Natural killer (NK) cell–derived exosomes represent promising cell-free immunotherapeutics, yet clinical translation is limited by low production yield and lack of scalable manufacturing strategies. Here, we developed a modified vertical-wheel bioreactor incorporating controlled electrical and hypoxia-mimetic conditioning to enhance NK-exosome production while preserving biological functionality. The Electrical and Chemical Hypoxia-Optimized (ECHO) Bioreactor increased exosome yield by 10.1 ± 0.4 -fold compared to conventional culture (n = 3), without altering particle size, zeta potential, or canonical exosomal marker expression. In vitro, NK-Exo and NK-Exo-CE reduced LLC cell viability to 37.8 ± 3.1

While an oral octreotide formulation (Mycapssa®) utilizing transient permeability enhancement has recently been FDA-approved, its clinical utility is often constrained by strict fasting requirements and reliance on the transient disruption of intestinal tight junctions. To develop a more biomimetic and efficient alternative, we developed the first oral formulation of Octreotide (OCT) using donkey-milk exosomes (DME). These naturally derived vesicles are enriched with membrane-fusion and transcytosis proteins that protect biologics from gastric degradation and facilitate endogenous epithelial transport. Exosomes were isolated from donkey milk powder, characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, and proteomics, and found to possess a mean size of 138.4 ± 4.37 nm, and zeta potential of -42.07 ± 0.99 mV, and abundant transport-associated proteins including PIGR, MFGE8, ANXA2, CD9, CD63, and CD81. OCT was encapsulated using a pH-gradient method, achieving 7.25% entrapment efficiency. Analytical techniques including ATR-FTIR and DSC reveals the characteristic functional groups and thermal transitions of the components, confirming that octreotide was effectively integrated into the DME formulation. In-vitro dissolution studies demonstrated protective release behavior, while MDCK monolayer assays revealed a 37-fold enhancement in permeability compared to free OCT. Pharmacokinetic performance was predicted by GastroPlus™, which projected a rise in fraction absorbed from 8.5% to 88.2%, a reduction in Tmax from 5.5 to 2.2 h, and a four-fold increase in AUC. These predictions were confirmed in-vivo, where oral administration of OCT-exosomes (2 mg/kg) in BALB/c mice achieved a 16-fold increase in systemic exposure (AUC0-24: 435,200 pg·h/mL) compared with free OCT, alongside targeted biodistribution to the liver, spleen, kidney, and intestine. This study provides the first proof-of-concept that donkey-milk exosomes can enable effective oral delivery of octreotide. By combining stable encapsulation, epithelial transport facilitation, predictive modeling, and in-vivo validation, this platform offers a scalable and broadly applicable strategy for transforming injectable peptides and biologics into oral therapeutics.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with limited treatment options, and resistance to doxorubicin (DOX) further compromises outcomes. Cannabinoids such as cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabidiol (CBD) possess anticancer properties, but their combined effects in resistant TNBC remain unexplored. This study evaluated the antitumor efficacy of a CBC + CBD combination against DOX-resistant (DOX-RT) TNBC using in vitro, in vivo, and pharmacokinetic models. Cytotoxicity was assessed in DOX-RT MDA-MB-231 cells using 2D and 3D assays, with synergy confirmed by combination index (CI) analysis. Cell cycle and invasion assays were performed. Xenograft studies were conducted in BALB/c nude mice bearing DOX-RT tumors treated intraperitoneally with CBC (10 mg/kg), CBD (20 mg/kg), or CBC + CBD. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated in rats, complemented by GastroPlus™ simulations. CBC + CBD synergistically inhibited cell growth induced G0/G1 arrest, and reduced invasiveness by 55

Transdermal rotigotine patches, used to treat parkinson's disease, often face challenges in maintaining adequate adhesion, which is crucial for effective drug delivery. Adhesion performance is influenced by environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature, as well as skin characteristics like wrinkles and micro-delaminations that vary with age and sex. Standard adhesion tests using stainless steel (SS) substrates do not accurately mimic human skin, leading to overestimated adhesion strength. This study developed rotigotine matrix transdermal formulations with silicone pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and evaluated their adhesion properties at 32 ± 1°C and 75 ± 5 % RH in a stability chamber. Moisture uptake over 24 h was measured using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared- (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Adhesion tests, including probe tack and peel, were performed on SS and 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) substrates designed with micro-delaminations and wrinkles to simulate skin conditions. In vitro permeation testing (IVPT) studies demonstrated a flux of 10.48 ± 0.61 and 10.03 ± 0.57 μg/h/cm2 for formulations with and without mannitol, respectively. SSNMR and ATR-FTIR revealed significant moisture uptake, contributing to adhesion loss. Adhesion forces were significantly lower on ABS compared to SS, with further reductions observed on wrinkled and micro-delaminated surfaces, indicating that SS substrates overestimate adhesion results. This is the first study to combine SSNMR and skin-mimetic substrates for analyzing adhesion loss in transdermal patches, highlighting the potential of moisture-resistant agents like mannitol to enhance patch performance.

Transdermal system (TDS) patches, a long-standing product in the market, still grapple with issues of secure skin adherence, efficacy, and safety. Hence, there is a pressing need to study factors affecting TDS patch adhesion on skin-mimetic substrates to enhance reliability and reduce reliance on extensive in vivo testing. The present study aims to develop novel skin-mimetic substrates with fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based three-dimensional (3D) printing using materials with similar surface energy as the skin and evaluating the adhesion property of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). Additionally, the study investigates the effect of various intrinsic factors, including coat weight, elastic properties of backing membranes, and viscosity of PSAs, on the adhesion properties of PSAs. We successfully fabricated our novel polypropylene (PP) probe using FDM printing and implemented an automated robotic arm setup for adhesion testing. Probe tack test results displayed no significant difference in peak adhesive force between the skin and PP probes. However, PP probes exhibited a 10.26-fold decrease (p < 0.0001) in the adhesive force compared to stainless steel (SS) probes. Probe tack and peel adhesion tests of the marketed Salonpas patch also displayed a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in the adhesive force for PP probes/plates compared to SS probes/plates. In terms of coating, both amine-compatible (PSA-4302) and non-amine-compatible (PSA-4501) silicone-based PSAs displayed a significant increase in their adhesion properties at 10 mg/cm2 compared to 5 mg/cm2 coating (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the selection of backing membrane and the viscosity of silicone-based PSAs also demonstrated a significant (p < 0.0001) effect on the PSA’s adhesion property. In conclusion, PP probes/plates could be a promising approach for in vitro adhesion testing of transdermal system (TDS) products. Furthermore, intrinsic properties, including coat weight and viscosity of silicone-based PSAs, could significantly affect the adhesion properties of TDS products.

Background/Aim: Low selectivity and high frequency of side-effects are the major problems of currently used chemotherapeutics. Among natural compounds, the polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol, guttiferone E, isolated from Brazilian red propolis, has attracted attention due to its marked anticancer properties and was evaluated here for its role against osimertinib-resistant H1975 cells (with double mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor: EGFR L858R/T790M). Materials and Methods: Guttiferone E was obtained from red propolis using established extraction procedures. Guttiferone E was tested using the H1975 cell line in in vitro (2D and 3D) cell cultures and in vivo in BALB/c athymic nude mice. Live/dead assay was also performed to support the results. Tumor tissues obtained from in vivo studies were used for western blotting. Guttiferone E reduced H1975 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 50 values in 2D and 3D cell lines were 2.56 +/- 0.12 mu M and 11.25 +/- 0.34 mu M. Furthermore, at 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally, guttiferone E significantly reduced the tumor volume in tumor xenografts when used alone and in combination with carboplatin. Guttiferone E and carboplatin displayed synergistic inhibition of H1975 cells and animal tumors. Co- treatment of guttiferone E with carboplatin induced more prominent apoptosis than treatment with either drug alone. Guttiferone E treatment induced cleavage of poly-ADP ribose polymerase and induced apoptosis by significantly reducing levels of mammalian target of rapamycin, sirtuin 1, sirtuin 7, superoxide dismutase, programmed death-ligand 1, and programmed cell death 1 in tumor tissues. Conclusion: Our results show guttiferone E to be a promising, novel and potent antitumor drug candidate for osimertinib-resistant lung cancer with EGFR L858R/T790M mutations.

Abstract Even though, the transdermal patches are evaluated for adhesion testing using current adhesion protocols (based on stainless steel (SS) probe), they fail to correlate to in vivo studies. Therefore, our objective was to print the probes (skin mimetic substrate) using 3D Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing using materials with similar surface energy as skin and evaluate the adhesion property of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs). Additionally, the objective of the present study was to study the effect of various intrinsic factors including coat weight, elastic properties of backing membranes and viscosity of PSAs on adhesion properties of PSAs. Our novel 3D printed polypropylene (PP) probe was successfully printed and postprocessed using FDM printing coupled with automated robotic arm setup for adhesion testing. Probe tack test results showed no significant difference in peak adhesive force in case of skin adhered to SS probe and PP probe. However, PP probe showed about 10.26-fold decrease (p<0.0001) in the adhesive force as compared to SS probe. Effect of coat weight using PP robe results revealed that both amine (PSA-4302) and non-amine (PSA-4501) compatible silicone PSAs showed significant (p<0.05) increase in their adhesion prosperities at 10 mg/cm2 as compared to 5 mg/cm2 coating. Further, choice of backing membrane and viscosity of silicone PSAs also showed significant (p<0.0001) effect on PSAs adhesion property. In conclusion, PP probe could be a promising approach for in vitro adhesion testing of TDS products. Further, intrinsic properties including coat weight and viscosity of silicone PSAs significantly affected their adhesion properties.

Abstract The objective of the present study was to develop novel skin mimetic substrates using 3D Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing using materials with similar surface energy as skin and evaluate the adhesion property of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). Additionally, the objective was to study the effect of various intrinsic factors, including coat weight, elastic properties of backing membranes, and viscosity of PSAs on adhesion properties of PSAs. Our novel 3D-printed polypropylene (PP) probe was successfully printed and postprocessed using FDM printing coupled with an automated robotic arm setup for adhesion testing. Probe tack test results showed no significant difference in peak adhesive force in case of skin and PP probes. However, PP probes showed about a 10.26-fold decrease (p < 0.0001) in the adhesive force compared to the SS probe. Probe tack and peel adhesion tests of the marketed Salonpas patch also showed a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in the adhesive force in case of PP as compared to the SS probe/plate. Effect of coat weight using PP probe results revealed that both amine (PSA-4302) and non-amine (PSA-4501) compatible silicone PSAs showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in their adhesion prosperities at 10 mg/cm2 as compared to 5 mg/cm2 coating. Further, the choice of backing membrane and viscosity of silicone PSAs also showed a significant (p < 0.0001) effect on the PSA’s adhesion property. In conclusion, PP probes/plates could be a promising approach for in vitro adhesion testing of TDS products. Further, intrinsic properties, including coat weight and viscosity of silicone PSAs, significantly affected their adhesion properties.

This paper aims to solve the problems of complex structure, poor straw crushing effect and high power consumption of existing straw returning machines. A cutting and crushing device with moving and fixed blades has been developed. The moving blade has collision and automatic retraction functions, which can effectively reduce destructive damage caused by blade obstacles and extend its service life. The double-type single-support cutting method has the advantages of improving the straw crushing effect and reducing the running power consumption. The effects of blade rotational speed, blade offset angle and blade number under the condition of composite single-support cutting were tested according to the uneven ratio of straw throwing and the qualification ratio of straw crushed length. The optimal combination of working parameters of the cutting and crushing device was determined: blade rotational speed of 1968 r/min, blade offset angle of 5°, blade number of 4. The test results show that the uneven ratio of straw throwing is 17.18%, and the qualification ratio of straw crushed length is 92.23%. The operation effect of the side-sweeping straw returning machine was tested on the field. All operating indicators are equipped with cutting and crushing devices, and the results show that all operating indicators meet the technical requirements of straw return.

The objective of the present study was to fabricate microneedles for delivering lipophilic active ingredients (APIs) using digital light processing (DLP) printing technology and quality by design (QbD) supplemented by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. In the present study, dissolvable microneedle (MN) patches using ibuprofen (IBU) as a model drug were successfully fabricated with DLP printing technology at ∼ 750 μm height, ∼250 μm base diameter, and tip with radius of curvature (RoC) of ∼ 15 μm. MN patches were comprised of IBU, photoinitiator, Lithium phenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphinate (LAP), polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDAMA)550 and distilled water and were developed using the QbD optimization approach. Optimization of print fidelity and needle morphology were achieved using AI implementing a semi-supervised machine learning approach. Mechanical strength tests demonstrated that IBU MNs formed pores both on Parafilm M® and human cadaver skin. IBU-MNs consisting of 0.23 %w/v and 0.49 %w/v LAP with 10 %w/v water showed ∼ 2 mg/cm2 sustained drug permeation at 72 h in skin permeation experiments with flux of ∼ 40 μg/cm2/h. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats displayed biphasic rapid first-order absorption with sustained zero-order input of Ko = 150ug/hr, AUC0-48h = 62812.02 ± 11128.39 ng/ml*h, Tmax = 2.66 ± 1.12 h, and Cmax = 3717.43 ± 782.25 ng/ml (using 0.23 %w/v LAP IBU MN patch). An in vitro in vivo relation (IVIVR) was conducted identifying a polynomial relationship between patch release and fraction absorbed in vivo. This study demonstrates fabrication of dissolvable DLP-printed microneedle patches for lipophilic API delivery with biphasic rapid first-order and sustained zero-order release.

The objective of the present study was to develop digital light processing (DLP) 3D printed sustained release ibuprofen (IBU) tablets using 3D DLP printers for evaluation in in vitro release and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies with their in vitro–in vivo correlation. The resin formulation and printing parameters were optimized using quality by design (QbD) approach, and IBU tablets were printed using DLP printers which works at 385 and 405 nm wavelengths. Our results demonstrated that formulation consisting of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) 700, water, IBU, and riboflavin printed at 40-s bottom layer exposure time and 30-s exposure time produced tablets using both 385 and 405 nm wavelengths. In vitro dissolution studies showed > 70% drug release at the end of 24 h when printed at 405 nm wavelength with no significant difference between tablets printed at 385 nm. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation of the optimized 3D printed tablets printed at 405 nm at oral dose of 30 mg/kg in rats showed sustained release of IBU with significantly ( p < 0.05) higher C max of 30.12 ± 2.45 µg/mL and AUC (0–24 h) of 318.97 ± 16.98 (µg/mL × h) compared to marketed IBU tablet (control). In vivo–in vitro correlation studies showed 80% of drug was absorbed in vivo within 3 h from the pulverized 3D printed tablet, whereas intact 3D tablet showed sustained release of IBU with > 75% IBU release in 24 h in vitro . Overall, IBU tablets fabricated using DLP printing demonstrated sustained release and enhanced systemic absorption with no significant difference in their release profile at different wavelengths.

Poplar trees (Populus spp.) are some of the fastest growing hardwoods used for biomass production. There are, however, conflicting observations about water use of poplars associated with the impact on local water resources. A STELLA (Structural Thinking and Experiential Learning Laboratory with Animation) model was modified to investigate the aboveground biomass production and water use in a mature (6 to 8 yrs. old) poplar plantation for a 3-year simulation period. The model predicted the typical annual pattern of soil evaporation, root water uptake, and leaf water transpiration in the poplar plantation increasing from winter to summer followed by respective decreases from summer to winter. Root water uptake and leaf water transpiration were proportional to the soil water content. More water was needed to produce the same amount of biomass during summer than during other seasons. Less water was consumed to produce the same amount of biomass as the age of the poplar trees increased. The net increase in biomass over the 3-year period was 0.69 × 104 kg/ha, which was equivalent to a 65% increase in biomass. The average rate of daily water use to daily biomass production was 1.05 × 109 cm3 water/kg biomass/ha. A good linear correlation between cumulative biomass production (CBP) and cumulative water use (CWU) was identified: YCBP = 0.001 ∗ XCWU, R2 = 0.99, p < 0.001. This simple correlation provides a very good reference to estimate poplar water use efficiency (i.e., ratio of water use to biomass production) in growing regions where water resources are a limiting factor.

The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate 3D printed microneedles (MNs) containing Lithium phenyl-2,4,6- trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) as a photoinitiator to deliver lipophilic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) transdermally for 72 hours (hrs) using quality by design (QbD) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. In the present study, dissolvable MN patch of ibuprofen (IBU) as a model drug was successfully fabricated using digital light projector (DLP) printing technology with ~750 μm height, ~250 μm base diameter and tip with radius of curvature (Roc) of ~15 μm. MN patches comprised of IBU, LAP, poly (ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate 550 (PEGDAMA 550) and distilled water were developed using QbD optimization approach and validating using AI and machine learning algorithms. Mechanical strength studies demonstrated that IBU MNs formed pores both on parafilm and human cadaver skin. IBU MNs consisting of 0.23% and 0.49% LAP with 10% water in each showed ~ 2mg/cm2 sustained drug permeation at the end of 72 hrs in vitro skin permeation testing studies (IVPT) with flux of ~ 20 μg/ cm2 /hr in first 24 hrs. Further, pharmacokinetic (PK) studies conducted in rats for 48 hrs showed ~ 62812.02 ± 11128.39 (ng/ml*hr) of Area under curve (AUC) (0-48hr), 2.66 ± 1.12 h of Tmax and 3717.43 ± 782.25(ng/ml) of Cmax from the IBU MN patch containing 0.23% LAP with no significant difference compared to the patch containing 0.49% LAP. In conclusion, in the current study, biocompatible dissolvable IBU MN patch was successfully fabricated using DLP printing technology to deliver lipophilic API in a sustained manner for 72 hrs.

The integration of robotics with agriculture in a controlled or closed environment is attractive because it enables remote production of food and oxygen without siphoning valuable hours of astronaut labor. Similar techniques can also be applied to terrestrial habitats to improve food security in areas that may not be well-suited to outdoor and/or labor-intensive traditional agricultural practices. In this paper, a robotic system for plant tending is presented with reflections on results of early demonstrations. The system includes remote teleoperation capabilities, a 6-DOF robotic arm, vision system for 3D reconstruction of plants, pneumatic multi-tool changer, and custom end-effectors including an enclosure latch tool and a plant shear tool. This work is a collaborative effort between NASA Kennedy Space Center, Lockheed Martin Space, and university partners to test the technologies of autonomous plant growth systems in deep space.

BACKGROUND:EGFR mutated NSCLCs have been shown to employ the use of CARP-1 in overriding the signaling inhibition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (such as Osimertinib). CFM 4.17 is a CARP-1 inhibitor which has a promising role in overcoming Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) resistance when used as a pre-treatment through promoting apoptosis. Lack of solubility, hydrophobicity leading to poor systemic exposure are the limitations of CFM 4.17. This can be overcome by nano lipid-based formulation (NLPF) of CFM 4.17 which can enhance systemic exposure in preclinical animal models as well as improve therapeutic efficacy in drug-resistant cancer cell lines.METHODS:Molecular docking simulation studies were performed for CFM 4.17. CFM 4.17-NLPF was formulated by melt dispersion technique and optimized using a Box-Behnken designed surface response methodology approach using Design Expert and MATLAB. In vitro, CFM 4.17 release studies were performed in simulated gastric fluids (SGF-pH-1.2) and simulated intestinal fluids (SIF- pH-6.8). Cell viability assays were performed with HCC827 and H1975 Osimertinib resistant and non-resistant cells in 2D and 3D culture models of Non-small cell lung cancer to determine the effects of CFM 4.17 pre-treatment in Osimertinib response. In vivo pharmacokinetics in rats were performed measuring the effects of NLPF on CFM 4.17 to improve the systemic exposure.RESULTS:CFM 4.17 was well accommodated in the active pocket of the active site of human EGFR tyrosine kinase. CFM 4.17 NLPF was optimized with robust experimental design with particle size less than 300 nm and % entrapment efficiency of 92.3 ± 1.23. Sustained diffusion-based release of CFM 4.17 was observed from NLPF in SGF and SIFs with Peppas and Higuchi based release kinetics, respectively. CFM 4.17 pretreatment improved response by decreasing IC50 value by 2-fold when compared to single treatment Osimertinib in both 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid assays in HCC827 and H1975 Osimertinib resistant and non-resistant cells of Non-small cell lung cancer. There were no differences between CFM 4.17 NLPF and suspension in 2D monolayer culture pretreatments; however, The 3D culture assays showed that CFM 4.17 NLPF improved combination sensitivity. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that CFM 4.17 NLPF displayed higher AUCtot (2.9-fold) and Cmax (1.18-fold) as compared to free CFM 4.17. In contrast, the animal groups administered CFM 4.17 NLPF showed a 4.73-fold (in half-life) and a 3.07-fold increase (in MRT) when compared to equivalent dosed suspension.CONCLUSION:We have successfully formulated CFM 4.17 NLPFs by robust RSM design approach displaying improved response through sensitizing cells to Osimertinib treatment as well as improving the oral bioavailability of CFM 4.17.

Pitaya is a perishable fruit with a high content of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ethanol pretreatment (95% dripped on the surface of the foam at a rate of 0.05 mL.cm(-2)) and temperature (50 and 70 degrees C) on moisture content, water activity, solubility, color, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) e betanin and betaxanthin retention of white and red pitaya powdered pulps and to determine an optimal process condition. Pretreatment and higher temperature resulted in increased solubility and antioxidant capacity of powdered pulps. The total color difference was influenced by pretreatment and drying temperature, but in different ways according to the variety. In the pretreated red pulp powders, 70 degrees C resulted in higher retention of ascorbic acid and 50 degrees C resulted in increased retention of betanins and betaxanthins. The optimal treatment for white and red pulps was the use of pretreatment and a temperature of 70 degrees C.

Dates are naturally rich in antioxidants and other bioactive molecules. To enhance the shelf life and market value of these bioactive molecules, free flow spray-dried date powder was produced in a pilot scale spray drier. To better understand the rheological properties of the spray-dried date powder produced by different carrier materials (maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA)), different drying temperatures (150 and 170 degrees C) and different flow rates of the atomizer (25 and 40mL/min), a microstructural characterization of the scanning electron microscopy images of the date powder was performed using the graphical user interface design environment and image analysis toolbox in MATLAB. Also, the fundamental rheological characteristics of deformation and flow of particulate solids (i.e., packing, permeability, and strength) were obtained using an advanced rheometer and helium pycnometer. The microstructural and rheological properties of the date powders were significantly affected by the processing conditions used in this study. The date powder produced with MD had smooth, regular-shaped spherical particles along with good agglomeration and packing characteristics. Date powder with GA had irregular-shaped relatively smaller particles with dented surfaces with poor agglomeration and packing properties. Moreover, the rheological quality of the date powders was inversely proportional to the temperature and flow rate. The Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer model for sorption isotherms was a suitable fit for the date powder. The monolayer moisture content for gum Arabic was twice that of the maltodextrin carrier material, whereas the monolayer heat of sorption was higher for maltodextrins. Using maltodextrin as the carrier material and drying at 150 degrees C with a flow rate of 25mL/min produced a free flowing less caking product as depicted by the sorption isotherms.

Date fruit is a good source of bioactive compounds and natural sugar. It has the potential to be utilized as a substitute for added sugar. Although several forms of dates—such as fresh dates, date paste, and date syrup—are available in the market and used for different applications, free-flow date powder would be highly beneficial in improving shelf-life, ease of handling, and blendability with various foods prepared domestically and in industry. The objective of this study was to produce date powder in a pilot-scale spray dryer and determine its physicochemical qualities. Date powder was produced at eight processing conditions (2 carrier agents (maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) × 2 inlet air temperature (150°C and 170°C) × 2 feedstock flow rates (25 ml/min and 40 ml/min)). To the carrier agent was added at 0.4 kg per 1.0 kg of date fruits (dry weight basis), and the feedstock to the spray dryer was prepared at 20% concentration. Date powder was obtained in all eight treatments. Color (L*a*b* values), moisture content, bulk density, wettability, solubility index, hygroscopicity, microstructure analysis (using scanning electron microscope (SEM)), and total phenolic compounds were determined for the spray-dried date powder. The physicochemical characteristics of date powder varied significantly with respect to the processing conditions. Although physical properties of date powder were significantly affected by the carrier agent, there was no difference in total phenolic compounds between date powders produced with MD and GA. An SEM study revealed that date powder produced with MD had smooth, regular-shaped spherical particles but with severe agglomeration. Date powder with GA had relatively smaller particles of irregular sphere with dented surfaces.

Dielectric properties were measured across a frequency range from 200 MHz to 20 GHz and temperature range from 25 to 85 degrees C for pork meat samples (grouped in four different quality classes). Dielectric properties varied widely with frequency and the loss tangents of different meat quality classes followed different trends. Discriminant analysis indicated that 2400 MHz was most significant (P < 0.05) for separation of the different classes. There were significant changes (P < 0.05) in the dielectric properties within the range of the temperatures corresponding to protein denaturation temperatures. There was clear segregation between the firm and non-exudative (red, firm, and non-exudative; pale, firm, and non-exudative) and the soft and exudative (red, soft, and exudative; pale, soft and exudative) samples. The results showed that dielectric properties could be useful in meat quality classifications.

Rice–blackgram batter is a raw material for many traditional convenience foods in Asia. Reformulation of traditional convenience food by replacing white rice with whole rice (brown rice) is a novel method to reduce the consumption of refined grain and increase the intake of whole grain in our diet. In this study, rheological properties of rice–blackgram batter was investigated while replacing white rice with brown rice at five levels (T1 – 0% replacement (control), T2 – 25% replacement, T3 – 50% replacement, T4 – 75% replacement, and T5 – 100% replacement). The shear stress versus shear rate plot indicates that the rice–blackgram batter exhibited non-Newtonian fluid behavior (shear thinning property) even after 100% replacement of white rice with brown rice. The rheological characteristics of rice–blackgram batters fitted reasonably well in Cassan ( r 2 = 0.8521–0.9856) and power law ( r 2 = 0.8042–0.9823) models. Brown rice replacement at all levels did not affect the flow behavior index, yield stress, consistency coefficient, and apparent viscosity of batter at 25 ℃. However, at higher temperature, the viscosity was greater for T4 and T5 (no difference between them) than T1, T2, and T3 (no difference between them) batters. Further research is required to determine the sensory attributes and acceptability of the cooked products with brown rice-blended batter.