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Toxicity evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles green synthesized using papaya extract in zebrafish.Biomedical Reports Dec 2023In green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), the use of papaya extract as a capping and reducing agent shows promise for potential applications of these...
In green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), the use of papaya extract as a capping and reducing agent shows promise for potential applications of these particles in biomedicine. However, toxicity evaluation is necessary to ensure the safety of humans and the environment. The zebrafish model is used to assess toxicity with embryo developmental observation as it is a rapid, simple method for screening of toxicity. The objective of the present study was to assess the toxicological characteristics of ZnO NPs produced from papaya extract using a zebrafish model. The preparation of plant extracts from papaya using two solvents (water and methanol) and characterization of bioactive compounds in the extracts were reported. ZnO NPs were synthesized from both plant extracts and characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Toxicity evaluation was conducted on zebrafish embryos for 96 h. ZnO NPs synthesized from aqueous and methanol extracts had mean crystallite diameters of 13 and 12 nm, respectively. Mortality, hatching rate and malformation of zebrafish embryos were assessed at different concentrations of ZnO NPs. Both NPs showed high mortality rates at high concentrations, with 100 (aqueous) and 20 mg/l (methanol extract) being lethal for all embryos. Concentrations <10 mg/l for both synthesized ZnO NPs had similar results to the negative control, indicating a safe dosage for embryos. The hatching rate and malformation were also affected, with higher concentrations of NPs causing a delayed hatching rate and malformation in pericardial and yolk sac edema. Whole embryo mRNA expression of immune-associated genes, including and and , was upregulated following lethal concentration 50 (LC50) ZnO NP exposure. ZnO NPs synthesized from papaya extract (both in aqueous and methanol environments) had a dose- and time-dependent embryonic toxicity effect. Hence, the present study demonstrated initial toxicity screening of ZnO NPs synthesized from plant extract.
PubMed: 37901875
DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1678 -
Polymers Oct 2023The study focused on the evaluation of the influence of inhibitory compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (HS) and methanol (CHOH) on the catalytic productivity and...
Evaluation of the Reactivity of Methanol and Hydrogen Sulfide Residues with the Ziegler-Natta Catalyst during Polypropylene Synthesis and Its Effects on Polymer Properties.
The study focused on the evaluation of the influence of inhibitory compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (HS) and methanol (CHOH) on the catalytic productivity and properties of the polymers in the polymerization process with the Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The investigation involved experimental measurements, computational calculations using DFT, and analysis of various parameters, such as molecular weight, melt flow index, xylene solubility, and reactivity descriptors. The results revealed a clear correlation between the concentration of HS and methanol and the parameters evaluated. Increasing the HS concentrations, on average by 0.5 and 1.0 ppm, resulted in a drastic decrease in the polymer's molecular weight. A directly proportional relationship was observed between the flow rate and the HS concentration. In the case of methanol, the change occurred from 60 ppm, causing a sharp decrease in the molecular weight of the polymer, which translates into an increase in the fluidity index and a decrease in solubility in xylene. The presence of these inhibitors also affected the catalytic activity, causing a reduction in the productivity of the Ziegler-Natta catalyst. Computational calculations provided a deeper understanding of the molecular behavior and reactivity of the studied compounds. The computational calculations yielded significantly lower results compared to other studies, with values of -69.0 and -43.9 kcal/mol for the Ti-CHOH and HS interactions, respectively. These results indicate remarkable stability in the studied interactions and suggest that both adsorptions are highly favorable.
PubMed: 37896305
DOI: 10.3390/polym15204061 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023Acetogenic bacteria can utilize C1 compounds, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formate, and methanol, via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) to produce biofuels and...
Acetogenic bacteria can utilize C1 compounds, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formate, and methanol, via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) to produce biofuels and biochemicals. Two novel acetogenic bacteria of the family ES2 and ES3 were isolated from Eulsukdo, a delta island in South Korea. We conducted whole genome sequencing of the ES strains and comparative genome analysis on the core clusters of WLP with DSM1030 and ATCC8486. The methyl-branch cluster included a formate transporter and duplicates or triplicates copies of the gene, which encodes formyl-tetrahydrofolate synthetase. The formate dehydrogenase cluster did not include the hydrogenase gene, which might be replaced by a functional complex with a separate electron bifurcating hydrogenase (HytABCDE). Additionally, duplicated copies of the gene, encoding acetyl-CoA synthase, are located within or close to the carbonyl-branch cluster. The serum bottle culture showed that ES strains can utilize a diverse range of C1 compounds, including CO, formate, and methanol, as well as CO. Notably, ES2 exhibited remarkable resistance to high concentrations of C1 substrates, such as 100% CO (200 kPa), 700 mM formate, and 500 mM methanol. Moreover, ES2 demonstrated remarkable growth rates under 50% CO (0.45 h) and 200 mM formate (0.34 h). These growth rates are comparable to or surpassing those previously reported in other acetogenic bacteria. Our study introduces novel acetogenic ES strains and describes their genetic and physiological characteristics, which can be utilized in C1-based biomanufacturing.
PubMed: 37933250
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1279544 -
American Journal of Translational... 2023Plant-based natural antioxidants have a wide variety of biological activities with significant therapeutic value. has been used traditionally to treat a variety of...
OBJECTIVE
Plant-based natural antioxidants have a wide variety of biological activities with significant therapeutic value. has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments in animals and human, but little is defined about its biological or pharmacological effects. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate phytochemical, antioxidant, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous-methanolic leaf extract of .
METHODS
To investigate the possible impact of aqueous-methanolic leaf extract of on oxidative stress, inflammation, and pyrexia, we used a combined in vitro and in vivo series of experiments on laboratory animals.
RESULTS
Results revealed significant antioxidant potential in 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay, while significant but dose dependent antipyretic potential was documented in typhoid-paratyphoid A and B (TAB) vaccine and prostaglandin E (PGE) induced pyrexia models. Significant anti-inflammatory effects were observed in both acute and chronic inflammatory models of arachidonic acid and formalin. Phytochemical screening and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of confirmed the presence of mangiferin, quercetin, and isoquercetin. These phytoconstituents likely play a role in the observed biological activities. Our results show that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects, lending credence to its traditional use and advocating for its utilization as a viable contender in treating oxidative stress-associated ailments.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded that has various properties in the treatment of various diseases.
PubMed: 37560231
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Experimental Pharmacology 2023An ethnobotanical study showed that the leaf of () is used for the treatment of gastritis, but there is no scientific investigation.
BACKGROUND
An ethnobotanical study showed that the leaf of () is used for the treatment of gastritis, but there is no scientific investigation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective activities of both aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts of in experimental rats.
METHODS
Decoction and maceration techniques were used to prepare aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts, respectively. The extracts were evaluated against pyloric ligation, indomethacin, and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Negative control received 2% tween 80, while positive controls received 20 mg/kg of omeprazole and 100 µg/kg of misoprostol. Parameters, such as ulcer index, gastric mucin content, gastric juice volume, pH, and free and total acidity were measured.
RESULTS
In the pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer model, all doses of both extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index and gastric juice volume, while doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant increment in mucus content and gastric juice pH as well as decrease in free and total acidity as compared to negative control. In indomethacin and ethanol induced gastric ulcer models, pretreatment with both extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index and enhanced gastric mucin content in a dose-dependent manner. Phytochemical screening of both extracts showed the existence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and coumarins with high contents of phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids in 80% methanol extract.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed that aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts of possessed remarkable gastroprotective activities against experimentally induced gastric ulcer models, and this possibly justify the traditional use of leaves to treat gastritis.
PubMed: 38033453
DOI: 10.2147/JEP.S437707 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023The search for potent antimicrobial compounds is critical in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. This study explores Poepp. (), a Caribbean plant traditionally...
The search for potent antimicrobial compounds is critical in the face of growing antibiotic resistance. This study explores Poepp. (), a Caribbean plant traditionally used for disease treatment. The dried plant powder was subjected to successive extractions using different solvents: hexane (F1), dichloromethane (F2), methanol (F3), a 50:50 mixture of methanol and water (F4), and water (F5). Additionally, a parallel extraction was conducted using a 50:50 mixture of methanol and chloroform (F6). All the fractions were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, and the F6 fraction was characterized using untargeted metabolomics using SPME-GC×GC-TOFMS. The extracts of F3, F4, and F5 showed antibacterial activity against ATCC 25923 (5 mg/mL), MRSA BA22038 (5 mg/mL), and ATCC 27853 (10 mg/mL), and fraction F6 showed antibacterial activity against ATCC 29213 (2 mg/mL), ATCC 25922 (20 mg/mL), ATCC 27853 (10 mg/mL), ATCC 29212 (10 mg/mL), 024 (2 mg/mL), and 003 (2 mg/mL). Metabolomic analysis of F6 revealed 2861 peaks with 58 identified compounds through SPME and 3654 peaks with 29 identified compounds through derivatization. The compounds included methyl ester fatty acids, ethyl ester fatty acids, terpenes, ketones, sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. This study represents the first exploration of metabolomics and its antimicrobial potential, providing valuable insights for plant classification, phytochemical research, and drug discovery.
Topics: Acalypha; Methanol; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Fatty Acids; Esters; Water; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38067611
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237882 -
Nature Communications May 2024Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria are considered strict aerobes but are often highly abundant in hypoxic and even anoxic environments. Despite possessing denitrification...
Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria are considered strict aerobes but are often highly abundant in hypoxic and even anoxic environments. Despite possessing denitrification genes, it remains to be verified whether denitrification contributes to their growth. Here, we show that acidophilic methanotrophs can respire nitrous oxide (NO) and grow anaerobically on diverse non-methane substrates, including methanol, C-C substrates, and hydrogen. We study two strains that possess NO reductase genes: Methylocella tundrae T4 and Methylacidiphilum caldifontis IT6. We show that NO respiration supports growth of Methylacidiphilum caldifontis at an extremely acidic pH of 2.0, exceeding the known physiological pH limits for microbial NO consumption. Methylocella tundrae simultaneously consumes NO and CH in suboxic conditions, indicating robustness of its NO reductase activity in the presence of O. Furthermore, in O-limiting conditions, the amount of CH oxidized per O reduced increases when NO is added, indicating that Methylocella tundrae can direct more O towards methane monooxygenase. Thus, our results demonstrate that some methanotrophs can respire NO independently or simultaneously with O, which may facilitate their growth and survival in dynamic environments. Such metabolic capability enables these bacteria to simultaneously reduce the release of the key greenhouse gases CO, CH and NO.
Topics: Nitrous Oxide; Methane; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Oxidoreductases; Oxygen; Oxidation-Reduction; Anaerobiosis; Methanol; Hydrogen; Oxygenases
PubMed: 38762502
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48161-z -
Journal of Environmental and Public... 2023The continuous expansion of shipping trade has brought about increasingly serious marine pollution problems. In the context of emission reduction in the global shipping...
The continuous expansion of shipping trade has brought about increasingly serious marine pollution problems. In the context of emission reduction in the global shipping industry, this paper focuses on the operation optimization of container ships inside and outside the emission control area (ECA). From the dual perspectives of shipowners and the general public, models in the annual operating cycle are established to study the economic and environmental benefit differences between traditional fuels, i.e., heavy fuel oil (HFO) and low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO), and alternative fuels, i.e., liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for the proportion of ECA and ship speed. The results show that, in the current situation of high natural gas prices, the use of HFO after the installation of scrubbers is still the most cost-effective option in the short term, followed by the use of LSFO and methanol. LNG is no longer an attractive option, while LSFO and methanol are the best options for both cost and the environment. With the tightening of ECA regulations, methanol will become the optimal choice when the ECA ratio is higher than 47%. By reducing the speed of the ship, the pollutant emission can be effectively reduced, but it will also lead to an overall decrease in profits. Considering the future "zero carbon" emission targets, slow streaming is only suitable as a short-term response measure, while switching to green power energy is a choice that is more in line with the long-term development strategy.
Topics: Fuel Oils; Natural Gas; Vehicle Emissions; Methanol; Ships; Air Pollutants
PubMed: 37457598
DOI: 10.1155/2023/6351337 -
International Journal of Microbiology 2023Linn has been known for its nutritional and medicinal value since ancient times and is used in the treatment of various pathologies owing to its antibacterial... (Review)
Review
Linn has been known for its nutritional and medicinal value since ancient times and is used in the treatment of various pathologies owing to its antibacterial properties. This review reports the results of the most recent studies on the antibacterial effects of and its isolated compounds on bacteria of clinical interest. A search in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science) databases was performed, which included articles that evaluated the antibacterial activity of extracts and excluded articles that analyzed other microorganisms or nonpathogenic bacteria, as well as theses, dissertations, duplicate articles, and those not fully available. The literature suggests that extracts can act on bacteria, such as methicillin-sensitive (MSSA), methicillin-resistant (MRSA), , , , and . In addition, fruit peel was the most commonly used pharmacogen and methanol, ethanol, and water were the most common solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds. The antibacterial potential of the methanolic extract of pomegranate peel could be attributed to the presence of active compounds, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, punicic acid, gallic acid, and punicalagin. Thus, there is evidence that these plant extracts, having high polyphenol content, can disrupt the bacterial plasma membrane and inhibit the action of proteins related to antimicrobial resistance. shows antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with great potential against multidrug-resistant strains. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action related to this biological activity and investigate the isolated substances that may be responsible for the antibacterial effects.
PubMed: 38144901
DOI: 10.1155/2023/4026440 -
Analytical Chemistry Oct 2023Detection of small molecule metabolites (SMM), particularly those involved in energy metabolism using MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), is challenging due to...
Detection of small molecule metabolites (SMM), particularly those involved in energy metabolism using MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), is challenging due to factors including ion suppression from other analytes present (e.g., proteins and lipids). One potential solution to enhance SMM detection is to remove analytes that cause ion suppression from tissue sections before matrix deposition through solvent washes. Here, we systematically investigated solvent treatment conditions to improve SMM signal and preserve metabolite localization. Washing with acidic methanol significantly enhances the detection of phosphate-containing metabolites involved in energy metabolism. The improved detection is due to removing lipids and highly polar metabolites that cause ion suppression and denaturing proteins that release bound phosphate-containing metabolites. Stable isotope infusions of [C]nicotinamide coupled to MALDI-MSI ("Iso-imaging") in the kidney reveal patterns that indicate blood vessels, medulla, outer stripe, and cortex. We also observed different ATP:ADP raw signals across mouse kidney regions, consistent with regional differences in glucose metabolism favoring either gluconeogenesis or glycolysis. In mouse muscle, Iso-imaging using [C]glucose shows high glycolytic flux from infused circulating glucose in type 1 and 2a fibers (soleus) and relatively lower glycolytic flux in type 2b fiber type (gastrocnemius). Thus, improved detection of phosphate-containing metabolites due to acidic methanol treatment combined with isotope tracing provides an improved way to probe energy metabolism with spatial resolution .
Topics: Mice; Animals; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; Methanol; Glycolysis; Glucose; Lipids; Solvents; Isotopes; Phosphates; Lasers
PubMed: 37756255
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01875