Effect of feed powder quantity and compression pressure on the tensile strength of Eurycoma longifolia Jack tablets using different binders

This study investigated the direct compression properties of Eurycoma longifolia Jack tablets using binary mixtures such as microcrystalline cellulose (mcc) and κ-carrageenan (carr). The mixtures were compacted to various compression pressures ranging from 7.5 to 74 MPa at a constant compression speed of 5 mm/min. The tensile strengths of the tablets were determined by a diametral compression test. A linear relationship between the tensile strength and the compression pressure was observed under the conditions of the test; hence, the slopes of the data were obtained by fitting linear trend lines. This paper shows that binary mixtures of 30% mcc and 70% Eurycoma longifolia Jack give the highest values for constant (a slope) compared with the other binary mixtures of both binders. Thus, this approach can be used to develop formulations for Eurycoma longifolia Jack tablets

Compaction characteristics of Ficus Deltoidea jack extract powder

In Malaysia, Ficus deltoidea is locally known as Mas Cotek and is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and as an aphrodisiac specifically to increase male virility. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the compressibility and compactability of Ficus deltoidea extract powders for tableting processes. Avicel and Acdisol powders are used as excipients. Both of these powders are essentially easily soluble and disintegrate in water. The physical, material and flow properties of the powders have been investigated as it is essential to understand the compression and compaction mechanisms. The Ficus deltoidea extract powder has a particle size of less than 40 μm and was compressed into a tablet by using a 13-mmcylindrical uniaxial die. Applied pressures between 7.53 to 73.84 MPa were adopted using a universal testing machine. To further investigate the properties, the friability and modified dissolution tests were carried out. This was aimed to provide a convenient soluble form for consumers who have difficulties in swallowing tablets and chewing difficulties, whereby the tablet can dissolve easily in water and can be drunk directly. From the tests, tablets composed of Acdisol had a faster dissolve time in the modified dissolution time test compared to Avicel. Based on these stud ies, a few recommended tablet conditions have been classified from the best conditions of compression and compaction characteristic tablet. The best formulation for the tablets was a combination of 50 % and 70 % of Avicel and Acdisol with Ficus deltoidea extract powder respectively at a pressure of 73.84 MPa. As a safety measure before consumption, these three main material powders were chosen for a toxicity test, utilizing an in vitro technique for testing cancer toxicity on human cells. Thus, this study provides information concerning the extent of the application of compression and compaction characteristics for product development of Ficus deltoidea extract as a safe and healthy supplement

Compaction characteristics of Ficus Deltoidea jack extract powder

In Malaysia, Ficus deltoidea is locally known as Mas Cotek and is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and as an aphrodisiac specifically to increase male virility. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the compressibility and compactability of Ficus deltoidea extract powders for tableting processes. Avicel and Acdisol powders are used as excipients. Both of these powders are essentially easily soluble and disintegrate in water. The physical, material and flow properties of the powders have been investigated as it is essential to understand the compression and compaction mechanisms. The Ficus deltoidea extract powder has a particle size of less than 40 μm and was compressed into a tablet by using a 13-mmcylindrical uniaxial die. Applied pressures between 7.53 to 73.84 MPa were adopted using a universal testing machine. To further investigate the properties, the friability and modified dissolution tests were carried out. This was aimed to provide a convenient soluble form for consumers who have difficulties in swallowing tablets and chewing difficulties, whereby the tablet can dissolve easily in water and can be drunk directly. From the tests, tablets composed of Acdisol had a faster dissolve time in the modified dissolution time test compared to Avicel. Based on these stud ies, a few recommended tablet conditions have been classified from the best conditions of compression and compaction characteristic tablet. The best formulation for the tablets was a combination of 50 % and 70 % of Avicel and Acdisol with Ficus deltoidea extract powder respectively at a pressure of 73.84 MPa. As a safety measure before consumption, these three main material powders were chosen for a toxicity test, utilizing an in vitro technique for testing cancer toxicity on human cells. Thus, this study provides information concerning the extent of the application of compression and compaction characteristics for product development of Ficus deltoidea extract as a safe and healthy supplement

Microstructure of starch puffing through microwave heating process

Microwave heating has gained popularity as an alternative rapid drying method that can be used for the expansion of food products. In this study, the effects of processing conditions and pre-treatment of starch on achieving controlled puffing were investigated. The influence of sample sizes and shapes were examined. Microstructure and physical characteristics of the expanded starch products were then determined. The 3D microstructure was analysed using the X-ray microCT-scanning technique. Upon heating moisture within the sample, it generates superheated steam resulting in a fast release of the steam and puffing of the sample. In this study, the structural parameters - focusing on volume, porosity, number of pores, structure thickness and structural separation of expansion were observed and compared between samples in order to correlate to the optimum conditions for obtaining a highly puffed product with uniform distribution of air cells throughout the inner structure of the sample. Results showed that maximum size expansion was achieved with high gelatinised pellets and geometry shaped edges in single-mode microwave than the domestic microwave

Understanding the tabletting characteristics of Ficus deltoidea powder by fitting into compression models

The objective of this paper was to investigate the characteristics of Ficus deltoidea powders during tablet formation using a direct compression method. To understand the data further, compression models were fitted, which included those of Heckel, Kawakita, Adams and Panelli–Filho. F. deltoidea is well-known for its therapeutic properties when used in the form of an extracted powder. We further investigated the effect of the binders Avicel and Acdisol, which are known as a universal binder and a superdisintegrant, respectively. The physical properties, flowability and particle structures were determined to compare behavior and as references to the compression models used. The data were mostly consistent with those predicted by the compression models. As a result, applying compression models, especially the Kawakita model, was successfully performed and can be further related to the development and production of compact F. deltoidea tablets. Thus, this paper provides a fundamental understanding on the tabletting characteristics of F. deltoidea extract powder

Progress in the Valorization of Fruit and Vegetable Wastes: Active Packaging, Biocomposites, By-Products, and Innovative Technologies Used for Bioactive Compound Extraction

According to the Food Wastage Footprint and Climate Change Report, about 15% of all fruits and 25% of all vegetables are wasted at the base of the food production chain. The significant losses and wastes in the fresh and processing industries is becoming a serious environmental issue, mainly due to the microbial degradation impacts. There has been a recent surge in research and innovation related to food, packaging, and pharmaceutical applications to address these problems. The underutilized wastes (seed, skin, rind, and pomace) potentially present good sources of valuable bioactive compounds, including functional nutrients, amylopectin, phytochemicals, vitamins, enzymes, dietary fibers, and oils. Fruit and vegetable wastes (FVW) are rich in nutrients and extra nutritional compounds that contribute to the development of animal feed, bioactive ingredients, and ethanol production. In the development of active packaging films, pectin and other biopolymers are commonly used. In addition, the most recent research studies dealing with FVW have enhanced the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of packaging and biocomposite systems. Innovative technologies that can be used for sensitive bioactive compound extraction and fortification will be crucial in valorizing FVW completely; thus, this article aims to report the progress made in terms of the valorization of FVW and to emphasize the applications of FVW in active packaging and biocomposites, their by-products, and the innovative technologies (both thermal and non-thermal) that can be used for bioactive compounds extraction

Sweet flow: exploring the flowability, caking, morphology, and solubility of date sugars as promising sugar substitutes

This study investigates the impact of sugar content on the physicochemical properties of oven-dried dates powder from four distinct cultivars —Ajwa, Safawi, Sukkary, and Medjool. The drying process reduced moisture content by approximately 55% (Ajwa), 58% (Safawi), 76% (Sukkary), and 60% (Medjool). Quantification of sugars using High Performance Liquid Chromatography equipped with refractive index detector (HPLC-RI) revealed varying sugar compositions, with Ajwa, Safawi, and Sukkary containing a mix of fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and lactose, while Medjool lacked lactose. Sukkary date powder exhibited superior flowability properties due to lower sugar and moisture content, meeting industry standards, although it displayed a higher tendency to cake compared to white and coconut sugars. Other physicochemical characterisation (pH, colour properties L*(lightness), a*(redness/greenness), b* (blueness/yellowness) values, hygroscopicity, solubility, morphology and chemical structure of all date sugar were also explored in comparison with commercial sugars (white sugar and, brown sugar and coconut sugar) as controls. Notably, Sukkary date powder emerged as a promising cultivar for production, offering reduced clumpiness and stickiness in comparison to Ajwa, Safawi, and Medjool date powders. These findings provide valuable insights for food manufacturers, formulators, and researchers interested in using Sukkary date powder in various foods. The potential use of Sukkary as a sugar substitute or carbohydrate source, suitable for both normal and diabetic individuals, underscores its versatility and highlights avenues for innovation in the food industry especially in confectionary, bakeries, beverages, snack foods or other natural, health-oriented food industries