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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Despite its well-known fragrance in cosmetics and medicine, a complete understanding of the phytochemical properties within by-products generated during commercial...
Despite its well-known fragrance in cosmetics and medicine, a complete understanding of the phytochemical properties within by-products generated during commercial extraction of Damask rose remains elusive. Cultivated in Thailand for their essential oil, Damask rose varieties, including Mon Dang Prasert, Mon Klai Kangwon, and Bishop's Castle, share phenylethyl alcohol (57.62-61.11%) as the dominant component, which is responsible for their characteristic floral, sweet, rosy, and bready aroma. Through a circular hydro-distillation process, three different by-product fractions, including distilled water (D), hydrosol (H), and rose dreg (R), were recovered. Subsequently, we assessed their pharmaceutical potential, including the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenesis properties of these residual substances. The H fraction displayed the highest total phenolics (10.56 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (6.93 mgCE/g) and significant antioxidant activity (IC, 0.67-0.97 µg/mL). While the H fraction inhibited melanin formation at 50 μg/mL, the R fraction of MK (100 μg/mL) surprisingly promoted melanin production in B16-F10 cells. Nevertheless, the antimicrobial assay against , , , , , and revealed no antimicrobial activity in any fraction. Murine macrophage stimulation (J774A.1) with lipopolysaccharide revealed no anti-inflammatory effects from the by-products, as measured by IL-1β production. In summary, the H fraction exhibited the highest level of phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities. Therefore, this by-product is a desirable choice for the development of value-added products such as functional food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
PubMed: 38931037
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121605 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This study focuses on optimizing chlorophyll extraction techniques, in which leaf discs are cut from places on the leaf blade to enhance chlorophyll concentration in...
This study focuses on optimizing chlorophyll extraction techniques, in which leaf discs are cut from places on the leaf blade to enhance chlorophyll concentration in sesame ( L.) leaves. Thirty sesame genotypes, categorized into light green (LG), middle green (MG), and deep green (DG) pigment groups based on leaf coloration, were selected from a larger pool of field-grown accessions. The investigation involved determining optimal Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value index measurements, quantifying pigment concentrations, exploring extraction solvents, and selecting suitable leaf disk positions. Significant variations in chlorophyll content were observed across genotypes, greenness categories, and leaf disk positions. The categorization of genotypes into DG, MG, and LG groups revealed a correlation between leaf appearance and chlorophyll content. The study highlighted a consistent relationship between carotenoids and chlorophyll, indicating their role in adaptation to warm environments. An examination of leaf disk positions revealed a significant chlorophyll gradient along the leaf blade, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols. Chlorophyll extraction experiments identified DMSO and 96% ethanol, particularly in those incubated for 10 min at 85 °C, as effective choices. This recommendation considers factors like cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, safety, and environmental regulations, ensuring consistent and simplified extraction processes. For higher chlorophyll extraction, focusing on leaf tips and the 75% localization along the sesame leaf blade is suggested, as this consistently yields increased chlorophyll content. Furthermore, our examination revealed significant anatomical variations in the internal structure of the mesophyll tissue leaves between deep green and light green sesame plants, primarily linked to chloroplast density and pigment-producing structures. Our findings, therefore, provide insightful knowledge of chlorophyll gradients and encourage the use of standardized protocols that enable researchers to refine their experimental designs for precise and comparable chlorophyll measurements. The recommended solvent choices ensure reliable outcomes in plant physiology, ecology, and environmental studies.
PubMed: 38931021
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121589 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The strain LMG 1385 was used for the bioconversion of crude glycerol to dihydroxyacetone. The suitability of fed-batch cultures for the production of dihydroxyacetone...
The strain LMG 1385 was used for the bioconversion of crude glycerol to dihydroxyacetone. The suitability of fed-batch cultures for the production of dihydroxyacetone was determined, and the influence of the pH of the culture medium and the initial concentration of glycerol on maximizing the concentration of dihydroxyacetone and on the yield and speed of obtaining dihydroxyacetone by bioconversion was examined. The feeding strategy of the substrate (crude glycerol) during the process was based on measuring the dissolved oxygen tension of the culture medium. The highest concentration of dihydroxyacetone P = 175.8 g·L and the highest yield Y = 94.3% were obtained when the initial concentration of crude glycerol was S = 70.0 g·L and the pH of the substrate was maintained during the process at level 5.0.
Topics: Gluconobacter oxydans; Dihydroxyacetone; Glycerol; Batch Cell Culture Techniques; Culture Media; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Fermentation
PubMed: 38930996
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122932 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Sulforaphane is a chiral phytochemical with chemopreventive properties. The presence of a stereogenic sulfur atom is responsible for the chirality of the natural...
Green HPLC Enantioseparation of Chemopreventive Chiral Isothiocyanates Homologs on an Immobilized Chiral Stationary Phase Based on Amylose tris-[()-α-Methylbenzylcarbamate].
Sulforaphane is a chiral phytochemical with chemopreventive properties. The presence of a stereogenic sulfur atom is responsible for the chirality of the natural isothiocyanate. The key role of sulfur chirality in biological activity is underscored by studies of the efficacy of individual enantiomers as chemoprotective agents. The predominant native () enantiomer is active, whereas the () antipode is inactive or has little or no biological activity. Here we provide an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) protocol for the direct and complete resolution of sulforaphane and its chiral natural homologs with different aliphatic chain lengths between the sulfinyl sulfur and isothiocyanate group, namely iberin, alyssin, and hesperin. The chromatographic separations were carried out on the immobilized-type CHIRALPAK IH-3 chiral stationary phase with amylose tris-[()-methylbenzylcarbamate] as a chiral selector. The effects of different mobile phases consisting of pure alcoholic solvents and hydroalcoholic mixtures on enantiomer retention and enantioselectivity were carefully investigated. Simple and environmentally friendly enantioselective conditions for the resolution of all chiral ITCs were found. In particular, pure ethanol and highly aqueous mobile phases gave excellent enantioseparations. The retention factors of the enantiomers were recorded as the water content in the aqueous-organic modifier (methanol, ethanol, or acetonitrile) mobile phases progressively varied. U-shaped retention maps were generated, indicating a dual and competitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed-phase liquid chromatography retention mechanism on the CHIRALPAK IH-3 chiral stationary phase. Finally, experimental chiroptical studies performed in ethanol solution showed that the () enantiomers were eluted before the () counterpart under all eluent conditions investigated.
Topics: Isothiocyanates; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Stereoisomerism; Amylose; Green Chemistry Technology
PubMed: 38930960
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122895 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Naturally occurring substances and their derivatives function as vital resources for pesticides that can be used in fields, such as insecticide production and fungicide...
Naturally occurring substances and their derivatives function as vital resources for pesticides that can be used in fields, such as insecticide production and fungicide development. As a botanical entity displaying multifaceted biological functions, wormwood has received thorough scrutiny across multiple sectors. The insect repellency potency combined with antibacterial and antifungal activities of wormwood position it as a potential candidate for prospective development into eco-friendly chemical pesticides. In this research, Wormwood essential oil was procured via ethanol water under ultrasonic scenarios and subsequently diluted with PEG 400 to formulate green chemical pesticides. The defensive efficacy of this green pesticide on plants was validated through 2 weeks of clustered plant growth experiments. Active constituents that exerted their effects were scrutinized by GC-MS. Furthermore, this green pesticide also displays efficacious effects on the prevention and management of aphids, exhibiting a dose-dependent relationship. 4-terpenol, eucalyptol, carvacrol, and L-borneol were identified by GC-MS as the predominant active constituents in this green chemical pesticide. Wormwood can be leveraged to develop green chemical pesticides, which can protect plants without contaminating the environment.
Topics: Insecticides; Animals; Oils, Volatile; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Cymenes; Green Chemistry Technology; Aphids; Eucalyptol; Camphanes
PubMed: 38930942
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122877 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Atenolol (ATE) and propranolol (PRO) inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin have been investigated in aqueous solution. The aqueous solution was examined and...
Atenolol (ATE) and propranolol (PRO) inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin have been investigated in aqueous solution. The aqueous solution was examined and characterized using UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and H NMR. The physical mixture was characterized using FTIR. The existence of inclusion complexes is confirmed by observing changes in spectroscopic properties. The ATE complex with β-CD exhibited an interaction as host and (β-CD) as a guest in a 1:1 ratio, with an inclusion constant K of 2.09 × 10 µM, as determined by the typical double-reciprocal graphs. Similarly, the PRO complex with β-CD exhibited an interaction as host and (β-CD) guest in 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry at the same time; the inclusion constants were K1 = 5.80 × 10 µM and K2 = 4.67 × 10 µM, as determined by typical double-reciprocal graphs. The variables influencing the formation of the inclusion complexes were investigated and optimized. Based on the enhancement in fluorescence intensity due to the formation of inclusion complexes, spectrofluorometric methods were developed and validated for determination of each drug's pharmaceutical formulation. The quantification of the fluorescence intensity for ATE and PRO was conducted at λ/λ 226/302 nm and λ/λ 231/338 nm, respectively. Under the optimal reaction circumstances, linear relationships with good correlation coefficients of 0.9918 and 0.99 were found in the concentration ranges of 0.3-1.7 μM, and 0.1-1.1 μM for ATE and PRO, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) were found to be 0.13 and 0.01 μM for ATE and PRO, respectively. The suggested approach was effectively applied to the analysis of both drugs' pharmaceutical formulations.
Topics: Atenolol; beta-Cyclodextrins; Propranolol; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
PubMed: 38930938
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122875 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This study presents fibers based on methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate (Eudragit L100) as Cu(II) adsorbents, resulting in antimicrobial complexes. Eudragit L100, an...
This study presents fibers based on methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate (Eudragit L100) as Cu(II) adsorbents, resulting in antimicrobial complexes. Eudragit L100, an anionic copolymer synthesized by radical polymerization, was electrospun in dimethylformamide (DMF) and ethanol (EtOH). The electrospinning process was optimized through a 2-factorial design, with independent variables (copolymer concentration and EtOH/DMF volume ratio) and three repetitions at the central point. The smallest average fiber diameter (259 ± 53 nm) was obtained at 14% / Eudragit L100 and 80/20 EtOH/DMF volume ratio. The fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The pseudo-second-order mechanism explained the kinetic adsorption toward Cu(II). The fibers exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (q) of 43.70 mg/g. The DSC analysis confirmed the Cu(II) absorption, indicating complexation between metallic ions and copolymer networks. The complexed fibers showed a lower degree of swelling than the non-complexed fibers. The complexed fibers exhibited bacteriostatic activity against Gram-negative () and Gram-positive () bacteria. This study successfully optimized the electrospinning process to produce thin fibers based on Eudragit L100 for potential applications as adsorbents for Cu(II) ions in aqueous media and for controlling bacterial growth.
Topics: Copper; Polymethacrylic Acids; Anti-Infective Agents; Adsorption; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Staphylococcus aureus; Methacrylates; Kinetics; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 38930901
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122835 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Today, chemistry and nanotechnology cover molecular separations in liquid and gas states by aiding in the design of new nano-sized materials. In this regard, the... (Review)
Review
Today, chemistry and nanotechnology cover molecular separations in liquid and gas states by aiding in the design of new nano-sized materials. In this regard, the synthesis and application of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are current fields of research in which structurally defined 2D materials are being used in membrane separation either in self-standing membranes or composites with polymer phases. For instance, pervaporation (PV), as a highly selective technology for liquid separation, benefits from using 2D materials to selectively transport water or other solvent molecules. Therefore, this review paper offers an interesting update in revising the ongoing progress of PV membranes using 2D materials in several applications, including solvent purification (the removal of water from organic systems), organics removal (the removal of organic molecules diluted in water systems), and desalination (selective water transport from seawater). In general, recent reports from the past 3 years have been discussed and analyzed. Attention has been devoted to the proposed strategies and fabrication of membranes for the inclusion of 2D materials into polymer phases. Finally, the future trends and current research gaps are declared for the scientists in the field.
PubMed: 38930894
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122829 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Acute lung injury (ALI) remains a significant global health issue, necessitating novel therapeutic interventions. In our latest study, we pioneered the use of...
Acute lung injury (ALI) remains a significant global health issue, necessitating novel therapeutic interventions. In our latest study, we pioneered the use of D-mannitol-cerium-quercetin/rutin coordination polymer nanoparticles (MCQ/R NPs) as a potential treatment for ALI. The MCQ/R NPs, which integrate rutin and quercetin for their therapeutic potential and D-mannitol for its pulmonary targeting, displayed exceptional efficacy. By utilizing cerium ions for optimal nanoparticle assembly, the MCQ/R NPs demonstrated an average size of less than 160 nm. Impressively, these nanoparticles outperformed conventional treatments in both antioxidative capabilities and biocompatibility. Moreover, our in vivo studies on LPS-induced ALI mice showed a significant reduction in lung tissue inflammation. This groundbreaking research presents MCQ/R NPs as a promising new approach in ALI therapeutics.
Topics: Acute Lung Injury; Quercetin; Animals; Mannitol; Nanoparticles; Mice; Polymers; Cerium; Rutin; Antioxidants; Humans; Drug Synergism; Disease Models, Animal; Lipopolysaccharides
PubMed: 38930884
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122819 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The low light absorption efficiency has seriously hindered the application of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanosheets in the field of...
The low light absorption efficiency has seriously hindered the application of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanosheets in the field of optoelectronic devices. Various approaches have been used to improve the performance of TMDC nanosheets. Preparation of one-dimensional TMDC nanoscrolls in combination with photoactive materials has been a promising method to improve their properties recently. In this work, we report a facile method to enhance the optoelectronic performance of TMDC nanoscrolls by wrapping the photoactive organic dye rhodamine (R6G) into them. After R6G molecules were deposited on monolayer TMDC nanosheets by the solution method, the R6G/MoS nanoscrolls with lengths up to hundreds of microns were prepared in a short time by dropping a mixture of ammonia and ethanol solution on the R6G/MoS nanosheets. The as-obtained R6G/MoS nanoscrolls were well characterized by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to prove the encapsulation of R6G. There are multiple type II heterojunction interfaces in the R6G/MoS nanoscrolls, which can promote the generation of photo-induced carriers and the following electron-hole separation. The separated electrons were transported rapidly along the axial direction of the R6G/MoS nanoscrolls, which greatly improves the efficiency of light absorption and photoresponse. Under the irradiation of an incident 405 nm laser, the photoresponsivity, carrier mobility, external quantum efficiency, and detectivity of R6G/MoS nanoscrolls were enhanced to 66.07 A/W, 132.93 cmVs, 20,261%, and 1.25 × 10 cm·HzW, which are four orders of magnitude higher than those of monolayer MoS nanosheets. Our work indicates that the R6G/TMDC hybrid nanoscrolls could be promising materials for high-performance optoelectronic devices.
PubMed: 38930864
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122799