Survival,oxidative stability,and surface characteristics of spray dried co-microcapsules containing omega-3 fatty acids and probiotic bacteria

The objective of the study was to determine optimum inlet and outlet air temperatures of spray process for producing co-microcapsules containing omega-3 rich tuna oil and probiotic bacteria L. casei. These co-microcapsules were produced using whey protein isolate and gum Arabic complex coacervates as shell materials. Improved bacterial viability and oxidative stability of omega-3 oil were used as two main criteria of this study. Three sets of inlet (130°C, 150°C, and 170°C) and outlet (55°C, 65°C, and 75°C) air temperatures were used in nine combinations to produce powdered co-microcapsule. The viability of L. casei, oxidative stability of omega-3 oil, surface oil, oil microencapsulation efficiency, moisture content, surface elemental composition and morphology of the powdered samples were measured. There is no statistical difference in oxidative stability at two lower inlet air temperatures (130°C and 150°C). However, there was a significant decrease in oxidative stability when higher inlet temperature (170°C) was used. The viability of L. casei decreased with the increase in the inlet and outlet air temperatures. There was no difference in the surface elemental compositions and surface morphology of powdered co-microcapsules produced under these nine inlet/outlet temperature combinations. Of the range of conditions tested the co-microcapsules produced at inlet-outlet temperature 130–65°C showed the highest bacterial viability and oxidative stability of omega-3 and having the moisture content of 4.93?±?0.05% (w/w). This research shows that powdered co-microcapsules of probiotic bacteria and omega-3 fatty acids with high survival of the former and high stability against oxidation can be produced through spray drying.     

The older people, omega-3, and cognitive health (EPOCH) trial design and methodology: A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial investigating the effect of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive ageing and wellbeing in cognitively healthy older adults

Background

Some studies have suggested an association between omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFAs) and better cognitive outcomes in older adults. To date, only two randomised, controlled trials have assessed the effect of n-3 LC PUFA supplementation on cognitive function in older cognitively healthy populations. Of these trials only one found a benefit, in the subgroup carrying the ApoE-ε4 allele. The benefits of n-3 LC PUFA supplementation on cognitive function in older normal populations thus still remain unclear. The main objective of the current study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential of n-3 LC PUFAs to slow cognitive decline in normal elderly people, and included ApoE-ε4 allele carriage as a potential moderating factor. The detailed methodology of the trial is reported herein.

Methods

The study was a parallel, 18-month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention with assessment at baseline and repeated 6-monthly. Participants (N = 391, 53.7% female) aged 65-90 years, English-speaking and with normal cognitive function, were recruited from metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Participants in the intervention arm received capsules containing fish-oil at a daily dosage of 1720 mg of docosahexaenoic acid and 600 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid while the placebo arm received the equivalent amount of olive oil in their capsules. The primary outcome is rate of change in cognitive performance, as measured by latent variables for the cognitive constructs (encompassing Reasoning, Working Memory, Short-term Memory, Retrieval Fluency, Inhibition, Simple and Choice-Reaction Time, Perceptual Speed, Odd-man-out Reaction Time, Speed of Memory Scanning, and Psychomotor Speed) and assessed by latent growth curve modeling. Secondary outcomes are change in the Mini-mental State Examination, functional capacity and well-being (including health status, depression, mood, and self-report cognitive functioning), blood pressure, and biomarkers of n-3 LC PUFA status, glucose, lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage.

Trial registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12607000278437     

Structured lipids from high-laurate canola oil and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids

The lipase-assisted acidolysis of high-laurate canola oil (HLCO; Laurical 25) with long-chain n−3 FA (DHA and EPA) was studied. Response surface methodology was used to obtain a maximal incorporation of DHA or EPA into HLCO. The studied process variables were the amount of enzyme (2–6%), reaction temperature (35–55°C), and incubation time (12–36 h). The amount of water added and the mole ratio of substrates (oil to DHA or EPA) were kept at 2% and 1∶3, respectively. All experiments were conducted according to a face-centered cube design. Under optimal conditions (4.79% of enzyme; 46.1°C; 30.1 h), the incorporation of DHA into HLCO was 37.3%. The corresponding maximal incorporation of EPA (61.6%) into Laurical 25 was obtained using 4.6% enzyme, a reaction temperature of 39.9°C, and a reaction period of 26.2 h. Examination of the positional distribution of FA on the glycerol backbone of modified HLCO with DHA showed that the DHA was primarily located in the sn-1,3 positions of the TAG molecules. However, lauric acid also remained mainly in the sn-1,3 positions of the modified oil. For EPA-modified Laurical 25, lauric acid was present mainly in the sn-1,3 positions, whereas EPA was randomly distributed over the three positions.     

Supercritical CO2 fractionation of omega-3 lipids from fish by-products: Plant and process design,modeling, economic feasibility

Biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food sectors are experiencing an increasing market interest in omega-3 concentrates. Fish and fish processing by-products represent the major source of lipids rich in omega-3. The present work focuses on the supercritical CO₂ fractionation of fish oil derivatives for obtaining omega-3 concentrates, which seems a promising process given that it allows utilizing low temperatures (well below 100 °C) and it can be performed also at industrial scale. The process was conceived, modeled, and evaluated in terms of the main parameters affecting its performances: solvent to feed ratio, reflux ratio, temperature, and pressure of both the fractionation column and the column head separator.The process was further optimized minimizing its operating costs. The optimum foresaw operating the column at high temperature (80 °C) and pressure (19.5 MPa), which allowed for a reduced reflux ratio (=0.92) and solvent to feed ratio (=63). At these conditions, the process cost per unit product (omega-3 concentrate) turned out to be of about 2.3 €/kg.Finally, the plant was designed for three different throughputs: 10, 100, and 300 kg/h. This allowed estimating the investment costs, in order to outline a preliminary process feasibility evaluation.     

一种新型缩氨基硫脲及其金属配合物的合成、表征与生物活性研究

合成了1-(2-羟基-1-亚甲基)-4-苯基氨基硫脲配体(HL)及它们的铜、钴、镍金属配合物,通过核磁、元素分析、摩尔电导、红外光谱、紫外-可见光谱等测试对其进行了结构表征,并测试了该配体及其金属配合物对大肠杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、欧文氏草生杆菌的抑菌活性。     

Comparison of a pair of synthetic tea-catechin-derived epimers: synthesis, antifolate activity, and tyrosinase-mediated activation in melanoma

Despite bioavailability issues, tea catechins have emerged as promising chemopreventive agents because of their efficacy in various animal models. We synthesized two catechin-derived compounds, 3-O-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-(-)-catechin (TMCG) and 3-O-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-(-)-epicatechin (TMECG), in an attempt to improve the stability and cellular absorption of tea polyphenols. The antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of both compounds were analyzed with various cancer cell systems, and TMCG, which was easily synthesized in excellent yield, was more active than TMECG in both melanoma and non-melanoma cell lines. TMCG was also a better inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase and was more efficiently oxidized by tyrosinase, potentially explaining the difference in activity between these epimers.     

Synthesis of novel functionalized methacrylate copolymers and their copolymerization kinetics,thermal stability,and biocidal properties

In the first step of this study, 2-[(methoxy-1,3-benzothiazole-2-yl)amino]-2-oxoethyl methacrylate (MBAOM) monomer was synthesized and characterized. Then, a series copolymers were obtained by free-radical copolymerization method of MBAOM and glycidyl methacrylate, which is a commercial monomer at 65°C in 1,4-dioxane solvent. Structural characterizations of synthesized monomer and copolymers were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H and ¹³C-NMR) instruments. The composition of the copolymers was estimated by elemental analysis. The thermal behaviors of all the polymers have been investigated using the differential scanning calorimetry and the thermogravimetric analysis. A kinetic study of the thermal decomposition of copolymers was investigated using thermogravimetric analyzer with non-isothermal methods selected for analyzing solid-state kinetics data. The activation energy (E_a) values were calculated via Kissinger and Ozawa models in a period of α = 0.10–0.80. Photostability of the copolymers was investigated. Also, the biological activity of the copolymers against different bacterial and fungal species has been investigated.     

Field response of Ips paraconfusus,Dendroctonus brevicomis,and their predators to 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol,a novel alcohol emitted by ponderosa pine

Methylbutenol (MBO) is a major component of the aggregation pheromone of the European spruce beetle Ips typographus and also has been found to be emitted in large amounts by several species of pine native to western North America. This study investigates the influence this signal may have on the behavior of North American bark beetles and examines whether MBO functions as a defensive compound for emitting pines. The response of two North American bark beetles (Ips paraconfusus and Dendroctonus brevicomis) and their predaceous beetles (Trogositidae and Cleridae) to MBO, pheromone, and monoterpenes in varying release rates was investigated in the field using Lindgren funnel traps. MBO exhibited no repellent properties when tested alone, nor did MBO appear to have any effect on the aggregation response of these bark beetles and their predators to their pheromones. These results provide no support for a defensive function of MBO.     

Preparation of novel fillers,named networked silicas,and their effects of reinforcement on rubber compounds

BACKGROUND: A new concept for reinforcing silica, named networked silica, was used to achieve enhanced reinforcing performance of silica and to eliminate the disadvantage of ethanol production and precure through coupling reagents in the preparation of silica‐reinforced SBR compounds. RESULTS: The networked silicas were prepared by connecting silica particles with amine and glycidoxy groups, which had been previously coupled on their surface. The networked silicas compounded in SBR showed a significant enhancement of tensile strength accompanied with a moderate increase in modulus at a high loading of 70 phr even without using any coupling reagents. Their high performance is discussed in relation to their physical and chemical properties investigated using thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, ζ‐potential, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption methods. CONCLUSION: The improved reinforcing performance of networked silicas confirmed their feasibility as reinforcing materials for the manufacture of highly stable tires. The high tensile strength achieved using the networked silicas is probably due to the physical entanglements of rubber molecules with the networks formed among silica particles. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis,characterization, and optical properties of a novel alternating 3-dodecyloxythiophene-co-pyridine copolymer

A novel soluble alternating conjugated copolymer, comprised of 3-dodecyloxythiophene and pyridine moieties, was synthesized via the Heck Couple approach. Regioregular poly(3-dodecyloxythiophenel) synthesized by McCullough was also studied for comparison. The obtained polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, HR-MS, gel permeation chromatography, UV–Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence and Cyclic voltammetry. The photoluminescence of the copolymer exhibited extraordinary bright blue. The electrochemical study shows that the new alternating copolymer does not merely have the properties of the two units that constitute it but has mutual hole and electron charge carrier properties which might be promising material for applications in high efficiency, single or low number layers functional devices.     

Stable, colourless and water-soluble electron-transfer mediators used in enzyme electrochemistry

Electron-transfer mediators are needed to transport charge between electrodes and enzymes, as enzymes hardly react on conventional electrode surfaces. Several complex ions were tested for their stability, absorbance and ability to work as electron-transfer mediators. A set of five stable mediators covering the potential range from 0 mV to +800 mV vs. SHE was established: [Fe-DCTA]^0/1+ (DCTA is 1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid), [Co-terpyridine₂]^2+/3+, [Fe(CN)₆]^4−/3−, [W(CN)₈]^4−/3− and [Mo(CN)₈]^4−/3−. These mediators are water-soluble, pH-independent and able to transfer one electron at a time. This set offers promising mediator candidates whenever indirect electrochemistry is needed, as is not restricted to any particular enzyme. It is especially useful for redox titrations and other enzyme research, where colourlessness is required. As all charge is consumed by the desired redox reactions, and not by degradation reactions, even amperometric and coulometric titrations are possible.     

Synthesis, characterization and third-order non-linear optical properties of novel fluorene monomers and their cross-conjugated polymers

We designed and synthesized two novel fluorene monomers of D-A-D (donor-acceptor-donor) type (M1 and M2), and their two corresponding polymers (PM1 and PM2) and a copolymer (CPM). These high molecular weight, film-forming polymers were obtained from metal-free, superacid-catalyzed reactions of the monomers with N-phenylisatin. The cubic NLO response (χ⁽³⁾) for these new compounds, in solid thin films, was measured through the use of third-harmonic generation (THG) Maker-Fringes technique at IR wavelengths given values of the order of 10⁻¹² esu from which, the corresponding second hyperpolarizabilities (γ) were estimated to be of the order of 10⁻³³ esu for monomers and 10⁻³¹ esu for polymers. Second hyperpolarizabilities have also been estimated theoretically at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory in gas phase and related with the electronic structure of the synthesized molecules.     

The synthesis,characterization, electrochemical character,catalytic and antimicrobial activity of novel,azo-containing Schiff bases and their metal complexes

Three novel Schiff base ligands containing the azo group, 2-((E)-(4-((E)-phenyldiazenyl)phenylimino)methyl)phenol, 3-((E)-(4-((E)-phenyldiazenyl)phenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol and 4-((E)-(4-((E)-phenyldiazenyl)phenylimino)methyl)benzene-1,2,3-triol, were synthesized from the reaction of p-aminoazobenzene with salicylaldehyde, 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, respectively. The mononuclear Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes of the Schiff base ligands were prepared and characterized using elemental analyses, IR, UV–visible spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility and conductance measurements; ¹H NMR and mass spectra of the ligands were also recorded. The Co(II) and Cu(II) metal complexes are formed by the coordination of the N and O atoms of the ligands. The electrochemical properties of the metal complexes were investigated at 100 mV s^?1 scan rate in DMSO; the oxidative C–C coupling properties of the Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes were investigated on the sterically hindered 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (DTBP). In addition, the Schiff base ligands and their complexes were evaluated for both their in vitro antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method.     

Initial evaluation of novel polyamide-imides and their copolymers as adhesives

—An adhesive screening study was performed at NASA Langley Research Center on two linear aromatic polyamide-imide (PAI) homopolymers and two linear aromatic PAI copolymers. The homopolymers were made with either of two amide diamines, 3,3'- or 4,4'-diaminobenzanilide (DABA), and 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). The two copolymers studied were prepared with a combination of 3,3'-DABP and amide diamines. These aromatic PAIs possess high thermal stability because of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and chain stiffness. Lap shear strength (LSS) tests, conducted at room temperature, 177, 204 and 232°C, were the primary criterion for evaluation of the polymers as adhesives. Included in the study were measurements of the glass transition temperature made on fractured specimens for each bonding condition and a visual determination of the type of bond failure for specimens at each test temperature. Of the four adhesive candidates investigated, the best LSS values were obtained with the PAI copolymer identified as LARC-TPI(25% 3,3'-DABA). However, the LSS values were higher for the LARC-TPI polyimide with which the adhesive strengths were compared. The combination of a high molecular weight and the increased interchain electronic interaction associated with the amide group appears to contribute to the poor flow properties observed.     

Latent cytokines: development of novel cleavage sites and kinetic analysis of their differential sensitivity to MMP-1 and MMP-3

We have engineered a latent mouse interferon beta (mIFNbeta) using the latency associated peptide (LAP) of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) to protect the cytokine and avoid its interaction with its receptors. This approach improves the pharmacokinetic properties and reduces the pleiotropic effects limiting the current therapeutic use of cytokines. IFNbeta was fused to the LAP using two flexible linkers flanking a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) cleavage site for the specific release of IFNbeta at disease sites. In order to improve the hydrolysis rate of the cleavage site, 15 different cleavable linkers were introduced in the LAP-mIFNbeta construct. The kinetic parameters relative to the linker cleavage by MMP-1 and MMP-3 were measured by an ELISA method. Among the modifications done, one of the constructs bearing the activation site of pro-MMPs was the best substrate for both enzymes. The introduction of a hydrophilic sequence derived from the furin cleavage site of the anthrax toxin protective antigen increased the sensitivity to MMP-3 to up to 29-fold. These data suggest that this strategy could be useful for improving the effectiveness of the delivery and targeting of protein therapeutics.     

Ultrasound-promoted one-pot four-component synthesis of novel biologically active 3-aryl-2,4-dithioxo-1,3,5-triazepane-6,7-dione and their toxicity investigation

We have described a novel four-component reaction (4MCR) between oxalyl chloride 1, anilines 2a–h, and two molecules of ammonium thiocyanate 3 in acetone under ultrasound irradiation to give 3-aryl-2,4-dithioxo-1,3,5-triazepane-6,7-diones. A synthetically useful ultrasound effect was observed and title products were obtained in high yields after 15–35?min sonication. Our procedure compared to the conventional heating method has the benefit of higher reaction yields and shorter reaction times. The IR spectra showed the presence of N–H, C═O and C═S groups in these compounds and ¹H, ¹³C NMR and Mass spectral results verified their structures. Cellular investigations showed that these compounds are toxic toward cancer cells.     

Two novel 3D 3d–4f polymers with triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid: Syntheses,structures, and magnetic properties

Two novel 3d–4f polymers [La(H₂O)₄][M₂TTHA(SCN)₂] · H₃O⁺ (M = Ni(1), Cu(2), H₆ TTHA = triethylenetetraaminehexaacetic acid) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, IR and magnetic properties. Two complexes show 3D framework, comprising an unusual infinite 1D chain based on heterometallic La₂M₂ rings (M = Ni(1), Cu(2)).     

Preparation, characterization and novel photoregulated rheological properties of azobenzene functionalized cellulose derivatives and their α-CD complexes

Novel azobenzene functionalized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (AZO-HPMC) polymers and their α-CD (α-Cyclodextrin) complexes have been prepared. FT-IR, ¹H NMR and FT-Raman spectroscopy confirm the existence of azobenzene chromophores in AZO-HPMC polymers. α-CD can improve the water solubility of AZO-HPMC by formation of inclusion complexes with azobenzene side groups. Rheological studies substantiate that both AZO-HPMC and its α-CD complex undergo thermoreversible sol-gel transitions in aqueous solutions. Viscometric measurements suggest that the association between azobenzene side groups can be eliminated by α-CD. The effect of photoirradiation on the rheological behavior shows that the gelation temperature of AZO-HPMC increases after UV irradiation, while the gelation temperature of AZO-HPMC/α-CD complex decreases after UV irradiation.     

Synthesis of novel polyurethanes containing dioxybenzylidenecyanoacetate,as non‐linear optical chromophores and their properties

Methyl 3,4‐di‐(2′‐hydroxyethoxy)benzylidenecyanoacetate (3) was prepared by hydrolysis of methyl 3,4‐di‐(2′‐vinyloxyethoxy)benzylidenecyanoacetate (2). Diol 3 was condensed with 2,4‐toluenediisocyanate, 3,3′‐dimethoxy‐4,4′‐biphenylenediisocyanate, and 1,6‐hexamethylenediisocyanate to yield polyurethanes 4, 5 and 6 containing the non‐linear optical (NLO) chromophore 3,4‐dioxybenzylidenecyanoacetate. The resulting polyurethanes 4–6 were soluble in common organic solvents such as acetone and DMF. T_g values of the polymers obtained from DSC thermograms were in the range 80–102 °C. Polymers 4–6 showed thermal stability up to 300 °C in TGA thermograms, and electro‐optic coefficients (r₃₃) of the poled polymer films were in the range 10–12 pm V^?1 at 633 nm, which are acceptable for NLO device applications. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry