Efficient Extraction Method Research Articles

Polyphenol extraction from industrial water by-products: a case study of the ULTIMATE project in the fruit processing industry

ABSTRACT This study investigates the sustainable management and utilization of water resources in the fruit processing industry, focusing on a case study from the EU-funded ULTIMATE project. Conducted in a juice factory in Nafplio, Greece, the primary objective is to explore the recovery of polyphenols from water by-product streams generated during orange juice production. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile wastewater treatment unit in selectively adsorbing polyphenols onto a polymeric resin. The following three extraction methods are compared: conventional solvent extraction, subcritical water extraction (SWE), and supercritical CO2 extraction (SFE). To determine the most efficient extraction method, the polyphenol profiles of the extracts were analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS, identifying flavonoids, terpenes, coumarins, and anthocyanins. SFE not only was the most efficient method but provided the most diverse and abundant profile. The research highlights the potential of converting industrial by-products that would otherwise be treated as wastewater, into valuable resources that generate revenue, promote circular economy practices, and enhance sustainability in the fruit and vegetable processing sector. The economic viability of polyphenol extraction is also discussed, emphasizing its significance and impact on various industries. The findings support integrating advanced extraction technologies to maximize resource recovery and minimize environmental impact.

Microneedles as Modern Carriers of Plant Extracts

Recently, intensive research has been conducted on effective and simple systems for delivering active substances deep into the epidermis, e.g., for the treatment of skin inflammation. One possibility can be the use of soluble microneedles in which active compounds are encapsulated. This article describes the preparation of modern carriers, namely microneedles with encapsulated extracts of red beet or parsley leaves, that are rich in active substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, specifically betanin and apigenin. The concentration of hyaluronic acid sodium salt, the method of preparing the solution, and the technique of the complete filling of molds were optimized. Plant extracts were obtained with sonication or maceration. In order to characterize the extracts obtained, several techniques were employed, such as UV–Vis, LC–MS, GC–MS, and FTIR-ATR. The analyses performed allowed for confirmation of the presence of selected active substances in the extracts. The most optimal solution of the microneedles’ precursor turned out to be the one with a concentration of 10 wt.% of sodium hyaluronate, prepared by stirring and sonication. The most efficient extraction method for each plant was chosen, and the extracts were introduced into a solution of hyaluronic acid sodium salt. The resulting soluble microneedle patches can be used as an alternative to the traditional methods of delivering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances of plant origin.

Extraction of Biomolecules from Coffee and Cocoa Agroindustry Byproducts Using Alternative Solvents

Coffee and cocoa agribusinesses generate large volumes of byproducts, including coffee husk, coffee pulp, parchment skin, silver skin, and cocoa bean shell. Despite the rich composition of these materials, studies on biomolecule extraction with green solvents are still scarce, and further research is needed. Extraction methods using alternative solvents to obtain biomolecules must be developed to enhance the byproducts’ value and align with biorefinery concepts. This article reviews the compositions of coffee and cocoa byproducts, their potential applications, and biomolecule extraction methods, focusing on alternative solvents. The extraction methods currently studied include microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, pulsed electric field-assisted, supercritical fluid, and pressurized liquid extraction. At the same time, the alternative solvents encompass the biobased ones, supercritical fluids, supramolecular, ionic liquids, and eutectic solvents. Considering the biomolecule caffeine, using alternative solvents such as pressurized ethanol, supercritical carbon dioxide, ionic liquids, and supramolecular solvents resulted in extraction yields of 2.5 to 3.3, 4.7, 5.1, and 1.1 times higher than conventional solvents. Similarly, natural deep eutectic solvents led to a chlorogenic acid extraction yield 84 times higher than water. The results of this research provide a basis for the development of environmentally friendly and efficient biomolecule extraction methods, improving the utilization of agricultural waste.

Efficient Extraction of Phenols from Coal Tar and Preparation of Phenolic Resin-Based Porous Carbon for Advanced Supercapacitor Application.

Developing simple and efficient extraction methods for phenolic substances from coal tar, which facilitate their direct transformation into high-performance electrode materials, holds considerable practical significance. In this study, amide-zinc chloride deep eutectic solvents are employed for efficient phenol extraction. The optimal phenol extraction process is subsequently investigated, and it is found that the robust hydrogen bonding interactions between solvents and phenols significantly enhance extraction efficiency. Notably, without the need for back-extraction, formaldehyde and tetraethyl orthosilicate are added to obtain phenolic resin, which can subsequently be directly carbonized to fabricate hydrangea-like porous carbon. The carbonization mechanism of the phenolic resin is studied, and the templating and activating roles of tetraethyl orthosilicate and zinc chloride assist in the formation of this unique structure. Furthermore, the flexible supercapacitor assembled using the prepared porous carbon and gel electrolyte achieves a high energy density of 31.0Wh kg-1 and demonstrates broad temperature applicability ranging from -25 to 100°C. This work directly converts the extracted phenolic compounds into phenolic resin and shows potential for fabricating porous carbon materials with diverse structures and enhanced capacitive performance.

Single-Animal, Single-Tube RNA Extraction for Comparison of Relative Transcript Levels via qRT-PCR in the Tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris.

The tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris is an emerging model organism renowned for its ability to survive environmental extremes. To explore the molecular mechanisms and genetic basis of such extremotolerance, many studies rely on RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), which can be performed on populations ranging from large cohorts to individual animals. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RNA interference (RNAi) are subsequently used to confirm RNA-seq findings and assess the genetic requirements for candidate genes, respectively. Such studies require an efficient, accurate, and affordable method for RNA extraction and measurement of relative transcript levels by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). This work presents an efficient single-tardigrade, single-tube RNA extraction method (STST) that not only reliably isolates RNA from individual tardigrades but also reduces the required time and cost for each extraction. This RNA extraction method yields quantities of cDNA that can be used to amplify and detect multiple transcripts by quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The method is validated by analyzing dynamic changes in the expression of genes encoding two heat-shock-regulated proteins, Heat-Shock Protein 70 β2 (HSP70 β2) and Heat-Shock Protein 90α (HSP90α), making it possible to assess their relative expression levels in heat-exposed individuals using qRT-PCR. STST effectively complements existing bulk and single tardigrade RNA extraction methods, permitting rapid and affordable examination of individual tardigrade transcriptional levels by qRT-PCR.

Extraction of Cellulose from Sugarcane Bagasse Across Agricultural and Forestry

This study investigates the sustainable cellulose extraction from sugarcane bagasse across agricultural, forestry, and plantation sectors. Sugarcane bagasse, a by-product of sugar production, emerges as a promising source of cellulose, offering avenues for value addition and waste reduction within these industries. Three extraction methods were evaluated: soxhlet extraction using ethanol, kraft pulping with NaOH/Na2S, and iCEL machine producing cellulose, extractive, and lignin. Quantitative analysis reveals that soxhlet extraction yields the highest purity of cellulose (75.86±1.54%), followed by the iCEL machine (50.20 ± 12.49%), while kraft pulping shows comparatively lower purity (48.42±3.95%) due to incomplete delignification. Morphological examination indicates that soxhlet extraction preserves cellulose’s native properties, including its white colour and fibrous morphology akin to raw cotton. In contrast, kraft pulping induces degradation, leading to yellowing and lignification of the cellulose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the presence of characteristic cellulose peaks in all samples, with additional peaks indicating residual non-cellulosic components, especially in kraft cellulose. Soxhlet extraction is optimal due to its simplicity, higher purity, and non-destructive nature. Despite its industrial prevalence, kraft pulping exhibits lower efficiency in cellulose extraction. While the iCEL method shows promise, further optimization is needed to enhance consistency. Future research directions may include adapting soxhlet parameters for nanocellulose production and characterizing material properties for diverse applications. Economic feasibility and environmental impact assessments are crucial for the commercialization of lab protocols, thereby supporting sustainable cellulose production from abundant agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of exploring efficient and sustainable methods for cellulose extraction from sugarcane bagasse, with implications for promoting circular economy principles and fostering sustainable development across agricultural, forestry, and plantation sectors.

Deep eutectic system enhanced oat protein extraction.

Oats are a rich source of plant-based proteins owing to their nutritional value, diverse functions, and high abundance. However, traditional methods for extracting oat proteins (OPs), such as alkali solution acid precipitation (ASAP), can cause environmental pollution and potentially protein denaturation. In this work, we studied the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and deep eutectic system (DESys)-based methods for OP extraction. The DES are composed of ionic liquids (ILs) and choline chloride (ChCl) as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs), and polyols as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) for OP extraction. By systematically investigating the extraction conditions, it was found that using ChCl as an HBA in the DESys-based method allowed for a significant increase in protein recovery yield compared to the ASAP and DES-based methods. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of OPs extracted using the ASAP, DES, and DESys-based methods exhibited some differences, particularly in their molecular structure, amino acid composition, and thermal properties, suggesting that the properties of OP could be potentially adjusted by DESys- and DES-based methods. When considering both toxicity and protein recovery yield, the DESys-based extraction method using ChCl as the HBA is more suitable for OP extraction. This study demonstrated a green and efficient method for OP extraction that minimizes environmental impact, potentially bridging the gap between ILs and DES, and offering insights for designing new DES- or DESys-based extraction strategies for biological molecules.

Characterizations of rice husk based silica made from acid leaching extraction method

Rice husk is a material that is greatly acquired through agriculture, which opens up as a source for silica. It available in high quantity that has potential to be used in the concrete. Consequently, this research aims to address this gap by extracting and characterizing the silica from rice husks using the acid leaching method. The different leaching duration of for 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours is the main point of focus in this research. Leaching was done using 0.1 M HCl at room temperature. The XRD, EDX, and SEM are used to characterize the silica. The outcome has been achieved for leaching a period of 24 hour at room temperature was optimal for producing amorphous silica with minimal crystalline and smoothest surface morphology. The study explores an energy efficient and mass production method for silica extraction from rice husks.

Catalytic conversion of chitin biomass into key platform chemicals.

Chitin is the most abundant nitrogen-containing biomass on Earth and presents a compelling alternative to fossil fuels for chemical production. The catalytic conversion of chitin offers a viable approach for harnessing its inherent carbon and nitrogen contents, contributing to developing a green and sustainable society. This feature article reviews recent advances in shell waste biorefinery, with an emphasis on the contributions from our group. Efficient and sustainable chitin extraction methods are highlighted, along with the conversion of chitin biomass (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG), D-glucosamine, chitosan, and chitin) into key platform chemicals, mainly including furans, amino/amide sugars, organic acids and amino/amide acids. Catalytic strategies and production pathways are detailed, and current challenges and future research directions in chitin valorization are discussed.

Metal-organic framework functionalized magnetic Nb2CTX for high enrichment of polychlorinated biphenyls in water prior to gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

As a typical kind of persistent organic pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may cause great harm to human health. Recently, MXene has gained considerable attention due to its specific properties for the removal of pollutants by various principles. Present work reported a new functionalized MXene material, NH2-MIL-88 modified magnetic Nb2CTX, for developing a facile and efficient magnetic solid phase extraction method for enrichment and sensitive detection of PCBs in environmental water samples. The adsorption mechanism and parameters that may impact the extraction efficiencies of PCBs were explored. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was utilized to detect the enriched PCBs. The results demonstrated that nine PCBs possessed good linearities in the range of 0.005 ∼ 50 μg L-1 and 0.005∼ 40 μg L-1, respectively. The detection limits of PCBs were over range of 0.06 - 0.28 ng L-1. The adsorption of PCBs on NH2-MIL-88 modified magnetic Nb2CTX followed quasi-second-order kinetic and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models. The fortified recoveries in real water samples ranged from 87.6% to103.4% (n = 3), which confirmed that the established method owned merits such as simplicity, rapidness, robustness, and high extraction efficiencies, and might be utilized for the detection of trace PCBs in environmental water samples.

Optimizing extraction conditions for isolation of antioxidant compounds from black rice bran using ultrasonic-assisted extraction and response surface methodology.

Black rice bran (BRB), a valuable byproduct from the rice milling process, possesses numerous pharmacological activities, including antioxidant potential, but information regarding highly efficient extraction methods is scarce. To enhance the extraction efficiency, ultrasonic-assisted extraction coupled with Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used in this study to maximize the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antioxidant capacity of BRB extract. The BBD results showed that 57% ethanol at 50°C and pH 3.1 were best for TPC (136.2mg GAE/g dry weight), TAC (2.3mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents/g dry weight), and TFC (38.6mg quercetin equivalents/g dry weight). In vitro antioxidant capacities of BRB extract determined by 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays revealed free radical scavenging potentials with EC50 values of 67.62 and 1149µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of BRB extract on human skin HaCaT keratinocytes was determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which revealed no significant cytotoxicity and a significant increase in cell viability at a concentration of 500µg/mL. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis identified syringic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid in BRB extract. This study provides the optimal conditions to extract antioxidant bioactive compounds from BRB and supports the use of BRB as a source of antioxidants. Due to BRB showing no significant cytotoxicity to human skin cells, it could potentially be further developed for topical applications.

Large Language Model for Automating the Analysis of Cryoprotectants.

The rapid expansion of scientific literature necessitates developing efficient data extraction and analysis methods. This study presents an innovative approach to automating the extraction of cryoprotectant information from scientific publications using a generative pretrained transformer (GPT) model integrated with a Telegram bot interface. Our system processes and analyzes scientific articles to identify and extract relevant data on cryoprotectants and bacteria, significantly reducing the time required for researchers to gather essential information. Our method optimizes the workflow for researchers in cryopreservation and related fields by utilizing modern artificial intelligence technologies, specifically large language models. The Telegram bot, designed to be user-friendly, provides a comfortable and easy platform for quick data access, enhancing scientific research efficiency. The study's methodology involves data preparation, algorithm development, and system validation using a substantial data set of scientific articles. Results demonstrate the model's capability to accurately recognize and extract critical information, although some limitations in term specificity were noted. Our findings suggest that further refinement and training of the model can enhance its accuracy and reliability for specialized scientific applications.

Advancing anthocyanin extraction: Optimising solvent, preservation, and microwave techniques for enhanced recovery from merlot grape Marc.

Grape marc, a by-product of winemaking, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, yet efficient extraction methods suitable for industrial application remain underexplored. This study presents an integrated, three-stage approach to optimise the extraction of anthocyanins, phenolics, and tannins from Merlot grape marc. In the first stage, 12 solvents were evaluated using conventional solvent extraction, with 50% ethanol (EtOH) acidified with hydrochloric acid (HCl) achieving the highest anthocyanin recovery after eight extraction cycles (0.66g/kg of grape marc), followed by formic acid (0.59g/kg) and citric acid (0.58g/kg) treatments. The second stage assessed drying methods across eight temperatures combined with a single extraction cycle using 50% EtOH HCl, identifying 70°C as the optimal heat-drying condition (1.23g/kg total anthocyanins, 0.4g/kg monomeric anthocyanins). Freeze-drying at -105°C (TN105) with a prewash step (SRT105) further enhanced anthocyanin yields (2.24g/kg total anthocyanins, 0.69g/kg monomeric anthocyanins). In the final stage, microwave-assisted extraction significantly increased recovery, with SRT105-MW in 50% EtOH HCl yielding 8.07g/100g total phenolics, 5.76g/100g tannins, 3.7g/kg total anthocyanins, and 2.8g/kg monomeric anthocyanins. This optimised method preserved anthocyanin composition, including malvidin- and peonidin-3-glucosides (585 and 560mg/kg, respectively), along with cyanidin-, delphinidin-, and petunidin-3-glucosides (463, 360, and 257mg/kg, respectively), as well as 66-99mg/kg of acylated and 37-60mg/kg of coumaroylated anthocyanins. Citric acid (50% EtOH CA) demonstrated potential as a sustainable alternative, achieving ∼90% of the anthocyanin yield of HCl treatments. These findings offer a practical, scalable framework for industrial anthocyanin recovery, advancing sustainable utilisation of grape marc.

Optimization of Spray Drying Conditions for a Capsicum chinense Leaf Extract Rich in Polyphenols Obtained by Ultrasonic Probe/NADES

Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) is known for its heat and culinary uses, especially in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Its leaves, rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, have been traditionally used in medicinal practices and are gaining interest for health benefits. Efficient green extraction methods, such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), combined with microencapsulation, can improve the stability and application of these compounds in functional foods and nutraceuticals. This study aimed to determine the optimal microencapsulation parameters using response surface methodology, implementing a 22 central composite design with 4 central points of habanero leaf extracts obtained by sonic probe with NADES. The factors evaluated were the percentage of guar gum (5%, 7.5%, and 10%) and the drying temperature (80 °C, 90 °C, and 100 °C). The extracts were spray-dried with maltodextrin (DE17-20), guar gum, and modified starch as encapsulating agents. The total polyphenol content (TPC), polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity methods like 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) or ABTS were analyzed. The best results for TPC and ABTS antioxidant capacity were achieved using 7.5% guar gum (GG) at 90 °C. At 104 °C, with the same GG concentration, the microcapsules maintained a high antioxidant capacity. Optimal conditions for TPC, DPPH, and neohesperidin were identified as 7.8% GG/89.4 °C, 8.06% GG/104.1 °C, and 4% GG/75.85 °C, respectively. The resulting powder exhibited high polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, highlighting successful microencapsulation.

Assessment of dermal safety of petroleum ether extract from Acorus calamus L

Acorus calamus L (A. calamus), known for its aromatic leaves and rhizomes, is extensively used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, inflammation, pain, anxiety, and stress. The petroleum ether extract of A. calamus isolates specific bioactive compounds using petroleum ether, a nonpolar solvent effective in dissolving nonpolar plant compounds. This extract potentially offers antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic benefits. However, research on this extract is limited, necessitating further investigation to determine its safety, efficacy, and medical applications. This study aims to develop more efficient extraction methods for the petroleum ether extract, focusing on sesquiterpenes and isocalamendiol from A. calamus. Additionally, the study will evaluate the extract’s safety for topical use, providing insights into potential side effects and contraindications. This information is crucial for assessing the extract’s suitability for topical treatments and guiding the development of new therapies and products.

Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction of Polysaccharides from Tricholoma matsutake: Optimization, Structural Characterization, and Inhibition of α-Synuclein Aggregation.

This study optimized ultrasound-assisted enzymatic (UAE) extraction of TMP (Tricholoma matsutake polysaccharide) through response surface methodology. The optimal conditions included complex enzyme comprising 1.15% cellulase, 0.60% pectinase, and 0.95% dispase, with ultrasound for 24 min at 84.5 °C and enzyme hydrolysis at pH 5.0. This process yielded 19.74 ± 0.51% TMP, exceeding traditional hot water extraction by over four times. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed that UAE did not alter the structure of TMP. In vitro experiments indicated that TMP-UAE demonstrated enhanced antioxidant properties. Further purification through DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 chromatography resulted in a homogenous polysaccharide fraction (TMP). Characterization indicated that TMP has an average molecular weight of 2.79 × 104 Da, composed of fucose, galactose, glucose and mannose in a 2.00:9.44:86.29:2.28 molar ratio. FT-IR indicated the presence of C-O-C glycosidic bonds and pyranyl-type sugar rings. Scanning electron microscopy displayed loose lamellar structures with small pores. Finally, TMP exhibited therapeutic potential against C. elegans in Parkinson's disease, including reducing α-synuclein aggregation, protecting dopaminergic neurons, and prolonging lifespan. This study provides an efficient extraction method for TMP and an insight into its neuroprotective effect in PD C.elegans.

Efficient RNA extraction method for acquiring high-quality RNA from various tissues of the fiber crop abaca, Musa textilis Née.

Isolation of high-quality RNA from abaca is very challenging due to the presence of polyphenols, polysaccharides, and its high fiber content. In this study, we compared six extraction methods across three tissue types and different developmental stages (in-vitro-grown young versus field-grown mature tissue). The Invitrogen PureLink RNA kit proved to be the most efficient in extracting RNA from young abaca tissues (leaves, pseudostem, and corm). The quality of RNA extracted from young tissues was further assessed by RNA-seq applications, with raw sequencing reads mapping back to the M. textilis reference genome at rates of 86.0%-90.4%. The SDS-TRIzol-method modified with an added on-column DNAse I treatment was used to extract RNA from mature tissues (leaves, midrib, and pseudostem). RNA isolated from five M. textilis cultivars and across three mature tissue types showed RNA yield per 100 mg of fresh weight ranges from 0.57 to 10.94 µg and RNA integrity number (RIN) scores of more than 7.0 for all tissue types. Our improved SDS-Trizol method for RNA extraction described here is simple and yields good quality RNAs from mature abaca tissues while the PureLink RNA kit is suitable for extracting RNA from young abaca samples amenable to RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing studies.

Lithium extraction from low-quality brines.

In the quest for environmental sustainability, the rising demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies has substantially increased the need for efficient lithium extraction methods. Traditional lithium production, relying on geographically concentrated hard-rock ores and salar brines, is associated with considerable energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, groundwater depletion and land disturbance, thereby posing notable environmental and supply chain challenges. On the other hand, low-quality brines-such as those found in sedimentary waters, geothermal fluids, oilfield-produced waters, seawater and some salar brines and salt lakes-hold large potential owing to their extensive reserves and widespread geographical distribution. However, extracting lithium from these sources presents technical challenges owing to low lithium concentrations and high magnesium-to-lithium ratios. This Review explores the latest advances and continuing challenges in lithium extraction from these demanding yet promising sources, covering a variety of methods, including precipitation, solvent extraction, sorption, membrane-based separation and electrochemical-based separation. Furthermore, we share perspectives on the future development of lithium extraction technologies, framed within the basic principles of separation processes. The aim is to encourage the development of innovative extraction methods capable of making use of the substantial potential of low-quality brines.

Comparison of Pressurized Water Extraction With Ultrasound Assisted Extraction for Isolation of Phycobiliproteins From Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina).

Cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (AP) (Nordstedt) Gomont contains high content of phycobiliproteins (PBP), which are an important source for food industry. Methods effectively extracting proteins contained in AP cells are demanded to provide a supply of the material. Water-based extraction methods are advisable due to the high solubility of the PBP. Extraction techniques such as ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized water extraction (PWE) are popular due to their environmental friendliness, better extraction efficiency, and faster extraction process. In this paper, efficiency of the two methods is compared. PWE along with UAE is utilized for release of PBP from the AP cells. The extraction parameters including time, temperature, pressure, and ultrasound intensity are tested to obtain the most efficient setup. The methods were evaluated using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and the replicates of PWE extracts were further analyzed by capillary isoelectric focusing with laser-induced fluorescence (cIEF-LIF). The developed PWE method using higher pressure treatment at lower temperature was significantly faster than UAE methods, and the SDS-PAGE results showed a high content of phycobiliproteins in the extracts. cIEF-LIF analysis showed that the sequential PWE of individual samples was repeatable, and the mild extraction provided a fluorescent profile similar to the commercially available C-phycocyanin standard. Pressurized water extraction was shown to be an efficient, rapid, and well-automated extraction method for AP proteins in general, including bioactive phycobiliproteins. Obtained results encourage the use of PWE in small-scale analytical applications for primary extraction of proteins.

Comparative mineralogical characterization of REEs ore samples from the Mushgai Khudag and Lugiin Gol deposits, Mongolia

Mongolia, situated in the Central Asian orogenic belt, is characterized by geology that is highly conducive to the abundance of mineral resources, including significant rare earth elements (REEs) reserves. However, limited knowledge of the mineralogy of its deposits has hindered the development of efficient REEs extraction methods. This study presents a detailed investigation of the mineralogical characteristics of Mongolian ores and analyzes their compositions, mineral associations, liberation, and REEs concentrations via advanced analytical techniques, including the TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA). Additionally, the BCR sequential extraction method was employed to determine the binding and leaching properties of REEs. Our results revealed that the two ore samples were predominantly rich in light rare earth elements (LREEs), with REE-bearing minerals closely associated with gangue minerals such as calcite, albite, and quartz, leading to poor liberation. The extraction data indicated that >85 % of the REEs in the Mushgai Khudag deposit were retained in the residual fraction, whereas in the Lugiin Gol deposit, the majority of the REEs were associated with the reducible fraction. These findings underscore the challenges associated with extracting REEs from Mongolian deposits, which demand stringent conditions for effective recovery. This research contributes valuable insights into the complex mineralogy of Mongolian REEs deposits, offering a foundation for future advancements in REE extraction technologies.