Fatty Acid Methyl Research Articles

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori through the inhibition of urease and peptide deformylase: Computational and biological studies

This work tested anti- Helicobacter pylori, free radicals scavenging and toxicity property as well as chemical constituents in the extract of chloroform (CE) and ethyl acetate (EAE) from the pedicel of Diospyros kaki L. (PDK-CE and PDK-EAE). There were 33 and 36 chemical constituents respectively in the extracts of PDK-CE and PDK-EAE, belonging to the fatty acids methyl ester, fatty acids, and stearic acids, as revealed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The extracts did not exhibit any toxicity on NIH3T3 cells, but they significantly showed scavenging of NO, DPPH, and H2O2 free radicals. The extracts displayed in vitro anti-H. pylori activity. PDK-CE had the maximum inhibitory zone at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 10 μg. ml−1 and the extract also triggered the cellular damage in the bacteria. PDK-CE extract had a high urease inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 8.5 μg). Further, in silico studies was performed by using 41 compounds against H. pylori urease (HPU) and H. pylori peptide deformylase (HPPD). The score value was the maximum (−19.58 kcal/mol) against HPU with 17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol, while the score value was the maximum (−14.51 kcal/mol) against HPPD with hexadecanoic acid. The results demonstrated the importance of the pedicel extracts in future pharmaceutical drug development against H. pylori infections.

EVALUACIÓN DEL PERFIL DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS DE ISOCHRYSIS GALBANA MEDIANTE EL USO DE MÉTODOS ÁCIDOS Y ALCALINOS DE TRANSESTERIFICACIÓN

Isochrysis galbana is a marine microalga which highlights by containing a great diversity of antioxidant biomolecules. It shows a high content of lipids that can be used in aquaculture and biofuel, its high polyunsaturated fatty acid profile such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) or for having high fucoxanthin content (carotenoid group). For a century, this microalga is very well known as feed for bivalves, larva of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Transesterification is the necessary reaction to be able to derivative the fatty acids in methylated fatty acids (AGM) and thus be able to identify and quantify them. It is a key step to optimize and therefore know the improvement of the obtained fatty acid profile of study biomass. Hence, this work presents the significant difference of eight methods for obtaining fatty acids from the direct and indirect transesterification reaction (MTD and MTI, respectively). Moreover, acidic and alkaline catalysts were also used (AC1, AC2 and AL1 and AL2). The results presented better contents of AGMs (methylated fatty acids) respecting dry biomass in the MTD-AL1 method with ~ 6% and a relative abundance of DHA of ~ 12 % in MTI-AL2. In addition, the most abundant fatty acid profile was MTD-AL2 with 57.66 % in polyunsaturated. On the other hand, thanks to the addition of an internal standard in the experiences, it was possible to identify that the MTD-AL1 and MTI-AC1 methods were the most efficient in the transesterification obtained with ~ 93 % and ~ 87 % , respectively. Therefore, the method that is selected for the correct reading of fatty acids present in any biomass is relevant to detect a profile with more unsaturation as has been purchased with the microalga I. galbana.

Qualitative detection and source analysis of the organic chlorides in the byproducts of biodiesel prepared using swill-cooked dirty oil under sub-critical conditions

This paper introduces a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) qualitative detection method for organic chlorides in crude glycerol and distillated light components, which are the byproducts of biodiesel. Samples with a higher total chlorine content were obtained from the transesterification reaction between swill-cooked dirty oil and methanol under subcritical conditions. Before GC-MS analysis, n-hexane extraction was performed to remove the soluble lipid interfering components, such as methyl fatty acid ester and free fatty acids, from the samples. Moreover, the reference standards, 3-chlorinated glycerol and 2-chlorinated glycerol, and the degreased water phases of the samples were subjected to derivatization with phenylboronic acid (PBA), extraction with n-hexane, and concentration. After re-dissolution using n-hexane, GC-MS analysis was performed. The results showed that the organic chlorides in the biodiesel by-products mainly included 3-chlorinated glycerol and 2-chlorinated glycerol. The sources of the organic chlorides were discussed by considering previously reported results and the preparation process of the biodiesel. Therefore, we concluded that the presence of a large amount of inorganic chloride salts in the swill-cooked dirty oil is the main reason for the production of 3-chlorinated glycerol and 2-chlorinated glycerol.

Biofuel production from Pachira aquatic Aubl and Magonia pubescens A St-Hil: Physical-chemical properties of neat vegetable oils, methyl-esters and bio-oils (hydrocarbons)

Two perennial tree species Pachira aquatica Aubl (PA) and Magonia pubescens A St-Hil (MP), both being endemic to Brazil, were studied as potential sources for biofuels production. The main benefits of those sources is the lack of competition with the food market and the preservation of native vegetation. The chemical composition and the physical-chemical properties of the oils extracted from both species were evaluated. Furthermore, their oils were processed to produce biofuels using two approaches: obtaining mixtures of methyl fatty acid esters (biodiesel) and mixtures of hydrocarbons (bio-oil). The physical-chemical properties of the biodiesels obtained from PA and MP are compatible with diesel engines. The bio-oils obtained from both sources, despite not being completely deoxygenated, displayed physical-chemical properties acceptable for diesel engines fuel. The possibility of obtaining two kinds of fuels with suitable properties is a good sign for the exploration of those trees.

Chemical composition of Acacia farnesiana (L) wild fruits and its activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and dysentery bacteria

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Mexico, plants are an important element of traditional medicine, and many are considered part of Mexican cultural heritage from prehispanic and colonial times. Nevertheless, relatively few systematic scientific studies have been conducted to fully characterize the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Mexican medicinal plants. Acacia farnesiana is used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat dysentery and tuberculosis and therefore could have bioactive compounds that may explain its traditional use. Aims of the studyi) To isolate and characterize the compounds from the hexanic, chloroformic and methanolic extracts; ii) to identify the volatile compounds from methylated hexanic and chloroformic extracts using GC-FID and GC-MS methods; iii) to identify the compounds from methanolic and aqueous extracts using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS; iv) to test the activity of extracts and isolated compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and dysentery bacteria. Material and methodsA. farnesiana fruits were collected in Acatlán de Osorio, Puebla, Mexico. Hexanic, chloroformic, methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared and analyzed by different chromatographic techniques including column chromatography, flash chromatography, GC-FID, GC-MS and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Structural elucidation was carried out by NMR spectroscopic analysis. The activity of extracts, phytochemicals and semi-synthetic derivatives against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and G122 as well as dysentery bacteria (Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella enteritidis, Yersinia enterocolitica and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli) was determined by the broth microdilution method and reported as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC µg/mL). ResultsFrom both hexane and chloroform extracts, tetracosanoic acid (2S)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (1) and (3β,22E)-estigmasta-5,22-dien-3-yl β-D-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated and characterized. From the methanolic extract, methyl gallate (3), gallic acid (4), (3β,22E)-estigmasta-5,22-dien-3-yl β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (2S) naringenin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (prunin, 5), pinitol (6) and sucrose (7) were isolated and characterized. Furthermore, hexanic and chloroformic extracts were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS and 18 methylated fatty acids were identified for each extract in addition to three sterols. The methanolic and aqueous extracts were analyzed separately by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and 15 compounds were identified in each extract. The compounds 1, 2, and 7, in addition to 13 fatty acids and eight phenolic compounds, were identified for the first time in A. farnesiana. The extracts showed antitubercular (MIC 100–200 µg/mL) and antidysentery activity (MIC 100–200 µg/mL). Methyl gallate and its acetylated derivative showed activity against the sensible strain M. tuberculosis H37Rv with MIC values of 50–25 µg/mL, respectively. The flavanone prunin showed activity against multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis G122 (MIC 50 μg/mL). Methyl gallate, gallic acid and prunin showed activity against C. jejuni (MIC 50 μg/mL). ConclusionsThe activity of tested extracts and isolated compounds against M. tuberculosis and dysentery bacteria justifies the ethnomedical use of A. farnesiana fruits for the treatment of tuberculosis and dysentery.

Heterosegmental Modeling of Long-Chain Molecules and Related Mixtures using PC-SAFT: 1. Polar Compounds

A broad range of fatty acids as well as fatty-acid-based, long-chain compounds are synthesized on the basis of triglycerides, which are mainly found in natural fats and oils. These long-chain compounds comprise, for instance, fatty-acid methyl and ethyl esters and fatty aldehydes. Saturated representatives of these individual families are composed of an identical head domain which is connected to an n-alkylic residue that only varies in chain length within a homologous series. In this work, this fact was taken into account for modeling of thermodynamic properties using a heterosegmental approach of the Perturbed Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory. For this purpose, the n-alkylic residue within a homologous series was modeled using the pure-component parameters of n-alkanes, whereas the parameters for each identical head domain were universally determined. With this heterosegmental approach, polar interactions among the identical head domains were explicitly taken into account. Due to its group-con...

Densities and excess molar volumes of methanol with three fatty acid methyl esters from 283.15 to 318.15 K

The main components of biodiesel are fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) or fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE). Methanol is commonly used as a reference molecule for modeling diesel fuel thermodynamics properties. In this work, experimental density data of the binary mixtures of methanol with three fatty acid methyl esters (methyl caprate, methyl laurate, methyl myristate) were reported at atmospheric pressure over the entire composition range at temperatures from 283.15 to 318.15 K. Density measurements were performed using an Anton Paar digital vibrating U-tube densimeter. Excess molar volumes were calculated from the experimental data and correlated as the Redlich-Kister equation for the binary mixtures. The optimized sets of parameters of the equation at each temperature were obtained by the least squares method.

Metallo-stannosilicate heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production using edible, non-edible and waste oils as feedstock

This study reports the synthesis, physicochemical characterization by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and solid-state MAS NMR (1H, 23Na, 29Si and 119Sn MAS NMR) of a metallo-stannosilicate and its application as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production via ethanolysis and methanolysis routes using edible, non-edible an waste oils as feedstocks. XRD characterization of the metallo-stannosilicate has revealed a typical structure of mixed octahedral-pentahedral-tetrahedral material with an orthorhombic unit cell (a = 14.522 Ǻ, b = 12.469 Ǻ, and c = 10.654 Ǻ). 119Sn single-pulse MAS NMR results presented two resonance lines, at δ1 = -683.8 ppm and δ2 = -690.9 ppm, which were assigned to the tin octahedrally coordinated in the metallo-stannosilicate structure. Heterogenous catalytic studies in the transesterification of refined edible, non-edible, and waste oils have resulted in high yields of FAMEs and FAEEs (fatty acid methyl and ethyl esters), nevertheless the highest FAMES (98.2%) and FAEEs (96.6%) yields were obtained for non-edible microalgae oil extracted from the genetically modified heterotrophic algal strain Prototheca moriformis. Catalytic studies also using non-edible macaw palm oil (Acrocomia aculeata) with a high content of free fatty acids (FFAs) demonstrated that the catalyst could simultaneously perform esterification and transesterification reactions. These findings indicate the potential application of this novel metallo-stannosilicate in the production of renewable and environmentally clean biofuels, like biodiesel, using different sources of lipids feedstocks, notably those that do not compete with food production.

SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF PROPERTIES OF SURFACTANTS BASED ON FAT ACIDS OF PALM OIL AND METHANOL

A new product was obtained with the use of methyl alcohol and fatty acids of palm oil. The series of experimens were performed to reveal its composition and properties with the use of modern devices and methods. The results of IR-spectroscopy have approved the presence of specific functional groups: hydroxylic, ester, carboxylic and sulfonate ones. The results of studies have shown that the synthesized substance posesses the surfactant properties: wetting, foaming, detersive; and it has a relatively low surface energy. It belongs to the group of high-despersity and mono-dispersity systems and takes an intermediate position between micro- and nano-particles. It was shown, that the contact angle of the water solution of the surfactant under study equals to at least 90 degrees and practically does not depend on the nature of wetted surface (eather hydrophylic or hydrofobic). It was founded that the foam expansion ratio and its stability are high and lay in direct relation with the substance concentration. It was found that relating to the protein composition, the detergent power of the surfactant is higher (up to 90 %) than regarding to pigment-and-oil contamination. Measuring the values of surface tension by Willhelm plate-bearing method allowed defining the critical concentration of micelle formation of 4.0 g/dm3, at which the maximum wetting is achieved. It was found that the synthezised product have a low emulsifying power towards the motor, machine oil and animal fat. Besides, the highest stability of emulsion was observed towards the machine oil (at concentration of synthesized product of 2.0 g/dm3). The emulsion stability can be increased by making compositions including the non-ionogenic surfactants. Moreover, it was found that the product under study is characterized by the high aggregative stability, since the achieved values of zeta-potential are in the range of 30 mB< ζ < -30 mB. The developed product belongs to the anionic surfactants, with рН of water solution of 7-8. It has a good water solubility. According to results of the hydrophylic-and-lipophylic balance, the synthesyzed surfactant belongs to detergents.Forcitation:Lutfullina G.G., Guseva K.S., Grishin P.B., Khairutdinova R.I. Synthesis and study of properties of surfactants based on fat acids of palm oil and methanol. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 6. P. 88-95

Elucidating the antimicrobial mechanisms of colistin sulfate on Mycobacterium tuberculosis using metabolomics

Considering the disadvantageous of first line anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs, including poor patient adherence, drug side effects, the long treatment duration and rapidly increasing microbe resistance, alternative treatment strategies are needed. Colistin sulfate (CS), a polymyxin antibiotic considered a last-resort antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter, has antimicrobial activity towards mycobacteria, and could serve as a possible anti-TB drug.Using GCxGC-TOFMS metabolomics, we compared the metabolic profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cultured in the presence and absence of CS, to elucidate the mechanisms by which this drug may exert its antimicrobial effects.The principal component analysis of the metabolite data indicated significant variation in the underlying metabolite profiles of the groups. Those metabolites best explaining this differentiation, were acetic acid, and cell wall associated methylated and unmethylated fatty acids, and their alcohol and alkane derivatives. The elevated glucose levels, and various glyoxylate and glycerolipid metabolic intermediates, indicates an elevated flux in these metabolic pathways.Since all the metabolites identified in the colistin treated Mtb indicates an increase in fatty acid synthesis and cell wall repair, it can be concluded that CS acts by disrupting the cell wall in Mtb, confirming a similar drug action to other organisms.

Measurement and correlation of viscosities and densities of methyl dodecanoate and ethyl dodecanoate at elevated pressures

The density and viscosity data of two biodiesel components methyl dodecanoate and ethyl dodecanoate over the temperature range from (302–354) K and at pressures up to 15.2 MPa were reported. Experimental results show that the densities and viscosities of methyl dodecanoate and ethyl dodecanoate increase with the increase of pressure and decrease with the increase of temperature. The densities and viscosities of different fatty acid methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters were compared to investigate the effect of carbon number. Tait equation and Andrade-Tait model were used to model the measured densities and viscosities of methyl dodecanoate and ethyl dodecanoate.

Structural Analyses of Hydrated Crystals in Mixed Green Surfactant Systems: α‐Sulfonated Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Salt and Fatty Acid Soap Mixtures

Abstractα‐Sulfonated fatty acid methyl ester salts (MES), synthesized from renewable plant resources, are an example of green surfactants used in eco‐friendly washing detergents because of their excellent detergent properties, biodegradability, and enzyme stability. Although various physicochemical properties of MES crystals and micelles have been studied, mixed systems composed of MES and other surfactants have not been well studied. We investigated the crystalline structures of hydrated solids in mixed systems containing MES and soaps, which have been utilized as detergents, using small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SWAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The minimum dissolution temperature, determined by visual observation, of a 4:1 M ratio of the sodium salt of α‐sulfonated palmitic acid methyl ester (C16MES‐Na) and sodium palmitate (C16‐Na), is indicative of a eutectic mixture. SWAXS measurements reveal that C16MES‐Na and C16‐Na crystals are formed separately in this system. Eutectic mixtures were also observed for the C16MES‐Na/C16MES‐K (α‐sulfonated palmitic acid methyl ester potassium salt) system and in the C16MES‐K/C16‐Na system. Furthermore, in addition to C16MES‐K and C16‐Na crystals, C16MES‐Na crystals were also formed in the C16MES‐K/C16‐Na system, through counterion exchange during crystallization.

Nutraceuticals in Different Varieties of Cowpeas

Eight varieties which comprise of three indigenous cowpeas {Vigna vexillata (otili), Stenocarpa stylosa (feregede), and Phaseolus vulgaris (kokondo)} Glycine max (soya beans), and the four new hybrids of Vigna unguiculata (big white, small white, drum, and honey beans) were analyzed for proximate, elemental, methyl fatty acid, total flavonoids, total phenolic contents and anti-oxidant contents. AOCA standard method was used for proximate analysis, the methanolic extracts of the cowpea were analysed for fatty acid and fatty acid methyl ester composition by Gas Chromatography- Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Total Antioxidant Content (TAC) and 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays were used to measure the antioxidant activities of the samples. Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) were also determined. The result shows that sample A has a balance proportion of food chemical composition and sample H (Phaseolus vulgaris) is richest in Na, Zn, Mg, Mn while sample D (Big white cowpeas) is the richest in Cu. The result of fatty acids shows sample A (soya beans) as the richest in the essential fatty acids C18:3n6 ϒ-LinolenicAcid(1.66%), C18:3n3 α-Linolenic Acid (4.86%), C22:2 cis-13, 16-Docosadienoic Acid(5.84%) (omega 3 and 6 fatty acids), while the indigenous Cowpeas were rich in the healthy monosaturated Fatty acids in an appreciable percentage and the commonest saturated fatty acids in plants (Palmitic and Stearic fatty acids only). Only sample E has essential fatty acids out of the four hybrids.

Molecular modeling of systems related to the biodiesel production using the PHSC equation of state

In this study, capability of the Perturbed Hard Sphere Chain (PHSC) equation of state (EoS) is investigated for thermodynamic modeling of binary and ternary systems related to the biodiesel processing. Vapor-liquid, liquid-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria (VLE, LLE and SLE, respectively) in mixtures containing fatty acid alkyl ester, non – polar and polar compounds are investigated. The PHSC model parameters are calculated for both fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and Fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) molecules by fitting on the experimental pure liquid density and vapor pressure data. Using the obtained parameters, the phase behavior of binary systems over wide range of thermodynamic conditions is studied. The average deviation between model calculations and experimental equilibrium data of water + ester, alcohol + ester, ester + ester, hydrocarbon + ester and carbon dioxide + ester systems are about 5.57, 2.42, 0.31, 3.61 and 6.45%, respectively. Furthermore, the capability of the model has then been assessed by prediction of LLE phase behavior of ternary systems. The results show that, the predicted and correlated results are in good agreement with the experimental data. In the case of SLE, the melting and eutectic points of fatty acid ester systems have been predicted over wide range of composition.

Social and environmental impacts of replacing transesterification agent in soybean biodiesel production: Multi-criteria and principal component analyses

The use of renewable feedstocks for biodiesel production makes it an attractive large-scale alternative to fossil diesel. Nevertheless, traditional routes employ methanol as transesterification agent, a fossil based chemical. To improve renewability, governmental policies and subsidies have arisen to promote substitution of methanol. In the Brazilian soybean biodiesel scenario, the objective of this work is to compare the methylic and ethylic production routes, and unveil whether ethanol-based biodiesel has potential to be more sustainable. The comparison is supported by: (i) Construction of the fatty acid methyl ester and fatty acid ethyl ester soybean biodiesel production chains; (ii) Assemblage of the respective inventory matrices to quantify energy and material flows; and (iii) Application of Multi-criteria Analysis and Principal Component Analysis for data interpretation and identification of the most relevant factors affecting sustainability. Focus is on the social and environmental aspects of sustainability. Contrarily to common belief, fatty acid methyl ester, although more environmentally impacting in the step of methanol production, is shown to be generally more sustainable than the ethylic counterpart, which shows a heavy burden in the social dimension, more severe conditions of the transesterification process and extra transport demand, as demonstrated by the multi-criteria analysis, which combines quantitative indicators with ad hoc principles of green process design to provide a criticality matrix and a one-dimensional index, the Sustainability Degree. Principal Component Analysis, on the other hand, indicates average wage, water intensity and carbon intensity as the top influential indicators, out scaling energy consumption. A low compliance to the original objectives of increasing sustainability by substituting fatty acid ethyl ester for fatty acid methyl ester is observed and the importance of the social dimension is thoroughly evidenced.

Biosynthesis of the fatty acid isopropyl esters by engineered Escherichia coli.

The fatty acid methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters are known as biodiesels which are considered to be renewable, nontoxic and biodegradable biofuels. However, the conventional biodiesels show a high crystallization temperature which is one of the most critical obstacles against the widespread biodiesel usage. The high crystallization temperature of biodiesel can be reduced by replacing the methyl or ethyl ester with an isopropyl moiety. Here we report on a strategy to establish biosynthesis of the fatty acid isopropyl esters(FAIPEs) from the simple substrate glucose in Escherichia coli with heterologous coexpression of atoB encoded acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase and atoAD encode acetoacetyl-CoA transferase from E. coli, ADC encode acetoacetate decarboxylase from Clostridium acetobutylicum, ADH encoded NADP-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Clostridium beijerinckii, 'TesA encoded a truncated fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase and FadD encoded fatty acyl-CoA synthetase from E. coli, and the WS/DGAT encoded acyltransferase from Acinetobacter baylyi strain ADP1. It was found that the yield of FAIPEs was up to 203.4mg/L and accounted for around 6.4% (wt/wt) of the dry cell weight. Our results indicates that it is a feasible strategy to improve the yield of FAIPEs by increasing fatty acyl-CoA availability in biosynthetic pathway and exhibit a promising method for production of biodiesels with good low-temperature flow properties.

Limiting factors for the use of palm oil biodiesel in a diesel engine in the context of the ASTM standard

Biodiesel is a biodegradable fuel contains fatty acid methyl or ethyl esters which are typically produced by the transesterification reaction among the triglycerides in the vegetable oils or animal...

Phytochemical and genotoxicity studies of Citrus reticulata aerial part in mice

Background and objectives The genus Citrus (family Rutaceae) is known to contain many bioactive compounds like flavonoids that protect mice against genotoxicity because of their antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical constituents and the protective effect of the ethanolic extract of the aerial part of Citrus reticulata cultivated in Saudi Arabia against genotoxicity induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in mice. Materials and methods The major constituents from of the aerial part of C. reticulata were isolated using different chromatographic techniques. Identification of compounds was realized through Rf values, shift reagents, and spectroscopic tools such as ultraviolet and nuclear magnetic resonance. The constituents of both unsaponifiable and methylated fatty acids were identified using Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) analysis. Essential oil constituents of peels and aerial part of C. reticulata were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. PBS, 1% LMPA, and ethidium bromide were used for the comet assay and quantitative analysis of DNA fragmentation in liver tissue in male rats was determined. About 50 male mice were used in this study, which were allocated in five groups (10 animals each) and treated with BaP and C. reticulata [total ethanolic extract (TE) and petroleum ether fraction]. Results and conclusion Phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic extract from the aerial part of C. reticulata revealed five flavonoids (1–5). GLC analysis of the unsaponifiable fraction showed the presence of α-tocotrienol and α-tocopherol, which belong to the group of vitamin E. A total of 22 compounds were identified in the essential oils of C. reticulata blanco, 12 compounds were found in the aerial part, and 12 compounds were found in the fruit peels. The ethanolic extract was tested for the first time against genotoxicity induced by BaP in mice using the comet assay. TE significantly reduced the damage of DNA caused by BaP in mice. There was a statistically significant increase (P≤0.05) in the DNA fragmentation in the liver tissues of male mice and an increased rate of DNA damage in mice blood cells in the BaP group. Treatment with TE has a significant liver and blood cell protection by inhibiting the rate of DNA damage. These findings led us to conclude that the aerial part of C. reticulata is useful to reduce the genotoxicity induced by hazardous chemical agents.

Determination of Alkyl Esters Content by Gas Chromatography: Validation of Method Based on Short Column and Response Factor

In this study an analytical method, based on gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, using a short column and response factor (GCSCRF), was validated for the quantification of fatty acid alkyl esters (methylic or ethylic). During the validation process, the proposed method was employed to analyze twenty samples of fatty acid methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters. Biodiesel samples were produced from soybean oil and the validated method was found to be selective, being able to separate and identify every ester species present in the samples according to its carbon number. When the method was submitted to some variations in the sample preparation procedure, it remained robust. Limits of detection and quantification were 6.76 and 20.4 mg mL-1, respectively. The suggested method also showed great precision when successive analyses were carried out for different analysts, with standard deviation (SD) 0.6 for repeatibility and relative standard deviation (RSD) percentage 7.3% for intermediate precision, excellent accuracy when compared to other reference methods (EN 14103 and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet dection (HPLC-UV)) and recovery studies.

Noncatalytic biodiesel synthesis from rubber seed oil via supercritical methanol and ethanol

This paper reports the production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) by the transesterification reaction of rubber seed oil (RSO) in supercritical methanol and ethanol without using any catalyst. Experiment were carried out in a batch reactor, and reactions were studied at 260, 280, 300 and 320 oC at a pressure of 8.1-19 MPa with various mole ratios of ethanol – to - methanol from 0 to 100%. The extent of the reaction was explored using a convertibility parameter, which corresponds to the maximum ester content attainable from the feedstock. The highest FAME and FAEE contents achieved were 91.8 % and 86.4%, respectively. Results show that transesterification of RSO in methanol was more efficient than that in ethanol; the temperature had the strongest influence.