The promoted hydrolysis effect of cellulase with ultrasound treatment is reflected on the sonicated rather than native brown rice

Brown rice is nutritionally superior to polished white rice, as it maintains a large content of external bran that involves a series of bioactive compounds. However, the presence of bran also restricts water diffusion and results in adverse quality of brown rice. In this work, ultrasound conditions were optimized for cellulase to improve its hydrolysis effect on rice bran, and combinations of enzymatic and ultrasound treatment in different manners were conducted on brown rice, to improve the textural attributes. The results showed significant improvements in the catalytic activity and efficiency of cellulase after ultrasonication at the optimal intensity of 1.67 W cm⁻³ and duration of 30 min, with the conformational variation of cellulase observed from the fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD). Despite the enhanced activity of ultrasonicated cellulase, it leaded to a similar rice surface morphology and a comparable amount of released glucose, and equivalent textural parameters of brown rice treated by native cellulase. However, for the pre-sonicated brown rice, the ultrasonicated cellulase showed a significantly higher hydrolysis capacity than the untreated enzyme, suggesting the important influence of ruptured bran surface on amplifying the hydrolysis effect of cellulase. Compared to the successive ultrasound stimulation on both cellulase and brown rice, ultrasound-assisted cellulase treatment on brown rice produced less glucose from rice bran, but induced similar textural properties of brown rice, possibly resulting from the simultaneously promoting effect of ultrasonication on cellulase and water diffusion. Ultimately, this study highlighted that the mild rice surface rupture is a crucial factor to display the promoted hydrolysis effect of ultrasonicated cellulase on brown rice. Ultrasound-assisted cellulase treatment potentially provides an effective strategy to improve the edible quality of brown rice.     

Degradation of azo dye direct sky blue 5B by sonication combined with zero-valent iron

The degradation of azo dye direct sky blue 5B by sonication combined with zero-valent iron (US-Fe(0))was investigated and an evident synergistic effect was observed. The synergetic effect is mainly due to the increase of ()OH radical concentration from Fenton's reaction. The ()OH radical concentrations in sole sonication and US-Fe(0) process were detected by using terephthalic acid as a fluorescent probe and found that ()OH radicals were generated continuously during sonication and the production of ()OH radicals in US-Fe(0) process was much higher than that in sole sonication. The degradation of direct sky blue 5B followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics and the degradation rate constants were found to be 0.0206 and 0.169 min(-1) with sole sonication and US-Fe(0) process respectively. It was also found that the degradation ratio of direct sky blue 5B increased with the increase of zero-valent iron dosage and decrease of pH value of the dye aqueous solution. The degradation mechanism of direct sky blue 5B with US-Fe(0) process was discussed by the changes of UV-Vis spectrogram of the dye during degradation. The dramatic changes of UV spectra showed a disappearance of both azo and aromatic groups during the degradation.     

Physicochemical properties of germinated dehulled rice flour and energy requirement in germination as affected by ultrasound treatment

Limited data are published regarding changes in the physicochemical properties of rice flours from germinated de-hulled rice treated by ultrasound. This work was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ultrasound treatment (25 kHz, 16 W/L, 5 min) on starch hydrolysis and functional properties of rice flours produced from ultrasound-treated red rice and brown rice germinated for up to 36 h. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) microimages showed that the ultrasound treatment altered the surface microstructure of rice, which helped to improve moisture transfer during steam-cooking. The flours from sonicated germinated de-hulled rice exhibited significantly (p < .05) enhanced starch hydrolysis, increased the glucose content, and decreased falling number values and viscosities determined by a Rapid Visco Analyzer. The amylase activity of the germinating red rice and brown rice displayed different sensitivity to ultrasonic treatment. The ultrasonic pre-treatment resulted in a significant reduction in energy use during germination with a potential to further reduce energy use in germinated rice cooking process. The present study indicated that ultrasound could be a low-power consumption method to modify the rheological behavior of germinated rice flour, as well as an efficient approach to improve the texture, flavor, and nutrient properties of steam-cooked germinated rice.     

转基因水稻糙米中痕量铅和镉的交联羧甲基魔芋葡甘聚糖微柱预富集-GFAAS测定研究

建立了以交联羧甲基魔芋葡甘聚糖(CCMKGM)为微柱预富集-GFAAS测定转基因水稻糙米中痕量铅和镉的新方法。考察了溶液的pH值、样品流速和体积、洗脱液的浓度和体积及共存离子干扰等因素对CCMKGM微柱吸附重金属的影响。结果表明:在优化条件下,方法用于富集、测定转基因水稻及亲本糙米中Pb和Cd的检出限分别为0.11和0.002μg.L-1;测定大米标准参考物质中Pb和Cd的含量,结果与标准参考值相吻合。对转基因水稻及亲本糙米进行标准加入回收实验及测定,回收率分别在90%～103%和93%～105%范围。该研究可为转基因水稻中痕量Pb和Cd分析提供技术支持。     

Molecular masking and unmasking of the paramagnetic effect of iron on the proton spin-lattice (T1) relaxation time in blood and blood clots

The contribution of hemolysis, proteolysis and the paramagnetic effect of iron on the proton spin-lattice (T1) relaxation time in blood was examined. Hemolysis induced by sonication resulted in a significant (10%) increase in the T1 relaxation time of whole blood. Proteolysis in both sonicated and unsonicated whole blood samples eventually yielded T1 values which correlated well with the relaxation times of free iron in plasma or water at concentrations comparable to the concentration of iron in whole blood. It is concluded that proteolysis allows the iron atom to express its paramagnetic effect on water relaxation by gradually destroying the hydrophobic nature of the pocket in which iron resides on the hemoglobin molecule. The contribution of various blood components to the T1 relaxation of whole blood was also studied. The T1 values for packed erythrocytes, intact whole blood, sonicated whole blood, plasma and serum proved to be significantly different from each other. Serum was found to have a significantly (12%) longer T1 relaxation time than plasma. Packed clotted blood in vitro showed no change in the T1 time for at least 13 days while packed erythrocytes showed a shortening of T1 time after 6-8 days.     

ICP-AES法测定粳稻近等基因系群体间糙米的矿质元素

采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法(ICP-AES)对粳稻近等基因系(NILs)BC₅F₅群体264个株系17种矿质元素(S, Mo, Ni, Fe, Cr, Na, Al, Cu, P, Sn, Zn, B, Mn, Mg, Ca, Sr, K)进行了测定。加标回收率为92.3%～110.2%, RSD<6%。结果表明: 以丽粳2号作供体及十和田受体培育出糙米多种高矿质元素基因定位的NILs,是迄今首次培育出粳稻孕穗期耐冷性及其关联矿质元素的近等基因系;该群体糙米中P, K, Mg, S, Ca, Zn, Mn, Na, Fe, Cu和Al等11种人体必须的生命元素含量较高; 群体间糙米矿质元素中五种宏量元素含量变异小(11.15%～16.45%)和12种微量元素变异大(16.57%～94.96%); 群体糙米17种矿质元素间136对性状间有95对性状呈显著或极显著相关,而与功能稻米活性成分有关的Mo,Ni,Al,Sn,Cr和Sr矿质元素15对性状相关(0.531**～0.921**)明显高于P,K,Ca,Mg和S宏量元素10对性状相关(0.175**～0.867**)。研究结果为糙米矿质元素的基因定位克隆提供了有益的参考数据。     

The pasting properties of sonicated waxy rice starch suspensions

The effect of sonication on the pasting properties of waxy rice starch solutions (5 wt%) was investigated. It has been found that the functionality of starch granules was significantly influenced by the length of sonication and the solution temperature. A comparison of the pasting behaviour showed that the peak and final viscosities of the starch dispersions sonicated at temperatures near the onset temperature of gelatinisation were lower than those of the non-sonicated dispersions. The particle size measurements showed that the size of the heated and sonicated granules were smaller than that of the heated non-sonicated starch granules. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed that the starch granule surface was not affected by sonication, and the size exclusion chromatography did not show any reduction in the size of the starch molecules. Based on these observations, the change in the pasting behaviour is explained in terms of the solubilisation of the swollen starch granules and starch aggregates induced by sonication.     

Degradation of chlortetracycline in wastewater sludge by ultrasonication,Fenton oxidation,and ferro-sonication

Residual emerging contaminants in wastewater sludge remain an obstacle for its wide and safe applications such as landfilling and bio-fertilizer. In this study, the feasibility of individual ultrasonication (UlS) and Fenton oxidation (FO) and combined, Ferro-sonication processes (FO) on the degradation of chlortetracycline (CTC) in wastewater sludge was investigated. UlS parameters such as amplitude and sonication time were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) for further optimization of FS process. Generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals in FO and FS processes were compared to evaluate the degradation efficiency of CTC. Increasing in the ratio of hydrogen peroxide and iron concentration showed increased CTC degradation in FO process; whereas in FS, an increase in iron concentration did not show any significant effect (p > 0.05) on CTC degradation in sludge. The estimated iron concentration in sludge (115 mg/kg) was enough to degrade CTC without the addition of external iron. The only adjustment of sludge pH to 3 was enough to generate in-situ hydroxyl radicals by utilizing iron which is already present in the sludge. This observation was further supported by hydroxyl radical estimation with adjustment of water pH to 3 and with and without the addition of iron. The optimum operating UlS conditions were found to be 60% amplitude for 106 min by using RSM. Compared to standalone UlS and FO at 1:1 ratio, FS showed 15% and 8% increased CTC degradation respectively. In addition, UlS of sludge increased estrogenic activity 1.5 times higher compared to FO. FS treated samples did not show any estrogenic activity.     

The effects of ultrasound on organoclay dispersion in the PP matrix

PP/MMT nanocomposites were prepared by solution intercalation using sonication and quiescent conditions, and the effects on the morphological, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated by WAXD, TEM, DMA, TGA and DSC analyses. The present study aims to clarify the effects of ultrasound use on the organoclay surface with different amounts of organic modifiers and on the exfoliation processes. The sonication process decreased around of 200 nm the aspect ratio of C15A organoclay. Besides, the effectiveness of the ultrasound process was only achieved with the C15A system because there is a small energetic barrier between their layers (clay with larger d 001). The sonication process increased the exfoliation and distribution of the C15A platelets in the PP matrix, increasing by 5% its reinforcement capacity. However, for I44P system, the use of ultrasound did not show any significant effect on the morphology and consequently on the final properties of the PP matrix. The T(c) temperature and the thermal stability of the PP nanocomposites were increased, independent of the clay type or of the ultrasound use.     

Preparation of cadmium‐containing brown rice grains as calibration standards for X‐ray fluorescence analysis of cadmium in rice grains

A preparation method for Cd‐containing brown rice grains as calibration standards was developed for X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of Cd in rice grains. Calibration standards were prepared by adding 10 g of base rice grains (from Japan) to 100 ml of methanol containing 5?100 µg of Cd. The mixture was heated, cooled, and stored in a silica gel desiccator. Seven grams of each calibration standard was packed into a polyethylene cup (32‐mm internal diameter and 23‐mm height) covered with a 6‐µm‐thick polypropylene film and then subjected to XRF analysis. The calibration curves of Cd in brown and white rice grains showed good linearity in 0.50?10 mg kg^?1. The detection limits of Cd in brown and white rice grains were 0.14 and 0.12 mg kg^?1, respectively. The slopes of the calibration curves for Cd in brown and white rice grains were slightly different owing to absorption effects. The absorption effects were corrected using the ratio of the intensity of Cd Kα to that of Rh Kα‐Compton scattering. After correction, the calibration curves of Cd in brown and white rice grains showed identical slopes. The spike test for 5 mg kg^?1 of Cd in white rice grains (from Thailand), using the corrected calibration curves, showed quantitative recoveries (92?97%). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inactivation effect of sonication and chlorination on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Calorimetric analysis

The inactivation effects of ultrasonic irradiation at 27.5 kHz and chlorination using sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast cells) were investigated. In order to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the growth of the yeast cells, calorimetric analysis was carried out in addition to colony counting. The heat evolution produced by the growth of yeast cells detected by calorimetry showed completely different patterns between sonication and chlorination. In case of sonication, the yeast cells were inactivated almost like a bactericidal effect, i.e. a quantitative change in cell number, at the beginning of sonication. It was similar to patterns obtained on simple dilution of yeast cells. In contrast, longer sonication increased the bacteriostatic effect, i.e. qualitative damage of the cell growth activity, together with the bactericidal effect. These results suggest that the cavitation caused by ultrasonic irradiation initially disrupted the cells located near the cavitation bubble which caused immediate cell death and the growth activity of the surviving cells was gradually damaged by further sonication. On the other hand, only a bacteriostatic effect was observed when the yeast cells were inactivated by chlorination.     

ICP-AES检测云南稻核心种质矿质元素含量的地带性特征

采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法(ICP-AES)测定了云南省5个稻作区16个州市的789份地方水稻糙米中的八种矿质元素, 该方法简单快速、灵敏度高、准确性好和多元素同时测定, 加标回收率为97.1%～110.2%, RSD为0.7%～4.4%。结果表明: 糙米元素含量(mg·kg-1)依次为P(3834.83±486.49)>K(2567.72±336.74)>Mg(2567.72±336.74)>Ca(153.67±55.90)>Zn(33.35±13.65)>Fe(32.08±25.51)>Cu(14.22±11.85)>Mn(13.58±3.22); 世界生物多样性最丰富及有色金属富集的滇西北糙米P含量高,早寒武纪动物群及磷矿富集的滇中糙米Ca,Mg,Fe和Zn含量高,作物多样性突出的滇西南糙米Cu和Mn含量高; 糙米高磷钾、中钙镁锰和低铁锌分布区是世界生物多样性最丰富及矿产资源富集区。首次提出云南糙米矿质元素含量的地带性特征与生物多样性中心、矿产资源富集区、生命起源及其山脉、河流有关;进一步推断地球矿质元素分布不均匀性及其山脉、河流的相互作用是生命起源的关键。文章研究为解决人类Fe,Zn和Ca等矿质营养不良和生命起源问题以及功能稻米育种生产提供参考。     

Investigation of tip sonication effects on structural quality of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) for superior solvent dispersion

The exceptional properties of graphene and its structural uniqueness can improve the performance of nanocomposites if it can attain the uniform dispersion. Tip sonication assisted graphene solvent dispersion has been emerged as an efficient approach but it can cause significant degradation of graphene structure. This study aimed to evaluate the parametric influence of tip sonication on the characteristics of sp² carbon structure in graphene nanoplatelets by varying the sonication time and respective energy at three different amplitudes (60%, 80% and 100%). The study is essential to identify appropriate parameters so as to achieve high-quality and defect-free graphene with a highly desirable aspect ratio after solvent dispersion for composite reinforcement. Quantitative approach via Raman spectroscopy is used to find the defect ratio and lateral size of graphene evolved under the effect of tip sonication parameters. Results imply that the defect ratio is steady and increases continually with GNPs, along with the transformation to the nano-crystalline stage I up to 60 min sonication at all amplitudes. Exfoliation was clearly observed at all amplitudes together with sheet re-stacking due to considerable size reduction of sheets with large quantity. Finally, considerable GNPs fragmentation occurred during sonication with increased amplitude and time as confirmed by the reduction of sp² domain (La) and flake size. This also validates the formation of edge-type defect in graphene. Convincingly, lower amplitude and time (up to 60 min) produce better results for a low defect content and larger particle size as quantified by Raman analysis.     

云南稻核心种质糙米功能成分栽培型差异及其地带性特征

采用Beckman公司DU640型紫外-可见分光光度计测定了五个稻作区16个州市的905份云南地方稻初级核心种质功能成分栽培型间差异及地带性特征,结果表明:糙米抗性淀粉(%)为0.75±0.29,籼稻(0.78±0.35)显著高于粳稻(0.74±0.24),粘稻(0.78±0.31)极显著高于糯稻(0.67±0.22),晚稻(0.77±0.35)极显著高于早中稻(0.75±0.26),红米(0.81±0.30)和紫米(0.70±0.30)极显著高于白米(0.69±0.27);稻作区依次为Ⅰ(0.83)Ⅱ(0.79)Ⅲ(0.76)Ⅴ(0.55)Ⅳ(0.50),即滇中南部(Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ)糙米抗性淀粉含量极显著高于北部稻作区(Ⅴ,Ⅳ);滇西北的丽江和滇东北的昭通糙米抗性淀粉含量极显著低于除迪庆州外的13个州市。糙米γ-氨基丁酸含量[mg.(100 g)-1]为7.43±2.53,水稻(7.59±2.56)极显著高于陆稻(7.09±2.45),糯稻(8.55±2.88)极显著高于粘稻(7.10±2.32),晚稻(7.88±2.64)极显著高于早中稻(7.23±2.45),白米(8.38±2.66)极显著高于红米(6.63±2.14)和紫米(7.34±2.18);稻作区依次为Ⅱ(7.69)Ⅰ(7.40)Ⅳ(7.39)Ⅲ(7.33)Ⅴ(6.64),即滇南单双季籼稻区(Ⅱ)糙米γ-氨基丁酸含量明显高于滇西北高寒粳稻区;滇南的思茅、滇中的玉溪和保山糙米γ-氨基丁酸含量至少与5个州市差异显著。云南稻糙米总黄酮含量[mg.(100 g)-1]为306.98±192.75,陆稻(341.74±185.11)极显著高于水稻(290.41±193.72),粘稻(315.54±197.64)显著高于糯稻(171.68±11.76),早中稻(318.25±197.93)极显著高于晚稻(282.12±178.11),红米(379.22±197.70)和紫米(365.61±195.44)极显著高于白米(216.96±142.11),光壳稻(332.68±196.22)显著高于白壳稻(300.48±191.14);稻作区依次为Ⅲ(327.13)Ⅱ(324.23)Ⅳ(273.11)Ⅴ(270.16)Ⅰ(258.26),即滇南(Ⅱ,Ⅲ)糙米总黄酮含量极显著高于滇中;思茅糙米总黄酮含量显著高于8个州市而保山总黄酮含量则显著低于7个州市。这些既揭示了糙米抗性淀粉、γ-氨基丁酸和总黄酮、含量在水陆、沾糯、早中晚、米色间差异极显著(p0.01),而有无芒和米味间差异不大,又揭示了3种功能成分呈现明显的地带性特征。文章研究为解决人类慢性病问题以及功能稻米育种生产提供参考。     

Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on kinetics of gelatin hydrolysis by collagenase and its mechanism

Gelatin is a mixture of soluble proteins prepared by partial hydrolysis of native collagen. Gelatin can be enzymatically hydrolyzed to produce bioactive hydrolysates. However, the preparation of gelatin peptide with expected activity is usually a time-consuming process. The production efficiency of gelatin hydrolysates needs to be improved. In present work, effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on kinetic parameters of gelatin hydrolysis by collagenase was investigated based on an established kinetic model. With ultrasonic pretreatment, reaction rate constant and enzyme inactivation constant were increased by 27.5% and 27.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, hydrolysis activation energy and enzyme inactivation energy were reduced by 36.3% and 43.0%, respectively. In order to explore its possible mechanism, influence of sonication on structural properties of gelatin was determined using atomic force microscopy, particle size analyzer, fluorescence spectroscopy, protein solubility test and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide was used as a positive control for potential sonochemical effect. It was found that reduction of gelatin particle size was mainly caused by physical effect of ultrasound. Increased solubility and variation in β-sheet and random coil elements of gelatin were due to sonochemical effect. Both physical and chemical effects of sonication contributed to the change in α-helix and β-turn structures. The current results suggest that ultrasound can be potentially applied to stimulate the production efficiency of gelatin peptides, mainly due to its effects on modification of protein structures.     

Behaviour of six sulphided iron hydroliquefaction catalysts

Five iron ore samples and a synthetic magnetite were added to Wandoan bituminous coal as hydroliquefaction catalysts. Catalyst transformations after sulphiding and after subsequent hydrogenation were analysed. The conversion efficiency increased with decreasing particle size or increased crystallographic disorder and showed that different catalytic mechanisms operate in the hydroliquefaction of brown and black coals.     

Effect of ultrasound in enantioselective hydrogenation of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione: comparison of catalyst activation, solvents and supports

The enantioselective hydrogenation of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione was carried out over Pt/Al2O3, Pt/SiO2, Pt/SF (silica fiber), Pt/C catalysts modified with cinchonidine under ultrasonic irradiation. The initial rate, regioselectivity and enantioselectivity were investigated for different catalyst pretreatments, solvents and ultrasonic powers. The ultrasound effects were very catalyst dependent. The sonication significantly enhanced enantioselectivity and activity of the Pt/SF (silica fiber) catalyst. For the other Pt supported catalysts the reaction rate, enantioselectivity and regioselectivity increased moderately. The choice of solvent influenced the impact of ultrasound effect, namely in mesitylene, which has the lowest vapor pressure, the highest ultrasound enhancement was observed. The effect of sonication on catalysts surface was studied by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). No significant change in the metal particle size distribution due to sonication was observed. However, in the case of the Pt/SF catalyst, acoustic irradiation induced morphological changes on the catalyst particle surface (SEM), which might be the cause for enhancement of the initial reaction rate and enantioselectivity.     

Adsorption of methylene blue onto sonicated sepiolite from aqueous solutions

The aim of the present study is to enhance the methylene blue (MB) adsorption of sepiolite by ultrasonic treatment. The natural sepiolite was pretreated by sonication to improve the surface characteristics and enhance the dye uptake capacity. Sonication process resulted in a significant increase in the specific surface area (SSA) of sepiolite. The FTIR spectrum of the sonicated sepiolite indicates that the tetrahedral sheet is probably distorted after sonication process. The effect of various parameters such as sonication, pH, initial dye concentration and temperature on dye adsorption has been investigated. The adsorbed amount of MB on sepiolite increased after sonication as well as with increasing pH and temperature. The experimental data were evaluated by applying the pseudo-first- and second-order, and the intraparticle diffusion adsorption kinetic models. Adsorption process of MB onto sepiolite followed the pseudo-second-order rate expression. The experimental data were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and found that the isotherm data were reasonably well correlated by Langmuir isotherm. Maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of sepiolite for MB increased from 79.37 to 128.21 mg/g after the sonication. Various thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔG⁰, ΔH⁰ and ΔS⁰ were calculated. The thermodynamics of MB/sepiolite system indicated spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process. Adsorption measurements showed that the process was very fast and physical in nature.     

和田玉糖玉的致色机理研究

采用X射线粉晶衍射(XRD)、 激光剥蚀等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)、 拉曼光谱(RAMAN)和高分辨率透射电子显微镜(HRTEM)对和田玉糖玉的致色机理进行研究。结果显示,糖玉的主要矿物成分为透闪石,化学成分中的Fe含量和糖玉黄褐色色调有正相关关系,颜色越深Fe的含量越高,Fe在糖玉中以独立铁质矿物的赋存形式分布于透闪石的颗粒间、 微裂隙中。铁质矿物由于其含量低、 粒度细小,本文设计实验对其进行富集后进行测试。将铁质矿物富集后的样品进行透射电镜测试,铁质矿物呈云状集合体,电子花样衍射图显示其矿物为针铁矿。因此,针铁矿分布于透闪石颗粒间、 微裂隙中致使糖玉呈现黄褐色。拉曼光谱显示糖玉表面少见红褐色矿物颗粒为金红石,由于金红石含量少,仅对颜色成因有部分贡献。