Carboxylic Acid Groups Research Articles

Nanoarchitectonics in immobilization of DNT/TNT specific binding peptides on laser-induced graphene

Abstract Bio/chemical sensors require high selectivity for specific targets. Carbon nanomaterials, especially graphene-based materials, are preferred in sensors due to their high surface area, superior electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. In this study, DNT-bp (Dinitrotoluene binding peptide) and TNT-bp (Trinitrotoluene binding peptide) were immobilized on LIG (Laser-induced graphene) films through covalent and non-covalent interactions. EDC (1-ethyl-3-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide hydrochloride) is used to activate carboxylic acid groups, which then react with NHS (N-hydroxysuccinimide) to form NHS esters, facilitating the binding of amine-containing peptides to the LIG surface. XPS analysis of LIG films functionalized with EDC+NHS shows a decrease in COOH (carboxyl) and an increase in C-N/C=N/C-O groups. N1s peak at high-resolution XPS spectrum indicates that DNT-bp immobilization leads to higher elimination of NHS-esters, resulting in fewer N-C=O (amide) functional groups and more protonated nitrogen, which suggests that DNT-bp immobilization is more effective than TNT-bp immobilization. The findings suggest that LIG-based sensors provide a cost-effective platform for the detection of DNT (2,4-dinitrotoluene) and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Further advancements in LIG-based biosensors may enable their broader application in security, environmental monitoring, and health diagnostics.

A fluorescent probe based on scopoletin-3-carboxylic acid: pH and micellization evaluation

Coumarins are a class of compounds known for their synthetic and structural versatility, as well as their properties of great interest, such as biological and photophysical activities, and their application in the analysis of molecular microenvironments and their characteristics, such as pH. In this work, the synthesis of 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylic acid (3-SCA) was reported, and its absorption, emission, and excitation spectral properties, along with photophysical properties such as molar absorption coefficient, lifetime, and Stokes Shift (Δν) in different solvents and pHs, were evaluated for the first time. High values of fluorescence quantum yield were observed for 3-SCA in solvents of different polarities, with a lifetime of approximately 5 ns. The Stokes shift values for 3-SCA were high, with these values being greater in aqueous medium. Additionally, the acid equilibrium constant values of 3-SCA were evaluated through absorption, emission, and excitation measurements, resulting in two pKa values of 3.7 for the carboxylic acid group at C-3 and 6.6 for the hydroxyl group at C-7. 3-SCA was successfully applied in determining the critical micellar concentration of the surfactants: anionic (SDS), zwitterionic (SB3-14), neutral (F-127), and cationic (CTAB). The high sensitivity of the spectral properties of 3-SCA as a function of pH, combined with the high Stokes shift values in different media, indicates that 3-SCA is an interesting probe with applications in the evaluation of local pH and micelle formation.

Carboxylic acid-based fuel mediated sustainable one-pot fabrication of CaFe2O4 with enhanced adsorptive elimination of hazardous dye

The present work successfully demonstrated the morphological variation of CaFe2O4 (CFO) concerning various fuels (carboxylic acid groups contain compounds) using a one-step combustion technique. The SEM analysis of the CFO suggests the formation of sharp-edge rocky crystals to highly agglomerated porous clumps concerning the role of fuel. The x-ray diffraction analysis suggests that all samples of CFO are nanocrystalline orthorhombic structure constituted <50 nm. The BET and EDX analysis discloses that CFO s surface area and element composition is highly depend on the fuel molecule (reducer). The CFO performs efficacious in the adsorptive removal of hazardous dye Acid Fuchsin (AF) from an aqueous medium in a slightly acidic environment (pH 6). The AF removal was engaged with the batch adsorption method and optimized the process’s essential parameters (amount of adsorbent, initial AF concentration, and time) were optimized to achieve the utmost efficiency. The AF adsorption was well described by the Langmuir isotherm with outstanding adsorption capacity in the order of CFO-OA (Oxalic acid) (866) < CFO-TA (Tartaric acid) (1063) < CFO-CA (Citric acid) (1504) < CFO-MA (Malonic acid) (1656 mg/g). The adsorption energies were estimated from the Dubinin-Radushkevich model, indicating that adsorption occurs via the chemical process. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model was better at explaining the uptake of AF, and the Intraparticle diffusion model indicated that pore diffusion was the rate-controlling step. The reusability test shows that the CFO has high efficiency up to five regeneration cycles. Thus, the work suggests that CFO could be an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative adsorbent for wastewater treatment.

Comparing enzymatic post-treatments by endoglucanase (EG) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) on microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) to enhance cellulose film fabrication

Cellulose is the world's most abundant natural polymer and it can be used as a substitute for fossil derived products. The work described here evaluated the use of mono-component enzyme treatment, using endoglucanase (EG) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO), to improve the properties of micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) produced from mechanically refined kraft pulp. Endoglucanase treatment of the pulp significantly reduced the degree of polymerization (DP) of the cellulose by promoting fiber cutting. In contrast, LPMO treatment only slightly reduced the fiber length and pulp viscosity. However, the introduction of carboxylic acid groups by the action of LPMO appeared to enhance the accessible surface area of cellulose. Enzyme-treated MFC showed improved nano-fibrillation with transmittance and water retention values increased after both enzyme treatments. The cellulose films derived from enzyme-treated MFC showed enhanced mechanical properties with the LPMO-treated films showing superior tensile strength (77 MPa) and Young's modulus (3600 MPa). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) also indicated improved thermal stability for both enzyme-treated films. LPMO treatments proved more effective, promoting nano-fibrillation while maintaining fiber integrity and enhanced intermolecular interactions.

Intramolecular Polarization Contributions to the pKa's of Carboxylic Acids Through the Chain Length Dependence of Vibrational Tag-Shifts in Cryogenically Cooled Pyridinium-(CH2)n-COOH (n = 1-7) Cations.

The pKa's of acids are known to depend on the ionic strength of an electrolyte solution, an effect that qualitatively results from electrostatic interactions of the acid and conjugate base with proximal ions. Here, we explore an intramolecular variation on this theme in which a carboxylic acid group is tethered to a pyridinium cationic charge center with increasingly long alkyl linkages in the series Py+-(CH2)n-COOH, with n = 1-7. The effective acidities of the carboxylic acid group in the isolated cations are determined by recording the red-shifts in the frequencies of the acid OH stretches upon attachment to D2 and N2 molecules, measured by using cryogenic ion spectroscopy. The short chains indeed lead to substantial increases in acidity, with the effect falling off in the range of n = 4-5. The response of the CO stretch on the acid head group is surprisingly strong and, in contrast to the expected red shift of the OH, displays a blue shift as the chain length is reduced. Electronic structure calculations recover these trends and indicate that the proximal cationic charge center acts to draw electron density away from the acid C═O bond. This acts to blue-shift the CO stretch while weakening the C-C bond that attaches the head group to the chain.

Ferrocene‐Based Nickel Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets as Efficient, Long‐Cycle Cathode Catalyst for Li‐CO2 Battery

AbstractLi‐CO2 batteries, as a novel type of secondary battery, show great potential for energy conversion and storage. However, challenges such as large electrode polarization and poor cycling performance, stemming from difficulties in decomposing discharge products, limit their practical application. Here, Ferrocene‐based nickel metal–organic framework (Ni‐Fc) nanosheets structure to act as cathode catalysts, prepared via a one‐pot solvothermal reaction. X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis shows that Ni metal forms abundant catalytic active centers with O coordination of carboxylic acid groups in ferrocene units. The Ni‐Fc‐based battery demonstrates a high discharge capacity of 18636 mAh g−1 and exhibits a cycle life exceeding 2000 h at a current of 200 mA g−1. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the stronger interaction of Ni‐Fc with discharge intermediates and enhanced Li adsorption accelerate battery reaction kinetics. This study introduces novel catalyst design concepts aimed at achieving high‐performance CO2 reduction and oxidation, thereby advancing Li‐CO2 batteries toward practical application.

Abstract 4120785: Differential Cardiovascular Impact of ω-3 Fatty Acid in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk in Asians versus non-Asians: Sub-analysis of the STRENGTH Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Racial differences in lipid and cardiovascular risk profiles are well-established including for Asians. The STRENGTH trial found that ω-3 carboxylic acid (CA) formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid did not result in significant changes in cardiovascular event rates compared with corn oil in statin-treated patients at high cardiovascular risk, however drug efficacy may vary by race. We evaluated and compared the cardiovascular treatment effect of ω-3 CA between Asians and non-Asians in this sub-analysis of the STRENGTH trial. Methods: The STRENGTH trial was a double-blinded 1:1 randomized controlled trial of 13,078 high cardiovascular risk patients enrolled during 10/30/2014-6/14/2017 at 675 centers. Efficacy of ω-3 CA for Asians (n=1,355) and non-Asians (n=11,723) and interactions between race and treatment effect were assessed. The primary endpoint is a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization and unstable angina hospitalizations. Results: Key differences in baseline characteristics include Asians having significantly higher prevalence of men, secondary prevention, and lower total cholesterol, LDL, apoB100, and hsCRP. In Asians, ω-3 CA was associated with significantly lower primary endpoint during follow-up, with 81/698 events [Kaplan-Meier (KM) Estimate: 14.8%] in the ω-3 CA group, 103/657 events (KM Estimate: 20.4%) in the corn oil group, and hazard ratio (HR) 0.72, 95% CI 0.54-0.96, P=0.026 (Figure A). In non-Asians, there was not a significant difference in primary endpoint rates between the two groups, with 704/5841 events (KM Estimate: 15.6%) in the ω-3 CA group, 692/5882 events (KM Estimate: 15.9%) in the corn oil group, and HR 1.03 95% CI 0.93-1.14, P=0.60 (Figure B). There were significant interactions between race (Asian versus non-Asian) and treatment group for the primary endpoint (P=0.021) and non-fatal stroke (P=0.016) and remained significant after adjusting for other covariates. Conclusion: ω-3 CA was associated with significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events compared with corn oil in Asians but not in non-Asian patients with high cardiovascular risk. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms for potentially beneficial effects of ω-3 CA unique to Asian race.

Unravelling the Structure of One-Electron Oxidation Products of Model Peptide Backbones Containing Methionine by IRMPD Spectroscopy: the Effect of the Neighbouring Groups.

A series of Methionine (Met) derivatives, where either the amino group and/or the carboxylic acid group is blocked by acetyl and/or methyl ester functionalities, has been investigated by Collision Induced Dissociation-tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS2) and Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. The CID-MS2 experiments were performed using a Fourier-transform ion-cyclotron-resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The IRMPD spectra were recorded employing a Paul type ion-trap coupled with the free-electron laser (FEL) FELIX in the fingerprint region from 600 to 2000 cm-1. We show that the oxidation of the methionine residue with protected terminal groups induces the formation of a sulfoxide function. However, compared to the IRMPD spectrum of protonated methionine and methionine sulfoxide, significant spectral differences are observed in the spectra of model protected peptide backbones containing methionine. DFT calculations show that protonation occurs on the sulfoxide group in the gas phase for these model peptide backbones containing methionine, shifting the diagnostic signature of the sulfoxide group from 1000 to 862 cm-1.

Coadsorption of ZnTPP and 2HMCTPP on Rutile TiO2(110).

Pure zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) adsorbs on rutile TiO2(110) as flat-lying molecules, mostly interacting with the surface through weak van-der-Waals interactions. Pure monocarboxyphenyl triphenylporphyrin (2HMCTPP) forms a covalent bond to the rutile TiO2(110) surface through the carboxylic acid group, yielding densely-packed layers of upright-standing molecules. If given the chance, 2HMCTPP could therefore be expected to displace the weaker-bonding ZnTPP molecules. However, if 2HMCTPP is deposited on top of a ZnTPP layer, a coadsorption structure instead forms, with the carboxylic-acid groups of the 2HCMTPP molecules bonding to titanium atoms of the surface exposed by gaps between the molecules in the flat-lying ZnTPP adsorption structure.

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Site-Selective C(sp3)-H Alkenylation of Oligopeptides.

An innovative palladium-catalyzed alkenylation of peptides and vinyl iodides has been developed. This method does not require the introduction of a directing group and uses carboxylic acid groups as endogenous directing groups. It is noteworthy that two key building blocks for the ilamycins and CXCR7 modulators were prepared using our methodology. In addition, the free carboxylic acid residue can be linked to a variety of other compounds, providing a novel approach to the synthesis of peptide drugs in the future.

Twisted Amide-Mediated Peptide Synthesis.

A robust, practical, and sustainable isomerization-suppressed peptide bond formation via acyl sulfonamide, a twisted amide, is disclosed. Tosyl isocyanate and pentafluorobenzyl bromide were applied in combination to activate the peptide C-terminus, which then reacted with an amine to yield an elongated peptide with high stereochemical purity. Careful analysis of NMR spectra of the active intermediate revealed the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond, suggesting that the hydrogen bond suppressed Cα-epimerization during amidation. The isomerization suppression by the intramolecular hydrogen bond is expected to be effective even under high dilution conditions, making the present method a powerful tool for the synthesis of complex macrocyclic peptides. In addition to peptide synthesis, the developed synthetic entry to twisted amides can be applied to the investigation of transition metal-catalyzed N-C bond activation. Moreover, the application to the N-C bond activation returned insight into peptide synthesis, leading to the use of sulfonamide as a protecting group of carboxylic acid that can be orthogonally removed in the presence of other conventional protecting groups.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Azatricycles via Post-Ugi Cyclizations.

We report a new method to create enantioenriched azatricycles using chiral α-amino acids in a two-step process after an Ugi reaction. Amino acids are great building blocks for making pure chiral molecules. Using chiral natural molecules in multicomponent reactions (MCRs) helps increase their variety by adding new chiral centers. The Ugi reaction, discovered by Ivar Karl Ugi in 1959, is a versatile MCR that helps create complex molecular structures and natural products through additional transformations called post-Ugi modifications. Designing these modifications requires selecting the right amine, acid, aldehyde/ketone, and isocyanide. Amino acids, with their primary amine and carboxylic acid groups and a pre-existing chiral center, are ideal for making diverse and selective post-Ugi modifications. Our method uses ipso-cyclization and aza-Michael cyclization with hypervalent iodine to create various azaspirotricyclic structures with high stereocontrol. This approach works well with different substrates and shows promise for further development in drug discovery.

Highly efficient iodine capture from vapor and water using UiO-66-X: Effects of functional group modifications

Radioactive iodine waste from the nuclear industry poses a critical threat to human health, and its effective capture has become an important research topic. In this study, modified UiO-66-X adsorbents (where X is ATA, BTA, or STA) were used to investigate the effects of the free functional groups in the UiO-66 skeleton on iodine capture in the vapor and solution states. The adsorption behavior revealed that the capture efficiency of UiO-66-ATA was substantially higher than that of UiO-66-BTA and UiO-66-STA because the electron-donating amino groups could enhance the I − I···π halogen bond interactions compared with the electron-withdrawing carboxyl and sulfonic acid groups. In addition, the pore volume of UiO-66-ATA was significantly higher than those of UiO-66-BTA and UiO-66-STA. In particular, the removal uptakes of UiO-66-ATA were 1108.1 mg/g (vapor phase) and 3601.9 mg/g (aqueous solution). This study is the first to investigate the effects of functional groups on the adsorption uptake of UiO-66 toward iodine. This efficient functional group modification strategy holds significant promise for the development of novel metal–organic framework adsorbents.

Fractionation of Kraft Lignin for Production of Alkyd Resins for Biobased Coatings with Oxidized Lignin Dispersants as a Co-Product.

A new valorization pathway based on solvent fractionation was applied to kraft lignin, a major by-stream of the pulping industry, to extract a soluble lignin intermediate featuring an improved structural homogeneity, a low molecular weight, and a high content of phenolic hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups to serve as a substitute of the nonrenewable polyacids in the formulation of alkyd resins, a dominant material used in the production of anticorrosion surface coatings. Herein, softwood kraft lignin was mixed in a low-cost green solvent, aqueous ethanol, prepared at different ratios, at room temperature to generate a soluble fraction of a low M w of ≤2200 g mol-1 and an insoluble fraction of a high M w of ≥3950 g mol-1 of lignin. The best combination of yields and molecular weights of soluble lignin (16-36% yield, 1740-1890 g mol-1) was attained using 50-80 vol % ethanol in fractionation. Thus, these conditions were further employed at the pilot scale to demonstrate the scalability of this technology. Soluble lignin from pilot fractionation was used to produce an optimal alkyd resin formulation and thereafter an anticorrosion coating on the metal surface, both of which matched the target properties of industrial standards well (180 s Persoz hardness and 72 gloss units of coating, 100% adhesion of paint with no cracks or peeling in the cross-cut test, no corrosion after 120 h of the salt spray test). The insoluble solids from pilot fractionation could also be valorized by alkali-O2 oxidation into lignin-based dispersants for special carbon black pigments. Overall, this study presents a new, simple strategy to develop an efficient, scalable, low-cost, and green process for upgrading kraft lignin into phenolic intermediates for biobased alkyd resins to facilitate sustainable production of high-performance anticorrosion coatings.

A crystalline imidazole-carboxylic acid-based hydrogen-bonded organic framework with high proton conductivity

A hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF-SZU-1) was successfully synthesized from an organic linker containing both imidazole and carboxylic acid groups and structurally characterized. The ordered hydrogen bond networks formed by imidazolium, carboxylic acid, and carboxylate groups were favorable to construct continuous proton-conductive pathways in the crystal structure. Therefore, at 100 °C and 98 % relative humidity, HOF-SZU-1 manifested a prominent proton conductivity of up to 4.0 × 10−3 S cm−1. It was also worth noting that HOF-SZU-1 exhibited excellent water/acid/alkali resistance, and structural integrity after the electrochemical test, indicating its extraordinary structural and chemical stability. Finally, the proton conduction process in the framework of the HOF was studied minutely.

Cosensitization of a Tetraethylene Glycol‐Substituted Unsymmetrical Zinc Phthalocyanine Sensitized Solar Cells with D131 Auxiliary Dye Exhibited Enhanced Efficiency

AbstractAn asymmetric zinc phthalocyanine dye (ZnPcT3C), bearing three tetraethylene glycol donor groups and one carboxylic acid anchoring group, was synthesized as a photosensitizer dye for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The tetraethylene glycol (TEG), consisting of four ethoxy units, works as an amphiphilic long‐chain donor group that greatly helped in reducing the molecular aggregation. Carboxylic acid group, on the other hand, an acceptor, together with TEG in ZnPcT3C functions as a ‘push–pullʼ system suitable for DSSCs. Absorption spectra of ZnPcT3C in DMSO showed a strong sharp Q band in the infrared region 600–700 nm with (λmax = 682 nm) and a less intense soret band appeared in the region 300–400 nm with λmax = 340 nm. The zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPcT3C) exhibited molar extinction coefficient (ε) of 72,727 L mol−1cm−1. The emission was observed at λem = 695 nm upon excitation at 650 nm and exhibited a fluorescence decay of 2.82 ns. The ZnPcT3C dye sensitised solar cell (c = 1 mM) exhibited the power conversion efficiency (η) of 3.52% in chloroform in I−/I3 electrolyte under simulated 100% brightness. Cosensitization of ZnPcT3C with another auxiliary dye D131 in 1:1 ratio in a cocktail‐type DSSC attained the power conversion efficiency of twice as high as η = 6.27% in an identical condition. A mixture of D131 (λmax = 470 nm) dye with the ZnPcT3C phthalocyanine harvests sunlight across the visible spectra, enabling DSSCs to attain a large photocurrent and photovoltage, enhancing power conversion efficiency.

Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Docking Analysis of 4‐Quinolone‐2‐Carboxylic Acid Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents

AbstractQuinolones represent a class of potent antibacterial agents that primarily function by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerases and DNA gyrase. A crucial feature of their structure is a carboxylic acid group at the C‐3 position, which facilitates interaction with the active sites of these enzymes. Since the mid‐20th century, the emergence and proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have posed significant challenges in society, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents. In this context, a new series of quinolone derivatives has been designed and synthesized based on transtorine. All synthesized compounds were tested against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, as well as three fungal strains. Among the new compounds, 5a, 5d, and 5f demonstrated superior activity against Gram‐negative bacteria, with 5a showing notable effectiveness against P. aeruginosa compared to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. However, none of the compounds exhibited activity against fungal strains. Molecular docking studies revealed that compound 5a inhibited five bacterial proteins, primarily targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Additionally, ADMET parameters indicated that the promising compounds are suitable for oral administration with limited penetration across the blood–brain barrier compared to existing standards. This research indicates a potential pathway for developing new quinolone‐based antibiotics in the fight against AMR.

Copper Phthalocyanine for Designing a Highly Selective and Disposable Electrochemical Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Sensor

AbstractFormic acid (FA) is one of the very important organic acids that has been widely used in various industries. The highly corrosive FA can have severe adverse effects on the surrounding environment. Here, we developed an electrochemical sensor that utilizes the material properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) for the real‐time detection of FA gas. The response of FA has been compared with the responses of 9 common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The chronoamperometry (CA) results revealed a high selectivity towards FA by showing an increase in the sensor current by about 25 %, in contrast to the decrease of the current in response to the other VOCs. The sensitivity of the CuPc device to FA was calculated to be 38.85 mAM−1. Material characterization (SEM, EDX, FTIR, Raman, and UV‐vis) also strongly suggests a protonation mechanism caused by the carboxylic acid group, which enhances the electrical conductivity.

Effects of Phenolic Acids Produced from Food-Derived Flavonoids and Amino Acids by the Gut Microbiota on Health and Disease.

The gut microbiota metabolizes flavonoids, amino acids, dietary fiber, and other components of foods to produce a variety of gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Flavonoids are the largest group of polyphenols, and approximately 7000 flavonoids have been identified. A variety of phenolic acids are produced from flavonoids and amino acids through metabolic processes by the gut microbiota. Furthermore, these phenolic acids are easily absorbed. Phenolic acids generally represent phenolic compounds with one carboxylic acid group. Gut microbiota-derived phenolic acids have antiviral effects against several viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Furthermore, phenolic acids influence the immune system by inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. In the nervous systems, phenolic acids may have protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Moreover, phenolic acids can improve levels of blood glucose, cholesterols, and triglycerides. Phenolic acids also improve cardiovascular functions, such as blood pressure and atherosclerotic lesions. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the effects of phenolic acids produced from food-derived flavonoids and amino acids by the gut microbiota on health and disease.

Improvement of Properties of Bio-Oil from Biomass Pyrolysis in Auger Reactor Coupled to Fluidized Catalytic Bed Reactor

The goal of this research work was to investigate the improvement of bio-oil issued from beechwood biomass through catalytic de-oxygenation. Pyrolysis was conducted in an auger reactor and the catalytic treatment was performed in a fluidized catalytic bed reactor. Lab-synthesized Fe-HZSM-5 catalysts with different iron concentrations were tested. BET specific surface area, BJH pore size distribution, and FT-IR technologies were used to characterize the catalysts. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to measure the amount of coke deposited on the catalysts after use. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and thermal conductivity detection (GC-TCD) were used to identify and quantify the liquid and gaseous products. The pyrolysis temperature proved to be the most influential factor on the final products. It was observed that a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C, vapor residence time of 18 s, and solid residence time of 2 min resulted in a maximum bio-oil yield of 53 wt.%. A high percentage of oxygenated compounds, such as phenolic compounds, guaiacols, and the carboxylic acid group, was present in this bio-oil. Catalytic treatment with the Fe-HZSM-5 catalysts promoted gas production at the expense of the bio-oil yield, however, the composition of the bio-oil was strongly modified. These properties of the treated bio-oil changed as a function of the Fe loading on the catalyst, with 5%Fe-HZSM-5 giving the best performance. A higher iron loading of 5%Fe-HZSM-5 could have a negative impact on the catalyst performance due to increased coke formation.