Ultrasonics Sonochemistry最新文献

{"title":"Synergistic removal of drugs in wastewater from traditional Chinese medicine processing using industrial-scale ozone cavitation","authors":"Yuyan Cai ,&nbsp;Bo Xu ,&nbsp;Qiuda Zheng ,&nbsp;Phong K. Thai ,&nbsp;Zhetai Hu ,&nbsp;Jiabin Jin ,&nbsp;Luhong Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107739","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107739","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) production generates wastewater containing high level of morphine, codeine, and other opioids. Our field investigations at TCM factories revealed that existing activated sludge systems, though may be compliant for other chemicals, exhibit limited removal efficiency for these recalcitrant contaminants. Consecutive daily monitoring of effluent showed morphine persistently at concentrations ranging from 37,029–301,623 ng/L due to incomplete biodegradation, posing a significant disruption to aquatic environment and its further wastewater-based surveillance in public security. To address this challenge, we developed an advanced hydrodynamic cavitation-ozonation system (HC/O₃), incorporating a novel negative-pressure reactor configuration. Under optimized conditions (1.5 L/min ozone inflow, 4 mg/L ozone concentration), the system achieved 94% removal of morphine within one hour, with a synergy index of 1.46 demonstrating remarkable process enhancement. Distinct from prior laboratory-scale investigations limited to model pollutants, this work validated HC/O₃ performance treating six psychoactive substances in compositionally variable TCM wastewater, demonstrating scalability and robustness under real-world operating conditions. Over a 5-day continuous trial with variable influent compositions, the HC/O₃ system demonstrated robust adaptability, consistently achieving 99.9% removal of morphine and thebaine within 3 h, specifically at 94% removal for morphine-specific reduction within first hour. The operational costs of 5.38 USD/m³ and energy efficiency reflected in a 1.11 × 10^-7 mg/J cavitational yield. This result indicates potential economic viability and technical robustness of this integrated solution for industrial implementation, under the tested conditions. The HC/O₃ process establishes a new approach for treating pharmaceutical-laden wastewater, simultaneously reducing environmental risks for aquatic ecosystems and potentially improving the reliability of<!--> <!-->wastewater-based surveillance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107739"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasonic-Assisted green synthesis of nano-anhydrite from calcium hydroxy glycolate in an ethylene glycol-sulfuric acid system","authors":"Wenting Ma ,&nbsp;Guang Huang ,&nbsp;Ruiting Qin ,&nbsp;Jiayi Liu ,&nbsp;Wenjing Jiang ,&nbsp;Yan Liu ,&nbsp;Fuwei Yang ,&nbsp;Kun Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiubin Ren ,&nbsp;Xiaoqin Yan ,&nbsp;Yong Lin ,&nbsp;Xinnan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Within the framework of green chemistry, additive-free and morphology-controllable synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials has become an emerging research frontier. In this study, we developed an efficient liquid-phase synthesis route using calcium hydroxy glycolate (CHG) as the calcium source, sulfuric acid as the sulfur source, and ethylene glycol as the solvent. Under ultrasound-assisted conditions, without the use of soluble salts or surfactants, high-purity nano-anhydrite calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) was successfully synthesized. By systematically varying the precursor concentration and ultrasonic parameters, the resulting products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), which confirmed the formation of spherical, plate-like, and rod-shaped nano-anhydrite. Specifically, by adjusting the Ca²⁺ concentration, rod-like crystals (length: 300–450 nm, width: 50 nm, aspect ratio: 7), spherical particles (mean diameter: 23.19 nm), and flake-like structures (diameter: 115.40 nm, thickness: 10–30 nm) were obtained at 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mol·L⁻¹, respectively. The smallest particle sizes across these morphologies were achieved under optimized ultrasonic conditions of 750 W for 30 min. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that ethylene glycol concentration modulates its selective adsorption on specific crystal planes of anhydrite, thereby differentially inhibiting growth rates along certain directions and enabling morphology-controlled synthesis. The simulated adsorption energies for the (200), (020), (011), and (002) faces were −15.04, −7.96, −2.08, and −0.45 kJ·mol⁻¹, respectively. These results indicate that preferential adsorption occurs particularly on the (200) and (020) planes. This integrated experimental and simulation study elucidates the coupled mechanism of “precursor concentration − crystal plane adsorption − ultrasonic dynamics,” offering theoretical insights and technical support for the environmentally sustainable and controllable synthesis of nano-anhydrite and other sulfate-based nanomaterials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107737"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The importance of (un)dissolved gases on early-stage cavitation dynamics within an acoustic field","authors":"Erçil Toyran,&nbsp;Mojca Zupanc,&nbsp;Martin Petkovsek,&nbsp;Matevz Dular","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107741","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gas content strongly affects cavitation dynamics; however, most studies rely solely on dissolved gas measurements, overlooking the influence of undissolved bubbles. This study investigates their role by introducing air bubbles (&lt;200 µm) into water samples with identical dissolved gas levels and analyzing cavitation at both inception and developed phases using high-speed imaging and hydrophone measurements. The results show that the presence of pre-existing bubbles alters cavitation dynamics at the inception and developed phases. Under low dissolved gas and in the absence of air bubbles, cavitation can initiate from a single nucleus, and the developed phase exhibits transient vaporous cavitation with the highest acoustic intensity. In contrast, pre-existing bubbles promote the formation of conical-like bubble structures early in the inception phase and affect their dynamics in the developed phase, reducing the acoustic pressure and attenuating the noise spectrum. These effects are reversible upon bubble removal and independent of dissolved gas concentration, demonstrating that dissolved gas alone cannot represent gas-related influences on cavitation. Characterizing not only dissolved but also undissolved gas content is therefore essential for cavitation studies and applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107741"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound pretreatment and fermentation temperature improve phytochemical, antioxidant capacity, and mineral bioaccessibility in tempeh under simulated digestion","authors":"Iskandar Azmy Harahap ,&nbsp;Joanna Suliburska ,&nbsp;Daniela Weber ,&nbsp;Tuba Esatbeyoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated how ultrasound pretreatment and controlled fermentation temperature influence phytonutrient release, antioxidant capacity, and mineral bioaccessibility in tempeh under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Soybeans underwent ultrasound pretreatment soaking and cooking, followed by fermentation with <em>Rhizopus oligosporus</em> for 48 h at 30 °C or 36 °C. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (FRAP and CUPRAC), and mineral bioaccessibility (calcium, magnesium, and iron) were measured in both undigested and <em>in vitro</em> digested samples. Correlation analyses were conducted to explore functional interactions between phytonutrients, antioxidant potential, and mineral release. Compared with unfermented soybeans, tempeh fermented at 36 °C showed significantly higher TPC, TFC, FRAP, CUPRAC, and calcium concentrations, while magnesium and iron levels remained unchanged. Ultrasound pretreatment soaking and cooking with fermentation at 36 °C promoted TPC and TFC accumulation before digestion and yielded the highest TFC, FRAP, and calcium levels after simulated digestion. Bioaccessibility analysis revealed that TFC, calcium, and iron were significantly higher in ultrasound pretreatment soaking and cooking fermented at 36 °C. A strong positive correlation was observed between flavonoid levels and calcium release (<em>r</em> = 0.929, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). The combination of ultrasound pretreatment and elevated fermentation temperature enhance the release and bioaccessibility of flavonoids, calcium, and iron in tempeh. The strong correlation between flavonoid content and calcium release underscores their interrelated roles. These findings highlight ultrasound pretreatment combined with controlled fermentation temperature as a practical food processing strategy to improve the nutritional profile, bioaccessibility, and functional quality of plant‑based fermented foods under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107738"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145903038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The use of pulsed ultrasound with reduced power delivery to degrade the polysaccharide curdlan","authors":"Eliza Malinowska ,&nbsp;Michał Zmitrowicz ,&nbsp;Grzegorz Łapienis ,&nbsp;Jadwiga Turło","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107747","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107747","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the use of continuous ultrasound and low-power pulsed ultrasound on curdlan degradation by analyzing molecular weight changes during sonication. Although pulsed ultrasound only delivered one-sixth of the power of continuous ultrasound, it led to faster curdlan degradation. The most significant differences occurred within the first 25 min: Pulsed ultrasound accelerated the cleavage of polysaccharide chains, resulting in a degradation rate of approximately 60 % and a substantial reduction in the mass fraction of fragments with a molecular weight exceeding 400 kDa (from ca. 85 % to 3 %). Continuous ultrasound required 65 min to achieve a similar degree of degradation. The decrease in dispersity (from 1.13 to 1.06 within 65 min) indicated the non-random nature of the process, which occurred more rapidly during pulsed ultrasound. The degradation kinetics fit second-order and Ovenall/Harrington/Madras models, favoring pulsed ultrasound, which had a higher rate constant. Analysis of the chain scission mechanism showed a robust correlation between the midpoint scission model and the experimental data (<em>R</em>² ∼ 0.96). According to the simulation analysis, larger curdlan particles are preferentially degraded, with pulsed ultrasound providing greater precision in cleavage localization. These findings suggest that employing pulsed ultrasound with a reduced power supply is an energy-efficient strategy to obtain more uniform polysaccharides with a moderately reduced molecular weight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107747"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995583","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of ultrasound in the nucleation kinetics and Modification of product properties of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one","authors":"Xingquan Hu,&nbsp;Hao Wu,&nbsp;Pei Chang,&nbsp;Yiying Zhang,&nbsp;Cheng Xu,&nbsp;Lianjie Zhai,&nbsp;Bozhou Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107744","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107744","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), a well-known energetic material, is extensively employed in the field of insensitive munitions. However, its irregular crystal morphology and broad particle-size distribution hinder its wider application. Ultrasonic-assisted crystallization offers an innovative approach to enhance the overall particle performance of NTO. In this study, NTO was subjected to ultrasound-assisted cooling crystallization using water as the solvent to control the crystal size and morphology, as well as remove adhered nitric acid and ensure environmentally production. The metastable zone width (MSZW) of NTO in aqueous solution was subsequently measured to understand the nucleation kinetics, revealing a significant reduction under ultrasonic irradiation. Employing Sangwal’s three-dimensional nucleation theory, the nucleation kinetic parameters were calculated. The results indicate that ultrasound affects the MSZW through reduction of the solid–liquid interfacial tension, promotion of burst nucleation, and suppression of particle agglomeration. Characterization of the ultrasound-processed NTO demonstrated a more regular morphology, disrupted agglomerates, reduced particle size, and a narrower particle-size distribution without altering the crystal polymorph. Compared with NTO raw material, the material demonstrates enhanced flowability and a 60% reduction in impact sensitivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107744"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application potential of Lysimachia christinae Hance polysaccharides in kidney stone prevention/treatment: a multidimensional comparison between ultrasonic-assisted extraction and hot water extraction","authors":"Jinfu Wang ,&nbsp;Jiaxing Lin ,&nbsp;Jiayue Wu ,&nbsp;Honghong Pan ,&nbsp;Jiaxuan Liao ,&nbsp;Qinghui Lu ,&nbsp;Ruo Wang ,&nbsp;Jinfeng Wu ,&nbsp;Jiawen Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Lysimachia christinae Hance</em> (LCH), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, possesses the effects of “clearing heat and promoting diuresis, relieving stranguria and expelling stones, and detoxifying and protecting the kidneys”. This study for the first time developed an efficient, green, and economical ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) process for extracting LCH polysaccharides (LCHP-UAE). Meanwhile, it systematically investigated the mechanisms of action of UAE and hot water extraction (HWE) technologies for extracting LCH polysaccharides. Finally, it comparatively analyzed the differences in physicochemical properties, functional characteristics, and bioactivities between LCHP-UAE and LCH polysaccharides obtained by HWE (LCHP-HWE). It was found that under the optimal operating conditions of UAE obtained by response surface methodology optimization, the extraction yield of LCHP-UAE reached 8.25 ± 0.13 %. Compared with HWE, UAE strongly disrupted the cell walls of raw materials through cavitation effect and mechanical vibration, thereby improving mass transfer capacity. Compared with LCHP-HWE, LCHP-UAE exhibited characteristics such as lower M_W and smaller particle size, increased content of uronic acid, better thermal stability, and stronger water- and oil-holding capacities.Owing to its unique structural advantages, LCHP-UAE showed superior antioxidant activity and kidney stone inhibitory effect. In conclusion, this study establishes a robust theoretical foundation for the efficient utilization of LCH and the deployment of LCHP-UAE in contexts including the food industry and kidney stone intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107720"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145753370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cavitation erosion from single acoustically driven bubbles","authors":"Jaka Mur ,&nbsp;Vid Agrež ,&nbsp;Claus-Dieter Ohl ,&nbsp;Rok Petkovšek","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107740","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107740","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acoustic cavitation is achieved by exciting mechanical vibrations at ultrasonic frequencies, which in turn cause the formation of bubble clouds, followed by flows and emulsification. Typically, the effects of acoustic cavitation clouds on cleaning and erosion are difficult to predict or model due to the complex interactions among numerous bubbles. Systematic studies of acoustic cavitation bubbles are simplified by using single cavitation bubbles as a means of controlled cavitation, owing to their precisely defined timing and properties, which can be induced within an acoustic field by seeding a small laser-induced bubble within it. This work presents findings on the erosion of solid surfaces initiated by a single acoustic bubble. Optical seeding of a small cavitation bubble is combined with acoustic driving under a sonotrode tip to generate a single, controlled, and isolated acoustically driven bubble oscillating near a solid boundary. The phase delay and spatial coordinates of optical seeding within the acoustic field are explored to achieve repeatable acoustic bubble behavior with multiple expansion–collapse cycles as a single bubble before transitioning into a bubble cloud composed of multiple smaller bubbles. Using an ultra-high-speed camera and a hydrophone pressure sensor, bubble collapses are quantified in terms of shockwave energy and position. Finally, the resulting erosion patterns on the aluminum surface are measured using confocal laser surface scanning after multiple event repetitions. This technique enables the study of erosion patterns produced by temporally and spatially confined acoustically driven bubbles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107740"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145964863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sonocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A in aqueous solution: A review","authors":"Hyunjin Shin ,&nbsp;Hak-Hyeon Kim ,&nbsp;Sujin An ,&nbsp;Narae Yang ,&nbsp;Chang Min Park ,&nbsp;Min Jang ,&nbsp;Byung-Moon Jun ,&nbsp;Yeomin Yoon","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107745","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107745","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Owing to the expansion of the manufacturing industry, bisphenol A (BPA) is being discharged into aquatic environments, posing a global concern. Numerous studies have recognized the adverse effects of BPA exposure on ecosystems and humans. Therefore, advanced remediation technologies are gaining increasing attention. Beyond the achievements of conventional water treatment processes, sonocatalysis provides several benefits, including effectiveness under ambient conditions, promising mineralization efficiency, and compatibility with nanostructured or hybrid catalysts. This review presents progress and developments made over the past ten years in the field of sonocatalysis related to BPA. Focusing mainly on BPA sonodegradation mechanisms, the effects of solution chemistry (e.g., pH, temperature, naturally occurring ions, natural organic matter, and scavengers), ultrasonication parameters (e.g., ultrasonic frequency, power, and operation mode), and the physicochemical properties of BPA (e.g., pK_a, hydrophobicity, and molecular configuration) were evaluated. Overall, sonocatalysis demonstrated competent BPA degradation, whereas hybrid systems (e.g., O₃, sono-Fenton, and ultraviolet/visible light irradiation) enhanced radical utilization. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and potential areas for future research, with the aim of guiding subsequent investigations towards practical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107745"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145995582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiscale mechanistic insights into sonochemical energy coupling and flavor evolution in Pu‑erh tea","authors":"Shengjie Duan ,&nbsp;Huiqing Luo ,&nbsp;Lihui Yu ,&nbsp;Jinya Dong ,&nbsp;Ziqian Qiao ,&nbsp;Shan Liu ,&nbsp;Yanan Li ,&nbsp;Huajie Yin ,&nbsp;Rui Zhou ,&nbsp;Yuanfeng Chen ,&nbsp;Siyu Zhou ,&nbsp;Chen Gong ,&nbsp;Yan Shen ,&nbsp;Zezhu Du ,&nbsp;Li Feng ,&nbsp;Xiaocui Du ,&nbsp;Jun Sheng ,&nbsp;Ruijuan Yang ,&nbsp;Chongye Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pu’erh tea (<em>Camellia sinensis</em> var. <em>assamica</em>) represents a highly complex multiphase fermentation system in which flavor formation spans chemical transformation, energy transfer and microecological succession. To elucidate the mechanistic basis by which sonochemical energy input accelerates flavor evolution, we developed an integrated multiscale model combining flavoromics, molecular dynamics simulations and microbial ecological analysis. The model captures molecular reactions and metabolic regulation under ultrasonic cavitation.Increasing acoustic power density (0.3–0.8  W mL⁻¹) substantially enhanced cavitation intensity and energy absorption, accompanied by elevated concentrations of reactive radicals (•OH 40–96  µM) and an increased mass-transfer coefficient, generating high-energy heterogeneous microdomains. Sonochemical coupling reduced the reaction barrier of ester-type catechins (ΔG ≈ –25  kJ mol⁻¹) and accelerated their conversion into free acid polyphenols. Concurrently, high shear forces induced partial depolymerization of proteins and peptides, leading to 1.5–3-fold increases in taste-active amino acids and soluble sugars, thus reinforcing the “<em>mellow</em>” and “<em>sweet</em>” mouthfeel of the infusion.Microecological (<em>meta</em>-omics) profiling revealed that elevated acoustic energy favored the enrichment of functional microbial consortia dominated by <em>Lactobacillus plantarum</em> and <em>Aspergillus niger</em>. Pathways related to aroma synthesis—including phenylalanine metabolism and monoterpene biosynthesis—exhibited approximately twofold enrichment, driving the accumulation of aromatic esters and terpenes. Multivariate modeling (PLSR and RDA, R² &gt; 0.90, Q² &gt; 0.70) confirmed that acoustic power and cavitation indices quantitatively predict flavor outputs. However, rigorous techno-economic analysis and acoustic propagation modeling in solid-state media reveal that industrial scaling faces challenges regarding energy consumption, reactor design for solid–liquid mixtures, and downstream dewatering costs. While the optimal window of 0.6–0.75 W·mL⁻¹ reproducibly generated complex aromatic profiles comparable to aged tea, these engineering constraints necessitate further optimization for commercial viability. Collectively, these findings elucidate the cross-scale mechanism by which coupled sonochemical energy drives flavor evolution and define the application boundaries for green, energy-precise processing of fermented beverages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":442,"journal":{"name":"Ultrasonics Sonochemistry","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 107735"},"PeriodicalIF":9.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145898158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}