Ethanol Water Research Articles

Structural characterization and anti-ageing activity of polysaccharide from Exocarpium Citrulli

In this investigation, we have effectively extracted and characterized a new Exocarpium Citrulli polysaccharide (ECP-2) with a molecular weight of 1.67 × 106 Da using hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation techniques. Analysis was performed using high performance gel permeation chromatography, ion chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy. ECP-2 is primarily composed of galactose (32.32 %), arabinose (25.42 %), and mannose (19.75 %). Fuc, Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, Man, and GalA molar ratios in ECP-2 is 4.65:1.50:25.42:32.32:5.78:19.75:10.57. Based on structural studies, the primary sugar residues of ECP-2 are T-α-L-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, T-α-D-Manp-(1→ and →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→. Furthermore, the anti-aging effect of ECP-2 in D-galactose model mice, while the results indicate that ECP-2 significantly enhances the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in D-galactose model control mice. Additionally, ECP-2 effectively eliminated the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, thereby restoring normal growth of the mice by regulating their defense mechanism. In conclusion, the polysaccharides of Exocarpium Citrulli, particularly ECP-2, may be appropriate for use in natural medicines and functional foods to halt or slow the aging process.

Highly Selective Protic-Solvent-Mediated Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Cuprous Bromides Achieving Structural Transformation.

The potential application of stimuli-responsive hybrid copper halides in information storage and switch devices has generated significant interest. However, their transformation mechanism needs to be further studied deeply. Herein, two zero-dimensional (0D) organic-inorganic hybrids, namely, (TBA)CuBr2 (1) with linear [CuBr2]- units and (TBA)2Cu4Br6 (2) with [Cu4Br6]2- clusters (TBA+ = (C4H9)4N+), are synthesized using simple solvent evaporation approaches. Interestingly, upon exposure to distinct protic solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, or hot water, 1 undergoes a transformation into 2 with varying degrees of transition, accompanied by a change in luminescence color from cyan to orange (or mixed color) under high-energy emission (e.g., 254 nm) excitation. Hot water can trigger 1 to completely transform into 2 because of its large contact angle difference in the solvents. Furthermore, 2 can be converted back to 1 through a simple solid-state mechanochemical reaction. Additionally, the structure of 2 remains unchanged even after immersion in 80 °C H2O for 168 h due to the dense organic framework. This study provides valuable insights for exploring reversible structural transformation materials in the 0D metal halide system.

Preparation and Application of Volatilized Wormwood Essence Derived Naturally into Green Insecticide.

Naturally occurring substances and their derivatives function as vital resources for pesticides that can be used in fields, such as insecticide production and fungicide development. As a botanical entity displaying multifaceted biological functions, wormwood has received thorough scrutiny across multiple sectors. The insect repellency potency combined with antibacterial and antifungal activities of wormwood position it as a potential candidate for prospective development into eco-friendly chemical pesticides. In this research, Wormwood essential oil was procured via ethanol water under ultrasonic scenarios and subsequently diluted with PEG 400 to formulate green chemical pesticides. The defensive efficacy of this green pesticide on plants was validated through 2 weeks of clustered plant growth experiments. Active constituents that exerted their effects were scrutinized by GC-MS. Furthermore, this green pesticide also displays efficacious effects on the prevention and management of aphids, exhibiting a dose-dependent relationship. 4-terpenol, eucalyptol, carvacrol, and L-borneol were identified by GC-MS as the predominant active constituents in this green chemical pesticide. Wormwood can be leveraged to develop green chemical pesticides, which can protect plants without contaminating the environment.

Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Antioxidant Activities between Red and Green Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Fruits.

The present study explored the nutritional composition, phytochemicals analysis, and antioxidant capacity of two indigenous varieties of red and green water chestnut (WCN) fruit grown in Pakistan. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the proximate composition (moisture, ash, fiber, proteins, fat, and energy), physicochemical properties (pH, °Brix, and glycemic index), minerals, and vitamins. The methanolic extracts of WCN fruits were explored for phytochemicals (total phenolic and flavonoid content), and antioxidant potential was examined in vitro by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Quantitative determination of mineral (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc) and vitamin (vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin A, and β-Carotene) composition was also assessed. Based on the findings, the proximate compositions of WCN green and red varieties varied greatly as WCN green contained significantly higher protein (1.72%), fat (0.65%), dietary fiber (2.21%), moisture (70.23%), ash (1.16%), and energy content (112.8 Kcal) than WCN red. In WCN green, the macro-micromineral concentrations were significantly higher than WCN red. Among the minerals analyzed, potassium was the most abundant mineral found in both varieties. Levels of vitamin C, B6, A, and β-Carotene were significantly higher in WCN green. In this study, methanolic extract showed higher extraction efficiency than acetone, ethanol, and distilled water. WCN green had a significantly higher quantum of total phenolic (91.13 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (36.6 mg QE/g) and presented significantly higher antioxidant activity than the WCN red. This study showed that, among both varieties, WCN green extract has therapeutic potential against free radical mediated health conditions and suggested the potential use of this fruit as a source of natural antioxidants in nutraceuticals.

Antibacterial Activity of Mirabilis jalapa Leaves (Karifuma) Extract Against Bacterial Wound Infection from Patients Attending Rango Health Center

Background: Mirabilis jalapa is a perennial herbaceous bushy plant with several pharmacological activities, such as anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, diuretic and anthelmintic. Wound infections are a major public health concern in Rwanda, with 8% of the general population having difficulties controlling them and 25% of those above 60 years old. Traditional medicine is used to treat many conditions such as chest infections, coughs, snake-bites and burns. Mirabilis jalapa seeds have been reported to be effective against bacteria causing wound infections. Aim: This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Mirabilis jalapa leaves extract against infected wound bacteria from patients attending Rango Health Center. Methods: Cross sectional study design and maceration method was used in Mirabilis jalapa leaves extraction with Methanol, Ethanol, Diethyl ether and Distilled water as solvents. Results: Different extracts were obtained according to the solvents with different volumes and concentrations. The highest extract volume obtained was Distilled water with 6 ml and the least was Diethyl ether with 2.7 ml. In 71 participants who had wound infection, 42% had a bacterial infection. Among them, 25% had Staphylococcus aureus, 7% had Klebsiella pneumoniae, 6% had Escherichia coli, and 4% had Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Through the agar well diffusion method, Methanol extracts showed the highest inhibition zones while distilled water extracts exhibited the lowest inhibition zones to the isolated bacteria. Conclusion: The study confirms the antibacterial activity of the Mirabilis jalapa leaves extract against infected wound bacteria, with methanol and ethanol being the best solvents. Keywords: Mirabilis jalapa leaves, wound infections, antibacterial activity

Synergistic Preparation of Stable Al-Fum Based Tubular Membrane for Pervaporation Separation of Water–Ethanol–Ethyl Acetate Azeotropic Mixtures

Synergistic Preparation of Stable Al-Fum Based Tubular Membrane for Pervaporation Separation of Water–Ethanol–Ethyl Acetate Azeotropic Mixtures

Cosmetic Products with Potential Photoprotective Effects Based on Natural Compounds Extracted from Waste of the Winemaking Industry.

Grape marc is a by-product resulting from the winemaking industry that still contains beneficial compounds that can be valorized. Thus, we report here the possibility of using polyphenolic extracts of grape marc origin to obtain sun protection creams. The extractions were performed in ethanol and acetone solutions using pomace from different grape varieties (Merlot, Bläufrankisch, Fetească Neagră, Isabella) as a raw material. The obtained extracts were analyzed in order to determine the total phenolic content, the antioxidant activity, and the sun protection factor (SPF) via Mansur spectrophotometric assay. The best results were achieved using 70% ethanol in water as a solvent. The extracts with the highest potential photoprotective effects are from the Merlot variety (SPFspectrophotometric = 7.83 ± 0.76). The sunscreens were prepared using the 70% ethanolic extract of the Merlot variety evaporated to dryness, redissolved in either distilled water or ethanol. The SPF estimated in vitro via the COLIPA method showed values of 14.07 ± 1.50 and 11.46 ± 1.32 for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively, when working with a cream to polyphenolic extract a ratio of 1/1 (w/w). At the same time, the use of aqueous polyphenolic extracts ensures the better stability of creams compared with the ethanolic ones.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ni based Metal Organic Framework for Enhancing the Removal of Typical Organic Dyes

In this report we present a simple synthesis of a nickel-based metal organic framework (MOF-Ni) at the room temperature using a solution of dimethylformamide (DMF), ethanol and distilled water. The MOF-Ni synthesized in various solvents displayed numerous different properties and advantages over other materials including easy synthesis procedure, good crystallinity, rigidity, and robust chemical stability. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to analyze the as-synthesized MOF-Ni. The as-obtained MOF-Ni was used to investigate its adsorption kinetics of red telon dye (RTL) molecules. The effects of time (30–270 min), initial RTL concentration (20–300 mg/L), adsorbent dose (2–50 mg), solution pH (2–12), and temperature (10–80 °C) were investigated. The pseudo-first order rate equation was able to provide the best description of the adsorption kinetics data in the studied time scale. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms, and the isotherm constants were also determined. Dye adsorption turned out to strongly depend on pH, and a low pH was found to increase the amount of adsorbed dyestuff. Compared with other samples, MOF-Ni synthesized in (DMF ​+ ​C2H5OH ​+ ​H2O) had a significantly enhanced adsorption ability for RTL dye. The MOF-Ni high adsorption capacity for RTL dye was attributed to the electrostatic attraction/repulsion phenomena. Moreover, MOF-Ni showed an improved stability at 370, 417, and 423 °C temperatures. The results obtained through our experiments suggested that our porous MOF-Ni microstructures synthesized in DMF ​+ ​C2H5OH ​+ ​H2O have potential applications for treating wastewaters containing RTL dyes.

An Eco-Friendly Supercritical CO2 Recovery of Value-Added Extracts from Olea europaea Leaves.

An eco-friendly approach towards the recovery of value-added extracts from olive tree leaves with the aid of supercritical CO2 at 30 MPa was carried out. The impact of extraction temperature (35-90 °C) and presence of co-solvents (ethanol, water, and aqueous ethanol) on the total phenolic, flavonoid, and pigment content, as well as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and α-tocopherol content was determined. In addition, the antioxidant activity of extracts from tree leaves using DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays was investigated. The results of the study showed that the most effective supercritical CO2 extraction was at 90 °C with an addition of ethanol, which enabled the separation of extract with the highest content of tested compounds. Some of the highest recorded values were for oleuropein 1.9 mg/g, for carotenoids 5.3 mg/g, and for α-tocopherol 2.0 mg/g. Our results are expected to contribute to the efforts towards the valorization of olive leaves as a sustainable source of valuable compounds, and boost local economies as well as the interest of pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries for novel food by-product applications.

Nanostructures and multi-scale aggregation of high ion exchange capacity short-side-chain perfluorosulfonic acid dispersion

Short-side-chain perfluorosulfonic acid (SSC-PFSA) ionomers with high ion-exchange-capacity are promising candidates for high-temperature proton exchange membranes (PEMs) and catalyst layer (CL) binders. The solution-casting method determines the importance of SSC-PFSA dispersion characteristics in shaping the morphology of PEMs and CLs. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the chain behavior of SSC-PFSA in dispersions is essential for fabricating high-quality PEMs and CLs. In this study, we have employed multiple characterization techniques, including dynamic light scatting (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryo-transmission electron microscope (Cryo-TEM), to fully study the chain aggregation behaviors of SSC-PFSA in water–ethanol solvents and elucidate the concentration-dependent self-assembly process. In dilute dispersions (2 mg/mL), SSC-PFSA assembles into mono-disperse rod-like aggregates, featuring a twisted fluorocarbon backbone that forms a hydrophobic stem, and the sulfonic acid side chains extending outward to suit the hydrophilic environment. As the concentration increases, the radius of rod particles increases from 1.47 to 1.81 nm, and the mono-disperse rod particles first form a “end-to-end” configuration that doubles length (10 mg/mL), and then transform into a swollen network structure in semi-dilute dispersion (20 mg/mL). This work provides a well-established structure model for SSC-PFSA dispersions, which is the key nanostructure to be inherited by PEMs.

Size controlled synthesis of hydrous TiO2 spheres by a thiol structure directing agent and its application in photocatalysis and efficient DSSC cells

In this work, hydrated TiO2 spheres (HTS) of the submicron order have been developed. Normally, the group of amines, such as dodecylamine, hexadecylamine, methylamine, and NH3, had been the main structure-directing agents (SDAs) used in the sol–gel process to obtain monodisperse hydrated TiO2 spheres. Even though progress has been made in the synthesis of HTS, it is crucial to include new SDAs capable of synthesizing monodisperse HTS with improved or new properties for practical applications. In this work, for the first time we demonstrate that a thiol, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), can be used as an effective SDA to synthesize monodisperse hydrous TiO2 spheres with a controllable particle diameter between 150 to 950 nm. Experimental preparation parameters such as Ti concentration, [MPA]/[Ti] and [Water]/[Ti] molar ratio in the precursor solution (Titanium (IV) butoxide—MPA—ethanol—water) were thoroughly optimized to get both high yield and high monodispersity. Remarkably, a wide range in the [Water]/[Ti] molar ratio, 17 to 118, was achieved, which is much wider than the typical Rw range of the amines group of 2 to 16, thus giving more control for choosing the HTS final size. The controlled growth of hydrated TiO2 nanospheres was explained according to the LaMer and DVLO theory. To demonstrate the applicability of the HTS synthesized using MPA as SDA, the development of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells getting an energy conversion greater than 9% as well as of an effective photocatalytic degradation process of the analgesic acetaminophen under concentrated solar radiation was conducted.

Microwave assisted synthesis of α-Fe2O3 half-hexagon nanoplates as an anode material for Li ion batteries

In this study, hematite α-Fe2O3 half-hexagon nanoplates have been successfully prepared by ethanol–water mediated microwave assisted solvothermal method. The high crystalline nature and rhombohedral crystal structure of the synthesized α-Fe2O3 were confirmed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. No impurity phase other than hematite α-Fe2O3 was detected. Raman spectroscopy results further revealed the hematite structure of α-Fe2O3. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study disclosed the chemical composition and valence states in the synthesized α-Fe2O3 material. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies confirmed the half-hexagon plate like architecture for α-Fe2O3 along with some irregular shape nanoplates. When treated as an anode material for Li ion battery (LIB), α-Fe2O3 half-hexagon nanoplates delivered a reversible discharge capacity of 520 mAh.g−1 after 100 cycles at a high current density of 500 mA.g−1. The α-Fe2O3 half-hexagon nanoplates also exhibited excellent cycling performance and coulombic efficiency. The excellent performance of the α-Fe2O3 electrode is mainly ascribed to the plate like morphology of the particles, which offers large effective contact area with the electrolyte and significantly enhances the electrochemical performance.

Migration of endocrine and metabolism disrupting chemicals from plastic food packaging

Plastics constitute a vast array of substances, with over 16000 known plastic chemicals, including intentionally and non-intentionally added substances. Thousands of chemicals, including toxic ones, are extractable from plastics, however, the extent to which these compounds migrate from everyday products into food or water remains poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the endocrine and metabolism disrupting activity, as well as the chemical composition of migrates from plastic food contact articles (FCAs) from four countries as significant sources of human exposure. Fourteen plastic FCAs covering seven polymer types with high global market shares were migrated into water and a water–ethanol mixture as food simulants according to European regulations. The migrates were analyzed using reporter gene assays for nuclear receptors relevant to human health and non-target chemical analysis to characterize the chemical composition. Chemicals migrating from each FCA interfered with at least two nuclear receptors, predominantly targeting pregnane X receptor (24/28 migrates). Moreover, peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma was activated by 19 out of 28 migrates, though mostly with lower potencies. Estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity was detected in eight and seven migrates, respectively. Fewer chemicals and less toxicity migrated into water compared to the water–ethanol mixture. However, 73 % of the 15 430 extractable chemical features also transferred into food simulants, and the water–ethanol migrates exhibited a similar toxicity prevalence compared to methanol extracts. The chemical complexity differed largely between FCAs, with 8 to 10631 chemical features migrating into food simulants. Using stepwise partial least squares regressions, we successfully narrowed down the list of potential active chemicals, identified known endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as triphenyl phosphate, and prioritized chemical features for further identification. This study demonstrates the migration of endocrine and metabolism disrupting chemicals from plastic FCAs into food simulants, rendering a migration of these compounds into food and beverages probable.

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) leaf extract

The study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. belonging to family Moringaceae. Moringa oleifera is an interesting plant for its use in bioactive compounds. Ethanol and Distilled water were used as a solvent to extract and to detect the phytochemical constituent’s and to screen its antibacterial activity from the leaves of Moringa oleifera. The phytochemical constituents were screened by qualitative analysis method. The phytochemical screening finds out the presence of terpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, etc. in leaf extract of Moringa oleifera. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera was examined against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Antibacterial Activity were carried out with ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera using agar well diffusion method. The present study showed that ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera showed more potent antibacterial activity against S. Aureus and E. coli.

Liquid–Liquid Phase Equilibrium for the Ternary System (Water–Ethanol–Ethyl Caprate): Experimental and Modeling

Liquid–Liquid Phase Equilibrium for the Ternary System (Water–Ethanol–Ethyl Caprate): Experimental and Modeling

Development of emulgel formulation from Markhamia tomentosa leaf extract: Characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity against skin isolates

Objectives: Skin infections are mild to severe infections often treated with antimicrobial agents. There is an increase in resistance to antimicrobial agents necessitating the search for new medicines. This study developed an emulgel formulation of Markhamia tomentosa leaf extract and evaluated its antimicrobial activity against skin isolates. Materials and Methods: A successive extraction of M. tomentosa leaves in five solvents – n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and distilled water was carried out. The activity of the extracts against skin isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis was carried out. The distilled water extract was formulated into emulgel, characterized, and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Results: The n-hexane and dichloromethane extracts of M. tomentosa were inactive against all organisms at concentrations used. The ethanol extract was active against S. aureus and S. epidermidis at 200 mg/mL. The ethyl acetate and distilled water extracts were active against S. epidermidis and B. subtilis at 100 and 50 mg/mL, respectively. All emulgel formulations of distilled water extract of M. tomentosa leaves were brown, smooth, and easy to spread on the skin and had a pH of 4.73–5.55. The formulation containing the distilled water extract was more viscous (7784cP) than the blank formulation (6328cP). The formulation was active against S. epidermidis. Conclusion: The distilled water extract of M. tomentosa leaves was the most active against S. epidermidis and B. subtilis. Its emulgel formulation had desirable physicochemical properties for application to the skin. Further studies can be carried out toward its development for the treatment of skin infection caused by organisms investigated.

A joint experimental and theoretical investigation of the binding mechanism between zein and folic acid in an ethanol–water solution

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to determine the binding mechanisms between zein and folic acid in an ethanol – water solution. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that folic acid quenched the fluorescence intensity of zein by both dynamic and static fluorescence quenching mechanisms, with static quenching playing a prominent role. The binding constants (Ka) of the zein-folic acid complex at 292, 302, and 312 K were evaluated to be 5.97 × 105, 3.00 × 105 and 1.54 × 105 L/mol, respectively. The process of folic acid binding zein was driven by ∆H0 = –51.24 kJ/mol, ∆S0 = –64.90 J/mol•K. Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding primarily governed the formation of the zein-folic acid complex. Confirmation of the complex formation was obtained via UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, which also revealed alterations in the secondary structure of zein upon binding to folic acid. Measurements of particle size and zeta potential demonstrated an enhancement in the stability of the complex system. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed the complex to possess a spherical morphology, with significant changes in the zein’s morphology following its binding to folic acid. Additionally, zein increased the photostability of folic acid against UV light radiation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the binding mechanisms involved further, and the results effectively elucidated the observed experimental phenomena. This research establishes a significant theoretical foundation for the utilization of zein as a system for delivering and safeguarding folic acid.

Euonymus alatus Extract Reduces Insulin Resistance in db/db Mice by Regulating the PI3K–AKT Pathway

In accordance with the usage of Euonymus alatus (EA) as folk medicine in diabetes, the present study employed water and 70% ethanol twig extract to assess its antidiabetic effects in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. These effects were then compared with those observed in normal C57BL/6J Jms Slc mice. After 4 weeks of supplementation with 70% ethanolic EA extract or water EA extract by oral gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg with distilled water (DW) per day, body weight was measured and compared with the diabetic group (Db). HPLC demonstrated that the maximum flavonoids were extracted in the Et.EA extract rather than in the water EA extract. The supplementation of the Et.EA extract significantly increased liver and muscle glycogen content with respect to the Db group. Additionally, the Et.EA extract modulated the expression of glycogen synthase (GS) in the liver and muscles of Db mice, indicating that it plays a promotive role in glycogen synthesis. Mechanistically, Et.EA extract activates insulin receptor substrate (IRS1/IRS2)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) in the liver and muscles of Db mice. In conclusion, Et.EA extract attenuates insulin resistance by regulating the expression of metabolic enzymes and signaling pathways.

Phenolic Compound Characterization and Biological Activities of Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Ethanol Macerates Used in Herbal Spirit Production

Biska, a traditional Istrian herbal spirit, is produced by macerating mistletoe leaves and twigs in a water–ethanol base, usually grape marc spirit. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal mistletoe maceration parameters (ethanol content, concentration of plant material, and duration) for the production of biska, which have not yet been the subject of scientific research. The prepared mistletoe macerates and the collected biska samples were subjected to phenolic compound characterization, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and polyphenolic profile, by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS2). In addition, the macerates and the biska samples were analyzed for their biological properties: antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. The results showed that both the macerates and the biska samples contain phenolic compounds of mistletoe such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins, which contribute to the observed biological activities—significant antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effect. By applying the maceration parameters, which yielded the highest content of phenolic compounds as well as volatile aromatic compounds (40–80 g/L of mistletoe, 40–55% v/v ethanol, and 21 days’ maceration time), the production process can be improved to produce biska with better aromatic and biological properties.

Self-adhesive and firm zein fibrous membrane via eugenol-induced dynamic molecular regulation for water treatment

Zein fibrous membrane is a good choice for wastewater treatment owing to abundant functional groups, nontoxicity and degradability. However, zein-based fibrous membrane usually suffers from poor durability due to poor mechanical properties. Traditional methods for improving the mechanical properties often face inevitably challenges, such as operational complexity, environmental pollution and interface delamination. Herein, a simple, green and effective strategy of Eugenol induced “dynamic switch” is proposed to enhance the mechanical properties of zein fibrous membrane. This method alters the molecular conformation and solvent volatility, which enhances the spinnability, forms fiber self-adhesion and tight adhesion to the substrate. The mechanical properties of zein fibrous membranes improves 4.4 times compared with original zein fibrous membrane, and exhibits good applications in water treatment. Additionally, it is universal to various substrates and ethanol–water solvent-based spinning solution. This “dynamic switch” strategy enables zein fibrous membrane firm and self-adhesive via a cost-effective, time-efficient, eco-friendly and widely universal fabrication, which provides potential broad applications for zein-based membrane materials.