Investigating of drying kinetics and mathematical modeling of turnip

The drying process of turnip and drying rate curves were investigated at different temperatures (55, 70 and 85°C) with air flow rate of 1.5 m/s.  Also effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy were calculated by using Arrhenius equation and Fick’s second law for infinite slab.  The effective diffusivity varied between 5.471×10-10 and 8.966×10-10 in the range of (55°C to 85°C).  The value of activation energy was found to be 16.013 kJ/mol.  The mathematical models (Newton, Page, Modified Page, Henderson and Pabis, Logarithmic, Two term, Two term exponential, Wang and Singh, Simplified Fick’s diffusion, Modified Page –II, Verma, Midilli–Kucuk, Hii, Law and Cloke, Approximation of diffusion, Modified Henderson and Pabis) were fitted to the experimental data.  Sigmaplot v10.0 software was used to find the best model for evaluating the rate of moisture change.  Decency of fit by these models was based on comparing the coefficient of determination (R2), reduced chi-square (χ2), mean bias error (MBE) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the observed and predicted variables.  Among 15 evaluated models, Modified Henderson and Pabis in 85°C and Hii, Law and Cloke in 55°C and 70°C with highest R2 and lowest MBE, χ2 and RMSE were selected to better estimate the drying curves.Keywords: Turnip, hot air convective drying, modeling, drying rate, effective diffusivity, activation energ

Predictive modeling of oleuropein release from double nanoemulsions: An analytical study comparing intelligent models and Monte Carlo simulation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the release of oleuropein (OLP) from double nanoemulsions stabilized with polymeric complexes. Initially, W1/O nano-emulsions loaded with OLP were prepared and re-emulsified into an aqueous phase (W2), which included a complex of whey protein concentrate (WPC)/pectin, to form W1/O/W2 emulsions. The microstructure of the final double emulsions was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particles with smooth, comparatively spherical, and somewhat asymmetrical surfaces with a size range of 100–200 nm were observed, which were compatible with dynamic light scattering (DLS) data. The release trend of OLP was determined by fitting it to several empirical models including zero order, first order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, Korsemeyer-Peppas, Baker-Lonsdale, and utilizing intelligent modeling techniques such as Fuzzy Logic (FL) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Among the mathematical models, the zero order equation had the highest coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.988), while the first order equation had the lowest root-mean-square error (RMSE = 0.0176) and sum of squared errors (SSE = 0.0009) for the goodness of fit of the model, when considering the release trend of OLP. FL and ANNs proved effective in modeling controlled release of OLP-loaded nanocarriers, achieving high R2 values. Additionally, Monte Carlo (MC) simulation showed potential for evaluating the release process when compared to other methods

Enhancing the bio-polymeric stabilization of spray-dried Chlorella phenolic-rich extract: Analysis of its physicochemical, functional, structural, and biological properties

In this study, the spray-drying process of Chlorella extract was investigated. The influence of different carriers including maltodextrin (MD), acacia gum (AG), whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the physicochemical, functional, flowability and color properties was analyzed. Powder obtained using MD revealed the highest bulk and tapped density (0.613 and 0.750 g/mL, respectively), the highest solubility (96.87 %) and hygroscopicity (29.87 %). Dry powder attained by MD, showed the highest content of total phenols (0.413 mg GAE/mL) and lowest particle size (12.70 μm). All produced powders revealed fair to good cohesiveness and flowability. Besides, the spray-drying processes using (MD -WPC) showed higher maintenance of the antioxidant activity. SEM images revealed the presence of particles of different sizes and wrinkles. Evaluation of the chemical structure (FTIR) indicated the encapsulation and distribution of the phenolic compounds of the extract in the matrix of the carriers. Research findings can confirm the possibility to use encapsulated Chlorella extracts as an abundant source of natural antioxidants in the enrichment and formulation of various beneficial food products. Finally, the results showed the efficiency of the spray-drying process on the production of dry powder extract of Chlorella with appropriate physical properties, stability and antioxidant properties

Modification of Whey Proteins by Sonication and Hydrolysis for the Emulsification and Spray Drying Encapsulation of Grape Seed Oil

In this study, whey protein concentrate (WPC) was sonicated or partially hydrolyzed by Alcalase, then examined as an emulsifier and carrier for the emulsification and spray drying of grape seed oil (GSO)-in-water emulsions. The modification treatments increased the free amino acid content and antioxidant activity (against DPPH and ABTS free radicals), as well as, the solubility, emulsifying, and foaming activities of WPC. The modified WPC-stabilized emulsions had smaller, more homogeneous droplets and a higher zeta potential as compared to intact WPC. The corresponding spray-dried powders also showed improved encapsulation efficiency, oxidative stability, reconstitution ability, flowability, solubility, and hygroscopicity. The morphology of particles obtained from the primary WPC (matrix type, irregular with surface pores) and modified WPC (reservoir type, wrinkled with surface indentations), as well as the oxidative stability of the GSO were influenced by the functional characteristics and antioxidant activity of the carriers. Changes in the secondary structures and amide regions of WPC, as well as the embedding of GSO in its matrix, were deduced from FTIR spectra after modifications. Partial enzymolysis had better results than ultrasonication; hence, the WPC hydrolysates are recommended as emulsifiers, carriers, and antioxidants for the delivery and protection of bioactive compounds