Extract Content Research Articles

Application of Different Aqueous Ultrasound-assisted Extraction Process Parameters on the Quality of Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) Leaves Extract

Pandan of Pandanaceae family, known for its aromatic foliage, vibrant green color, and rich in bioactive compounds, requires green extraction technology to stabilise compounds. Hence, this study aims to optimise process parameters of aqueous ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the color, yield, and antioxidant content of pandan extract using the Response Surface Method (RSM), and compare the volatile compounds present in optimised ultrasonicated pandan extract with macerated extract (control). The analysis includes DPPH and FRAP assays, total phenolic content (TPC), color, and yield. Optimally validated parameters (R2 ≥ 0.90, p-value lack-of-fit ≥ 0.05) were: 80°C extraction temperature, 90 min ultrasonic time, 2.60 % of solid in 20 mL distilled water yielded promising antioxidant activities: 277.64 mg/g AAE, 19.90 mg/g GAE, and 1.48 g/g AAE for DPPH, TPC, and FRAP assays, respectively). UAE technique has significantly (p<0.05) higher yield of extract (86.24%) and DPPH scavenging activity (277.64 mg/g AAE) compared with control. The 3-methyl-2(5H)-furanone is the most abundant volatile compound found in both extracts. The cavitation in ultrasonication generates currents, increasing pandan's mass transfer rate into the solvent medium. The optimised ultrasonication condition contributes to the increased quality of the pandan extract.

Evaluation of Sourdough Bread and Its Potential Use in Support of the Treatment of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

Gastrointestinal disorders dysregulate the biochemical environment of the gastrointestinal tract by altering pH conditions during the gastric phase of digestion or by reducing the secretion of pancreatin during the intestinal part of the process. Ingested functional food could therefore lose some of its health-promoting potential apart from its nutritional value. In this work, we aimed to manufacture bread marked by decreased gluten content, using a commercial or laboratory sourdough, that could be appropriate for patients afflicted with wheat allergy, hypertension and pancreatic malfunctions. A reference sample (no sourdough) was prepared alongside wheat and wheat-rye bread samples-produced with either commercial or laboratory sourdough (L. plantarum BS, L. brevis 1269, L. sanfranciscensis 20663). We measured the QQQPP allergen content (ELISA) in bread extracts digested in vitro and determined how these extracted components affect the level of active angiotensin and alpha amylase (spectrophotometry). We then elucidated how these properties changed when physiological digestion conditions (pH and pancreatin activity) were disturbed to mimic gastric hyperacidity, hypochlorhydria or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The key finding was that every tested type of bread produced with laboratory sourdough exhibited pronounced angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. The effect was preserved even in dysregulated digestive conditions. The use of laboratory sourdough prevented an increase in allergenicity when pancreatin was restricted as opposed to the commercial sourdough, which surpassed the reference sample reading at 50% pancreatin. No statistically consistent link was reported when the inhibition of alpha amylase was assayed. In conclusion, functional bread manufactured with sourdough composed of L. plantarum BS, L. brevis 1269, and L. sanfranciscensis 20663 was shown to be potentially capable of contributing to the treatment against hypertension as evidenced by in vitro research. It was also moderately safer with regard to its allergenicity.

Reviewing the Optimal Conditions for Efficiently Harnessing the Phytotherapeutic Potential of the Invasive Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E. Br Plant Threatening Plant Diversity

Within the scope of this study, the study conducted by Pereira et al. on the examination of the plant species Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br, known as Hottentot-fig, is examined. This plant poses a great threat to biodiversity in coastal areas with its invasive feature. Pereira and his colleagues aimed to reveal the phytotherapeutic potential of the Hottentot-fig plant to turn this crisis situation into an opportunity. By evaluating the bioactive components and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, which vary depending on harvest time and location, the usability of this plant in the food and nutraceutical industries has been demonstrated. In the methodology and results of this valuable study conducted by Pereira et al., methods such as extraction and total phenolic content HPLC-DAD were compared with other literature studies in order to determine the optimum parameters. By comparing the results of the study on Hottentot-fig, the shortcomings and strengths of the study were determined. Within the scope of our study, it is stated that alternative methods should be taken into consideration in addition to the known methods used in the literature, the results of these methods should be examined, and efficient results can be obtained with different method strategies.

In vitro effect of Lenzites betulinus mushroom against therapy-induced DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with acute coronary syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents a group of diseases that are the result of reduced blood flow to the heart. There are natural products, based on mushrooms, used traditionally in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Aim of the studyAssessment of the potential protective effect of L. betulinus mushroom against therapy-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients with ACS in relation to the phytochemical properties of the mushroom. Materials and methodsThe study included 30 ACS patients and 30 healthy controls. The genotoxic potential of acetone and ethanol extract of L. betulinus was evaluated using the comet assay. The contents of minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Determination of sugars and organic acids was performed using a DIONEX ICS 3000 DP liquid chromatography system. Analysis of fatty acids was performed at Focus GC coupled with PolarisQ mass spectrometer. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the mushroom extracts were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds was investigated by the UHPLC-DADMS/MS method. ResultsThe comet assay showed that both mushroom extracts did not increase the level of DNA damage in the lymphocytes of healthy individuals, while they significantly decreased the %DNA damage and genetic damage index (p < 0.0005) in the therapy-induced lymphocytes of patients. The mushroom was very rich in phytochemical composition. The results showed that the most abundant components in the mushroom were phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, and calcium among minerals and glucose, fructose, galactose, sorbitol, and turanose among carbohydrates. Among organic acids were present in higher concentrations malic, citric, and maleic acids, while among fatty acids, the most abundant were trans-linoleic, cis-oleic, palmitic, docosahexaenoic and eicosadienoic acids. The results showed that the highest amount of total phenols and flavonoids in the mushroom extracts were obtained in the acetone extract. The most abundant polyphenolic compounds were chlorogenic acid and quercetin in both extracts of mushroom. ConclusionsThis study indicates that L. betulinus can be considered a mushroom with a high nutritional and functional value. Extracts of the mushroom were not genotoxic in tested concentrations in cultured human lymphocytes of healthy individuals, while in ACS patients they manifested a protective effect against therapy-induced DNA damage. The acetone extract showed a stronger protective effect against therapy-induced DNA damage, which is consistent with its phytochemical composition.

Metabolic profiling reveal changes in shoots and roots of nitrogen-deficient tea plants (Camellia sinensis cv. Jinxuan)

Tea plants require high levels of nitrogen for optimal growth. However, delayed or insufficient nitrogen supply often induces nitrogen deficiency stress. This stress can adversely affect the plant's growth, development, and metabolic processes. Therefore, studying how tea plants respond to nitrogen deficiency conditions is crucial for enhancing our understanding and management of their growth environment. In this study, we utilized High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) techniques to analyze the non-volatile and volatile components of both shoots and roots of the 'Jing Xuan (JX)' tea variety under nitrogen deprivation for 30 days (Nd). The results revealed that nitrogen deprivation led to a deceleration in shoot growth of 'JX', accompanied by reduced chlorophyll and water-soluble extract contents, with nitrogen accumulating predominantly in the roots. Significant decreases were observed in caffeine content in shoots and in the total amounts of theanine and catechins in both shoots and roots, while epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) accumulation increased in shoots. Moreover, we identified 65 volatile components in shoots, including a notable decrease in floral and fruity compounds such as trans-β-Ionone, Geranylacetone, and α-Ionone. The biosynthesis of amino acids and phenylpropane metabolism are more active pathways under nitrogen stress. Nitrogen deficiency led to reduced levels of amino acids, carboxylic acids, flavonoids, steroids, and their derivatives in roots, with the most notable decline observed in carboxylic acids, typified by Leucine, l-Aspartate, and l-histidine. In contrast, shoots accumulate carbohydrates and phenolic compounds, mainly sucrose. Additionally, metabolites such as Myristic acid and 3-Dehydroshikimate could be a critical indicator of stress levels. These findings enhance our understanding of tea plant growth and metabolism under nitrogen deficiency, providing valuable insights for breeding nitrogen-efficient tea varieties.

Total polyphenol, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of two species with ethnopharmaceutical uses from the spontaneous flora of the Oltenia region, Romania

In the conducted study, we investigated the total phenolic content of the alcoholic extracts from various vegetative organs of two plants of Romanian wild flora, Oltenia region: Dipsacus laciniatus and Armoracia rusticana. The antioxidant activities were determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging methods. We also determined total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The results showed significant differences among plant various vegetative organs, the highest content of polyphenols being found for the leaves extract of Dipsacus laciniatus species, followed by Armoracia rusticana leaves. The highest antioxidant reducing power was obtained for the Armoracia leaf extract (IC50= 101.94 µg/ml), followed by the leaves of Dipsacus (IC50= 77.86 µg/ml).

Integrating deep learning and near-infrared spectroscopy for quality control of traditional Chinese medicine extracts

Extraction is a key fundamental step in producing most traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products. Influenced by factors such as herbs and production techniques, the quality of TCM extracts may vary significantly, leading to high variability between batches and unstable quality of the products. Currently, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other analytical methods have been employed for the quality control of TCM extracts, but these methods are time-consuming, environmentally unfriendly, and complicated in sample pre-treatment, which cannot meet the needs of actual production. Therefore, a rapid and effective method for the quality analysis and control of TCM extracts is urgently needed. In this study, the traditional Chinese medicine Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae (RGM) was taken as the research object, and a quantitative analysis model for the active ingredients loganic acid (LA) and gentiopicroside (GPS) was constructed based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, combining with convolutional neural network (CNN) and gated recurrent unit (GRU). Moreover, the multi-task mean square error (MTMSE) loss function proposed in this paper was used to train the model to ensure the prediction accuracy for different tasks. Meanwhile, this model integrated Bayesian optimization to automatically find the optimal hyperparameters without manual involvement. The results showed that the CNN-GRU model had higher prediction accuracy compared with CNN, BP, and PLS models. In addition, the feasibility of the CNN-GRU model was comprehensively analyzed. Finally, the feature extraction process of the CNN-GRU model was visualized to enhance the interpretability. This research creatively integrated deep learning with near-infrared spectroscopy to achieve rapid and accurate analysis of the active ingredient content of TCM extracts, providing new ideas and methods for quality control of TCM preparations.

Moringa oleifera flowers: insights into their aroma chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties

BackgroundMoringa oleifera is a highly nutritious plant widely used in traditional medicine.ResultsThe aroma constituents present in the fresh flowers of M. oleifera versus the hydrodistilled oil and hexane extract were studied using GC-MS. Aldehydes were the major class detected in the fresh flowers (64.75%) with E-2-hexenal being the predominant component constituting > 50%. Alkane hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and aldehydes constituted > 50% of the hydrodistilled oil, while alkane hydrocarbons exclusively constitute up to 65.48% of the hexane extract with heptacosane being the major component (46.2%). The cytotoxicity of the hexane extract was assessed on RAW 264.7 macrophages using the MTT assay which revealed no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations of 1 µg/mL and displayed IC50 value at 398.53 µg/mL as compared to celecoxib (anti-inflammatory drug) with IC50 value at 274.55 µg/ml. The hexane extract of Moringa flowers displayed good anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the hexane extract was found to be 12.51 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g extract and 0.16 ± 0.01 mg RuE/g extract, respectively. It displayed moderate antioxidant activity as indicated by the in vitro DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum (PBA) assays. No metal chelating properties were observed for the extract. The enzyme inhibitory potential of the hexane extract was evaluated on acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterases (for neuroprotective assessment), α-amylase and α-glucosidase (for antihyperglycemic assessment), and tyrosinase (for dermoprotective assessment) revealing promising results on cholinesterases, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase.ConclusionOur findings suggested that M. oleifera leaves can be considered as a multidirectional ingredient for preparing functional applications.Graphical abstract

Extraction of ginkgolic acids from Ginkgo biloba L. exocarp and their efficacies against Tetranychuscinnabarinus

Spider mites cause substantial economic losses and are difficult to control in agricultural systems. Ginkgo biloba L. extract has potential as an acaricide, although its specific acaricidal components have yet to be identified. We used bioassay-guided isolation to isolate and purify three main ginkgolic acid (GA) compounds (C13:0, C15:1, and C17:1). Their chemical structures were identified as 1H, 13C, and IR, respectively. The LC50 values of GA C13:0, GA C15:1, and GA C17:1 against Tetranychus cinnabarinus were 777.75, 481.07, and 180.25 μg mL−1, respectively, demonstrating high toxicity. The efficacies of 23% GA soluble liquid (SL) with a dosage of 1500 a.i. g·hm−2 after 14 days were 82.45% and 85.41%, respectively, in Dali County and Chengcheng County, Weinan, China. The GA extraction process was optimized using methanol as the extraction solvent, heating and refluxing at 60 °C for 4 h at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:4, and repeating the process twice. The GA extraction rate of G. biloba exocarp was 43.2%, and the total extraction content of the three main GA compounds was 68.73%. Our optimization of the GA extraction process from G. biloba exocarp has the potential to be applied on an industrial scale, and GAs could be used as a commercial acaricide for controlling mites in the future.

Synergistic effect of bath-ultrasonication and heating treatments on two-steps treatment of brewers’ spent grain

The study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and techno-functionality of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) treated with two-steps treatment involving 5, 15, and 25 min bath-ultrasonication (USB) continued with autoclave (AH) at 90, 110, and 130 °C and/or water-bath (CWH) at 80, 90, and 100 °C. The two-steps treatments slightly affected the water- and oil-holding capacity and extractable fat content. Most of the two-steps treatments increased the amount of flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids, up to 4 times higher compared to its control. The two-steps treatment involving CWH had no significant (p > 0.05) impact on fat content, antioxidants and techo-functionality of BSG. Up to 15 min USB increased the poly-unsaturated fatty acids and lowered the amount of saturated fatty acids. In conclusion, the two-steps treatment consists of USB (up to 15 min) continued with AH and CWH increased the amount of nutritional-related chemical composition such as UFA and phenolic acids as well as antioxidant activity of BSG.

Microwave-assisted extraction of valuable phenolics from sunflower pomace with natural deep eutectic solvents and food applications of the extracts

AbstractA green process, both in terms of solvent (natural deep eutectic solvents, NADES) and extraction method (microwave-assisted extraction, MAE) for the recovery of bioactive components from sunflower pomace (SFP, a by-product of oil extraction process), was designed to contribute to their sustainable valorization. For the extraction of valuable phenolics from sunflower pomace, nine potential NADES were prepared. Among them, choline chloride-urea-water (CC-U-W) at a molar ratio of 1:2:4 was selected for extraction, showing better yield and physicochemical properties. Operational parameters (extraction temperature, time, water ratio, and solvent-to-solid ratio) for MAE were optimized and modeled utilizing response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions, the antioxidant properties of SFP extract were evaluated by CUPRAC, ABTS, and DPPH methods. The total phenolic contents of extracts were evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Phenolics were characterized by using the HPLC–PDA system. The results showed that SFP NADES extract had potential antioxidant activity which was higher than that of traditional solvents. In order to better evaluate SFP extract as a valuable food ingredient, SFP extracts at a ratio of 5, 10, and 20% added smoothie-like beverages with strawberries and yogurt were prepared. Fortification of beverages with NADES extract enhanced antioxidant efficiency, increasing total antioxidant capacity in a range of 12.4 to 68.6% and free radical scavenging capacity between 0.4 to 67.9% during both the initial and the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion stages. The addition of SFP NADES extract to food samples made a positive contribution in terms of the antioxidant activity of the final product. The results of this study revealed that sunflower by-products can be evaluated as a potential antioxidant source which is easily accessible, and the proposed extraction process has an important potential to recover bioactive compounds with high efficiency.

Preparation of waste Camellia oleifera shell and high‐density polyethylene composites: Effect of pretreatment on fiber and materials properties

AbstractThe preparation of wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) with high filling fibers and excellent physical properties remained a great challenge. This study used Camellia oleifera shell (COS, agroforestry product waste) as raw material, and prepared 60 wt% COS/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) WPCs using profile extrusion method through pretreating fibers including hot water, hot steam, alkali, acid, extraction, and fine fiber screening. After pretreatments, the relative contents of cellulose and lignin increased, the relative contents of hemicellulose and extract decreased significantly, and the length‐diameter ratio was improved. The flexural strength, tensile strength and impact strength of hot water and steam heat treated composites reached 31.4, 17.1 MPa and 6.9 kJ/m2, 31.8, 16.8 MPa and 6.7 kJ/m2, respectively. Compared with untreated 28.8, 14.7 MPa and 5.5 kJ/m2, the advantages were more obvious. Alkali treatment and acid treatment improved the thermal stability and residue rate of the material. Extraction treatment and alkali treatment significantly reduced the processing torque force, which was conducive to processing, while acid treatment was the opposite. The highest water absorption and thickness expansion rate were 13.75% and 3.60% respectively at 7 days after alkali treatment, which were considerably higher than 5.60% and 0.78% without treatment, while other pretreatments improved the dimensional stability of the material.Highlights High filling Camellia oleifera shell waste/HDPE composites were prepared. Physical and chemical pretreatments improved interfacial adhesion of the composites. Heat treatments significantly improved mechanical performance of the composites.

Antimicrobial Activity of Soaked and Boiled Jengkol Fruit Skin Extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans

Jengkol (Archidendron jiringa) fruit skin contains saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and phenolic compounds which act as antimicrobials in inhibiting and killing microbial. This research aimed to analyze the differences in various jengkol fruit skin extracts in antimicrobial activity against test microbes, as well as to analyze the total phenolic content and total saponin content in each jengkol fruit skin extract. The research method was carried out using an experimental method. Factor A extract (soaking and boiling) and Factor B Microbe (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans). The results of this research showed that extracts from soaking and boiling of jengkol fruit skin provided different inhibitory effects on the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans. The best extraction method that produces the largest zone of inhibition for test microbes is boiling extract. The extract with the highest total phenolic content is boiling extract with a total phenolic content of 7.517 mgGAE/ml. The extract with the highest total saponin content is boiling extract with a total saponin content of 16.11%.

Process Optimization for Coating of Acanthus Ilicifolius Extract on Silk Sutures

This study investigates the optimization of process parameters for coating silk sutures with Acanthus ilicifolius leaf extract. The increasing awareness of surgical site infections is a critical concern associated with the use of sutures in medical procedure undertaking. Our study aimed to assess the impact of three crucial coating factors, namely extract content, temperature, and duration, on the mechanical and antibacterial characteristics of silk sutures braided together. Through Box–Behnken design, in conjunction with the response surface approach, we conducted a thorough analysis to refine the model. The result showed that extract concentration directly influences both antimicrobial activity and elongation, while temperature and time primarily affect tensile strength and bending stiffness. To achieve the maximum tensile strength, minimum breaking elongation, minimum bending stiffness, and lower friction, all while maintaining the important antimicrobial efficacy of the sutures, this study emphasizes the use of response surface methodology in optimizing coating parameters for A. ilicifolius leaf extract on silk sutures. The response models are developed on the complex relationships between these parameters and the properties of the sutures.

Antioxidant Capacity, Toxicity, Phytochemicals, Total Alkaloids and Phenolic Levels Bamboo Shoot Extract ( Bambusa vulgaris )

The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous antioxidants can cause various diseases, so exogenous antioxidants from plants such as bamboo shoots (Bambusa vulgaris) are needed. This study explored the antioxidant capacity, toxicity, and phytochemical content of bamboo shoot extracts. Using an in vitro experimental design, we analyzed bamboo shoot extracts for phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity using the DPPH method, and toxicity using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT). The research was conducted from December 2020 to June 2021 at the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Tarumanagara University. Data were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism V.8 software with the level of significance set at p&lt;0.05. Phytochemical test results showed the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanins, betasianins, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, quinones, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. The bamboo shoot extract showed antioxidant capacity with IC50 value of 673.54 µg/mL, total phenolic content of 2923.65 µg/mL, and total alkaloid content of 7.34 µg/mL. The toxicity test showed an LC50 value of 362.16 µg/mL. The bamboo shoot extract showed potential as an antioxidant and anti-mitotic agent, although its antioxidant capacity was lower than that of ascorbic acid. The presence of various secondary metabolites contributes to its bioactive properties. Further research is needed to explore its potential applications in preventing diseases caused by free radicals. Bamboo shoot extract contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals, which exhibit antioxidant and toxic properties, making it a potential natural source for antioxidant agents.

Pengaruh Pelarut Metanol dan Etanol Terhadap Kadar Flavonoid Total Ekstrak Kulit Pohon Waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus L.)

Sea hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus L.) is one of the plants in Indonesia that is empirically used as a traditional medicine. The study aims to determine the total flavonoid content of methanol and ethanol extracts from the sea hibiscus tree bark using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Phytochemical screening of flavonoids is done using concentrated magnesium and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Total flavonoid levels are determined using the AlCl3 method specified in the QE (Quercetin equivalent). The phase of the research method includes preparation of methanol extract and ethanol extracts, phytochemical screening of flavonoid content, quantitative analysis of the flavonoid content (determination of the maximum wavelength (λmax) of quercetin, standard curve preparations of quercetin, and determination of flavonoid contents in methanol extract and ethanol extract), data management and analysis. Phytochemical screening showed methanol extracts and ethanol extract of the Sea Hibiscus tree bark showed positive contain flavonoids. Quantitative tests using UV-Vis spectrophotometry measured at 441 nm wavelengths showed that the concentration of flavonoid compounds in the Sea Hibiscus tree bark methanol extract was 0.109 %b/b, and the concentrations of flavonoids in the ethanol extracts were 0.096 %b/b.

Cultivating black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on coconut endosperm and soybean curd residue: Impact on growth performance, waste reduction efficiency and larval nutritional composition

AbstractBlack soldier fly larva (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), presents an attractive waste management solution that not only addresses the issue of waste but also generates alternative proteins and fats. Substrate quality and pre‐treatment by fermentation may play a crucial role in waste reduction efficiency and larval quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance, waste reduction efficiency and nutritional composition of BSFL rearing using different ratios of coconut endosperm (CE) and soybean curd residue (SC) with pre‐treatment by self‐fermentation (F), fermentation with baker's yeast (Y) and without pre‐treatment (C). Seven‐day‐old larvae were randomly separated into 15 experimental groups with three replicates. The experiment ended when the prepupae appeared. Based on the results, the larvae fed a diet with a high percentage of fresh SC exhibited the highest weight and growth rate, whereas the shortest development time was observed in larvae reared on Y. Pre‐treatment of the substrate with fermentation proved effective in waste reduction. The nutritional composition of the larvae showed that the highest crude protein was produced in larva reared on fresh 100% SC, and the highest ether extract was found when fed CE at 100% with pre‐treatment with F or Y. In conclusion, it is recommended to employ a fresh diet with a high SC content to optimise protein production, whereas a high level of CE with F or Y may be performed to obtain a high ether extract content. However, incorporating yeast fermentation with an SC content exceeding 25% provided high efficiency in waste reduction. Therefore, the selection of the ratio between CE and SC and of pre‐treatment techniques depends on the producer's objective.

Exploring the biotechnological prospects of a recently discovered fungus isolated from marine mucilage

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the usability of the identified fungus isolated from the marine-mucilage formation in the biotechnological processes. For this purpose, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the extract obtained from the fungus were examined, and the fatty acid methyl ester composition was determined. The molecular identification of the pure fungal culture was made using LSU regions. In addition, fungal extracts were prepared using different solvents, and the antimicrobial activity of these extracts was investigated by disk diffusion and minimum inhibition concentration methods. At the same time, the antioxidant properties of these extracts were analyzed using the DPPH and ABTS free radical removal methods. Also, FAME analysis was performed to determine the fatty acid content of the fungal extract. According to the study results, the new isolate was identified as the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer. Although fungal extracts have no significant antimicrobial activity, it has been determined that they performed successful DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity without needing additional reactions. FAME results indicate that the mucilage-originated fungus R. stolonifer is a valuable provider of fatty acids that, when purified at large bioreactors, can be good and cheap sources of next-generation biologicals for wide-ranging biotechnological applications.

Extraction and characterization of phenolic compounds from Commiphora gileadensis bark using ultrasonic-assisted extraction

Developing nations across the globe place significant importance on ensuring the complete protection, efficacy, and quality of herbal products and medicinal plants. Among these beneficial plants, Commiphora gileadensis stands out due to its diverse array of biological activities. The bark of this plant species offers numerous therapeutic advantages, including its potential for treating wounds, inflammatory conditions, and bacterial infections. To explore the process of extraction of biologically active components, this study employed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) on ethanolic extracts of C. gileadensis bark. Various variables of UAE process, such as ultrasonic frequency, extraction time, sample-to-solvent ratio, and ethanol concentration, were carefully investigated via the ‘’One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT)’’ method to understand their individual impacts on the extraction process. The obtained extracts underwent further analysis to identify the presence of different phytochemicals, employing techniques such as ‘’Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)’’. The experimental results demonstrated that the UAE process yielded promising outcomes, with the maximum extraction yields, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoids content (TFC) of the ethanolic extract from C. gileadensis bark reaching 37.60 ± 0.31 %, 149.75 ± 3.23 mg GAE/g d.w., and 44.84 ± 3.02 mg QE/g d.w., respectively. Additionally, this study successfully identified a total of 30 phenolic compounds present in the C. gileadensis bark extract for the first time, highlighting the efficacy of UAE as a suitable method for efficiently extracting various groups of phytochemicals from the bark of C. gileadensis.

Litsea cubeba essential oil: Extraction, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and applications in the food industry.

Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Lauraceae) is a valuable industrial crop that produces essential oil. The essential oil extracted from L. cubeba (LCEO) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and high antioxidant properties, with great potential for increased usage in the food industry. This literature review summarizes the extraction techniques, content and chemical composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of LCEO, with a focus on its usage in the food industry, which is an area of substantial recent research. The chemical composition of LCEO, which is affected by various factors, plays a key role in determining its bioactivity and usage in food. The potent antimicrobial activity of LCEO against various foodborne pathogens gives it potential for use in food packaging and preservation to extend shelf life. Future research challenges include the elucidation of the role and mechanism of individual chemical components of LCEO in inhibiting specific foodborne microorganisms; cultivar development to produce germplasm that yields essential oils of the desired chemical composition; and the development of commercial products that can be used in the food industry.