Influence of surfactants on the electrospinnability of lignin‑PVP solutions and subsequent oil structuring properties of nanofiber mats

This work focuses on the improvement of the electrospinnability of low-sulfonate lignin (LSL)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions by the addition of surfactants (SDS, CTAB and Tween-20) as well as on the ability of resulting nanofibers to structure castor oil. Solutions with two LSL/PVP weight ratios (70:30 and 90:10) in DMF were prepared by adding variable surfactant concentrations (0–1 wt.%), and physicochemically characterized. Electrical conductivity, surface tension and rheological measurements were performed. Variations of these physicochemical properties were explained on the basis of surfactant-polymer interactions. The addition of surfactants to LSL/PVP solutions improves electrospinnability, producing more compact and uniform fiber mats in 70:30 LSL/PVP systems, generally reducing the average diameter of the nanofibers and the number of beads. In contrast, nanofiber mats were not obtained with 90:10 LSL/PVP solutions, but different nanostructures composed of particle clusters. Dispersions of nanofiber mats obtained by electrospinning from 70:30 LSL/PVP solutions in castor oil were able to generate physically stable strong oleogels. In general, linear viscoelastic functions of oleogels increased with surfactant concentration. In addition, these oleogels exhibited excellent lubrication performance in a tribological contact, with extremely low values of the friction coefficient and wear diameters, which may lead to potential applications as lubricants.Research project (RTI2018-096080-B-C21) funded by MCIN/ AEI/10. 13039/ 501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe.” Funding for open access charge Universidad de Huelva/CBU

Electrospun lignin-PVP nanofibers and their ability for structuring oil

This work explores the electrospinnability of low-sulfonate Kraft lignin (LSL)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and the ability of the different micro- and nano-architectures generated to structure castor oil. LSL/PVP solutionswere prepared at different concentrations (8–15wt%) and LSL:PVP ratios (90:10–0:100) and physico-chemically and rheologically characterized. The morphology of electrospun nanostructures mainly depends on the rheological properties of the solution. Electrosprayed nanoparticles or micro-sized particles connected by thin filamentswere obtained fromsolutionswith lowLSL/PVP concentrations and/or high LSL:PVP ratios,whereas beaded or bead-free nanofibers were produced by increasing concentration and/or decreasing LSL:PVP ratio, due to enhanced extensional viscoelastic properties and non-Newtonian characteristics. Electrospun LSL/PVP nanofibers are able to form oleogels by simply dispersing them into castor oil at concentrations between 10 and 30 wt%. The rheological properties of the oleogels may be tailored bymodifying the LSL:PVP ratio and nanofibers content. The potential application of these oleogels as bio-based lubricants was also explored in a tribological cell. Satisfactory friction and wear results are achieved when using oleogels structured by nanofibers mats with enhanced gel-like properties as lubricants. Overall, electrospinning of lignin/ PVP solutions can be proposed as a simple and effective method to produce nanofibers for oil structuringThis work is part of a research project (RTI2018-096080-B-C21) sponsored by the MICINN-FEDER I+D+i Spanish ProgrammeFunding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva / CBU

Impact of the Morphology of Electrospun Lignin/Ethylcellulose Nanostructures on Their Capacity to Thicken Castor Oil

This study reports on a novel strategy for manufacturing thickened gel-like castor oil formulations by dispersing electrospun lignin/ethylcellulose nanostructures. These thickened formulations were rheologically and tribologically evaluated with the aim of being proposed as alternative ecofriendly lubricating greases. Low-sulfonate kraft lignin (LSL) and ethylcellulose (EC) were dissolved in a DMAc:THF mixture at different concentrations (8, 10, and 15 wt.%) and LSL:EC ratios (50:50, 70:30, and 90:10) and subjected to electrospinning. The resulting electrospun nanostructures were morphologically characterized. EC acting as the cospinning polymer improved both LSL spinnability and the oil structuring ability. Solutions with a high lignin content achieved microsized particles connected by fibrils, whereas solutions with a high EC content (50:50 ratio) and LSL/EC total concentration (10 and 15 wt.%) yielded beaded or bead-free nanofibers, due to enhanced extensional viscoelastic properties and nonNewtonian characteristics. The gel-like properties of electrospun nanostructure dispersions in castor oil were strengthened with the nanostructure concentration and the EC:LSL ratio, as a result of the formation of a more interconnected fiber network. The oleodispersions studied exhibited a satisfactory frictional response in a tribological contact, with friction coefficient values that were comparable to those achieved with traditional lithium-lubricating greases: This work was supported by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, by “ERDF—A way of making Europe” (grant number: RTI2018-096080-BC21) and by Junta de Andalucía/EPIT2020-UHU (grant numbers: PY20_00751 and UHU202029) by the FEDER European Programm

Differential aroma volatiles in non-climacteric near-isogenic lines of melon as biomarkers of differences of flesh firmness at harvest

Two non-climacteric near-isogenic lines (NILs) of melon (Cucumis melo L.), SC10-2 and SC7-1, containing introgressions of the Korean cultivar \'\'Shongwan Charmi\'\' accession PI161375 (SC) into the Spanish cultivar \'\'Piel de Sapo\'\' (PS) were studied. Data were analysed by different supervised and unsupervised multivariate statistical techniques in order to determine the most discriminant aroma volatiles analyzed by constant flow gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry that could be associated with differences in ripening and flesh firmness in non-climacteric melons. The NILs and the parental showed non-climacteric behaviour during ripening. SC10-2 was harvested at least 7 days later than the control. At harvest, only the NIL SC10-2 showed 65% higher flesh firmness than PS. Whole fruit hardness of SC7-1 was 34% lower than PS. The results obtained by the partial-least square discriminant analysis showed that the aroma better discriminated SC10-2 than SC7-1 from the control, with scarce differences between SC7-1 and PS. The aldehydes (Propanal, 2-methyl-) and the ketones (2-3 Pentanedione) were the most discriminating volatile groups among the NILs studied and PS. Higher levels of several aldehydes (Propanal, 2-methyl-, Benzaldehyde, 2,4-dimethyl-/Benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethyl-, Butanal, 2-methyl-), not present in PS line, discriminated the NIL SC10-2 from the control PS. Also, SC10-2 displayed lack of some ketones (Acetophenone) and very low presence of alcohols (as for example, Cyclohexanol, 3,5-dimethyl-) compared with PS. The NIL SC7-1 was highlighted by higher relative content in alcohols (1-Octanol, 3-Ethyl-2-heptanol) and one acetate ester (Acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester) than PS and presence of ketones (2-3 Pentanedione, 2-Cyclopenten-1-one, 3,5,5-trimethyl-) that were absent in PS. The results are discussed in terms of the aroma biosynthesis pathways that could be affected by the introgressions

Preparation, characterization and mechanical properties of bio-based polyurethane adhesives from Isocyanate-functionalized cellulose acetate and castor oil for bonding wood

Nowadays, different types of natural carbohydrates such as sugars, starch, cellulose and their derivatives are widely used as renewable raw materials. Vegetable oils are also considered as promising raw materials to be used in the synthesis of high quality products in different applications, including in the adhesive field. According to this, several bio-based formulations with adhesion properties were synthesized first by inducing the functionalization of cellulose acetate with 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and then mixing the resulting biopolymer with a variable amount of castor oil, from 20% to 70% (wt). These bio-based adhesives were mechanically characterized by means of small-amplitude oscillatory torsion measurements, at different temperatures, and standardized tests to evaluate tension loading (ASTM-D906) and peel strength (ASTM-D903). In addition, thermal properties and stability of the synthesized bio-polyurethane formulations were also analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. As a result, the performance of these bio-polyurethane products as wood adhesives were compared and analyzed. Bio-polyurethane formulations exhibited a simple thermo-rheological behavior below a critical temperature of around 80–100 °C depending on the castor oil/cellulose acetate weight ratio. Formulation with medium castor oil/biopolymer weight ratio (50:50 % wt) showed the most suitable mechanical properties and adhesion performance for bonding wood.This work is part of two research projects (CTQ2014-56038-C3-1R and TEP-1499) sponsored by MINECO-FEDER and Junta de Andalucía programmes, respectively. One of the authors (Adri án Tenorio) has also received a PhD. Research Grant from ‘Ministerio de Educación’ (FPU13/01114). The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support

Oil structuring properties of electrospun Kraft lignin/ cellulose acetate nanofibers for lubricating applications: influence of lignin source and lignin/cellulose acetate ratio

In the present work, electrospun Kraft lignin/cellulose acetate nanostructures were produced, assessed and proposed as structuring or thickening agents of castor oil for lubricating applications. Solutions of Kraft lignins (KL) derived from different sources (eucalyptus, poplar and olive tree pruning) and cellulose acetate (CA) were prepared and used as feed for electrospinning. The rheological properties (shear and extensional viscosity), electrical conductivity and surface tension of KL/CA solutions influence the morphology of the electrospun nanofibers, which in turn is affected by the chemical structure and composition of the Kraft lignins. Electrospun KL/CA nanostructures consisting of filament-interconnected nanoparticles, beaded nanofibers or uniform nanofiber mats were able to form gel-like homogeneous fine dispersions by simply mechanically dispersing them into castor oil. The swelling of KL/ CA nanofibers in the percolation network was demonstrated. The rheological, tribological and microstructural properties of these oleogels are essentially governed by the morphological characteristics of the electrospun nanostructures, i.e. fiber diameter, number of beads and porosity. Rheological properties of the resulting oleogels may be tailored by modifying the lignin source and KL:CA weight ratio. According to their rheological and tribological properties, KL/ CA electrospun nanostructures-based oleogels can be proposed as a sustainable alternative to conventional lubricating greases.This work is part of a research project (RTI2018-096080-B-C21) funded by MCIN/AEI/10. 13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”. J.F. Rubio-Valle has also received a Ph.D. Research Grant PRE2019-090632 from Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain). The financial support is gratefully acknowledged. Universidad de Huelva/CBUA thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature

Electrohydrodynamic Processing of PVP-Doped Kraft Lignin Micro- and Nano-Structures and Application of Electrospun Nanofiber Templates to Produce Oleogels

The present work focuses on the development of lignin micro- and nano-structures obtained by means of electrohydrodynamic techniques aimed to be potentially applicable as thickening or structuring agents in vegetable oils. The micro- and nano-structures used were mainly composed of eucalyptus kraft lignin (EKL), which were doped to some extent with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). EKL/PVP solutions were prepared at different concentrations (10–40 wt.%) and EKL:PVP ratios (95:5–100:0) in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and further physico-chemically and rheologically characterized. Electrosprayed micro-sized particles were obtained from solutions with low EKL/PVP concentrations (10 and 20 wt.%) and/or high EKL:PVP ratios, whereas beaded nanofiber mats were produced by increasing the solution concentration and/or decreasing EKL:PVP ratio, as a consequence of improved extensional viscoelastic properties. EKL/PVP electrospun nanofibers were able to form oleogels by simply dispersing them into castor oil at nanofiber concentrations higher than 15 wt.%. The rheological properties of these oleogels were assessed by means of small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and viscous flow tests. The values of SAOS functions and viscosity depended on both the nanofiber concentration and the morphology of nanofiber templates and resemble those exhibited by commercial lubricating greases made from traditional metallic soaps and mineral oilsThis work is part of a research project (Ref. RTI2018-096080-B-C21) sponsored by the MICINN-FEDER I+D+i Spanish Programme. The authors gratefully acknowledge their financial support. J.F.R.-V. acknowledges receiving the Ph.D. Research Grant PRE2019-090632 from MICINN (Spain

Production of lignin/cellulose acetate fiber-bead structures by electrospinning and exploration of their potential as green structuring agents for vegetable lubricating oils

In this work we developed electrospun lignin/cellulose acetate fiber-bead nanostructures and explored their potential as structuring agents for vegetable oils to be used as eco-friendly lubricating oleogels. A variety of nanostructures were obtained from solutions containing 20 or 30 wt. % eucalyptus Kraft lignin (EKL) and cellulose acetate (CA) in variable weight ratios from 100:0 to 60:40 in an N,N-dimethylformamide/acetone mixture. The EKL/CA solutions were characterized in physicochemical terms from viscosity, surface tension and electrical conductivity measurements. Also, the electrospun nanostructures were characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. Their morphology was found to be strongly dependent on the rheological properties of the biopolymer solution. Electrospun EKL/CA beaded nanofibers and well-developed uniform nanofiber mats allowed oleogels to be easily obtained by simply dispersing them in castor oil whilst nanoparticle clusters gave rise to unstable dispersions. The rheological properties of these gel-like dispersions can be tailored through the membrane concentration and/or EKL/CA ratio and depend to a large extent on the morphology of the electrospun nanostructures. The rheological and tribological properties of the oleogels were comparable to those previously reported for conventional and other bio-based lubricating greases. Overall, electrospun EKL/CA nanofibers allow easy, efficient structuring of vegetable oils to obtain oleogels holding potential for use as lubricants.Research Project RTI2018–096080-B-C21, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ERDF A way of making Europe”. PhD Research Grant PRE2019–090632 from Spain’s Ministry of Science and Innovation. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva / CBU

Avaliação de uma intervenção educacional (edworkcases) envolvendo casos clínicos e estudantes de Enfermagem: um estudo observacional transversal

Objective: to evaluate the impact of the (edworkcases) educational intervention on students’ evaluation outcomes in their clinical practices, their attitudes towards Nursing diagnoses, and their satisfaction. Method: this study used a cross-sectional observational design. The participants were 69 third-year Nursing students from a public university in Madrid, Spain. The data analysed in the study were the grades obtained by students for their clinical practices, as well as pre-post intervention scores on the Positions on Nursing Diagnosis Scale and a satisfaction survey. A means comparison by participation in the project (yes/no) was carried out using Student’s t-test. A means comparison by professor was conducted using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: participation rate: 72.4%; 92% of the participants were women; median age = 21 years old. Statistically significant differences were found between participants and non-participants in terms of mean score in the Overall Evaluation and in the Case Study Evaluation, with higher scores found among the group of participants. The mean score for attitudes towards Nursing diagnoses was 99.9 (SD=2.8) before the intervention and 111.1 (SD=2.9) after the intervention [95% CI: 3.3-19.2]. Conclusion: the use of (edworkcases) as part of the practical training was considered satisfactory, enabling theory and practice to be combined and improving students’ attitudes towards Nursing diagnoses.Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la intervención educativa (edworkcases) sobre los resultados de la evaluación de los estudiantes en sus prácticas clínicas, sus actitudes hacia los diagnósticos de Enfermería y su nivel de satisfacción. Método: en este estudio se empleó un diseño transversal y observacional. Los participantes fueron 68 estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de Enfermería de una universidad pública de Madrid, España. Los datos que se analizaron en el estudio fueron las calificaciones obtenidas por los estudiantes en sus prácticas clínicas, al igual que las puntuaciones antes y después de la intervención en la Escala de Posicionamiento ante el Diagnóstico de Enfermería y en una encuesta de satisfacción. Se utilizó la prueba t de Student para realizar una comparación de valores medios por participación en el proyecto (sí/no). La comparación de valores medios por profesor se llevó a cabo por medio de pruebas Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: índice de participación: 72,4%; el 92% de los participantes eran mujeres, con una mediana de edad de 21 años. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre participantes y no participantes en cuanto a la puntuación media en la Evaluación General y en la Evaluación de Estudios de Caso, con puntuaciones más elevadas en el grupo de participantes. Las puntuaciones medias correspondientes a las actitudes con respecto a los diagnósticos de Enfermería fueron 99,9 (SD=2,8) y 111.1 (SD=2.9) antes y después de la intervención, respectivamente [IC 95%: 3,3-19,2]. Conclusión: se consideró satisfactorio utilizar edworkcases como parte te la capacitación práctica, lo que permitió combinar teoría y práctica y mejorar las actitudes de los estudiantes con respecto a los diagnósticos de Enfermería.Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da intervenção educacional (edworkcases) nos resultados da avaliação dos alunos em suas práticas clínicas, suas atitudes em relação aos diagnósticos de Enfermagem e sua satisfação. Método: estudo observacional transversal, realizado com 69 estudantes do terceiro ano de Enfermagem de uma universidade pública de Madri, Espanha. Os dados analisados foram obtidos das notas dos alunos em suas práticas clínicas, bem como, os escores pré- e pós-intervenção na Escala de Posições frente ao Diagnóstico de Enfermagem e uma pesquisa de satisfação. A comparação de médias por participação no projeto (sim/não) foi realizada por meio do teste t de Student. A comparação de médias por professor foi realizada por meio de testes de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: taxa de participação: 72,4%; 92% dos participantes eram mulheres; mediana de idade de 21 anos. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre participantes e não participantes em termos de pontuação média na Avaliação Geral e na Avaliação do Estudo de Caso, com maiores pontuações encontradas entre o grupo de participantes. A pontuação média das atitudes em relação aos diagnósticos de Enfermagem foi de 99,9 (DP=2,8) antes da intervenção e 111,1 (DP=2,9) após a intervenção [IC 95%: 3,3-19,2]. Conclusão: a utilização de edworkcases como parte do treinamento prático foi considerada satisfatória, permitindo a articulação teoria e prática e melhorando as atitudes dos alunos em relação aos diagnósticos de Enfermagem

Safety and Efficacy of a Beverage Containing Lupine Protein Hydrolysates on the Immune, Oxidative and Lipid Status in Healthy Subjects: An Intervention Study (the Lupine-1 Trial)

Scope: We have previously demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of in vitro administered Lupinus angustifolius protein hydrolysates (LPHs) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a beverage containing LPHs (LPHb) on the immune, oxidative and metabolic status of healthy subjects. Methods and Results: In this open-label intervention, 33 participants daily ingest a LPHb containing 1 g LPHs for 28 days. Biochemical parameters are assayed in fasting peripheral blood and urine samples before, during (14 days) and after LPHb ingestion. Participants’ health status and the immune and antioxidant responses of PBMCs are also evaluated throughout the trial. The LPHb ingestion is safe and effective in both increasing the anti-/pro-inflammatory response of PBMCs and improving the cellular anti-oxidant capacity. LPHb also reduces the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) atherogenic index. LPHb effect is particularly beneficial on decreasing not only the LDL-C/HDL-C index but also serum total cholesterol levels in the male cohort that shows the highest baseline levels of well-known cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: This is the first study to show the pleiotropic actions of a lupine bioactive peptides-based functional food on key steps of atherosclerosis including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cholesterol metabolism.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad AGL2012-40247-C02-01, AGL2012-40247- C02-02Junta de Andalucía PC-0111-2016- 0111, CTS160Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación RD06/0013/0001, RD12/0043/001