Acid Methyl Ester Research Articles

Phytochemical characterization, anti-diarrhoeal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory activities and toxicity profile of Ananas comosus (L.) Merr (pineapple) leaf in albino rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAnanas comosus (pineapple) leaf is used in ethnomedicine to treat diarrhoea, inflammation, pain, bacterial infections and oedema. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to investigate the anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects as well as the toxicity profile of the aqueous Ananas comosus leaf extract (AACLE) in rats. MethodsMethanol ACLE was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. In the acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg AACLE was administered. In the subacute toxicity study (28 days), rats in groups 2–4 received AACLE orally. The anti-diarrhoeal effect was studied using charcoal meal and castor oil-induced diarrhoea. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic tests were measured using egg albumin-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing methods, respectively. For the subacute toxicity, anti-diarrhoeal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory studies, AACLE was administered orally to rats at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight. ResultsHexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, n-hexadecanoic acid and n-heptadecanol-1 were identified among other compounds with known pharmacological activities by GC-MS analysis. No deaths, behavioural changes, or signs of toxicity were observed in the acute toxicity study. Treatment with AACLE (28 days) decreased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione, and catalase increased when compared with control (P < 0.05). Treatment with AACLE did not cause significant changes in haematological or renal function parameters. Treatment with AACLE inhibited gastrointestinal motility and castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. Treatment with AACLE resulted in a dose-dependent (200–600 mg/kg) significant (P < 0.05) anti-diarrhoeal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect compared to standard drugs. ConclusionOur study revealed that ACLE is not toxic but contains bioactive compounds with anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activity. AACLE has antidiarrhoeal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in rats, which justifies its therapeutic use in traditional medicine.

Potential antithrombotic effect of two new phenylpropanoid sucrose esters and other secondary metabolites of Canna indica L. rhizome

Canna indica L. has been traditionally used to treat various diseases. Based on previously reported antithrombotic effect for this plant, two new phenylpropanoid sucrose esters (canindicoside A (1) and canindicoside B (2)) and seven known compounds: nepetoidin B (3), caffeic acid (4), ferulic acid (5), (R)-(+)-rosmarinic acid (6), isorinic acid (7), (S)-(-)-rosmarinic acid (8) and (S)-(-)-rosmarinic acid methyl ester (9) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract. Compounds were elucidated by NMR and MS spectroscopic methods. The antiplatelet effect was evaluated using turbidimetric method. Anticoagulant activity was examined by measuring activated partial thromboplastine time (APTT), prothrombin time, and thrombine time (TT). It was shown for the first time that both new phenylpropanoid sucrose esters 1 and 2, 7 and 9 displayed dose-dependent antiplatelet effects. 2 and 9 had the highest inhibitory activity on both adenosine diphosphate (ADP)- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Moreover, 1, 7 and 9 also exhibited anticoagulant activity. At 0.4 mg/mL, both 1 and 7 prolonged APTT compared to the negative control (p < 0.05), suggesting the possible inhibitory impact on the intrinsic coagulation pathway. Moreover, 9 at 0.4 mg/mL exerted higher TT values than the negative control (p < 0.05). C. indica and its bioactive phytochemicals are potential candidates for development of anti-thrombosis therapy.

Mechanism of Chinese botanical drug Dizhi pill for myopia: An integrated study based on bioinformatics and network analysis.

To identify the active constituents, core targets, immunomodulatory functions and potential mechanisms of Dizhi pill (DZP) in the treatment of myopia. The active constituents and drug targets of DZP were searched in the TCMSP, Herb databases and correlational studies. The targets of myopia were searched in the TTD, Genecards, OMIM and Drugbank databases. Gene expression profile data of GSE136701 were downloaded from the GEO database and subjected to WGCNA and DEG analysis to screen for significant modules and targets of myopia. Intersectional targets of myopia and DZP and core targets of myopia were analyzed through the String database. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the interested targets were conducted. Cibersort algorithm was used for immune infiltration analysis to investigate the immunomodulatory functions of DZP on myopia. Autodock was used to dock the important targets and active constituents. Eight targets (STAT3, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, MAPK1, MAPK3, HSP90AA1, MIP, and LGSN) and 5 active constituents (Quercetin, Beta-sitosterol, Diincarvilone A, Ferulic acid methyl ester, and Naringenin) were identified from DZP. In pathways identified by the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, "ATP metabolic process" and "AGE-RAGE diabetes complication signaling" pathways were closely related to the mechanisms of DZP in the treatment of myopia. Molecular docking showed that both the intersectional targets and core targets of myopia could bind stably and spontaneously with the active constituents of DZP. This study suggested that the mechanisms of DZP in the treatment of myopia were related to active constituents: Quercetin, Beta-sitosterol, Diincarvilone A, Ferulic acid methyl ester and Naringenin, intersectional targets: STAT3, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, MAPK1, MAPK3, and HSP90AA1, core targets of myopia: MIP and LGSN, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, positive regulation of ATP metabolic process pathway and immunomodulatory functions.

Multipronged Approach to Profiling Metabolites in Beta vulgaris L. Dried Pulp Extracts Using Chromatography, NMR and Other Spectroscopy Methods.

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is known for being a rich source of phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins. This study aims to show how the combination of extraction/chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR offers an efficient way to profile metabolites in the extracts of beetroot. Such combination may lead to the identification of more nutritional or medicinal compounds in natural products, and it is essential for our ongoing investigation to study the selective adsorption/desorption of these metabolites' on/off nanoparticles. The aqueous and organic extracts underwent analyses using UV-vis spectroscopy; GC-MS; LC-MS; 1H, 13C, 31P, TOCSY, HSQC, and selective TOCSY NMR experiments. Polar Extract: The two forms of betalain pigment were identified by UV-vis and LC MS. Fourteen amino acids, sucrose, and other compounds, among which is riboflavin, were identified by LC-MS. Two-dimensional TOCSY showed the spin coupling correlations corresponding to some of these compounds. The HSQC spectrum showed 1H/13C spin correlation in sucrose, confirming its high abundance in beetroot. Organic Extract: GC-MS data enabled the identification of several compounds including six fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) with higher than, on average, 90% similarity score. Selective TOCSY NMR data showed the spin coupling pattern corresponding to oleic, linoleic, and linolenic fatty acids. 31P NMR spectra indicate that phospholipids exist in both the organic and aqueous phase.

Using ZnAl–LDH@SiO2 as a catalyst for the electrocatalytic conversion of waste frying oil into biodiesel

In this study, a novel electrocatalytic conversion system via simultaneous esterification and transesterification, based on a ZnAl–layered double hydroxide (LDH)@SiO2, was investigated for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production from waste frying oil (WFO). A mechanism is proposed for the (trans)esterification process to generate CH3O− and OH− on the ZnAl–LDH@SiO2 as the semiconductor heterogeneous catalyst. The inclusion of SiO2 enhanced the catalyst's basicity and caused a better exposure of atoms of oxygen atoms on the catalyst's surface which contributed to the formation of methoxides as a nucleophilic attack on the triglyceride's carbonyl. Also, ZnAl–LDH@SiO2 as an electrocatalyst reduces the beginning potential rate and increases the charge carriers transport. The results showed that 98.4% FAME yield was obtained at higher water content from WFO after 90 min of reaction at 25 °C using 2 wt% of the ZnAl–LDH@SiO2 catalyst, and a methanol to WFO (M:WFO) molar ratio of 6:1. ZnAl–LDH@SiO2 was also effective for WFO containing 3.3 wt% of free fatty acid (FFA), and indicated high stability for WFO (trans)esterification after 5 runs. The electrocatalytic conversion system has the potential to advance a new process development for the conversion of feedstock containing high FFA and water to produce the second generation of biodiesel.

Monolayers of amino acid-type amphiphiles

The monolayer characteristics of selected N-alkanoyl substituted α-amino acid are studied with the objective to demonstrate the specific effect of the chemical structure of the polar head group which is highlighted with the D- and L-enantiomers of the following selected examples: R-alanine, R-serine, R-threonine, R-allo-threonine, and R-aspartic acid (R = C16, C18). The thermodynamic effect of the head group variation is studied. Experimental π-A isotherms of the N-tetradecyl-L-alanine monolayers show similar behavior as those of usual amphiphiles. The -CH3-group in R-alanine with the simplest head group structure is substituted by a -CH2-OH group in R-serine and serine methylester and by a -CH- CH3-OH group in R-threonine (or allo-threonine) and threonine methylester. The introduction of the methyl group in 3-position of serine (serine to 3-methyl-serine = threonine) shifts the characteristic temperatures by >20 K to lower values determined for N-C16-Dl-serine. The formation of the corresponding methylester decreases these temperatures by 15 K for serine with the shorter (C16) alkyl chain and only by ∼5 K for threonine with the longer chain (C18). The π–A curves of the enantiomeric and racemic allo-forms show similar features to those of N-stearoyl-threonine. The absolute T0-values (disappearance of the LE/LC-transition) are 4–5 K larger compared with the corresponding N-stearoyl-threonines, but the ΔT0 between the enantiomeric (D) and the racemic (DL) forms is only slightly larger than that of N-stearoyl-threonine.Monolayers of different N-alkanoyl substituted α-amino acid amphiphiles have been mesoscopically characterized. Substantial topological differences are observable at the condensed phase domains of several amino acid amphiphiles, such as, N-palmitoyl aspartic acid, N-palmitoyl- or N-stearoyl serine methyl ester, N-stearoyltyrosine, N-palmitoyl or N-myristoyl alanine. Many fascinating domain shapes are found, but always the curvatures of the two enantiomeric forms are directed in an opposite sense. The domain shape of the 1:1 racemic mixtures is usually different, but very often oppositely curved texture elements are observable.GIXD is used to study the characteristic features of the lattice structure of condensed monolayer phases on the Angstrom scale. Specific for all structures is the large tilt angle with respect to the surface normal, which decreases only marginally by compression. The large size of the head groups and strong interactions between them dominate the monolayer structure. As presented for NC16 and N-C18-threonine, N-C16-DL -serine, N-C16-L -serine, NC16 DL -serine-ME, NC16 L -serine-ME, NC18 DL -threonine-ME, and NC18 L -threonine-ME the enantiomers form an oblique lattice structure (3 diffraction peaks), whereas two peaks are observed for the racemates forming NNN tilted orthorhombic structures. A complete phase diagram of mixed monolayers of the D- and L-enantiomers of N-stearoyl-threonine with two eutectic points at xD ≈ 0.25 and xD ≈ 0.75 is proposed.The quantum chemical semiempirical PM3 method is applied to calculate the thermodynamic and structural parameters of clusterization in finite and infinite clusters for N-alkanoyl-substituted alanine with n = 8–17 carbon atoms in the chain at the air/water interface with the aim to obtain a new theoretical verification of the experimental results.

Green Production of Biodiesel from High Acid Value Oil via Glycerol Esterification and Transesterification Catalyzed by Nano Hydrated Eggshell-Derived CaO

Biodiesel is a widely recognized and favored liquid biofuel, primarily attributed to its biodegradability and non-toxicity. However, the development of biodiesel is hindered by its high production costs. Here, we developed a method that combines glycerol esterification and transesterification reaction catalyzed using nano-hydrated CaO for the green production of biodiesel from high acid value oil. Waste eggshell was chosen as the calcium source to examine the effect of hydration temperature and duration. The catalysts were optimized using a synthesis process involving under calcination for 3 h at 875 °C, followed by hydration at 60 °C for 6 h and subsequent dehydration at 725 °C. The catalyst loading, alcohol-to-oil mass ratio, reaction temperature, and duration were optimized to 2.5 wt%, 35%, 60 °C, and 2 h, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the yield of fatty acid methyl ester reached 94.44%. The catalyst was successfully reused eight cycles while maintaining a yield of fatty acid methyl ester at 80.52%. In addition, a comprehensive overview was summarized to compare the catalyst preparation methods, reaction conditions, biodiesel yield, and reusability in the production of biodiesel using eggshell-derived CaO.

Impacts of antioxidants on stability of biodiesel derived from waste frying oil

AbstractMeasurement of the composition and properties of biodiesel derived from waste frying oil (B100 WFO) demonstrated the impacts of antioxidant (AO) concentration on oxidative stability. The B100 WFO was found to have similar physicochemical properties to B100 derived from waste cooking oil and catfish oil but it possessed better oxidation stability owing to AO added to the waste frying oil (WFO) and because of the lower content of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). A modified American Society for Testing and Materials D525 method was employed to study the impacts of oxidation on B100 WFO containing 0–0.24% v/v commercial BioExtend 30 AO and its fuel properties. BioExtend 30 protected B100 WFO from both degradation and polymerization reactions and a higher concentration of AO was found to prolong the shelf life of biodiesel linearly.

Enhancing the Biodiesel Production by Improving the Yield of Lipids in Wild Strain by Inducing Nitrogen Ion Mutation in Rhodotorula mucilaginosa

The overconsumption of energy results in the depletion of fossil fuels. Generally, biodiesels are produced from wastes of animal fats and vegetable oils. In this study, we have tried to produce biodiesel from both the wild strain and ion beam mutated strain and compared the concentration of lipids produced from both the strains and their properties. Lipids were extracted from microbes using the Bligh and Dyer method and analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry (GCMS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Extracted lipids (free fatty acids) were converted into biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) using a base catalyst. The end product biodiesel was characterized and analyzed based on ASTM standards.

Hydrothermal liquefaction of Moroccan two-phase olive mill waste (alperujo): Parametric study and products characterizations

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the hydrothermal liquefaction of two-phase olive mill waste (TPOMW). Consequently, a parametric study of the two-phase olive mill waste hydrothermal liquefaction was conducted using a batch reactor to screen different experimental operating conditions. Experiments were conducted at different temperatures: 260, 280, and 300 °C, dry-matter/water ratios: 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15, and residence times: 0 (no isotherm step), 30, 45, and 60 min. The product (gases, bio-oils, hydrochar) yields, global carbon mass balances, elemental composition (CHNS-O), and energy yield obtained were evaluated for each experimental condition. The operating condition at 280 °C with 0.15 dry-matter/water ratio and no isotherm step resulted in the maximum energy yield of the process (87%). Under these conditions, the bio-oil and hydrochar yields were equal to 37.2 wt% and 22.6 wt% of initial dry matter, respectively. Analysis of the products showed that the produced bio-oil (30.8–32.1 MJ/kg) and hydrochar (27.7–30.6 MJ/kg) presented higher values than lignite and coal, thus, these products can potentially be used for energetic insights. In terms of BO composition, FT-IR analysis exhibited the presence of some compounds such as carboxylic acids phenols, and esters. GC-FID/MS analysis showed that the produced bio-oils are rich in phenolic compounds, oleic acid, hexadecanoic acid, fatty acid methyl ester, and fatty acid ethyl ester, which is in accordance with FT-IR analysis.

Molecular simulation and wetting study on the mechanism and capability of hydrophilic surfactants used as spray dust suppressants for dust reduction in coal mines

Coal dust prevention and control has always been a practical problem that needs to be solved urgently in coal mines. Based on spray technology, it has a good application prospect to achieve effective deposition of coal dust by adding surfactants. In this work, the wetting mechanism of three anionic surfactants at the water coal interface was found out from the molecular micro level and macro level through wetting angle test, sedimentation experiment, interfacial tension experiment and molecular dynamics simulation analysis. The results show that the electrostatic potential extremes of sodium sec alkyl sulfonate, sodium fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and sodium a-alkenylsulfonate are 0.2399 a. u., 0.2430 a. u. And 0.2387 a. u. Respectively, which are greater than the electrostatic potential extremes of water 0.09157 a. u. It can be judged that the head groups of the three surfactants can produce hydrophilicity. The radial distribution function between the S atom and the O atom in the water in the hydrophilic group of the three surfactants has the same overall change trend, forming an obvious first peak and a weak second peak, with molecular diffusion coefficients of 4.633, 11.10, and 14.13 Å2/ps, respectively. The smaller diffusion coefficients correlated with stronger adsorption, which was consistent with contact angle measurements and a relative concentration analysis. The research results can provide reference for efficient evaluation of the wettability of surfactants.

A liquefied ammonia method for extracting lipids from Nannochloropsis oculata without drying and cell disruption

Lipid extraction technology that avoids energy-consuming processes, such as drying and cell disruption, is needed for efficient biofuel production. Here, we propose a novel technique for lipid extraction directly from wet Nannochloropsis oculata using liquefied NH3, eliminating energy-consuming drying and cell-disruption steps. An experimental apparatus to distribute liquefied NH3 to the sample at 20 °C and 0.85 MPa was developed. At an NH3/sample ratio of 45 (wt./wt.), approximately 48.5 wt% of the sample was separated as a crude extract, with the removal of over 99 wt% of the water content. The elemental composition of the feedstock and crude extract did not indicate any increase in N levels. The total fatty acid methyl ester yields (10.5 % of dry-weight biomass) were comparable to those obtained using conventional methods. The crude extract contained valuable C12–C20 fatty acids, indicating that liquefied NH3 extraction is attractive for producing bioproducts from wet microalgae.

VOC of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Based on N‐Doped PCBM Exceeds 1.2 V: Interface Energy Alignment and Synergistic Passivation

AbstractPhenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) remains the most commonly used electron transport layer in inverted perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). However, its insufficient electrical properties and passivation ability limit the device's performance. In this study, it is demonstrated that introducing an appropriate amount of n‐type polymer N2200 into the PCBM can simultaneously enhance the electrical properties of PCBM and passivate the defects distributed on perovskite surface. This modification of PCBM leads to improved band alignment and enhanced electron mobility. Simultaneously, N2200 polymer contains electron donors such as O, S involved in passivating uncoordinated Pb2+ defects. The PCBM@N2200‐based IPSCs exhibit an enhanced open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.20 V with the minimum 0.36 V voltage loss and reach the champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.53% (certified PCE is 24.05%) with narrow distribution. Impressively, the corresponding module achieves an efficiency of 20.30% (11.19 cm2). Moreover, the PCBM@N2200‐based IPSCs maintain 96% of their initial efficiency after operating at the maximum power point for 500 h, thanks to the interfacial passivation, improved uniformity, and increased hydrophobicity resulting from N2200 doping.

Over 23% Efficiency Under Indoor Light in Gallium-Doped Zinc Oxide Electron-Transport-Layer-Based Inverted Organic Solar Cell to Power IoT Devices

Inverted structured organic solar cells (OSCs) have recently attracted attention due to their greater stability and performance above conventional structured OSCs. Consequently, under indoor lighting, OSCs have excellent power conversion efficiency (PCE). Indoor OSC may be a useful power source for a variety of electrical devices connected to the Internet of Things network. An inverted structured OSC, the electron transport layer (ETL) is crucial. Inverted OSCs have been constructed with variety of metal oxides based ETL. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the best options among them because of its high transparency and stability, but its lower electron mobility is the key reason for the ZnO ETL-based inverted OSCs’ lower PCE. Moreover, very few studies have been conducted on the application of inverted structured OSCs for indoor light harvesting. We fabricate ZnO and gallium (Ga)-doped ZnO (GZO) ETL-based inverted structured OSCs with an poly (2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)-benzo1,2-b:4,5-b’dithiophene))-alt-(5,5-(1’,3’-di-2-thienyl-5’,7’-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzo1’,2’-c:4’,5’-c’dithiophene-4,8-dione):6,6-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PBDB-T:PC70BM) active layer and evaluate them using a light-emitting diode (LED) (1000 lx). To optimize the doping concentration, we have varied the concentration of Ga in the GZO. The findings demonstrate that only by doping the ETL of the inverted structured OSC, the PCE may be significantly enhanced. Under a 1000 lx LED illumination, the device using undoped ZnO as the ETL shows a maximum of 15.56% PCE. The OSC with Ga-doped ZnO as the ETL with an optimized concentration of Ga (2 at.%) exhibits a maximum of 23.42% PCE under a 1000 lx LED.

Green extraction of Milletia pinnata oil for the development, and characterization of pectin crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose/guar gum herbal nano hydrogel.

Milletia pinnata oil and Nardostachys jatamansi are rich sources of bioactive compounds and have been utilized to formulate various herbal formulations, however, due to certain environmental conditions, pure extract form is prone to degradation. Therefore, in this, study, a green hydrodistillation technology was used to extract M. pinnata oil and N. jatamansi root for the further application in development of pectin crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose/guar-gum nano hydrogel. Both oil and extract revealed the presence of spirojatamol and hexadecanoic acid methyl ester. Varied concentrations (w/w) of cross-linker and gelling agent were used to formulate oil emulsion extract gel (OEEG1, OEG1, OEEG2, OEG2, OEEG3, OEG3, OEEG4, OEG4, OEEG5, OEG5), in which OEEG2 and OEG2 were found to be stable. The hydrogel displayed an average droplet size of 186.7nm and a zeta potential of -20.5mV. Endo and exothermic peaks and the key functional groups including hydroxyl, amide II, and amide III groups confirmed thermal stability and molecular structure. The smooth surface confirmed structural uniformity. Bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive (25.41 ± 0.09mm) and Gram-negative (27.25 ± 0.01mm) bacteria and anti-inflammatory activity (49.25%-83.47%) makes nanohydrogel a potential option for treating various infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, the use of green hydrodistillation technology can be used to extract the bioactive compounds that can be used in formulation of biocompatible and hydrophobic nanohydrogels. Their ability to absorb target-specific drugs makes them a potential option for treating various infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms.

Variable Temperature Spectroscopic Ellipsometry as a Tool for Insight into the Optical Order in the P3HT:PC70BM and PC70BM Layers.

Two combined ellipsometric techniques-variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) and variable temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry (VTSE)-were used as tools to study the surface order and dielectric properties of thin films of a poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) mixture with a fullerene derivative (6,6-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester) (PC70BM). Under the influence of annealing, a layer of the ordered PC70BM phase was formed on the surface of the blend films. The dielectric function of the ordered PC70BM was determined for the first time and used in the ellipsometric modeling of the physical properties of the P3HT:PC70BM blend films, such as their dielectric function and thickness. The applied ellipsometric optical model of the polymer-fullerene blend treats the components of the blend as a mixture of optically ordered and disordered phases, using the effective medium approximation for this purpose. The results obtained using the constructed model showed that a layer of the ordered PC70BM phase was formed on the surface of the layer of the polymer and fullerene mixture. Namely, as a result of thermal annealing, the thickness of the layer of the ordered fullerene phase increased, while the thickness of the underlying material layer decreased.

Identification of anti-hyperuricemic components from Cichorium intybus L. taproots

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a worldwide cultivated plant with the anti-hyperuricemic effect. In this study, the anti-hyperuricemic effect was evaluated using an acute hyperuricemia mouse model to screen out anti-hyperuricemic components of chicory aqueous extract. The effective components significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by inhibiting liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and alleviated kidney injury in hyperuricemia mice. Six compounds, including three chlorogenic acid isomers, were yielded through the column chromatographic isolation of the effective components, and their structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Among them, chlorogenic acid methyl ester was first isolated from chicory. Cryptochlorogenic acid exhibited XOD inhibitory activity in vitro, with IC50 = 83.86 μg/mL. Because of the different substitution positions of the caffeoyl group and the number of methyl groups, chlorogenic acid isomers had different binding affinities and sites with XOD, showing different XOD inhibitory activities in vitro. This study revealed anti-hyperuricemic compounds of chicory, which helped clarify the material basis of chicory in the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia.

SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF NEW 1-HYDRAZINOCARBONYLMETHYL-7-BROMO-5-PHENYL-3-ARYLYDENE-1,2-DIHYDRO-3H-1,4-BENZODIAZEPIN-2-ONES

It is known that 1,4-benzodiazepines have neurotropic properties. Previously, we synthesized a series of 3-arylidene-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzdiazepin-2-ones 11-18 and showed that they exhibit significant analgesic activity. They also show significant affinity for central benzodiazepine receptors and TSPO receptors CNS. With this in mind, we have previously modified the series of 3-arylidene-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones by alkylation of 3-arylidene-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones with monobromoacetic acid methyl ester to the first position of the 1,4-diazepine ring to obtain 1-methoxycarbonylmethyl-7-bromo-5-phenyl-3-arylidene-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones 19-26, which showed pronounced analgesic activity. The aim of this work is to synthesize and study the affinity for CBR and TSPO receptors 1-hydrazinocarbonylmethyl-7-bromo-5-phenyl-3-arylidene-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones 27-31, which have not been previously described in the literature. Compounds 27-31 were synthesized as a result of the reaction of 1-methoxycarbonylmethyl-7-bromo-5-phenyl-3-arylidene-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones 19-26 with hydrazine hydrate while stirring the components in ethanol. The yields of the reaction products were 65-92%. It was shown that the hydrazinolysis technique used provides high yields of the target compounds. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by mass spectrometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The affinity of the synthesized compounds to the central benzodiazepine receptors CNS (CBR) and TSPO receptors CNS was studied. The affinity of compounds 27-31 was determined in vitro by radioligand analysis by their ability to displace the commercial radioligands [3H] flumazenil and [3H]PK11195 from their specific binding sites in the GABAA receptor complex and TSPO receptors of the synaptic and the mitochondrial fractions of the rat brain membranes, respectively. Compound 27 displaces the commercial [3H]flumazenil radioligand from its specific binding sites in the GABAA receptor complex by 80.1%, and simultaneously exhibits a very low affinity for TSPO receptors. Derivative 27 is the most potent CBR ligand among the investigated compounds and it is a promising compound for pharmacological research. It has been established that in the synthesized series of 3-fluorobenzylidene derivatives, varying the position of the fluorine atom in the benzylidene fragment leads to change affinity for TSPO receptors. It has been established that the para- position of the fluorine atom in the 3-benzylidene radical of the 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one molecule is the most important descriptor that determines their affinity for the TSPO receptors. These data agree with the data available in the literature on the effect of the position of chlorine and bromine atoms in the 3-benzylidene radical of the 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one molecule on the affinity for the TSPO receptors. It was found that the main structural fragment that determines the affinity of binding of 3-benzylidene derivatives to TSPO receptors is the presence of electronegative substituents in the para-position of the benzylidene fragment: para–Hal&gt;&gt;оrtho–Hal&gt;meta–Hal (affinity for TSPO) (Hal= Br, F) Thus, the expediency of further study of this class of compounds is shown.

Unveiling the influence of ferromagnetic Gd-doped ZnO films on the performance of organic solar cells

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have emerged as a promising technology for renewable energy generation due to their low cost, lightweight, flexibility, and compatibility with roll-to-roll manufacturing. However, OSCs still face challenges in achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to various factors, including recombination loss. In this study, we investigated the effect of introducing a layer of eight atomic percent gadolinium-doped zinc oxide (Zn0.92Gd0.08O) between the poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): [6,6]-phenyl butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) active layer and the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode of the OSC. The reference cell, which has an Au/P3HT:PCBM/ZnO/FTO structure, exhibits a PCE of 0.52%. Remarkably, when the Zn0.92Gd0.08O layer was inserted (Au/P3HT:PCBM/Zn0.92Gd0.08O/FTO), the PCE increased significantly to 3.42%, which is more than six times the increase. Through further analysis, we present that the insertion of the Zn0.92Gd0.08O layer induces spin polarization in the P3HT:PCBM layer, leading to enhanced charge transport and reducing the recombination rate. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the Zn0.92Gd0.08O film can potentially improve OSC performance.

Biodegradability of bacterial cellulose polymer below the soil and its effects on soil bacteria diversity

The increasing demand for sustainable materials has led to a surge in research on biodegradable polymers. This study evaluated the weight and visual changes of bacterial cellulose (BC) polymers and nylon membranes during an eight-week biodegradation study below soil. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken to investigate morphological changes from decomposition. Changes in soil microbial communities and the relationship between microbial abundance and BC biodegradation were investigated. BC was produced from the fermentation of coffee kombucha using 15 % d-dextrose C6H12O6 (DE) as the nutrient carbohydrate substrate. BCs were purified with 0.5 mol/L aqueous NaOH solution and 1.5 % (v/v) aqueous NaOCl and then freeze-dried. The biodegradation study was conducted using seedling pots and nylon membrane filters inside a greenhouse over eight weeks, with sample points taken at various intervals. Soil characteristics such as pH, nutrient content, texture, organic matter, and soil moisture were analyzed. Results showed that BC polymers underwent significant weight losses and visual decomposition, while nylon membranes did not show any weight or visual losses. Approximately 75 % of the BC polymers were decomposed by the end of the study. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) analysis showed increased microbial absolute abundance (nmol/g) for BC treatments over biodegradation time. FAMEs principal component analysis (PCA) ordination plots showed the relative abundance of fungi increased in BC microbial communities suggesting fungi's attraction to cellulose. Soil bacterial DNA analysis revealed the dominance of Proteobacteria for all treatments. PCA plots and Faith-pd index Alpha Diversity results showed significant bacterial community variations for week 2 of the biodegradation study compared to the other weeks. Adonis microbial community Beta Diversity analysis showed significant differences between treatments (p = 0.001). PCA plots also showed a slight differentiation of the bacterial communities with BC compared to bacterial communities with nylon and soil (control). This study confirms that BC is easily decomposed in soil and that its biodegradability is likely driven by fungal communities.