Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of salinity and seasonal variation on the nanoscale morphology of zooplankton species (copepods and rotifers) inhabiting five Turkish lagoons: Uzun Lake, Hersek, Dalyan, Çakalburnu, and Paradeniz. The research focuses on chitin-based nanoglobules as biochemical indicators of organismal development and environmental stress. Its relevance spans multiple disciplines, including plankton ecology, biomaterials, and environmental monitoring. Methodology: Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), a high-resolution biophysical technique, was employed to analyze adult zooplankton specimens collected across different seasons to capture spatial and temporal variability. SAXS profiles were used to determine radii of gyration (RG), pair distance distributions (PDDs), and spatial organization of chitin nanoglobules in copepod carapaces and rotifer mastax structures. These results offer structural information regarding the dimensions of chitin assemblies and the distances between them. Results: RG values of chitin nanoglobules ranged from 21–23 nm, with Dalyan samples showing the most compact and uniform structures. Inter-nanoglobule distances varied by site: 67 ± 1 nm (Uzun Lake), 72 ± 1 nm (Paradeniz), and 76 ± 1 nm (Dalyan). Elevated salinity correlated with disrupted nanoglobule homogeneity and impaired carapace development. SAXS imaging and the nanostructural variations also revealed chitin aggregations linked to developmental stage and ecological stress response of the zooplankton. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of SAXS as a non-invasive tool for ecological nanostructural analysis. The findings establish a strong link between salinity gradients and chitin nanostructure organization, offering novel biochemical insights into zooplankton development and environmental adaptation in lagoon ecosystems. The multi-lagoon and multi-season sampling design, with a focus on chitin nanoglobules, highlights the high potential of this method for developing bioindicators and monitoring lagoon ecosystems.

Background: To evaluate and compare the structural effects of fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and peptide P11-4 on dentin nanostructure in an in vitro dentin caries model. Methods: Forty dentin discs were demineralized and treated with either SDF, fluoride varnish or P11-4. Structural changes were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to evaluate topographical, molecular and nanoscale modifications. Results: SEM revealed morphological differences across groups: the P11-4 group showed fibrillar structures and narrowed dentinal tubules; the SDF group exhibited blocked tubules with a granular appearance; and the fluoride varnish group presented partially occluded tubules. FTIR analysis showed a reduction in Amide A and Amide I bands in the P11-4 group, suggesting enhanced interaction with dentin collagen and early-stage remineralization. In contrast, the SDF group showed higher Amide A values, indicating limited interaction with the organic matrix. These spectral shifts imply differential impacts on the preservation and reorganization of the dentin matrix. SAXS analysis confirmed that the P11-4 group exhibited the closest nanostructural resemblance to healthy dentin, whereas the SDF group showed the least similarity. Both the P11-4 and fluoride varnish groups demonstrated organized fibrillar alignment and improved mineral patterning. Conclusions: The findings suggest that P11-4, through its biomimetic action, facilitates favorable nanostructural and molecular changes in demineralized dentin. These effects may contribute to enhanced mechanical stability and long-term clinical outcomes. Broader in vivo studies are warranted to validate these results before clinical application.

Aims: This study aims to investigate the structural and mechanical properties of major ampullate (MA) dragline silk produced by six different species of spider, using multi-level characterization techniques including spectroscopy, electron microscopy and tensile testing. By examining molecular and nano-scale features, the research seeks to uncover species-specific differences and contribute to the development of high-performance synthetic silk. Study Design: Experimental and employs software for modelling. Methodology: Major ampullate (MA) dragline silk from six different spider species were analyzed using SAXS, WAXS, and ATR-FTIR for structural insights. SEM-EDX provided surface morphology and elemental data, while mechanical tests evaluated strength and elasticity. Results: Structural analyses revealed distinct nano-scale arrangements and molecular compositions among the six spider species. SAXS and WAXS data showed variations in nanoscopic and crystalline domain sizes, while ATR-FTIR confirmed differences in protein secondary structures. SEM-EDX highlighted surface morphology and elemental diversity. Mechanical tests demonstrated species-specific differences in tensile strength and elasticity. Conclusion: This comparative study provides a thorough analysis of major ampullate dragline silk produced by orb-weaving spiders. It focuses on the silk's molecular composition, nanoscale architecture and mechanical performance. The study reveals how specific protein motifs contribute to the silk filaments' hierarchical organization and extraordinary strength. These findings offer valuable insights for biomimetic material design and support ongoing efforts to replicate the unique properties of natural spider silk in synthetic applications.

Aims: Crystallization during freeze-drying (FD) play essential role for creating high-quality sugar products and optimizing production processes in the sugar and pharmaceutical industry. The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of the FD process on the nanoscopic nucleation stage of monosaccharides (glucose, galactose and fructose) and disaccharides (sucrose and lactose) during the crystallization process. Study Design: Experimental and employs software for modelling. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Engineering (METU) and Department of Physics Engineering (Hacettepe University), National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, between 2022 and 2024. Methodology: The 3D nanoscopic structures of the sugars were established by SAXS-WAXS (Small and Wide-Angle X-ray scattering) methods for the first time. Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to examine the molecular structural changes and behavior of water molecules surrounding of sugar molecules. Results: Crystallographic unit cells, lattices of the nano-nucleation and nano morphologies were determined. The uniform distribution and well-defined compact morphology were found for FD-lactose. Marked spectral differences in ATR-FTIR spectra between FD and control samples of glucose and sucrose were observed. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that the freeze-drying process may potentially result in an enhancement of the molecular and nanoscopic stability of sugars.

As a natural and biocompatible material with high strength and flexibility, spider silk is frequently used in biomedical studies. In this study, the availability of Argiope bruennichi spider silk as a surgical suture material was investigated. The effects of spider silk-based and commercial sutures, with and without Aloe vera coating, on wound healing were evaluated by a rat dorsal skin flap model, postoperatively (7th and 14th days). Biochemical, hematological, histological, immunohistochemical, small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses and mechanical tests were performed. A. bruennichi silk did not show any cytotoxic effect on the L929 cell line according to MTT and LDH assays, in vitro. The silk materials did not cause any allergic reaction, infection, or systemic effect in rats according to hematological and biochemical analyses. A. bruennichi spider silk group showed a similar healing response to commercial sutures. SAXS analysis showed that the 14th-day applications of A. bruennichi spider silk and A. vera coated commercial suture groups have comparable structural results with control group. In conclusion, A. bruennichi spider silk is biocompatible in line with the parameters examined and shows a healing response similar to the commercial sutures commonly used in the skin.

In this paper, for the first time, the nanostructures of metal alloy Ti6Al4V implants produced by the selective laser melting (SLM) technique were examined using the SAXS method, depending on the annealing temperature, and the relationship between these nanostructures and bioactivity was examined for the first time. Annealing process in this technique increases the durability and makes alloys more suitable for processing. In this study, in order to understand the effect of annealing temperature on the nanostructure, five identical samples without annealing and five identical samples annealed at different temperatures (T = 780, 840, 1040 °C) were examined and compared with each other structurally. Beside of nanoscopic SAXS analyses, SEM imaging and macrophotography techniques were also used as supporting evidence. Additionally, antimicrobial test was applied to determine the antimicrobial properties of the samples, too. As a result, the best annealing temperature (840 °C) was determined to prepare implant materials with uniform and homogeneously distributed nanospherical ( R g = 13.4 ± 0.3 nm radius) formations. The morphologies, sizes, radial electron densities, and distance distributions of the nanoaggregations in the implant content, determined as a result of SAXS data evaluations, constituted nanoscopic findings. It was also shown that this nanostructured implant has an antibiofilm effect against S.aureus .

Lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticles (LLCNs), including lipid-based structures, are one of the crucial candidate molecules for drug delivery applications due to several advantages in terms of low toxicity, high loading ca-pacity, and superior pharmacokinetic properties. Generally, in literature, monoglycerides such as glyceryl monostearate are preferred lipids to produce LLCNs. However, lyotropic mesophases have previously been ob-tained by the incorporation of diglycerides with monoglycerides. In this study, glyceryl monostearate and glyceryl dibehenate mixtures are used as lipid compartments to produce LLCNs while Pluronic F-127 (F-127) was used as the surfactant with two methods for the first time in literature. Oil in water (o/w) and film preparation-rehydration methods were used to produce LLCNs with different lipid-to-surfactant (L:S) ratios. It was shown that L3:S7 and L7:S3 ratios provide obtaining LLCNs using the film preparation-rehydration method. Curcumin, which was used as a model hydrophobic drug was incorporated in L3:S7:C1 and L7:S3:C1 ratios. The formation of lyotropic mesophases was tracked using a Polarizing Optical Microscope (POM) and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS). The size of the formed nanoparticles (NP) was measured using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and the particles with sizes less than 300 nm namely L7:S3 and L7:S3:C1 were chosen as the optimized particles for drug delivery. The incorporation of the LLCN components was studied using FT-IR and Differential Scanning Chalorimetry (DSC) methods. It was successfully demonstrated that both curcumin and F-127 are completely covered by the lipid components of the formed LLCNs, which altogether resulted in obtaining NPs with Maltese crosses and hexagonal structures.

This study emphasized the importance of hydrogel-based therapy in repairing cartilage tissue and discussed the nanoscopic requirements for the physical sterilization of hydrogels, which are repairable, biochemically compatible with cartilage structure, and shape memory under mechanical effects. The nanostructured and the shape memory hydrogel composites, previously designed, synthesized, and nano-structurally characterized by our group, were used as material in the present study. Samples are including poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (poly (DMAA) chains, n-octadecyl acrylate (C18A) segments and with/without lauryl methacrylate (LM). The study consists of four main sections in which physical sterilization processes (with electromagnetic waves from low energy (UV) to high energy (X-ray and Gamma-ray) are applied, structural changes are determined at microscopic and nanoscopic scale, and biofilm formations in the mentioned hydrogel materials are evaluated. The present study investigated these hydrogels' potential as artificial cartilage or cartilage tissue scaffolds. To initiate in vivo studies, it was aimed to determine the most appropriate physical sterilization method. In the result of the study, the most convenient hydrogel sample for surgical (in vivo) research, the useful physical sterilization methods, and the ability to resist biofilm formation was determined for the sample of N:3, [DMMA/C18A/LM, (70/30/0.0) l (Pre stretching ratio) = 1.8]. UV applications were also determined as the most generally suitable sterilization method for these hydrogels. As the pre-stretching ratio increases, the emergence of more compact and globular nano formations in hydrogel structures also affects the bioactive properties. It was also shown that, with the help of the usage of energetic electromagnetic waves for sterilizations, the new 3D nano aggregation morphologies might be created in the hydrogel structures.

The retina segments obtained from Mice-664 C57BL/6J eyeballs were investigated at 23A1 IASW- Beamline, NSRRC. Transmission small and wide-angle scattering (SAXS and WAXS) measurements and the related data were used to reach nanoscale natural morphology and internal structural information of ROS. Rhodopsin macromolecules in their natural medium (inside of the rods and retina) were successfully detected. The X-ray scattering effects of rhodopsin macromolecules in mice eyeball and surgically separated retina samples were carried out to reach the most natural situation of the molecules in the same animal species and to determine detection limits of rhodopsin macromolecules. The quantitative results about the structures of ROS membranes, rhodopsins and α-helices trans membranes were also carried out in nanoscopic scale.

Zeolites are used as cation exchangers and membrane materials in thermal energy storage, water filtration systems and fuel cells. In this paper, four different zeolite samples (Z1-Z4, from Kazakhstan) were classified for the first time and examined in complementary scales by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy and Small-Wide Angle X-ray Scattering methods to determine their fluid storage potentials. Powdered and pelleted zeolites were investigated and compared to determine their H 2 O and N 2 storage situations. Nanoscopic structures of the natural zeolites (which have fractal and lamellar model before exposure to water) has transformed into a poly core model after exposure. Similarly, when the gyration radiations (Rg) of wet and dry samples were also compared, a significant decrease (5.9%) was found in wet samples, as the pores filled with water. As first finding, Z1 which has layered form, indicated the best water holding capacity. Nitrogen storage capabilities were also nano- structurally investigated. In this context, the samples taken from different parts of natural sources show different nanoscopic properties and natural zeolites should be classified before the usage, according to their characteristic nano porous structures and fluid storage capacities. So, they may be use as potential solution for plant fertilization problem as well as environmental engineering problems.

Enterococcus faecium is one of the well-known human pathogens producing biofilm. Todays, it is an important nosocomial infection agent and is spreading rapidly worldwide. As the first step of the infection, this bacterium adheres to tissue or devices with EPS fibrils, and then the biofilm grows. Therefore, investigation of structure of its EPS is extremely important to find a specific way for treatment of its infection. In this study, we isolated and investigated the physicochemical properties extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) from E. faecium M20 obtained from Denizli Public Hospital. The exopolysaccharide of M20 strain was purified by methanol/ethanol extraction method and then analyzed by SAXS, TGA, HPLC and SEM. Carbohydrate and protein were main compounds in the isolated EPS. Moreover, the uronic acid content was found to be high. The HPLC analysis indicated that the EPS consisted of glucose+maltitol, fructose and sorbitol+ksilitol. According to SAXS data, the EPS of M20 possessed a lamellar structure and prolate core shell with a major core radius of 1644.1 angstrom, a major shell thickness of 121.9 angstrom, and a bilayer thickness of 12.6 angstrom. The natural polysaccharide structure was more stable within aqueous (0.5%, w/v) and serum albumin solutions at room temperature. These results may be used to develop new strategies in future for eradicating biofilms of this pathogen bacterium.

A self-healing and shape-memory interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) is produced by UV polymerization of n-octadecyl acrylate (C18A) monomer in a toluene solution of butyl rubber (isobutylene-isoprene rubber, IIR) using Irgacure 2959 photoinitiator at ambient temperature. IPNs containing 20-80 wt% IIR have crystalline domains formed by side-by-side packed octadecyl side chains aligned perpendicular to the poly(C18A) (PC18A) backbone. TEM images reveal that the morphology of IPNs consists of crystalline domains dispersed in a continuous amorphous matrix where the size of the dispersed phase could be adjusted between mu m and nm level by changing the amount of IIR. Calculations indicate that the effective cross-link density of IPNs is mainly determined by their crystalline domains followed by hydrophobic associations while the chemical cross-links between IIR and PC18A components are negligible. We also show that the crystalline domains acting as sacrificial bonds dissipate energy under strain leading to a significant toughness improvement. IPNs exhibit tunable melting temperature (46-50 degrees C), crystallinity (1.5-25%), Young's modulus (0.6-35 MPa), toughness (1.3-12 MPa), and a stretchability of up to 1200% by varying the amount of IIR component. What is more, they also exhibit temperature induced healing behavior with 59-77% efficiency, and an effective shape-memory function. The strategy presented here is applicable for the preparation of IPNs based on various rubbers and poly(n-alkyl (meth)acrylates) with long alkyl side chains.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of contact lens materials on the structural properties and to examine ultraviolet (UVA part) and visible (Vis) transmittance with and without UV filters of the commercially available silicone hydrogel (SiHy) and bio-hydrogel (bio-Hy) soft contact lenses (CLs) in vitro. Place and Duration of Study: Hacettepe University, Department of Physics, Ankara, Turkey, between May 2018 and May 2021. Methodology:Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra of CLs were recorded (at removing from its package, after 10 min, 1 h and 1 day at room temperature) in the 4000-650 cm-1region to estimate water contents of CLs. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was performed to differentiate chemical structure of CLs based on the spectral differences. Ultraviolet (UVA) and visible light transmittance of (CLs) was measured in the 315 -800 nm region. Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) analyses were performed to obtain further structural information on nano-scale. Results: One of the key observations in this study is the large influence of lens water content. The HCA analysis grouped all the CLs of same brand in same cluster based on their chemical similarity. The UVA transmittance results showed that CLs with UV blockers almost met ClassI and ClassII standards. The size (11.8-39.9 nm) and differences in morphologies of the nano globules were determined and correlated with equilibrium water content (EWC). Conclusion: This work was designed to explain important characteristics of commercial CLs and results will have implications for future experimental and clinical research regarding hydration/ dehydration experiments with CL polymers.

Recently, a simple strategy was developed for preparing interconnected interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on butyl rubber (IIR) and poly(n-octadecyl acrylate) (PC18A). Solvent-free UV polymerization of n-octadecyl acrylate (C18A) monomer in the melt of IIR at ambient temperature resulted in IPNs with self-healing and shape-memory functions. Here, we demonstrate that the use of IIR grafted with acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 10-undecenoic acid instead of unmodified IIR provides a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of IPNs. Differential scanning calorimetry, small-angle x-ray scattering, and wide-angle x-ray scattering analysis reveal side-by-side packing of C18 side chains of PC18A to form lamellar crystals with a melting temperature Tm between 46 and 52 °C. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates the existence of quasispherical nanoparticles composed of crystalline domains, which are dispersed in a continuous interpenetrating rubber-PC18A matrix. This microstructure provides them a complete self-recovery behavior induced by heating and an efficient shape-memory function. IPNs exhibit around tenfold higher chemical cross-link density as compared to those prepared from the native IIR, reflecting the effect of pendant vinyl groups on the extent of covalent interconnections between the IIR and PC18A components. The type of the grafted monomers significantly affects the mechanical performance of IPNs, which can be explained with the individual contributions of chemical and physical cross-links to the total cross-link density. The amount of the grafted rubbers in IPN could be further increased up to 80 wt. % by the incorporation of toluene into the reaction system, resulting in IPNs with a wide range of tunable thermal and mechanical properties.

The aim of this study was to investigate human dental enamel surfaces using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques concerning differences between the demineralized enamel surface and remineralized enamel surface by casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate, Tooth mousse (R) (CPP-ACP) and remineralizing oral care systems (ROCS (R)) agents within the same tooth. For this purpose, 20 freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors without caries and defects were used. Labial surfaces of each of the teeth were divided into four sections, which were marked as follows: Group 1, normal enamel; Group 2, demineralized enamel with demineralization solution; Group 3, demineralized enamel + remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP-ACP for 10 teeth); and Group 4, remineralization agent (ROCS for 10 teeth, CPP-ACP for 10 teeth). To describe the changes in tooth enamel, the phosphate group concentration within enamel was used as an indicator of the degree of mineralization. The phosphate and carbonate bands in the FTIR and Raman spectra were used to investigate the structural changes in the demineralized and remineralized enamel. Spectroscopic data were statistically analyzed in terms of CPP-ACP and ROCS using one-way analysis of variance. The carbonate content of demineralized enamel was higher than the carbonate content in the other groups (p < .03). The apatite carbonate-phosphate balance in the samples with only remineralizing agent-especially ROCS applied-changed significantly (p < .05) compared to the normal group. The average FTIR spectra of the groups were subjected to multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) conducted with the use of the OPUS 5.5 software. Nanosized surface morphologies of the samples were compared using pair distance distributions obtained through SAXS analyses. According to the SAXS analyses, applications of CCP + ACP and ROCS agents were effective on nanostructures for all groups.

Metal oxide based porous nanomaterials are widely synthesized and used for several technological developments based on energy storage, catalytic chemistry, and medical applications [1][2][3].In the present study, the newly designed MeOx (Me: Ce, Mn, Si, Ti) nanoparticles were prepared and structurally investigated in molecular, nanoscopic and microscopic scales by using several complementary experimental methods.The form factors for elliptical, core-shell oblate and fractal models were used in SAXS analyses (it can be shown in Figure 1) to characterize the morphologies.Thermal processes were activated at T= 410, 450 and 500 °C to investigate nanostructural properties.The focused targets with the present R&D studies were increasing the surface area of the nanoparticles and reaching the stabilized monodispersed morphologies and uniform distributions.

OBJECTIVES:During the progression of periodontitis, the structures of the cementum and saliva are altered due to pathological changes in the environment. This study aimed to analyze the nanostructures of the cervical cementum and saliva in patients with periodontitis.METHODS:Patients with periodontitis (n = 10) and periodontally healthy controls (n = 8) were included. Single-rooted teeth with indications for extraction were obtained from individuals. The cervical-thirds of the roots were sectioned transversely to obtain 1 mm thick sections. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from each individual. The nanostructures of the cementum and saliva were analyzed using small and wide-angle X-ray scattering methods.RESULTS:The mean radius and distance values of the cementum nanoparticles in the periodontitis and control groups were 368 Å and 1152 Å, and 377 Å and 1186 Å, respectively. The mean radius and distance values of the saliva nanoparticles in the periodontitis and control groups were 425 Å and 1359 Å, and 468 Å and 1452 Å, respectively. More wide-angle X-ray scattering profile peaks were observed in the cementum of the controls. Similarities were observed between the 3D profiles of the cementum and the saliva nanoparticles.CONCLUSIONS:According to the results of the present study, (i) the cementum and saliva nanoparticles were of similar size in periodontitis and healthy controls, (ii) the cementum was more crystalline according to the (002) crystallographic plane in controls, and (iii) the similarities in the 3D-profile of the cementum and saliva nanoparticles suggest some interactions between them in the sulcus/periodontal pocket at the nanolevel.

Graphene nanopowders and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely synthesized and used to design new electromagnetic interferences (EMI) shielding materials to avoid of the electromagnetic pollution, which increases sharply with unavoidable development of electronics technology [1][2].EMI can be defined as conducted and/or radiated electromagnetic signals emitted by electrical circuits which, under operation, perturb proper operation of surrounding electrical equipment or cause radiative damage to living/biological species.More generally, electromagnetic shielding is also defined as the prevention of the propagation of electric and magnetic waves from one region to another by using conducting or magnetic materials.The shielding can be achieved by minimizing the signal passing through a system either by reflection of the wave or by absorption and dissipation of the radiation power inside the material [3].

Aims: Polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMQS) is a silicone derivative that serves as a skin conditioning agent and moisturizer in cosmetics. The objective of this study is to identify the effect of different concentrations PMSQ (0.12, 0.20 and 0.35 wt %) on liquid foundation (LF) and find the optimized composition in vitro. Study Design: Structural and morphological features of the examined nano/micro-sized samples were investigated by different methods. Place and Duration of Study: Hacettepe University, Department of Physics Engineering, X-Rays Laboratory, between September 2017 and September 2019. Methodology: Micro/nano scale structural and morphological properties of samples were investigated by means of a multi-methodological approach based on Small‐ and/or Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (SWAXS), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) Spectroscopy and UV-vis Spectroscopy. The LF (control) and PMSQ-LF films at one-week intervals for 4 weeks, and bovine leather coated samples with LF and PMSQ-LF were also investigated by SWAXS. The effect of PMSQ on biofilm formation activity in E. coli and S. aureus were also examined. Results: The most significant finding of this study is that even the low concentration of polymer in LF showed differences in nano structure and it was found that a decrease in biofilm formation. Nano formation becomes more pronounced, and the number of agglomerations decreases after 4 weeks. The reason for the study over a 4-week period was the desire to take into account the independent effect of each LF use, as well as the periodic stacking and diffusing effect that will occur in the depths of the skin over time. In the UVA range (320-400 nm) lower transmittance values were found for LF and PMSQ - LF films. Conclusion: The results suggest that optimum polymer concentration in liquid foundation should be considered as a main step. The smart and systematic use of polymer additives is directly manifested in the nanoscopic structure and can improve the harmful UV rays prevention properties, which are important for health as well as cosmetic effects for beauty purposes.

In this study, effects of different cooling rates (0.5,3.3,4.7 and 6.9 degrees C/min) on the crystallization behavior of palm-kernel-stearin (PKS) were studied by low-field NMR relaxometry. According to results, solid fat content (SFC), longitudinal relaxation time (T1), second moment (M2) and degree of crystallinity (%) of the samples increased with increase in cooling rate from 0.5 to 6.9 degrees C/min. In contrast, transverse relaxation time (T2) demonstrated an opposite behavior with respect to T1 and decreased when the cooling rate increased. Additionally, effects of cooling rate on the changes of polymorph structures were detected by X-ray measurements. Degree of crystallinity showed high Pearson correlation values (alpha <= 0.05) with SFC (r = 0.771) and T1(r = 0.932). Changes in the crystal polymorphs could also be explained by NMR parameters to some extent as can be observed by the strong correlation between the 13 crystal content and T2 (r = 0.927). At the highest cooling rate, 13 ' crystals were the dominant polymorphic form and constituted 75(%) of the total crystals present. Results of this study suggested that NMR relaxometry could be used as a complementary tool to interpret the crystallization behavior of PKS.