9-octadecenoic Acid Methyl Ester Research Articles

Antibacterial and biosurfactant activity of endophytic bacteria isolated from mangrove plant in Lamongan, Indonesia

Abstract. Fatimah, Rahayuningtyas ND, Nastiti A, Alawiyah DD, Ramadhan E, Geraldi A, Junairiah. 2024. Antibacterial and biosurfactant activity of endophytic bacteria isolated from mangrove plant in Lamongan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 3035-3042. This study aims to determine the antibacterial and biosurfactant activity of 61 endophytic bacteria from mangrove plants in Kutang Lamongan Beach. Antibacterial screening of supernatant of endophytic bacteria was performed using the disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The most potent isolate was identified using 16s rRNA. The chemical compounds of the most potent isolate were identified using GC-MS analysis. The data were analyzed descriptively. Biosurfactant activity was also performed on the most potential isolate. All the isolates showed inhibitory zones against E. coli and S. aureus. Isolate LMG-2 produced the highest antimicrobial activity, averaging 9.57±0.4 mm against E. coli and 8.87±0.36 mm against S. aureus. The biosurfactant activity of LMG-2 isolate produced a surface tension of 39.09+0.49 mN/m and emulsification activity of 65.03+0.03% against kerosene, 47.63+0.10% against crude oil and 46.53+0.27 to diesel. The isolate LMG-2 had 98,41% similarity with the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain NBRC 15535 with a query cover of 100%. The biosurfactant extract contains 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, (E)-, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) methyl ester, and 9,12,15-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester. These compounds, known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs), were integral components of biosurfactants, surface-active agents produced by microorganisms.

Distribution and characterization of products obtained from pyrolysis of cooked food waste- Impact of heating rate

This work offers a comprehensive investigation of the pyrolysis products—liquid, gas, and solid derived from cooked food waste (CFW) at different heating rates (15–100 °C/min). The heating rate significantly influenced the yield of pyrolysis products. The maximum yield of bio-oil (oil + aqueous) was achieved at a heating rate of 50 °C/min, py-gas at 100 °C/min, and biochar at 15 °C/min. The yields were 34 wt% for bio-oil, 30 wt% for py-gas, and 32 wt% for biochar. Analysis of the bio-oil revealed significant proportions of fatty acids (Methyl-methyltetradecanoate) and esters (Oleic acid ethyl ester), constituting 25 %, and 26 % at 15 °C/min but declining with increasing heating rates. Another ester (9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester) was found across all heating rate with highest concentration of 33 % at 100 °C/min. Aliphatic hydrocarbons (Octane, Dodecene, Heptadecane, Tetradecyne, Undecane, Dimethylhepta-1,3-triene, Tetradecane, Nonadecane), constituted highest concentration of 12 % at 25 °C/min and aromatic hydrocarbons (Toluene) showed maximum presence of 4 % at 50 °C/min. The aqueous phase showcased cyclic nitrogenated compounds (Piperidine), anhydrosugars (DGP), and furanics (Furanmethanol), with the highest concentrations of 46 %, 12 %, and 38 %, respectively observed at 100 °C/min. Instantaneous py-gas analysis indicated an elevated presence of CO2 and CO in the initial pyrolysis stages (up to 70 min) followed by higher H2 in the latter stages (>70 min). While increasing heating rates (15–100 °C/min) boosted cumulative fractions of CO2 and CO, the highest H2 fraction was observed at 50 °C/min. The proximate and ultimate analysis of biochars indicated increased ash, fixed carbon, HHV and H/C compared to raw CFW. The surface area and morphology were positively influenced by an increase in heating rate, resulting in a microporous biochar having maximum surface area of 340.6 m2/g at 50 °C/min.

Modification of Growth Media for Scenedesmus and Nitchzer Species for Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Production in Raceway Pond

The aim of this study was to modify the growth media for Scenedesmus and Nitchzia species for fatty acid methyl esters production in raceway pond. Native Scenedesmus and Nitchzia species were cultivated in raceway pond in three different growth media (Nitrogen-sufficient, Nitrogen-deficient and Blue Green 11) media at different periods to assess their quantitative parameters (biomass concentration (g/L), biomass productivity (g/L/d), lipid content (%), and lipid productivity (mg/L/d) as well as their fatty acid methyl esters composition. The quantitative parameters were determined following standard methods and the fatty acid methyl esters composition was analysed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of the quantitative parameters obtained from Scenedesmus species were highest in the Blue Green 11 (control) media as compared to the experimental media. Statistically, there is significant difference (p<0.05) in the lipid content obtained from Scenedesmus species between the Blue Green 11 media and the experimental media. The biomass concentration and lipid content obtained from Nitchzia species were also found to be highest in Blue Green 11 media as compared to the other two media. However, the lipid content obtained from Nitchzia species in the three different media showed insignificant difference (p>0.05). Scenedesmus and Nitchzia species did not respond to nitrogen deficiency condition. The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters composition revealed the presence of similar compounds in different proportion. The dominant compound of the fatty acid methyl esters of the two species in the three different media are Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester ((palmitic acid)), 9-octadecenoic acid (Z) methyl ester ((oleic acid) and 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (linolenic acid) among others. The Carbon16-Carbon18 (C16-C18) chain in Scenedesmus and Nitchzia species ranges from 74.14-61.84% and 63.81-61.98% respectively. These could suggest that both species have a great potential for the production of fatty acid methyl esters in large scale cultivation.

BAO-Ag-NPs as Promising Suppressor of ET-1/ICAM-1/VCAM-1 Signaling Pathway in ISO-induced AMI in Rats.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most prevalent cause of myocardial fibrosis and the leading cause of mortality from cardiovascular disease. The goal of this work was to synthesize Balanites aegyptiaca oil-silver nanoparticles (BAO-Ag-NPs) and evaluate their cardioprotective effect against ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats, as well as their mechanism. BAO was isolated, and the unsaturated fatty acids were estimated. BAO-Ag-NPs was prepared, LD50 was calculated to evaluate its cardioprotective activity against ISO (85 mg/kg)-induced AMI. Different doses of BAO-Ag-NPs (1/50 LD50; 46.6 mg/kg.b.w and 1/20 LD50; 116.5 mg) were received to the rats. The total fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids generated by BAO were 909.63 and 653.47 mg/100 g oil, respectively. Oleic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester were the predominant ingredients, with concentrations of 107.6, 243.42, and 256.77 mg/100 g oil, respectively. According to TEM and DLS examinations, BAO-Ag-NPs have a size of 38.20 ± 2.5 nm and a negative zeta potential of -19.82 ± 0.30 mV, respectively. The LD50 of synthesized BAO-Ag-NPs is 2330 mg. On the other hand, BAOAg- NPs reduce myocardial necrosis by lowering increased BNP, cTnI, CK-MB, TC, TG, MDA, MMP2, TGF-β1, PGE2, and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, BAO-Ag-NPs inhibit the expression of ET-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 genes as well as enhance HDL-C, CAT, and GSH levels when compared to the ISO-treated group of rats. Histopathological findings suggested that BAO-Ag- NPs enhance cardiac function by increasing posterior wall thickness in heart tissues. BAO-Ag-NPs protect against AMI in vivo by regulating inflammation, excessive autophagy, and oxidative stress, as well as lowering apoptosis via suppression of the ET-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 signaling pathways.

Insecticidal effects of the fast pyrolysis bio-oil against Spodoptera littoralis and Aphis gossypii insect pests

The detrimental effects of agricultural pesticides on human and environmental health necessitate the development of alternatives to conventional pesticides. In the laboratory, the cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis) and aphid (Aphis gossypii) insects were used to evaluate the insecticidal activity of bio-oil derived from olive cake. The application of bio-oil by leaf dipping against S. littoralis demonstrated no mortality at a concentration of 1 % bio-oil. In contrast, the bio-oil showed better results against A. gossypii by slide dip method with LC50 = 1310.40 mg/l and LC90 = 3117.40 mg/l. The combined activity of bio-oil and the biopesticide Beauveria bassiana (bio-oil/B.b) was comparable, with LC50 = 1386.94 mg/L and LC90 = 3142.05 mg/L. The field application (two sprays) of bio-oil, bio-oil/B.b, and a commercial insecticide (alpha super) on aphids revealed a reduction of 52 %, 74.33 %, and 74.67 % in the first spray and 59.67 %, 63.33 %, and73.67 % in the second spray for, bio-oil, bio-oil/B.b, and super alpha respectively. The bio-oil and bio-oil/B.b had significantly less effect on the population densities of two predators (predator mite Amblyseius swirskii and aphid lion Chrysoperla carnea) than the insecticide used. Analyses of bio-oil by gaschromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified 30 compounds possibly have pesticidal activity. The most abundant compounds are 9 octadecenoicacid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 6 octadecenoic acid, methyl ester and Phenol, 2methoxy. The pyrolysis byproduct (bio-oil) of olive cake biomass contains bioactive compounds that can be used as biopesticide.

Role of Eruca sativa L. seeds in boosting the reproductive performance of male Japanese quails (Coturnix c. japonica).

Herein we attempt to shed light on the potential improving effect of Eruca sativa seeds (ESS) on the reproductive aspects of male Japanese quails. To accomplish this objective, two groups of quails were supplemented with ESS powder at doses of 5 and 10 g/kg feed from 7 days to 140 days of age, in addition to the control group, which did not receive treatment. Forty males were reared singly in cages to evaluate sperm characters and 32 males were raised with 64 females to evaluate fertility and sperm penetrability. Sixty-six phytochemical compounds were found according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ESS. The most plentiful ones are 13-docosenoic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and linoleic acid methyl ester. Both 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg doses of ESS showed similar effectiveness in enhancing various reproductive parameters, including gonadal index, sperm characteristics, fertility, libido, and cloacal gland attributes. However, some aspects like sperm concentration and testosterone levels exhibited a dose-dependent response. There is no significant change in mortality rate of supplemented groups compared to the control one. ESS also caused a reduction in feed intake and an enhancement in feed conversion ratio without affecting final body weight and body weight gain. This suggests potential nutritional benefits beyond reproductive health. The low-dose-fed group showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde compared to the high-dose-fed and unfed groups. The higher dose notably increased total antioxidant capacity compared to the lower dose and control group. Despite the positive effects on male reproductive parameters, there wasn't a significant impact on hatchability percentage, indicating that while male fertility improved, it might not have directly affected the viability of the eggs. Overall, the study suggests that ESS could be a safe and promising addition to the diet of male Japanese quails to enhance their reproductive capabilities without adverse effects. The findings could have implications for poultry farming by potentially improving breeding efficiency and health outcomes in quails.

Biodiesel production by transesterification of low-cost feedstock (waste cooking oil) using mesoporous cubic-MgO nanocatalyst: Optimization using response surface methodology

Non-toxic nanoscale metal oxide structures are emerging as potential material in energy and environmental applications because of their enhanced and controllable properties. In this research work, MgO nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel method. The calcination temperature and time was optimized at 600°C, 2 hours. The obtained mesoporous MgO nanoparticles (size 15 nm) had a band gap of approximately 3.3 eV. MgO nanoparticles shows a zeta potential value of 17.3 mV, which is considered to be incipiently stable. Biodiesel production was carried out using cubic MgO nanoparticles. Response surface methodology (RSM) and one factor method was employed for the optimization of operating variables. RSM predicts 90% of biodiesel yield at optimal 1% (w/w) of catalyst, 16:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 65°C of reaction temperature in 42 minutes which is also verified experimentally (89.5%). Biodiesel yield of approximately 92% is obtained using one factor method at higher reaction time of 2 hours, reaction temperature of 60°C with 12:1 methanol to oil molar ratio and 2% (w/w) of catalyst. The hexadecanoic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid in the waste cooking oil gets transformed into hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester and 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester during transesterification which is inferred from GC–MS spectrum. Transesterification reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. MgO nanocatalyst when reused in the transesterification shows a yield of approximately 90% up to four cycles.

Phytochemical Profiling and GC-MS Analysis of Extracts of Two Tropical Moss Species

The crude extracts obtained from two tropical moss species namely: Philonotis hastata (Duby) Wijk & Margad and Barbula lambaranensis C. Mull were analysed with a view to identifying the bioactive compounds present in them. The mosses were collected from their natural population and air dried at ambient temperature in the laboratory for fourteen days. The aqueous extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis using standard methods while the n- hexane extracts were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results of the phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids (0.189mg/g), saponins (0.047mg/g) and flavonoids (22.35QE/g) in P. hastata while the alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids content in B. lambaranensis were 0.184mg/g, 0.037mg/g and 14.18QE/g respectively. Steroids and reducing sugars were also present in the two moss species. The results of the GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 23 compounds in P. Hastate with 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- methyl ester, cis-Vaccenic acid, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and 1- Phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, tetradecahydro-7-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethlidene)-1,4a,8-trimethyl-9-oxo-, methyl ester forming the major components while in B. lambaranensis, 31 compounds were present from which Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester, 13-Tetradecenal, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester formed the prominent components. Five compounds: Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid, cis-Vaccenic acid, Octadecanoic acid and 9-Octadecanoic acid methyl ester were commonly identified in the two moss species. The identified compounds are considered to be biologically and pharmacologically important. Further investigation on the identified bioactive compounds from the studied moss species will be beneficial to formulate novel drugs for the treatment and management ...

Synthesis of green and non-toxic biodiesel from non-edible seed oil of Cichorium intybus using recyclable nanoparticles of MgO

Our current investigation aimed to explore Cichorium intybus as a novel and nonedible seed oil (34% w/w) producing plant species for green and sustainable production of biodiesel to contribute an alternative substitute to depleting fossil fuel reservoirs. Transesterification of Cichorium intybus seed oil was catalyzed by green nanoparticles of MgO synthesized with Parthenium hysterophorus leaf extract. The highest yield of 95% of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was achieved with optimal reaction conditions of methanol to oil molar ratio 9:1, catalyst loading of 0.83 (wt%), time 180 (min) and temperature 85 °C at constant stirring. Physiochemical characterization of the catalyst was carried out which revealed pure and nano nature of synthesized nano-catalyst. MgO nanoparticles exhibited maximum reusability up to the 6th reaction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR 1H and 13C) validated methyl ester formation in the sample of biodiesel. Findings of Gas Chromatography/Mass spectroscopy signified four distinct peaks of methyl esters with 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester found as representative fatty acid methyl ester. Fuel properties of methyl ester were found equivalent to ASTM D-6571 and EN 14214 standards. This investigation has disclosed that green nanoparticles of MgO are highly efficient in biodiesel production from Cichorium intybus seed oil during transesterification reaction.

Physicochemical properties and fatty acids content of Lard

The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties and fatty acids content of lard. The qualitative determination of fatty acids of using GC-MS analysis revealed that the higher concentrations of fatty acids 9- octadecenoic acid methyl ester Hexadecenoic acid, methyl stearate and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- with different concentrations. Many physical and chemical properties of lard were determined in the study including the density, viscosity, refractive index. Peroxide value, acid value, iodine value and saponification value. Also, we determine rancidity of lard.

Physicochemical properties and fatty acids content of Lard

The study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties and fatty acids content of lard. The qualitative determination of fatty acids of using GC-MS analysis revealed that the higher concentrations of fatty acids 9- octadecenoic acid methyl ester Hexadecenoic acid, methyl stearate and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- with different concentrations. Many physical and chemical properties of lard were determined in the study including the density, viscosity, refractive index. Peroxide value, acid value, iodine value and saponification value. Also, we determine rancidity of lard.

Phytochemical, GC-MS Analysis, and Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract Coir and Shell U Groh (Cocos nucifera L.)

U Groh is a coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in which the meat has not been formed yet, and its shell is consumed as a salad by the Acehnese people. This study aims to determine the phytochemicals, GC-MS analysis, and activity of coir and shell U Groh against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. Chemical compounds were analyzed using reagents and GC-MS. Antibacterial activity was tested using well diffusion with concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 40%. Coir and shells contain flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. GC-MS analysis shows the coir contains 20 compounds, among others Alpha. - Bisabololoxide B-Acetate, Hexadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9 octadecenoic acid methyl ester, Stigmasterol, and gamma. -Sitosterol, whereas 16 compounds for the shell Hexadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, and Stigmast-5-en-3-ol. The highest activity of coir and shell U Groh against E. coli and S. aureus was a concentration of 40%. The antibacterial activity of U Groh coir and shell extract was more effective in inhibiting S. aureus than E. coli. Coir ethanol extract and its shell formed inhibition zones with diameters of 13.7 mm and 13.4 mm, respectively, against S. aureus, and the diameters against E. coli were 11.3 mm and 11.03 mm, respectively. The extract ethanol of coir and shell U Groh has good potential as an antibacterial.

Fatty-Acid-Rich Agave angustifolia Fraction Shows Antiarthritic and Immunomodulatory Effect.

Agave angustifolia is a xerophytic species widely used in Mexico as an ingredient in sweet food and fermented beverages; it is also used in traditional medicine to treat wound pain and rheumatic damage, and as a remedy for psoriasis. Among the various A. angustifolia extracts and extract fractions that have been evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects, the acetonic extract (AaAc) and its acetonic (F-Ac) and methanolic (F-MeOH) fractions were the most active in a xylene-induced ear edema model in mice, when orally administered. Four fractions resulting from chemically resolving F-Ac (F1-F4) were locally applied to mice with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear inflammation; F1 inhibited inflammation by 70% and was further evaluated in a carrageenan-induced mono-arthritis model. When administered at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, F1 reduced articular edema and the spleen index. In addition, it modulated spleen and joint cytokine levels and decreased pain. According to a GC-MS analysis, the main components of F1 are fatty-acid derivatives: palmitic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid ethyl ester, octadecenoic acid methyl ester, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and oleic acid ethyl ester.

Production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using mesoporous MgO-SnO2 nanocomposite

Mesoporous, bifunctional MgO-SnO2 nanocatalysts with enhanced surface area are used for producing biodiesel from waste cooking oil. Biodiesel with yield of 80% is achieved within the first 20 min when transesterification is carried out at an optimum condition of 18:1 methanol to oil ratio, 2 wt% of nanocatalyst, and at a reaction temperature of 60 °C. The conversion gives a maximum yield of 88% when transesterification is allowed to continue for 120 min. The waste cooking oil used in this work is dominated with linoleic acid and oleic acid, which during transesterification gets converted into methyl linoleate and 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester. These nanocatalysts are fabricated using a composite of rutile (tetragonal) phase SnO2 and cubic phase MgO nanostructures with prominent crystal orientation along [211] and [200] plane respectively. The MgO-SnO2 nanocomposites with an enhanced surface area of 31 m2/g, basic sites of 2 mmol/g, and particle size of ~15 nm are synthesized by novel sequential thermal decomposition and sol-gel technique. The synthesized wide band gap nanocomposites have Mg and Sn in the ratio of 15:1 and do not have any impurity phases as observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern and EDS spectrum. The presence of surface oxygen states and Mg2+ and Sn4+ oxidative states is responsible for the catalytic activity and recyclability displayed by the composites. This work signifies the role of nanocomposites and their synthesis conditions in improving the rate of transesterification. These metal oxide nanocomposites which are nontoxic, stable, cost effective, and easier to synthesis are promising catalysts for large-scale transesterification of waste cooking oil to biodiesel.

Renewable energy production from novel and non-edible seed oil of Cordia dichotoma using nickel oxide nano catalyst

Renewable energy sources such as biodiesel have gained attention due to their pollution free and eco-friendly nature. The use of heterogenous nanocatalyst is preferred in biodiesel production to their ease of recovery and recyclability. In this study, biodiesel was produced from nonedible Cordia dichotoma seed oil using NiO nanocatalyst. NiO nanocatalyst was prepared with aqueous leaf extract of Anagallis arvensis L. Innovative techniques like X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, energy diffraction X-ray and thermogravimetric analysis were applied to analyse Nickel oxide nanoparticles. The maximum biodiesel yield of 94 % was calculated from methanol to oil molar ratio of 7:1, catalyst loading 0.16 (wt.%), reaction time 115 min and temperature 80 °C. Nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the production of methyl ester (1H NMR and 13C NMR). The results of Gas Chromatography/Mass spectroscopy signified four distinctive peaks of methyl esters with 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester was identified as the major fatty acid methyl ester. Determined fuel properties of Cordia dichotoma methyl ester such as viscosity (8.24 mm2/s), density (0.962 kg/m3), flash point (99 °C) cloud point (−8 °C) and pour point (−10 °C) were comparable with international standards of ASTM D-6571, EN 14214 and China GB/T 20828-2007. Minimum sulfur content of 0.0001 % has elucidated the eco-friendly and clean nature of synthesized biodiesel of Cordia dichotoma.

Efficient Production of Wild and Non-Edible Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. Seed Oil into High-Quality Biodiesel via Novel, Green and Recyclable NiSO4 Nano-Catalyst

In the current study, a novel green nano-catalyst from Tragacanth gum (TG) was synthesized and used for sustainable biodiesel production from Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. seed oil. Brassica juncea (L.) Czern contains 30% oil on dry basis and free fatty acid content of 0.43 mg KOH/g. Physiochemical characterization of a newly synthesized nano-catalyst was performed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The XRD results showed an average crystalline size of 39.29 nm. TEM analysis showed the cluster form of NiSO4 nanoparticles with a size range from 30–50.5 nm. SEM analysis of the catalyst showed semispherical and ovoid shapes with surface agglomeration. The synthesized catalyst was recovered and re-used in four repeated transesterification cycles. Maximum biodiesel yield (93%) was accomplished at 6:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration of 0.3 wt%, at 90 °C for 120 min at 600 rpm using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) coupled with central composite design (CCD). Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. biodiesel was characterized by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), FT-IR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) (1H, 13C), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) analytical techniques. The major fatty acid methyl esters were 16-Octadecenoic acid and 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester. The fuel properties, i.e., flash point (97 °C), density (825 kg/m3 at 40 °C), kinematic viscosity (4.66 mm2/s), pour point (–10 °C), cloud point (–14 °C), sulfur content (66 wt.%), and total acid number (182 mg KOH/g) were according to the International biodiesel standards. The reaction kinetic parameters were determined, and all the reactions followed Pseudo first-order kinetics. It was concluded that non-edible Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. seed oil is one of the sustainable candidates for the future biofuel industry using a cleaner, reusable, and highly active Ni-modified TG nano-catalyst.

Chemical Constituents and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Selected Aloe vera Branded Commercial Products in Tanzania

Chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities of twenty-two Aloe vera branded commercial products in Tanzania, a case of marketed soaps, creams, lotions, petroleum jelly, toothpastes and hair conditioner products in Dar es Salaam, were investigated. Chemical compositions were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) whereas antimicrobial activities were evaluated using agar dilution method against four bacteria species, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoneae and Salmonella typhi) and two fungal species Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of seven non-polar constituents, namely methyl palmitate, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate, tetratetracontane, hexacosane, and pentacosane and methyl tetradecanoate as the most common ingredients among the products. Eleven compounds were detected in both the commercial products and reference A. vera extracts. The commercial products AVC5 and AVL3 inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. typhi at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 7.5 and 12.5% (v/v), respectively, whereas AVC2 and AVC5 inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. neoformans at 5.0% (v/v). AVC6 had 7.5 and 15.0% (v/v) MICs for C. neoformans and C. albicans, respectively. Other commercial products and the reference A. vera extracts were inactive against the tested microbes at a screening concentration of 10.0 mg/mL. 
 Keywords: Aloe vera; Aloe vera branded commercial products; GC-MS; Antimicrobial

Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Methanol and Aqueous Seed Extracts of Azanza garckeana Fruits

Azanza garckeana is a tropical fruit plant found in Africa. Its edible fruit is used as food or herbal medicines, while the seeds are discarded. In an attempt to turn waste to wealth and obtain useful substances from it, this study was carried out to identify the bioactive compounds with nutritional and health-promoting benefits present in methanol and aqueous extracts of the seeds of this fruit. Freshly harvested few fruits of A. garckeana containing the seeds were obtained from Tula in Kaltungo LGA, Gombe State, Nigeria. They were identified and authenticated at the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Nigeria. The pulverized seeds were used to obtain methanol and aqueous extracts and subjected to GC-MS analysis. The results of the study revealed the presence of thirtyeight bioactive compounds which have been reported to have anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Among these compounds are the following with reported biological functions namely: Pentadecanoic acid, Octadecadienoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, Tetradecanoic acid, Heneicosane, 2-Methyltetracosane and Methyl stearate. There concentrations range from 0.33% for 9-Octadecenoic acid-methyl ester (Methyl oleate) to 24.3% for 9,12– octadecadienoic acid-(z-z) (Linoleic acid) in methanol extract. In the aqueous extract, the bioactive components measured 0.18% (lowest) for Dodecane, 2,6,11-trimethyl- and 2-Methyltetracosane (Isopentacosone) to 7.34% (highest) for 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)- (Oleic acid). Other compounds without known reported functions are 10,13-Octadecadienoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid 12-hydroxy-methyl ester [R-(Z)]- and 1,13-Tetradecadiene among others. The seeds of A. garckeana have useful constituents that can be exploited for health benefits.

Effects of Long-Term Storage on the Quality of Palm Oil Biodiesel and Canola Oil Biodiesel

Effective storage of biodiesel has proven to be a challenge, which the Indonesian government has invested billions of Indonesian rupiahs (IDR) in to overcome. It is thus important to investigate how different storage methods can affect the quality of biodiesel. The purpose of this study was to determine how storage at room temperature in the dark affects the quality of palm oil biodiesel (POB) and canola oil biodiesel (COB). POB and COB were stored in closed containers at 22 °C in the dark for 12 months. The results showed that POB was more significantly damaged than COB. This study found increases of density (POB by 51.52 kg/m3 and COB by 17.52 kg/m3), kinematic viscosity (POB by 0.67 mm2/s and COB by 0.32 mm2/s), acid value (POB by 0.27 mg-KOH/g and COB by 0.25 mg-KOH/g), total glycerol (POB by 0.58%-mass and COB by 0.60%-mass), and peroxide value (POB by 48 meq-O2/kg and COB by 54 meq-O2/kg), whereas there were decreases in fatty acid methyl esters (POB by 7.11%-mass and COB by 9.36%-mass). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results for POB and COB showed decreases in 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-methyl ester, and increases in 9-octadecenoic acid and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results revealed the presence of methyl ester functional groups. The storage of biodiesel in a closed container at 22 °C in the dark can minimize biodiesel oxidation, as evidenced by the findings of this study, namely, the insignificant formation of ketone and aldehyde groups in the biodiesel oxidation process during storage, based on the results of FTIR.

Extraction of phytochemicals with health benefit from Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth through liquid-liquid partitioning

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth has been traditionally used as food and medicine in both Eastern and Western countries. Owing to the vast variety of bioactive compounds, there is no definite extraction system or formula to efficiently extract the bioactive compounds with commercial value. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds in P. pellucida with liquid-liquid partitioning method and compare their anti-glycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-glycation potential in different solvent fractions. The dried plant powder was macerated with methanol and successively partitioned with five solvents of different polarity. Five classes of bioactive compounds, four categories of biological activities and in vivo toxicity were evaluated with quantitative bioassays. This study found that the plant extraction yield varied with solvent polarity. The chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol plant fractions were rich in phenolics, tannin, saponin and alkaloid despite their low extraction yields. Plant phenolics and saponin were positively correlated (p < 0.01) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-glycation activities. The non-polar hexane fraction displayed high anti-inflammatory potential while ethyl acetate, aqueous and hexane fractions showed relatively strong anti-glycation effect. The anti-α-glucosidase and anti-α-amylase activities in all plant fractions except the non-toxic aqueous fraction were stronger than standard acarbose drug. Four main bioactive compounds, including the dillapiole, 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester and pheophorbide-a methyl ester have been characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis confirmed that both solvent polarity and plant extraction yield contributed to 63% of biological activity variation in P. pellucida. This study has demonstrated that the liquid-liquid partitioning method could be optimized to extract bioactive compounds from P. pellucida with potent antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-glycation activities.