Identifying ideal products using three different consumer profiling methodologies. Comparison with external preference mapping

The aim of the present work was to identify consumers’ ideal product by three consumer profiling techniques and to compare the agreement among the three techniques. Two studies were carried out in which consumers evaluated seven samples of orange-flavoured powdered drinks. In the first study 108 consumers scored their overall liking, whereas in the second one three groups of 50 consumers evaluated the sensory characteristics of the samples using projective mapping, a check-all-that-apply question or intensity scales. After completing the task consumers were asked to identify their ideal product.The different approaches yielded similar information regarding the sensory characteristics of the products and consumers’ ideal product, providing similar recommendations for product improvement. However, they differed in the position of consumers’ optimum product within the sensory space defined by the sensory characteristics of the evaluated samples. Projective mapping identified the consensus position of the ideal product within the range of sensory characteristics of the evaluated samples, providing similar results than external preference mapping. Differences and similarities between the methodologies are discussed, as well as potential applications.     

Systematic Modification and Evaluation of Enzyme-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

Polymeric-based nano drug delivery systems have been widely exploited to overcome protein instability during formulation. Presently, a diverse range of polymeric agents can be used, among which polysaccharides, such as chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA) and cyclodextrins (CDs), are included. Due to its unique biological and physicochemical properties, CS is one of the most used polysaccharides for development of protein delivery systems. However, CS has been described as potentially immunogenic. By envisaging a biosafe cytocompatible and haemocompatible profile, this paper reports the systematic development of a delivery system based on CS and derived with HA and CDs to nanoencapsulate the model human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPAH) through ionotropic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP), while maintaining protein stability and enzyme activity. By merging the combined set of biopolymers, we were able to effectively entrap hPAH within CS nanoparticles with improvements in hPAH stability and the maintenance of functional activity, while simultaneously achieving strict control of the formulation process. Detailed characterization of the developed nanoparticulate systems showed that the lead formulations were internalized by hepatocytes (HepG2 cell line), did not reveal cell toxicity and presented a safe haemocompatible profile.     

Tuning Specific Biomolecular Interactions Using Electro‐Switchable Oligopeptide Surfaces

The ability to regulate biomolecular interactions on surfaces driven by an external stimuli is of great theoretical interest and practical impact in the biomedical and biotechnology fields. Herein, a new class of responsive surfaces that rely on electro‐switchable peptides to control biomolecular interactions on gold surfaces is presented. This system is based upon the conformational switching of positively charged oligolysine peptides that are tethered to a gold surface, such that bioactive molecular moieties (biotin) incorporated on the oligolysines can be reversibly exposed (bio‐active state) or concealed (bio‐inactive state) on demand, as a function of surface potential. The dynamics of switching the biological properties is studied by observing the binding events between biotin and fluorescently labeled NeutrAvidin. Fluorescence microscope images and surface plasmon resonance spectral data clearly reveal opposite binding behaviors when +0.3 V or ?0.4 V vs. SCE are applied to the surface. High fluorescence intensities are observed for an applied positive potential, while minimal fluorescence is detected for an applied negative potential. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) results provided further evidence that NeutrAvidin binding to the surface is controlled by the applied potential. A large SPR response is observed when a positive potential is applied on the surface, while a negative applied potential induces over 90% reduction in NeutrAvidin binding.     

From Green to Sustainability—Trends in the Assessment Methods of Green Buildings

This research investigates recent developments in assessment methods of green buildings and compares the differences in rating systems among the United Kingdom, USA, and Germany. There are indications that the rating systems are moving from green buildings to sustainable buildings. In order to understand the recent research in academic areas, we survey the recent Ph.D. dissertations and literature related to green building assessment. Discussion is provided on the major research areas of green buildings, which cover accountability of life cycle cost, methodology for balancing the three pillars, and government vision and public policy.     

Poly(lactic acid) biocomposites with mango waste and organo-montmorillonite for packaging

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer used in packaging, but its properties can be improved by manufacturing composite matrixes. The combination of PLA, starch, and nano-montmorillonite leads to materials with superior mechanical properties. Mango lump is rich in cellulose and starch. The goal of this study is to develop and characterize biocomposites based on PLA, mango waste, and nano-organo-montmorillonite for packaging. The samples were microstructurally, morphologically, and mechanically characterized. Physical interaction between the phases was observed. The mango components displaced the PLA X-ray diffraction peaks and the clays altered their intensity, by interfering with chain packing. The addition of single components to PLA increased the samples’ transition temperatures, but the addition of multiple components diminished them. PLA showed adhesiveness to cellulose fibers and nonadhesiveness to starch granules. Thicker samples presented better mechanical properties. PLA–mango–“chocolate clay” samples are relatively stable materials, while PLA–mango–“bofe clay” samples could represent promising highly biodegradable materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47512.     

Removal of Remazol Blue RR dye from aqueous solutions with Neem leaves and evaluation of their acute toxicity with Daphnia magna

The removal of dyes present in industrial effluent has received great attention in the past few years. This is partly due to increasing environmental awareness and the implementation of ever stricter environmental rules. However, some treatments for color removal from these effluents do not guarantee the absence of other secondary toxic substances, often originating from the treatment process itself. The aim of this study is to evaluate the toxicity level of the adsorbent Neem, used in adsorption processes for color removal, as well as that of the dye solution before and after the adsorption process. The toxicity tests were carried out according to the Environment Agency FATMA regulation no. 017/02. They consisted of exposing representative microorganisms from the environment, for a certain time interval, to several concentrations of one or more substances, under different environmental conditions, and then evaluating the toxic effects. The results show that the Neem leaf extract had a harmful affect on the test organism used. Thus, it is recommended that the leaf extract is removed prior to effluent treatment, since the results of this study indicate that this will reduce the toxicity of the effluent and also improve the efficiency of the adsorption process.     

The impact of fluoridated milks on the availability of trace elements in milk

BACKGROUND: Milk is a nutritious food and also used as a vehicle for fluoride (F) administration. However, the impact of added F on milk's nutritional profile is unknown. In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion with enzymatic steps was used to measure and compare the availability of trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mo and Se) in pasteurised skimmed (0.3% fat) and whole (4% fat) milk samples with four concentrations of F (0, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0 ppm) as well as in non‐F and F ultrahigh‐temperature (UHT)‐processed 4% fat milks. Post‐centrifugation supernatant trace element concentrations were measured after each stage of digestion by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. RESULTS: F showed a negative effect on Cu availability in cow's milk. Fat removal increased the availabilities of Cu, Zn, Cr and Se but decreased the Mo availability. There was a greater Cr availability in the UHT milk sample compared with pasteurised samples. CONCLUSION: These initial data suggest that adding F to milk does not have a marked effect on its trace element profile, with the exception of reduced Cu availability. However, these findings would benefit from further studies both in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry