Chemical Analysis Methods Research Articles

Identification of Major Bioactive Anti-inflammatory Compounds of Derris scandens Stem Using RAW 264.7 Cells and HPLC-UV Analysis.

Derris scandens (DS) is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, specifically its analgesic effects, which significantly alleviate muscle pain. The chemical constituents of DS stem include various isoflavone derivatives. However, there is currently a lack of specified anti-inflammatory chemical markers and analytical methods for quality control. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of DS and its constituents using the RAW 264.7 cell model. The expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) was examined using quantitative RT-PCR. An high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detection method was developed to quantitatively analyze genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-glucopyranoside, genistein, derrisisoflavone A, lupalbigenin, and 6,8-diprenylgenistein in DS stem. The developed HPLC-UV method demonstrated high sensitivity with limits of detection and quantification ranging from 0.01 to 0.06 µg/mL and 0.03 to 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. The accuracy of the method ranged from 93.3 to 109.6%. Furthermore, the repeatability and reproducibility of the method were suitable, as indicated by the relative standard deviations of ≤ 3.02% and ≤ 6.22%, respectively. The DS extract notably inhibited NO production, exhibiting effects comparable to those of 500 µM diclofenac, and substantially suppressed the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and 5-LOX of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced genes. As to the pure isoflavone derivatives, the order of NO production inhibition was found to be genistein > lupalbigenin > derrisisoflavone A > 6,8-diprenylgenistein > genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-glucopyranoside. Genistein, derrisisoflavone A, and 6,8-diprenylgenistein significantly suppressed the upregulation of all LPS-induced genes. Consequently, these compounds are recommended as anti-inflammatory markers for the quantitative chemical analysis of DS.

Biogas Production—The Effect of the Zinc Concentration on the Profile of Volatile Fatty Acids in Fermentation Mixtures

The development of renewable energy sources is one of the most important paths for today’s economy to follow. Currently, the process of obtaining energy from the combustion of methane extracted by methane fermentation is gaining importance. To improve its efficiency and the speed of the fermentation process and enzyme activation, this study analyzed the effect of the addition of zinc as a micronutrient to fermentation processes using corn silage. The zinc concentration in the fermenter required to stimulate fermentation processes was determined. Studies were conducted to determine inhibitory and toxic concentrations. The determination of the influence of zinc ions on the VFA profile and the value of the carbon-to-methane conversion coefficient is important for the economic aspects of obtaining biogas with the highest methane content. The carbon-to-methane conversion factor and the effect of the addition of zinc on the value of this factor were determined. During the course of the research, modern analytical chemistry methods and techniques were used. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of zinc in the digester to maximize the methane yield of the fermentation process.

Insights into the poplar cell wall deconstruction following deep eutectic solvent pretreatment for enhanced enzymatic saccharification and lignin valorization

In this study, a combination of microcosmic and chemical analysis methods was used to investigate deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment effects on cell wall's micromorphology and lignin's dissolution regular, in order to achieve high-performance biorefinery. The atomic force microscope observed that DES pretreatment peeled off non-cellulose components to reduced “anti-degradation barrier”, resulting to improve the enzymatic saccharification from 12.36 % to 90.56 %. In addition, DES pretreatment can break the β-O-4 bond between the lignin units resulting in a decline in molecular weight from 3187 g/mol to 1112 g/mol (0–6 h). However, long pretreatment time resulted regenerated lignin samples repolymerization. Finally, DES has good recoverability which showed saccharification still can reach 51.51 % at 6 h following four recycling rounds and regenerated lignin also had a typical and well-preserved structure. In general, this work offers important information for industrial biorefinery technologies and lignin valorization.

Predicted novel hypertrehalosaemic peptides of cockroaches are verified by mass spectrometry

Small neuropeptides from the corpora cardiaca are responsible in cockroaches for the mobilisation of trehalose from the fat body into the haemolymph. Such hypertrehalosaemic hormones (HrTHs) belong to the large family of insect adipokinetic hormones (AKHs); a few HrTHs were previously sequenced from cockroaches, and from genomic and/or transcriptomic information one may predict the genes encoding HrTHs from more species. Definite elucidation of the primary structure of the mature peptide with putative modifications needs analytical chemical methods. In the current study, we use high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography to identify unequivocally the HrTHs of 13 cockroach species. Either genomic/transcriptomic information was available for most of the species examined, or from related species. We confirm predicted novel sequences and find hydroxyproline modification for the majority of the peptides. The novel decapeptides are structurally close to Bladi-HrTH, which is found in all seven of the investigated blaberid subfamilies. Bladi-HrTH and all the novel peptides elicit a hypertrehalosaemic response in Periplaneta americana, a blattid cockroach.

The Process of Synthesizing Paracetamol Involves the Utilization of Acetic Anhydride to Acetylate p-Aminophenol

The acetylation process using acetic anhydride entails substituting a hydroxyl group (OH) on p-aminophenol with an acetyl group (-COCH3), resulting in the synthesis of paracetamol. In addition to acetic anhydride, this reaction necessitates the presence of a catalyst that enhances the reaction rate for improved efficiency. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the process of synthesizing paracetamol through the acetylation of p-aminophenol using acetic anhydride. The literature search was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar, to explore the synthesis of paracetamol through the acetylation of p-aminophenol using acetic anhydride. A sulfuric acid catalyst is often used to mix p-aminophenol with acetic anhydride in the process of making paracetamol. This approach is commonly employed in the synthesis of paracetamol. Colorimetric analysis, employing FeCl3 solution, is a widely utilized method in analytical chemistry for the identification of specific compounds. This approach relies on the observation and interpretation of color changes that occur during the reaction. The Rf value of 0.88, which is identical to that of pure paracetamol, confirms that the combination of p-aminophenol and acetic anhydride produces the most effective acetylation process with a yield of 59.5% and a high level of purity. The resulting product exhibits a melting point range of 169–170°C and an infrared spectrum that is indistinguishable from that of pure paracetamol.

Study of γ-Ray Spectrum Measurement Analysis Algorithm of Radioactive Solid Waste Steel Boxes

Abstract In accordance with safety requirements for the near-surface disposal of low and medium-level radioactive solid waste, accurate identification and measurement of radionuclide types and activities within steel boxes containing such waste are necessary. Conventional sampling techniques are impractical due to nonuniform internal filling and radioactive distribution in the steel boxes used for storage. Nondestructive measurement analysis techniques offer significant advantages by providing comprehensive measurements without causing damage to the steel boxes or generating secondary waste. Therefore, nondestructive techniques are widely applicable and superior to chemical analysis methods. This study presents an algorithm for analyzing γ-ray spectrum measurements of radioactive solid waste steel boxes by combining the traditional computed tomography (CT) principle with a discrete treatment approach. The progressive split voxel measurement method is utilized to discretely handle the radioactive solid waste steel boxes during the measurement and calculation process while considering the impact of voxel interactions on detection efficiency. A detection efficiency calibration model is established using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation in conjunction with the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART). Additionally, an inversion correction of the efficiency for the physically coincident portion of the detected voxel volume is performed during the measurement process. The proposed algorithm is initially applied to the analysis platform of steel boxes that store FA-IV-type radioactive solid waste. The algorithm's performance is further investigated and validated using standard radioactive sources with known activity levels. The results indicate that the relative deviation between the reconstruction results and the nominal values of radioactive activities in the steel boxes is less than 30%. These findings align with the expected results and satisfy the measurement analysis and warehousing processing requirements for waste generated from the decommissioning of China's 101 nuclear reactor. The proposed algorithm holds great potential for widespread application in related detection work.

Analysis of Deterioration on Stone Surfaces: The Case of Kasimiye Madrasah

The durability of stone is important for traditional buildings to survive today. However, as a result of environmental and atmospheric factors, physical, chemical, biological and anthropogenic degradation occurs on stone surfaces. Detecting, classifying and taking appropriate measures against these degradations on stone surfaces is one of the factors that play a role in the survival of stone structures for a longer period. In this study, the deterioration of the facades of Kasımiye Madrasah in Mardin was analyzed. The deterioration of the building was classified and analyzed. Visual, mapping, and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF chemical analysis method) were used as analysis methods. The deterioration of the building was analyzed and classified by visual analysis. The type of deterioration and its ratio to the façade were examined using the mapping method. With the XRF analysis method on the deteriorated stone surfaces, the chemical components on the stone surface were examined and the effect causing the deterioration was examined. The study aims to determine the types and causes of deterioration in the building, to offer solutions, and to ensure that the building is transferred to future generations without losing its originality for many years in the light of this information.

Application of whole-cell bioreporters for ecological risk assessment and bioremediation potential evaluation after a benzene exceedance accident in groundwater in Lanzhou, China

Oil spill events challenge human health and ecosystem safety, which are priority concerned issues for sustainable development. There is then an increasing demand of tools for ecological risks assessment at contaminated sites. In this study, we introduced two whole-cell bioreporters, ADPWH_alk and ADPWH_recA, to measure the available n-alkanes and the genotoxicities of total petroleum hydrocarbons in soils and groundwater which were contaminated by the Benzene Exceedance Accident in Lanzhou, China. Comparing to traditional chemical analysis methods, the whole-cell bioreporter method could provide risk assessment on cell level within a shorter time and a less cost, which is economical and environment friendly. The highest contents of available alkanes in soil and groundwater were 18,737 mg/kg and 308.4 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the available n-alkanes significantly (p < 0.01) correlated to chemical analysis of total n-alkanes. The highest genotoxicity level was found in soil and groundwater samples with lower TPHs concentration (4338.0 mg/kg and 1.4 mg/L Mitomycin C equivalent), suggesting the significant impacts of geochemical variables and alkane availability on the ecological risks of petroleum contamination. Combining chemical analysis and whole-cell bioreporter results, bioremediation strategies were suggested for groundwater and soils with higher n-alkane availability and lower ecological risks, whereas chemical oxidation were suggested for other contaminated sites. For the first time, we mapped the distribution of available n-alkanes and petroleum toxicities in a large scale soil-groundwater system using whole-cell bioreporters, showing their huge potential for rapid contaminant detection and fast risk assessment.

20 Years of polyolefin HPLC: Accomplishments and challenges

The first publication on the interaction of polyolefins with stationary phases for high performance liquid chromatography at high temperatures (HT-HPLC) appeared in 2003. After the successful application of temperature rising elution fractionation and the introduction of crystallization fractionation for the analysis of polyolefins with regard to chemical composition this was a step towards methods for chemical composition analysis that are not based on crystallizability of the polyolefin. Polyolefins as semicrystalline polymers comprise crystallizable and amorphous components, and HT-HPLC opened the way to separate all sample components irrespective of their crystallizability. The first application of this new approach was the separation of ethylene–methyl methacrylate block copolymers, presented in 2005. The development of the first commercial HT-HPLC instrument and the discovery of graphitic materials as efficient stationary phases for HT-HPLC were further important milestones in the development of advanced separation techniques for complex polyolefins. The ultimate goal of comprehensively analyzing complex polyolefins by composition and molar mass was achieved by high temperature two-dimensional chromatography, which is based on the online coupling of HT-HPLC and HT-SEC. Further important developments include HT-HPLC using temperature gradients and the combination of solvent and temperature gradients. In this review, the most important developments in the field over the last 20 years are discussed, and different techniques, experimental protocols and some major applications are presented. In conclusion, challenges for future developments are outlined.

Analysis of umami taste and their contributing compounds in edible fungi based on electronic tongue, sensory evaluation, and chemical analysis.

Edible fungi are rich in nutrients and have unique umami taste, which varies with genotypes, growth conditions, and harvest time. In this study, umami compounds in 12 species of edible fungi are analyzed and identified by electronic tongue. Through principal component analysis and discriminant factor analysis, these 2 methods could be successfully distinguished the variety of 12 edible fungi. Besides, the umami intensity of edible fungi soup is also evaluated by sensory and chemical analysis methods, for example, Tricholoma matsutake is 5.60±0.34 and 5.17±0.38, Coprinus comatus is 7.70±0.23 and 9.83±0.34 through sensory evaluation and electronic tongue respectively, followed by establishing the correlation from the response data by PLS (partial least squares analysis). According to the PLS model, with a correlation coefficients of calibration models greater than 0.7 and the low root mean square error of calibration and root mean square error of prediction values, the results correlate well with each other. Therefore, we can indicate that the electronic tongue is able to analyze and evaluate the umami intensity of edible fungi to some extent.

STUDY OF THE COMPOSITION OF ORGANIC ACIDS IN THE LEAVES OF THE SEA BUCKTHORN OF THE CIR-CULAR (HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES L.)

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a promising medicinal plant for harvesting not only fruits, but also leaves as a medicinal plant raw material (MPRМ). Leaf extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic and immunostimulatory properties due to the complex of biologically active substances (BAS) (tannins, organic acids and flavonoids), which confirms their value as MPRM for the development of herbal medicines (HMP) on their basis. The aim of the work was to study the composition of organic acids (including amino acids) of sea buckthorn leaves of various phenological phases of the harvest. The object of the study is the dried leaves of sea buckthorn of three phenological phases of plant life (I – the phase of fruit set, II – the phase of single fruit ripening, III – the phase of mass ripening of fruits) collected on the territory of the Voronezh region and dried leaves of sea buckthorn in 2021. The objectives of the study included a comprehensive study of the composition of the fraction of organic acids in leaves (free and bound) using the methods of chemical and physicochemical analysis. The data obtained showed that, in general, the qualitative composition of the BAS of the group of acids of the studied leaf phenophases is similar to each other, but differs quantitatively. For the harvesting of this medicinal product on an industrial scale, from the point of view of the content of the total organic acids, the harvesting phase can be recommended, since early deleafing can lead to a decrease in the accumulation of valuable BAS groups in fruits – the source of the pharmacopoeial preparation «Oil of Hippophaës».

Biosensors Technological Advancement and Their Biomedical, Agricultural, Environmental and Food Industrial Applications: A Review

The biosensors are devices that receive the biological message and convert it into a sensible electrical signal. The biosensing involves a combination of biological entities like DNA, RNA, and proteins/enzymes to the electrochemical transducers. Biosensors comprise a biorecognition element (enzyme, antigen, antibody or nucleic) that mediates selective biocatalysis or specific binding of analyte and transducers that able to measure the signal. There are several types of biosensors being employed today, such as optical, surface plasmon resonance, enzymes, DNA, Phage, and microbial biosensors. Now days biosensor technologies have been employed in biomedicine, food safety standards, defense and environmental monitoring. Detection of the lower or higher limits of glucose in the body, microbial invasion in the body and food, heavy metal detection in soil, water and airborne microbes, pesticides in water and soil and various harmful chemicals produced by body, can be easily and timely monitored with high precision using the different types of biosensors. Biosensors can overcome all the limitation of the traditional methods of chemical and microbiological analyses by offering rapid, non-destructive and affordable methods for quality control. Thus, this review paper highlights biosensor and its components, types of biosensors and its application in different disciplines.

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНАЯ МЕТОДИКА ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ КОНЦЕНТРАЦИИ АМИДНОГО АЗОТА В СТРОИТЕЛЬНЫХ МАТЕРИАЛАХ

The article actualizes the environmental problem of ammonia emission in industrial and residential buildings into the indoor air environment.&#x0D; In the process of studies it has been established that the main sources of ammonia emission into the indoor air are concrete structures (concrete walls, ceilings, columns, etc.) and finishing materials.&#x0D; In concrete, ammonia is formed as a result of hydrolysis of urea (NH2)2CO contained in concrete, and urea (urea) and other similar substances are used as hardening gas pedals and anti-freeze additives, including ammonized fly ash.&#x0D; It is possible to prevent ammonia emission into the indoor air not only by checking construction materials for cases of exceeding the maximum permissible concentration of urea in them, but also by experimental determination of amide nitrogen concentration in concrete mixtures at the stage of their delivery to construction sites.&#x0D; The aim of the article is to present an experimental technique to determine amide nitrogen concentration in construction materials developed to control amide nitrogen concentration at the stage of concrete mixture delivery to construction sites to exclude ammonia formation after putting construction sites of different functional purposes into operation.&#x0D; Experimental method for determining the concentration of amide nitrogen in building materials is the result of solving the following research tasks:&#x0D; – examination of building materials by methods of physical and chemical analysis for the quantitative determination of amide nitrogen;&#x0D; – comparison of the obtained results with the data of research laboratories with the conclusions about the quality of performed analyses.&#x0D; Approbation of the proposed experimental method for determining the concentration of amide nitrogen in building materials was carried out in the laboratory of the test center «OOO«Settle City» in Kudrovo.

Photocatalytic method for determining the water quality index

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of the new method in laboratory studies of water quality and to determine the optimal conditions for analysis.Materials and methods. Generally accepted methods of analytical chemistry were used to determine the rate of the catalytic oxidation reaction and its practical yield. All measurements were subjected to standard statistical processing.Results. The stages and results of determining the optimal conditions of photocatalytic oxidation are presented. The prospects of using photocatalysis in sanitary supervision institutions are shown.Conclusion. The photocatalytic oxidizing system UV-nano-TiO2-K2Cr2O7 meets all the requirements for the methodology of chemical oxygen demand (COD) determination and is even more rapid, reproducible and accurate in comparison with the certified arbitration method.

Label-free Raman microspectroscopic imaging with chemometrics for cellular investigation of apple ring rot and nondestructive early recognition using near-infrared reflection spectroscopy with machine learning

Apple ring rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea can cause fruit decay during the growth and storage stages of apple fruit. Understanding the infection process and cellular defense response at the cellular micro-level holds immense importance in the field of prevention and control. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop suitable chemical imaging analysis methods. Here we proposed a label-free, high-throughput imaging method for cellular investigation of apple fruit ring rot infected by Botryosphaeria dothidea, based on confocal Raman microspectroscopic imaging technology combined with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares algorithm (MCR-ALS). We conducted Raman measurements on every apple fruit and obtain an image cube. This cube was then unfolded into an augmented matrix in a column-wise manner. We proceeded with simultaneous MCR-ALS analysis, resolving the single-substance spectrum and concentration profile from the mixed signals. Lastly, the accurate and pure molecular imaging of low methoxyl pectin, high methoxyl pectin, cellulose, lignin, and phenols were realized by refolding the resolved concentration data to construct the composition image. Thereafter, we realized the study of the spatial-temporal changes distribution of the above substances in the cuticle and cell wall of green and red apples at different stages of infection. The imaging method proposed in this paper is expected to provide a chemical imaging strategy for studying pathogen infection process and fruit defense response at the cellular level. In addition, by utilizing a fiber-optic probe near-infrared reflection spectrometer in conjunction with machine learning, we developed a rapid and non-destructive classification method. This method allows for the timely identification of apples exhibiting early infection by Botryosphaeria dothidea. Notably, both principal component analysis-quadratic discriminant analysis and support vector machine achieved a classification accuracy of 100%.

SYNTHESIS OF A DOUBLE COMPOUND BASED ON DIMETHYLOL UREA AND PHYTOCOMPOUND OF MOLYBDENUM AND THE STUDY OF ITS INFLUENCE ON THE POPULATION OF SOME SOIL MICROORGANISMS AND ACCUMULATION OF NITROGEN

Drillers used for agricultural crops, in particular cotton seeds, cannot provide additional nitrogen feeding in the required volume during a shortage of nitrogen fertilizers. This article sets the task of creating a new active substance based on the phyto compound dimethylolure and molybdenum, which allows you to reduce cotton diseases in cotton cultivation, increase the accumulation of light hydrolyzed nitrogen in the soil and obtain a high cotton yield. The purpose. Study of chemical interactions in a three-component aqueous-salt system of dimethylolure-molybdenum phyto-compound-water by isothermal method. Objects. DMM, FSMo, double compound DMM is the active reactant of FSMo. Results.The isothermal method at a temperature of 25°C found that in the concentration range of solutions of 12.2-9.8% DMM and 2.8-5.4% FSMo, DMM crystallizes in the system, at a concentration range of 5.7-2.1% DMM and 12.3-15.5% FSMo, FSMo crystallizes, and in the concentration range of 8.2 -6.4% DMM and 6.2-9.3% FSMo, the compound DMM•FSMo is separated from the solution into this phase.Conclusion. The chemical interaction in the water-salt system dimethylol urea (DMM) - molybdenum phytocompound (FSMo) - water was studied by isothermal methods of chemical analysis. The region of crystallization of a new double compound, an active substance based on DMM and FSMo, was established at a molar ratio of 4DMM•FSMo. On model soil samples, it was determined that the active substance - the double compound 4DMM•FSMo against the background of ammonium nitrate, in comparison with ammonium nitrate, increases the number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria by 3.0 and 3.2 times.

The Triterpenoid High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Analytical Profiles of the Mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi)

(1) Background: Ganoderic acids (GAs) are specific triterpenes of Ganoderma lucidum. The HPLC fingerprint profile of GAs of the fruiting body is well known, but their mycelial fingerprinting remains unclear. (2) Methods: An ethanol extract of the mycelium of G. lucidum (YK-01) was further purified via preparative HPLC. The triterpenoid compositions for four strains of G. lucidum and one strain of G. formosanum (purple lingzhi) were analyzed using HPLC. (3) Results: Nineteen lanostane triterpenes, including five new triterpenes, GA-TP (1), ganodermic acid Jc (GmA-Jc) (2), GmA-Jd (3), GA-TQ1 (4), and ganoderal B1 (5), and fourteen known triterpenes 6–19 were isolated from the ethanol extract. Their structures were identified by mass and extensive NMR spectroscopy. A green chemical HPLC analytical method was developed using ethanol and acetic acid as a mobile phase, and all isolated compounds can be well separated. These triterpenes comprise a unique HPLC chromatograph of the G. lucidum mycelium. All four G. lucidum strains showed the same HPLC chromatographic pattern, whereas G. formosanum displayed a different pattern. Quantitation methods for ganoderic acid T (10) and S (12) were also validated. (4) Conclusions: The triterpenoid HPLC analytical method can be used to identify the G. lucidum species and to determine the contents of GA-T and GA-S.

A Systematic Review of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives: Occurrences, Levels, Biotransformation, Exposure Biomarkers, and Toxicity.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivatives constitute a significant class of emerging contaminants that have been ubiquitously detected in diverse environmental matrixes, with some even exhibiting higher toxicities than their corresponding parent PAHs. To date, compared with parent PAHs, fewer systematic summaries and reanalyses are available for PAH derivatives with great environmental concerns. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the chemical species, levels, biotransformation patterns, chemical analytical methods, internal exposure routes with representative biomarkers, and toxicity of PAH derivatives, primarily focusing on nitrated PAHs (NPAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), halogenated PAHs (XPAHs), and alkylated PAHs (APAHs). A collection of 188 compounds from four categories, 44 NPAHs, 36 OPAHs, 56 APAHs, and 52 XPAHs, has been compiled from 114 studies that documented the environmental presence of PAH derivatives. These compounds exhibited weighted average air concentrations that varied from a lower limit of 0.019 pg/m3 to a higher threshold of 4060 pg/m3. Different analytical methods utilizing comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF-MS), gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-QQQ-MS), and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), that adopted untargeted strategies for the identification of PAH derivatives are also reviewed here. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of biotransformation patterns for each category is provided, including the likelihood of specific biotransformation reaction types. For the toxicity, we primarily summarized key metabolic activation pathways, which could result in the formation of reactive metabolites capable of covalently bonding with DNA and tissue proteins, and potential health outcomes such as carcinogenicity and genotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation and immunotoxicity, and developmental toxicity that might be mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Finally, we pinpoint research challenges and emphasize the need for further studies on identifying PAH derivatives, tracking external exposure levels, evaluating internal exposure levels and associated toxicity, clarifying exposure routes, and considering mixture exposure effects. This review aims to provide a broad understanding of PAH derivatives' identification, environmental occurrence, human exposure, biotransformation, and toxicity, offering a valuable reference for guiding future research in this underexplored area.

Biotechnological production and potential applications of hypocrellins.

Hypocrellins (HYPs), a kind of natural perylenequinones (PQs) with an oxidized pentacyclic core, are important natural compounds initially extracted from the stromata of Hypocrella bambusae and Shiraia bambusicola. They have been widely concerned for their use as anti-microbial, anti-cancers, and anti-viral photodynamic therapy agents in recent years. Considering the restrictions of natural stromal resources, submerged fermentation with Shiraia spp. has been viewed as a promising alternative biotechnology for HYP production, and great efforts have been made to improve HYP production over the past decade. This article reviews recent publications about the mycelium fermentation production of HYPs, and their bioactivities and potential applications, and especially summarizes the progresses toward manipulation of fermentation conditions. Also, their chemical structure and analytic methods are outlined. Herein, it is worth mentioning that the gene arrangement in HYP gene cluster is revised; previous unknown genes in HYP and CTB gene clusters with correct function annotation are deciphered; the homologous sequences of HYP, CTB, and elc are systematically aligned, and especially the biosynthetic pathway of HYPs is full-scale proposed. KEY POINTS: • The mycelial fermentation process and metabolic regulation of hypocrellins are reviewed. • The bioactivities and potential applications of hypocrellins are summarized. • The biosynthesis pathway and regulatory mechanisms of hypocrellins are outlined.

Quick insights into whisky — investigating rapid and efficient methods for sensory evaluation and chemical analysis

The evaluation of aroma properties of beverages, both analytically as well as with human sensory studies, is a challenging task and most often related to time- and cost-intensive analyses. Whisky is a spirit offering a wide variety of aroma impressions caused by a complex mixture of aroma active compounds. In the present study, methods for the efficient evaluation of aroma characteristics are evaluated for 16 whisky samples of different origins (Scotch and American). Rate all that apply (RATA) was applied as a rapid method for the sensory evaluation of whiskies. Sensory evaluation of the samples led to the determination of eight significant aroma attributes: caramel-/cream caramel-/toffee-like, vanilla-like, (canned) peach-like, phenolic, smoky, fruity, flowery and (fermented) apple-/cider-like. Chemical analysis was conducted by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in combination with an in-house data processing tool for semi-automated analyte detection. Through chemical analysis of the whisky samples and automated compound detection, we report over 200 mostly aroma-active volatiles. To test both approaches for their potential for sample classification, a simple classification problem (Scotch vs. American) was applied. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) indicates both that sensory evaluation by RATA (97.86%) and the applied analytical procedure (96.94%) are suitable for the distinction between the two whisky types. In both approaches, potential markers were determined for the classification. These investigations build a solid foundation for the implementation of a versatile platform facilitating rapid and efficient aroma evaluation in various foodstuffs and beverages.