Cucumber Peel Research Articles

Biosynthesis of pH-Responsive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles from Cucumber Peels for Targeting 3D Lung Tumor Spheroids.

Lung adenocarcinoma is considered to be one of the primary causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy taken together, have not significantly lowered mortality rates. Repositioning of authorized anticancer medications supported by nanotechnology has therefore emerged as an effective strategy to close such gaps. In this context, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were biosynthesized from cucumber peels and were loaded with doxorubicin, a common anticancer drug to form doxorubicin-bound mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs). The study addresses a sustainable method for turning waste materials into MSNs, which can be used to create multifunctional nanosystems. The therapeutic module (DMSNs) was designed specifically to target 2D monolayer cells and 3D tumor spheroids of lung adenocarcinoma cancer. The DMSNs demonstrated notable antiproliferative activity and effective intracellular localization in addition to being biocompatible and innately fluorescent. Subsequent investigations revealed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcal infection, which is primarily prevalent in lung cancer patients. Thus, the developed MSNs held promising potential for anticancer drug delivery systems and have antibacterial potential to treat bacterial infections in patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, the cucumber peel-mediated synthesis of MSNs could also aid in the management of food waste and promote the adoption of the waste-to-health paradigm for sustainable solutions.

Food waste-derived activated carbon for supercapacitors

This research investigates the utilization of activated carbon synthesized from food waste biomass, specifically, peels of orange, apple, cucumber, and onion, as electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitor applications. The peels were first pre-carbonized at 600 °C and then activated at 700 °C with KOH. The research involved developing a supercapacitor using the synthesized activated carbon as the electrode material and 6 M KOH as the electrolyte. The results indicated that electrodes made from orange peel, apple peel, cucumber peel, and onion peel exhibited specific capacitances of 238.5 F/g, 201.2 F/g, 236.9 F/g, and 118.9 F/g, respectively, at a current density of 1 A/g. When the current density was increased to 2 A/g, the elec-trodes maintained up to 90% of their capacitance.

Cucumber peel extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for low-carbon steel in sulfuric acid

Cucumber peel extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for low-carbon steel in sulfuric acid

Hydrogen production through polyoxometalate catalysed electrolysis from biomass components and food waste

Electrolysis from biomass is a promising process for hydrogen generation from biomass and biowaste that is still unexplored. The paper used lignocellulosic biomass components and food waste (banana and cucumber peels) as feedstocks to explore hydrogen generation through an H-type proton exchange membrane electrolytic cell. Polyoxometalates (PMo12) were employed as a catalyst and charge carrier during the pre-treatment stage in the biomass degradation process. Electrochemical characterisations were conducted in a potential range of 0–1.20 V to analyse the electrochemical reaction behaviour at the anode. To assess the impact of temperature on the hydrogen yield rates, the electrolysis was conducted at both room temperature (19 °C) and a higher temperature (80 °C). Results show that the maximum hydrogen produced in the first hour was 7.8 mL per gram of biomass. With an electrical potential of 1.20 V and a temperature of 80 °C, the hydrogen yield rate of glucose was three times higher than that of the individual biomass components, i.e., cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, and starch. The volume of hydrogen yielded from banana peel and cucumber was 49.2 mL and 39.6 mL, respectively. The overall conversion efficiency was calculated as the weight percentage ratio of the hydrogen contained in cucumber and banana peels and the hydrogen collected was 10 % and 17 %, respectively, suggesting the need to identify solutions to extract the hydrogen content from biomass material further.

Activated Carbon Derived from Cucumber Peel for Use as a Supercapacitor Electrode Material.

Biowaste conversion into activated carbon is a sustainable and inexpensive approach that relieves the pressure on its disposal. Here, we prepared micro-mesoporous activated carbons (ACs) from cucumber peels through carbonization at 600 °C followed by thermal activation at different temperatures. The ACs were tested as supercapacitors for the first time. The carbon activated at 800 °C (ACP-800) showed a high specific capacitance value of 300 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s in the cyclic voltammetry and 331 F/g at the current density of 0.1 A/g in the galvanostatic charge-discharge analysis. At the current density of 1 A/g, the specific discharge capacitance was 286 F/g and retained 100% capacity after 2000 cycles. Their properties were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, porosity, thermal analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The specific surface area of this sample was calculated to be 2333 m2 g-1 using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The excellent performance of ACP-800 is mainly attributed to its hierarchical porosity, as the mesopores provide connectivity between the micropores and improve the capacitive performance. These electrochemical properties enable this carbon material prepared from cucumber peels to be a potential source for supercapacitor materials.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY TEST OF CUCUMBER PEEL EXTRACT (Cucumis sativus L.) AGAINST Streptococcus mutans BACTERIA

Background: Dental caries is a process of tooth demineralization caused by acids produced from food metabolism in bacteria. One of the main etiological factors of dental caries is the microorganisms known as Streptococcus mutans bacteria. S. mutans is one of the components of human dental plaque that is associated with sucrose diet and high caries activity. Cucumber peel extract (Cucumis sativus L.) is known to have an antibacterial activity due to the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, saponins and phenols found in cucumber peel. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity at the lowest concentration of cucumber peel extract (Cucumis sativus L.) against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Method: This study employed the disc diffusion method with a post-test only control group design. Streptococcus mutans bacteria were cultured on Mueller Hinton Agar media, and cucumber peel extract (Cucumis sativus L.) was applied as the antibacterial agent at concentrations of 0.01 g/ml, 0.05 g/ml, 0.1 g/ml, 0.2 g/ml, 0.4 g/ml and 0.5 g/ml with seven repetitions. Results: The results of the study showed that cucumber peel extract (Cucumis sativus L.) formed inhibition zones around the paper discs against the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria at concentrations of 0.4 g/ml and 0.5 g/ml. Conclusion: The concentrations of 0,4 g/ml and 0,5 g/ml are the lowest concentrations of cucumber peel extract (Cucumis sativus L.) that can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Keywords : Antibacterial, Cucumber peel, Dental Caries, Streptococcus mutans

Fabrication of cucumber peel extract‐imbued dragon fruit peel pectin hydrogel packaging films: Assessment in preservation of chicken meat

AbstractWith plastic packaging posing severe risk on ecosystem, there is a crucial need for the development of sustainable and eco‐friendly packaging materials for food preservation. This work aims to develop cucumber peel extract imbued into dragon fruit peel pectin films for meat packaging. The cucumber peel extract and dragon fruit peel pectin were obtained by via the environmentally benign microwave‐assisted method. Incorporation of cucumber peel extract led to an enhancement in the density and thickness of the pectin thin films. In addition to improving the tensile strength, antioxidant potential, and opacity of the films, the water‐barrier properties were also augmented. Trials on chicken meat indicated lower pH changes, weight loss, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values during the refrigerated storage tenure. Thus, our work paves the path for the design of a sustainable packaging for meat and simultaneously addresses the valorization of fruit peel wastes.Highlights Dragon fruit peel pectin, cucumber peel extract obtained by microwave method. Peel extract‐imbued pectin thin films were fabricated using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as plasticizer. Addition of peel extract enhanced the density and opacity of films. Films have good tensile strength, water‐barrier, and antioxidant properties. Chicken meat packaging suggested lower pH, weight loss, and TVB‐N values.

Enrichment of Bread With Green Pumpkin, Watermelon and Cucumber Peels: Physicochemical, Pasting, Rheological, Antioxidant and Organoleptic Properties

Sustainable food production through harnessing the potential of phenolic‐rich vegetable by‐products is crucial to ensuring food security. Thus, the current work signifies the impact of vegetable peel powder (VPP) substitution (3%, 5%, and 10%) on the physico‐functional, pasting, gel texture, dough rheology, antioxidant and sensory properties of panned wheat bread. The VPP’s existence elevated the oil and water holding capacities (OHCs and WHCs) of the composite flour. The pasting properties, such as final and peak viscosities (cp) and pasting temperature (°C), were significantly debilitated (p < 0.05) with the substitution of VPP. Moreover, the composite flour gels showed reduced hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and gumminess. The micro‐doughLab data showed that the dough showed elevated dough development time and water absorption, greater softening and lower stability with enlarged VPP substitution. The final baked bread obtained a lower volume, a lower specific volume and a darker crust and crumb, whereas lipids, proteins and minerals were magnified by the increased substitution of VPP. An impressive increase in total phenolic content was noticed with a marginal surge in flavonoids; however, antioxidant activity was amplified significantly (p < 0.05) for the extract of VPP‐containing bread. Although the bread substituted with VPP remained less accepted by sensory analysis for its colour, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability, it could be a potential source of fibres, minerals and other beneficial bioactive components that would enhance the consumer’s life quality and health.

Micronutrient and antinutrient content of semi-processed fruit peels: Towards boosting immunity.

Fruits are excellent sources of micronutrients; hence, their consumption is highly recommended. However, fruit peels, often discarded, despite some being edible have been reported to contain essential nutrients and antioxidants, which contribute to disease prevention and well-being. This study sought to evaluate the micronutrient and antinutrient content of 10 edible fruit peels namely, orange, mango, pineapple, banana, lemon, mandarin, red apple, cucumber, guava and pawpaw peels. Laboratory analyses of the fruit peels were conducted at the University of Calabar, in a well-ventilated and temperature controlled environment to ensure accurate results. The research design was quantitative and experimental; laboratory analyses were carried out to determine the minerals, vitamins and antinutrients in fruit peels using AOAC standard methods. Data were analysed using ANOVA on SPSS version 20.0. Calcium was the most predominant of the minerals analysed, with values ranging from 33.12 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (cucumber peels) to 72.04 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (mango peels); calcium was followed by magnesium. Mandarin, banana and pineapple peels had statistically similar (p > 0.05) content of zinc (about 1.2 mg/100g), which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others. Mandarin peels had significantly higher content (100.48 ± 2.03 mg/100 g) of vitamin C, while cucumber peels recorded the lowest (27.50 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). The results show significant concentrations of micronutrients such as iron, selenium and vitamin K; among the antinutrients, hydrogen cyanide had the highest concentrations, followed by phytate. The values were within safe limits. Therefore, the processing of fruit peels, for use as dietary additives to enrich foods and boost immunity, should be promoted. The study shows the potential of fruit peels as food additives.

Highly selective fluorometric detection of streptokinase via fibrinolytic release of photoluminescent carbon dots integrated into fibrin clot network

This work pioneers a selective fluorometric assay for the fibrinolytic agent streptokinase by strategically coupling its thrombolytic action to fluorescence signaling using carbon dots integrated into fibrin clot network. Streptokinase triggers clot lysis and caused release of photoluminescent carbon dots integrated within the fibrin network in a concentration-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging verifies distinct aggregation of the carbon dots upon addition to fibrin. The carbon dots are derived via an eco-friendly hydrothermal approach using cucumber peel as the source of carbon. Structural and optical characterization of the carbon dots were performed using different techniques including X-ray diffraction, TEM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. All experimental parameters influencing the formation of the fibrin clot and factors governing the release of carbon dots upon the addition of streptokinase have been fully optimized. This fluorescence assay offers high selectivity for streptokinase over potential interferences in addition to excellent sensitivity with a 0.017 μg/mL limit of detection and a wide linear range (0.05–500 μg/mL). Successful application to pharmaceutical formulations is demonstrated with excellent recovery and precision. By ingeniously linking streptokinase activity to carbon dot fluorescence, this novel assay provides a rapid, simple and eco-friendly method for selective streptokinase detection.

A single-step method as a green approach to fabricate magnetite nanocomposite for removal of moxifloxacin and cadmium from aqueous solutions

The increasing pace of water resource contamination by heavy metal and pharmaceutical pollutants necessitates the use of advanced methods. Nanomaterials with unique properties are widely employed as adsorbents to address this issue. In this research, a single-step method was developed to coat the magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) on the sand to produce sand coated with MNPs (S-MNPs), then to use this nanocomposite for the removal of moxifloxacin (MFX) and cadmium (Cd(II)) from aqueous solutions. This method is intended to solve the problem of aggregation and difficulty in the separation of MNPs. The coating method was based on the green synthesis approach by coprecipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions using green (polyphenolic) extract. The extract of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) peels was selected among six other types of vegetal peels. A trial and error procedure was performed to obtain the suitable amount of the extract to produce MNPs with higher stability and the desired surface functionality. It was found that 5 mL per 100 mL (extract/solution) is the best ratio. The synthesized MNPs were categorized by a set of tests. Then, the synthesized S-MNPs were used in a set of batch experiments with varying conditions to remove the contaminants, moreover, isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic study were applied to study the ability of the manufactured nanocomposite to remove contaminants from aqueous solutions and to optimize its utilization. The experimental results proved that the synthesized S-MNPs have a good ability to remove the selected contaminants, with a removal capacity of 94 % and 80 % for MFX and Cd(II), respectively.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Mosquito Repellants in Roll-On Forms

Diseases like Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya are increasing at alarming rate. Therefore mosquito control and personal protection from mosquito bites are currently the most important measure to control the disease. Use of appropriate mosquito repellent is important to avoid disease. Use of chemical based mosquito repellent which is proved to be harmful and non-biodegradable is increasing day by day. In this study an attempt has been made to formulate and evaluate plant based mosquito repellent. The main advantage of using a plant based mosquito repellent is that the ingredients used in the formulations are biodegradable, eco-system and has less side-effect compared to synthetic mosquito repellent. The paper deals with the formulation of repellent product using the essential oil of plant materials viz, cucumber peel, grapefruit peel, sandalwood bark and curry leaves obtained by steam distillation. The purpose of the developing formulation was, for a quick onset of action and to minimize the side-effects. The same formulations were evaluated for mortality rate, repellent activity, efficacy, stability, etc.

Biosorption behavior of acid orange 7 dye onto Cucumis sativus peel biochar and its effect on growth of Triticum aestivum

AbstractThe application of cucumber peel biochar (CPB) for sorption of acid orange 7 (AO7) dye from aqueous solution has been assessed in this investigation. The adsorption process was systematically studied under different conditions including pH, exposure period, dye concentration, sorbent amount, temperature, and particle size of CPB. Maximum 96% removal of AO7 dye was observed at pH 2 by CPB with 80 mg/L AO7 dye concentration. Langmuir model appears to be the better one for experimental results description with 11.21 mg/g sorption ability. Kinetic results were well explained by pseudo‐second order model. The negative value of ΔH0 (−37.296 kJ mol−1) reflected exothermic behavior of process. CPB showed &gt;38% adsorption ability of AO7 dye up to 5 cycles. Phytotoxic investigation showed that CPB treated AO7 dye solution enhanced growth and biochemical parameters of Triticum aestivum seeds. The seedling length and vigor index of wheat seeds showed following order: Control &gt; AO7 dye solution treated with CPB treated &gt; AO7 dye solution. Hence, CPB, profusely available as an agricultural waste can be applied as a cost‐effective and ecofriendly sorbent for making dye containing wastewater reusable.

Separation of lead from aqueous phase by cucumber peel in column bioreactor: A phenomenon of interaction between biological and chemical system and its ecological importance

This research work represents a holistic approach of separation of aqueous lead through dynamic adsorption on cucumber peel in fixed bed column bioreactor and highlights the biological perspective of mode of interaction between adsorbent and adsorbate. Additionally attempt has been made to elucidate the importance of this process in preservation of aquatic ecosystem. The study illustrates influence of design parameters, periodic surveillance of generated effluents, statistical and mathematical model analyses of results and desorption. The findings exhibited a direct association between quality of treated effluent and speed of the feed solution, feed concentration and height of the fixed bed. Lead removal percentage was at its best (99.25%) at 8 cm bed height, 20 mL min−1 (0.9 L h−1) flow rate and 50 mg L−1 feed concentration whereas adsorption capacity reached its peak (300.26 mg g−1) when feed concentration was doubled up to 100 mg L−1. Time bound monitoring confirmed concentration of lead in treated effluents remained within satisfactory level. Adsorbed lead was recovered up to ∼95%. Experimentation with actual industrial effluents demonstrated that lead removal percentage remained in the range of 99.97–99.46% and 99.96–99.17% up to the entire phase of bioreactor operation. In summation proper combination of design parameters of column bioreactor played important role in generating superior quality effluent, multiple reuse of the bioreactor bed was dependent on proper eluant treatment and practicability of the study was ascertained by its ability to maintain concentration of lead in actual industrial effluents within permissible limit for prolonged duration.

Thermo‐chemical conversion of pre‐treated cucumber peel

AbstractIn this study, cucumber peel (CP) was treated with Calcium Hydroxide i.e. Ca(OH)2 and its thermal behavior was examined. The pre‐treated cucumber peel (PTCP) was thermally degraded mainly through three steps; first, moisture and light volatile compounds loss (30–132°C); second, primary devolatilization (132 to 337°C) involving intense degradation with mainly re‐formation process and third and final, secondary reactions (337 to 800°C). Lower PTCP activation energy (192.77–183.33 KJ/mol) reflects its easy thermal conversion initiation. The non‐condensable compounds (CO2 &amp; CH4) and condensable products (H2O, CH3CH2OH, CH3COOH, C=C, C6H5OH, HCOOH) were found as 29.75% and 70.25% respectively determined by TG‐FTIR analysis. While, with temperature, relative concentration of condensable compounds decrease significantly and found as 61.38% and 42.5% at lower and higher temperature respectively. By Py/GC–MS analysis, presence of the high energy optimizing compounds and valuable chemicals, i.e. toluene (5.12%), benzene (4.31%) and phenols (27.38%) was confirmed. All these datasets shows that pre‐treatment of CP with Ca(OH)2 might be suitable approach to produce Bioenergy and Bio‐chemicals.

Insights into flavonoid biosynthesis during cucumber fruit peel coloration based on metabolite profiling and transcriptome analyses

The fruit peel color is a crucial trait of cucumber. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cucumber peel coloration, we compared the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based flavonoid metabolomic and RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic profiling of the brown peeled cucumber line ‘PW’ at six developmental stages. A total of 210 flavonoid metabolites were identified. Of which, 117 flavonoid metabolites were differentially accumulated. In this study, weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed key genes coding for seven enzymes and eight transcription factors (TFs) associated with flavonoid biosynthesis. Among them, the R2R3MYB CsaV3_4G001130 is the best candidate gene that is responsible for controlling mature fruit colors in cucumber. Sanger sequencing revealed one nonsynonymous SNP in the exon of CsaV3_4G001130 among the selected 11 cucumber lines, which introduced a premature stop codon, generating a truncated protein in pale yellow or creamy peeled fruits. Yeast two-hybrid assays showed a direct interaction of CsaV3_4G001130 with the bHLH TF CsaV3_1G002260 and the WD40 protein CsaV3_5G001800. However, the interactions were influenced by the nonsynonymous SNP we identified. Our finding revealed that the integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis further demonstrated that the abundance of some pigmented flavonoids (especially anthocyanins and chalcones) contributed to the coloration of ‘PW’ fruits. These findings pave the way for elucidation of flavonoid biosynthesis and improvement of cucumber peel color in the future.

Chloroform extract of cucumber peels for Mild steel prevention in 0.5 M NaCl

Waste natural material has attracted the attention of many researchers and scientists for its use as a corrosion inhibitor due to their efficiency, economic cost and high biodegradability. In present report, the effect of chloroform extract of cucumber peel (CCE) is studied as natural, low cost and effective coating protection of Mild Steel (MS) in chloride (0.5 M NaCl) solutions. Characterization of CCE is performed by UV–visible (UVS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Corrosion testing of MS and CCE coated MS are done in 0.5 M NaCl by open circuit potential (OCP) curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarization curves (TPC). Surface morphology was seen and analyzed by Field emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It is depicted from this work that CCE can effectively suppress MS corrosion in 0.5 M NaCl.

Genetic regulation and molecular mechanism of immature cucumber peel color: A review

Peel color is an essential exterior fruit quality attribute determining the commodity sale in fresh market cucumber. The color phenotype of cucumber peel are traits which not only control by genetics but also affected by the environment. However, the molecular mechanism of skin color formation in immature cucumbers is still in its infancy. In addition, the latest systematic review on research are also lacking. In this review, we first analysized the physiological factors that influence pericarp color change. The research progress of cucumber peel color was then reviewed at the genetic and molecular levels, and the existing problems in the research were also mentioned. Meanwhile, this paper presented some new insights on fruit skin color in order to provide a reference for the fruit development of cucumber and other Cucurbitaceae crops.

Waste cucumber peels for sustainable suppression of Mild steel corrosion in salty water

Waste natural materials have become the preferred choice of scientists for corrosion inhibition of metals due to their cost effectiveness, economic availability, and high biodegradability. In the present report, the water extract of cucumber peel (CWE) is investigated for the protection of mild steel (MS) in salty (0.5 M NaCl) solutions. UV–visible (UVS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have been used to characterize CWE. It is found based on results that CWE has biomolecules. Tafel polarization curves (TPC), open circuit potential (OCP) curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used to investigate MS corrosion in 0.5 M NaCl with and without different amounts of CWE. The investigation suggests that the MS protection follows the CWE concentration. The maximum protection (44%) is acknowledged at 1000 mg/L of CWE. The surface morphology of MS is analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The MS surface is found to be damaged due to pure NaCl attack. In opposite, the NaCl attack on MS is restricted by CWE. Based on overall investigation, it is claimed that CWE can moderately suppress MS corrosion in salty water.

Thermo-chemical conversion of cucumber peel waste for biobased energy and chemical production

Thermo-chemical conversion of cucumber peel waste for biobased energy and chemical production