Artículos (Ingeniería Química)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/53665

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  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Emerging Trends in Sustainable Biological Resources and Bioeconomy for Food Production
    (MDPI, 2025-06-11) Trujillo-Cayado, Luis Alfonso; Sánchez García, Rosa M.; García Domínguez, Irene; Rodríguez Luna, Azahara María; Hurtado-Fernández, Elena; Santos García, Jenifer; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa. España; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP943: Reología Aplicada. Tecnología de Coloides
    The mounting global population and the challenges posed by climate change underline the need for sustainable food production systems. This review synthesizes evidence for a dual-track bioeconomy, green (terrestrial plants and insects) and blue (aquatic algae), as complementary pathways toward sustainable nutrition. A comprehensive review of the extant literature, technical reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted, with a particular focus on environmental, nutritional, and techno-economic metrics. In addition, precision agriculture datasets, gene-editing breakthroughs, and circular biorefinery case studies were extracted and compared. As demonstrated in this study, the use of green resources, such as legumes, oilseeds, and edible insects, results in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water footprints compared with conventional livestock production. In addition, these alternative protein sources offer substantial benefits in terms of bioactive lipids. Blue resources, centered on micro- and macroalgae, furnish additional proteins, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidant pigments and sequester carbon on non-arable or wastewater substrates. The transition to bio-based resources is facilitated by technological innovations, such as gene editing and advanced extraction methods, which promote the efficient valorization of agricultural residues. In conclusion, the study strongly suggests that policy support be expedited and that research into bioeconomy technologies be increased to ensure the sustainable meeting of future food demands.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Scientific Advances in STEM: Synergies to Achieve Success (Volume 3)
    (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-03-11) Beltrán, Ana M.; Torres Hernández, Yadir; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Innovative approaches to bioplastic development: rice bran/PLA blends via extrusion combined with injection molding and 3D printing
    (Elsevier, 2025-08) Alonso González, María; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Aliotta, Laura; Gigante, Vito; Sergi, Claudia; Bavasso, Irene; Sarasini, Fabrizio; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
    Rice bran (RB), a by-product of rice milling, has the potential for bioplastic production. However, due to its complex composition, technological advancements are needed to transform RB into valuable products. Blending RB with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) could improve the properties of bioplastics, enabling their use in various applications and processing techniques like 3D-printing. This study developed RB/PLA blends through extrusion and injection molding, finding that increasing PLA content enhanced the mechanical properties of the materials. Thermal analysis confirmed miscibility, while microscopic analysis showed phase separation but partial compatibility between the by-product and PLA. Samples with 20 and 30 wt% RB were successfully produced using 3D-printing. While their mechanical properties are lower than those produced by injection molding (tensile strength decreased from 29 to 11 MPa), the material's suitability for this technique opens up new possibilities for RB valorization, promoting innovative and sustainable product development.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Influence of fuel formulation on exhaust emissions from gasoline direct injection vehicle
    (Elsevier, 2025-07) Al Wasif-Ruiz, Tawfiq; Álvarez-Mateos, María Paloma; Sánchez-Martín, José Alberto; Guirado, María; Barrios-Sánchez, Carmen Cecilia; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química
    Fuel formulations are adjusted seasonally to optimize engine performance and emissions control. This study examines the impact of these changes on emissions from a Euro 6 vehicle during a real driving emissions cycle in Madrid, Spain. Keeping temperature constant, we compared winter and summer gasoline. Results show that using winter gasoline in summer increases nitrogen oxides emissions by 12.6 %, while in winter, it raises particulate emissions by 17.2 % compared to summer gasoline. Additionally, in a typical scenario—using summer gasoline in summer and winter gasoline in winter—particle emissions were 17.7 % higher with winter gasoline. These findings highlight the need to refine fuel formulations, as internal combustion engines will continue to coexist with electric and hybrid vehicles, especially in freight transport, agriculture, and rural mobility. Understanding how seasonal gasoline variations affect emissions is crucial for developing strategies to reduce environmental impact and improve air quality year-round.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Effects of the green cross-linking agent tannic acid and its oxidation on the properties of porcine plasma protein superabsorbent materials
    (Elsevier, 2025-04) Alagia, Massimo; Bengoechea Ruiz, Carlos; La Ferla, Barbara; Peri, Francesco; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
    Tannic acid is a natural polyphenol capable of strongly interacting with proteins, with good antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Thus, tannic acid (TA) or oxidized tannic acid (oxTA) may be used as cross-linking agents in the development of reinforced and fully protein-based superabsorbent materials (SAMs). oxTA was produced so that reactive quinone groups were generated, which are expected to increase its reactivity. In this study, porcine plasma protein (PPP) and glycerol (gly) were used in a 50/50 PPP/gly ratio to obtain SAMs through twin screw mixing and injection molding. The results showed that both TA and oxTA increased the storage modulus and the loss tangent of blends and bioplastics due to the physical interactions established between TA or oxTA and PPP. The mechanical properties, particularly the Young's modulus and tensile strength, were generally enhanced as well. Water absorption was strongly influenced by the addition of TA, resulting in a decrease in the amount of water absorbed. However, samples containing oxTA resulted in a greater water absorption capacity, retaining a higher proportion of the superabsorbent properties of the reference composition. Moreover, systems containing oxTA generally possess better mechanical properties than those of equivalent TA formulations, especially those containing 5 % and 10 % oxTA.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Assessment of interfacial viscoelastic properties of Faba bean (Vicia faba) protein-adsorbed O/W layers as a function of pH
    (Elsevier, 2019-05) Félix Ángel, Manuel; Carrera Sánchez, Cecilio; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Sevilla; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes; Universidad de Sevilla. AGR211: Ciencia y Tecnología de Sistemas Dispersos
    Interfacial rheology may be regarded as a powerful tool dominating the dynamics of complex fluid-fluid interfaces. More specifically, rheological properties from shear measurements have been postulated as the most useful technique for the assessment of the microstructure of complex fluid-fluid interfaces, and its relationship to long-term emulsion stability. The aim of this work was to evaluate the interfacial properties of Faba bean (FB) protein as a function of protein concentration and pH value (3.0, 5.0 and 8.0). The comparison between results obtained from dilatational and interfacial shear measurements provides accurate details related to the microstructure of the protein at the O/W interface. Viscoelastic moduli of the protein adsorbed at the O/W interface were obtained through dilatational measurements (Tracker, IT Concept), as well as interfacial SAOS measurements, using a double wall-ring geometry fitted to a DHR3 rheometer (TA Intruments). Results from dilatational rheology indicate that proteins are able to form a film at O/W interface, whose strength depends on the pH value (where E’ ranges from 2.0·10⁻²  Pa m at pH 5.0 to 5.5·10⁻³ Pa m at pH 8.0). However, these measurements have shown to be less sensitive to pH modifications than interfacial shear viscoelastic measurements. Regardless of the pH value, interfacial shear measurements can follow the evolution of the viscoelastic behaviour of the O/W interfacial layer over the development of the protein gel network, as protein adsorption proceeds. This evolution indicates that protein adsorption takes place much faster at pH 3.0 and 5.0 than at pH 8.0.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Development of composites based on residual microalgae biomass cultivated in wastewater
    (Elsevier, 2021-11-05) González Balderas, Regina M.; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Bengoechea Ruiz, Carlos; Orta Ledesma, María Teresa; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Velasquez-Orta, Sharon Belinda; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Ministerio de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa. España; Universidad de Sevilla; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Ultrasound pre-treatment and protein extraction of Desmodesmus sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus biomass induced residual microalgae/polycaprolactone (PCL) biocomposites with higher viscoelastic and mechanical properties as injection mould temperature increased. This was probably associated to the promotion of microalgae proteins-PCL interactions. The PCL content required, to strengthen the biocomposites, depended on the microalgae system (20 or 10 wt% for residual Desmodesmus sp. (RD) or Tetradesmus obliquus (RT), respectively). Protein degradation was observed in RT-based systems at mould temperatures higher than 100 °C. On the contrary, a greater mould temperature induced thermal crosslinking and certain cell disruption in RD-based systems. These environmentally-friendly biocomposites are an interesting alternative for replacing petroleum plastics.
  • EmbargoArtículo
    Effect of Blending and Conjugation of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Zein in Bioplastic Materials
    (Springer, 2025-03) Alsadat-Seyedbokaei, Fahimeh; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Bengoechea Ruiz, Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) can be extracted from agricultural waste and better employed in the formulation of bioplastics to promote sustainability. Zein, a hydrophobic prolamin protein that can be obtained from industrial wastes of the corn industry. It may be combined with hydrophilic CMC, resulting in composite materials where both functionalities are synergistically enhanced. In the zein/CMC systems studied in the present work, CMC was added directly in the mixing stage. Physical interactions take place as blends are formed, and the effect of the CMC concentration was studied from 5–30%. At the highest CMC concentration, those blend systems were compared to conjugated systems, where prior chemical conjugation of both biopolymers was carried out at 60°C for 48 h. The physical and chemical interactions between the biopolymers certainly affected the viscoelastic properties of the eventually obtained injection-moulded bioplastics. Thus, samples softened after the addition of CMC, independent of the procedure followed. Thus, the addition of CMC always resulted in a reduction in the viscoelastic moduli (i.e., E’ decreased from approximately 900 MPa in the absence of CMC to 265 MPa in the presence of 30% CMC, either blended or conjugated). Conversely, the samples presented much higher water uptake capacity (WUC) values when conjugation was carried out. Therefore, the WUC of zein bioplastics (approximately 200%) increased to 950% for 30% conjugated CMC, which is almost twice the value obtained when the same amount of CMC was added in the mixing stage. Biodegradable biocomposite materials obtained through conjugation could be of great interest for developing hydrophilic green materials.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Development of malt sprout-based bioplastics via injection-moulding
    (Elsevier, 2021-04) Alonso González, María; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Millions of tons of malt sprouts, a low added-value by-product of the brewing industry, are produced after barley malting (germination of sprouting). Their valorisation can rise from their use for the development of bioplastics whose main source can be found in different wastes and by-products of the food industry, being an abundant, inexpensive and renewable resource available. The objective of this study is the development of bio-based, biodegradable bioplastics from malt sprout (MS), whose chemical composition accounts for great amounts of both proteins and starches. Different formulations (malt sprout/plasticizer ratios) were studied to determine the suitability of injection moulding processing, where the effect of injection pressure was evaluated. The mechanical properties of the bioplastics were evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests and some functional properties such as water uptake capacity (WUC) and soluble matter loss were also studied. Finally, the obtained properties were related to the bioplastics structure that was analysed via scanning electron microscopy. The tests carried out evidenced a clear dependence between mechanical properties and WUC of MS/plasticizer ratio and injection pressure, increasing the storage modulus (E’) from 0.94 MPa for 1:1 MS/plasticizer ratio processed at 500 bar to 1.42 and 4.30 MPa for 3:1 MS/plasticizer ratio processed at 500 and 900 bar, respectively. Moreover, the WUC increased from 232 ± 32 % for 1:1 MS/plasticizer ratio processed at 500 bar to 319 ± 33 and 412 ± 79 % for 3:1 MS/plasticizer ratio processed at 500 and 900 bar, respectively.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Development of bioplastic materials: From rapeseed oil industry by products to added-value biodegradable biocomposite materials
    (Elsevier, 2018-12-01) Delgado, M.; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Bengoechea Ruiz, Carlos; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Rapeseed crops are mainly harvested due to its high oil content. Production of oil from rapeseed generates a significant amount of by-products like presscake or meal. The high protein content (∼35%) of these rapeseed by-products makes them an interesting plant-derived alternative for the development of bioplastic materials. The generation of bioplastics from a rapeseed meal by injection moulding was studied herein at different mould temperatures (80, 100, 120 °C). Further processing of the meal (pelletizing, milling, sieving) on the bioplastics produced was also analysed using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), tensile tests and water uptake capacity. In all cases, strengthening of the samples occurred when moulding at high temperatures (120 °C), which might be related to thermally promoted protein cross-linking. This effect was reflected by an increase of 50% in the viscoelastic properties of the bioplastics when increasing the mould temperature from 80 to 120 °C. Biocomposites of rapeseed meal and polycaprolactone (PCL) at different PCL contents (0–20 wt. %) were also produced. The viscoelasticity of the biocomposites depended on PCL concentration. When PCL content was 20 wt.%, viscoelastic moduli (E’ and E’’) increased around 200%, which may be associated either to its role as a filler or to its integration into the protein matrix. These results indicate that rapeseed meal is a suitable alternative for the generation of bioplastic materials adding value to a by-product of the rapeseed oil industry.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Characterization of pea protein-based bioplastics processed by injection moulding
    (Elsevier, 2016-01) Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    This study assesses the behaviour of pea protein isolate (PPI) as a potential candidate for the development of biobased plastic materials processed by injection moulding. Around 30–40% of glycerol as plasticizer was required to obtain good processability of PPI/GL blends to produce bioplastics. A mixing rheometer that allows recording of torque and temperature during mixing and a small-scale-plunger-type injection moulding machine were used to obtain PPI/GL blends and PPI-based bioplastics, respectively. Rheological and differential scanning calorimetry measurements were made to guide the selection of suitable conditions for injection and moulding. For injection, we selected a temperature relatively close to the maximum of the loss tangent, but moderate enough to avoid crosslinking effects (50 °C), and for moulding, a high temperature (130 °C) to favour crosslinking in the mould. An increase in the PPI/GL ratio leads to an enhancement of elastic bending and tensile properties of bioplastic specimens, as well as an increase in their ability to absorb mechanical energy before rupturing. On the other hand, the PPI/GL specimens become less transparent. In addition, water uptake of these bioplastics has been found to be very high and fast.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Effect of the injection moulding processing conditions on the development of pea protein-based bioplastics
    (Wiley, 2016-02-05) Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Bioplastic materials from renewable polymers, like proteins, constitute a highly interesting field for important industrial applications such as packaging, agriculture, etc., in which thermo-mechanical techniques are increasingly being used. Pea protein-based bioplastics can be made through a mixing process followed by an injection moulding. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different injection parameters (moulding time and injection pressure) on the properties exhibited by the final bioplastics obtained. A dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile strength measurements were performed, along with water absorption capacity and transparency tests. The results indicated that the major differences between bioplastics obtained at different moulding times are in transparency and in the Young's Moduli, exhibiting lower values as moulding time increases. On the other hand, modifying the injection pressure lead to more consistent bioplastics which differed mainly in the elastic component (E′ profiles) and in the strain at break. Furthermore, the water uptake was more than 100% in almost all the different bioplastics processed because of its hydrophilic character, so they could be considered as potential sources for absorbent material.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Development of crayfish protein-PCL biocomposite material processed by injection moulding
    (Elsevier, 2015-09-01) Félix Ángel, Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Martín Alfonso, José Enrique; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Junta de Andalucía; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    A combination of crayfish flour (CF, with 60% protein) and Polycaprolactone (PCL) was successfully used to prepare biocomposites by a process that consists of two stages: mixing with glycerol (GL) as plasticizer and injection moulding of CF/GL/PCL blends. Mixing rheometry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements were found to be useful to select suitable injection moulding conditions. A remarkable enhancement in mechanical properties was found for PCL containing systems, even when crystalline structure remains unaltered. PCL yields a dominant contribution to the elastic response and confer a higher ability to absorb energy before rupture, but also the protein/plasticiser ratio must be considered.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Structured-illumination reflectance imaging for the evaluation of microorganism contamination in pork: effects of spectral and imaging features on its prediction performance
    (Tsinghua University Press, 2025) Zhou, Binjing; Liu, Xiaohua; Ge, Yan; Tu, Kang; Peng, Jing; García-Martín, Juan Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Key Research Development Program of Shaanxi Province. China; Major Project of Science and Technology of Anhui Province. China; Joint Key Project of Science and Technology Innovation of Yangtze River; Delta in Anhui Province. China
    Structured-illumination reflectance imaging (SIRI) provides a new means for food quality detection. This original work investigated the capability of (SIRI) technique coupled with multivariate chemometrics to evaluate the microbial contamination in pork inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Brochothrix thermosphacta during storage at different temperatures. The prediction performances based on different spectrum and the textural features of direct component and amplitude component images demodulated from the SIRI pattern, as well as their data fusion were comprehensively compared. Based on the full wavelength spectrum (420–700 nm) of amplitude component images, the orthogonal signal correction coupled with support vector machine regression provided the best predictions of the number of P. fl uorescens and B. thermosphacta in pork, with the determination coefficients of prediction (Rp 2 ) values of 0.870 and 0.906, respectively. Besides, the prediction models based on the amplitude component or direct component image textural features and the data fusion models using spectrum and textural features from direct component and amplitude component images cannot significantly improve their prediction accuracy. Consequently, SIRI can be further considered as a potential technique for the rapid evaluation of microbial contaminations in pork meat.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Simulation Tool for the Techno-Economic Assessment of the Integrated Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates as Value-Added Byproducts of a Wastewater Treatment Plant
    (MDPI, 2025) Pozo-Morales, Laura; Rosales Martínez, Antonio; Baquerizo, Enrique; del Valle Agulla, Germán; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química
    The polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production process that uses mixed microbial cultures combined with main stream wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a competitive integrated resource recovery process in which non-oxygen electron acceptors can be used to enrich the PHA producer. Trials carried out in operating plants are very scarce, and there are no simulation tools available to analyse the feasibility of integrating the two processes. This research presents a novel analysis tool for a techno-economic assessment of value-added biopolymers. A general model for a conventional WWTP has been designed and eventually validated using the operating data collected in the database of a fully operational plant. In the model, a simulation of a PHA production line based on thickened primary sludge as a substrate has been integrated. The assembly has been treated as a closed-loop system with an accuracy level of 0.1% with a limit of 1000 iterations. Two strategies based on internal (ADF) or external (AN/AD) limitations of some nutrients have been contrasted for the selection of a biomass capable of feast–famine PHA synthesis. The ADF strategy was found to be the most favourable system, with a production of 0.226 kg of CODPHA·kg−1 COD. The calculated production cost was EUR 0.11·kg−1 CODPHA. The sludge production was reduced by 6%.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Influence of Transglutaminase (TGase) Enzyme on Mechanical and Bioactive Properties of Crayfish Protein Gels
    (Springer, 2017-06-04) Félix Ángel, Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Rustad, Turid; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Functional and bioactive properties of crayfish meat convert their surpluses in an excellent alternative for the development of food products. Thus, protein dispersions were subjected to a thermal treatment, obtaining a protein-based gel. Rheological and antioxidant properties were studied at three different pH values (2.0, 6.5 and 8.0) when the TGase enzyme was used. The pH value exerted a strong influence on the gelation behaviour, as well as on the functional properties and the antioxidant activity of the final gels. The activity of the TGase enzyme is highly influenced by the pH of the protein dispersions. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained against ABTS and the lowest when FC reagent was used, whereas the activity against DPPH was also remarkable. TGase enzyme can be used during the thermal treatment to increase the mechanical properties, which were lost when hydrolysate systems were used.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Development of thermally processed bioactive pea protein gels: Evaluation of mechanical and antioxidant properties
    (Elsevier, 2017-01) Félix Ángel, Manuel; Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Junta de Andalucía; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Thermal processing of plant proteins (e.g. from pea) is highly interesting due to its potential in the generation of new textures in food products. This processing route is particularly attractive when it is combined with the revalorization entailed by the bioactive properties of the processed gels. In fact, the antioxidant activity of food products, which has been found in numerous proteins and peptides from protein hydrolysates, is widely demanded by the society since it prevents the development of serious diseases. This work is focused on the evaluation of mechanical and antioxidant properties from a Pea Protein Concentrate (PPC) and two hydrolysates obtained from PPC (PPH₂₅ and PPH₁₂₀) at three different pH values (2.0, 6.5 and 8.0). The gelation process was monitored and, subsequently, mechanical spectra were obtained. In addition, protein interactions (ionic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds and disulphide bonds) were also determined in order to elucidate their contribution to the formation of the gel network. Finally, the characterisation of the antioxidant activity of the gels was carried out using three different reagents: DPPH, ABTS and Folin–Ciocalteu. Results put forward that each variable studied, the degree of hydrolysis and pH, are key factors over the thermal processing of gels, showing a remarkable influence on both mechanical properties and antioxidant activity.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Influence of pH and Xanthan Gum on long-term stability of crayfish-based emulsions
    (Elsevier, 2017-11) Félix Ángel, Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    The present work focus on the evaluation of crayfish protein concentrates, surplus from crayfish processing industry, in the formation and stabilization of high-oleic O/W emulsions as a function of pH values (3.0, 5.0 and 8.0) and Xanthan Gum (XG) concentrations (0.06, 0.12, 0.25 and 0.50 wt.%). The emulsion microstructure and stability were determined through droplet size distributions (DSD) and rheological measurements, which were determined by means of Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (SAOS) measurements, over the ageing time. In addition, backscattering measurements were carried out to describe the destabilization mechanism. DSD profiles confirm that emulsions at pH 3.0 are not flocculated and they are stable over the ageing time studied. However, at pH 5.0 and 8.0 flocculation and further coalescence phenomena takes place. Rheological characterisation reveals a strong dependence of linear viscoelastic properties on XG concentration. In addition, viscoelastic properties also suggest that electrostatic interactions leads to the formation of an enhanced protein/polysaccharide network at pH 3.0.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Evaluation of the injection moulding conditions in soy/nanoclay based composites
    (Elsevier, 2017-10) Bourny, Valentin; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Universidad de Sevilla; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Biocomposites, and generally bio-based plastics, are seen as a promising alternative to conventional plastics because they are based on renewable natural components (eco-friendly) with a lower cost. Biocomposites using soy protein and glycerol were obtained with an injection moulding technique as the thermoprocessing method. Nanoclay (Montmorillonite, MMT-Na⁺) was included to improve physicochemical properties of novel SPI/MMT nanocomposites prepared by injection moulding, primary attending to water uptake capacity (WUC), but also considering rheological and mechanical properties. The influence of processing conditions has been studied in order to assess the modifications taking place in the microstructure and properties of these nanocomposites. Addition of MMT-Na⁺ improves mechanical properties and WUC of SPI-based materials, depending on processing conditions. Injection pressure only exerts a slight enhancement of mechanical properties and WUC. However, an increase in mixing time leads to a relevant increase in WUC without impairing the mechanical properties of nanocomposites.
  • Acceso AbiertoArtículo
    Development of protein-based bioplastics modified with different additives
    (Wiley, 2017-11-05) Félix Ángel, Manuel; Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
    Proteins have been postulated as a feasible source for manufacturing biodegradable polymeric materials. The aim of this study is the development of bioplastic materials from two different protein sources: albumen protein isolated (API), which consists of globular proteins, and crayfish flour (CF), mostly composed of myofibrillar proteins. In order to explore the effect of some chemical reagents on the mechanical properties of the blends and bioplastic materials, two different additives have been used: sodium sulfite (SS) and urea (U). The first one is a reducing agent, and the second one is considered a denaturing agent. The addition of chemical agents induces changes not only in mechanical properties but also in the most suitable processing conditions, which strongly depends on the protein used. Thus, the denaturation of globular proteins seems to lead to a more consistent blend before the injection-molding process. However, when myofibrillar proteins are used, the processability of the dough-like material increases after using either SS or U additives. This work illustrates the feasibility of producing animal-based biodegradable bioplastic materials with different properties and, consequently, different applications, which contribute to adding a high value to two different byproducts from the food industry.