Fatty Esters Research Articles

Impact of Citrate on Mitigating Iron Mediated Polysorbate 80 Degradation in Biotherapeutic Formulation Placebos.

Polysorbate 80 (PS80), a widely used polymeric surfactant in biotherapeutic formulation, possesses a unique structural composition that effectively prevents protein aggregation in highly concentrated protein drug formulations. However, PS80 is susceptible to hydrolysis, due to the presence of fatty acid esters that can be enzymatically hydrolyzed, The unsaturated bonds in the fatty acids are prone to oxidative degradation when exposed to air, especially in the presence of transition metals such as iron and copper, which may be introduced during production and purification processes or from contamination in raw materials used in drug formulation. The degradation of PS80, particularly through metal-mediated oxidative degradation, poses a significant challenge for the industry. Among the identified trace metals, iron plays a crucial role as the redox reaction between ferrous ion (Fe(II)) and ferric ion (Fe(III)) generates radicals that initiate the degradation process. In order to investigate the impact of iron on PS80 degradation and understand the mechanism of iron-catalyzed oxidation, we utilized charge-reduction mass spectrometry and two-dimensional ion density mapping technologies to characterize the degradation of PS80. This method has proven to be a convenient and effective tool for the quick and detailed profiling of PS80, allowing for visual monitoring and examination of the changes that reflect the difficult-to-identify and easy-to-miss oxidized species of PS80. Additionally, a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method was developed for the separation and measurement of Fe(II) and Fe(III). Through this investigation, we determined that the involvement of Fe(II)/Fe(III) in PS80 degradation is a temperature dependent process. Furthermore, we found citrate not only promotes the conversion of Fe(II) to Fe(III), but it also chelates Fe(III) and prevents its reduction to Fe(II), thus inhibiting the initiation of the PS80 degradation. Therefore, the addition of citrate can be a crucial ingredient for controlling the degradation of PS80 in biologic drug substances and products. Overall, this investigation has provided valuable insights to enhance product stability, optimize processes, and ensure the quality of formulations containing PS80.

In vitro skin permeation of flavonoid esters enzymatically derived from natural oils: release mechanism from gel emulsion, stability, and dermatological compatibility

Due to their broad spectrum of biological activities and attractive pharmacological properties, flavonoids are very promising molecules for application in skin care products. In this study, phloridzin and naringin medium- and long-chain fatty acid esters were enzymatically synthesized in reaction with natural oils (coconut and linseed oil) and in vitro transdermal delivery of synthesized esters through artificial Strat-M® membrane was investigated. Experimental results were succesfully fitted using Peppas and Sahlin model which includes the lag phase. Release kinetics of all examined flavonoid esters from gel emulsions through the membrane depended on both diffusion and polymer relaxation effect (0.5<n < 1). The estimated effective diffusion coefficients ranged from 0.168·10-8 to 6.149·10-8 cm2 s-1 for phloridzin esters and from 0.116·10-8 to 4.210·10-8 cm2 s-1 for naringin esters. The effective diffusion coefficients decreased with the increase in ester molecular weight indicating the size-dependent diffusion. All formulation showed good stability, excellent hydration effect, and excellent dermatological compatibility without irritating effect. It can be concluded that gel emulsions with a mixture of flavonoid esters enzymatically synthesized in reaction with vegetable oils can be effectively topically applied as a skin care products.

Ethyl biodiesel production from crude soybean oil using enzymatic degumming-transesterification associated process

Brazil is one of the largest soybean producers in the world. Biodiesel production in Brazil (specially soybean oil biodiesel) has been growing every year and demanding more effective and sustainable technologies, which is the case of enzymatic processes. Enzymatic degumming could be an alternative to provide better quality products, before biodiesel production but also, in a one reaction step as a proposal to reduce time and costs. Therefore, this work was aimed at evaluating enzymatic degumming (previously optimized) of crude soybean oil using a phospholipase cocktail associated with transesterification using lipase from Aspergillus oryzae for ethyl biodiesel production. For this, transesterification was optimized for ethanol:oil (E:O) ratio, water and lipase % through a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). Optimal conditions were used to evaluate two degumming-transesterification associated processes: i) a one-pot reaction (OPR) where degumming and transesterification were performed at the same reactor; and ii) a two-pot reaction (TPR) where oil was first degummed, followed by transesterification. The optimal transesterification condition were achieved for E:O = 4.48:1, water = 3.41 % and lipase = 2.43 %, where 97 % fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) were obtained. Both OPR and TPR provided biodiesels with FAEE > 94 %: TPR was the best with 97.5 % and 99.98 % before and after biodiesel purification. Mineral elements (including phosphorus) and other impurities (anions) were low, and within quality standards. Glycerol produced also presented very low content of impurities which is quite advantageous. Although lipase achieves good conversion to FAEE (95.7 ± 0.29 %) using crude oil (Control), the final biodiesel carries many impurities (P=80.07 ± 0.1 mg/kg), thus requiring subsequent biodiesel purification steps. In addition, the high impurity content generates a biodiesel that does not comply with ANP legislative standards, P<10 mg/kg. The use of enzymatic degumming in the biodiesel production process generates a biodiesel with low impurities and higher final quality, in addition to being a process that generates less effluent. Enzymatic degumming was essential for obtaining high quality biodiesel and its association with transesterification showed to be a great option for decreasing time and costs for biodiesel production.

Glycerol esterification of free fatty acids catalyzed by zinc glycerolate for biodiesel production from acidified palm oil: Optimization, kinetic study, and process evaluation

AbstractBiodiesel is an important alternative renewable liquid fuel due to its eco‐friendly, non‐toxic, and lower emissions. In this work, glycerol esterification catalyzed by zinc glycerolate was employed as a pretreatment to prepare biodiesel from acidified palm oil. The effects of stirring rate, catalyst amount, glycerol to free fatty acids (FFAs) molar ratio, and reaction temperature on the conversion of FFAs and concentration of monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides were investigated and optimized. The results show that the conversion of FFAs could reach 99.16% under the optimized conditions. Moreover, the kinetics of glycerol esterification catalyzed by zinc glycerolate at 160–200°C was obtained. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of the new biodiesel production process was also conducted. As a result, higher biodiesel content in the crude biodiesel phase was obtained after transesterification and separation using this new process. Overall, the study contributes to the utilization of waste oils to produce renewable energy and to minimize the waste management problem.

Insight into the Corrosion Inhibition Performance of Pistia stratiotes Leaf Extract as a Novel Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in 1 M HCl Solution

In this research, the Pistia stratiotes leaf (PSL) extract was evaluated as a green corrosion inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl using electrochemical measurements and surface characterization. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra showed that the inhibitory activity of the phytochemical compounds enhanced with increasing concentration up to 400 ppm, which was reflected in the increase in the charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance. Regarding the effect of immersion time, EIS results indicated that the persistence of the PSL extract was between 4 h and 8 h of exposure time. From polarization curve (PCC) results, the best performance of the corrosion inhibitor was achieved at 400 ppm with an inhibition efficiency of 93.7%. The PSL extract acted as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. The adsorption of the phytomolecules on the metal surface obeyed the Langmuir isotherm through a mixed mechanism (physical and chemical interactions) dominated by physisorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental analysis of the corroded samples confirmed the anticorrosive protection of the PSL extract. Chemical characterization of the PSL extract by GC-MS revealed the presence of phytol, steroids, and aromatic and long-chain unsaturated fatty acid esters, in order of abundance. Chemical quantum calculations by DFT allowed for determining that the phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl) ester compound has the most significant potential to act as the main active component in corrosion inhibition activity.

Exploring the role of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in morbidly obese women

BackgroundFatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) present potential beneficial effects that could offer valuable insights into metabolic and inflammatory diseases. However, few FAHFAs have been studied, and their role is unclear. AimsTo assess FAHFA levels in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) associated with morbid obesity (MO) to explore the potential significance of FAHFAs under these conditions. MethodsUsing ultra-precise liquid chromatography, FAHFA serum levels were measured in 219 women, including 53 with normal weight (NW) and 166 with MO. The MO group was classified by histological diagnosis into 35 normal liver (NL), 38 simple steatosis (SS) and 93 metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) groups. ResultsThirty-two FAHFA isoforms from 11 families were identified. Most FAHFAs presented low levels in MO, but tLAHOAs, LAHOA-1 and OAHOA-1 increased. In MASLD, elevated tLAHPO, LAHPO-2, PAHLA-3 and PAHLA-4 levels were observed. In MASH, increased POHLA-1, tLAHPOs, LAHPO-2 and LAHLA-3 and decreased PAHSA-1, tOAHOAs, OAHSA-2 and OAHSA-3 levels were reported. ConclusionThis study reveals novel insights into FAHFAs in a cohort of women with MO with MASLD. In MASLD, we reported only increased levels of certain FAHFAs. In MASH, we found a different profile that could be characteristic.

Chlorinated paraffins as chlorine donors for the formation of 2- and 3-chloropropanediols in refined vegetable oils

The knowledge of chloropropanediols (MCPD) fatty acid esters formation pathways is an important condition for these processing contaminants mitigation. This study aimed to assess the potential of a group of lipophilic environmental contaminants, polychlorinated alkanes, commonly known as chlorinated paraffins (CPs), to contribute to the formation of MCPD esters. Laboratory-scale model systems representing vegetable oils contaminated with both a technical mixture of short-chained CPs and individual short-chained CPs were designed and subjected to heat treatment (230 °C, 2 h) to simulate the deacidification and deodorisation processes. A substantial increase in MCPD content (up to 3.4 times the control levels) was observed in systems spiked with a technical mixture. MCPD formation seems to correlate very well with the concentration of CPs in these systems. Based on the generated data, we can conclude that the processing of vegetable oils contaminated with CPs might contribute to elevated concentrations of MCPD.

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENTS, GC-MS PROFILE AND ALPHA-AMYLASE INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF Rauwolfia vomitoria n-HEXANE ROOT EXTRACT

Rauwolfia vomitoria is a tropical medicinal plant that has been used traditionally in the management of several diseases. In this study, the phytocontents and the preliminary alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of the n-hexane extracts of R. vomitoria was investigated. The dried plant material, R. vomitoria root was extracted by macerating in n-hexane for 72 h. The phytochemical screening and quantity of the alkaloids, flavonoid, and saponins in the extract and plant materials was determined using standard methods. The Preliminary alpha amylase inhibitory activity of the extract was carried out using starch iodide reagent assay. The phytochemical contents of the root extract were determined out using Gas Chromatography and Mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The extraction of R. vomitoria yielded 2.30% n-Hexane extract. The phytochemical screening of the extract shows the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponins, reducing sugar, de-oxy sugars and steroids while quantitative phytochemical analysis showed the root contain alkaloids: 11.2±0.06, flavonoids: 16.6 ±0.12 and saponins: 14.8 ±0.18. The extract gave a positive alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. The GC-MS indicated the presence of twelve compounds, which are basically long chain fatty acids and esters and the most abundant compound is n-Hexadecanoic acid. Most of the compounds detected have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and enzyme inhibitory activities which may explain the various traditional uses of this plant and the observed alpha-amylase inhibitory activity

Comparative Metabolomics to Unravel the Biochemical Mechanism Associated with Rancidity in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.).

Despite being a highly nutritious and resilient cereal, pearl millet is not popular among consumers and food industries due to the short shelf-life of flour attributed to rapid rancidity development. The biochemical mechanism underlying rancidity, a complex and quantitative trait, needs to be better understood. The present study aims to elucidate the differential accumulation of metabolites in pearl millet that impact the rancidity process. Metabolite profiling was conducted on ten pearl millet genotypes with varying levels of rancidity-comprising high, low, and medium rancid genotypes-utilizing liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) at different accelerated ageing conditions. Through non-targeted metabolomic analysis, crucial metabolites associated with rancidity were identified across various biochemical pathways, including fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, glycerol lipids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Notably, metabolites such as fatty aldehydes, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty acyls, fatty esters, and fatty amides were significantly elevated in high rancid genotypes, indicating their involvement in the rancidity process. These fatty acids-related metabolites further break down into saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Four key fatty acids-stearic, palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acid-were quantified in the ten pearl millet genotypes, confirming their role in rancidity development. This investigation promises novel insights into utilizing metabolomics to understand the biochemical processes and facilitate precision breeding for developing low-rancidity pearl millet lines.

Novel metabolomic predictors of incident colorectal cancer in men and women.

Metabolomic profiles may influence colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Few studies have performed pre-diagnostic metabolome-wide analyses with CRC risk. We conducted a nested case-control study among women (Nurses' Health Study (NHS)) and men (Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS)) who provided blood between 1989 and 1995. Over 22.9 years, 684 (409 NHS, 275 HPFS) incident CRC cases occurred and were matched 1:1 to controls. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified 255 plasma metabolites after quality control. Cohort-specific and combined metabolite association analyses were performed using conditional logistic regression. Metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA) was used to identify differential abundance in metabolite classes. Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) provided modules of covarying metabolites, which were tested for CRC association. MSEA identified specific acylcarnitines associated with higher CRC risk and triacylglycerols with lower CRC risk among women and men. Further, phosphatidylcholines were associated with a higher risk of CRC among men. In an analysis restricted to CRC cases diagnosed two years after blood draw, myristoleic acid (OR = 1.37; 95%CI = 1.15-1.62; FDR = 0.072) and C60:12 triacylglycerol (OR = 0.75; 95%CI = 0.64-0.88; FDR = 0.072 were associated with CRC risk in women. WGCNA identified amino acids associated with CRC in men, fatty acid esters (carnitines) with distal CRC in men, and triradylcglycerols inversely associated with CRC in women. We identified pre-diagnostic CRC-associated metabolites with distinct sex-specific profiles. These results provide insight into CRC etiopathogenesis and have implications for risk prediction strategies.

Sustainable Synthesis of New Antioxidants from Hydroxytyrosol by Direct Biocatalytic Esterification in Ionic Liquids.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a nutraceutical compound, mainly found in the fruit, leaves and waste from the olive oil industry, known for exhibiting one of the highest antioxidant activities among molecules of natural origin. To harness this bioactivity in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the food industry, it is essential to modify the hydrophilicity of HT to enhance its compatibility with lipid-based mixtures. This chemical modification must be carried out with high selectivity to avoid compromising its radical scavenging activity. This work presents a highly efficient and selective approach to perform the biocatalytic esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs) of different alkyl chain lengths with HT in a reaction medium based on the SLIL [C12mim][NTf2]. By using a 1:2 (mol/mol) HT:FFA mixture of substrates, the HT-monoester derivative was obtained up to 77% yield after 2 h at 80 °C. The optimized molar ratio of substrates, combined with the ability to recover the SLIL for further reuse, significantly reduces waste accumulation compared to other reported strategies and results in a more sustainable approach as demonstrated by different green metrics. The antioxidant activity of HT-monoester products was fully maintained with respect to that presented by the natural HT, being stable for at least 3 months at 4 °C, as demonstrated by the DPPH and FRAP antioxidant analysis.

Phytoconstituents, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Puya chilensis Mol. Extracts in Colon Cell Lines.

Puya chilensis Mol. is a plant of the Bromeliaceae family, which has been traditionally used for medicinal applications in various digestive disorders. In this study, the phytoconstituents of six extracts of stems and flowers of P. chilensis were evaluated: phenols, flavonoids and total anthraquinones, as well as their antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity in colon cancer cell lines HT-29. The data demonstrate that the ethyl acetate extract of P. chilensis flowers is cytotoxic in HT-29 cell lines (IC50 = 41.70 µg/mL) without causing toxic effects on healthy colon cells (IC50 > 100 µg/mL); also, this extract concentrated the highest amount of phenols (4.63 μg GAE/g d.e.), flavonoids (31.5 μg QE/g d.e.) and anthraquinones (12.60 μg EE/g d.e.) among all the extracts tested, which also correlated with its highlighted antioxidant capacity (DPPH∙IC50 = 4.15 mg/mL and FRAP 26.52 mM TEAC) over the other extracts. About thirty-five compounds were identified in this extract-the fatty acid esters present have been shown to have therapeutic effects on several types of cancer and could explain its antiproliferative activity.

Antimicrobial Activity of Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 53 and Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 82 Against Urogenital Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Intermicrobial interactions play a key role in the regulation of microbial populations and the colonization of various ecological niches. In the present study, we assessed the effect of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from the vaginal isolates Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 53 and Corynebacterium amycolatum ICIS 82 on urogenital test strain biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus. Our studies showed that the CFSs of both C. amycolatum strains significantly reduced biofilm formation and disrupted preformed S. aureus biofilms. Pretreatment with C. amycolatum ICIS 53 or C. amycolatum ICIS 82 CFSs decreased the cell surface hydrophobicity and exopolysaccharide production of all the test S. aureus isolates. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that the CFSs of corynebacteria caused the S. aureus biofilms to be small clusters scattered across the surface, there were no fibres or adhesions between cells, and the cell membrane was not damaged. Treatment of preformed biofilms with CFSs from both C. amycolatum strains resulted in a flat, scattered, and unstructured architecture. The S. aureus cell membrane was damaged. GC‒MS analysis of the CFS of C. amycolatum ICIS 53 revealed the presence of 22 chemical compounds, including long-chain fatty alcohols, esters, fatty acids and heterocyclic pyrrolizines and pyrazoles, that, according to the literature, exhibit a wide range of biological activities. The results of the present work provide insight for the study of Corynebacterium microorganisms as a source of multifunctional bioactive compounds, which may find promising applications in the medical, biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries.

Effect of Fermentation by Probiotic Bacteria on the Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from the Fruit of the Juçara Palm (Euterpe edulis Martius)

The underexplored fruit from the juçara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius) has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities, such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins. This fruit’s pulp presents itself as an appropriate fermentation medium for probiotic bacteria growth. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermentation by Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR92 (JLR) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 (JBB) on the bioactive compound contents of the juçara pulp, before and after a gastrointestinal simulation. The pulp of the juçara fruit showed probiotic counts of 8.70 ± 0.07 log UFC/mL for JLR and 8.44 ± 0.09 log UFC/mL for JBB, after 24 h of fermentation. Fermentation with the strains used modified the proportions of fatty acids (fatty acids esters were quantified using a gas chromatography equipment) and fibers when compared to the non-fermented pulp. The antioxidant capacity determined by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS showed significant reduction after the gastrointestinal simulation for samples. Phenolic compound analysis by UPLC-MS/MS showed, after fermentation, a greater amount of ferulic, protocatechuic and catechin acids in the samples. These results show changes in the bioactive compounds due to the fermentation of the juçara pulp by probiotics. However, these compounds showed bioactive potential and were bioaccessible after the gastrointestinal simulation, with the pulp being a potential means for bacteria growth, which may bring health benefits.

Metabolite from supernatant of soil and plant-associated bacteria control biofilm of fish pathogens

ObjectivesThis research aimed to identify and quantify the antibiofilm activity of bioactive compounds from bacteria isolated from rhizosphere and nodule butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), rhizosphere clove afo 3 (Syzygium aromaticum), nodule mimosa (Mimosa pudica L.), and soil from gold mining land which were recovered from Ternate, Tidore, Obi Island, and Marotai Island, Eastern part of Indonesia.ResultsEight supernatants from soil and plant-associated bacteria were found to have quorum quenching activity against Chromobacterium violaceum. All supernatants exhibited antibiofilm activity against biofilm formed by Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio harveyi. The supernatant of FT5 showed the highest activity in disrupting (66.59%) and inhibiting (85.63%) the biofilm of A. hydrophila. For V. harveyi, the supernatant of PTM3 showed the highest disruption activity (72.61%), whileRCA7 showed the highest inhibition activity(75.68%). The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) identified fatty acids, ester, and diketopiperazine as the compounds related to the antibiofilm activity. Molecular identification revealed that the isolates belong to the genera Bacillus, Priestia, and Chryseobacterium.

Use of Fatty Acids in Fertilizer Formulation: A Systematic Review

Synthetic fertilizers have been a subject of socio-environmental challenges. A more sustainable approach is necessary to develop these farm products. Thus, this review presents a strategy for fertilizer production by utilizing fatty acids and by-products derived from renewable sources. However, given the scarcity of data on the topic in scientific journals, this review used the PRISMA report methodology from patent databases. Results show that China is this field’s most significant intellectual property holder. Patents were predominantly vegetable-based (60%), mixed (14%), and animal- based (8.47%), with innovations including liquid fertilizers of plant and animal-based fatty acid esters, as well as the use of controlled-release technology. 80.60% of fertilizers were applied to the soil, followed by foliar application (12.75%) and seed application (0.60%). Notable contributions included fertilizers acting as pesticides and anti-caking agents. Thus, we realize the urgency of continuing scientific research to pursue more responsible and efficient agricultural practices.

Synthesis of the Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) from Krabok (Irvingia malayana) Seed Oil for Use as the Main Ingredient in the Production of Herbal Massage Oil

This study focused on synthesizing fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from Krabok (Irvingia malayana) seed oil via transesterification for use as the primary ingredient in herbal massage oil production. Optimal conditions included 5 wt.% of KOH catalyst compared to the oil weight, 15:1 molar ratio of ethanol to Krabok seed oil, 60 min for reaction time and reaction temperature of 78 ± 3 °C, resulting in FAEE yields as high as 99.83 ± 0.17 %. Analysis using FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC techniques revealed FAEE as ester-type compounds, primarily comprising lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0), constituting 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids and 3 wt.% unsaturated fatty acids. Physicochemical properties indicated clear yellow liquids with viscosity of 1.73 ± 0.03 cSt/s, density of 0.8199 ± 0.0049 g/cm3, cloud point of +4 °C, and pour point of –1 °C. Acid value, free fatty acid content, iodine value, water content and oxidation stability were measured at 0.703 ± 0.001 mg KOH/g of oil, 0.354 ± 0.001 wt.%, 0.59 ± 0.04 g I2/100 g of oil, 1482.3 ± 6.15 ppm, and greater than 12 h, respectively. When the synthesized FAEE was used to produce herbal massage oil products, the results showed that the herbal massage oil products were characterized as a clear yellow liquid with no sediment, low viscosity, and pH in the range of 5 - 6, meeting standard criteria. Thus, FAEE derived from Krabok seed oil is suitable as a primary ingredient for herbal massage oil production, enhancing the value of local resources within the community. HIGHLIGHTS Under optimal conditions of 5 wt.% KOH catalyst, 15:1 ethanol to oil ratio, 60 min at 78 ± 3 °C, FAEE was synthesized from Krabok seed oil for herbal massage oil, yielding 99.83 ± 0.17 %. FAEE, identified via FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC, comprises 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids (lauric acid and myristic acid) and 3 wt.% unsaturated. The herbal massage oil derived from FAEE as the primary ingredient meets clarity, low viscosity, and pH 5 - 6 standards. FAEE from Krabok seed oil enhances the value of local resources. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Cationic amphiphilic molecules as novel sclerosants for venous malformation treatment: A study on tranexamic acid-derived low-molecular-weight gels

Venous malformation (VM) is a prevalent congenital vascular anomaly characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, leading to disfigurement and dysfunction. Sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive approach, has become a primary therapeutic modality for VM, but its efficacy is hampered by the rapid dilution and potential adverse effects. In this study, we introduced a series of cationic amphiphilic molecules, fatty alcohol esters (TA6, TA8, and TA9) of tranexamic acid (TA), which self-assembled into low-molecular-weight gels (LMWGs) in water. The TA9, in particular, is released slowly when hydrogel is injected into the vein locally. Then, it damages the venous wall by destroying cell membranes and precipitating proteins, causing inflammation and thrombosis, thickening of the venous wall, effectively inducing irreversible vein fibrosis. Additionally, TA9 can be rapidly degraded into TA in plasma to reduce toxicity caused by diffusion. Overall, this study suggests that the cationic amphiphilic molecule TA9 is a promising sclerosant for VM treatment, offering a novel, effective, and safe therapeutic option with potential for clinical translation.

Effect of Ultrasonic Waves on Aspire Biodiesel and Comparison of Its Properties with Petroleum Diesel

This study aimed to determine the effect of ultrasonic sound waves on modifying the chemical structure of biodiesel to bring its physical properties closer to petroleum diesel. In this direction, safflower oil was selected because its fatty acid composition is similar to fatty acid esters of petroleum diesel and is a sustainable source. Refined safflower oil, the free fatty acid content of which was determined, was reacted with methanol under NaOH catalyst to perform the transesterification reaction. After biodiesel production, samples were incubated in an ultrasonic bath for 60, 120, and 180 minutes. FTIR, density, free fatty acid content, flash point, viscosity, and cloud point analyses investigated the effect of incubation times on biodiesel's chemical structure and properties. FTIR spectra showed that ultrasonic sound waves partially decomposed fatty acid methyl esters and increased the number of volatile components in biodiesel. The flash point of biodiesel has been associated with a decrease of 89°C, and the low flash point is expected to increase fuel efficiency. Kinematic viscosity values were measured in the 3.4583-3.5115 mm²/s range, and density values were measured in the 0.8820-0.8872 g/ml range. These values show that biodiesel complies with national and international standards. As a result, the ultrasonic bath process applied to biodiesel showed a similar result to chemical modification methods by affecting the structure of fatty acid chains. Thus, it brought the physical properties of biodiesel closer to petroleum diesel. It is seen that this method is a more efficient alternative for biodiesel production because it does not use additional chemicals, and the process is faster. In conclusion, by increasing the production of the drought-resistant safflower plant, sustainable energy resources will be contributed, while its waste can be evaluated as animal feed. Ultrasonicated safflower biodiesel can also be used as an efficient, environmentally and mechanically friendly alternative fuel source.

Environmental Benefits of Palm Oil Biodiesel Enhancement: Urea Complexation Optimization via RSM

Indonesian commercial biodiesel products are unstable due to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The urea inclusion compound (UIC) method is used during the fractionation process on PUFA to enhance its quality. This study aims to determine the effect of temperature, fatty acid ester metal (FAME)/methanol ratio, and crystallization time on increasing the concentration of PUFA concentrates and to produce high-performance biodiesel products with an iodine indicator &lt;30–40 g I2/100 g. According to the most recent research, the UCF phase product is obtained at a combination of temperature and crystallization time of 20 °C and 4 h, respectively. It has an iodine number of 44.01 and an oxidation stability of 18.61 h, which is close to the criteria for high-performance biodiesel (&lt;30 –40 g I2/100 g). Meanwhile, the results of this study obtained a UCF phase product that has an iodine number of 34.18 and yields 86.57% is obtained at a combination of temperature and crystallization time of 20 °C and 6 hr and FAME-methanol ratio of 6, respectively, which is close to the criteria for high-performance biodiesel (&lt;30 –40 g I2/100 g). The longer complexation time and temperature significantly affected the FAME fractionation of the UCF phase.