Life Sciences Commons^™

Development Of Domestic Oleochemicals For Coating Applications, Caleb M. Metzcar

Masters Theses

The overall objective of the present work is to explore new applications of soybean oil based oleochemicals. Two main applications are developed; one using soybean oil, acrylic acid, and nonthermal plasma (NTP) treatment to dye para-aramids with cationic and non-ionic pigments, the other using fatty acids to synthesize waxes with bound quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), an antimicrobial functional group, for fruit and vegetable postharvest coating. The color strength of the dyed fabric was quantified and the effect of the dyeing on material strength was evaluated to identify the optimal treatment condition. Antimicrobial waxes have been successfully developed that some structures …

Switchgrass Extractives Have Potential As A Value-Added Antimicrobial Against Plant Pathogens And Foodborne Pathogens, Alexander Ian Bruce

Masters Theses

Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), a perennial grass native to North America, is a leading biomass feedstock candidate for the manufacture of cellulosic ethanol. Switchgrass is considered a viable option for biofuel production due to its cheap production cost and ability to grow on marginal land. Biofuel derived from switchgrass has been shown to be very energy efficient, producing 540% more renewable energy versus nonrenewable energy expended. Switchgrass-derived biofuel is also estimated to have greenhouse gas emissions that are 94% lower than emissions from gasoline (Schmer et al 2008). Biofuels are created through biochemical processes that utilize various enzymes and microorganisms for …

Aqueous Extracts Of Hibiscus Sabdariffa As Antimicrobials In Foods, Kristen Liane Higginbotham

Masters Theses

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is a tropical shrub species cultivated in multiple countries and is mainly produced for its red calyces that are used for a tea beverage. Aqueous, lyophilized extracts of Hibiscus were examined for their chemical composition and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Listeria monocytogenes.

Lyophilized, dialyzed extracts of commercially aquired calyces were examined in microbiological medium and milk at various fat levels for antimicrobial activity against E. coli O157:H7 and S.aureus. Extracts were either filtered or autoclaved to sterilize and tested in microbiological medium. Autoclaved extracts were more effective …