Aqueous Acetone Research Articles

Assessment of larvicidal and genotoxic potentials of extracts of Hyptis suaveolens against Culex quinquefasciatus based on enzyme profile and RAPD-PCR assay

Vector control strategies have focused on the development of effective and ecofriendly alternatives. In the present study, investigation of larvicidal and genotoxic effects of leaves of Hyptis suaveolens from four different extraction solvents (aqueous, hexane, methanol and acetone) on fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus was carried out. Extraction was done using soxhlet apparatus and the characteristics functional group of active constituents were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometer. Larvicidal activities were screened using three different concentrations (50, 150 and 250 mg/mL) following WHO standard protocol and mortality was recorded after 24, 48 and 72 hr. Hexane extract showed the highest mortality (27.92, 38.75, 90.42 %; LC50: 272.5, 191.3, 114.8 mg/mL), followed by aqueous extract (20.83, 34.58, 59.58 %; LC50: 496.6, 392.9, 208.1 mg/mL) and acetone extract (20.83, 32.08, 59.58 %; LC50: 1111.2, 393.6, 266.1 mg/mL) and methanol extract (17.92, 29.17, 52.92 %; LC50: 466.0, 400.1, 272.3 mg/mL). Enzyme profile such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly altered in the larvae exposed to the four extracts. Phytochemical screening of all solvents extract revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids as common constituents. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR) profile implied hexane and aqueous extracts altered the DNA of larvae. Furthermore, FTIR Spectroscopic analysis revealed phenols, alcohols, aliphatic primary amines and saponins as the major groups in the extracts. Conclusively, this study established the lethal potential of extracts of H. suaveolens as alternative plant-based and eco-friendly larvicide against Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Identification of anthocyanic profile and determination of antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals: A potential source of anthocyanins.

In recent decades, the food industry has focused on the search for potential sources of anthocyanins that are able to provide color to replace synthetic dyes and at the same time provide health benefits through food products. Thus, in the present work, we propose the Dahlia pinnata flower as a potential source of anthocyanins. The dahlia is a native, annual flower from Mexico with a wide diversity of shapes and colors. The ancestral use of the flower in several dishes, its abundance, and the intense color of the flowers known as black make the D. pinnata flower a suitable candidate to be considered as a potential source of anthocyanins. Thus, the aim of this research is the determination of its nutritional composition, anthocyanin profile, and antioxidant activity. For this purpose, proximate composition of petals was determined by the AOAC standard methods. Anthocyanins were extracted from the dried petals of the flower with 0.1% HCl in methanol and 70% aqueous acetone solution and purified through Amberlite-XAD7-HP resin. Then, the purified extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and the anthocyanin profile was characterized by HPLC and UPLC-MS/MS. Results showed that D. pinnata flowers have a proximate composition similar to other important edible flowers with a high level of moisture (87%-92%) and fiber (6%-7%). The antioxidant activity of both purified extracts was considerable (2.6-12g/ml) compared to other sources of anthocyanins. The anthocyanin profile of the purified extracts contains four main anthocyanins: delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, and peonidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, the last two being uncommon as major anthocyanin components in other plant sources. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We present a potential and novel source of anthocyanins based on anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals. On the basis of UPLC-MS/MS studies, we identified four main anthocyanins, so this information provides the opportunity to study the source in many areas such as natural pigment stabilization, food additives, and antioxidants.

Effects of different extraction methods on contents, profiles, and antioxidant abilities of free and bound phenolics of Sargassum polycystum from the South China Sea.

Total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic profiles, and antioxidant activity of free and bound extracts of Sargassum polycystum, obtained by different extraction solvents and hydrolysis methods, were investigated. Aqueous acetone afforded the highest free TPC and antioxidant ability, followed by aqueous ethanol and aqueous methanol. Twelve free phenolic compounds were identified by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS), including two hydroxycinnamic acids, seven flavonoids, one stilbene, and two phlorotannins. Three to nine different free phenolic compounds were extracted by these solvents with different compositions, including nine by 70% acetone and eight by 70% methanol, 70% ethanol, and 50% ethanol. The highest total content of free phenolic compounds determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detection was obtained from 70% ethanol. Alkaline hydrolysis afforded higher bound TPC (274.27 mg GAE/100 g DW) and antioxidant ability than acid hydrolysis. Five bound phenolic compounds were characterized by UHPLC‐MS and five were released from alkaline hydrolysis, whereas two were released from acid hydrolysis. Total content of bound phenolic compounds released by alkaline hydrolysis was 14.68‐fold higher than that by acid hydrolysis. The free and bound TPC, phenolic profiles, and antioxidant activities depended on the extraction solvent used. These results indicate that S. polycystum is a potentially useful antioxidant source and contribute to the development of seaweed‐based functional foods.Practical ApplicationPhenolics are usually divided into free and bound forms based on their extractability and interaction with cell wall components. The nutritional effects of bound phenolics in algae have long been neglected. These topics contribute to the development of seaweed‐based functional foods.

Effect of Extraction Solvents on Phenolic Compounds of Theobroma Cacao L. By-products Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Nowadays, recent studies focus on plant-derived food additives and plant by-products extract that possess health-promoting properties. Cocoa pod husk is the cocoa fruit's outer layer that is left unused after the cocoa bean processing in the cocoa industry. This by-product (cocoa pod husk) is rich in phenolic compounds due to its antioxidant level. Significant steps in separating the phytochemicals from the plant's cellular matrix are crucial, which is usually carried out by selecting the proper extraction method and choice of solvent. Phenolic compounds from cocoa pod husk were determined by ultrasound-assisted extraction using three types of solvents [aqueous ethanol (ethanol: water, 70:30 v/v), aqueous methanol (methanol: water, 70:30 v/v), and aqueous acetone (acetone: water, 70:30 v/v)]. Methanolic extracts contained significantly higher total phenolic content (34.88 mg GAE/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP, (521.73 µg/g TE) compared to other solvents. Meanwhile, ethanolic extracts exhibited higher flavonoid content (62.18 mg/g RE) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (73.67 µg/mL TE) compared to methanolic extracts, which indicated 33.30 mg/g RE and 65.00 µg/mL TE, respectively. Total flavonoid content had a strong positive correlation coefficient with DPPH scavenging activity (r= 0.951), while FRAP assay gave a strong negative correlation (r= -0.851). This finding provides an alternative method to reduce the accumulation of cocoa pod husk to be utilized as a potential antioxidant source.

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.

Bioactive compounds from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds: optimization of phenolic antioxidant extraction using simplex lattice mixture design and HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS2 analysis.

The extraction of phenolic compounds from defatted hempseeds was optimized using a simplex lattice mixture design with three solvents (water, methanol, and acetone). The response variables were total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity evaluated by different spectrophotometric tests. The results showed that the binary acetone-water mixture in equal proportions is the optimal combination to achieve the maximum TPC (53.65 mg GAE per g extract) with higher antioxidant activities (265.53, 36.25, 119.03, 69.46, and 68.91 mg TE g−1 extract for the TAC, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC tests respectively). In addition, the phenolic profile analysis of defatted hemp seeds by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS2 techniques showed the predominance of hydroxycinnamic acid amides and lignanamides. It allowed visualizing the effect of each solvent mixture on the relative extracted amount of each identified phenolic compound. This study suggests that N-trans-caffeoyltyramine, cannabisin A, and cannabisin B might contribute strongly to the potent antioxidant activity of hempseed extracts. Thus, it encourages the use of defatted hemp seeds as a source of antioxidants with added value for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Phytochemical characterization and biological activities of Plectranthus barbatus Andrews.

Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Lamiaceae) is widely distributed in the world and has a range of popular therapeutic indications. This work aimed to evaluate the phytochemical characterization of two leaf extracts of P. barbatus, and their antimicrobial, antineoplastic and immunomodulatory potential. After collection, herborization and obtainment of the P. barbatus aqueous extract (PBA) and acetone:water 7:3 P. barbatus organic extract (PBO), the phytochemical characterization was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antimicrobial activity was performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against eight bacterial strains using the microdilution test and the fungus Trichophyton rubrum by disc diffusion assay and microdilution test. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT and trypan blue methods in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at concentrations ranged between 0.1 to 100 µg.mL-1 and in neoplastic cell lines Toledo, K562, DU-145 and PANC-1 at 1, 10 and 100 µg.mL-1 . Immunomodulatory activity, was evaluated by sandwich ELISA of proinflammatory cytokines at BALB/c mice splenocytes cultures supernatant. Both extracts presented flavonoids, cinnamic derivatives, steroids and ellagic acid. PBO showed bacteriostatic activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC = 250 µg.mL-1) clinical isolate and PBA fungistatic activity against Trichophyton rubrum (MIC = 800 µg.mL-1). The extracts did not exhibit toxicity to PBMCs and neoplastic cells (IC50 > 100 µg.mL-1). Additionally, PBO at 100 µg.mL-1 significantly inhibited IFN-γ and IL-17A cytokines (p = 0.03). Plectranthus barbatus is a potential candidate for therapeutic use due to its low toxicity in healthy human cells and exhibits biological activities of medical interest as bacteriostatic, fungistatic and immunomodulatory.

Comparative Assessment Of Antioxidant And Antiproliferative Activities Of Pulp And Seed Of Himalayan Bayberry Fruit

Myrica esculenta Buch-ham. Ex D. Don or “Himalayan bayberry” (family Myricaceae) is an extremely valuable wild edible plant whose root, bark, leaves and fruits possess therapeutic properties and are active ingredient in several ayurvedic formulations employed for the treatment of various ailments and disorders including asthma, chronic bronchitis, ulcers, anemia, fever, diarrhea etc. Polyphenols from Himalayan bayberry fruit pulp and seeds were extracted using 80% acetone. TPC and TFC in the pulp and seed extracts were determined according to the FolinCiocalteau method and aluminum chloride method respectively. Antioxidant potentials of pulp and seed extracts were determined as DPPHRSA, ABTSRSA and FRA. Anti-proliferative activities of the fruit pulp and seed extracts were analyzed against breast cancer cell line MDA-MB231. 80% acetone extracts of seed (MeSA) showed very high TPC (4143.02±29.3 mg Gallic acid equivalent/100 g FW and TFC (1397.72±28.44 mg catechin equivalent/100 FW) which were 11 and 5 times greater than that were found in pulp extracts (MePA). MeSA extracts showed exceptionally high antioxidant activities with respect to the DPPHRSA and ABTSRSA (IC50, 0.1153 mg/ml and 0.0017 mg/ml respectively) and ferric reducing activities. In addition, MeSA extracts was highly toxic to the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB231 showing 92% inhibition at 10 mg/ml while remaining ineffective against normal transformed cell line HEK293. The inhibition was much higher than that showed by pulp extracts (64%) at the same concentrations. This is the first report demonstrating an excellent ability of M. esculenta seed aqueous acetone extract with superior antioxidant activity and antiproliferative potential against breast cancer cells. Therefore, this study recommends utilization of M. esculenta seed for the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations.

Синтез и строение дифторида трис(2-метокси-5-хлорфенил)сурьмы

Tris(2-methoxy-5-chlorophenyl)antimony difluoride (1) has been obtained by the substitution reaction between tris(2-methoxy-5-chlorophenyl)antimony dibromide and sodium fluoride in an aqueous acetone solution, yielding 92%, after crystallization from a mixture of acetonitrile and octane. The compound has been identified by IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. According to the X-ray diffraction data, yellow-brown crystals 1 have a slightly distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination with axially arranged halogen atoms. According to a diffractometer D8 QUEST Bruker, the critical parameters of the unit cell of the compound are: space group P–1, a = 12.93(10), b = 14.84(18), c = 15.1(2) Å, α = 64.5(6)°, β = 65.6(4)°, γ = 65.1(3)°, V = 2269(46) Å3, ρcalc = 1.711 g/cm3, Z = 2. The Sb–C bond lengths are 2.09(4), 2.08(5), and 2.06(4) Å, the CSbC valence angles are 116.99(2), 122.05(2), 120.86(1)°. The Sb–F bond lengths are 1.995(3) and 1.936(3). The oxygen atoms of the methoxy groups are coordinated to the metal atom [the Sb∙∙∙OMe intramolecular distances equal 3.25(5), 3.04(3), and 3.11(5) Å]. The Sb∙∙∙O valence angles are equal to 108.2(9), 114.4(7), and 115.3 (9)°, respectively. The FSbF axial angle is 179.13(9)°, and the equator angles are 114.78(3), 116.01(2), and 113.45(2)°.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Anti-Diabetic Potential of Aqueous Acetone Helichrysum petiolare Extract (AAHPE) with Molecular Docking Relevance in Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition that can lead to significant complications and a high fatality rate worldwide. Efforts are ramping up to find and develop novel α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors that are both effective and potentially safe. Traditional methodologies are being replaced with new techniques that are less complicated and less time demanding; yet, both the experimental and computational strategies are viable and complementary in drug discovery and development. As a result, this study was conducted to investigate the in vitro anti-diabetic potential of aqueous acetone Helichrysum petiolare and B.L Burtt extract (AAHPE) using a 2-NBDG, 2-(N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake assay. In addition, we performed molecular docking of the flavonoid constituents identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) from AAHPE with the potential to serve as effective and safe α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, which are important in drug discovery and development. The results showed that AAHPE is a potential inhibitor of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 46.50 ± 6.17 (µg/mL) and 37.81 ± 5.15 (µg/mL), respectively. This is demonstrated by a significant increase in the glucose uptake activity percentage in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the control, with the highest AAHPE concentration of 75 µg/mL of glucose uptake activity being higher than metformin, a standard anti-diabetic drug, in the insulin-resistant HepG2 cell line. The molecular docking results displayed that the constituents strongly bind α-amylase and α-glucosidase while achieving better binding affinities that ranged from ΔG = −7.2 to −9.6 kcal/mol (compared with acarbose ΔG = −6.1 kcal/mol) for α-amylase, and ΔG = −7.3 to −9.0 kcal/mol (compared with acarbose ΔG = −6.3 kcal/mol) for α-glucosidase. This study revealed the potential use of the H. petiolare plant extract and its phytochemicals, which could be explored to develop potent and safe α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors to treat postprandial glycemic levels in diabetic patients.

Evaluation of the Bioactivities of Natural Phenolics from Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) Leaves for Cosmetic Industry Applications

Mango is one of the most important crops in the Philippines but there had been no local study on the possible utilization of its non-food parts such as the barks and leaves, which were reported to be rich in compounds with biological activities that are of significance in the development of cosmetic products (Masibo and He 2008; DA 2018). In this study, aqueous acetone extracts from leaves of the Philippine mango cultivars (“carabao,” “pico,” “apple mango, “sinaging,” and “sipsipin”) were investigated for their total phenolics content (TPC), phenolics composition, and biological activities – specifically, antioxidant as well as tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory properties. Results show that all mango leaf extracts had significant levels of TPC. Phenolic compounds such as mangiferin, gallic acid, quercetin 3-β-D-glucopyranoside, and kaempferol were all found to be present in the extracts with mangiferin as the predominant compound. All the extracts exhibited greater antioxidant capacity than the standard ascorbic acid, implying greater protection against skin damages due to free radicals. Also, all extracts exhibited greater inhibition on elastase than tocopherol, suggesting a greater anti-aging property. While only some extracts showed greater inhibition on tyrosinase than ascorbic acid, it did not surpass but gave comparable inhibitory activity with that of kojic acid. This implies that the extracts and kojic acid have comparable whitening capacities. Overall, the results affirm the great potential of the extracts of the local mango leaves as a cosmetic active ingredient

Effect of pulsed ultrasound assisted extraction and aqueous acetone mixture on total hydrolysable tannins from pomegranate peel

Pomegranate peels are disposed of as waste even though it is an eminent source of total hydrolysable tannins (THT) and possesses a great worth for recycling. The present study was carried out with the hypothesis that pulsed system ultrasound-assisted extraction (PSUAE) technique optimization would aid in retaining high extract yield and THT recovery yield from pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with enhanced antioxidant potential. The extraction was performed at various conditions regarding solvent concentration (30–90% of acetone), solvent-feed ratio (10–30 mL/g), extraction time (10–20 min), and ultrasound amplitude (40–80%) for maximum extract yield, THT and antioxidant activity (AA). To model and optimize the process conditions tools namely response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were applied. For solvent concentration, solvent-feed ratio, extraction time, and amplitude the optimal conditions attained with aid of RSM and ANN were: 56%, 26.5 mL/g, 15 min, 55%, and 45%, 23 mL/g, 15 min, 50% respectively. The extract yield and THT content determined with RSM and ANN optimized values were 51.2%, 86.4 mg TAE/g, and 62%, 98.1 mg TAE/g, respectively. The mean square error value displayed the minimum and R2 exhibited maximum value in case of ANN compared to RSM model. PSUAE significantly augmented the AA of PPE to 77.2 ± 0.50% compared to 49.7 ± 0.35% of conventional extraction. FTIR and HPLC analysis established that PPE produced from PSUAE contains a significant amount of THT compounds (gallic acid and tannic acid derivative). SEM elucidated that the sonication effect resulted in peel cell wall disruptions ensuing in elevated extraction of THT. Therefore, this pulsed mode of ultrasound extraction could be regarded as an easy, cost-effective, and competent technique for the extraction of preferred natural THT from pomegranate peels that possess high prospective to be applied in food and nutraceutical formulations.

GC-MS Analysis of Biological Nitrate and Nitrite Using Pentafluorobenzyl Bromide in Aqueous Acetone: A Dual Role of Carbonate/Bicarbonate as an Enhancer and Inhibitor of Derivatization.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonates, which are widely distributed in nature, are constituents of inorganic and organic matter and are essential in vegetable and animal organisms. CO2 is the principal greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. In human blood, CO2/HCO3− is an important buffering system. Inorganic nitrate (ONO2−) and nitrite (ONO−) are major metabolites and abundant reservoirs of nitric oxide (NO), an endogenous multifunctional signaling molecule. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is involved in the reabsorption of nitrite and nitrate from the primary urine. The measurement of nitrate and nitrite in biological samples is of particular importance. The derivatization of nitrate and nitrite in biological samples alongside their 15N-labeled analogs, which serve as internal standards, is a prerequisite for their analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A suitable derivatization reagent is pentafluorobenzyl bromide (PFB-Br). Nitrate and nitrite are converted in aqueous acetone to PFB-ONO2 and PFB-NO2, respectively. PFB-Br is also useful for the GC-MS analysis of carbonate/bicarbonate. This is of particular importance in conditions of pharmacological CA inhibition, for instance by acetazolamide, which is accompanied by elevated concomitant excretion of nitrate, nitrite and bicarbonate, as well as by urine alkalization. We performed a series of experiments with exogenous bicarbonate (NaHCO3) added to human urine samples (range, 0 to 100 mM), as well as with endogenous bicarbonate resulting from the inhibition of CA activity in healthy subjects before and after ingestion of pharmacological acetazolamide. Our results indicate that bicarbonate enhances the derivatization of nitrate with PFB-Br. In contrast, bicarbonate decreases the derivatization of nitrite with PFB-Br. Bicarbonate is not a catalyst, but it enhances PFB-ONO2 formation and inhibits PFB-NO2 formation in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of bicarbonate are likely to result from its reaction with PFB-Br to generate PFB-OCOOH. Nitrate reacts with concomitantly produced PFB-OCOOH to form PFB-ONO2 in addition to the direct reaction of nitrate with PFB-Br. By contrast, nitrite does not react with PFB-OCOOH to form PFB-NO2. Sample acidification by small volumes of 20 wt.% aqueous acetic acid abolishes the effects of exogenous and endogenous bicarbonate on nitrite measurement.

Experimental and Simulation Study of the Solvent Effects on the Intrinsic Properties of Spherical Lignin Nanoparticles.

Spherical lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) fabricated via nanoprecipitation of dissolved lignin are among the most attractive biomass-derived nanomaterials. Despite various studies exploring the methods to improve the uniformity of LNPs or seeking more application opportunities for LNPs, little attention has been given to the fundamental aspects of the solvent effects on the intrinsic properties of LNPs. In this study, we employed a variety of experimental techniques and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the solvent effects on the intrinsic properties of LNPs. The LNPs were prepared from softwood Kraft lignin (SKL) using the binary solvents of aqueous acetone or aqueous tetrahydrofuran (THF) via nanoprecipitation. The internal morphology, porosity, and mechanical properties of the LNPs were analyzed with electron tomography (ET), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and intermodulation AFM (ImAFM). We found that aqueous acetone resulted in smaller LNPs with higher uniformity compared to aqueous THF, mainly ascribing to stronger solvent–lignin interactions as suggested by MD simulation results and confirmed with aqueous 1,4-dioxane (DXN) and aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). More importantly, we report that both LNPs were compact particles with relatively homogeneous density distribution and very low porosity in the internal structure. The stiffness of the particles was independent of the size, and the Young’s modulus was in the range of 0.3–4 GPa. Overall, the fundamental understandings of LNPs gained in this study are essential for the design of LNPs with optimal performance in applications.

Evaluation of Solvent Extraction Process for Asparagus racemosus Root Extract through the Determination of its Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity Assay

This study is aimed to evaluate extraction capacity of different solvents through determining total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total saponin content, and an antioxidant assay of different solvent extracts (toluene, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, water, 60% aqueous methanol, 60% aqueous ethanol and 60% aqueous acetone) of Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) root. The 60% aqueous methanol shows the highest extracting yield, in contrast, toluene shows the lowest yield. Highest total phenolic content (220.8±0.74mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (219.3±0.64mg QCE/g), total tannin content (108.4±0.88mg GAE/g) were found from acetone extract. The methanol extract showed the highest saponin content (579.4±2.85mg ESE/g). Antioxidant potential determines by using various in vitro methodologies such as DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assay. The lowest IC50 value was found in acetone extract and thus it exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The highest correlation was found between phenolic content and the antioxidant assay. It seems that phenolic contents are responsible for free radicle scavenging activity. From the observation, it concluded that acetone extract rich with polyphenolic content and methanol extract shows the highest amount of saponin content.

The Kinetics of Two-Step Ellagitannin Extraction from the By-products of Selected Processed Fruits of the family Rosaceae

AbstractThe paper presents the kinetics of two-step ellagitannin (ET) extraction with an aqueous acetone solution from two technological types of pomace from selected berry fruits of the Rosaceae family. ETs were identified and quantified using HPLC–MS and HPLC–DAD. The results revealed the extraction kinetics of total ETs, their high and low molecular weight fractions (≤ 1569 Da and > 1569 Da), and individual ETs characteristic of the examined fruits. ET extraction proceeded at a faster rate in the first step, regardless of the tested pomace. For all pomace variants, the mean extraction half time t1/2 was 48 min in the first step and 70 min in the second step. The fruit species and the technological type of pomace were not found to exert a definite effect on the kinetics of ET extraction. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the molecular weight of ETs did not influence the kinetics of their extraction, either. It was shown that the technological type of pomace had a significant impact on the extraction rate of both low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) ETs in the first extraction step, with the mean t1/2 being 44 min for pomace from juice production and 63 min for pomace from puree production.

Thermal effect of carbohydrate dissolution in aqueous-organic media

This work is devoted to the theoretical substantiation of connection of temperature dependence of the solubility of carbohydrates with thermal effect of their dissolution in the water-containing organic solvents that is of great importance for optimization of the technology of their extraction from plant raw materials and further purification and separation by recrystallization. The dependence of the solubility of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose in aqueous isopropanol and acetone at temperatures of 298 К (25 оС) and 275 К (2 оС) from water content in a solvent was studied. The constancy of the mechanism of solubility of carbohydrates in these environments in the given temperature interval is experimentally proved. For the first time based on the equation of Vant-Goff the logical connection of temperature dependence of solubility and thermal effect of solubility of carbohydrates is strictly grounded. The values of the thermal effect that are determined by the experimental data allow calculating the solubility of the studied carbohydrates in the aqueous–organic solvent of different concentration in the temperature range from 2оС to 25 оС. It has been established that the main contribution to the thermal effect of dissolving carbohydrates is the hydration process. Solvation by molecules of organic solvent practically does not change the value of the specified thermal effect. The significance of determined temperature dependences of the solubility of fructose, glucose and maltose is shown to optimize the technological conditions for the separation of glucose-fructose and glucose-maltose syrups by selective crystallization.

Optimization of methodology for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) seeds

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) seed is one of the rich sources of polyphenolic compounds​ ​with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. A study was conducted to​ ​optimize the methodology for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds (total phenolic​ ​and flavonoid contents) with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity​ ​from Jamun seed powder. The study showed that the nature of solvent and extraction​ ​conditions had a significant effect on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content​ ​(TFC), antioxidant potential, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The TPC varied between​ ​6.0 (mg/g Jamun seed powder) for the acetone extract to 119.2 (mg/g) for 80% aqueous​ ​acetone extract and TFC varied between 1.06 mg/g for the acetone to 10.81 mg/g for the​ ​80% aqueous methanol. From the study, it was apparent that an aqueous form of acetone​ ​(acetone: water 80:20, v/v) is a better solvent system for extraction of polyphenolic​ ​compounds with high antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.​ ​Ultrasonication for 60 min increased the efficiency of phenolic extraction.

Optimization of methodology for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) seeds

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) seed is one of the rich sources of polyphenolic compounds​ ​with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. A study was conducted to​ ​optimize the methodology for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds (total phenolic​ ​and flavonoid contents) with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity​ ​from Jamun seed powder. The study showed that the nature of solvent and extraction​ ​conditions had a significant effect on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content​ ​(TFC), antioxidant potential, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The TPC varied between​ ​6.0 (mg/g Jamun seed powder) for the acetone extract to 119.2 (mg/g) for 80% aqueous​ ​acetone extract and TFC varied between 1.06 mg/g for the acetone to 10.81 mg/g for the​ ​80% aqueous methanol. From the study, it was apparent that an aqueous form of acetone​ ​(acetone: water 80:20, v/v) is a better solvent system for extraction of polyphenolic​ ​compounds with high antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.​ ​Ultrasonication for 60 min increased the efficiency of phenolic extraction.