Fruit Shell Extract Research Articles

Bimetallic nanoparticles and biochar produced by Adansonia Digitata shell and their effect against tomato pathogenic fungi.

Adansonia digitata L. is a royal tree that is highly valued in Africa for its medicinal and nutritional properties. The objective of this study was to use its fruit shell extract to develop new, powerful mono and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) and biochar (BC) using an eco-friendly approach. Silver (Ag), iron oxide (FeO), the bimetallic Ag-FeO NPs, as well as (BC) were fabricated by A. digitata fruit shell extract through a reduction process and biomass pyrolysis, respectively, and their activity against tomato pathogenic fungi Alternaria sp., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Fusarium equiseti, and Fusarium venenatum were detected by agar dilution method. The Ag, FeO, Ag-FeONPs, and BC were characterized using a range of powerful analytical techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR), dynamic light scatter (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. The fabricated Ag, FeO and Ag-FeO NPs have demonstrated a remarkable level of effectiveness in combating fungal strains. UV-Vis spectra ofAg, FeO, Ag-FeONPs, and BC show broad exhibits peaks at 338, 352, 418, and 480 nm, respectively. The monometallic, bimetallic NPs, and biochar have indicated the presence in various forms mostly in Spherical-shaped. Their size varied from 102.3 to 183.5 nm and the corresponding FTIR spectra suggested that the specific organic functional groups from the plant extract played a significant role in the bio-reduction process. Ag and Ag-FeO NPs exhibited excellent antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi Alternaria sp., S. sclerotiorum, F. equiseti, and F. venenatum. The current study could be a significant achievement in the field of antifungal agents since has the potential to develop new approaches for treating fungal infections.

Acute Toxicity Study of Methanol Extract of Baobab (Adansonia digitata Linn) Fruit Shell Extract in Mice

Background: The natural origin of medicinal plants does not guarantee their safety, as there are no sufficient studies on the safety, efficacy, and toxicity to support their benefit claims. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the oral acute toxicity of Adansonia digitata L. (A. digitata) fruit shell extract in mice. Methods: The maceration method was employed for the extraction of the A. digitata fruit shell using methanol. The extract was then screened for its phytochemical constituents both qualitatively and quantitatively. Lorke’s method was followed for the toxicity study, and the mice were observed for clinical signs of toxicity and mortality. Further, serum was analyzed for liver and kidney function biomarkers besides the histology of the liver, kidney, and cerebellum. Results: No single death was recorded and no sign of toxicity persisted for more than 2 hours post-administration to the extracts up to 5000 mg/kg. Therefore, the - of A. digitata fruit shell is above 5000 mg/kg. Additionally, no changes were observed in the weights as well as the relative organ weight of the mice. Further, no statistically significant changes were seen in their liver and kidney function biomarkers, besides the relatively intact histological appearance of their liver, kidney, and cerebellum. Conclusion: The oral acute toxicity of methanol extract of A. digitata fruit shell is above 5000 mg/kg; hence, it is relatively safe to use it for medicinal purposes. However, a longer study duration is recommended to evaluate its toxic effects on fertility, teratogenicity, and carcinogenic potentials.

Assessment of the anti-hair loss potential of Camellia japonica fruit shell extract in vitro.

Hair loss is caused by various factors. Impacts of these factors are often overlapped and intensified. Currently, mitigation of hair loss is being studied by proliferating dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and inhibiting deleterious factors such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oxidative stress on hair growth. Camellia japonica (C.japonica) fruit shell is a discarded part. Its biological activity remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the capacity of C.japonica fruit shell extract (CJFSE) for hair loss mitigation. MTT assay, spheroid culture and quantitative RT-PCR were performed to observe the proliferative effect of CJFSE on hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). Effects of CJFSE on DHT-induced hair loss were confirmed by Dkk-1 ELISA, β-galactosidase (β-gal) and 5α-reductase activity assay. In addition, effects of CJFSE on oxidative stress were confirmed through DPPH and ROS production assays. CJFSE increased the proliferation and spheroid size of HFDPCs. Expression levels of VEGF-A, Wnt-1, c-Myc and Cyclin D1 were upregulated by CJFSE. CJFSE also suppressed 5α-reductase activity and DHT-induced decrease in cell proliferation, Dkk-1 secretion and β-gal activity. Moreover, CJFSE showed DPPH scavenging activity and ameliorated hydrogen peroxide-induced ROS production and β-gal activity. Finally, gallic acid and protocatechuic acid were observed in CJFSE through HPLC analysis. CJFSE has the potential to alleviate hair loss by promoting hair cell growth and suppressing effects of DHT and oxidative stress on hair.

Adansonia digitata L. fruit shell extract alleviates lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice via modulation of oxidative stress and a possible chelating activity

BackgroundLead is a ubiquitous environmental heavy metal known to induce neurotoxicity. It has been postulated that substance with high antioxidant capacity could alleviate lead-induced neurotoxicity. Adansonia digitata fruit shell extract (ADFS) has been reported to have high phenolic contents and exerts antioxidant activity. This study investigated the effects of Adansonia digitata fruit shell extract on lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice. MethodsMale balb/c mice (n = 7) were administered with Pb-acetate (50 mg/kg) 30 mins before ADFS (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) or succimer (50 mg/kg) per orally for 28 days. Motor activities were evaluated on days 29 and 30 through horizontal bar and open field tests respectively. Further, spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and haematoxylin and eosin staining were carried-out to determine the expression of oxidative stress biomarkers, level of lead concentration in the brain and histology of the cerebellum respectively. ResultsLead acetate exposure significantly (p < 0.05) induced motor deficits in horizontal bar test and open field test, caused oxidative stress, high concentration of lead in the brain as well as histological aberration in the cerebellum. ADFS significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the motor deficits evident by increased muscle strength and number of lines crossed. Further, ADFS significantly reversed oxidative stress evident by increased levels of SOD, CAT and GSH and decreased level of MDA. There was also significant (p < 0.05) decrease in brain lead concentration as well as reduced cerebellar cells death. ConclusionFindings suggest that ADFS attenuated motor deficits via inhibition of oxidative stress and chelating activity which is comparable to succimer. Hence, ADFS should be explored for possible development of chelating agent against lead and other heavy metals toxicity.

In vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities of cotton fabrics treated with bael fruit shell extract

The present study is aimed at evaluating the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of bael fruit shell (BFS) extract. Hot water extraction (HWE) and ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) techniques have been used to understand the effectiveness of the extraction process and its relation to impart enhanced functional property of cotton fabric. The cotton fabric has been treated with BFS extract by using padding mangle. The effectiveness of antibacterial activity against both the Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and antioxidant property has been evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results reveal that UAE-BFS treated fabric shows 93% reduction for E coli and 82% for S aureus, which is higher as compared to HWE-BFS treated fabric (91% for E coli and 61 % for S aureus). This trend has also been observed in qualitative zone of inhibition method. Antioxidant efficacy of UAE treated fabric is 86%, whereas HWE treated fabric registers 80% activity.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Chemical Characterization, and Safety Assessment of Argania spinosa Fruit Shell Extract from South-Western Morocco.

Argania spinosa (L.) plays an important role in the Moroccan agroeconomy, providing both employment and export revenue. Argan oil production generates different by-products with functionalities that are not yet investigated, in particular, the shell fruit. The present study aims, for the first time, at evaluating the acute and subacute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of argan fruit shell ethanol extract (AFSEE). The LD50 of AFSEE was determined to be greater than the 5000 mg/kg body weight of mice. No significant variation in the body and organ weights was observed after 28 days of AFSEE treatment compared to that of the control group. Biochemical parameters and histopathological examination revealed no toxic effects of AFSEE. The AFSEE produced a significant inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema in mice. AFSEE reduced significantly the paw edema in mice after carrageenan injection. The chemical characterization showed that AFSEE contains a high level of total phenol content, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and flavanols. The obtained IC50 of DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and β-carotene demonstrates that AFSEE has a potential antioxidant effect. The results indicate that AFSEE was safe and nontoxic to mice even at higher doses. Furthermore, the present findings demonstrate that AFSEE has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Green synthesis of nanoparticle and its application on cotton fabric using Sterculia foetida fruit shell extract

Sterculia foetida fruit shell was used for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Optimized reduction of silver ion (Ag+) to metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag˚) was carried out at room temperature for 16hr. The reduced silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, FTIR and SEM analysis of treated cotton fabric not only showed superb coloration but also proven to be very good in antibacterial and ultraviolet protection properties even after ten washes.

Chemistry and Antioxidant Potential of Phytoconstituents from Aegle Marmelos Fruit-Shell.

Oxidative stress is among the main causes of metabolic disorders. Hence, there is a need to discover potent antioxidants for therapeutic applications. The objective of this study has been to investigate the phytoconstituents of the methanolic extract of the hard shell of Aegle marmelos fruit and their antioxidant potential. Methanolic extract was fractionated using different solvents by liquid-liquid extraction. Characterization of the phytoconstituents was done by using phytochemical tests and GC-MS analysis. The free radical scavenging activity, total reducing power, lipid peroxidation inhibition and cell protection assays against oxidative stress were performed with methanolic extract and its fractions. Therapeutically significant class of compounds, for example, polyphenols, glycosides and sterols were revealed in the hard-shell extract. Differential separation of compounds was achieved by liquid-liquid extraction using different solvents. Six compounds: 4-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid; 5-Oxo-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 1-[3-Methyl-3-Butenyl] Pyrrolidine; Trans-sinapyl alcohol; 5-[Hydroxymethyl]-2-furaldehyde and 2,4- Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3[2H]-furan-3-one, identified in the fruit-shell extract, are being reported for the first time from this plant. Strong antioxidant potential of the extract was evident from efficient scavenging of free radicals. The extract also conferred protection to yeast cells against oxidative damage. Results showed that the hard shell of the Aegle marmelos fruit was a potent source for antioxidant compounds, which can be developed for therapeutic applications in the control and management of metabolic diseases.

Application of Hymenaea stigonocarpa fruit shell extract as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for steel in sulfuric acid

Aqueous extracts of the fruit shell of Hymenaea stigonocarpa were tested as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 0.5 mol L−1 H2SO4. Corrosion data were obtained from potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance experiments. Surface analysis was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The steel corrosion rate decreased in the presence of the fruit shell extract. Inhibition efficiency reached a maximum of ~90%. Activation energy of the inhibited corrosion process increased 2.5 times compared with the uninhibited process. Organic molecules present in the plant extract were detected on the steel surface. The development of an inhibitor film was modeled by the Langmuir isotherm. The fruit shell extract acted as a corrosion inhibitor decreasing the rate of hydrogen evolution.

Anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous fruit shell extract of Tamarindus indica on MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line

This present investigation reveals that the Silver Nanoparticles biosynthesizing capability of the fruit shell of pharmacologically important tree Tamarindus indica. An ecofriendly, easy, one step, non-toxic and inexpensive approach is used, where aqueous plant extract acts as a reducing as well as stabilizing agent of Silver Nanoparticles. The Silver Nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray, Scanning Electron and Transmission Electron Microscopy and spectroscopy analysis. Surface plasmon resonance of the Nanoparticles was observed at 450 nm in UV–Vis Spectroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy result confirms that the plant extract acts as the reducing as well as the capping agent of the Silver Nanoparticles. Transmission Electron Microscopy indicated that the synthesized Nanoparticles are spherical in shape and approximately 20–52 nm in size. Presence of Silver in the Silver Nanoparticles is 36.87% by weight, as confirmed by Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The synthesized Silver Nanoparticles have cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell lines. The cytotoxicity study exhibited a dose-dependent effect against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) using MTT assay, the inhibitory concentration (IC50) was found to be 20 μg/ml and their anticancer potential has been discovered using live and dead assay (Ao/EtBr), ROS and Rho123 assay. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that Silver Nanoparticles from Tamarindus indica fruit shell extract may be a potential therapeutic agent for human breast cancer treatment.

A detailed atomic level computational and electrochemical exploration of the Juglans regia green fruit shell extract as a sustainable and highly efficient green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution

Seawater, which has been frequently applied in cooling and injection water systems, imposes severe pitting corrosion to mild steel. Addition of green and sustainable inhibitors based on renewable sources is one of the promising methodologies for restricting metal corrosion in chloride-containing electrolytes. In this study, for the first time, from both theoretical and experimental faces, the role of Juglans regia green fruit shell (JRS) extract as a sustainable potent corrosion inhibitor for mild steel was studied. The chemical structure of the JRS extract was deliberated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). By electrochemical techniques including polarization, EIS and electrochemical current noise analyses, the corrosion inhibition performance of 1000 ppm JRS extract in the saline solution was examined. The surface characterization of the plates after 24 h immersion in the saline solution was done applying ATR-FTIR and FE-SEM-EDS analyses. The polarization test results illustrated that in the attendance of 1000 ppm JRS extract, both of cathodic and anodic reactions rates were noticeably retarded. Also, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the mild steel plates reached ~ 94% in presence of 1000 ppm JRS extract. EIS results revealed that in the attendance of the JRS extract and with the immersion time progress up to 48 h, the inhibition capacity of inhibitor was promoted. The theoretical investigation results revealed the efficient adsorption of the organic components existed in the JRS extract on the surface of plates constructing a corrosion protecting barrier film.

A detailed electrochemical/theoretical exploration of the aqueous Chinese gooseberry fruit shell extract as a green and cheap corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic solution

The aqueous extract of Chinese gooseberry fruit shell is a green source of various biologically active compounds like sucrose, maltose and folate, which are highly soluble in water and act as inhibiting molecules for carbon steel. The other components like methyl hexanoate, phytosterol and octadecadienoic acid are insoluble or less soluble in water and cannot be extracted from the Chinese gooseberry fruit shell through water-based extraction process. With corrosion inhibitory action in acidic environments. In the present work, the Chinese gooseberry fruit shell was used as a cheap waste material for extraction of green corrosion inhibitors for mild steel corrosion mitigation in subjection to HCl solution. Detailed explorations based on electronic-level density functional theory (DFT) and atomic-level molecular simulations (molecular dynamics and Mote Carlo) combined with electrochemical methods were applied to assess the Chinese gooseberry fruit shell corrosion inhibition characteristics, electronic properties, and interactions over the steel substrate in HCl solution. AFM, SEM, and contact angle test were performed to assess the morphology of the unexposed and exposed metal surfaces. According to EIS results, 92% efficiency was derived using 1000 ppm extract after 2.5 h metal immersion in inhibited HCl solution. The polarization test results clarified a prominent cathodic inhibition activity for this inhibitor with slight impact on the mechanism of hydrogen evolution reaction. The inhibition efficiency of Chinese gooseberry fruit shell extract was additionally evaluated by weight loss experiments at different temperatures and the results disclosed that during 5 h steel immersion at 25 °C the efficiency raised to 94% for 1000 ppm sample. Furthermore, the molecular simulation results clarified that the major active organic compounds of Chinese gooseberry fruit shell extract have a propensity to adsorb on the metal substrate enabling them to construct a corrosion preventing film over the surface, which is in support of experimental findings. The electronic-structure DFT studies evidenced the donor-acceptor interactions of reactive sites of inhibitor molecules. It is noteworthy that among different water-soluble ingredients of the Chinese gooseberry fruit shell extract the N-containing compounds including folate structure can supply more inhibiting activity than sucrose and maltose due to the presence of different polar oxygenated centers (i.e., hydroxyl and carbonyl) and importantly nitrogenous moieties (e.g., imine -N and amine -NH and -NH2). The stronger folate inhibition potentiality was computationally affirmed by DFT-evidenced strongest protonation affinity leading to its possible strongest physisorption and strongest MC/MD-proposed adsorption energies.

Application of Sterculia Foetida Fruit Shell Waste Biomolecules on Silk for Aesthetic and Wellness Properties

There has been growing interest in the use of bioresource waste for natural dyeing and finishing. This paper discusses dye extraction from the novel source fruit shell waste of Sterculia foetida and its application on mulberry silk fabric to confer aesthetic coloration and wellness properties such as ultra-violet (UV) protection and antibacterial properties. Treated fabrics showed a substantial increase in color depth and adequate wash, light, and rubbing fastness properties for dyed silk fabrics with and without mordanting. Pre-and post-mordanting of silk fabrics were carried out using mordants such as alum, harda (myrobalan), and copper sulfate. UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis of fruit shell extract (FSE) at different pHs and FSE with three different mordants at neutral pH was used to understand the phenomena of dye-fiber interaction. The treated fabrics characterised by ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDS, and XRD analysis indicate the nature of dye fiber interaction justifying the multifunctional properties. The treated fabric also showed very good ultraviolet protection property and antibacterial properties both against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria even after ten washes. The results indicate that Sterculia foetida fruit shell extract offers an excellent potential as coloration, antibacterial, and ultraviolet protective agent for mulberry silk fabric.

A Novel Natural Source Sterculia foetida Fruit Shell Waste as Colorant and Ultraviolet Protection for Linen

ABSTRACTThere has been a growing interest in natural dyes and consciousness about ill effects of ultraviolet rays on the human skin. This paper discusses dye extraction from the fruit shell waste of Sterculia foetida and its application on linen fabric for dyeing as well as ultraviolet protection (UPF) property. Optimal results were achieved for dyeing at 90°C for 60 min at 30% concentration of the dye on the weight of fabric using pre- and post-mordant dyeing techniques. Dyeing on linen fabric with and without mordant showed very good results in terms of different hues of color and UPF. Treated fabrics showed substantial increase in color depth and good to very good wash, light and rubbing fastness properties for both with and without mordant-dyed linen fabrics. The results confirmed that natural dye from Sterculia foetida fruit shell extract has potential applications for linen dyeing and producing a good to very good UPF.

Erratum to: High optoelectronic and antimicrobial performances of green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using Aesculus hippocastanum

Nanosized materials are of increasing interest due to their optical and electrical properties. In particular, the semiconductor ZnO has a wide band gap of 3.3 eV, which is abundant in nature and is eco-friendly. Green synthesis of nanomaterials is simple, non-toxic and adapted to large-scale production. Here we synthesized ZnO nanoparticles using the fruit shell extract of horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum. ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission-scanning electron microscopy. XRD patterns were indexed on the basis of an hexagonal structure, and the pattern indicates high crystalline quality with very well-defined high intensity peaks. The grain sizes ranged between 50 and 100 nm. Ultraviolet–visible data show that ZnO nanoparticles have a high optical transparency of 70–86%. In addition, the bactericidal effect of ZnO nanoparticles was observed against Bacillus thuringiensis.

Fruit shells of Camellia oleifera Abel as natural colourants for pigment printing of cotton fabric

PurposeThe present study aims to focus on the feasibility of using an aqueous extract from the fruit shell of Camellia oleifera Abel as a source of natural colourant in printing-paste preparation for pigment printing of cotton fabric. The effects of pre- and post-mordanting with three common metallic mordants, that is AlK(SO4)2, CuSO4 and FeSO4 on colour yield and colour fastness properties are also investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe printing paste was prepared by mixing the concentrated Camellia oleifera Abel fruit shell extract solution with commercially available synthetic thickener and binder. The fabric sample was printed with the prepared printing paste using a flat-screen printing technique. To determine the effects of pre- and post-mordanting, AlK(SO4)2, CuSO4 and FeSO4 mordant aqueous solutions with various concentrations were applied using the pad-dry technique. Comparisons between printing with and without mordants were evaluated in terms of colour strength (K/S values) and colour fastness to washing, light, crocking and perspiration.FindingsWithout the mordants, the printed fabric had a yellowish brown shade with acceptable colour fastness properties, that is fair to good wash fastness, moderate light fastness, good to very good crocking fastness and fair to good perspiration fastness. The use of mordants, especially CuSO4 and FeSO4, not only enhanced colour strength but also imparted different colours to the fabric. Compared to the unmordanted fabrics, colour fastness properties were mostly comparable or improved in the mordanted fabrics depending on the type and concentration of mordants.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough in the case of CuSO4 the light fastness was increased to a good to very good level, it is recommended that the final print be produced with a concentration of less than 0.125 gL−1 to yield the print with the residual amount of Cu metal under the limit, that is less than 50 ppm as regulated by the Oeko-Tex® standard.Practical implicationsThe obtained prints from Camellia oleifera Abel fruit shell extract provided shades with satisfactory colour fastness to washing, light, crocking and perspiration. The extract from Camellia oleifera Abel fruit shell has the potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic dye in the textile industry.Originality/valueThe use of Camellia oleifera Abel fruit shells, which are considered as abundant byproducts of tea seed oil production, as natural colouring agents for pigment printing of cotton fabric has been reported for the first time. It will minimise the environmental impact of this waste and create more valuable textile products.

Antifungal Potentials of Derris indica (LAM.) Bennet Extractives

Antifungal activity of the D. indica (Lam.) Bennet. extractives collected in CHCl3 and methanol were tested against seven pathogenic fungi F. vasinfectum, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus, Mucor sp., C. albicans and P. notatum at concentrations of 50 and 200 ?g/disc along with a standard Nystatin (50 ?g/disc). The fruit shell extract showed activity index against C. albicans and P. notatum. The leaf and the root bark extracts were responsive on A. fumigatus, C. albicans, P. notatum and F. vasinfectum. For the root wood extract F. vasinfectum, A. fumigatus,, C. albicans were responsive. For the seed, stem bark and stem wood extract showed activity index against A. flavus, C. albicans, A. fumigatus P. notatum and Mucor sp. According to the intensity of activity indices D. indica extracts (CHCl3) could be arranged in a descending order of fruit shell &gt; leaf &gt; root bark &gt; root wood &gt; seed &gt;stem wood&gt; stem bark extract. For the MeOH extracts the fruit shell, leaf, root bark and root wood extracts showed activity indices against A. fumigatus, C. albicans , P. notatum , Mucor sp., F vasinfectum, and A. flavus. In case of the seed, stem bark and stem wood extracts A. flavus, C. albicans, A. fumigatus, P. notatum and Mucor sp. were responsive. According to the intensity of activity indices D. indica extracts (MeOH) could be arranged in a descending order of fruit shell &gt; leaf &gt; root bark &gt; root wood &gt;seed&gt; stem bark &gt; stem wood extract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jles.v7i0.20122 J. Life Earth Sci., Vol. 7: 61-65, 2012

Performance of Natural Carotenoids from &lt;i&gt;Musa aromatica&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Citrus medic&lt;/i&gt;a var Lemon as Photosensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with TiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Nanoparticle

Several natural dyes have been extracted from tropical fruit shells such as Musa aromatica and Citrus medica var Lemon fruit shells. The resulting dyes have been used as sensitizer at dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The main pigments, which are carotenoids, was obtained by extraction and purification at dark room. Ethanol and water are used as solvents. The dyes have been characterized through UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The thin film of TiO2 anatase has been sintered at 450°C to enhance film compactness. According to the experimental results, the DSSC conversion efficiency which has been prepared by carotenoid dye from Musa aromatica fruit shell extract is 0.21%, 0.614 V of open-circuit voltage (VOC), 0,280 of short-circuit current density (JSC) mA/cm2, 56 μW of maximum power (Pmax) and 0.43 of fill factor (FF). Then, the DSSC conversion efficiency which has been prepared by carotenoid dye from Citrus medica var Lemon fruit shell extract is 0.05%, 0.460 V of VOC, 0.093 mA/cm2 of JSC, 14 μW of Pmax and 0.44 of FF. The measurement of I-V curve demonstrated that carotenoid was potential component as sensitizer for DSSC.

Performance of Natural Carotenoids from &lt;i&gt;Musa aromatica&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Citrus medic&lt;/i&gt;a var Lemon as Photosensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with TiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Nanoparticle

Several natural dyes have been extracted from tropical fruit shells such as Musa aromatica and Citrus medica var Lemon fruit shells. The resulting dyes have been used as sensitizer at dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The main pigments, which are carotenoids, was obtained by extraction and purification at dark room. Ethanol and water are used as solvents. The dyes have been characterized through UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The thin film of TiO2 anatase has been sintered at 450°C to enhance film compactness. According to the experimental results, the DSSC conversion efficiency which has been prepared by carotenoid dye from Musa aromatica fruit shell extract is 0.21%, 0.614 V of open-circuit voltage (VOC), 0,280 of short-circuit current density (JSC) mA/cm2, 56 μW of maximum power (Pmax) and 0.43 of fill factor (FF). Then, the DSSC conversion efficiency which has been prepared by carotenoid dye from Citrus medica var Lemon fruit shell extract is 0.05%, 0.460 V of VOC, 0.093 mA/cm2 of JSC, 14 μW of Pmax and 0.44 of FF. The measurement of I-V curve demonstrated that carotenoid was potential component as sensitizer for DSSC.

Standardization and anti-bacterial activity of Couroupita guianensis fruit shell extract

Cannon ball (C ouroupita guianensis ) ripen fruits were collected in month of May; outer shell was removed and dried under shade for 15 days. The dried shell was powdered and fine powder (#80) was extracted with alcohol (95%) by maceration method. Extract was filtered by vacuum filtration and filtrate was evaluated for pH, viscosity, fluorescence specific gravity. The liquid extract was evaporated and dried under reduced pressure and % yield was determined. Standardization of powder sample was done as per WHO guidelines. The powder sample showed extractive values for alcohol (2.11%) and water (19.5%), moisture content (7.55%), total ash value (14.01 %), acid insoluble ash value (12.56%) sulphated ash value (15.45%) water soluble ash value (2.38%). Phytochemical screening showed presence of tannins, sugars and polyphenolic compounds. Alcoholic extract was screened for antibacterial activity by cylindrical cup plate method using four standard bacterial cultures E.coli, S.aureus, B.subtilis, P.aeruoginosa. the most significant activity was found against B. subtilis at concentration 4mg as compare to other tested organism.