Low Molecular Weight Compounds Research Articles

Effect of Herbal Kunapajala and Different Organic Manures on Plant Growth, Quality and Yield of Withania Somnifera L. Dunal

Abstract: Cultivation of medicinal plants, especially high value medicinal plants is creating new dimension in the field of agriculture. The need for developing countries to acquire technologies and techniques for programmed cultivation of medicinal plants is a current issue. Ashwagandha, the 3rd important prioritized medicinal plant listed by National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) is also known as Indian Ginseng. Herbal medicines strongly involve mass appeal being safer and inexpensive. The traditional use of ‘Ashwagandha was to increase energy, youthful vigour, endurance, strength, health, nurture the time elements of the body, increase vital fluids, muscle fat, blood, lymph, semen and cell production. The total alkaloid content in the roots of the Indian types has been reported to vary between 0.13 and 0.31%, though much higher yields (upto to 4.3%) have been recorded elsewhere. In all, 13 components have been obtained chromatographically. Herbal kunapajala can be used as nutrient supplement at any growth stage of crop plant. The effectiveness of herbal kunapajala is due to the breakdown of complex compounds in to lower molecular weight compounds during the fermentation of ingredients and this make available nutrients to the plants. So, this study is planned to evaluate the effect of herbal kunapajala and organic manure on ashwagandha.

Diversification of spider silk properties in an adaptive radiation of Hawaiian orb-weaving spiders

IntroductionThe design of biological structures and the materials composing those structures are intimately connected to performance in biological systems. Spider webs present an excellent example of how design and materials interact during their function in capturing prey. Major shifts in how spider webs capture prey have occurred due to evolutionary changes in both web architecture and silk properties. However, these shifts are mostly described for long timescales deep within the spider’s tree of life. Hawaiian Tetragnatha presents an opportunity to ask if such shifts can occur at much shorter timescales because web design diverges significantly among closely related species on the same island while also converging with more distant relatives on other islands. Here, we provide an initial test of whether or not silk properties diversified during the recent adaptive radiation of Hawaiian Tetragnatha.MethodsWe obtained radial and capture spiral silk from orb webs for spiders on two islands and tested their tensile and adhesive properties. We also used solution-state NMR to compare the composition of low molecular weight compounds in the glue because of their influence on capture spiral stickiness.ResultsResults showed differences in the stiffness of radial silk among four populations of Hawaiian Tetragnatha, while extensibility remained unchanged. Although not statistically different, radial strength and toughness varied twofold among species. Stickiness varied threefold among the four populations of orb weavers. No conspicuous qualitative differences in the low molecular weight compound composition of aggregate glue were found, suggesting that differences in capture spiral stickiness were due to the amount or arrangement of glue droplets on threads.DiscussionWhile our sampling is modest, our data provide the first evidence that silk properties can evolve measurably over the relatively short timescales of the adaptive radiation of Hawaiian Tetragnatha spiders.

Bio-based protic salts as precursors for sustainable free-standing film electrodes

Transforming amines with low boiling points and high volatilities into protic salts is a versatile strategy to utilize low molecular weight compounds as precursors for N-doped carbon structures in a straightforward carbonization procedure. Herein, conventional mineral acids commonly used for the synthesis of protic salts were replaced by bio-derived phytic acid, which, combined with various amines and amino acids, yielded partially or fully bio-derived protic salts. The biomass-based salts showed higher char-forming ability than their mineral acid-based analogs (up to 55.9% at 800°), simultaneously providing carbon materials with significant porosity (up to 1177 m2g−1) and a considerable level of N,P,O-doping. Here, we present the first comprehensive study on the correlation between the structure of the bio-derived protic precursors and the properties of derived carbon materials to guide future designs of biomass-derived precursors for the one-step synthesis of sustainable carbon materials. Additionally, we demonstrate how to improve the textural properties of the protic-salt-derived carbons (which suffer from high brittleness) by simply upgrading them into highly flexible nanocomposites using high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes. Consequently, self-standing electrodes for the oxygen reduction reaction were created.

Daphnia magna model for the study of mycotoxins present in food: Gliotoxin, ochratoxin A and its combination

Mycotoxins are low molecular weight compounds present in food and feed. Although their effects on human health have been widely described, their mechanisms of action are still undefined. Gliotoxin (GTX) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are among the most dangerous mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus spp. Therefore, their toxicity was studied in the Daphnia magna model, which has high capacity to predict cytotoxicity and assess ecotoxicity, comparable to mammalian models. The study consisted of a series of tests to evaluate the effects of mycotoxins GTX, OTA and their combinations at different dilutions on Daphnia magna that were conducted according to standardized OECD 202 and 211 guidelines. The following assays were carried out: acute toxicity test, heartbeat, delayed toxicity test, reproduction, growth rate test. Reproducibility was determined by observing the offspring after 21 days of GTX exposure. In acute and delayed toxicity transcript levels of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism (mox, gst, abcb1, and abcc5), and oxidative stress (vtg-SOD) were analyzed by qPCR. GTX showed acute toxicity and decreased heart rate in D. magna compared to OTA. On the other hand, OTA showed a delayed effect as evidenced by the immobility test. Both mycotoxins showed to increase genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, while only the mycotoxin mixture increased oxidative stress. These results suggest that the mycotoxins tested could have negative impact on the environment and human health.

Exploration and Purification of Secondary Metabolites from Lactobacillus acidophilus and Their Potential as a Bio-preservative

The natural tendency of many food items to spoil requires the use of natural preservatives to extend shelf life while maintaining their original qualities, such as texture and flavour. Consequently, there's a rising demand for preservatives derived from organic sources. This research focused on producing a bioactive compound with a low molecular weight using Lactobacillus acidophilus (MTCC 10307). The study investigated how different production mediums, temperatures, and pH levels influenced the synthesis process. With optimized conditions, the molecule was synthesized, extracted, purified, and characterized. UV analysis detected an absorption peak characteristic of a proteinaceous substance in the extracted material. The isolated compound was then tested for its antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens. By utilizing the isolated component as a bio-preservative in various types of juices, its effect on shelf life was assessed. One advantage of a low molecular weight compound is its ability to quickly penetrate cell walls and combat bacteria responsible for food spoilage.

Characterisation of Low Molecular Weight Compounds of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruit Spirit Aged with Oak Wood

There is a trend towards the commercialisation of strawberry tree fruit spirit (AUS) with wood ageing, motivated by its favourable sensory characteristics. Additionally, further studies are necessary to elucidate the optimal conditions regarding ageing time and toasting level. This study evaluated the changes in colour and low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) of AUS aged for three and six months using oak wood (Quercus robur L.) with light, medium and medium plus toasting levels. For this purpose, phenolic acids (gallic, ellagic, ferulic and syringic acids), phenolic aldehydes (vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde) and furanic aldehydes (furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 5-methylfurfural) were quantified using the HPLC method. Chromatic characteristics, colour sensory analysis and total polyphenol index were also analysed. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) was used to discriminate between samples. The results emphasized the favourable effect of oak wood contact on enhancing the colour and enriching AUS with low molecular weight compounds (LMWC). AUS aged in medium toasted wood exhibits high levels of total phenolic index, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, sum LMWC and chromatic characteristics b* and C. Concentrations of syringaldehyde, ellagic acid, vanillin and syringic acid and a lighter colour (a* chromaticity coordinates) are higher in AUS aged with slightly more toasted wood. Nearly all analysed parameters showed an increase with ageing time. The FT-NIR technique allowed for the differentiation of aged AUS, focusing more on ageing time than on toasting level.

Matrix- and surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry analysis of fingermark components for forensic studies: current trends and future prospects.

The chemical analysis of fingermarks (FMs) has attracted considerable attention in the realm of forensic investigations. Techniques based on direct ionization of a sample by laser irradiation, specifically matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), have provided excellent figures of merit for analyzing high molecular-weight compounds. However, it can be challenging to analyze low molecular-weight compounds using MALDI-MS owing to potential interference produced by the organic matrices in the low molecular-weight region, which can impede the detection of small molecules (m/z < 700Da). Alternately, surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) has shown great promise for small molecules analysis owing to the unique properties of the nanostructures used, particularly, minimal chemical background in low m/z region improved theproduction of ions involved in this method. The advancement of MALDI-MS and SALDI-MS has propelled their application in the analysis of FM components, focused on gaining deep insights into individual traits. This review aims to outline the current role of MALDI-MS and SALDI-MS in the chemical analysis of FMs. It also describes the latest achievements in forensic intelligence derived from fingermark analysis using these powerful methods. The accomplishments include the understanding of certain characteristics and lifestyles of donors. The review offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and demands in this field. It suggests potential enhancements in this rapidly expanding domain to bridge the gap between research and practical police casework.

In vivo profiling of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis spp. varieties via SPME-LC-MS analysis

BackgroundIn vivo solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a minimally invasive, non-exhaustive sample-preparation technique that facilitates the direct isolation of low molecular weight compounds from biological matrices in living systems. This technique is especially useful for the analysis of phytocannabinoids (PCs) in plant material, both for forensic purposes and for monitoring the PC content in growing Cannabis spp. plants. In contrast to traditional extraction techniques, in vivo SPME enables continuous tracking of the changes in the level of PCs during plant growth without the need for plant material collection. In this study, in vivo SPME utilizing biocompatible C18 probes and liquid-chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) is proposed as a novel strategy for the extraction and analysis of the acidic forms of five PCs in growing medicinal cannabis plants. ResultsThe SPME method was optimized by testing various parameters, including the extraction phase (coating), extraction and desorption times, and the extraction temperature. The proposed method was validated with satisfactory analytical performance regarding linearity (10–3000 ng/mL), limits of quantification, and precision (relative standard deviations below 5.5 %). The proposed method was then successfully applied for the isolation of five acidic forms of PCs, which are main components of growing medicinal cannabis plants. As a proof-of-concept, SPME probes were statically inserted into the inflorescences of two varieties of Cannabis spp. plants (i.e., CBD-dominant and Δ9-THC-dominant) cultivated under controlled conditions for 30 min extraction of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabiviarinic acid (CBVA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA). Significance and noveltyThe results confirmed that the developed SPME-LC-Q-TOF-MS method is a precise and efficient tool that enables direct and rapid isolation and analysis of PCs under in vivo conditions. The proposed methodology is highly appealing option for monitoring the metabolic pathways and compositions of multiple PCs in medicinal cannabis at different stages of plant growth.

Low-Molecular Weight Compounds that Extend the Chronological Lifespan of Yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Yeast is an excellent model organism for research for regulating aging and lifespan, and the studies have made many contributions to date, including identifying various factors and signaling pathways related to aging and lifespan. More than 20 years have passed since molecular biological perspectives are adopted in this research field, and intracellular factors and signal pathways that control aging and lifespan have evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. Furthermore, these findings have been applied to control the aging and lifespan of various model organisms by adjustment of the nutritional environment, genetic manipulation, and drug treatment using low-molecular weight compounds. Among these, drug treatment is easier than the other methods, and research into drugs that regulate aging and lifespan is consequently expected to become more active. Chronological lifespan, a definition of yeast lifespan, refers to the survival period of a cell population under nondividing conditions. Herein, low-molecular weight compounds are summarized that extend the chronological lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, along with their intracellular functions. The low-molecular weight compounds are also discussed that extend the lifespan of other model organisms. Compounds that have so far only been studied in yeast may soon extend lifespan in other organisms.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds in a northern freshwater ecosystem: Patterns, sources, and the influences of environmental factors

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) - a large group of organic chemicals naturally present in petroleum deposits (i.e., petrogenic) or released into the environment by incomplete combustion of organic materials (i.e., pyrogenic) - represent a potential risk to the health of aquatic ecosystems. In high latitude freshwater ecosystems, concentrations of PACs may be increasing, yet there are limited studies in such systems to assess change and to understand threats. Using 10 years of contemporary data from passive samplers deployed across five regions (n = 43 sites) in the Mackenzie River Basin, we (i) describe baseline levels of PACs, (ii) assess spatiotemporal patterns, and (iii) evaluate the extent to which environmental factors (fire, snowmelt, and proximity to oil infrastructure) influence concentrations in this system. Measured concentrations were low, relative to those in more southern systems, with mixtures primarily being dominated by non-alkylated, low molecular weight compounds. Concentrations were spatially consistent, except for two sites near Norman Wells (an area of active oil extraction) with increased levels. Similarly, observed annual variation was minimal, with 2014 having generally higher levels of PACs. We did not detect effects of fire, snowmelt, or oil infrastructure on concentrations. Taken together, our findings suggest that PACs in the Mackenzie River are currently at low levels and are primarily petrogenic in origin. They further indicate that ongoing monitoring and testing of environmental drivers (especially at finer spatial scales) are needed to better predict how ecosystem change will influence PAC levels in the basin and in other northern systems.

Polarizable H‐Bond Concept in Aromatic Poly(thiourea)s: Unprecedented High Refractive Index, Transmittance, and Degradability at Force to Enhance Lighting Efficiency

AbstractDeveloping transparent and highly refractive environmentally friendly polymers has not been realized yet toward sustainable optoelectronics. This work describes poly(thiourea)s (PTUs) design following a new “polarizable group synergy” concept, combining highly polarizable hydrogen bonding groups and aromatic‐based spacers to form densely packed and high‐refractive‐index polymer networks. Specifically, PTUs containing m‐ and p‐phenylene spacers exhibit an easy synthesis, high thermostability (Tg = 159 °C), visible transparency (&gt;92%T at 1 µm‐film), ultra‐high refractive index (nD = 1.81) based on the random H‐bonding arrays with a high packing constant (Kp = 0.738), and straightforward preparation of flexible films via solvent‐based techniques. Capitalizing on these assets, PTU‐films are integrated into benchmark graphene‐based lighting device architectures based on the light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) concept. A joint optical modeling and experimental validation confirm the increase in external quantum efficiency expected by the enhanced light out‐coupling of PTU‐films. Finally, PTUs are efficiently depolymerized to low molecular weight compounds by simply adding diamines under heating, following the dynamic covalent bond exchange between thiourea moieties. Overall, this work highlights the PTU family as new promising materials with a unique polarizable H‐bond design to meet efficient and sustainable thin‐film lighting devices.

The assessment of organic contaminants at a paint manufacturing site: implications for health risks and source identification

The daily variation of organic contaminants, both gaseous and associated with suspended particulate matter, was investigated within the National Company of Paintings estate in Lakhdaria, Algeria, spanning the period 2014-2015. The research emphasizes the chemical characterization of suspended particulate matter, analyzing a range of organic compounds, including n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and highly polar organics (HPOC), such as phthalate esters and heterocyclic compounds. Vapours of PAHs and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were also analyzed. Low molecular weight compounds were primarily associated with the gas phase (2-ring PAHs, approximately 95%; 3-ring PAHs, around 70%), while high molecular weight congeners were mainly associated with the particle phase (6-ring PAHs, 55%). The concentrations of PCBs (ranging from 0.6 to 42 ng m-3) were higher than those reported in other cities in Algeria and Europe. The source reconciliation of organic contaminants through principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the primary sources were petroleum combustion, industrial manufacturing, tobacco smoking, and vehicular traffic. The significance of tobacco smoke was further confirmed by the analysis of PAHs diagnostic ratios. The variations in diagnostic ratio rates between gaseous and particulate PAHs were attributed to distinct contributions from sources such as industrial processes. Health risks for workers exposed to PAHs and PCBs in PM10 were quantitatively assessed in terms of Benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration (BaPeq) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). ILCR presents novel findings, showcasing heightened risks among workers exposed to specific PAHs within production areas, whereas that related to PCBs suggested a high potential health risk for laboratory workers.

Sourcing aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Jinga shrimp (Metapenaeus affinis) muscle tissues and surface sediments (study case: Northwest Persian Gulf).

This study addresses the sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface sediments of the northwestern Persian Gulf and the muscle tissues of Jinga shrimp (Metapenaeus affinis), a commercially important aquatic species. In November 2018, 28 Jinga shrimp samples were systematically collected from four key fishing areas in Behrgan and Khormusi: Imam Khomeini Port (S1), Mahshahr Port (S2), Sejafi (S3), and Behrgan Wharf (S4). Additionally, sediment samples were collected from these locations, and AHs and PAHs concentrations were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The average aliphatic concentration in Jinga shrimp was 4800.32 (μg g-1 DW), exceeding the sediment samples' 2496.69 (μg g-1 DW) estimate. Hydrocarbon component analysis revealed EPA priority list (PAH-16) and measured PAHs (PAH-29) concentrations in Jinga shrimp ranging from 1095.8 to 2698.3 (ng g-1 DW) and in sediments from 653.6 to 1019.5 (ng g-1 DW). Elevated AHs and PAHs in Jinga shrimp, compared to sediments, suggest a petrogenic source, notably at station S4 near Behrgansar and Nowruz oil fields. Low molecular weight (LMW) compounds dominated in both shrimp and sediment PAHs. Aliphatic composition profiles in shrimps closely mirrored sediment profiles, illustrating an even-to-odd carbon dominance gradient. Diagnostic ratio examinations of hydrocarbons indicated pervasive petroleum derivatives in the environment. This study establishes a direct correlation between hydrocarbon concentrations in shrimp and sediment samples and the corresponding aliphatic groups, PAH-16, and PAH-29. The findings underscore the potential of Jinga shrimp as a reliable indicator of hydrocarbon pollution in the northwestern Persian Gulf.

EFFECT OF VARIOUS PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS ON SIDEROPHORE PRODUCTION BY MARINE Pseudomonas aeruginosa MGPB31

Siderophores are low molecular weight compounds secreted by bacteria that &#x0D; bind ferric iron with extremely high affinity. The siderophores help bacteria to &#x0D; meet their iron needs under stress conditions as these compounds help in the &#x0D; transport and storage of soluble form of iron in cells. In current study, we report &#x0D; the effect of various physicochemical parameters that influence siderophore &#x0D; production in marine Pseudomonas aeruginosa MGPB31. Siderophore &#x0D; production was assayed using Chrome Azurol S (CAS) shuttle assay. The &#x0D; maximum siderophore production (56% SU) was obtained in minimal M9 &#x0D; medium after 72 h incubation, followed by succinate medium (52% SU) and &#x0D; King’s medium (51% SU). The M9 medium was then modified by replacing its &#x0D; carbon, nitrogen and phosphate source. Enhanced siderophore production was &#x0D; observed in modified medium comprising of glycerol (70% SU), tri ammonium &#x0D; citrate (67% SU) and KH2PO4 (64% SU). The medium supplemented with iron &#x0D; exhibited a significant reduction in siderophore production. The effect of &#x0D; physical parameters like temperature, pH and agitation on siderophore &#x0D; production revealed that the isolate exhibited maximum siderophore production &#x0D; under static conditions in modified M9 medium devoid of iron at 25 ± 2°C and &#x0D; neutral pH. The enhanced siderophore production obtained by marine P. &#x0D; aeruginosa MGPB31 indicates its further applicability in fields of industry &#x0D; agriculture and environment.

Abstract 5936: A novel class of orally bioavailable small molecules induces potent and sustained tumor growth inhibition and T cell infiltration in various solid tumor mouse models

Abstract The introduction of targeted immunomodulating agents has transformed cancer treatment over the last decade by demonstrating unprecedented efficacy in patients who respond. However, limited clinical response rates as well as adverse events underline the need to identify additional novel modalities in cancer immunotherapy. Here we report on the discovery of a novel class of low molecular weight compounds for oral application that selectively enhance tumor-reactive T cell cytotoxicity. Hit-to-lead development of compound hit series A was performed based on medicinal chemistry to investigate structure-activity-relations. A-306, a representative of the A compound class, induced increased T cell proliferation, elevated levels of the activation markers CD25 and CD69 as well as enhanced secretion of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α upon anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation. A-306 treatment without T cell receptor ligation had no effect on T cell activation, suggesting selective activation potential only in the context of antigen encounter. Furthermore, A-306 strengthened T-cell mediated killing of M21 melanoma cells and enhanced T cell function in response to viral antigens by showing a Th1 signature. Medicinal chemistry efforts resulted in front runner compounds A-481 and A-687 that show a similar profile and potencies down to nanomolar level. In a murine B16-SIY melanoma and EO771 breast cancer model oral single-agent administration with front runner compounds was well tolerated, showed good bioavailability in lymphoid organs and plasma and resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition beyond the end of treatment (D21). T cells from tumor draining lymph nodes of long-term surviving mice in both cancer models showed a distinct activation pattern indicative of anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, oral application of A-481 in combination with intra peritoneal administration of anti-PD1 antibodies eradicated B16-SIY melanoma cells in a synergistic manner. Taken together, we report on the identification of a novel class of small molecules possessing high potential for selective anti-tumor activation of the immune system upon oral administration. Front runner compounds A-481 and A-687, which significantly inhibit tumor growth in a B16-SIY melanoma and EO771 breast cancer mouse model, lead to prolonged survival beyond the end of treatment and display a good safety profile. The final candidate compound will undergo testing in toxicity studies and enter a first-in-human trial in selected solid tumors in 2025. Citation Format: Bianca Gapp, Gunther Zischinsky, Maria Urban, Nora Birnbacher, Alice Schwarzböck, Sabine Grünaug, Tommaso Gastaldi, Anton Stütz, Peter Nussbaumer, Stefan Stranner, Julia Buchberger, Andreas Birbach, Daniela Schögl, Mario Kuttke, Alexander Dohnal, Romana Gugenberger. A novel class of orally bioavailable small molecules induces potent and sustained tumor growth inhibition and T cell infiltration in various solid tumor mouse models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5936.

Process benefits of ozone/BAC as pretreatment to membrane-based advanced treatment for direct potable reuse

Abstract The state of California, USA, has developed regulations for projects that want to pursue direct potable reuse. One of the most significant requirements is that the treatment train must include ozone and biological activated carbon (ozone/BAC) as pretreatment to a membrane-based treatment train. Ozone/BAC mitigates chemical peaks and diversifies the removal mechanisms of low molecular weight compounds likely to persist in advanced treated water. This paper will present the process benefits of ozone/BAC as pretreatment to the membrane-based treatment train based on testing at a 3,785 m3/d demonstration facility in San Diego, California, USA. One of the most significant benefits of ozone/BAC pretreatment is the improved water quality that benefits not only the product water produced for potable consumption but also the residual stream that is generated with the implementation of the RO process, commonly known as RO concentrate. This improved water quality originates from TOC reduction which is achieved through a combination of chemical oxidation with ozonation and biological growth in the BAC process that results in reduced operating pressures and chemical use for the membrane systems. These process benefits were quantified to develop an overall water cost comparison between a DPR and an indirect potable reuse train.

Application and environmental impact of loose nanofiltration in surface water treatment

Loose nanofiltration (LNF) membranes with a molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of about 1000 Da have great potential for high selectivity between natural organic matter (NOM) and mineral salts. Therefore, they are interesting for treatment plants for purifying oligotrophic lake waters with an elevated NOM concentration. This study was conducted to determine the design and operational expenses as well as the environmental impact of an LNF-based drinking water treatment process that removes NOM from Finnish surface water. Two LNF membranes with similar MWCOs were selected, and the results were compared to ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and conventional treatment. One LNF membrane demonstrated a rejection rate of NOM higher than 95 % and a low rejection rate of hardness at about 40 %, while the other LNF membrane performed similarly to an ultrafiltration membrane. The LNF-based treatment process would increase operational expenses by 53—69 % but at the same time decrease the environmental impact by >18 %. Improved removal of aromaticity and low molecular weight compounds could lower the disinfection byproduct formation potential and microbial growth in the network, thus reducing the required chlorine dosage in the network and possibly bringing further cost savings.

Variations in the quantity and chemical composition of soil dissolved organic matter along a chronosequence of wolfberry plantations in an arid area of Northwest China

Abstract Background Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the most active component of soil organic matter (SOM), playing a major role in regulating soil fertility and carbon cycling. However, the effects of different wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) planting ages on the chemical diversity of DOM and its interaction with soil physicochemical properties have not been comprehensively studied. In this context, we collected soil samples (0–10 cm) from wolfberry orchards at different planting ages (1, 4, 6, 10, and 13 years) and from a corn field (0 years) in the arid region of Northwest Ningxia in China to assess the changes in soil DOM quantity and quality using ultraviolet–visible absorbance, fluorescence spectroscopy, and parallel factor analysis. Results We found that the ages of the wolfberry plantation changed the contents of soil nutrients and SOM. In addition, significantly higher DOM concentrations were observed at wolfberry planting ages of 10 and 13 years than those in the control group (0 years) by 176.6 and 190.2%, respectively. The specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254) and 254 nm to 365 nm ultraviolet absorbance ratio (E2/E3) values were decreased and increased, respectively, after wolfberry planting, indicating low aromatic and molecular weight compounds of soil DOM. The biogenic index (BIX) and fluorescence index (FI) of soil DOM ranged from 0.6 to 0.7 and 1.42 to 1.93, respectively, suggesting a combination of allochthonous and autochthonous sources. The short- and long-term wolfberry cultivations of 1 and 4 years decreased and increased the humification degrees of soil DOM, respectively. The contribution rate of the protein-like (C1) fluorescence intensity decreased, while that of the fulvic acid-like component (C3) increased with increasing wolfberry planting age, suggesting a change in the structure of soil DOM from protein-like to fulvic acids. In this study, total nitrogen (TN) and exchangeable Ca2+ were the main factors affecting the quantity and quality of soil DOM in the wolfberry orchards with different planting ages. Conclusions This study demonstrated that long-term wolfberry plantation enhances the accumulation of soil DOM and more complex compounds, thereby promoting soil organic carbon sequestration under different planting ages and land-use types in terrestrial ecosystems. Graphical Abstract

Chemical composition of the White Sea sponge Halichondriа panicea

The extract of the White Sea sponge Halichondria panicea (Pallas, 1766) exhibits cytotoxic and cytostatic effects. The main part of the extract consists of hydrophilic low molecular weight compounds: free amino acids (13.9%), glucose (19.9%), polyatomic alcohols (glycerin and others) (6.1%), carboxylic acids (0.7%) and nitrogenous heterocycles (1.2%). Of the substances specific to the metabolome, bicyclic diketopiperazines (four derivatives), pyroglutamic acid, phenylacetic acid, and two steroids (3β,5α)cholest-7-en-3-ol and dihydrocholesterol were identified. Toxicants characteristic of the genus Halichondria were not found in the White Sea sponge.

Metabolic profiling of bacteria with the application of polypyrrole-MOF SPME fibers and plasmonic nanostructured LDI-MS substrates

Here we present application of innovative lab-made analytical devices such as plasmonic silver nanostructured substrates and polypyrrole-MOF solid-phase microextraction fibers for metabolic profiling of bacteria. For the first time, comprehensive metabolic profiling of both volatile and non-volatile low-molecular weight compounds in eight bacterial strains was carried out with utilization of lab-made devices. Profiles of low molecular weight metabolites were analyzed for similarities and differences using principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and random forest algorithm. The results showed clear differentiation between Gram positive (G+) and Gram negative (G−) species which were identified as distinct clusters according to their volatile metabolites. In case of non-volatile metabolites, differentiation between G+ and G− species and clustering for all eight species were observed for the chloroform fraction of the Bligh & Dyer extract, while methanolic fraction failed to recover specific ions in the profile. Furthermore, the results showed correlation between volatile and non-volatile metabolites, which suggests that lab-made devices presented in the current study might be complementary and therefore, useful for species differentiation and gaining insights into bacterial metabolic pathways.