Author response for "A novel magnetically separable pH sensitive surface-active iron oxide nanoparticles for the removal of antibiotics (tetracycline) from aquatic environments"

2025-01-08

Enhancing Papaya Shelf‐Life With Upcycled Pea Starch–Neem Oil Polymeric Nanoparticles Synthesized via a Novel Rapid Spray Nanoprecipitation Technique

Polymers for Advanced Technologies · 2025-08-01 · 1 citations

ABSTRACT Marketing of fresh ripened papaya is challenging due to its short shelf‐life (2–3 days) resulting in high post‐harvest losses (30%–50%), primarily caused by fungal diseases such as Anthracnose. Neem oil (NO) is well recognized for its ability to extend the shelf‐life of fresh produce, but encapsulation is required to preserve its properties. This study aimed to stabilize and encapsulate NO in a polymeric material via a novel rapid spray nanoprecipitation technique to extend the shelf‐life of papaya fruits under cold storage (4°C ± 1°C, 80% ± 2% RH) and room temperature (22°C ± 2°C, 45% ± 5% RH). The shelf‐life of papayas was extended by 10 days compared to the control when the nanoparticle coating was combined with cold storage showing no fungal growth. After 10 days of storage, weight loss in coated fruits was approximately ~6.22% at cold storage temperatures and 17.5% at room temperature, whereas, in the control group, the weight loss observed was 9.09% at cold storage temperature and 27.46% at room temperature. Additionally, the NO infused starch nanoparticle coating significantly ( p < 0.05) maintained fruit firmness compared to untreated control samples. The NO inhibited fungal growth, while the starch polymer coating slowed ripening. Hence, the application of nanoparticle coating in this study can act as an active agent for prolonging the shelf‐life of papayas within the food distribution chain.

A novel magnetically separable <scp>pH</scp> sensitive surface‐active iron oxide nanoparticles for the removal of antibiotics (tetracycline) from aquatic environments

The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering · 2025-04-24 · 1 citations

Abstract This research examines the application of magnetic iron‐oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles (IONPs) for the targeted removal and recovery of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous systems. The IONPs were synthesized through a steady‐state headspace with NH 3(g) at room temperature and pressure without mechanical agitation. IONPs were found to be in a single phase with uniform size distribution and magnetic separability. Effects of pH on surface charge, dispersity, and particle size were studied using zeta potential and DLS. Sorption profiles at various mass loadings for antibiotics (1–25 ppm) and nanoparticles (0.1–0.5 mg/mL) were studied using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. Results suggested a rapid sorption of TC onto IONPs with overall TC removal efficiency from wastewater ranging between 70% and 95% depending on temperature (10, 25, and 45°C) and contact time (1–90 min). The investigation into adsorption mechanisms demonstrated that adsorption of TC onto IONPs was feasible, spontaneous, and an endothermic process primarily governed by physisorption. The process well aligned with Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐second order kinetics. Further, stability of IONPs and desorption ability were also evaluated. The results suggest that IONPs can be used as a sustainable alternative to commercial adsorbent for removal of antibiotics from waterbodies.

Author response for "A novel magnetically separable pH sensitive surface-active iron oxide nanoparticles for the removal of antibiotics (tetracycline) from aquatic environments"

2025-03-21

A comprehensive insight into metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis, associated regulations, and application in the agri‐food sector

The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering · 2024-09-06 · 5 citations

Abstract To achieve global sustainability goals, it is necessary to ensure food safety and security by adopting sustainable agricultural practices. However, the current agri‐food sector is not only in its most vulnerable state, but it is also becoming a threat to the environment due to the combination of industrial and human activities that are detrimental. These activities, including the use of highly toxic agrochemicals, have deteriorated the quality of arable soil, thereby impacting food security. One area of research emerging in recent years as a promising avenue to combat concerns around agricultural soil quality and productivity is that of the application of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs). In this review, we comprehensively examine the synthesis processes, application, environmental impact, and regulations associated with MONPs in the agri‐food sector. In agriculture, these nanoparticles have been demonstrated to enhance crop yields by acting as delivery systems for nutrients, preventing soil degradation, and reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. In relation to ensuring food quality and security, these nanoparticles are used as additives to enhance nutritional content, improve texture, and extend shelf life. Alternatively, the antimicrobial properties of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can be used to modify packaging materials and make them more effective at preserving food, reducing food waste by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Overall, using nanoparticles in the agriculture and food industry offers exciting opportunities to promote sustainability, reduce environmental pollution, and improve food quality and safety.

A Nano-Based Approach Toward the Sustainable Recovery of Nutrients from the Food Industry Generated Wastewater

Green energy and technology · 2024-01-01

Role of Nanoparticles in the Suppression of Diseases in Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis

Green energy and technology · 2024 · 2 citations

• Biotechnology
• Business
• Toxicology

Effect of microwave and conventional heat treatment on trypsin inhibitor activity and in vitro digestibility of edamame milk protein

Food Bioengineering · 2023-06-01 · 8 citations

Abstract Edamame milk is a protein‐dense milk derived from green soybeans harvested before they mature. Being a legume of soy origin, it contains antinutritional factors for example, serine protease inhibitors, which hinder its in vitro digestibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of microwave processing techniques in improving the in vitro digestibility (IVPD %) of edamame milk protein by varying processing time and temperature. Conventional and microwave‐assisted processing was employed to investigate the effect on in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD %), using temperatures 70°Ϲ, 85°Ϲ, and 100°Ϲ for 5, 10, and 15 min, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) data showed microwave and conventional treatments significantly modified the Amide I region of the edamame milk protein and the extent of modification varied with variation in the treatment temperature. In the FTIR analysis β‐sheet content was observed to change little with an increase in the temperature, suggesting similarity in the surface hydrophobicity of the protein leading to similar IVPD % values for all treatment temperatures. The experiment resulted in increased in vitro digestibility with increasing time and temperature during microwave processing conditions and conventional thermal conditions. It was also observed that the trypsin inhibitor activity decreased with an increase in processing time and temperature.

List of contributors

Elsevier eBooks · 2023-01-01

Application of microwave energy in the processing of lignocellulosic biomass

Elsevier eBooks · 2023-01-01