Research and application of K/S value in stain identification

Purpose The intelligent identification of stains can quickly and accurately identify stains. At present, stains are identified subjectively by appearance, color, taste, feel, location, etc. Color is an important factor in identifying stains. K/S value is used to analyze the color of textile fabric, and it has additivity. The purpose of the study is to explore its application in stain recognition is of great significance to intelligent washing. Design/methodology/approach A certain method used to stain the textile, then the K/S value of the textile before and after the stain was analyzed and tested by the color difference instrument. The K/S curve of the stain was calculated by the addition of K/S, and then the stain was identified and distinguished. Findings The K/S value of the textile stained with stains could be deducted by the K/S value of the color difference meter. After deducting the base cloth, the K/S curve of the same stain is basically the same. Then the stain can be identified and analyzed. Research limitations/implications The K/S value can be used for stain analysis, but it needs to be analyzed and tested in the laboratory. Practical implications This study provides a simple method for stains identification. Originality/value In addition to common methods of stain identification, such as appearance, color, feel, smell, location, stain removal materials, breaking the substrate, IR, etc., K/S value can be used for stain analysis. Identifying stains and washing them in a targeted way to achieve a better washing effect could provide certain technical support for the development of smart washing and smart home appliances.

Microbial Fibrinolytic Enzymes as Anti-Thrombotics: Production, Characterisation and Prodigious Biopharmaceutical Applications

Cardiac disorders such as acute myocardial infarction, embolism and stroke are primarily attributed to excessive fibrin accumulation in the blood vessels, usually consequential in thrombosis. Numerous methodologies including the use of anti-coagulants, anti-platelet drugs, surgical operations and fibrinolytic enzymes are employed for the dissolution of fibrin clots and hence ameliorate thrombosis. Microbial fibrinolytic enzymes have attracted much more attention in the management of cardiovascular disorders than typical anti-thrombotic strategies because of the undesirable after-effects and high expense of the latter. Fibrinolytic enzymes such as plasminogen activators and plasmin-like proteins hydrolyse thrombi with high efficacy with no significant after-effects and can be cost effectively produced on a large scale with a short generation time. However, the hunt for novel fibrinolytic enzymes necessitates complex purification stages, physiochemical and structural-functional attributes, which provide an insight into their mechanism of action. Besides, strain improvement and molecular technologies such as cloning, overexpression and the construction of genetically modified strains for the enhanced production of fibrinolytic enzymes significantly improve their thrombolytic potential. In addition, the unconventional applicability of some fibrinolytic enzymes paves their way for protein hydrolysis in addition to fibrin/thrombi, blood pressure regulation, anti-microbials, detergent additives for blood stain removal, preventing dental caries, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic expectorant agents. Therefore, this review article encompasses the production, biochemical/structure-function properties, thrombolytic potential and other surplus applications of microbial fibrinolytic enzymes.

An Uncharacterized Protein from the Metagenome with no Obvious Homology to known Lipases Shows Excellent Alkaline Lipase Properties and Potential Applications in the Detergent Industry

A novel lipase, Lip486, which has no obvious homology with known lipases, was discovered using functional metagenomics technology. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that the enzyme belongs to a new subfamily called lipolytic enzyme family II. To explore the enzymatic properties, lip486 was expressed heterologously and efficiently in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme displayed the highest activity on the substrate p-nitrophenyl caprate with a carbon chain length of 10, and its optimum temperature and pH were 53 °C and 8.0, respectively. The recombinant Lip486 showed good activity and stability in strong alkaline and medium-low -temperature environments. The results of compatibility and soaking tests showed that the enzyme had good compatibility with 4 kinds of commercial detergents, and an appropriate soaking time could further improve the enzyme activity. Oil stain removal test results for a cotton cloth indicated that the washing performance of commercial laundry detergent supplemented with Lip486 was further improved. In addition, as one of the smallest lipases found to date, Lip486 also has the advantages of high yield, good stability and easy molecular modification. These characteristics reflect the good application prospects for Lip486 in the detergent and other industries in the future.

Effect of In-office Bleaching on Color, Translucency, and Whiteness Variations in CAD-CAM Monolithic Materials

SUMMARY Little is known about the impact of bleaching on the optical properties of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufactured (CAD-CAM) monolithic materials. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of one session of in-office bleaching on stain removal, staining susceptibility, translucency, and whiteness variations of CADCAM monolithic materials. Disks were fabricated from Lava Ultimate (LU), Vita Enamic (VE), Vita Suprinity (VS), and IPS e.max CAD (IPS). A spectrophotometer was used to register Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage L*a*b* coordinates. For stain removal, 80 specimens from each material were assessed at baseline (R0) and after immersion in deionized water or coffee for 365 days followed or not by bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide (R1). For staining susceptibility, 80 specimens from each material were analyzed at baseline (R0’), and after having been bleached or not and immersed in deionized water or coffee (R1’). Both analyses were calculated as the color difference (ΔE00) between R1-R0 and R1’-R0’, respectively. Differences in translucency (ΔTP00) and whiteness (ΔWID) between R1-R0 and R1’-R0’ were also calculated. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and the Games-Howell post hoc test (α=0.05). Clinical significance was based on 50%:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds for ΔE00, ΔTP00 and ΔWID, respectively. Surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Coffee increased ΔE00 in LU, VE, and VS, and decreased their translucency and whiteness, whereas the IPS had only its whiteness affected. Bleaching after immersion in coffee decreased ΔE00 in LU and VE, and increased translucency and whiteness of LU, VE, and VS. No effect was observed on IPS. Bleaching before immersion in coffee decreased translucency of LU, but within the acceptable interval, while VE exhibited lower ΔE00, and became more translucent and less dark. Both VS and IPS were not affected. One session of in-office bleaching benefited optical properties of the previously stained LU, VE, and VS, without increasing their susceptibility to staining or adversely providing clinically unacceptable variations in their translucency and whiteness. All variations exhibited by the IPS were below the perceptible threshold.

Stain Susceptibility of 3D-Printed Nanohybrid Composite Restorative Material and the Efficacy of Different Stain Removal Techniques: An In Vitro Study

Recent burgeoning development in material science has introduced a 3D-printable, nanohybrid composite resin restorative material. However, its performance has not yet been investigated. This study evaluates the stain susceptibility and efficacy of different stain removal techniques. A total of 120 labial veneers were fabricated using milling (n = 60) and SLA 3D-printing (n = 60). Based on the immersion media: coffee, tea and artificial saliva, each group was divided into three sub-groups (n = 20). Stain susceptibility was evaluated by calculating color difference (∆E00) at 12 and 24 days using a spectrophotometer against black and white backgrounds. Collected data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). A significant interaction effect was found between the staining mediums and fabrication methods in both black and white backgrounds (p < 0.001). 3D-printed restorations showed significantly higher stain susceptibility than milled restorations (p < 0.001). Prolonged immersion time increased the color difference in both groups. In-office bleaching was more effective in stain removal in both 3D-printed and milled restoration groups. The susceptibility of the presented novel 3D-printed restorative material to color changes in different immersion mediums was clinically not-acceptable. The clinicians might expect the need to replace the restoration after 1–2 years and thus, recommendation for the use of such a material as a permanent restoration cannot be made but rather as a long-term temporary restoration.

Highly Efficient Computationally Derived Novel Metagenome α-Amylase With Robust Stability Under Extreme Denaturing Conditions

α-Amylases are among the very critical enzymes used for different industrial purposes. Most α-amylases cannot accomplish the requirement of industrial conditions and easily lose their activity in harsh environments. In this study, a novel α-amylase named PersiAmy1 has been identified through the multistage in silico screening pipeline from the rumen metagenomic data. The long-term storage of PersiAmy1 in low and high temperatures demonstrated 82.13 and 71.01% activities after 36 days of incubation at 4 and 50°C, respectively. The stable α-amylase retained 61.09% of its activity after 180 min of incubation at 90°C and was highly stable in a broad pH range, showing 60.48 and 86.05% activities at pH 4.0 and pH 9.0 after 180 min of incubation, respectively. Also, the enzyme could resist the high-salinity condition and demonstrated 88.81% activity in the presence of 5 M NaCl. PersiAmy1 showed more than 74% activity in the presence of various metal ions. The addition of the detergents, surfactants, and organic solvents did not affect the α-amylase activity considerably. Substrate spectrum analysis showed that PersiAmy1 could act on a wide array of substrates. PersiAmy1 showed high stability in inhibitors and superb activity in downstream conditions, thus useful in detergent and baking industries. Investigating the applicability in detergent formulation, PersiAmy1 showed more than 69% activity after incubation with commercial detergents at different temperatures (30–50°C) and retained more than 56% activity after incubation with commercial detergents for 3 h at 10°C. Furthermore, the results of the wash performance analysis exhibited a good stain removal at 10°C. The power of PersiAmy1 in the bread industry revealed soft, chewable crumbs with improved volume and porosity compared with control. This study highlights the intense power of robust novel PersiAmy1 as a functional bio-additive in many industrial applications.

Composite surface roughness and color change following airflow usage

Background Esthetic dental restorations have gained increasing popularity. The surface of restorations should be smooth enough to achieve maximum esthetics and prevent the adhesion of microorganisms and food particles. This study aimed to assess the surface roughness and color change of composite specimens following airflow usage. Methods In this in vitro, experimental study, 30 Tokuyama composite discs were fabricated and randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) for the use of airflow with calcium carbonate/bicarbonate powder and conventional polishing with FlexiDisc. The surface roughness of the specimens was measured by profilometry while the color change was assessed by measuring the L*, a* and b* color parameters using spectrophotometry before polishing (T1). The composite specimens were then polished for stain removal, and their surface roughness as well as color parameters were remeasured after polishing (T2). Paired t-test and Tukey’s test were applied for within-group and between-group comparisons. Results Significant differences were noted in roughness average (Ra) between airflow with calcium carbonate (0.251 ± 0.014 μm) and airflow with sodium bicarbonate (0.421 ± 0.208 μm), and between airflow with sodium bicarbonate and FlexiDisc (0.207 ± 0.076 μm) groups after polishing (P < 0.05). Regarding the correlation of change in surface roughness and color parameters at T1 and T2, an inverse correlation was noted between the change in surface roughness and all color parameters except for L*. In other words, reduction in surface roughness decreased the a* and b* color parameters. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, the results showed that the airflow device used in this study had no significant difference with conventional polishing in terms of reduction in surface roughness and staining. Considering the cost and maintenance of the airflow device, it is not suggested as a suitable alternative to the conventional polishing procedures. Trial Registration Number: This study does not involve human subjects.

Isolation, Characterization and Application of Protease Enzyme from Marine Bacteria

Protease constitutes the major group of catalytic enzymes which is involved in hydrolyzing peptide bond of proteins. Marine sediment sample were collected and protease producing bacterial isolates were identified by using casein as a substrate. The organisms were characterized by biochemical test and identified as Bacillus sp. In order to check for the production of protease enzyme, quantitative protease assay and Lowry’s method of protein estimation was carried out. The crude extract of protease was subjected for blood stain removal activity and the enzyme proved to be efficient which removed the stain in 15 min. The purpose of the current study is to isolate, identify, characterize and to carry out applications of protease enzyme from marine bacteria isolated from mangrove sediment samples.

Optimization of Copper Stain Removal from Marble through the Formation of Cu(II) Complexes in Agar Gels

Copper complexes with different ligands (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA, ammonium citrate tribasic, TAC, and alanine, ALA) were studied in aqueous solutions and hydrogels with the aim of setting the optimal conditions for copper stain removal from marble by agar gels, with damage minimization. The stoichiometry and stability of copper complexes were monitored by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and the symmetry of Cu(II) centers in the different gel formulations was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Cleaning effectiveness in optimized conditions was verified on marble laboratory specimens through color variations and by determining copper on gels by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Two copper complexes with TAC were identified, one having the known stoichiometry 1:1, and the other 1:2, Cu(TAC)2, never observed before. The stability of all the complexes at different pH was observed to increase with pH. At pH 10.0, the gel’s effectiveness in removing copper salts from marble was the highest in the presence of ALA, followed by EDTA, TAC, and pure agar gel. Limited damage to the marble surface was observed when gels with added EDTA and TAC were employed, whereas agar gel with ALA was determined to be the most efficient and safe cleaning material.

Purification and Characterization of lipase enzyme from endophytic Bacillus pumilus WSS5 for application in detergent industry.

Lipolytic enzymes from endophytic microbes have been the focus of intense and growing research in view of the applicability of such enzymes in various industrial applications and endophytic microorganisms may emerge as a potential source of lipases with distinct characteristics. The current work involved purification and characterization of the lipase from an endophytic-bacteria isolated from the stem of Withania somnifera L. Dunal. Based on the analysis of morphology and 16S rDNA sequence, the endophytic bacteria was identified as Bacillus pumilus and designated as B. pumilus WSS5. Purified lipase from the B. pumilus WSS5 was found to be of 28 KDa as revealed by SDS-PAGE with optimum activity at 37°C and pH 8. The enzyme was found to be stable over a broad pH range of 6.0–9.0 and temperature stability was in the range of 10°C to 60°C. The enzyme activity was enhanced in the presence of organic solvents like Ethyl acetate, Methanol, 2-propanol, acetone, and ethanol. The stability of the enzyme in presence of various metal ions, surfactants, inhibitors, and kinetic parameters value suggested that this enzyme could be exploited in leather and detergent industries.In addition, the stain removal potential of the crude and purified lipase was determined on cotton fabric pieces stained with vegetable oil. Lipase added to water along with detergent significantly enhanced the stain removal efficiency of a commercially available detergent. The current findings suggest the potential of B. pumilus WSS5 lipase owing to promising properties such as the alkali-thermostability, organic solvent-tolerance, and broad substrate specificity that makes it a strong candidate for application in detergent formulations, biotransformation, industries, and medicine. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the purification and characterization of lipase from bacterial endophyte isolated from the stem of Withania somnifera L. Dunal.