Artículos (Ingeniería Química)

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

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Phycocyanin-Psyllium Gel Systems: Rheological Insights and Functional Applications in Algae Oil Emulgels
(Springer, 2025-04-08) Vela Albarrán, María; Santos García, Jenifer; Calero Romero, Nuria; Carrillo de la Fuente, Francisco; Trujillo-Cayado, Luis Alfonso; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Junta de Andalucía
This study examines the rheological and structural characteristics of dispersions prepared from phycocyanin extract and psyllium fiber, with a particular emphasis on their potential applications in algae oil-in-water emulgels. The experimental design analyzed the rheological characteristics of dispersions as a function of algae extract and fiber concentrations. The results showed that all dispersions exhibited shear-thinning behavior, with flow index values ranging from 0.09 to 0.33. The viscosity of the dispersions increased with psyllium concentration (consistency index varied from 0.38 to 130.38 Pa·sⁿ), while phycocyanin addition led to a viscosity decrease. Oscillatory tests confirmed the predominance of elastic behavior (G′ > G″), with storage modulus values increasing from 0.02 Pa at the lowest psyllium concentration to 121.30 Pa at the highest. Microstructural analysis supported these findings, showing denser networks in psyllium-rich dispersions, while phycocyanin addition led to a more porous structure. In emulgels, droplet size analysis indicated that phycocyanin reduced the Sauter mean diameter from 0.480 to 0.262 µm, whereas psyllium increased it up to 3.448 µm. Stability tests confirmed that higher concentrations of both biopolymers improved emulgel stability, as reflected in lower Turbiscan Stability Index values. These findings suggest that psyllium-phycocyanin dispersions are promising for the development of stable, structured emulsions with potential applications in food and pharmaceutical products.
Introducing the aziridination of fluorinated olefins by metal‐catalyzed nitrene transfer
(Wiley, 2025-06-02) Pérez-Ruíz, Jorge; Rosales Martínez, Antonio; Pérez, Pedro J.; Díaz-Requejo, M. Mar; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Huelva; Universidad de Sevilla
After decades of development of the metal-catalyzed nitrene transfer reactions to olefins, examples involving the use of fluorinated olefins is yet unknown, despite the current importance of fluorocompounds. Herein we describe the use of copper- and silver-based catalysts for a general protocol that converts α- or β-fluoro olefins into the corresponding aziridines in high yields.
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.
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.
Evaluation of biobased materials in the development of polymeric membranes for water capture and purification
(Elsevier, 2025-03) Al-Sadeq, Noor; Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Hashem, Mohammad H.; Harb, Mohammad S.; Romero García, Alberto; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
The current study addresses the pressing issue of unsustainable water management, particularly in regions experiencing high water stress. It focuses on examining the viability of polymeric membranes composed of biobased materials, mainly chitosan, for various sustainable water management solutions. The membranes evaluated in the study were blends of PVC with either chitosan-silica or charcoal-silica, designed to enhance their functionality and performance. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to analyze the fiber morphologies of the different membrane compositions. All tested membranes demonstrated robust mechanical properties. Notably, the PVC-Chitosan-Silica (8:2:4) membrane also showed good mechanical properties, combined with superior thermal stability. It excelled in functional tests, achieving water capture efficiencies up to 1.2 ml/g and lead removal rates as high as 92 %. Furthermore, this membrane displayed a lower mass loss at elevated temperatures, suggesting enhanced durability under thermal stress. These results underline the effective combination of chitosan and silica in improving the mechanical strength and thermal stability of polymeric membranes, making the PVC-Chitosan-Silica (8:2:4) particularly effective for advanced water management applications. The study illustrates the unique capabilities of chitosan and silica, advocating for their further exploration and optimization in future sustainable water treatment technologies, which could potentially lead to groundbreaking advancements in the field.
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.
Combining extrusion and hot compression molding for the development of bioplastics and nano-biocomposites based on rice bran
(Elsevier, 2025-08) Alonso González, María; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Pollet, Eric; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
The increasing interest in environmentally friendly plastic materials has driven the search for alternative raw materials to replace conventional oil-based plastics. Proteins and starches derived from renewable biomass have emerged as potential sources for the production of bioplastics due to their biodegradability and abundance. This research paper focuses on the development of bioplastics and nano-biocomposites based on rice bran through the combination of extrusion and compression molding. The study explores the optimization of processing conditions for the biopolymer matrix and investigates the influence of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles as a reinforcement phase. The results demonstrate the successful development of rice bran-based bioplastics, where optimized extrusion and compression molding conditions enhanced mechanical performance (35% increase in storage modulus, 15% in tensile strength, and 30% in elongation at break). The addition of MMT nanoclay further enhances these properties, increasing rigidity and adjusting water uptake capacity. The study highlights the suitability of extrusion and hot compression molding for processing complex starch/protein mixtures, offering a viable approach for and the valorization of industrial by-products.
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.
Lead-free hybrid perovskites: Structural and electronic analysis of MA0.5Rb0.5Bi0.5Ge0.25I3 and MA0.5Rb0.5Sb0.5Ge0.25I3
(Elsevier, 2025-04-05) García-Moreno, Fernando; Sánchez Coronilla, Antonio; Martín Fernández, Elisa Isabel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Química Física; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
Structural and electronic stability of MA0.5Rb0.5Bi0.5Ge0.25I3 and MA0.5Rb0.5Sb0.5Ge0.25I3 lead-free hybrid perovskites is addressed. The substitution of Pb in MAPbI3 perovskite is increasing the scientific attention due to its toxicity as well as stability of interest in the design of environmentally friendly solar cells. MA cation (CH3NH3 +) is replaced by 50 % Rb+ to improve stability and retain the organic characteristics. The substitution of lead in MA0.5Rb0.5PbI3 structure has been studied up to 100 % Ge. Electron localization function (ELF) analysis for structures with 75 and 100 % of Ge, show zones with no electron localization that indicates certain degree of structural instability. ELF and density of states (DOS) analysis of the structure MA0.5Rb0.5Pb0.5Ge0.5I3 with 50 % Ge corroborate stability characteristics of this perovskite. Thus, the MA0.5Rb0.5Pb0.5Ge0.5I3 structure has been selected for the substitution of lead by Bi and Sb. ELF and non-covalent index (NCI) analysis indicate Sb structures are slightly more stable than those with Bi. The presence of Bi and Sb drastically decreases the bandgap in the MA0.5Rb0.5Bi0.5Ge0.25I3 and MA0.5Rb0.5Sb0.5Ge0.25I3 structures, respectively, which makes both structures without lead of interest for use in photovoltaic devices. These findings provide a pathway for designing stable, lead-free perovskites with improved optoelectronic properties for next-generation solar cells.
Identification and effect of ozone and ultrasound pretreatments on Desmodesmus sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus proteins
(Elsevier, 2021-12) González Balderas, Regina M.; Velasquez-Orta, Sharon Belinda; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Bengoechea Ruiz, Carlos; Yañez-Noguez, Isaura; Orta Ledesma, María Teresa; 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. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
Either ozone or ultrasound pretreatment was applied to identify and evaluate their effect over the protein fraction of Desmodesmus sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus biomass cultivated in wastewater. Studies of SDS-PAGE, protein solubility, sulfhydryl and disulphide bond contents, and DSC were performed to evaluate the effect of each pretreatment on abundance, structure, and thermal properties of the protein concentrate obtained. Seven proteins were identified in Desmodesmus sp. biomass, while nine proteins were identified in Tetradesmus obliquus. The proteins identified may give a high add-value to microalgae biomass because they can find important applications in agricultural, food, and biomedical areas. On the other hand, the effect of pretreatment on these microalgal proteins mainly depends on protein structure. Desmodesmus sp. proteins showed a content of S-S groups an order of magnitude higher than Tetradesmus obliquus. This results in a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) for Desmodesmus sp. proteins (249 °C) than for Tetradesmus obliquus proteins (188 °C). On the contrary, the Tetradesmus obliquus native structure proteins tend towards cross-linking and protein-protein aggregation, as their primary structure has a high content of Methionine, Tyrosine, Tryptophan, Histidine, and Phenylalanine. Either ozone or ultrasound pretreatment, induces a Tg reduction in both Tetradesmus obliquus and Desmodesmus sp. proteins, however, this reduction is especially remarkable for Desmodesmus sp. proteins (drop in Tg of about 80 °C). The results showed that proteins in Desmodesmus sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus are highly resistant to pretreatment due to the nature of their biochemical structures which imply an excellent quality for protein valorisation, even after application of highly disruptive pretreatments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Development of rice protein biobased plastic materials processed by injection molding
(Elsevier, 2016-01-01) Félix Ángel, Manuel; Lucio-Villegas Prieto, Álvaro; Romero García, Alberto; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Universidad de Sevilla. TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
Rice protein concentrate (RPC) has been evaluated as a potential candidate for the development of bio-based plastic materials processed by injection molding. Around 30% of glycerol (GL) as plasticizer and other additives (sodium bisulfite as a reducing agent as well as glyoxal and L-cysteine as cross-linking agents) were required to obtain good processability of RPC/GL blends to produce bioplastics. A mixing rheometer that allows recording of torque and temperature during mixing and a small-scale-plunger-type injection molding machine were used to obtain RPC/GL blends and RPC-based bioplastics, respectively. Rheological measurements were taken to guide the selection of suitable conditions for injection and molding. For injection, we selected a temperature relatively close to the glass transition temperature, but moderate enough to avoid crosslinking effects (87 °C), while for molding, we selected a higher temperature (130 °C) to favor crosslinking in the mold. However, other processing parameters (e.g., injection pressure) also need to be optimized. Final products (bioplastics) are plastic materials from renewable polymers (rice proteins) with both adequate properties for important industrial applications such as packaging, agriculture, etc. and high biodegradability when subjected to composting conditions. Adding each of the aforementioned additives leads to final specimens with different mechanical properties, as shown by dynamic mechanical temperature analysis and tensile strength measurements.
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.
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.
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.
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%.

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