The spray-dried potato starch was produced by gelatinizing native potato starch at two concentrations of 3% and 5% at 75 °C for 30 min, followed by drying in a pilot-scale spray dryer. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and optical microscopy were applied to characterize native potato starch and spray-dried (SD) potato starch powders. The physical properties of the starches, including moisture content, color, bulk density, tapped density, particle size parameters, water holding capacity, and hygroscopicity, were investigated. XRD, DSC, and FTIR revealed the formation of a semi-crystalline to amorphous structure in the spray-dried starch powders. Microscopic examination showed that the starch granules of native potato starch were spherical and regular in shape, while spray-dried (SD) starch powders displayed wrinkled granules. The moisture content of the spray-dried powders was significantly lower than that of the native starch, while the native starch had higher particle size values [D(4.3)] compared to the spray-dried powders. Higher water holding capacity values were also recorded in the spray-dried starches compared to the native starch. Regarding the color parameters, statistical analysis revealed similar values for lightness (L*) and yellowness (YI) indices, while significant differences were found in hue angle (H°), a*, and b* values. A principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to investigate the relationships among the physical properties of the native potato starch and spray-dried starch powders. The findings of the present study highlight the potential application of physically modifying starch through the spray-drying process.

Nature has developed several biodegradable materials which can be used in architectural and civil engineering to address the challenges of a more sustainable construction and housing industry to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in using biodegradable polymers from renewable resources such as starch and cellulose derivatives in the global plastic industry in order to reduce the environmental pollution caused by the petroleum-based traditional synthetic plastic waste. In this study, conventional composite and nanocomposite films of plasticized corn starch were prepared with sodium montmorillonite clay by a solution mixing procedure with glycerol as a plasticizer. The obtained nanocomposite microstructures were ascertained by XRD and SEM techniques and the tensile properties were investigated as a function of clay and plasticizer contents, in order to analyze the mechanical properties of the films.

A review of the recent literature shows that the use of more sustainable, eco-friendly recycled waste materials made from natural biopolymers is an important step of the planning process to reduce the environmental impacts of traditional building materials such as cement and concrete products. This study introduces the application of maize starch in the production of a novel biodegradable construction material. The samples prepared in this investigation were formed by heating a mixture of different proportions of starch, water and sand. The structural properties, morphology and chemical composition of materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The structural characteristics and morphology of the study material to a certain extent resemble natural sandstones, the most common type of sedimentary rocks. Based on the uniaxial compressive strength classification schemes, comparing with the brittle deformation behavior of natural rocks, it can be considered that this material behaves as a polymer - matrix composite with a ductile - thermoplastic mechanical behavior.

In this paper, an innovative approach concerning the investigation of the human heart is introduced, employing state-of-the-art technologies. In particular, sophisticated algorithms were developed to automatically reconstruct a 3D model of a human heart based on DICOM data and to segment the main parts that constitute it. Regarding the reconstructed 3D model, a diagnosis of the examined patient can be derived, whereas in the present study, a clinical case involving the coarctation of the aorta was inspected. Moreover, numerical approaches that are able to simulate flows on complex shapes were considered. Thereupon, the outcomes of the computation analysis coupled with the segmented patient-specific 3D model were inserted in a virtual reality environment, where the clinicians can visualize the blood flow at the vessel walls and train on real-life medical scenarios, enhancing their procedural understanding prior to the actual operation. The physical model was 3D-printed via the MultiJet 3D printing process utilizing materials possessing an adequate mechanical response replicating the mechanical properties and the geometrical characteristics of the human heart. The presented tools aim at the creation of an innovative digital environment, where gaining surgical experience and developing pre-operative strategies could be achieved without the risk and anxiety of actual surgery.

The fashion industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of the global economy, with significant social and environmental impacts. However, the prevailing fast-fashion model leads to overconsumption and serious consequences for both the environment and industry workers. In response to this trend, the slow fashion movement has emerged, promoting a more conscious and sustainable approach to clothing production and consumption. This movement involves a variety of practices, including traditional techniques – such as weaving, embroidery, knitting, felting, and dyeing with natural dyes. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted to explore how traditional techniques are incorporated into contemporary fashion design and production, and whether these techniques truly support local communities. The findings reveal that traditional techniques are linked to sustainability in the fashion industry; however, they require a significant investment of time compared to fast-fashion cycles, resulting in higher production costs. Thus, despite their promising potential, these techniques contradict the prevailing economic model of development followed in the fashion industry. Ultimately, this study highlights the important role of traditional techniques in promoting sustainability and advocates for integrating these practices in the fashion industry through an alternative economic model.