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Results for “freeze-drying”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

The effect of variety and maturity on the quality of freeze-dried carrots. The effect of microwave blanching on the nutritional and textural quality of freeze-dried spinach

Using carrots, the quality of freeze-dried products was studied to determine the optimum varieties and maturation stages for quality attributes such as appearance, flavor, texture, and nutritive value. The quality of freeze-dried carrots is discussed in terms of Gardner color, alcohol insoluble solids, viscosity, and core/cortex ratio. Also, microwave blanching of freeze-dried spinach was studied to determine vitamin interrelationships, anatomical changes, and oxidative deteriorations in terms of preprocessing microwave treatments. Statistical methods were employed in the gathering of data and interpretation of results in both studies.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1971

Modification of physical properties of freeze-dried rice

Freeze cycling process consists of alternately freezing and thawing precooked rice for two cycles, rice is then frozen and freeze-dehydrated in vacuum sufficient to remove water from rice by sublimitation. Process modifies rice grain structure and porosity, enabling complete rehydration in one minute in hot water.

Huber, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Quick, easy to prepare freeze-dried soups

Major advantages of soups are that they totally rehydrate in less than five minutes in water at approximately 150 deg F, maintain flavor and quality stability for two weeks in a 100 F environment, and remain stable for considerably longer at ambient temperatures. They are suitable for either household or field use.

Ramirez, R. V.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Mechanisms of deterioration of nutrients phase 1

Experimental methods are studied by which freeze-dried foods of improved quality are produced. Considered are: (1) Factors effecting the loss of butanol from frozen aqueous food solutions during storage; (2) a freeze-drying microscope system for observing solidification processes in organic mixtures and aqueous inorganic salt solutions; (3) browning of high quality freeze-dried foods with minimal organoleptic and nutritional detoriation; (4) retention of PVP-n-propanol in freeze-dried food models; and (5) effects of freezing rate and sucrose immersion on taste and texture of freeze-dried apple slices.

Karel, M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Mechanisms of deterioration of nutrients

Methods for improving the quality of freeze-dried foods were investigated. Areas discussed include: (1) microstructure of freeze-dried systems, (2) structural changes in freeze-dried systems, (3) artificial food matrices, and (4) osmotic preconcentration to yield improved freeze-dried products.

Karel, M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Compression of rehydratable vegetables and cereals

Characteristics of freeze-dried compressed carrots, such as rehydration, volatile retention, and texture, were studied by relating histological changes to textural quality evaluation, and by determining the effects of storage temperature on freeze-dried compressed carrot bars. Results show that samples compressed with a high moisture content undergo only slight structural damage and rehydrate quickly. Cellular disruption as a result of compression at low moisture levels was the main reason for rehydration and texture differences. Products prepared from carrot cubes having 48% moisture compared favorably with a freshly cooked product in cohesiveness and elasticity, but were found slightly harder and more chewy.

Burns, E. E.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Excipient screening by lyophilization provides insights into spray drying formulations for nanoparticle vaccines

Nanoparticles have shown great promise as delivery platforms in the development of tunable and safe vaccines. Nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs), also known as nanodiscs, are discoidal nanoparticles composed of a lipid bilayer stabilized at their periphery by apolipoproteins. Under the right conditions, the NLP self-assembly process is highly customizable in terms of lipids and apolipoprotein constituents, allowing for tunable physical and chemical characteristics. This flexibility allows a wide range of vaccine antigens and adjuvants to be incorporated onto the NLP platform for tailored vaccine design. The stability of NLPs during long term storage is a very important factor in developing a vaccine delivery platform suitable for widespread global use. When stored in a solution for extended periods of time, NLPs dissociate into their corresponding lipids and protein constituents, leading to particle degradation. Proper stabilization of NLPs can often be achieved by lyophilization (i.e. freeze-drying), a method widely used for various applications including pharmaceuticals. This process, however, can be damaging to particles without the presence of lyoprotectants or excipients that help maintain particle stability during lyophilization. Another method used to stabilize vaccines and pharmaceuticals is spray drying, a process that converts liquid formulations into dry powders through controlled heating and airflow. While spray drying is rapid, scalable, and cost-effective, lyophilization is typically a gentler process that better retains biomolecule structure and function. Both processes use excipients for particle stabilization, so lyophilization can be used as a surrogate to test stability of NLPs, to down-select formulations that may withstand the harsher conditions of spray drying. To screen different formulations, NLPs were synthesized and purified to homogeneity by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and samples were prepared with a wide range of lyoprotectants and/or excipients. To assess the protective effects of excipients on NLPs upon spray drying, both pre- and post-lyophilized samples were analyzed by SEC. To assess the protective effects upon heating (encountered during the spray drying process), NLP samples were incubated at elevated temperatures prior to SEC analysis. The lyoprotectants and excipients evaluated in this study had different efficiencies in protecting NLPs during lyophilization and heating tests. Trehalose, for example, exhibits stabilization on NLPs both upon lyophilization and heating whereas leucine accelerated NLP dissociation. Although some lyoprotectants are effective by themselves, different combinations can decrease the stabilization of NLPs. Shelf-stable vaccines that do not require cold-chain storage are essential for global accessibility and our findings provide fundamental insight into how to advance NLP-based vaccines for these applications.

Serrano, Litzay J [Lawrence Livermore National Lab↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optimization of catholyte for halide-based all-solid-state batteries

Halide solid electrolytes gain significant attention due to their high ionic conductivity, low processing temperature, dry air compatibility, and high-voltage stability. However, low cathode active material (CAM) loading in the composite cathode constrains the realization of high energy density for halide-based all-solid-state batteries. In this study, three halide materials, raw Li 3 YBrCl 5 (LYBC-R, <30μm), milled LYBC (LYBC-M, <5 μm) and freeze-dried Li 3 InCl 6 (LIC, <500 nm), were used as catholytes, combined with LYBC-M as the electrolyte and LiIn alloy as the anode. The CAM:catholyte ratio was investigated as well as stack pressure and operating temperature. Our study demonstrates that particle size of the catholyte plays an important role only for high CAM loading or high C-rate cycling. At moderate CAM loading (65 and 70wt% LiNi 0.83 Mn 0.06 Co 0.11 O 2 ) and 0.1 C-rate, all the three catholytes perform well, providing initial discharge capacities >177 mAh/g. At high CAM loading (85wt%) and 0.1 C-rate, a cathode with the nano-scale LIC catholyte provides discharge capacity of 175 mAh/g, while the larger particle size catholytes suffer significantly reduced capacity. Both LYBC and LIC catholytes provided capacity retention >80% after 200 cycles at 0.5C. These results imply that cathode particle size is critically important for performance at high CAM loading. Furthermore, both electrolyte and cathode were tape cast to scale up size and prepare realistic layer thicknesses. A small amount of binder was used in both layers, to balance the electrochemical performance and mechanical properties. Further, the discharge capacity of a tape cell was 152mA h/g at 0.1C with a capacity retention of 81.8% after 20 cycles at 0.5C. The results demonstrate the excellent performance of LYBC as an electrolyte, and provide guidance for halide-based cathode design.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Enhancing physicochemical, bioactive, and nutritional properties of sweet potatoes: Ultrasonic contact drying with slot jet nozzles compared to hot-air drying and freeze drying

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, but their quality can be impacted by the drying process. This study investigates the impact of slot jet reattachment (SJR) nozzle and ultrasound (US) combined drying (SJR + US) on sweet potato quality, compared to freeze-drying (FD), SJR drying, and hot air drying (HAD). SJR + US drying at 50 °C closely resembled FD in enhancing quality attributes and outperformed HAD and SJR in key areas such as rehydration, shrinkage ratios, and nutritional composition. Notably, SJR + US at 50 °C produced the highest total starch (36.84 g/100 g), total dietary fiber (8.48 g/100 g), total phenolic content (158.19 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (119.08 mg QE/g), DPPH antioxidant activity (6.44 μmol TE/g), β-carotene (31.98 mg/100 g), and vitamin C (5.27 mg/100 g). It also exhibited higher glass transition temperatures (Tg: 14.49 °C), indicating better stability at room temperature. The hardness values for SJR + US samples were similar to FD, while HAD samples had the highest hardness. SJR + US at 50 °C resulted in the lowest total color changes (ΔE), indicating minimal impact on appearance. Additionally, FTIR analysis revealed that peaks in specific spectral regions indicated superior preservation of bioactive compounds in SJR + US samples compared to other methods, which was also confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap visualization. Overall, these findings suggest that SJR + US is an effective alternative to conventional drying techniques, significantly improving the quality of dried sweet potatoes.

Color↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cell-Free Gene Expression: Methods and Applications

Cell-free gene expression (CFE) systems empower synthetic biologists to build biological molecules and processes outside of living intact cells. The foundational principle is that precise, complex biomolecular transformations can be conducted in purified enzyme or crude cell lysate systems. This concept circumvents mechanisms that have evolved to facilitate species survival, bypasses limitations on molecular transport across the cell wall, and provides a significant departure from traditional, cell-based processes that rely on microscopic cellular “reactors.” In addition, cell-free systems are inherently distributable through freeze-drying, which allows simple distribution before rehydration at the point-of-use. Furthermore, as cell-free systems are nonliving, they provide built-in safeguards for biocontainment without the constraints attendant on genetically modified organisms. These features have led to a significant increase in the development and use of CFE systems over the past two decades. Here, we discuss recent advances in CFE systems and highlight how they are transforming efforts to build cells, control genetic networks, and manufacture biobased products.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1970

Crew provisions

Freeze-dried diet and personal hygiene for space crew

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Practical and efficient magnetic heat pump

Method for pumping heat magnetically at room temperature is more economical than existing refrigeration systems. Method uses natural magneto-thermal effect of gadolinium metal to establish temperature gradient across length of tube. Regenerative cyclic process in which gadolinium sample is magnetized and gives off heat at one end of tube, and then is demagnetized at other end to absorb heat has established temperature gradients of 144 degrees F in experiments near room temperature. Other materials with large magnetothermal effects can be used below room temperature. Possible commercial applications include freeze-drying and food processing, cold storage, and heating and cooling of buildings, plants, and ships.

Brown, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Meals in orbit

Space foods which will be available to the Space Shuttle crew are discussed in view of the research and development of proper nutrition in space that began with the pastelike tube meals of the Mercury and Gemini astronauts. The variety of food types proposed for the Space Shuttle crew which include thermostabilized, intermediate moisture, rehydratable, irradiated, freeze-dried and natural forms are shown to be a result of the successive improvements in the Apollo, Skylab and Apollo Soyuz test project flights. The Space Shuttle crew will also benefit from an increase of caloric content (3,000 cal./day), the convenience of a real oven and a comfortable dining and kitchen area.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1981

Evaluation of engineered foods for Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS)

A system of conversion of locally regenerated raw materials and of resupplied freeze-dried foods and ingredients into acceptable, safe and nutritious engineered foods is proposed. The first phase of the proposed research has the following objectives: (1) evaluation of feasibility of developing acceptable and reliable engineered foods from a limited selection of plants, supplemented by microbially produced nutrients and a minimum of dehydrated nutrient sources (especially those of animal origin); (2) evaluation of research tasks and specifications of research projects to adapt present technology and food science to expected space conditions (in particular, problems arising from unusual gravity conditions, problems of limited size and the isolation of the food production system, and the opportunities of space conditions are considered); (3) development of scenarios of agricultural production of plant and microbial systems, including the specifications of processing wastes to be recycled.

Karel, M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Treatment of CELSS and PCELSS waste to produce nutrients for plant growth

The research program entitled 'Development of a Prototype Experiment for Treating CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) and PCELSS (Partially Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems) Wastes to Produce Nutrients for Plant Growth' consists of two phases: (1) the development of the neccessary facilities, chemical methodologies and models for meaningful experimentation, and (2) the application of what methods and devices are developed to the interfacing of waste oxidation with plant growth. Homogeneous samples of freeze-dried human feces and urine have been prepared to ensure comparability of test results between CELSS waste treatment research groups. A model of PCELSS food processing wastes has been developed, and an automated gas chromatographic system to analyze oxidizer effluents was designed and brought to operational status. Attention is given the component configuration of the wet oxidation system used by the studies.

Modell, M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

To Produce Nutrients for Plant Growth

On July 1, 1979 a new research program entitled "Development of a Prototype Experiment for Treating CELSS and PCELSS Wastes to Produce Nutrients for Plant Growth" was undertaken by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Georgia Institute of Technology under grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Ames Research Center. The program was designed to be completed over a five-year period, with the work divided into two phases. Phase I covers approximately two years and involves the development of necessary facilities, chemical methodologies and models to allow meaningful experiments during Phase II, which will involve interfacing waste oxidation with plant growth. Homogeneous samples of freeze-dried human feces and urine have been prepared to assure comparability of results among various CELSS waste treatment research groups. A model of food processing wastes within a PCELSS was developed, and an initial batch of waste was prepared. An automated gas chromatographic system to analyze oxidizer effluents was designed and is operational. A state-of-the-art quantitative elemental analysis capability, built around inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy using electrothermal atomization, has been demonstrated. A continuous flow wet oxidation system was constructed and is now operational.

Michael Modell↗
NASA NTRS1983

Chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments of prochloron (prochlorophyta)

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a gradient-elution technique was utilized to separate and quantify chlorophylls a and b as well as major carotenoid pigments present in freeze-dried preprations of prochloron-didemnid associations and in Prochloron cells separated from host colonies. Results confirm earlier spectrophotometric evidence for both chlorophylls a and b in this prokaryote. Chlorophyll a:b ratios range from 4.14 to 19.71; generally good agreement was found between ratios determined in isolated cell preprations and in symbiotic colonies (in hospite). These values are 1.5 to 5-fold higher than ratios determined in a variety of eukaryotic green plants. The carotenoids in Prochloron are quantitatively and qualitatively similar to those found in various freshwater and marine blue-green algae (cyanopbytes) from high-light environments. However, Prochloron differs from cyanophytes by the absence of myxoxanthophyll and related glycosidic carotenoids. It pigment characteristics are considered sufficiently different from those of cyanophytes to justify its assignment to a separate algal division.

Paerl, H. W.↗