This study explored the microencapsulation of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) peel extract using ionic gelation and freeze-drying to improve the stability and bioavailability of citrus bioactives. Encapsulation involved sodium alginate, maltodextrin (MD), gum arabic (GA), and Aloe vera gel powder (0.3%), with a 20:80 core-to-wall ratio. Different formulations with varying MD and GA concentrations (total 2%) were tested for their effects on encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical properties, release behavior, and storage stability. Ionic gelation produced calcium-alginate beads with good biocompatibility but lower encapsulation efficiency; IG4 (1.5% MD, 0.5% GA) showed the best results in this group. Freeze-drying with ultrasonic homogenization significantly improved encapsulation efficiency, polyphenol retention, and antioxidant activity, with FD4 showing preferred formulation. Release studies revealed a biphasic, pH-dependent release profile, and MD-GA blends enabled controlled release, especially in FD4. Simulated gastrointestinal conditions showed higher release in the gastric phase, while FD4 and FD5 provided better protection and bioavailability. Storage stability followed first-order kinetics, with FD4 exhibiting the highest stability and longest shelf life. Overall, freeze-drying was more effective, thereby supporting the valorization of citrus waste to develop functional, antioxidant-rich food ingredients.
Ankit Kumar, Chaman Kumar, P. S. Rao et al.· Preparative Biochemistry & B...· 0 citations
The paddy earhead bug, Leptocorisa oratorius (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae), is a chronically destructive pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in India, with documented yield losses of 15–30% under moderate infestation and up to 80% under severe epidemics. A comprehensive investigation integrating seasonal population dynamics, large-scale varietal screening, and biochemical resistance characterisation was conducted at the College of Agriculture, V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, during Kharif 2021. Seasonal incidence studies recorded a peak population of 7.63 bugs/10 hills on the susceptible check Jaya during the last week of November, coinciding with the milky grain stage, and a substantially lower peak of 1.53 bugs/10 hills on IR 64. Pearson's correlation analysis identified maximum temperature as exerting a significant negative influence on bug density (r = −0.78** on Jaya; r = −0.67** on IR 64), while afternoon relative humidity (r = +0.72**; +0.68**) and sunshine hours (r = +0.69**; +0.72**) were significantly positive predictors, providing a meteorological basis for pest forewarning. Field screening of 50 local landraces categorised 15 as Resistant (R), 10 as Moderately Resistant (MR), 20 as Moderately Susceptible (MS), 3 as Susceptible (S), and 2 as Highly Susceptible (HS). Screening of 37 Advanced Varietal Trial (AVT) genotypes yielded 4 R, 11 MR, 14 MS, 5 S, and 3 HS entries. Biochemical analysis of 18 representative genotypes at the milky grain stage revealed that resistant accessions were characterized by elevated levels of total phenols (up to 1.49 mg g⁻¹), tannins (up to 4.85 mg g⁻¹), total free amino acids (TFA; up to 10.78 mg g⁻¹), and potassium (K; up to 3.54%) — all significantly and negatively correlated with grain damage (r = −0.86**, −0.94**, −0.95**, −0.93**, respectively). Susceptible genotypes accumulated higher total soluble sugars (TSS), total reducing sugars (TRS), crude proteins, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), all of which showed highly significant positive correlations with grain damage (r = +0.95**, +0.97**, +0.98**, +0.95**, +0.87**, respectively). The resistant landraces Kave kantak, Nagland paddy, and Narali, alongside their distinctive biochemical profiles, provide a robust scientific foundation for developing durable pest-resistant rice cultivars and implementing ecologically rational integrated pest management programmes.
Satyabrata Sarangi, Divya S. Patel, P. Priya et al.· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations
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