Effect of microwave heating on the near infrared spectra and on the prediction accuracy of chemical parameters in red grape homogenates

Cozzolino, D ORCiD: 0000-0001-6247-8817This study reports the effect of microwaving on the chemical composition [pH, total soluble solids (TSS), dry matter (DM) and total anthocyanins extraction], and the visible (VIS) and (NIR) spectra of red grape homogenates. It was observed that microwaving red grape homogenates prior to analysis improved the NIR calibrations for total anthocyanins (SECV: 0.21-0.13 mg g -1) and TSS (SECV: 0.89-0.54 °Brix), however no improvements in the NIR calibrations for DM were observed. Microwaving red grape samples prior to NIR scanning also caused an increased in absorbance for samples heated for up to 3 min, particularly in those wavelengths associated with water (1400 nm and 1930 nm). The practical implication of this study is that microwaving of red grape samples prior to scanning did not improve the NIR calibration statistics for the most common chemical parameters measured in red grapes. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

Direct scaffolding of biomimetic hydroxyapatite-gelatin nanocomposites using aminosilane cross-linker for bone regeneration

Hydroxyapatite-gelatin modified siloxane (GEMOSIL) nanocomposite was developed by coating, kneading and hardening processes to provide formable scaffolding for alloplastic graft applications. The present study aims to characterize scaffolding formability and mechanical properties of GEMOSIL, and to test the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of GEMOSIL. Buffer Solution initiated formable paste followed by the sol-gel reaction led to a final hardened composite. Results showed the adequate coating of aminosilane, 11–19 wt%, affected the cohesiveness of the powders and the final compressive strength (69 MPa) of the composite. TGA and TEM results showed the effective aminosilane coating that preserves hydroxyapatite-gelatin nanocrystals from damage. Both GEMOSIL with and without titania increased the mineralization of preosteoblasts in vitro. Only did titania additives revealed good in vivo bone formation in rat calvarium defects. The scaffolding formability, due to cohesive bonding among GEMOSIL particles, could be further refined to fulfill the complicated scaffold processes