Influence of glycerol and water activity on the properties of compressed egg white-based bioplastics

In this paper, the effects of glycerol (35%, 40% and 45%) and water activity (0.34 and 0.48) on the physical, mechanical and morphological properties of compressed egg white-based bioplastics are investigated. Lighter, more reddish and less yellowish sheets with a decreased thickness and second-order transition temperature, improved mechanical properties (increased flexibility and decreased rigidity and stiffness) and constant moisture content can be obtained by increasing water activity. Increasing the GLY content results in the same type of changes but to a lesser extent and increased moisture content. Increasing both, water activity and GLY, leads to a more pronounced effect for some properties. This study demonstrates that compressed egg white-based bioplastics with desired properties can be obtained by adjusting water activity and GLY content during their synthesis.     

The assessment of commercial beef and chicken bouillons in terms of heterocyclic aromatic amines and some of their precursors

Herein, the assessment of commercial beef and chicken bouillons in terms of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and some of their precursors was evaluated. Creatine and creatinine levels were ranged between 0.57–0.80 and 0.28–0.94 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Glutamic acid was found to be the most abundant amino acid in both bouillons. 2-amino-3,7,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-ƒ]quinoxaline (7,8-DiMeIQx, up to 0.03 ng g⁻¹) was the only quantified analyte in beef bouillons, whereas it (up to 0.08 ng g⁻¹) was determined in addition to 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-ƒ]quinoxaline (IQx, up to 0.08 ng g⁻¹) in chicken bouillons. Creatine, creatinine and free amino acid composition did not have the capacity to initiate the formation of HAAs. Therefore, bouillons do not pose risk in terms of HAAs. However, it should be noted that multiple factors, such as the substrate amount and production conditions, may affect the results. Glutamic acid content is remarkable in commercial bouillons sold in Turkey.     

Investigation of thermoluminescence properties of metal oxide doped lithium triborate

In this study, lithium triborate (LiB₃O₅) doped with different metal oxides were investigated to explore its thermoluminescence properties. Solid-state reaction method was employed for the synthesis of the desired materials. The formation of the produced phases was confirmed by Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) examinations. It was found that, CuO and Al₂O₃ doped lithium triborate samples exhibit very significant thermoluminescence glow curves to be promising dosimetric material.     

Forming of Protein Bubbles and Porous Films Using Co‐Axial Electrohydrodynamic Flow Processing

Air and 5 wt.‐% BSA solution are used as a model system to generate protein‐coated microbubbles, which are significantly smaller in diameter than the processing needle apertures. The effects of processing parameters (applied voltage and flow rate) on the bubble size distribution and stability are studied. The optimal processing conditions are also explored in terms of heating of the solutions and prepared structures. Both individual microbubbles and porous films were successfully prepared using this method which has significant potential for the preparation of microbubbles for drug delivery systems, porous coatings, thin films, scaffolds and ultrasound contrast agents. The versatile nature of the method implies that many macromolecules and other active agents can be used.

     

Synthesis and polymerizations of novel bisphosphonate‐containing methacrylates derived from alkyl α‐hydroxymethacrylates

The synthesis and polymerizations of four novel bisphosphonate‐containing monomers are reported. The monomers were synthesized from reaction of ethyl and tert‐butyl α‐bromomethacrylates with 3,3‐bis(diethoxyphosphoryl)propanoic acid or with tetraethyl 4‐hydroxybutane‐1,1‐diyldiphosphonate. Their thermal bulk polymerizations, photopolymerizations and copolymerizations with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate were investigated. The homopolymerizations resulted in polymers with values of 25 000–83 000 g mol^?1; the copolymerizations yielded soluble polymers with 22–34% incorporation of the new monomers; the photopolymerizations gave some structure–reactivity correlation; and one of the homopolymers, upon hydrolysis of its bisphosphonate groups, could interact with hydroxyapatite. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Simultaneous growth of self-patterned carbon nanotube forests with dual height scales

In this study, we report on a unique, one-step fabrication technique enabling the simultaneous synthesis of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs) with dual height scales through alcohol catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (ACCVD). Regions of VA-MWCNTs with different heights were well separated from each other leading to a self-patterning on the surface. We devised a unique layer-by-layer process for application of catalyst and inhibitor precursors on oxidized Si (100) surfaces before the ACCVD step to achieve a hierarchical arrangement. Patterning could be controlled by adjusting the molarity and application sequence of precursors. Contact angle measurements on these self-patterned surfaces indicated that manipulation of these hierarchical arrays resulted in a wide range of hydrophobic behavior changing from that of a sticky rose petal to a lotus leaf.     

Suitability of Sodium Pyruvate as Decomposer of Carried-over Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of sodium pyruvate in growth media by using the most-probable number method to decompose carried-over liquid hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) without negative influences on correct enumeration of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. An equivalent molar ratio of sodium pyruvate and H₂O₂ was verified to be sufficient for a complete decomposition. The results showed that by exposition of G. stearothermophilus spores in different liquid hydrogen peroxide and by carry-over of concentrations ranging from 3.56 · 10⁻⁶ up to 1.69 · 10⁻⁴ mol, a sodium pyruvate concentration of 0.05 mol L⁻¹ in growth media was most efficient for the recovery of spores.