according to ATR-FTIR, AFM, SEM, water angle contact, and water solubility results. Increasing the surface roughness and oxygen-containing functional groups (CO and -OH) improved coating by PEP and CH.

Relationship between spiritual health, resilience, and happiness among a group of dental students: a cross-sectional study with structural equation modeling method.

Background: Given the importance of spiritual health, resilience and happiness to encounter challenges facing dental students, we aimed to examine these variables, their relationship and the mediating role of resilience between spiritual health and happiness among a group of Iranian dental students in Islamic Azad University of Isfahan.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, utilizing a stratified sampling method, 150 volunteer dental students in different academic years filled in the Persian version of Spiritual Well-Being scale, the Persian version of Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Isfahan-Fordyce Happiness Inventory. Independent t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation coefficient served for statistical analysis.

Effect of combination of ultrasonic treatment and anti-solvent methods as a high-efficiency method of nanoparticle production on the tragacanth gum properties.

Gum tragacanth nanoparticles were prepared using a combination of intense ultrasound energy and anti-solvent precipitation methods in this research. Results showed that smaller particles were produced by increasing sonication time. As well, increasing the sonication power led to smaller particles, however, increased aggregation.

Thermodynamic compatibility of gelatin and tragacanth gum in aqueous systems.

The influence of total concentration, biopolymer mixing ratio, and ionic strength on the association of tragacanth gum (TG) and gelatin (G) in the aqueous system during acidification was investigated. The onset of soluble complex formation appeared at pH, where both biopolymers carried a negative charge. Insoluble complexes were formed at pH by a further pH decrease, owing to increased interactions between the polymers.

Fabrication of fluorescence sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer on amine-modified carbon quantum dots for fast and highly sensitive and selective detection of tannic acid in food samples.

Developing a rapid and accurate method for tannic acid (TA) detection and measurement is necessary due to its extensive applications in the food industry. In this work, a fluorescence sensor with a low limit of detection was synthesized for TA for the first time. First, amine-modified carbon quantum dots (a-CQDs) with high-quantum yield were synthesized by the hydrothermal method.

Oral health-related quality of life among a group of patients with substance use disorders in rehabilitation treatment: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Little is known about the effect of illicit drugs on oral health-related quality of life. Our aim was to investigate oral health-related quality among patients with substance use disorders, and its association with dental caries experience and drug use profile.

Methods: Applying a stratified cluster random sampling method, we conducted a cross-sectional study on 267 in-treatment patients with substance use disorders in Isfahan, Iran in 2016.

Stabilization of Pickering emulsion using tragacanth nanoparticles produced by a combination of ultrasonic and anti-solvent methods.

Background: Because of the high surface/volume ratio in nanometric size particles, they exhibit novel functional properties in many industries, such as emulsion stabilization. Tragacanth nanoparticles (TNPs) were prepared in this research, applying intense ultrasound energy followed by anti-solvent precipitation in ethanol.

Results: Investigation of wettability showed a contact angle of 88.

Functional Properties of Rye Prolamin (Secalin) and Their Improvement by Protein Lipophilization through Capric Acid Covalent Binding.

Secalin (SCL), the prolamin fraction of rye protein, was chemically lipophilized using acylation reaction by treatment with different amounts of capric acid chloride (0, 2, 4, and 6 mmol/g) to enhance its functional properties. It was shown that SCL lipophilization increased the surface hydrophobicity and the hydrophobic interactions, leading to a reduction in protein solubility and water absorption capacity and to a greater oil absorption. In addition, SCL both emulsifying capacity and stability were improved when the protein was treated with low amount of capric acid chloride.

Effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) microencapsulated in alginate and whey protein concentrate addition on physicochemical and organoleptic properties of functional stirred yogurt.

Background: Consumption of Spirulina-based functionalized food is usually unpleasant due to its specific sensorial properties. Therefore, Spirulina was encapsulated using alginate and whey protein concentrate (WPC) by emulsification method, and the effect of adding free and microencapsulated Spirulina (MS) to non-fat stirred yogurt was investigated during storage.

Results: Scanning electron microscope investigated microcapsules morphology and their mean particle size that was 52 μm, and electrostatic interaction between wall materials was illustrated by Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy.

Fabrication of nanostructured mesoporous starch encapsulating soy-derived phytoestrogen (genistein) by well-tuned solvent exchange method.

The present research was concerned with preparation of mesoporous starch (MPS) as a carrier for genistein, a model of poorly water-soluble phytoestrogen isoflavone; and exploration of the impact of different fabrication parameters on structural and loading properties. MPS is considered as a highly porous biomaterial which typically possesses nanometer-sized porous microstructure and low density, providing a large effective specific surface area (SSA) and hydrophilic surface to improve solubility, stability and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble active agents. To fabricate MPS, various concentrations (8-14% w/v) of starch from different sources (corn, potato and tapioca) was used for gel formation and the successive solvent exchange process was performed with use of various ethanol concentrations (40-70% v/v), which were then dried by different techniques (rotary vacuum evaporation, microwave and freeze drying).

Oral health status and its determinants among opiate dependents: a cross-sectional study.

Background: In addition to numerous general health problems, drug dependents manifest various oral health disorders. Our aim was to investigate the oral health status and its determinants among in-treatment opiate dependents.

Methods: As part of a comprehensive cross-sectional survey on opiate dependents admitted to methadone maintenance centers in Tehran, Iran, we conducted a clinical study in two centers from different socioeconomic areas.

Physicochemical and functional properties of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) polysaccharides extracted under optimal conditions.

This research aimed to optimize the polysaccharides extraction of oleaster fruit and then to investigate the physicochemical and functional properties of extracted polysaccharides. Temperature, water to dry matter ratio, time, and alcohol ratio were considered as variables. Purity of extracted polysaccharides was considered as the response.

Investigation of stability, consistency, and oil oxidation of emulsion filled gel prepared by inulin and rice bran oil using ultrasonic radiation.

Inulin, rice bran oil and rosemary essential oil were used to produce high quality emulsion filled gel (EFG) using ultrasonic radiation. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of oil content, inulin content and power of ultrasound on the stability and consistency of prepared EFG. The process conditions were optimized by conducting experiments at five different levels.

Iron microencapsulation in gum tragacanth using solvent evaporation method.

In this study iron salt (FeSO·7HO) was microencapsulated in gum tragacanth hydrogel using solvent evaporation method. Three significant parameters (ferrous sulfate content, content of gum tragacanth, and alcohol to mixture ratio) were optimized by response surface methodology to obtain maximum encapsulation efficiency. Ferrous sulfate content, 5%, content of gum tragacanth, 22%, and alcohol to mixture ratio, 11:1 was determined to be the optimum condition to reach maximum encapsulation efficiency.

Basil seed mucilage as a new source for electrospinning: Production and physicochemical characterization.

In this study nanofibers were prepared via the electrospinning technique by basil seed mucilage (BSM) as a new source of hydrocolloid. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as an aiding agent. Viscosity and electrical conductivity of BSM/PVA solutions of different volume ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100) were in the range of 790-1300cP and 745-2140μS/cm, respectively.

Encapsulation optimization of lemon balm antioxidants in calcium alginate hydrogels.

Calcium alginate hydrogel beads were used to encapsulate lemon balm extract. Chitosan layer was used to investigate the effect of hydrogel coating. To determine the interactions of antioxidant compounds of extract with encapsulation materials and its stability, microstructure of hydrogel beads was thoroughly monitored using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR).