Acetone Fractionation Research Articles

Impact of physical factors on bio-control potential of Lawsonia inermis leaf extract and bio-formulations as fungicides

The present study is carried out to ascertain the effect of different physical factors (sunlight, temperature, pH) and storage conditions on the antimicrobial efficacy of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts and bio-formulation against the Alternaria alternata. In addition, the phytotoxic potential of 100% alcoholic crude extract as well as the acetone fraction of young leaves of Lawsonia inermis was also checked on seed germination of chilli (Capsicum annuum). Results showed that there was no adverse effect of wet heat (50–100 °C) and dry heat (40–90 °C) on extract and bio-formulation efficacy. Storage for 6 and 12 months had no adverse effect on extract and bio-formulation efficacy and the antifungal activity was observed similar to freshly prepared extract. We have used concentrations of 5,10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/ml to perform a phytotoxicity assay. The measurement of phytotoxicity was done by using the Standard blotter method and the result revealed that 5, 10 and 15 mg/ml concentration of the extract was non phytotoxic and were further used for in vivo experiments. These plant extracts and bio-formulations have extensive antimicrobial potential to be explored for application in sustainable agriculture.

Effect of acetone fraction of Ottelia alismoides on the G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the human carcinoma cell lines

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe North-eastern parts of India have immense therapeutic floras, Ottelia alismoides is an aquatic plant that has been in use for a long time in traditional medicine for treating diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes, febrifuge, hemorrhoids, and rubefacient. In lung and skin carcinoma cells with a high rate of proliferation and metastasis including drug resistance and non-specific target activity, generates important challenges towards their treatment strategy. Thus, finding novel therapeutic targets to treat lung and skin cancer progression is essential to enhance the patients' survival with treatment. Aim of the studyThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the apoptotic potential of acetone extract of O. alismoides (L.) Pers. (OA-AC) and to identify the compounds responsible for this effect, HRLC-MS-QTOF analysis of the extract has been undertaken along with in-silico molecular docking analysis of the identified compounds. Materials and methodsA549 and A431 cells were treated with acetone extract of O. alismoides (OA-AC) at 24 h and 48 h exposure and cell cycle phase distribution was evaluated and also apoptosis induction activity was evaluated by OA-EtBr staining and Mitochondrial outer membrane potential assay. Western blotting was performed for the evaluation of apoptotic protein expression. At last, the HR-LCMS of OA-AC was analyzed to identify the compounds responsible for the apoptotic activity of the extract. ResultsThe cell cycle phase distribution analysis in A549 and A431 cells at 24hrs exposure with 10 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL of OA-AC showed a potent arrest or blockage at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle with reduced expression of cyclin B and p-Cdc2. At 48 h exposure, apoptosis was observed in these cancer cells with elevated expression of Bax, p21 and cleaved caspase 3 and reduced expression of the Bcl2. ConclusionAO-EtBr staining of these cancer cells reveals that the death induced by OA-AC was apoptotic in nature with depolarization of mitochondrial membrane due to loss or damage of the mitochondrial membrane. The HRLC-MS-QTOF analysis of OA-AC depicted 14 major isolable compounds and molecular docking analysis displayed 4 compounds that might act as an inhibitor of cyclin B for G2/M phase arrest that leads to apoptotic induction in the cells.

Phytotherapeutic Approach in the Management of Cisplatin Induced Vomiting; Neurochemical Considerations in Pigeon Vomit Model.

Cisplatin induced vomiting involves multiple mechanisms in its genesis and a single antiemetic agent do not cover both the phases (acute & delayed) of vomiting in clinics; necessitating the use of antiemetics in combination. Cannabis sativa and other selected plants have ethnopharmacological significance in relieving emesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the intrinsic antiemetic profile of Cannabis sativa (CS), Bacopa monniera (BM, family Scrophulariaceae), and Zingiber officinale (ZO, family Zingiberaceae) in combinations against vomiting induced by highly emetogenic anticancer drug-cisplatin in pigeons. We have analysed the neurotransmitters which trigger the vomiting response centrally and peripherally. Electrochemical detector (ECD) was used for the quantification of neurotransmitters and their respective metabolites by high performance liquid chromatography in the brain stem (BS) and area postrema (AP) while peripherally in the small intestine. Cisplatin (7 mg/kg i.v.) induced reliable vomiting throughout the observation period (24 hrs). CS-HexFr (10 mg) + BM-MetFr (10 mg)–Combination 1, BM-ButFr (5 mg) + ZO-ActFr (25 mg)–Combination 2, ZO-ActFr (25 mg) + CS-HexFr (10 mg)–Combination 3, and CS-HexFr (10 mg) + BM-ButFr (5 mg)–Combination 4; provided ~30% (30 ± 1.1), 70% (12 ± 0.4; P < 0.01), 60% (19 ± 0.2; P < 0.05) and 90% (05 ± 0.1; P < 0.001) protection, respectively, against cisplatin induced vomiting as compared to cisplatin control. Standard MCP (30 mg) provided ~50% (23 ± 0.3) protection (P > 0.05). CS Hexane fraction (10 mg/kg), BM methanolic (10 mg/kg) and bacoside rich n-butanol fraction (5 mg/kg) and ZO acetone fraction (25 mg/kg) alone provided ~62%, 36%, 71%, and 44% protection, respectively, as compared to cisplatin control. The most effective and synergistic combination 4 was found to reduce 5HT and 5HIAA (P < 0.05–0.001) in all the brain areas area postrema (AP)+brain stem (BS) and intestine at the 3rd hour of cisplatin administration. In continuation, at the 18th of cisplatin administration reduction in dopamine (P < 0.001) in the AP and 5HT in the brain stem and intestine (P < 0.001) was observed. The said combination did not change the neurotransmitters basal levels and their respective metabolites any significantly. In conclusion, all the tested combinations offered protection against cisplatin induced vomiting to variable degrees, where combination 4 provided enhanced attenuation by antiserotonergic mechanism at the 3rd hour while a blended antidopaminergic and antiserotonergic mechanism at the 18th hour after cisplatin administration.

Isolation of Quercetin and Avicularin from Dennettia tripetala (G. Baker) Seeds, and Evaluation of the Oxidative Stress Management Capacity and Cytotoxic Activities of Its Acetone Extract and Fractions

Isolation of Quercetin and Avicularin from Dennettia tripetala (G. Baker) Seeds, and Evaluation of the Oxidative Stress Management Capacity and Cytotoxic Activities of Its Acetone Extract and Fractions

Investigated hydrogen-bond network kinetics of acetone-water solutions by spontaneous and stimulated Raman spectroscopy.

The hydrogen bond (HB) network structure and kinetics of the acetone-water mixed solutions were investigated by the spontaneous Raman and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) spectra. The HB network of water molecules was enhanced when the volume fraction of acetone ranged from 0 to 0.25. Two new SRS peaks of water at 3272 and 3380 cm-1 were obtained, resulting from the cooperation of the polar carbonyl (C = O)-enhanced HB and the ice-like structure formed around the methyl groups. However, when the volume fraction went beyond 0.25, the spontaneous Raman main peak at 3445 cm-1 showed a significant blue-shift, and the corresponding SRS signal disappeared, indicating that the HB of water was weakened, which originated from the self-association of acetone. In the meantime, the fully tetrahedral HB structure among water molecules was destroyed at the higher volume fraction (≥ 0.8). Hopefully, our study here would advance the study of HB network structures and kinetics in other aqueous solutions.

UTILIZATION OF THE FLOWER OF Tagetes Erecta LINN AS A REPELLENT AGAINST Aedes Aegypti L (DIPTERA: CULIDAE) MOSQUITO

The use of Tagetes Erecta Linn flowers as a repellent against the Aedes Aegypti L mosquito (Diptera: culidae) has been carried out. Extraction of 570 grams of Tagetes flower samples was carried out by maceration using methanol to produce 44 grams of thick green extract. Phytochemical test results showed the methanol extract of Tagetes flower samples were positive for flavonoids. Compound fractionation was carried out and obtained 3 fractions, namely water fraction, acetone fraction and n-hexane. The results of the phytochemical test showed that the n-hexane fraction was negative for flavonoids, while the water and acetone fractions were positive for flavonoids. The total yield of flavonoids in the water and acetone fractions was 8293.2692 mg/100 grams and 4964.1148 mg/100 grams, respectively. The water fraction of Tagetes flower extract was tested for active compounds using the GC-MS instrument. Test the effectiveness of the repellent effectiveness of Tagetes flower compounds, the lowest was 5% at 5 hours at 9.35% and the highest was 20% at 1 hour at 60.58%.

Fractionation based evaluation of phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial and allelopathic potential of Piper chaba, Hunter. stem and identification of “Pipercyclobutanamide-A” as a strong allelopathic agent

Piper chaba, Hunter. is a less known medicinal spice. Its medicinal properties have been studied thoroughly but its role as a source of agrochemicals has not been studied yet. So, in the present work, we are interested to explore its other biological activities. Fractionated quantitative biochemical analysis revealed that all fractions contained substantial amounts of phenolics (ranging from 863.75 mg to 1073.11 mg GAE/g of dry extract), flavonoids (164.01 mg to 244.57 mg QE/g of dry weight) and tannins (42.86 mg to 64.88 mg TAE/g dry extract) except acetone fraction. All fractions of P. chaba revealed strong fungicidal activity with Inhibition Zone Diameter [IZD] ranging from 32.49 to 36.66 mm except acetone fraction. In case of bactericidal activity, all the fractions except hexane fraction exhibited strong effect with IZD ranges from 14.96 to 30.39 mm against all the tested species. Dose dependent bioassay experiment on rice showed that methanol fraction of P. chaba possesses strong allelopathic activity with IC50 value 202.77 μg/mL for root length and 509.1 μg/mL for shoot length. As methanol fraction of P. chaba exhibited strong allelopathic activity, we were interested to identify the actual compound responsible for that activity. LCMS analysis of purified methanol fraction of P. chaba revealed the presence of “Pipercyclobutanamide-A” as a major compound– and this is the first report of this compound from stem of P. chaba. Therefore, methanol fraction of Piper chaba could be used as natural source of compounds with agrochemical and antimicrobial potential for sustainable agriculture and pharmaceutical purposes.

Nephroprotective Activity of the Hydro-alcoholic, Ethanolic Extract and its Fractions of Tukhme Soya (Anethum sowa Roxb.) against Gentamicin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Albino Rats

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Nephrotoxicity is an emerging health issue in many countries due to exogenous or endogenous toxicants. Many drugs are responsible for causing renal damage including antibiotics such as aminoglycoside, cisplatin, etc. Meanwhile some herbs are traditionally used to treat kidney disorders due to their nephroprotective properties. One of them is Tukhme- soya (Seed of Anethum sowa) from family Umbelliferae. This study aims to evaluate the Tukhm-e-soya in gentamicin induced nephrotoxic kidney models in Albino rats. <strong>Methods: </strong>The rats were divided in to eight groups and each group was comprised of six rats. Group I- VIII were control, toxic, hydro-alcoholic, ethanolic, petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, aqueous groups respectively. 1% carboxy methyl cellulose was used as control and gentamicin was used as toxicant. Duration of the study was 8 days. Serum creatinine (S.Cr), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), histopathological studies of kidneys, and lipid peroxidation (LPO), were evaluated. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett&rsquo;s post hoc test.<strong> Results:</strong> BUN, S.Cr and LPO levels were significantly increased in toxicant group when compared with control. Groups III - VIII showed significantly lower values close to control group in these parameters. Study revealed that it has a potent antioxidant activity which may be responsible for its nephroprotective actions. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Therefore, it is concluded that all the extracts and fractions of Tukhme soya were effective in nephroprotection but acetone fraction, hydroalcoholic and chloroform fractions were more effective than other groups. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words: </strong>Nephroprotective, Tukhm-e-soya, Gentamicin, Histopathology, Lipid peroxidation.

From acetone fractionation to lignin-based phenolic and polyurethane resins

In this study, acetone fractionation was used to increase the homogeneity of softwood kraft lignin for product development. The acetone soluble and insoluble fractions were analyzed in terms of elemental composition, chemical structure, and thermal properties. The phenolic hydroxyl content of the acetone soluble fraction increased by 24%. The acetone soluble fraction of kraft lignin was used to fully substitute phenol in phenolic resin formulation. The resulting formulated lignin-formaldehyde adhesive showed higher adhesion strength (4.3 MPa) compared to a lab formulated phenol-formaldehyde resin (3.4 MPa) with 100% wood failure after lap shear test. On the other hand, the acetone insoluble lignin fraction, which had 23% higher aliphatic hydroxyl content compared to the starting lignin, was used to entirely replace petroleum-based polyol in polyurethane resin formulation. Then a bio-derived solvent (dihydrolevoglucosenone, Cyrene) was used to dissolve the acetone insoluble lignin fraction to synthesize lignin-based polyurethane resin. Tailoring the structure of kraft lignin through solvent fractionation resulted in two fractions, which were used to replace 100% of two major petrochemicals (phenol and polyol) in the formulations of phenolic and PU resins, that would otherwise be challenging due to the heterogeneity of softwood kraft lignin.

Ptaeroxylon obliquum leaf extracts, fractions and isolated compounds as potential inhibitors of 15-lipoxygenase and lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells

Ptaeroxylon obliquum is used traditionally to treat inflammatory diseases and related symptoms such as arthritis, rheumatism, fever and headache. The aim of the study was to determine the anti-inflammatory activities of the crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds from P. obliquum leaves. Nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and soybean 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitory assays were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity. The acetone crude extracts and fractions had weak 15-LOX inhibitory activity and also had some toxicity against the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The three isolated compounds, obliquumol, lupeol and β-amyrin mixture, and eranthin had good 15-LOX inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 7.4 to 13.9 µg/mL which was in the same order as the positive control quercetin (2.1 µg/mL). The high percentage inhibition of NO production by the crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds appeared to be due to the toxicity to the macrophage cells. Eranthin had the most promising activity with 71.1% inhibition and 89.1% cell viability at a 0.5 µg/mL concentration. The 15-LOX inhibitory activity of obliquumol, lupeol and β-amyrin mixture and eranthin may explain the traditional uses of P. obliquum to treat various inflammatory diseases even though the possibility that the anti-inflammatory activity might still be exerted through other inflammatory mechanisms.

In Vitro Potential of the Acetone Leaf Extract and Fractions of Psychotria capensis (Eckl.) Vatke (Rubiaceae) to Combat Co-Infection of Tuberculosis and Helminthiasis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of global importance that affects millions of people. Approximately a quarter of the world’s population is currently infected with M. tuberculosis, and about 10% of those infected will develop into active disease, particularly immune compromised individuals. Helminthiasis is of global health importance, affecting over 2 billion people mostly in resource-poor countries. Co-infection with tuberculosis (TB) and helminths (worms) is an emerging global public health concern with both affecting about one-third of the global population. Chronic infection with helminths can result in impaired immune responses to TB as well as enhancing failure to TB therapy and BCG vaccination. Antimycobacterial and anthelmintic activities of the acetone extract and fractions of Psychotria capensis were evaluated, including their in vitro safety. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect of the fractions and crude extract of P. capensis were assessed. Antimycobacterial activity of the extract and fractions was tested against four non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. fortuitum, M. aurum, M. bovis BCG) and pathogenic M. tuberculosis H37Rv while the Egg Hatch Assay (EHA) was used for the anthelmintic test on eggs of Haemonchus contortus. Cytotoxicity was determined against Vero kidney cells while in vitro immune modulation via cytokine production was determined on activated macrophages. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the Psychotria capensis acetone extract and fractions ranged from 39 to 1,250 μg/ml with the crude extract and hexane fraction having the best MIC values (both 39 μg/ml). In the EHA, the inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranged from 160 to 630 μg/ml with the hexane fraction having the best activity. The hexane and chloroform fractions were relatively non-toxic with LC50 values of 290 and 248 μg/ml respectively, while the acetone crude extract (64 μg/ml) and n-butanol fraction (71 μg/ml) were moderately toxic. The SI values (LC50/MIC) ranged from 0.1 to 7.4 with the hexane fraction having the highest value against M. smegmatis (7.4). The hexane fraction had the best dual anthelmintic and antimycobacterial activity. This fraction had the best NO inhibitory activity and was the least cytotoxic, indicating that its activity was not due to general metabolic toxicity, with 96.54% cell viability. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12p70 were upregulated while IL-10 expression was inhibited by the extracts. Compounds were detected using GC-MS analysis, and in both the crude acetone extract and the hexane fraction was the diterpene neophytadiene, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Finding alternative or complementary approaches to dealing with TB infections by, amongst other things, reducing the incidence of helminth infestations may lessen the burden of TB, contributing to slowing the spread of multi-drug resistance.

Sequential aqueous acetone fractionation and characterization of Brauns native lignin separated from Chinese quince fruit

Lignin, especially Brauns native lignin (BNL), from Chinese quince (Chaenomeles sinensis) fruit represents a potential source of natural antioxidants. However, the highly inhomogeneous structure and the carbohydrate impurity reduce the antioxidant properties of BNL. Accordingly, a sequential aqueous acetone fractionation was used to prepare pure lignin fractions with homogeneous molecular structures; these fractions showed strong antioxidant properties. Analytical results showed that the yields of F50% and F60% exceeded 20% (i.e., 20.6% and 24.1%, respectively). The sugar impurities in BNL were mainly retained in the F30% and F40% fractions. For all fractions, molecular weight increased as the acetone concentration increased. The results from 2D HSQC NMR and 31P NMR indicated that the number of lignin linkages (β-O-4′, β-β’ and β-5′) and functional groups (S-OH, G-OH, H-OH, and COOH) of these fractions varied with their molecular weights. Antioxidant assays showed that F40%, F50% and F60% had higher antioxidant properties than BNL. Overall, the study provides a simple, environmentally friendly fractionation method to prepare lignin with various structural features and strong antioxidant properties from Chinese quince fruit. These lignin fractions have promising application in some fields with high value, such as antioxidants production, biomaterials, packaging materials, and drug delivery and so on.

Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities in Aqueous Acetone Extract and its Fractions from Ampelocissus martini Root

This study aimed to evaluate and correlate phytochemical content, antioxidant activity and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity in aqueous acetone extract and fractions derived from it (ethyl acetate fraction, watersoluble fraction, aqueous methanol fraction and aqueous acetone fraction) which are obtained from Ampelocissus martini Planch. root. Ethyl acetate fraction and aqueous acetone fraction had the highest total phenolic content and total proanthocyanidin content, respectively. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays showed that aqueous acetone fraction had higher antioxidant activity compared to other samples and standards. Acarbose and all samples except aqueous methanol fraction inhibited alpha-amylase, a key enzyme linked to type 2 diabetes, in a dose-dependent manner and aqueous acetone fraction showed the strongest inhibition (half-maximal inhibitory concentration=8.77±0.28 μg/ml). Aqueous acetone fraction was a mixed noncompetitive inhibitor of the enzyme. Correlation analysis showed strong positive correlations among proanthocyanidin content, antioxidant activity and alphaamylase inhibitory activity. These results suggest that aqueous acetone fraction, proanthocyanidins-rich fraction from Ampelocissus martini root, may be used for effective diabetes management because of its high potential antioxidant activity and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity.

HPLC-DAD analysis, antifungal and antioxidant activity of Solanum dolichosepalum bitter extracts and fractions

Solanum dolichosepalum is a plant with anti-infective effects. It is a healing agent and has ethnopharmacological uses. In this study, the antifungal activity of extracts and fractions of this species on C. albicans and F. oxysporum was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was measured using the ABTS and DPPH methods, and by determining the total content of phenolic compounds. An HPLC-DAD qualitative analysis was carried out to identify phenolic compounds and alkaloids. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated. Inhibitory effects were found in all the extracts and fractions on the analyzed microorganisms. F. oxysporum was the microorganism most sensitive to the action of S. dolichosepalum extracts. All extracts and fractions showed antioxidant activity, with the acetone extract and the acetone fraction being those that generated the best results. The content of total phenolic compounds showed that acetone has a greater affinity with the phenolic compounds present in S. dolichosepalum. In this plant, p-Hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, ferulic, trans-cinnamic, caffeic, p-coumaric, and rosmarinic acids were found, as well as theobromine, quercetin, and luteolin. The content of total phenolic compounds was determined to be directly proportional to the inhibition of the ABTS and DPPH radicals, and the inhibition of the analyzed microorganisms. It was determined that the extracts and fractions obtained from S. dolichosepalum show antioxidant and antifungal activity.

Synthesis and characterization of favored transition metal ions using Datura metel seed extracts and its better antimicrobial activity

Many plant genera are used as remedies for a variety of illnesses, making them important sources of powerful medications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Datura metel's metal ions and ethanol and chloroform extracts have any antibacterial effects against various illnesses. Among the microbes are Aeromonaus Hydrophyllae, Erwinia Caratovara, Fusarium Oxysporum, Pseudomonas syringae, and Streptococcus Pyogenes. Datura metel aerial seed extracts in methanol and their metal ions were investigated for their antibacterial properties. The efficacy of the extracts against Gram (+) bacteria was dose-dependent. The antifungal effects of Datura metel L. hexane, chloroform, acetone, and methanolic fractions were studied using pathogenic Aspergillus species. The chloroform fraction was discovered to have antifungal effects. Using the Soxhlet method, the equivalent extracts of hexane, chloroform, and methanol were produced. The antibacterial effects of organic solvent extracts were investigated on a range of test species, including bacteria and fungus, using the agar well diffusion method. XRD identifies the metal ions and polycrystalline structure of the Datura metel. The amount of metal ion reduction is calculated using UV absorption spectra. The structural characteristics of the datura metel extract and its ions were ascertained using the SEM and IR morphologies. Datura metel can be used to treat infectious diseases brought on by pathogenic bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The focus of this research is to compare and contrast the phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of various metals doped with D. metel extract.

Equilibrium solubility, model evaluation and molecular dynamic simulation of riluzole in three binary solvents from 278.15 K to 323.15 K

In this paper, it was measured that the solubility of riluzole in three binary mixtures ((ethanol/n-propanol/acetone) + H2O) through the method of laser monitoring under 278.15–323.15 K and 0.1 MPa. As expected, the solubility of riluzole in three binary solvents increases with rising temperature. For the acetone + water system, the solubility of riluzole increases monotonously with the increasing mass fraction of acetone. For the ethanol + water system, the solubility order is: ethanol (ω1 = 0.8999) > ethanol (ω1 = 0.7999) > ethanol (ω1 = 0.5999) > ethanol (ω1 = 0.7000) > ethanol (ω1 = 0.5000) > ethanol (ω1 = 0.4000). For the n-propanol + water system, the solubility order is: n-propanol (ω1 = 0.8000) > n-propanol (ω1 = 0.8998) > n-propanol (ω1 = 0.6999) > n-propanol (ω1 = 0.6000) > n-propanol (ω1 = 0.4999) > n-propanol (ω1 = 0.4000) > n-propanol (ω1 = 0.2999). The above phenomenon shows that when the mass fraction of ethanol is 0.5999 and the mass fraction of n-propanol is 0.8000, co-dissolution may occur. The solubility data were correlated via five models (modified Apelblat model, λh model, NRTL model, Uniquac model and Wilson model). As a result, we found that the modified Apelblat model has the most satisfactory correlation. Finally, the radial distribution function (RDF) obtained from molecular simulation were employed to analyze the solubility sequence of riluzole in more depth.

Vanadium and nickel distributions in selective-separated n-heptane asphaltenes of heavy crude oils

Understanding vanadium and nickel distributions in asphaltene fractions have significant commercial importance throughout the petroleum value chain and the potential use of heavy feedstocks as a precursor of carbon-based materials, such as carbon fibers. This work extends our previous studies and aims to characterize volatile and non-volatile vanadium and nickel distributions by selective separation of n-heptane asphaltenes obtained from two Venezuelan heavy crude oils and the NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 8505. Asphaltenes were separated by extrography, i.e., adsorption on SiO2 and subsequent extraction with acetone, heptol (n-heptane/toluene 1:1 vol), and a mixture of toluene, THF, and methanol (TTM). The results suggest that their solubility and aggregation strongly correlate to a higher hydrogen deficiency and increased heteroatom levels. The qualitative analysis of the spent silica gel, containing irreversibly-adsorbed asphaltenes, by Light-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, suggests that regardless of the solvent power used during the extraction, strong chemisorbed Ni and V species remain on the SiO2, presumable associated with porphyrin molecules present on such feeds. High-Temperature Gas Chromatography coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HTGC-ICP-MS) showed that vanadium and nickel compounds have boiling points starting at 1050 °F. Quantification of the V-content below 1300 °F for the Venezuelan crude 1 indicated that the acetone fraction contains a large amount of distillable vanadium (∼62 %wt.). Interestingly, whole/unfractionated asphaltenes revealed only 47% of distillable vanadium, which suggests that the extrography method can obtain asphaltene fractions with “improved” properties (weaker aggregation, increased solubility, and lower boiling points). The characterization by atmospheric pressure photoionization Fourier Transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (APPI FT-ICR MS) and HTGC-ICP-MS revealed that the acetone asphaltene fractions have a higher relative abundance of vanadyl porphyrins (with and without sulfur) than heptol and TTM.

A Greener HPTLC Approach for the Determination of β-Carotene in Traditional and Ultrasound-Based Extracts of Different Fractions of Daucus carota (L.), Ipomea batatas (L.), and Commercial Formulation

Various analytical approaches for determining β-carotene in vegetable crops and commercial dosage forms have been documented. However, neither the qualitative nor quantitative environmental safety and greener aspects of the literature analytical methodologies of β-carotene analysis have been assessed. As a result, the goal of this research is to develop and validate a reversed-phase “high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)” approach for determining β-carotene in traditional (TE) and ultrasound-assisted (UBE) extracts of different fractions of Daucus carota (L.), Ipomea batatas (L.), and commercial formulation. The greener mobile phase for β-carotene analysis was a ternary mixture of ethanol, cyclohexane, and ammonia (95:2.5:2.5, v v v−1). The detection of β-carotene was done at a wavelength of 459 nm. In the 25–1000 ng band−1 range, the greener reversed-phase HPTLC approach was linear. Other validation factors for β-carotene analysis, including as accuracy, precision, robustness, and sensitivity, were likewise dependable. The contents of β-carotene were found to be maximum in hexane: acetone (50:50%) fractions of TE and UBE of D. carota and I. batatas compared to their acetone and hexane fractions. The amount of β-carotene in hexane: acetone (50:50%) portions of TE of D. carota, I. batatas and commercial formulation A was estimated to be 10.32, 3.73, and 6.73 percent w w−1, respectively. However, the amount of β-carotene in hexane: acetone (50:50%) portions of UBE of D. carota, I. batatas and commercial formulation A was estimated to be 11.03, 4.43, and 6.89 percent w w−1, respectively. The greenness scale for the proposed HPTLC strategy was calculated as 0.81 using the “analytical GREEnness (AGREE)” method, indicating that the proposed HPTLC methodology has good greenness. The UBE approach for extracting β-carotene outperformed the TE procedure. These results indicated that the greener reversed-phase HPTLC approach can be utilized for the determination of β-carotene in different vegetable crops, plant-based phytopharmaceuticals, and commercial products. In addition, this approach is also safe and sustainable due to the utilization of a greener mobile phase compared to the toxic mobile phases utilized in literature analytical approaches of β-carotene estimation.

Metabolism of key atmospheric volatile organic compounds by the marine heterotrophic bacterium Pelagibacter HTCC1062 (SAR11).

SummaryPlants and phytoplankton are natural sources of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) acetone and isoprene, which are reactive and can alter atmospheric chemistry. In earlier research we reported that, when co‐cultured with a diatom, the marine bacterium Pelagibacter (strain HTCC1062; ‘SAR11 clade’) reduced the concentration of compounds tentatively identified as acetone and isoprene. In this study, experiments with Pelagibacter monocultures confirmed that these cells are capable of metabolizing acetone and isoprene at rates similar to bacterial communities in seawater and high enough to consume substantial fractions of the total marine acetone and isoprene budgets if extrapolated to global SAR11 populations. Homologues of an acetone/cyclohexanone monooxygenase were identified in the HTCC1062 genome and in the genomes of a wide variety of other abundant marine taxa, and were expressed at substantial levels (c. 10−4 of transcripts) across TARA oceans metatranscriptomes from ocean surface samples. The HTCC1062 genome lacks the canonical isoprene degradation pathway, suggesting an unknown alternative biochemical pathway is used by these cells for isoprene uptake. Fosmidomycin, an inhibitor of bacterial isoprenoid biosynthesis, blocked HTCC1062 growth, but the cells were rescued when isoprene was added to the culture, indicating SAR11 cells may be capable of synthesizing isoprenoid compounds from exogenous isoprene.

Production of fermented tea petal decoction with insights into in vitro biochemical tests, antioxidant assay and GC-MS analysis

This research work was designed to attempt and propose the first report on production and biochemical characterization of fermented tea flower petal decoction or simply tea petal wine. The tea petal decoction and brewer’s yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae were co-cultured for fermentation. Antioxidant activity and chromatographic separation of potential candidates were assessed. Primary investigations for qualitative characters on this fermented broth revealed the presence of steroids, tannin, flavonoids, phenol, cardiac glycosides, coumarin, caffeine etc. Our manufactured fermented broth showed high free radical scavenging activity after 2 months of aging. High DPPH scavenging activities were also observed in solvent fractions of acetone, ethanol and methanol. The antioxidant activity, alcohol percentage and other qualities were seen to be gradually increased during aging. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 44 compounds including many potential antioxidant molecules and other bioactive agents. Hopefully, presence of alcohol with medicinally active compounds and antioxidant activity will make it as acceptable as a good wine and tea flower as economically functional.Graphical abstract