Concentrations Of Aromatic Compounds Research Articles

Antioxidants, phenols, caffeine content and volatile compounds in coffee beverages obtained by different methods

The objective of the research was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, phenols and volatile compounds of different types coffee infusions. We worked with the Catimor coffee variety and used five methods to obtain the infusion (espresso, V60, siphon, French press and a traditional local method). For each infusion, the antioxidant capacity was determined with the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid techniques, the phenolic content was determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu technique, and aromatic volatile compounds were determined with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The extraction method that yielded the coffee infusions with the most antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds and caffeine content was espresso; however, this coffee had the fewest aromatic volatile compounds. Although they had lower antioxidant activity, the infusions obtained with the French press had the highest content of volatile aromatic compounds and produced a cup that was free of pyridine, an undesirable compound in coffee due to its rotten smell.

Grouping of UVCB substances with dose-response transcriptomics data from human cell-based assays.

The application of in vitro biological assays as new approach methodologies (NAMs) to support grouping of UVCB (unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, and biological materials) substances has recently been demonstrated. In addition to cell-based phenotyping as NAMs, in vitro transcriptomic profiling is used to gain deeper mechanistic understanding of biological responses to chemicals and to support grouping and read-across. However, the value of gene expression profiling for characterizing complex substances like UVCBs has not been explored. Using 141 petroleum substance extracts, we performed dose-response transcriptomic profiling in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells, as well as cell lines MCF7 and A375. The goal was to determine whether transcriptomic data can be used to group these UVCBs and to further characterize the molecular basis for in vitro biological responses. We found distinct transcriptional responses for petroleum substances by manufacturing class. Pathway enrichment informed interpretation of effects of substances and UVCB petroleum-class. Transcriptional activity was strongly correlated with concentration of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC), especially in iPSC-derived hepatocytes. Supervised analysis using transcriptomics, alone or in combination with bioactivity data collected on these same substances/cells, suggest that transcriptomics data provide useful mechanistic information, but only modest additional value for grouping. Overall, these results further demonstrate the value of NAMs for grouping of UVCBs, identify informative cell lines, and provide data that could be used for justifying selection of substances for further testing that may be required for registration.

Effects of Radio Frequency Pretreatment on Quality of Tree Peony Seed Oils: Process Optimization and Comparison with Microwave and Roasting.

In this study, we explored the technical parameters of tree peony seeds oil (TPSO) after their treatment with radio frequency (RF) at 0 °C–140 °C, and compared the results with microwave (MW) and roasted (RT) pretreatment in terms of their physicochemical properties, bioactivity (fatty acid tocopherols and phytosterols), volatile compounds and antioxidant activity of TPSO. RF (140 °C) pretreatment can effectively destroy the cell structure, substantially increasing oil yield by 15.23%. Tocopherols and phytosterols were enhanced in oil to 51.45 mg/kg and 341.35 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, antioxidant activities for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were significantly improved by 33.26 μmol TE/100 g and 65.84 μmol TE/100 g, respectively (p < 0.05). The induction period (IP) value increased by 4.04 times. These results are similar to those of the MW pretreatment. The contents of aromatic compounds were significantly increased, resulting in improved flavors and aromas (roasted, nutty), by RF, MW and RT pretreatments. The three pretreatments significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacities and oxidative stabilities (p < 0.05). The current findings reveal RF to be a potential pretreatment for application in the industrial production of TPSO.

Thermogravimetric kinetics and pyrolytic tri-state products analysis towards insights into understanding the pyrolysis mechanism of Spirulina platensis with calcium oxide

Thermogravimetric kinetics and pyrolytic tri-state products analyses towards insights into understanding the pyrolysis mechanism of Spirulina platensis with calcium oxide were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer and a fixed bed reactor, respectively. The pyrolysis kinetics were studied by Friedman method and results indicated that the f(α)=(1-α)4 with A0 = 1.99E+10s−1 and f(α)=−1/ln(1−α) with A0 = 8.33E+11s−1 were suitable for Spirulina platensis and Spirulina platensis + CaO (stage II) pyrolysis, respectively. According to pyrolysis behaviors and kinetics analyzed, the potential reaction behaviors of CaO during the pyrolysis of Spirulina platensis were explored. Spirulina platensis pyrolytic tri-state products analyzed indicated that, when CaO as additive, the gas yield markedly increased with more H2, CO content and less CO2 content and the bio-oil yield significantly decreased. Moreover, the contents of aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds, phenols and ketons obviously increased in bio-oil with the appreciably decreased in the contents of esters, N-containing compounds, O-containing compounds and acids. Based on the evolutionary mechanism of CaO and pyrolytic tri-state products, the pyrolysis mechanism of Spirulina platensis with calcium oxide was proposed.

Occurrence, sources, and risk assessment of unconventional polycyclic aromatic compounds in marine sediments from sandy beach intertidal zones

This study investigated the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including parent polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitrated and oxygenated derivatives, in 48 sediment samples from the intertidal region of sandy beaches in Baía de Todos os Santos (BTS), Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil. The total PAH (∑PAH) concentration, total nitro-PAH (∑nitro-PAH) concentration, and total oxy-PAH (∑oxy-PAH) concentration ranged from 2.11 μg g−1 dry weight (dw) to 28.0 μg g−1 dw, 2.58 μg g−1 dw to 30.2 μg g−1 dw, and 0.34 μg g−1 dw to 3.65 μg g−1 dw, respectively. Elevated concentrations of parent PAHs and nitro-PAHs were found in samples from two sites in BTS, which were also characterized by high percentages of fine–medium sand and low organic matter contents. Potent mutagenic 3-nitrobenzanthrone (3-NBA) was found in 86% of the samples at concentrations ranging from 0.200 μg g−1 dw to 0.690 μg g−1 dw. Furthermore, calculations of the benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalency (BaPTEQ) indicated that three carcinogenic high-molecular-weight PAHs accounted for 98.7% of the total maximum PAH concentration. Finally, we assessed the possible environmental risks posed to benthic species living in the sediments of BTS. The results showed that the risk quotient for PAHs (RQPAHs) was ≥1. In turn, the summed RQ for all PACs (∑RQmixture) ranged from 1 to 30, but did not exceed the maximum allowable threshold; thus, the risks posed to benthic species were moderate for all sediment samples.

ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING METHODS AND SPECIFIC FEATURES OF DRYING SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS

The paper reviews and analyses the advantages and disadvantages of the existing technologies of drying shiitake mushrooms, which are a valuable source of bioactive polysaccharides, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. The findings presented in the paper show how various drying methods and their thermotechnological operating parameters affect the mechanostructural properties, chemical composition, content of aromatic substances and other compounds of mushrooms. It has been demonstrated that the traditional convection drying of shiitake in the temperature range 50–60°C allows maximum preservation of phenolic compounds, organic acids, nucleotides, sulphuric aromatic substances, and enhances the unique aroma of the mushroom. Radiation drying has such advantages as lower shrinkage of dried shiitake mushrooms, a higher coefficient of rehydration and higher hardness, and the drying time reduced by 66% compared with freeze-drying. Vacuum drying makes it possible to obtain high quality products, but significantly increases the duration of the process and reduces the content of aromatics. Radiation drying combined with hot air allows obtaining a dry form of shiitake rich in protein and bioactive polysaccharides and having high physicochemical properties, and reduces the duration of the process by 37.5% compared with convection drying. Spray drying of shiitake mushrooms is highly practical economically and allows organising industrial manufacture of high-quality dry mushroom powder in large volumes. It is characteristic of this drying method that its temperature effect on the product is slight, which makes it possible to preserve thermolabile bioactive substances. When using spray drying, it is advisable to add dextrin additives. This improves the structuring and moisture-conducting properties of the suspensions and their thermal stability, and helps preserve the unique aroma of shiitake mushrooms due to encapsulation of aromatic compounds. Studying the effect of various drying methods on the physicochemical properties of shiitake will lead to improving the existing technological processes and will make it possible to obtain products with desired properties.

Study of the effect of microwave roasting method on volatile compounds and some physicochemical attributes and sensory properties of green coffee bean

Study of the effect of microwave roasting method on volatile compounds and some physicochemical attributes and sensory properties of green coffee bean

Paleotoxicity of petrogenic and pyrogenic hydrocarbon mixtures in sediment cores from the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta (Canada)

Despite the economic benefits of the oil and gas industry in Northern Alberta, significant concerns exist regarding the impacts of increased oil production on the environment and human health. Several studies have highlighted increases in the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and other hydrocarbons in the atmosphere, water, soil and sediments, plants, wildlife and fish in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) as a result of oil sands industrial activity. Sediment cores can provide information on the temporal trends of contaminants to the environment and provide important baseline information when monitoring data are absent. Here we combined analytical chemistry and a mammalian cell-based bioassay in dated lake sediment cores to assess paleotoxicity in freshwater systems in the AOSR. Sediment intervals were radiometrically dated and subsequently analysed for PACs. PAC extracts from select dated intervals were used in cell-based bioassays to evaluate their endocrine disrupting properties. We demonstrated spatial and temporal variability in the PAC composition of sediment cores around the AOSR with some of the highest concentrations of PACs detected near oil sands industrial activity north of Fort McMurray (AB) in La Saline Natural Area. Recent sediment had positive enrichment factors across most PAC analytes at this site with heavier pyrogenic compounds such as benz(a)anthracene/chrysene and benzofluoranthene/benzopyrene dominating. Our study is the first to link chemical analysis of sediment cores with biological effect assessments of endocrine activity showing feasibility of extending the usefulness of sediment cores in monitoring programs interested in complex mixture assessments. While we observed no spatial or temporal differences in ERα mediated signaling, AhR CALUX results mirrored those of the chemical analysis, demonstrating the utility of coupling biological effects assessments to historical reconstructions of contaminant inputs to the natural environment.

Signatures of aromatic carbons in the infrared absorption spectra of soils

High fertility of the terra preta soils is often attributed to the high concentration of aromatic compounds found in these soils. Chemical characterization of two soil samples collected from different locations in Botswana has shown some similar properties with terra preta. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed five common absorption bands between the soil samples and the aromatic compounds. The common bands were found to be due to the vibration of the benzene ring thus indicating traces of aromatic compounds in the soil samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the existence of only two major nutrients which are magnesium and calcium in the studied samples. The soil pHs were found to be 6.8 for the ploughing field soil and 7.4 for backyard garden soil sample which are higher than the previously reported pH of terra preta which ranges from 5.0 to 5.4.

Assessment of Volatile Aromatic Compounds in Smoke Tainted Cabernet Sauvignon Wines Using a Low-Cost E-Nose and Machine Learning Modelling.

Wine aroma is an important quality trait in wine, influenced by its volatile compounds. Many factors can affect the composition and levels (concentration) of volatile aromatic compounds, including the water status of grapevines, canopy management, and the effects of climate change, such as increases in ambient temperature and drought. In this study, a low-cost and portable electronic nose (e-nose) was used to assess wines produced from grapevines exposed to different levels of smoke contamination. Readings from the e-nose were then used as inputs to develop two machine learning models based on artificial neural networks. Results showed that regression Model 1 displayed high accuracy in predicting the levels of volatile aromatic compounds in wine (R = 0.99). On the other hand, Model 2 also had high accuracy in predicting smoke aroma intensity from sensory evaluation (R = 0.97). Descriptive sensory analysis showed high levels of smoke taint aromas in the high-density smoke-exposed wine sample (HS), followed by the high-density smoke exposure with in-canopy misting treatment (HSM). Principal component analysis further showed that the HS treatment was associated with smoke aroma intensity, while results from the matrix showed significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between ammonia gas (sensor MQ137) and the volatile aromatic compounds octanoic acid, ethyl ester (r = −0.93), decanoic acid, ethyl ester (r = −0.94), and octanoic acid, 3-methylbutyl ester (r = −0.89). The two models developed in this study may offer winemakers a rapid, cost-effective, and non-destructive tool for assessing levels of volatile aromatic compounds and the aroma qualities of wine for decision making.

Advances in the microbial synthesis of aromatic fragrance molecules

Aromatic compounds make up a large part of fragrances and are traditionally produced by chemical synthesis and direct extraction from plants. Chemical synthesis depends on petroleum resources and has disadvantages such as causing environment pollutions and harsh reaction conditions. Due to the low content of aromatic compounds in plants and the low yield of direct extraction, plant extractions require large amounts of plant resources that occupy arable land. In recent years, with the development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, microbial synthesis of aromatic compounds from renewable resources has become a promising alternative approach to traditional methods. This review describes the research progress on the synthesis of aromatic fragrances by model microorganisms such as Escherichia coli or yeast, including the synthesis of vanillin through shikimic acid pathway and the synthesis of raspberry ketone through polyketide pathway. Moreover, this review highlights the elucidation of native biosynthesis pathways, the construction of synthetic pathways and metabolic regulation for the production of aromatic fragrances by microbial fermentation.

Changes in the Aromatic Compounds Content in the Muscat Wines as a Result of the Application of Ultrasound during Pre-Fermentative Maceration.

This research focuses on the aromatic composition of Muscat of Alexandria wines after the application of ultrasound for 40 or 80 min during a 4 h pre-fermentative maceration process. Two methods of ultrasound application were compared in this study: probe ultrasound and bath ultrasound, for periods of 10–20 min per hour. Increases of more than 200% were obtained for some of the compounds from the skins, such as two of its terpenes, citronellol and nerol. On the other hand, increases in alcohol and ester values were registered with the application of ultrasound for 40 min. However, a significant decrease in these compounds was recorded when the ultrasound process was extended. In fact, when ultrasound was applied for 80 min, content values were even lower than those registered for the wine produced without the application of ultrasound. At the sensory level, the effect resulting from probe and bath ultrasound application for different times were compared, where most of the judges successfully discriminated the wines resulting from the application of ultrasound bath. According to data, the wines resulting from the application of ultrasound bath for 80 min presented the most significant differences, which affected the aromas of white fruit, tropical fruit, stone fruit, flowers and citrus.

Simulating diluted bitumen spills in boreal lake limnocorrals - Part 1: Experimental design and responses of hydrocarbons, metals, and water quality parameters

Large-scale, in-lake enclosures (limnocorrals) were used to simulate spills of diluted bitumen (dilbit) in a boreal lake. In this study we use these simulated spills, which covered a range of sizes (oil:water ratio) representative of the upper 25% of onshore crude oil spills in North America (2008–2019), to assess the fate of dilbit-derived hydrocarbons and metals as well as the impacts of the spills on standard water quality parameters. The systems were monitored over 70 days following the application of dilbit amounts ranging between 1.5 and 179.8 L into 10-m diameter, ~100 m3 limnocorrals. The concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in the water column increased rapidly over the first two weeks reaching a plateau that ranged between 200 μg/L and 2200 μg/L for the lowest and highest treatment respectively. The concentration of total polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) also increased over the first two weeks, prior to a slow decrease until day 70. The maximum measured concentrations in the highest treatment were 2858 ng/L for the sum of all 46 quantified PACs, 2716 ng/L for alkylated PACs and 154 ng/L for the 16 EPA priority PAHs. The concentrations of PACs in the sediment increased continuously over the study in the three highest treatments with maximum observed concentrations of 189 ng/g for ΣPAC46, 169 ng/g for ΣPACalk. No significant treatment-related changes in the 16 EPA priority PAHs were observed in the sediment. Of the 25 metals quantified in the water column, only manganese, molybdenum, and vanadium displayed a significant treatment effect with increases of 280, 76 and 25% respectively in the total fraction. These results can help us understand and predict the fate of oil-derived contaminants following a spill and characterize the exposure of freshwater organisms living within them. These results should help inform the risk assessment of future dilbit transportation projects.

Study on extract-pyrolysis cascading utilization of chlorella based on green chemistry

As an important renewable bioresource, it is extremely important to find an efficient utilization approach for microalgae. During the main utilization method of pyrolysis process, a large number of high value-added products are wasted. In this article, extract-pyrolysis cascading utilization technical scheme was proposed and explored. The extract characteristic of microalgae using different solvents under mild condition were investigated. The selected solvents include conventional organic solvents and green solvent ionic liquids (ILs).The organic solvents were ethyl alcohol (EA), tetrahydrofuran (THF), pyridine (Py) and ILs were 3-dimethylamine propylamine formate (DMAPAF), diethylamine formate (DEAF), triethylamine formate (TEAF). ILs obtained higher extraction yields and wider varieties of compounds than organic solvents. Among them, TEAF possessed highest extraction yield of 22.97 % and oxygen-containing compounds account for 47.24 % of the extracts. The cross-linking bonds between the macromolecular structures of chlorella were destroyed after extraction. The product distribution of the subsequent pyrolysis process changed significantly. Compared with RAWC, the relative content of aromatic compounds and phenols in pyrolysis bio-oil increased, while the relative content of aliphatic compounds and nitrogen-containing compounds decreased. The total liquid yields increased through extract-pyrolysis cascading utilization, with the highest value of 58.51 % for TEAF.

Performance evaluation of novel Mica@reduced graphene oxide fixed rotating disk reactor in treatment of anaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines can cause serious environmental problems as a consequence of their toxicity.RESULTSThe performance of a novel design, laboratory‐scale mica@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reactor fixed on three rotating disks was evaluated for the removal of anaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines. Fourier‐transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopy analyses of wastewater after anaerobic treatment revealed that it contained high aromatic compound concentrations. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed that the rGO nanosheets were deposited on the mica surface by the spin‐coating method aromatic amines adsorbent. The effects of wastewater initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration (100, 500 and 1500 mg L–1), pH (5, 7 and 9) and processing temperature (293, 303 and 313 K) on the aromatic compounds and COD removal using the designed reactor were investigated. The results indicated that aromatic molecule adsorption occurred faster with higher wastewater COD concentration. Also, increase in pH improved the mica@rGO adsorption. Likewise, the increase in temperature caused swelling in the stacked graphene layers, resulting in new surfaces for adsorption, leading to an increase in reactor efficiency. The experimental results indicated that the adsorption process fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order reaction kinetics. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous.CONCLUSIONThe improvement in the removal of aromatic molecules by Mica@rGO indicates that the novel designed reactor has a great potential for the treatment of textile wastewater. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Extracts from Dated Lake Sediment Cores in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region Alter Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase Activity and Gene Expression in Avian Hepatocytes.

Increases in oil sands mining operations in the Athabasca oil sands region have resulted in increased concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and heavy metals in aquatic systems located near surface mining operations. In the present study, sediment cores were collected from 3 lakes with varying proximity to surface mining operations to determine the differences in PAC concentrations. Sediment cores were separated into 2 sections-current mining (top; 2000-2017) and premining (bottom; pre-1945)-and extracts were prepared for in vitro screening using a well-established chicken embryonic hepatocyte (CEH) assay. Concentrations and composition of PACs varied between sites, with the highest ∑PACs in Saline Lake, 5 km from an active oil sands mine site. The proportion of alkylated PACs was greater than that of parent PACs in the top sediment sections compared with the bottom. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in CEH permitted the ranking of lake sites/core sections based on an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated end point; mean median effect concentration values were lowest for the top cores from Saline Lake and another near-mining operations lake, referred to as WF1. A ToxChip polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was used to evaluate gene expression changes across 43 target genes associated with numerous toxicological pathways following exposure to top and bottom sediment core extracts. The 2 study sites with the greatest ∑PAC concentrations (Saline Lake and WF1) had the highest gene expression alterations on the ToxChip PCR array (19 [top] and 17 [bottom]/43), compared with a reference site (13 [top] and 7 [bottom]/43). The avian in vitro bioassay was useful for identifying the toxicity of complex PAC extracts associated with variably contaminated sediment cores, supporting its potential use for hotspot identification and complex mixture screening. EnvironToxicol Chem 2021;40:1883-1893. © 2021 SETAC.

Quantification of the aromatic potential of ripe fruit of Vanilla planifolia (Orchidaceae) and several of its closely and distantly related species and hybrids

Vanilla flavor is derived from the cured fruits of two orchid species Vanilla planifolia and V. × tahitensis. About twenty other Vanilla species are also credited with scented fruits, but very little is known about their aromatic features. We investigated the aromatic compound content of the ripe fruits of 30 vanilla accessions obtained from eight species and three hybrids. Glucovanillin plus six phenolic and one anisic aglycones, extracted after enzymatic hydrolysis, were quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Ultra-Violet detection. The analysis of the aromatic contents and the principal components showed clear-cut differences in the aromatic content of the species and varieties studied. The total content of aromatic compounds separated the three species most distantly related to V. planifolia, namely V. lindmaniana, V. crenulata and V. imperialis, from the other species notably by the absence of vanillin potential and a very low total aromatic potential (< 0.45% w/w dry matter). A clear gradient was observed between the different genotypes of V. planifolia, in particular for the total aromatic content (range 3.07–5.00% dry weight) and the vanillin potential (1.80–4.58%). Among all the analyzed samples, the greatest vanillin potential was observed in a V. planifolia x V. × tahitensis hybrid (7.46%). Anisyl alcohol was not detected in any of the 13 V. planifolia varieties but was detected in most of its close relatives such as V. sotoarenasii, V. bahiana, V. tahitensis, and V. pompona. Our data evidenced the very contrasting aromatic profiles of vanilla fruits, even among very close genotypes.

Key aroma compounds and metabolic profiling of Debaryomyces hansenii L1-1-fermented Flos Sophorae.

The extract from Debaryomyces hansenii L1-1-fermented Flos Sophorae has a unique aroma and could be used as a natural spice. The influence of yeast growth and culture medium pH on organoleptic properties of fermented substrates, as well as on the content of volatile aromatic compounds, total sugars, polysaccharides, reducing sugars, total proteins, and amino acids, were analyzed. Metabolic pathways were annotated to compare and contrast key aromatic compounds and metabolic profiles of water and ethanol extracts of D. hansenii L1-1-fermented Flos Sophorae. We found that cells grew most rapidly, pH values changed significantly, and the largest consumption of sugars and amino acids occurred within 48hr, producing bouquet-like, fruity, and sweet odors, as well as the highest content of volatile aromatic compounds in the extracts. The main aroma metabolites were 2-phenylethanol, linalool, and α-terpineol. The sensory quality of the ethanol extracts was superior to that of the water extracts. Five aromatic compounds, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methylbutan-1-ol, isobutyric acid, 2,3-hexanedione, and 1-hexanol, were positively correlated with the water extract group and negatively correlated with the ethanol extract group, whereas 13 aromatic compounds, styrene, acetophenone, 2-octen-1-ol, linalool, naphthalene, α-terpineol, dihydrocarveol, (-)-myrtenol, methyl anthranilate, eugenol, γ-nonanolactone, jasmone, and β-ionone, showed the converse trend. Although 2-phenylethanol displayed the highest concentration in the extracts, it did not significantly contribute to the separation of ethanol and water extracts. In Flos Sophorae medium, D. hansenii mainly produces 2-phenylethanol from phenylalanine by the Ehrlich reaction, whereas it produces linalool and α-terpineol by the terpenoid backbone and monoterpenoid biosynthetic pathways; the variable contents of proline, arginine, and glutamate could respond to the arginine and proline metabolic pathways. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Flos Sophorae, a collection of buds of Sophora japonica L., is a traditional Chinese medicinal and edible plant for its good aroma, taste, and nutritional value. Debaryomyces hansenii is a common, aroma-producing yeast. D. hansenii L1-1-fermented Flos Sophorae had a unique, bouquet-like aroma, slightly softer than the typical Flos Sophorae-like aroma. This study enriches our understanding of predominant aroma components and determines their contribution to the profiles of Flos Sophorae ferments obtained using D. hansenii L1-1. Researchers and manufacturers specializing in spices making can use these data to improve the aromatic profiles of natural spices produced by microorganisms, thereby obtaining unique aromas.

Value-added fuels from the catalytic pyrolysis of Alternanthera philoxeroides

The pyrolysis of Alternanthera philoxeroides was performed in a semi-batch reactor under a constant temperature (450 °C), heating rate (50 °C min−1), and N2 flow rate (0.2 L min−1) to investigate the effects of SnCl2, Al2O3.4SiO2·H2O, and MoS2 amount (1, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75 and 2 wt%) on the pyrolysis oil, biochar, and gas yield. The catalysts not only gave higher pyrolysis oil yield (24.89, 24.74, and 29.47 wt%) but also improved the fuel properties [oxygen, water, acid content, viscosity, and high heating value (8.88 to 9.38 MJ kg−1)]. The pyrolysis oils and biochars were analyzed by CHNS/O, FT-IR, GC–MS, 1H NMR, SEM-EDX, XRD, and porosity analyzer. The SnCl2 and MoS2 enhanced the concentration of phenolic (17.02%), paraffinic (12.74%), naphthenic (5.13%), aromatic (18.06%), and olefinic (7.96%) compounds in pyrolysis oils that matched the carbon chain length (C2 to C24) of petroleum fuels. The catalysts improved the high heating value (20.75 to 21.30 MJ kg−1) of biochars by reducing the oxygen content from 36.84 to 38.29 wt%. Only SnCl2 and Al2O3.4SiO2·H2O at 2 wt% gave maximum H2 (11.83 mol. %) and CH4 (8.11 mol. %) yield and enhanced the gross calorific value of the pyrolysis–gas to 14.41 MJ m−3.

Alternative Winemaking Techniques to Improve the Content of Phenolic and Aromatic Compounds in Wines

In this study, a complete physical–chemical analysis was performed for Fetească neagră wine, aged with oak staves. Red wine samples were taken from grape varieties grown in Northeast Romania and produced during 2013 vintage. At the end of the fermentation process, four oak mini staves (1 cm width × 10 cm length × 1 cm thickness) from heavy toasted French oak were added to 5 L of red wine. Samples were aged using two time periods, respectively at 1.5 and 3 months, in a room at 14–16 °C. Results showed that the initial content of total phenolic decreased during ageing, from 931.1 mg catechin/L at 1.5 months to 775.4 mg catechin/L at 3 months. In contrast, the initial content of total antioxidant activity increased after the same period of ageing to 13.3 mM Trolox as compared to the aged wines for 1.5 months, at 12.8 mM Trolox. The corregram representing the relationship between the total phenols, total antioxidant activity (TAA) and their fractions and CieLab parameters was performed. Thirty-seven minor volatile compounds were quantified by stir bars sorptive extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC-MS). An increase in odor activity value (OAV) with ageing time was observed, especially for fruity, fatty and woody series. The oak staves used in ageing processes can contribute positively to the aromatic profile of wines and could be considered a good choice for producing short-aged wines.