There is considerable interest in the use of naturally derived bioactive compounds (BACs) in the formulation of fortified functional drinks, owing to their health benefits. Yet, industrial scalability raises several challenges, mainly due to their instability in response to external factors such as pH, light, oxygen, temperature, and sugar content. BACs such as vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, amino acids, coenzyme Q10, and pre-/probiotics are susceptible to degradation during processing and packaging, which can reduce their effectiveness. In this context, this systematic review aims to study the use of particle engineering as technological means of optimizing these parameters through techniques including nano- and microencapsulation, and high-pressure homogenization. The methodology used is to collect data from relevant databases, such as PubMed and ScienceDirect, and then clean and refine the data using the keywords “particle engineering,” “bioactive compounds,” and “functional beverages.” The year of publication is also limited, and various bibliometric methods are applied. The results show that these methods protect the BACs, boost their solubility, control their release, and preserve their stability in complex liquid matrices. Additionally, factors such as sugar type and quantity, fermentation temperature, and storage time can greatly impact the stability and bioavailability of these compounds. The growing demand for natural products and low-calorie, healthy functional drinks is driving extensive research on optimizing novel ingredients for these trendy beverage categories. In conclusion, this study critically analyzes the technologies used to engineer particles in functional drinks, focusing on how they impact the stability, bioavailability, and effectiveness of BACs, as well as their capacity to optimize the overall quality, food safety, and commercial viability of these items in the food and nutraceutical markets.

As the global demand for sustainable fuels increases, bioethanol derived from food waste offers a double solution by producing renewable energy and reducing organic waste. However, food waste that is rich in lipids introduces a hurdle by inhibiting microbial fermentation, leading to reduced ethanol yields. This study seeks to evaluate the kinetic model that captures lipid-induced fermentation inhibition dynamics. A modified Monod–Andrews kinetic expression was employed to simulate microbial growth in the presence of lipids, particularly free fatty acids and triglycerides, to account for the non-linear relationship between substrate concentration and reaction rates. Parameters evaluated included the max specific growth rate (0.-0.5 h^-1 ), substrate concentration (which varied between 5 and 100 g/L), half-saturation constant (1-5 g/L), lipid inhibition constant (1-10 g/L), and lipid content (0-20%), as well as yield coefficient (0,45-0,51 g/g). The Monod–Andrews kinetic expressions were solved with the use of the ODE45s solver in MATLAB to address the kinetics of microbial growth and substrate consumption. A sensitivity analysis was performed on key variables to assess how input variables affect lipids in bioethanol production. Statistical validation metrics such as the root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R²) were used to express the model's prediction accuracy, with an R2 of 0,9842 and an RMSE of 0,4948, showing its strong predictive capability. The results indicate that lipid concentrations above 5–10% (w/w) reduce the ethanol yield by over 25%, with strong inhibition from free fatty acids. Simulated pre-treatment strategies improved the ethanol yield by 15–30%, validating the model's utility. This study delivers a scalable kinetic framework for predicting fermentation outcomes and optimizing bioethanol production systems that are rich in lipids.

Building on our previous work on discrete modeling of pore evolution in a single limestone particle during calcination, this study extends the model to include both pore expansion due to CO₂ production (forward reaction) and pore shrinkage resulting from CO₂ accumulation in the pore walls (reverse reaction). These competing phenomena are modeled through local thermal energy balances, coupled with the transport of gas species. The local reaction rates for calcination and carbonation are determined by kinetic parameters, active surface area, and gas species partial pressures. The results capture the dynamic evolution of solid grains and pore structures over time, accurately resolving local conversion profiles and pore size distributions. By incorporating both expansion and shrinkage effects, the model provides a realistic representation of structural transformations during thermochemical cycling. Furthermore, the framework enables simulation of the full Ca-looping process by using the calcined product (CaO) as a reactive carrier for CO₂ absorption. The model reveals local pore-scale structural evolution during carbonation, including the formation of occluded or closed pore regions. This mechanistic insight highlights the feedback between pore morphology and reactivity, offering critical guidance for the design of efficient carbon capture and looping systems. These findings are essential for developing accurate single-particle continuum models and contribute significantly to understanding transport in reactive porous media.

Water-kefir is a known probiotic-rich fermented drink developed by the fermentation of sucrose using water kefir-grains. These grains contain beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acetic acid bacteria (AAB), and yeast. It helps in the improvement of gut health, digestion and immunity because of its high probiotic content. Apricot fruits contain vitamins like A, C, and E; fiber; as well as antioxidants that promote digestion, heart function and skin health. Apricot-based water kefir drink (AWKD) is a functional as well as novel drink that provides probiotics and vital nutrients, hence preserving the gut flora and health. The combination of both offers a healthier, more refreshing, and natural alternative to the standard probiotic drinks. The aim of this study was to optimize AWKD through response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design. Dried apricot juice (16.6-23.3% w/v) along with brown sugar (4-6% w/v) was fermented with water kefir grains (4.6-10% w/v) at 32°C for 24 hours. The impact of all three variables on pH, total bacterial load (CFU/mL), and overall acceptability (7-point hedonic scale) were examined to identify the optimal concentration of the product. The physicochemical, proximate, antioxidant and shelf-life analyses of the optimized AWKD were evaluated using AOAC international methods. The optimized concentration was found to be 8% (w/v) water-kefir grain, 8% (w/v) brown sugar and 20% (w/v) dried apricot, having a pH of 3.86, a total bacterial count 2.73 × 10⁸ CFU/mL and the overall acceptability value of 6.89. This result suggested its profound potential as a functional probiotic beverage. This novel and innovative probiotics beverage may be a suitable substitute to vegan and lactose intolerant individuals.

Lithium-ion batteries are the main source of energy for portable devices today and are becoming more deeply embedded in the transport sector every year. However, their energy density approaches a limit of 300 Wh/kg. Overcoming this limitation is possible if pure lithium is used as an anode material. A key obstacle to the widespread adoption of this technology is the problem of dendrite formation, which leads to short circuits, overheating, and explosions.

The formation of dendrites in batteries is caused by the accumulation of charge near the anode. To prevent dendrite formation, it is useful to covalently bond anions to the polymer matrix, which increases the transference number of cations and brings them closer to one.

Copolymers based on ion-conducting acrylates are promising materials due to their simple synthesis, low cost of monomers, and ability to vary the chemical composition. However, current research on these materials is fragmented, leading to gaps in our understanding of how the properties of these gels depend on their composition and structure.

In this study, we aim to conduct research on the relationships between the synthesis conditions, composition, and structure of gel polymer electrolytes based on acrylates, and their performance in lithium metal batteries.

The polymer was obtained through thermal polymerization initiated by benzoyl peroxide. Polymerization was carried out under vacuum to prevent atmospheric water from interfering with the process. The resulting polymer membrane was then flooded with a mixture of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and LiPF₆.

Impedance spectroscopy showed that the ionic conductivity of this particular polymer electrolyte was 0.58 mS/cm, comparable to other promising electrolytes. The lithium transference number was determined using the Bruce–Vincent method. A value of 0.58 for the cation transference number indicated the predominant transport of cations, suggesting a potential solution to the problem of dendrite formation.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous crystalline materials, consist of metal ions or clusters coordinated to organic linkers. The metal center acts as a connection point where the organic ligands form a bridge through coordination, giving rise to one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional networks. The unique features of MOFs such as their exceptionally high surface area, chemical versatility and tunable porosity make them highly suitable for several applications, including gas storage, drug delivery, catalysis, and sensing. The fabrication technique plays an important role in modulating the functional and structural characteristics of MOFs, such as crystallinity, porosity, particle size, morphology, defect density, and adsorption behavior. Various synthesis techniques, including solvothermal, hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, mechanochemical, electrochemical, and sonochemical methods, have been used for the fabrication of MOFs. The selection and optimization of synthesis techniques significantly influence the fundamental framework structure, the existence of defects, the available active sites and the effectiveness of MOFs in special applications. This study focuses on advances in MOF fabrication techniques and examines their role in tuning the key properties of MOFs for targeted applications. Recent studies were collected and comparatively assessed to identify the correlation between fabrication conditions and the resulting physicochemical properties of MOFs. The insights of this work may guide researchers in selecting or designing appropriate fabrication strategies for the application-specific development of MOFs.

Fundamental topics in chemical engineering such as fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and reactor design are often difficult for students to fully understand through theory alone. This paper presents a case study of a laboratory reactor developed as a hands-on teaching tool that integrates these key areas into a single, practical learning experience.

The designed and constructed laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor employs popcorn production to illustrate a range of chemical engineering principles. It consists of the following:

1. Vertical glass column.
2. Thermocouple probe.
3. Fluidized bed support grid.
4. Air heater.
5. Anemometer.
6. Reinforced external casing.
   

In operation, hot air enters at the bottom, fluidizing the kernels while providing the energy and temperature needed for popping. Once popped, the kernels become lighter and larger, allowing the airflow to separate them from the unpopped kernels.

The reactor's development began by measuring the terminal velocities of unpopped kernels and popped popcorn to determine the minimum airflow for fluidization and separation. The effects of the airflow rate and heater power on air temperature were then examined to identify optimal operating conditions. Finally, popping times at various temperatures were tested to better understand the reactor’s thermal behavior.

This setup effectively translates abstract theoretical concepts into intuitive, observable phenomena. By linking input conditions to real-time system responses, it enhances student comprehension and provides a solid foundation for advanced coursework.

Introduction: The increasing demand for sustainable food technologies encourages the development of eco-friendly methods that optimize resource efficiency. Seed germination enhances nutritional and functional properties but is often time- and resource-intensive, especially in large-seeded species like Cucurbita pepo. This study integrates multiphysics simulation and experimental validation to evaluate ultrasound-assisted germination (UAG) as a green technology to improve germination efficiency by reducing water use, energy consumption, and germination time.

Methods: A multiphysics simulation was used to analyze the spatial and temporal thermoacoustic dynamics of the interaction between ultrasonic waves and seed structures. The simulation confirmed that temperature gradients did not exceed 60°C, thereby preserving seed viability during treatment. Curcubita pepo seeds were treated experimentally with low-frequency ultrasound (40 kHz) at 1.5 MPa for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes in an ultrasonic bath. A non-treated control group was included. Germination parameters, such as the germination rate and the germination index, were measured.

Results: The simulation verified effective stimulation without compromising viability. Ultrasound pretreatment significantly increased water uptake, reducing imbibition time and improving germination kinetics. The 10-minute treatment produced the highest germination rate (47%) within 10 days, whereas the control group reached a maximum rate of 20% after 14 days. Additionally, measurements of water and energy consumption revealed that the 10-minute treatment decreased water consumption by approximately 2,000 mL and energy consumption by 1.63 kWh compared to those in the control group.

Conclusions: Combining multiphysics modeling and experimental results, ultrasound-assisted germination proves to be a promising sustainable method for large-seeded crops like Cucurbita pepo. It improves germination performance while reducing resource inputs and maintaining seed viability. This supports its application in sustainable food processing and environmentally responsible agriculture.

Introduction: In recent years, synbiotics have gained popularity as consumers seek natural, scientifically supported ways to maintain health and prevent diseases. Synbiotics consist a blend of probiotics and prebiotics. Yogurt, a probiotic-rich dairy product, and maize, rich in fiber content, specifically in the form of soluble fiber (inulin), which promotes prebiotic properties. This provides a synergistic base for developing value-added foods. In the current study, an attempt was made to formulate a maize-flavored yogurt spread (MYS).

Methodology: Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the formulation of MYS. Twenty-nine formulations, with varying levels of independent variables, viz., yogurt (55-65%), maize flour (25-35%), seed mix (4-6%), and herb mix (4-6%), were processed using a Box–Behnken Design (BBD). The dependent variables were moisture content, pH, total bacterial count (TBC), and overall acceptability. Further, the optimised MSY was estimated for physiochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties using AOAC methods.

Results: The optimized MYS attained a good range of total bacterial count, 2.2 × 10⁸ CFU/mL, protein, 9.01%, fat, 8.07%, DPPH antioxidant potential, 60.58%, and total phenolic content, 73.39%, compared to control (p<0.001). Moisture content (17.19%) and acid value (0.32%) comply with the FSSAI guidelines for fat spreads. Also, the product was prepared with natural ingredients, without any addition of artificial additives or sweeteners.

Conclusions: MYS demonstrated significantly higher nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory properties, attributing to high consumer appeal. Thus, MSY has the potential for industrial exploitation as a promising functional food product.

Carbon capture is an essential technology for reducing industrial CO2 emissions, particularly in the power and cement sectors. Among the various capture methods, solvent-based absorption systems are widely used due to their efficiency and scalability, making the selection of the right solvent critical for near-term applications. This study analyzes several solvents for use in an absorption-based CO2 capture system, emphasizing identifying the most suitable solvent for 2025-2030. The research methodology involves process modeling in Aspen Plus, sensitivity analysis, and evaluation of the regeneration duty for each solvent. The objective is to achieve at least 90% CO2 capture and 95% CO2 purity. The flue gas composition considered in this analysis is 19.8% CO2, 9.3% O2, 63% N2, 7.5% H2O, and other trace gases. Various solvents are evaluated to determine their effectiveness in capturing CO2 while minimizing the energy consumption during solvent regeneration. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to optimize the system’s performance based on the solvent type, operating conditions, and regeneration duty. The results showed that amine blends demonstrated a CO2 capture rate of 92% and a CO2 purity of 96%, with regeneration energy requirements of around 3.2 GJ/ton of CO2, significantly lower than those of traditional MEA systems, which typically require around 4.0 GJ/ton. In contrast, ionic liquids showed a CO2 capture rate of 89% and a purity of 95%, with a regeneration energy of 2.8 GJ/ton, though their current cost is higher, limiting their immediate large-scale application. Annual capital expenditure (CAPEX) calculation revealed that amine blends could potentially reduce the CAPEX by 15-20% compared to MEA, while amino acid salts showed similar CAPEX reductions with a capture efficiency of 90%. Overall, the results indicate that hybrid amine solvents are the most cost-effective and practical solution for 2025-2030, with ionic liquids and amino acid salts emerging as promising alternatives as their costs decrease.