Acid Extracts Research Articles

Naked-Eye Molecular Testing for the Detection of Xylella fastidiosa in Mallorca (Balearic Island) Almond Orchards by Colorimetric LAMP

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a quarantine pathogen heavily affecting economically important crops worldwide. Different sequence types (STs) belonging to Xf subspecies are present in various areas of Spain, including the Balearic Islands, and cause the almond leaf scorch disease (ALSD) in Prunus spp. The increased demand for rapid tests for early detection of the pathogen should enforce strict containment measures. Molecular detection through isothermal amplification reactions enables simplified instrumentation and the use of raw nucleic acid extracts. Colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (cLAMP) was applied to rapidly detect Xf in naturally infected almonds on Mallorca Island (Spain), using a quick crude sap extraction without DNA purification. Following tissue homogenization, an alkaline treatment for target DNA extraction was conducted before the cLAMP test. The cLAMP assay was able to detect up to 100 CFU/mL of the Xf bacterial suspension diluted in healthy almond sap. The same crude extracts used in the cLAMP test were also tested by qPCR. An overall positive agreement of about 47% was observed between the results of the two techniques, while a decrease in cLAMP sensitivity was evident as the bacterial titer declined in infected plants over Cq > 26–27. This study shows the potential of the cLAMP application as a rapid and low-cost point-of-care diagnostic method for the timely monitoring of Xf directly in the field.

Antioxidant and Anti-Obesity Properties of Acidic and Alkaline Seaweed Extracts Adjusted to Different pH Levels

This research examined antioxidant and anti-obesity effects of Palmaria palmata extracts obtained through acidic or alkaline treatments and subsequent pH adjustments. After two rounds of acidic or alkaline extraction, the extracts were separated from biomass and adjusted to different pH values: for acidic extracts, pH 3 (no adjustment), pH 6, pH 9, and pH 12; for alkaline extracts, pH 12 (no adjustment), pH 9, pH 6, and pH 3. The findings revealed that extraction medium as well as subsequent pH adjustments significantly influenced composition of the extracts in terms of protein content and recovery, amino acids, and phenolic compounds (p < 0.05). Acidic conditions produced extracts with potent radical scavenging, especially at pH 6 (IC50 = 0.30 ± 0.04 mg.mL−1), while alkaline conditions favored metal chelating, with the highest Fe2+ chelation at pH 12 (IC50 = 0.65 ± 0.03 mg.mL−1). Moreover, extracts showed inhibitory activities against porcine pancreatic lipase and α-amylase, with the acidic extract at pH 9 showing the best anti-obesity properties (IC50 = 5.38 ± 0.34 mg.mL−1 for lipase and IC50 = 5.79 ± 0.30 mg.mL−1 for α-amylase). However, the highest α-amylase activity was in the alkaline extract at pH 12 (IC50 = 3.05 ± 0.66 mg.mL−1). In conclusion, adjusting the pH of seaweed extracts notably influences their bioactive properties, likely due to changes in the reactivity and interactions of bioactive compounds such as peptides, carbohydrates, and polyphenols.

Comparative antibacterial activity of clove extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen belonging to the γ-proteobacteria family, known to cause pneumonia linked with ventilator use and nosocomial infections. With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, there is a pressing need to identify alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Plant-derived substances (PDSs) offer potential not only as antibacterial agents but also as modulators of antibiotic resistance. In this study, diffusion assay using disc agar, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay of each imipenem, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and clove extract was determined. The clove extract was analyzed via the UHPLC/MS, and the checkerboard assay was employed to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of combining clove extract with both antibiotics. The combination of clove extract to each antibiotic led to a significant reduction in their respective MICs. Moreover, each antibiotic exhibited synergistic effects on the fractional inhibitory concentration value (FIC) of clove extract. The analysis identified seventeen components in the clove extract, predominantly flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The antibacterial efficacy of the Syzygium aromaticum Myrtaceae extract against P. aeruginosa indicated its potential as a promising antibacterial agent capable of enhancing the effectiveness of existing medications.

Wastewater monitoring - passive sampling for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater.

As a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based epidemiology was recognised and used as an important method for surveillance and early detection of SARS-CoV-2. As a result, consideration of wastewater as a source of public health information has gained new prominence, and there is consensus that similar approaches can be used to detect the spread of other viral pathogens or antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in populations. However, the implementation of wastewater monitoring poses challenges in terms of obtaining representative and meaningful samples. In particular, it is difficult to sample small catchments, critical facilities (e.g. hospitals) or low-income countries where the use of automatic water samplers is not possible or the samplers are not available. To overcome these problems, this study developed a low-cost and easy-to-use passive sampler based on activated carbon as an adsorbent with a corresponding elution/extraction protocol that allows the detection of viruses and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater. Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 with these passive samplers at the influent of a wastewater treatment plant over a period of 1.5months showed a positive correlation with monitoring with 24-h composite samples in the catchment area. Analysis of the nucleic acid extracts for antibiotic resistance genes showed the presence of clinically relevant carbapenemase genes such as blaKPC-3 and blaNDM-1 in the wastewater samples, with these genes being detected more reliably by the passive samplers than in the 24-h composite samples. This study therefore demonstrated that passive samplers provide reproducible SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibiotic resistance gene signals from wastewater and a time-integrated measurement of the sampled matrix with high sensitivity.

Salinity stress mitigation in wheat through synergistic application of ascorbic acid, nanoparticles and Salvadora oleoides extract

Salinity stress adversely affects wheat growth and productivity, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigates the combined impact of ascorbic acid (AsA), silver nanoparticles (NPs), and Salvadora oleoides aqueous leaf extract (LE) on wheat tolerance to salinity stress. A randomized complete design (RCD) was employed with fourteen treatments: T1 (5 mM AsA), T2 (10 mM AsA), T3 (20 ppm AgNPs), T4 (40 ppm AgNPs), T5 (5% S. oleoides LE), T6 (10% S. oleoides LE), T7 (20 ppm AgNPs + 5 mM AsA), T8 (20 ppm AgNPs + 10 mM AsA), T9 (40 ppm AgNPs + 5 mM AsA), T10 (40 ppm AgNPs + 10 mM AsA), T11 (20 ppm AgNPs + 5% S. oleoides LE), T12 (20 ppm AgNPs + 10% S. oleoides LE), T13 (40 ppm AgNPs + 5% S. oleoides LE), and T14 (40 ppm AgNPs + 10% S. oleoides LE). Wheat plants were subjected to salinity stress (SS) and no-stress conditions (NoSS) for 50 days. Chlorophyll content, DPPH activity, total soluble proteins and sugars, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, leaf ion concentrations, and nutrient uptake were analyzed. Under SS, T6 (10% LE) showed the lowest chlorophyll-a (90.04%) and b (57.84%). DPPH activity was highest in NoSS with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA) at 14.40%, and lowest in SS with T6 (10% LE) at 6.67%. Total soluble proteins and sugars were highest in NoSS with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA) and T6 (10% LE). In SS, SOD activity peaked with T6 (10% LE) at 8.39 U/mg protein, while CAT activity was highest with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA) at 6.25 U/mg protein. Lipid peroxidation was highest in SS with T6 (10% LE) at 14.67 µM MDA/g fresh weight. Leaf Na and Cl concentrations were highest in SS with T9 (40 ppm NPs + 5 mM AsA), at 14.26% and 44.15%, respectively. The combined application of 40 NPs and 5 AsA (T9) proved most effective in enhancing chlorophyll content and DPPH activity under NoSS, while 10% LE (T6) showed significant improvements in SOD activity and lipid peroxidation mitigation under SS. Future research should explore optimizing treatment concentrations and combinations to further enhance wheat stress tolerance and evaluate long-term effects on crop yield and quality.

Exploring the remarkable effect of ursodeoxycholic acid and Allium sativum combination on MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in cholestatic rat’s model

Background: Cholestasis is a disturbance in the production or flow of bile that causes excessive accumulation of bile fluid and damage in the liver. Chronic liver damage will lead to liver fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1) play a critical role in liver fibrosis formation. Although ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and Allium sativum extracts have long been renowned for improving liver function, their combination in alleviating liver fibrosis through the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 inhibitory pathways has yet to be studied.Objective: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of UDCA and Allium sativum extract combination in altering MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels, which are the main factors in the progression of liver fibrosis.Methods: We performed an experimental study with a post-test-only control group on 36 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly grouped into healthy, negative, positive, and three treatment groups with UDCA (13.5 mg) and graded doses of Allium sativum extract (3.6 mg; 7.2 mg; and 14.4 mg). Cholestasis induction was done by a choledochal duct ligation, and treatment was given for 14 days. Levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were analyzed after treatment.Results: Combining UDCA and Allium sativum improved the MMP-9 levels significantly in cholestatic rats, compared to administrating UDCA only (p <0.05). Combining UDCA and Allium sativum increased the TIMP-1 level (p < 0.05). Although the MMP-9 level results were under our existing hypothesis, TIMP-1 results showed surprising results. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels were strongly negatively correlated with TIMP-1 levels, with a r-value= 0.981.Conclusion: Combining Allium sativum and UDCA alleviates liver fibrosis progression through lowering levels of MMP-9 and increasing levels of TIMP-1.

Synergistic Neuroprotective Effect of Garlic Acid Extract and Sulforaphane in 6-Hydroxydopamine-lesioned Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease.

Synergistic Neuroprotective Effect of Garlic Acid Extract and Sulforaphane in 6-Hydroxydopamine-lesioned Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease.

Evaluation the effect of Oscillatoria limnetica and Chlorella vulgaris extracts and their fatty acids on pathogenic bacteria isolated from burn and surgical patients

Antibiotic resistance has become concern for the scientific community worldwide. As a result, using natural chemicals has become an essential rather than an option in an attempt to decrease the harm caused by bacterial illnesses, which can be fatal due to the difficulties of treating them. In this study, two distinct species of microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris and Oscillatoria limnetica) were isolated from the surrounding aquatic environment. The antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of the hexane extract of these two microalgae and Chlorella vulgaris fatty acids were investigated in vitro against (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae), which were clinically isolated from 100 burn and surgical patients, and diagnosis by some biochemical tests, and have been tested for resistance to antibiotics. The results showed that crude hexane extract of Chlorella vulgaris and Oscillatoria limnetica had a high effect as antibacterial and antibiofilm. Also, Chlorella vulgaris fatty acids extract showed superiority as an antibiofilm and as an antibacterial when applied at two concentrations (10 and 100 mg/ml). The important chemical components for all extracts of microalgae have been identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Investigation of Vapor Pressure and Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Phosphoric Acid Extract Evaporation after Desulfation with SrCO₃

Ammophos-Maxam JSC is renowned for the production highly concentrated phosphorus fertilizers such as ammophos, ammonium sulfate phosphate, and suprephos, using thermally concentrated phosphorites sourced from the Central Kyzylkums. The production process heavily relies on wet-process phosphoric acid (WPA), which typically contains 16–18 % phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5). However, converting low P2O5 WPA into these high-phosphorus fertilizers during the stages of evaporation, drying, and granulation stages significantly increases the heat and energy consumption per unit of the final product. To address these challenges, extensive initiatives are currently underway in the republic. These efforts are aimed at improving the production of various phosphorus fertilizers, including ammophos, suprephos-NS, ammonium sulfate phosphate, PS-Agro, enriched superphosphate, and feed ammonium phosphates. These products are derived from the processing of washed burnt phosphoconcentrate (WBP-26) obtained from Kyzylkum phosphorites. This paper describes the results of recent studies on the evaporation process of WPA at Ammophos-Maxam JSC. The research focuses on examining the boiling point of WPA solutions, vapor pressure, and the composition of the resulting precipitates. Additionally, infrared (IR) spectroscopy was conducted to provide deeper insights into the material properties. These investigations are crucial for optimizing production processes and reduce energy costs.

Extraction and recovery of bioactive alkaloids from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Using ultrasound-assisted green solvents and macroporous resins

The aim of this study is to develop a sustainable process for extracting alkaloids from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. The findings indicated that malic acid demonstrated the highest extraction capacity. Under optimized conditions, 46% acid concentration, 26.8 mL/g solvent-to-solid ratio, 33.5 min extraction time, and 80 °C extraction temperature, the extraction efficiencies of berberine and total alkaloids were 50.88 and 60.88 mg/g, respectively. Alkaloids were then recovered from the acidic extract using HPD-300 and HP-20 macroporous resins. The alkaloids content in the recovered product under optimal conditions was 68.88% and 67.20% for HPD-300 and HP-20 resins, respectively. The malic acid solvent, together with HPD-300 and HP-20 resins, has been recovered and demonstrated to be effective for recycling. In summary, a sustainable and comprehensive protocol for extracting alkaloids from P. amurense is presented here for the first time. The findings of this study establish a robust foundation for extracting alkaloids from natural sources using environmentally friendly solvents.

A dual-nucleophilic ester-induced supramacromolecular fire-proof hydrogel coating for protecting polymers

Polymer materials are highly vulnerable to fire disaster. However, current research focuses on flame retardancy rather than protection. In this work, two natural extracts of phytic acid (PA) and tannic acid (TA), were successfully compounded via dual-nucleophilic esterification, which facilitated the formation supramolecular hydrogel (T-P5-PAA). This hydrogel was highly remold-able, self-healable, mechanically adaptable, and environmentally durable, which could form a thin (600 μm) protective coating on multiple polymer materials. Multiple aromatic rings and rich phosphorus elements endowed T-P5 with excellent physical/chemical synergistic flame retardancy. The dense nanoscale pore structure within the hydrogel network not only effectively impeded heat conduction and gas transmission but also reinforced the material’s framework, stabilized its structure, and slowed down thermal decomposition and combustion reactions. Resultantly, the time to ignition (TTI) value of the protected substrates was greater than 1280 s, which was increased by more than 2800 %. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value exceeded 60 vol%. Remarkably, the protected polymer materials could maintain their original structures and mechanical properties even after being contact with flames directly. These phenomena were significantly distinctive from the previously reported flame retardant strategies that structure and performance degradation were often inevitable upon fire. In brief, we believe that our work not only proposes an effective flame protection strategy, but also offers new enlightenment for future design of high-performance supramolecular soft matters.

Accumulation of heavy metals in the vegetative organs of poplars under their joint introduction to the soil

Background. Studies of plant autecology under excessive heavy metal intake require a thorough understanding of the specifics of the uptake and accumulation of these substances by plants. It is therefore important to study the redistribution of heavy metals in the soil–plant system. Poplars, due to their rapid growth, large assimilative organ surface area, etc., are a suitable object for studying their autecological properties and potential use in the creation of green spaces. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were two-year-old poplar seedlings: ’I-45/51’, ’Lvivska’, ’Robusta’, ’Tronco’, and the soils on which they grow. The plants were watered once a week for 2 months with a mixture of heavy metal compounds at 1, 5, and 10 maximum permissible concentrations (MPC). Mixtures of the following salts were used as heavy metal sources CdSO4, Ni(NO3)2, CuSO4, ZnSO4, Pb(CH3COO)2. The control plants were not exposed to heavy metals. All plants were grown under natural light and temperature. The content of mobile forms of Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd in ammonium acetic acid extract from soil was determined and their accumulation in leaves and roots was measured by conventional methods using a C-115PK atomic absorption spectrophotometer Selmi (Ukraine). Statistical proces­sing of the results was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2013. To assess the probability of the difference between the statistical characteristics of two alternative data sets, a univariate analysis of variance using IBM SPSS Statistics 27, ANOVA, was performed. Results. The accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in the soil–plant system was studied in model experiments. The study revealed the peculiarities of heavy metal accumulation in the soils where poplars grew. It was shown that the introduction of heavy metal compounds leads to an increase in the content of mobile forms of the studied elements in the soil. Under the influence of 1, 5, and 10 MPC of heavy metal ions, all cultivars accumulated them more actively in the root system than in the leaves. Conclusions. The studied poplars can be divided into two groups. The first one includes the cultivars ’I-45/51’ and ’Lvivska’ with a high level of heavy metal accumulation and the highest enrichment factor. The second group – ’Tronco’ and ’Robusta’ – includes those with low levels of heavy metal accumulation and low enrichment factors. The results suggest that the poplars of the second group have physiological mechanisms that determine the observed peculiarities of heavy metal translocation.

Evaluation of Different Anti-Browning Treatments on the Quality of Four Colombian Potato Varieties

The increasing demand for fresh and convenient foods has led to the production of Minimally Processed Products (MPPs), which are suitable for culinary and industrial uses. However, cutting potatoes can trigger browning, negatively impacting their sensory and nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate different anti-browning methods on Colombian potato varieties (Diacol Capiro, Pastusa, Nevada, and Sabanera) as raw materials for the development of MPPs. The physicochemical properties evaluated included moisture, pH, acidity, enzymatic activity, total phenolic content, vitamin C, and browning index. The anti-browning treatments involved immersing the potatoes in citric acid, ascorbic acid, and garlic extract. Evaluations were carried out over a 15-day storage period in refrigerated conditions. The results indicated that the Sabanera variety had the highest browning index, followed by Nevada, while Diacol Capiro and Pastusa showed lower browning indices, even without the use of technological coadjuvants. Among the treatments, citric acid proved to be the most effective across all varieties, with Diacol Capiro exhibiting the least browning after 15 days. Garlic extract was the least effective against browning. The sensory analysis indicated that an acidic descriptor was noted for both treated (with citric acid) and untreated (control) Diacol Capiro potatoes at similar intensities, suggesting that citric acid did not negatively affect the sensory quality and/or was masked during cooking, enhancing overall quality. In conclusion, the Diacol Capiro variety treated with 1% citric acid is the most appropriate choice for use as a raw material for MPPs without compromising sensory quality.

Patient Experience and Wound Healing Outcomes Using Different Palatal Protection Methods After Free Gingival Grafts: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: A free gingival graft (FGG) is a common technique used to reconstruct or enhance the area of keratinized mucosa, while a connective tissue graft (CTG) is utilized to boost soft tissue thickness, thereby promoting stability in interproximal marginal bone levels. Most reported complications following FGG procedure are associated with the donor site. In addition to a painful, open wound in the palate, the most frequent complications linked to FGG harvesting include excessive bleeding, postoperative bone exposure, and recurrent herpes lesions. Numerous methods for securing the donor site after a free gingival graft surgery have been documented in research publications. The main objective of this systematic review was to assess various techniques for protecting the palate after graft harvesting and their impact on patient experience, with a focus on pain management. The secondary objective was to evaluate these techniques in relation to donor site wound healing. (2) Methods: The search was performed across four databases: Medline (PubMed Central), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and the recommendations set forth in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The initial search took place on 9 October 2023, followed by an update on 28 June 2024. The search utilized the following keywords: ("wound" OR "injury") AND ("graft" OR "free gingival graft" OR "graft harvesting") AND ("healing" OR "recovery") AND "palate". (3) Results: After conducting the follow-up search, a total of 958 papers were identified: 193 from PubMed, 314 from Scopus, 101 from Web of Science, and 350 from Embase. Ultimately, of the 49 papers that remained, 11 were excluded due to not fulfilling the inclusion criteria, leaving 38 full-text papers on free gingival grafts (FGG) for qualitative analysis. (4) Conclusions: Various methods for palatal protection after free gingival grafts (FGG) are described in the literature, stemming from biological, physical, or chemical sources. Most studies in this review examined platelet-rich fibrin and suggested that it provides no benefits for patients' subjective experiences or wound healing outcomes. While photobiomodulation appears to support wound epithelialization, it does not influence pain perception. Alternatives such as propolis, hyaluronic acid, and medicinal plant extracts show potential for palatal protection; however, further research is needed to thoroughly evaluate their effectiveness.

Detection of ammonia in aquaculture wastewater using mango leaf extract-immobilized paper sensors and smartphone colorimetric analysis

This study uses smartphones to introduce a simple, sustainable, eco-friendly colorimetric method for rapid ammonia detection in aquaculture wastewater. The device comprises a paper sensor immobilized with a natural indicator and a sample container. An acidic extract from mango leaf was prepared under optimal conditions: water with a pH of 5.0, a mango leaf powder to solvent ratio of 1:20, and extraction at 80 °C for 10 min. This extract was used to prepare paper sensors by immersing pre-cut Whatman filter papers (No. 1) into the solution. A 20 mL clear glass bottle with a black screw cap served as the sample container. The bottle was filled with an ammonium solution and NaOH. Heating this mixture released ammonia gas. A paper sensor was placed on top of the bottle, which changed color when exposed to the gas. A smartphone, positioned 8 cm above, captured images of the sensor after the color change. These images were then analyzed to determine the ammonia concentration in the samples. The optimal conditions for ammonia detection were determined to be a 10:5 ratio of ammonium to 0.50 M NaOH, a temperature of 60 °C, a 10 min sensor response time, and 1 g of sprayed water on the sensor surface. Under these conditions, the LOD was 0.50 mg L−1, with an LDR of 1.70–10.00 mg L−1. The sensor remained stable for up to 45 days. This method has proven to be highly effective in testing aquaculture wastewater samples, achieving recovery rates of 91 % to 101 %.

Mutagenic drinking water and different levels of emerging micropollutants in Southern Brazil: A new challenge

This study investigated the presence of mutagenic compounds in raw and treated waters at four water treatment plants (WTP01 to WTP04), in southern Brazil. Samples were concentrated using Amberlite XAD4 resin and the acidic and neutral pH fractions tested by mutagenesis in Salmonella/microsome assay, using TA98, TA100 and YG7108 strains in presence and absence of metabolic activation (in vitro human S9). Mutagenesis in raw water was found only by strain TA98 at WTP03, with and without S9. In treated water, significant results were found for TA98 and TA100 strains, the latter being the most sensitive, with prevalence in acidic extract tests without S9. A chemical analysis was performed in the water samples, prioritizing the investigation of the presence and concentration of globally used Emerging Micropollutants (EMs). These compounds in water sources have the potential to contaminate drinking water due to the inefficiency of the conventional treatment employed and can generate disinfection by-products. WTP04 site had the highest total EMs in raw and treated waters, followed by WTP03 in treated water. These WTPs expressed an EMs removal capacity of 45% and only 23%, respectively. Some pharmaceuticals and caffeine showed the highest concentrations, and the latter was directly related to the disposal of domestic sewage in the aquatic ecosystem. The presence of EMs in water after treatment for all WTPs investigated suggests the importance of expanding guidelines that include EMs to establish better standards for the protection of aquatic life and better quality of the drinking water supplies.

Macroporous resins combined with UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS for the purification and identification of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins from Sorghum bicolor L. Moench and their bioactivities.

3-Deoxyanthocyanidins (3-DAS) are the unique flavonoid compounds in sorghum. The majority of research to date have concentrated on the biological activity and extraction of 3-DAS from sorghum and lacked systematic purification and identification investigations. Herein, a facile method for the purification of sorghum 3-DAS from the acidic methanol solution crude extract using macroporous resins (MARs) was proposed and investigated in this work. Based on the experimental data, commercial MAR AB-8 was selected to achieve the purification of sorghum 3-DAS. The adsorption-desorption experiment confirmed the optimal procedure. With this procedure, the total purity of 3-DAS was 19.32%, and 3-DAS content in the purified product was 8.4 times higher than that in the crude extract. UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS identification indicated that the purified 3-DAS product was mainly composed of apigeninidin, luteolinidin, and their methoxy derivatives. Besides, the purified product exhibited better bioactivities than the crude extract, including the scavenging activities for DPPH, ABTS+, and hydroxyl radicals, the total antioxidant capacity, and the inhibitory effects for α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase. This work provides a potential way for the large-scale purification of bioactive sorghum 3-DAS from crude extract, which is significant to deepen the applications of sorghum 3-DAS in the food nutrition and pharmaceutical industries.

Induction and genetic verification of homologous double haploid plants obtained through the anther culture of Citrus cultivars

In this study, an anther culture system was developed for two Citrus varieties known for their genetic value: blood orange (Moro) and mandarin (Lee). Anthers were inoculated on N6 solid medium containing thidiazuron (TDZ, 0.44 mg/L), 6-benzylaminopurine (0.8 mg/L), zeatin (0.43 mg/L), kinetin (0.44 mg/L), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (0.2 mg/L), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (0.2 mg/L), and malt extract (500 mg/L). The inoculated anthers were treated with N6 liquid medium containing spermidine (200 µM) and gibberellic acid (GA3, 1 mg/L), and cultured for 6 weeks. Thereafter, the swollen anthers were transferred to a Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium enriched with malt extract (500 mg/L), sucrose (50 g/L), TDZ (0.5 mg/L), GA3 (1 mg/L), and gelrite (0.2%), which induced callus and somatic embryos. These somatic embryos, from both varieties, were then transferred to a germination medium (MS basal medium containing sorbitol [0.05 M], galactose [0.05 M], malt extract [500 mg/L], GA3 [0.5 mg/L], and gelrite [2 g/L]) to develop into normal plants. However, Lee exhibited significantly slower shoot and root growth compared to Moro. Genetic analysis using barley microsatellite-derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers indicated that Lee likely originated from haploid plants, whereas Moro retained heterozygosity similar to the parent. Ploidy analysis confirmed Lee as a diploid, identical to the control. Internal transcribed spacer region analysis confirmed that Lee was an anther-cultured haploid-derived plant, estimated to be a homozygous diploid carrying recessive genes. These findings highlight potential applications in marker development for haploid-derived plants focused on recessive trait-associated phenotypes and genotypes.

Bioassay‐Guided Extraction and Isolation of Natural Herbicides from Dried Zanthoxylum limonella Alston Fruits

AbstractWeeds are problematic plant species around the world. Various strategies exist for controlling weeds, but chemical treatment remains the preferred method, particularly when using natural substances. In this research, a crude aqueous‐methanol extract from dried Zanthoxylum limonella fruits was acid‐base partitioned into four fractions: neutral extract (NE), acid extract (AE), basic extract (BE), and aqueous extract (AQ). These fractions were further separated into seventeen subfractions: NEF1 to NEF7, AEF1 to AEF5, and BEF1 to BEF5, which were then tested for herbicidal activity against the growth of Chinese amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus‐galli). Active subfractions were isolated via column chromatography and identified using spectroscopic methods, yielding seven active compounds: xanthoxyline (1), tambulin (2), atanine (3), prudomestin (4), skimmianine (5), p‐methoxybenzoic acid (6), and methyl caffeate (7). Compounds 2–7 had not been previously reported in Z. limonella. Xanthoxyline (1) was identified as the most potent botanical herbicide, fully inhibiting seed germination of Chinese amaranth and barnyard grass. This compound also decreased seed imbibition and α‐amylase activity in both species. Molecular docking studies on the α‐amylase enzyme (PDB ID: 1BG9) revealed that the aromatic, hydroxy, and carbonyl groups of xanthoxyline (1) interact with the enzyme's active sites.

Manufacturing bioprocess of novel cream formulations based on polysaccharides “ulvans” from green seaweed Ulva lactuca: Effect of extraction procedures and concentrations on the optical and rheological properties of ulvan creams

This paper investigates a new manufacturing bioprocess for making of creams based on the sulphated polysaccharide “Ulvan” extracted from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca using different extraction processes and added at varying concentration from 1 to 5% (w/w).Regardless of the extraction procedure and concentration, the bio-macromolecule ulvan can produce successful cream formulations with and suitable materials that exhibit excellent rheology and optical properties, due to its molecular flexibility and self-aggregation behavior. Depending on the extraction procedures, we declare that the creams prepared with low concentrations from 1 to 3 % (w/w) of enzymatic-chemical extract (EE) and acidic extract (CA1), can successfully enhance the lightness, stability, thixotropic and viscoelastic behaviors, which are usually correlated to the physical properties and cross-linking characteristics of ulvans. Additionally, these creams demonstrate high skin absorption at temperatures between 5 and 29 °C. Interestingly, high concentrations of these ulvan extracts at beyond 3% (w/w) in the creams lead to more outstanding storage stability, increased strength and firmness, and enhanced lightness and pseudoplastic behavior, along with excellent skin absorption. These results have important implications for the industrial sector in the production and optimization of ulvan-based creams, especially cream based on CA1 incorporated at 3 % (w/w), as an efficient green-sustainable strategy.