How is the combination between citric acid and fattty acid?5 answersThe combination of citric acid and fatty acids plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Citric acid is linked to fatty acid biosynthesis through the utilization of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) as a starting point. In prostate cancer development, citric acid is considered a potential biomarker, with studies indicating its significance alongside fatty acids, steroids, and hormones like prolactin. Additionally, a novel composition involving esters of glycerides of saturated fatty acids with citric acid and alpha-lipoic acid has been proposed for cosmetic or dermatological emulsions. Furthermore, fatty acid-induced alterations in citric acid cycle intermediates have been observed, with citrate inhibiting phosphofructokinase and influencing intracellular citrate levels. Quantum mechanics calculations have also characterized interactions between citric acid and lithium, indicating the formation of organometallic compounds.
Whats citric acid used for in the CMC hydrogel5 answersCitric acid is utilized as a crosslinking agent in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogels to enhance their properties. In the studies discussed, citric acid was added in different ratios (7, 10, and 12 wt%) to create composite hydrogel membranes with improved mechanical and thermal stability. Additionally, citric acid was employed in the production of NaCMC hydrogels to achieve high absorption capacity, with the best results obtained using anhydrous citric acid at 10%-wt concentration. Furthermore, citric acid crosslinked hydrogel films of CMC-tamarind gum were synthesized for topical drug delivery, where citric acid played a crucial role in forming the hydrogel films and influencing their carboxyl content and swelling behavior. Overall, citric acid serves as a vital component in enhancing the crosslinking and functional properties of CMC-based hydrogels for various applications.
What has been said about citric acid as an antimicrobial agents?5 answersCitric acid has been extensively studied for its antimicrobial properties. Research indicates that citric acid at concentrations of 1% and 10% exhibits significant antibacterial activity against various microorganisms, including Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Moreover, citric acid has shown effectiveness in reducing biofilm formation on titanium surfaces, enhancing electrochemical stability, and inhibiting bacterial recolonization. In the food industry, citric acid has been explored for its antimicrobial potential in nanocomposite systems, demonstrating promising slow-release antimicrobial properties against common food pathogens. Notably, the antimicrobial efficacy of citric acid is influenced by pH levels, with higher concentrations at alkaline pH showing superior antimicrobial effects by inducing membrane damage and reducing bacterial viability.
What is citric acid?5 answersCitric acid is a versatile organic acid extensively utilized in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals due to its low toxicity and environmentally friendly properties. It is commonly produced through fermentation processes, with Aspergillus niger being a key strain for biosynthesis. Citric acid's functionality stems from its three carboxylic groups and one hydroxyl group, allowing it to be employed in drug formulations, biodegradable polymers, and metal chelation processes. The organic acid is regarded as safe and is found in both plant and animal tissues, further underlining its widespread use and acceptance in various applications. Efforts are being made to enhance citric acid production sustainability by utilizing engineered marine cyanobacteria for photosynthetic conversion from CO2, showcasing a move towards greener manufacturing processes.
What is the chemical structure of citric acid?5 answersCitric acid is a six-carbon tricarboxylic acid that can be extracted from citrus fruits or produced by fungal fermentation. It has three carboxylic groups and one hydroxyl group, which give it its functionality. The chemical structure of citric acid consists of three carboxyl groups (-COOH) and one hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a six-carbon chain.
How is citric acid made?4 answersCitric acid is produced through fermentation using filamentous fungi, particularly Aspergillus species. These fungi, such as Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, are commonly used for citric acid production. The fermentation process involves the use of low-cost substrates like wheat flour, corn starch, and sweet potato, which are fermented by the fungi to synthesize citric acid. Factors such as substrate concentration, incubation time, temperature, and pH are optimized to achieve maximum citric acid yield. The production of citric acid can be carried out using different fermentation techniques, including submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation, and surface fermentation. The use of novel technologies like gene editing and synthetic biology is being explored to improve the efficiency and sustainability of citric acid production. Overall, citric acid production involves the cultivation of Aspergillus fungi on suitable substrates under optimized conditions to achieve high yields of this important organic acid.