Concentrations Of Compounds Research Articles

Isolation of anthraquinone derivatives from Rubia cordifolia (Rubiaceae) and their bioactivities against plant pathogenic microorganisms.

The discovery of antimicrobial ingredients from natural products could be an effective way to create novel fungicides. Rubia cordifolia L., a traditional Chinese herb, may have antimicrobial effects on plant pathogens according to our previous screening study. Rubia cordifolia L. extracts had moderate inhibitory effects on apple Valsa canker (Valsa mali) and tomato grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1. With the use of bioguided isolation methods, eight compounds (1-8) were obtained, including the new compound 2,2,6-trimethyl-6-(4-methylphenyl)-tetrahydropyrano- 3-ol (7), and seven quinone derivatives. Two compounds, mollugin (1) and 1,3,6-trihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone (6), were found to exhibit outstanding antifungal activities against V. mali and Phytophthora capsici Leon. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of compound 1 and compound 6 against V. mali were 79.08 and 81.78 μg mL-1, respectively, and the EC50 of compound 6 against P. capsici was 4.86 μg mL-1. Compound 1 also showed excellent activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The inactive, inductive, protective and curative activities against TMV were 84.29%, 83.38%, 86.81%, and 60.02%, respectively, at a concentration of 500 μg mL-1, which were all close to or greater than that of the positive control (100 μg mL-1 chitosan oligosaccharide, COS). Mollugin and 1,3,6-trihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone are potentially valuable active compounds that lay a foundation for research on botanical fungicide products derived from R. cordifolia L. and provide lead structures for quinone derivative synthesis and structural modification. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring In Vitro Immunomodulatory Properties of Moss Atrichum undulatum Extracts

Bryophytes are rich sources of diverse secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of extracts from two different genotypes (Serbian and Hungarian) of the axenic moss Atrichum undulatum and evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of the prepared extracts in vitro. Both genotypes of moss samples were cultivated in vitro and subsequently extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol or ethyl acetate. The highest concentration of total phenolic compounds was found in the methanolic extract of the Serbian genotype (54.25 mg GAE/g extract), while the ethyl acetate extract of the Hungarian genotype showed the highest concentration of phenolic acids (163.20 mg CAE/extract), flavonoids (35.57 mg QE/extract), and flavonols (2.25 mg QE/extract). The extracts showed anti-neuroinflammatory properties by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor alpha by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglial cells. Moreover, they mitigated the cytotoxic effects of the pro-inflammatory mediators produced by activated microglia on neurons. The data obtained suggest that extracts from A. undulatum moss have promising anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties, making them interesting candidates for further research to combat neuroinflammation.

Impact of salt content on Douchi metabolites: biogenic amines, non-volatile compounds and volatile compounds.

The excessive salt intake associated with Douchi has become a topic of controversy. Addressing this concern and enhancing its market competitiveness necessitates the application of salt reduction fermentation in Douchi. Therefore, to promote the application of salt reduction fermentation in Douchi, a comprehensive study was undertaken aiming to investigate the differences in biogenic amines, volatile compounds and non-volatile compounds in Douchi with varying salt content. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that salt hampers the formation of metabolites in Douchi. As the salt content increased, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the levels of total acid, amino-type nitrogen and free amino acids in Douchi. Notably, when the salt content exceeded 80 g kg-1, there was a substantial reduction (P < 0.05) in putrescine, lactic acid and malic acid levels. Similarly, when the salt content surpassed 40 g kg-1, β-phenethylamine and oxalic acid levels exhibited a significant decline (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results of E-nose and principal component analysis based on headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed notable discrepancies in the volatile compound content between Douchi samples with relatively low salt content (40 and 80 g kg-1) and those with relatively high salt content (120, 160 and 200 g kg-1) (P < 0.05). By employing partial least squares discriminant analysis, eight distinct volatile compounds, including o-xylene, benzaldehyde and 1-octen-one, were identified. These compounds exhibited higher concentrations in Douchi samples with relatively low salt content (40 and 80 g kg-1). The sensory results showed that Douchi samples with lower salt content exhibited higher scores in the soy sauce-like and Douchi aroma attributes. In conclusion, this study significantly enhances our understanding of the impact of salt on metabolites in Douchi and provides invaluable insights for the development of salt reduction fermentation in this context. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Changes in α-Dicarbonyl Compound Contents during Storage of Various Fruits and Juices

α-Dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) are commonly present in various foods. We conducted the investigation into concentration changes of α-DCs including 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) in fresh fruits and decapped commercial juices during storage at room temperature and 4 °C, as well as in homemade juices during storage at 4 °C. The studies indicate the presence of α-DCs in all samples. The initial contents of 3-DG in the commercial juices (6.74 to 65.61 μg/mL) are higher than those in the homemade ones (1.97 to 4.65 μg/mL) as well as fruits (1.58 to 3.33 μg/g). The initial concentrations of GO and MGO are normally less than 1 μg/mL in all samples. During storage, the α-DC levels in the fruits exhibit an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease, whereas, in all juices, they tend to accumulate continuously over time. As expected, 4 °C storage reduces the increase rates of the α-DC concentrations in most samples. From the viewpoint of the α-DC contents, fruits and homemade juices should always be the first choice for daily intake of nutrients and commercial juices ought to be mostly avoided.

RELAXATION BEHAVIOR OF 3D PRINTED NBR-BASED RUBBER O-RINGS AS INNER PART OF ROD SEALS

ABSTRACT The viscoelastic properties of rubber polymer-based compounds are crucial for further applications but challenging in the manufacturing process using additive manufacturing techniques. The fact that the first layer is attached to the printing bed restricts free relaxation after extrusion, that the part shows a strong contraction along the printing direction after release and especially after vulcanization. In this study, the molar mass distribution and acrylonitrile (ACN) content of an NBR-based compound for the fabrication of O-rings for rod seal applications was varied to demonstrate the different degree of contraction resulting from 3D printing. An ACN content of 34% and an average molar mass Mw of 2.47·105 g·mol−1 with a dispersity index D of 2.6 was found to be a suitable compromise between the degree of contraction and compression set as a criterion for the application as O-ring as inner part of rod seals.

Microwave-assisted extraction of Tiliacora triandra leaves for functional ice cream production

Ice cream is widely enjoyed by consumers of all ages, but its high sugar and fat content may have adverse effects on health. This research aims to develop a functional form of ice cream by incorporating Tiliacora triandra leaves, which are rich in antioxidants. The substances from the leaves were extracted using high-power microwaves at 600 W for 30 sec, repeated three times. These extracts were then incorporated into the ice cream recipe, which utilized skim milk powder instead of fresh milk and stevia syrup instead of sugar. The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, while the total phenolic compounds were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The findings indicated that ice cream supplemented with the extract at a 20% leaf ratio (T20) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS, with values of 54.30 ± 1.42% and 73.83 ± 1.90%, respectively. Additionally, the highest total phenolic compounds content was observed at 3.48 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g sample. The addition of T. triandra leaf extract resulted in a significantly darker green color and a firmer texture. However, the ice cream’s ability to resist melting showed slight change. Sensory assessment revealed that ice cream enhanced with 5% (T5) and 10% leaf ratios (T10) of the extract received higher scores for taste, color, odor, and overall acceptance compared to T20, and showed no difference from the control (T0). These finding suggest that T10 could serve as a viable alternative for health-conscious consumers seeking functional ice cream options.

Pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis)-Peel and -Flesh Flour Obtained from Fruit Co-Products—Assessment of Chemical, Techno-Functional and In Vitro Antioxidant Properties

The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition and physico-chemical, techno-functional, and in vitro antioxidant properties of flours obtained from the peel and flesh of pitahaya (Hylocereus ocamponis) to determine their potential for use as ingredients for food enrichment. The chemical composition, including total betalains, mineral content, and polyphenolic profile, was determined. The techno-functional properties (water holding, oil holding, and swelling capacities) were also evaluated. For the antioxidant capacity, four different methodologies, namely ferrous ion-chelating ability assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay; 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability assay, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical assay, were used. Pitahaya-peel flour had higher values for protein (6.72 g/100 g), ash (11.63 g/100 g), and dietary fiber 56.56 g/100 g) than pitahaya-flesh flour, with values of 6.06, 3.63, and 8.22 g/100 g for protein, ash, and dietary fiber, respectively. In the same way, pitahaya peel showed a higher content of minerals, betalains, and polyphenolic compounds than pitahaya-flesh flour, with potassium (4.43 g/100 g), catechin (25.85 mg/g), quercetin-3-rhamnoside (11.66 mg/g) and myricetrin (12.10 mg/g) as principal compounds found in the peel. Again, pitahaya-peel flour showed better techno-functional and antioxidant properties than pitahaya-flesh flour. The results obtained suggest that the flours obtained from the peel and pulp of pitahaya (H. ocamponis) constitute a potential material to be utilized as an ingredient in the food industry due to the high content of bioactive compounds such as betalains, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, with notable antioxidant capacity.

Evaluation of diethyl 4-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate: synthesis, anti-corrosion potential, and biomedical applications

The pursuit of advanced multifunctional compounds has gained significant momentum in recent scientific endeavours. This study is dedicated to elucidating the synthesis, rigorous characterization, and multifaceted applications—encompassing anti-corrosion, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties—of Diethyl 4-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate. The 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative was meticulously synthesized through a strategic reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, ammonium acetate, and 5-bromoindole-3-carboxaldehydein the ethanol medium at 60 C. Subsequent spectral validations were conducted using sophisticated techniques, namely FTIR, NMR, and Mass spectrometry, resulting in data that perfectly resonated with the hypothesized chemical structure of the compound. Its anti-corrosive potential was assessed on mild steel subjected to an aggressive acidic environment, employing comprehensive methodologies like gravimetric analysis, Tafel polarization, and EIS. Concurrently, its antimicrobial prowess was ascertained against a spectrum of bacterial and fungal pathogens viz., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Candida albicansandAspergillusniger, leveraging the disc diffusion method and using Gentamicin as a reference standard.The empirical results illustrated a substantial decrement in corrosion rates with ascending concentrations of the organic compound, achieving an apex of anti-corrosive efficacy at 81.89% for a concentration of 2 × 103 M. Furthermore, the compound outperformed Gentamicin in antimicrobial screenings, manifesting superior efficacy against all tested pathogens. The antioxidant potential, quantified using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay against ascorbic acid as a benchmark, was found to have an IC50 value of 113.964 ± 0.076 µg/ml.This comprehensive investigation accentuates the paramount potential of the synthesized dihydropyridine derivative in diverse domains—from industrial applications as a corrosion inhibitor to therapeutic avenues given its pronounced antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. The compelling results obtained pave the way for expansive research and development initiatives cantered around this multifaceted compound.Graphical

Variations in Cold Resistance and Contents of Bioactive Compounds among Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo Strains

Dendrobium officinale is a valuable traditional Chinese herbal plant that is both medicinal and edible. However, the yield of wild Dendrobium officinale is limited. Adverse stress affects the growth, development, and yield of plants, among which low temperature is the primary limiting factor for introducing Dendrobium officinale to high-latitude areas and expanding the planting area. Therefore, this study aims to explore the variations in growth ability, cold resistance, and contents of bioactive compounds among different Dendrobium officinale strains. Four strains of Dendrobium officinale were selected as experimental materials and were subjected to low-temperature stress (4 °C). The agronomic traits, physiological indices, as well as the expressions of cold resistance-related genes (HSP70, DcPP2C5, DoCDPK1, and DoCDPK6) in the roots and leaves of Dendrobium officinale, were determined. The contents of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenols were also measured. Compared with the other strains, Xianju had the highest seed germination and transplantation-related survival rates. Under low-temperature stress, Xianju exhibited the strongest cold resistance ability, as revealed by the changes in water contents, chlorophyll levels, electrical conductivities, enzyme activities, and expressions of the cold resistance-related genes. Additionally, the polysaccharide content of Xianju increased the most, while the stem flavonoid and leaf phenol contents were elevated in all four strains under cold treatment. Therefore, selecting excellent performing strains is expected to expand the planting area, improve the yield, and increase the economic benefits of Dendrobium officinale in high latitude areas with lower temperatures.

Circular bioeconomy for cocoa by-product industry: Development of whey protein-cocoa bean shell concentrate particles obtained by spray-drying and freeze-drying for commercial applications

The revalorization of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) processing wastes, mainly cocoa bean shells, involve some strategies to obtaining maximum benefits of the bioactive compounds and reducing the amounts of waste through its use in new products in the context of the circular bioeconomy. Cocoa bean shells were used to obtain a phenol concentrated and formulate a matrix with isolated whey protein particles. Spray-drying and freeze-drying were used to pulverize the samples. The results indicated that both methods improve the stability of the compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the phenol-protein matrix powder, with significative differences (p<0.05), being the spray-dried matrix the sample with the higher amounts of the total polyphenols. Different amounts of the phenol-protein matrix powder obtained by spray-drying and freeze-drying were used for the formulation of the cookies, and significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the physicochemical characteristics, proximal analysis, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, among the formulations. The cookies with the highest protein content were those to which a 12.5 and 20% of the matrix obtained by freeze-drying was added. While the cookies with the highest content of total phenolic compounds (4118.72±27.43) and highest values of antioxidant capacity (521.33±33.68 mmol Trolox/g and 4249.10±51.24 FeSO4/g, by DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively) were those that were added with 20% matrix obtained by spray drying. Likewise, the discriminating variables identified between the cookie formulations were the results of polyphenols, DPPH, FRAP and proteins. This indicate that the addition of a phenol-protein matrix powder as an ingredient in cookies, as comercial application, exhibited an increasing of proteins and polyphenols content, including higher values of antioxidant capacity, in the final product.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and phytochemical profile of Pennisetum glaucum cultivated in central-southern Morocco and imported from India

Alternative methods of producing food sustainably are being considered due to rapid expanding population, increasing food needs, declining agricultural soils fertility, and ongoing drought. To achieve that, we examined the pharmacological, functional, and nutritional characteristics of two cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which are distinguished by their ability to tolerate a variety of climates compared to other cereal grains. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of two seeds cultivars: one cultivated in Morocco and the other grown in India. In addition to having a higher energy value (403.91 Kcal), higher protein (9.13 %) and lipid content (7.11 %), and a lower capacity for self-oxidation than the Indian variety due to its fatty acid composition, the content of phenolic compounds of Moroccan millet is well concentrated in its seeds, making it more powerful as an antioxidant and hypoglycemic plant. The ethanolic extract of Moroccan pearl millet showed the greatest total phenolic content (36.278 mg GAE/g extract), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 152.286 and 252.480 μg/mL respectively), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 84.439 μg/mL and 224.103 μg/mL respectively). The evidence gathered in this study indicates that P.glaucum possesses characteristics that qualify it as a food, medicinal, and productive plant.

Chlorophyll a fluorescence and phytochemical response in blackberry species (Rubus sp) cultivated in the high tropics

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of chlorophyll fluorescence activity is a useful tool for rapid and effective assessments of the effect of abiotic factors on the physiology of different crops. In Rubus, this type of measurements describes tolerance to high temperatures, sensitivity to heat and morphological alterations in flowering and chlorophyll content, as a result of plant stress. OBJECTIVE: The present research estimated chlorophyll fluorescence and the presence of some phenolic compounds in the leaves of three cultivars of blackberry (Rubus sp.) established in the central region of Colombia, under conditions of open air between 2400 and 2800 masl. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was done through the measurement of chlorophyll a (Junior-PAM II modulated fluorometer), the quantification of phenolic compounds (Folin Ciocalteu), the determination of antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) and the study of phenolic profiles (UHPLC) in leaves of three blackberry cultivars. RESULTS: Cultivars R. alutaceus (0.66), R. glaucus (0.73) and R. alpinus (0.76), presented values lower than the optimum (0.83), for the parameter F v /F m . In addition, the direct relationships between the parameters that define the behavior of PSII and the accumulation of different polyphenols were described. Reference was also made to the content of phenolic compounds (ranging from 125 to 150 mg GA g–1 dw), which did not show significant statistical differences. The heat map and principal component analysis show the close relationship between the parameters that characterize the functioning of PSII and the accumulation of phenolic compounds, as a mechanism of adaptation to the adverse conditions of the blackberry cultivars studied. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal that the leaves of the Rubus studied could be a source of functional ingredients for use in the cosmetic, nutraceutical and food industries and epigallocatechin was attributed the greatest responsibility for the antioxidant capacity.

Can the galling mite Eriophyes tiliae alter the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of Tilia platyphyllos in a high UV radiation environment?

AbstractLeaves of large‐leaved lime, Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (Malvaceae), harbor colonies of Eriophyes tiliae (Pagenstecher) (Acari: Eriophyidae), capable of modifying the leaf structure (inducer of nail‐galls) and physiology. The aerial organs of T. platyphyllos have traditionally been consumed for their high antioxidant capacity, related to the rich polyphenol profile. Here, we investigated the polyphenol profiles and antioxidant activity of T. platyphyllos non‐galled leaves and galls to determine the changes induced by the mite in a Chilean environment with high ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Phenolic compound identification in the methanol extracts of non‐galled leaves and galls was carried out through HPLC. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was quantified through spectrophotometry, and it was compared with the standards of the three major phenolic compounds of both organs. Nine phenolic compounds were detected in non‐galled leaves and galls, with no differences between the two organs, except for the absence of gallic acid in galls. The concentration of phenolic compounds did differ significantly between the two conditions. In leaf galls, epicatechin and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside concentrations and antioxidant capacity increased significantly compared to non‐galled leaves. As chlorogenic acid and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside are active phenols responding to UV radiation stress, their concentration in T. platyphyllos leaves could be a response to the high UV radiation occurring in Chile during spring and summer. The phenolic compounds detected here have been reported to be potent antioxidants, that are probably potentiated by E. tiliae for its own protection against UV‐B radiation, as the two most abundant compounds in the galls exhibited the highest capacity to reduce ABTS and DPPH radicals. However, we do not rule out the participation of phenolics in protection against natural enemies of the gall mite, as chlorogenic acid and epicatechin are powerful antifeedants.

Tritrophic Interactions Mediated by Zoophytophagous Predator-Induced Host Plant Volatiles.

The zoophytophagous mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis and the ectoparasitoid Stenomesius japonicus are important biological control agents for several agricultural pests including the invasive leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta, a destructive pest of Solanaceous crops especially tomato in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about how feeding by N. tenuis can influence the tritrophic interactions in the tomato plant. Here, we tested the hypothesis that N. tenuis phytophagy would influence the tritrophic olfactory interactions between the host plant tomato and pest, predator, and parasitoid. In olfactometer assays, P. absoluta females and N. tenuis adults were both attracted to constitutive volatiles released by the tomato plant. Whereas females of P. absoluta avoided volatiles released by N. tenuis-infested plants, S. japonicus females and N. tenuis adults were attracted to the induced volatiles. In coupled gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) recordings of intact and N. tenuis-infested plant volatiles, antennae of P. absoluta and S. japonicus females both detected eight components, whereas N. tenuis adults detected seven components which were identified by GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as terpenes and green leaf volatiles (GLVs). Dose-response olfactometer bioassays revealed that the responses of P. absoluta, N. tenuis, and S. japonicus varied with the composition and concentration of blends and individual compounds tested from N tenuis-induced volatiles. Females of P. absoluta showed no preference for an eight-component blend formulated from the individual repellents including hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenyl butanoate, and δ-elemene identified in the volatiles. On the other hand, S. japonicus females were attracted to an eight-component blend including the attractants (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenol, methyl salicylate, β-phellandrene, and (E)-caryophyllene. Likewise, N. tenuis adults were attracted to a seven-component blend including the attractants β-phellandrene, δ-elemene, and (E)-caryophyllene identified in the volatiles. Our findings suggest that there is potential for the use of terpenes and GLVs to manage the insects in the tritrophic interaction.

Effect of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on the Tongue Dorsum on Reducing Halitosis and the Duration of the Effect: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that is gaining popularity in modern clinical medicine. However, little is known about the effect of PDT alone on reducing oral halitosis and the duration of the effect. This trial examined the effect of PDT on the tongue dorsum on reducing oral halitosis and the duration of the effect. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Okayama University Hospital (CRB20-015), and it was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs061200060). Twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group and control group. PDT was performed in the intervention group using red laser emission and methylene blue gel on the middle and posterior area of the tongue dorsum. The concentration of volatile sulfur compounds, bacterial count on the tongue dorsum, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and simplified oral debris index score were determined before and 1 week after PDT. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to assess the significance of the differences in each parameter between the two groups. We found that the hydrogen sulfide concentration and bacterial count on the tongue dorsum were decreased in the intervention group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. These results indicated that performing only PDT on the tongue dorsum may not contribute to reducing halitosis.

Research on digital-visual evaluation method of down fibers odor

Down is often used as a natural filler for warm clothing, but the odor of down is one of the issues that affects the performance of warm clothing applications. At present, the evaluation of down odor mostly uses the human olfactory evaluation method, which has low reproducibility and accuracy. This article first uses the method of activated carbon gas extraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify five down odor compounds that can be detected in a stable way, as representative compounds of down odor. Then, a simple direct impregnate extraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method was used to determine the exact concentration of odor compounds in down fibers. Finally, an odor level radar chart was constructed by analyzing the concentration of odor representative compounds of levels 1–5 in down. The digital visual evaluation method was composed of direct impregnate extraction combined with radar chart to judge the down odor level and compared to the human olfactory method. The results indicate that the radar chart evaluation has relatively accurate evaluation results and is more objective and accurate than the human olfactory method. This method for evaluating the odor level of down is simple and reliable, and has certain promotion and application prospects in the down production industry.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of the Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

Due to the resistance of Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to most clinically relevant antimicrobials, the use of traditional antibiotic treatments in hospitals is challenging. The formation of biofilms, which is regulated by the quorum-sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), is an important cause of drug resistance. There are three main QS systems in P. aeruginosa: the las system, the rhl system, and the pqs system. The inhibitors of the las system are the most studied. Previously, the compound AOZ-1 was found to have a certain inhibitory effect on the las system when screened. In this study, twenty-four compounds were designed and synthesized by modifying the Linker and Rings of AOZ-1. Using C. violaceum CV026 as a reporter strain, this study first assessed the inhibitory effects of new compounds against QS, and their SAR was investigated. Then, based on the SAR analysis of compound AOZ-1 derivatives, the parent core of AOZ-1 was replaced to explore the structural diversity. Then, nine new compounds were designed and synthesized with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one. The compound Y-31 (IC50 = 91.55 ± 3.35 µM) was found to inhibit the QS of C. violaceum CV026. Its inhibitory effect on C. violaceum CV026 was better than that of compound AOZ-1 (IC50 &gt; 200 µM). Furthermore, biofilm formation is one of the important causes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 resistance. In this study, it was found that compound Y-31, with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one, had the highest biofilm inhibition rate (40.44%). The compound Y-31 has a certain inhibitory effect on the production of PAO1 virulence factors (pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, and elastase) and swarming. When the concentration of compound Y-31 was 162.5 µM, the inhibition rates of pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, and elastase were 22.48%, 6.13%, and 22.67%, respectively. In vivo, the lifetime of wildtype Caenorhabditis elegans N2 infected with P. aeruginosa PAO1 was markedly extended by the new parent nucleus Y-31. This study also performed cytotoxicity experiments and in vivo pharmacokinetics experiments on the compound Y-31. In conclusion, this study identified a compound, Y-31, with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one, which is a potential agent for treating P. aeruginosa PAO1 that is resistant to antibiotics and offers a way to discover novel antibacterial medications.

Qualitative Characteristics and Functional Properties of Cherry Tomato under Soilless Culture Depending on Rootstock Variety, Harvesting Time and Bunch Portion

Tomato grafting is an effective practice in increasing the profitability of fresh-market tomato cultivation, especially in greenhouses, and is also considered a strategy for enhancing fruit quality. In this study, selected quanti-qualitative traits, and the of bioactive health-promoting compound and organic acid contents of cherry tomato fruits from three different scion/rootstock combinations (Sunstream/Top Bental, Sunstream/Kaiser and Sunstream/Suzuka) grown under a greenhouse hydroponic system were evaluated in three different harvests (beginning, middle and end of the whole harvesting period) and on three different bunch portions (proximal, central and distal). Although the tomato productive performance was influenced by the rootstock, with Suzuka and Kaiser grafted plants showing the highest total marketable yield (9.8 kg plant−1, i.e., 20% more than Top Bental), the yield-related traits (bunch number, weight and length per plant, and fruit number per bunch) and the qualitative characteristics of the fruits (color, equatorial and polar diameters, dry matter and solid soluble contents, pH and titratable acidity) showed less variability, by displaying, along with the bioactive compound contents (total polyphenols, lycopene, β-carotene), DPPH free radical scavenging activity and organic acids contents (lactic and acetic), a significant effect of the harvesting time and bunch portion. Fruits from the beginning of the harvesting period showed better qualitative and functional properties, with the lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 178.6 and 3 mg 100 g−1 fw, and fruits from proximal and central bunch portions had lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 203.1 and 2.9 mg 100 g−1 fw.

Plant In Vitro Cultures of Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. “Electric Lime” and Possibilities of Modification in the Biosynthesis of Volatile Compounds

Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. is a globally spread species, known for its characteristic spectacularly colorful leaves of decorative value. Thanks to its rich chemical composition, the plant is used in ethnopharmacology, and it is also regarded as having high medicinal potential. The application of in vitro cultures enables the acquisition of homogeneous certified material of high quality. Additionally, excluding the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the plants is a way to fully recognize the influence of phytohormones on the plant morphology and the biosynthetic pathways of compound production. The best way to grow C. scutellarioides “Electric Lime” under in vitro conditions is to use the basic MS medium (Murashige and Skoog medium), enriched with naphthyl-1-acetic acid at a concentration of 0.5 mg dm−3. The analysis of volatile compounds demonstrated that the content of volatile compounds in the plants cultivated under in vivo conditions was expressed at a level of 2848.59 µg g−1, whereas in the plants bred in vitro without supplementation with phytohormones, the level was 8191.47 µg g−1. The highest content was noted for copaene, α-pinene, 1-octene-3-ol, α-selinene, sabinen, γ- and δ-cadinene, 3-octanol, and β-pinene. Aroma profiling revealed a lack of boranyl acetate, 2-hexenal, and 2-hexen-1-ol in the plants cultivated under in vivo conditions. Differences were found in the volatile composition between plants bred in vivo and in vitro, with the most significant recorded for the contents of 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanol. The addition of plant growth regulators into the basic medium under in vitro conditions affected the percentage ratio and contents of specific compounds in plant tissues. The most intense biosynthesis of volatile compounds took place in the plants cultivated on the medium enriched with NAA at 10,579.11 µg g−1, whereas the least intense was noted for plants cultivated on the medium supplemented with BA, where it was recorded at the level of 5610.02 µg g−1. So far, there has been no research published which would pertain to the profiling of volatile compounds performed using the SPME (solid-phase microextraction) technique. Moreover, the very few studies conducted on the chemical composition of these compounds do not mention the specific variety of C. scutellarioides under analysis.

Effect of Fermentation and Extraction Techniques on the Physicochemical Composition of Copoazú Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum) as an Ingredient for the Cosmetic Industry

The Copoazú is a Theobroma species of Amazonian origin, and its derived products have a high content of lipids valuable for both the cosmetic and food industries. The composition of the butter extracted from its seeds can vary depending on the postharvest process and the diverse extraction techniques employed. In this study, the composition of this butter processed with and without seed fermentation was analyzed using two extraction techniques: expeller pressing and hydraulic pressing. Parameters such as lipid profile, quality indexes, melting point, and the content of phytosterols and glyceric compounds were compared with a highly sought-after commercial raw material assessed through standardized volumetric and spectroscopic methodologies. The results showed that non-fermentation and cold-pressing conditions preserved the properties of the butter. This analysis is the first step in a standardized process for developing high-quality cosmetic ingredients derived from Copoazú butter.