This study aims to develop alginate-based hydrogels reinforced with carrageenan and gellan gum as composite materials for oral drug delivery. Alginate, a naturally derived polymer from brown algae, forms a gel upon exposure to cations such as calcium ions, enhancing the hydrogel’s structural integrity. Carrageenan and gellan gum, both polysaccharides, further improve stability and encapsulation efficiency. This research investigates the physical properties, mechanical strength, encapsulation capacity, and swelling behavior of hydrogel beads under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The findings are expected to demonstrate that incorporating carrageenan and gellan gum enhances the durability and stability of hydrogel beads while enabling controlled release of active compounds in the gastrointestinal tract. These advanced hydrogel beads hold significant potential for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as effective oral delivery systems for bioactive substances.
ในงานวิจัยนี้มีจุดมุ่งหมายเพื่อพัฒนาไฮโดรเจลบีดส์จากอัลจิเนตที่เสริมด้วยคาร์ราจีแนนและเจลแลนกัม โดยมีคุณสมบัติที่ช่วยเสริมความแข็งแรงและความยืดหยุ่นให้กับโครงสร้างของไฮโดรเจลบีดส์ เพื่อเพิ่มความทนทานและเสถียรภาพมากขึ้น ซึ่งสามารถนำมาใช้ในการห่อหุ้มและปกป้องสารสำคัญ โดยมุ่งเน้นการควบคุมการปลดปล่อยสารสำคัญไปยังจุดเป้าหมาย การศึกษานี้จะครอบคลุมถึงลักษณะทางกายภาพ ความแข็งแรงของไฮโดรเจลบีดส์ และความสามารถในการกักเก็บสารสำคัญ ลักษณะทางกายภาพและการบวม (Swelling) ภายใต้สภาวะจำลองทางเดินอาหาร โดยใช้สารจำลองน้ำย่อยทั้งในกระเพาะอาหารและลำไส้ การพัฒนาไฮโดรเจลบีดส์จากอัลจิเนตที่เสริมด้วยคาร์ราจีแนนและเจลแลนกัมมีศักยภาพในการนำไปใช้งานในอุตสาหกรรมเภสัชกรรมและอาหารที่ต้องการห่อหุ้มสารสำคัญที่มีประสิทธิภาพสูงในอนาคต
คณะเทคโนโลยีการเกษตร
The research aims to develop chili Thai commercial varieties for resistance to anthracnose and Pepper yellow leaf curl virus disease. The varieties allowing farmer to reduce the use of chemical pesticides for disease and pest control, also increases productivity and lowers production costs for farmers. The development new varieties are under studied of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students by using conventional and molecular plant breeding. The new chili varieties were released to farmer and commercial companies for development for Thai commercial seed industry.
คณะอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร
Bio-calcium powders were extracted from Asian sea bass bone by heat-treated alkaline with fat removal and bleaching supplementary method. Cereal bars (CBs) were fortified with produced bio-calcium at 3 levels: (1) increased calcium (IS-Ca; calcium ≥10% Thai RDI), (2) good source of calcium (GS-Ca; calcium ≥15% Thai RDI), and (3) high calcium (H-Ca; calcium ≥30% Thai RDI) which were consistent with the notification of the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand: No. 445; Nutrition claim issued in B.E. 2023. Moisture content, water activity, color, calcium content and FTIR analysis of bio-calcium powders were measured. Dimension, color, water activity, pH and texture of fortified CBs were determined. Produced bio-calcium could be classified as a dried food with light yellow-white color. Calcium contents in bio-calcium powder was 23.4% (w/w). Dimension, weight and color except b* and ΔE* values of fortified CBs were not different (P > 0.05) from those of the control. Fortifying of bio-calcium resulted in harder texture CBs. An increase of fortified bio-calcium amounts decreased carbohydrate and fat but increased of protein, ash and calcium in the fortified CBs. Shelf life of CBs was to be shorten by fortification of bio-calcium powder because of the increment of moisture, water activity and pH. Yield of bio-calcium production was 40.30%. Production cost of bio-calcium was approximately 7,416 Bth/kg while cost of fortified CBs increased almost 2-3 times compared to the control. Calcium contents in IS-Ca (921.12 mg/100g), GS-Ca (1,287.10 mg/100g) and H-Ca (2,639.70 mg/100g) cereal bars could be claimed as increased calcium, good source of calcium and high calcium, respectively. In conclusion, production of cereal bar fortified with Asian sea bass bone bio-calcium powder as a fortified food was possible. However, checking the remained hazardous reagents in bio-calcium powder must be carried out before using in food products and analysis of calcium bioavailability, sensory acceptance and shelf life of the developed products should be determined in further studies.
คณะวิทยาศาสตร์
Eco Grow Pellets are high-porosity plant-growing clay pellets made from ceramic industrial sediment, blended with ground chicken bone to enhance calcium and essential minerals, promoting strong and healthy plant growth. They are suitable for all types of plants, especially those requiring well-aerated soil with good water drainage. Eco Grow Pellets are an innovative clay-based growing medium designed to optimize plant cultivation efficiency. Their high porosity structure allows for excellent air and water circulation, reducing soil compaction and waterlogging—common causes of root rot and stunted growth. Additionally, the pellets are enriched with calcium and essential minerals from ground chicken bones, reinforcing plant structure and enhancing root strength, enabling better nutrient absorption. This product is made from 100% recycled ceramic industrial sediment, aligning with the principles of Zero Waste and the BCG Economy Model. It helps minimize industrial waste while transforming discarded materials into high-value, eco-friendly growing media. Eco Grow Pellets are ideal for vegetables, flowers, and potted plants, offering ease of use, cleanliness, and safety. They contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving both crop productivity and environmental health.