Comparative study on thermo-mechanical, structural and functional properties of pectin extracted from immature wasted apples and commercial pectin.

Pectin yield of 22.22 ± 0.98 % (dry basis) was achieved from prematurely dropped Golden Delicious apples, having a light orange hue (hue value: 78.

Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced chitosan/titanium dioxide bionanocomposite with enhanced interfacial compatibility: Fabrication, characterization, and application in fresh-cut apple slices.

This research aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a bionanocomposite made of chitosan, CNC, and TiO2 nanoparticles to package freshly sliced apples. At the outset, the effect of varying concentrations of CNC (1, 5, and 10 %) and TiO (1, 3, and 5 %) on the mechanical, thermal, and water sensitivity characteristics of the chitosan bionanocomposite was studied. Among different combinations, the bionanocomposite containing 10 % CNC and 3 % TiO displayed significant enhancements compared to neat chitosan film.

A review on the effect of micro- and nano-plastics pollution on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

The recent upsurge in the studies on micro/nano plastics and antimicrobial resistance genes has proven their deleterious effects on the environmental and human health. Till-date, there is a scarcity of studies on the interactions of these two factors and their combined influence. The interaction of microplastics has led to the formation of new plastics namely plastiglomerates, pyroplastics.

Process Optimization for Development of Guar Gum-Based Biodegradable Hydrogel Film Using Response Surface Methodology.

In the current study, a guar-gum-based biodegradable hydrogel film was prepared using an initiator (potassium persulfate), crosslinker (N-N methyl bis acrylamide), and plasticizer (glycerol) for packaging of fruits and vegetables. The effect of independent variables (initiator, crosslinker, and plasticizer) on the biodegradation (% wt. loss), color difference (ΔE), hardness (N), swelling index (%), and transparency (%) of the film was studied using Box-Behnken design, random surface methodology (RSM).

Microwave irradiation assisted intensive and quick delignification of lignocellulosic biomass, and confirmation by spectral, morphological and crystallinity characterization.

The purpose of this work was to use a microwave-assisted technique to improve and accelerate lignin removal from rice straw biomass. Using a Box-Behnken experimental design, the effect of four critical process parameters, viz. microwave power (480-800 W), irradiation time (4-12 min), bleaching solution concentration (0.