FTIR Fingerprint Research Articles

FT-IR-based fingerprint combined with unsupervised chemometric analysis revealed particle sizes and aqueous-ethanol ratio alter the chemical composition and nutraceutical value of Daucus carota

This study reported the effects of particle size of dry powder and the optimum solvent extraction on the nutraceutical value of carrot by observing its FT-IR fingerprint, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The dried-powdered carrot was ultrasound-assisted extracted using EtOH, water, and EtOH-water. The TFC, TPC, and antioxidant activity were analysed by a colorimetric method using a spectrophotometry UV-Vis. The chemotaxonomy of samples was analysed using FT-IR combined with chemometrics analysis. The TFC, TPC, and antioxidant capacity were significantly different for each sample with the highest TFC, TPC, and antioxidant obtained on particle size 149 μm with EtOH-water (50:50) as the most prominent solvent (19.51 mgQE/g, 9.90 mgGAE/g, IC50: 16.7 ± 0.89 µg/mL). FT-IR profiling of samples also illustrates a minor different pattern of the spectrum, indicating there is a difference in their chemical composition. The particle size and EtOH-water ratio influence the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of carrots.

Comparative study on thermo-mechanical, structural and functional properties of pectin extracted from immature wasted apples and commercial pectin

Pectin yield of 22.22 ± 0.98 % (dry basis) was achieved from prematurely dropped Golden Delicious apples, having a light orange hue (hue value: 78.08 ± 0.04) and an overall color difference (ΔE) of 9.92 ± 0.01 compared to commercial pectin (CP). Extracted AP exhibited a lower equivalent weight (725.24 ± 29.73) and higher methoxy content (8.36 ± 0.28 %) in contrast to CP. However, a similar degree of esterification of 71.57 ± 0.79 and 70.55 ± 0.59 %, was observed in AP and CP respectively. Apple pectin demonstrated slight lower galacturonic acid (GalA) content of 68.10 ± 3.94 % in comparison to 72.31 ± 4.62 % of CP, which was further corroborated by reduced intensity in FTIR fingerprint region (912–1025 cm−1). Morphology revealed a sheet-like cloudy appearance indicating a significant presence of associated sugars whereas X-ray diffraction highlighted the highly amorphous nature of AP. AP and CP solutions (3–9 %) displayed a shear-thinning flow and viscoelastic behavior where the loss (G') moduli dominated over the storage moduli (G"). Owing to high degree of esterification, galacturonic acid content (>65 %) that aligns with commercial standards and viscoelastic behavior, the extracted AP holds promise for potential utilization in commercial applications. This study underscores the potential for sustainable utilization of prematurely dropped apples through pectin extraction, contributing to valorization of the wasted bioresource.

FTIR fingerprint — testing a new representation of the binary fingerprint based on FTIR spectra in the prediction of physicochemical properties

The paper deals with the development of a new method for the generation of binary fingerprints based on the Savitzky-Golay (SG) algorithm and first-order derivatives of FTIR spectra, which are then used to create prediction models for selected the physicochemical properties of chemical compounds. Models based on the FEDS (Functionally-Enhanced Derivative Spectroscopy) transformation and raw spectra were used as a reference to determine whether the use of the SG filter and first-order derivatives was worth to further develop. The FTIR spectra of 103 compounds with theoretically determined values of logP, logD and logS were studied. The Tanimoto coefficient and correlation coefficient were used to compare the fingerprints obtained, while the root mean square error (RMSE) was used to assess the quality of the prediction models. Based on the results, it was found that the use of the SG filter and derivatives had a positive effect on the quality of the prediction models for logP and logS, and a negative effect on the quality of the models for logD, compared to the models based on original spectra and FEDS transformation.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant potential of Anisomeles indica Kuntze and exploration of its bioactive phytoconstituents

Introduction and Aim: Anisomeles indica Kuntze (A. indica) is employed to treat a wide range of illnesses. The Present study was aimed at establishing preliminary phytochemical screening, UV-Visible spectrophotometric, FT-IR analysis, and evaluation of biological activities of A. indica extracts.
 
 Materials and Methods: A. indica leaves were employed for the Soxhlet extraction. Furthermore, the crude extracts were utilized for phytochemical analysis and quantitative estimations of phenolics and flavonoids. UV-Vis spectrophotometric, and FT-IR analysis provided further evidence for the existence of bioactive constituents in A. indica extracts. The A. indica extracts were assessed for antioxidant potential by DPPH and metal chelation activity.
 
 Results: The findings illustrated that A. indica methanol extract was found to possess the highest yield. The preliminary phytochemical screening, UV-Vis spectrophotometric, and FT-IR fingerprint analysis provided evidence for the existence of significant bioactive constituents. A.indica methanol extract has significant total phenol, flavonoid content, and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) among all extracts. These characteristics are attributed to substantial antioxidant activity and metal-chelating activity.
 
 Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that A. indica extract possess antioxidant activity as evaluated by the potential DPPH radical scavenging and chelate metal ions. These characteristics are interconnected to the high flavonoid and phenol content, and distinctive secondary metabolites. The finding indicates that A.indica is abundant in active phytoconstituents, which also offer a vital source for effective therapeutic management.

FTIR fingerprinting combined with chemometrics of Guiera senegalensis leaf powder

Guiera senegalensis is a shrub that grows up to a height of 3 to 5 m and has tremendous medicinal properties. However, there is difficulty in the identification of medicinal plants leading to substitution of one plant for another. This problem can be addressed by establishing fingerprints of the medicinal plants. The aim of this research is to establish FTIR fingerprint of G. senegalensis leave. G. senegalensis leave were collected from the wild in Jigawa, Kaduna and Zamfara states, shade dried and size reduced. Samples (2 mg) were analysed in triplicate using Agilent technologies FTIR Carry 630 in the mid-IR region 4000-650 cm-1 at resolution 8 cm-1 with 16 scans. The level of similarity and differences was determined by Chemometrics using similarity and discriminant analysis. The level of differences between the samples was insignificant (p<0.05) as indicated by low values of eigenvalue (0.048) and canonical correlation (0.215) as well as high Wilks’ Lambda value (0.954). High level of similarity between the samples was further proven by their correlation and Tuckers’ congruence coefficients values, which were close to unity. However, significant (p<0.05) difference in the concentration of phytochemicals was observed between the samples. The Guiera senegalensis leaf samples were similar with respect to their phytochemical constituents however, differences in the phytochemical concentrations were observed.

Evaluation of Mushrooms Based on FT-IR Fingerprint and Chemometrics

Edible mushrooms have been recognized as a highly nutritional food for a long time, thanks to their specific flavor and texture, as well as their therapeutic effects. This study proposes a new, simple approach based on FT-IR analysis, followed by statistical methods, in order to differentiate three wild mushroom species from Romanian spontaneous flora, namely, Armillaria mellea, Boletus edulis, and Cantharellus cibarius. The preliminary data treatment consisted of data set reduction with principal component analysis (PCA), which provided scores for the next methods. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) managed to classify 100% of the three species, and the cross-validation step of the method returned 97.4% of correctly classified samples. Only one A. mellea sample overlapped on the B. edulis group. When kNN was used in the same manner as LDA, the overall percent of correctly classified samples from the training step was 86.21%, while for the holdout set, the percent rose to 94.74%. The lower values obtained for the training set were due to one C. cibarius sample, two B. edulis, and five A. mellea, which were placed to other species. In any case, for the holdout sample set, only one sample from B. edulis was misclassified. The fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) analysis successfully classified the investigated mushroom samples according to their species, meaning that, in every partition, the predominant species had the biggest DOMs, while samples belonging to other species had lower DOMs.

Synthesis and characterization of curcumin nanoformulation using solvent diffusion cum evaporation technique

Turmeric can be used as aromatic, stimulant, preservative, flavouring and colouring agent in diet and it also has various medicinal properties. Turmeric mainly consists of curcuminoids, volatile oils and water soluble peptide. Curcumin is insoluble in water, photosensitive and unstable in alkaline pH and so curcumin has less bioavailability in the body due to inadequate absorption from the gastrointestinal track, higher metabolic rate and faster excretion. The study aims to develop encapsulated curcumin nano formulation with higher bioavailability and product stability. The prepared curcumin nanoformulation was basically a nanoemulsion which consists of aqueous and organic phase. The mean droplet size of nanoemulsion was found to be 72.6nm, the polydispersity index was 0.478 and zeta potential was -50.2 mV after 1 hour ultrasonication with the surfactant concentration of 2.5 ml. The FTIR finger print confirms the presence of most of the absorption peaks pertaining to curcumin and beta cyclodextrin in the nanoformulation. The XRD pattern of curcumin nanoformulation showed that the crystallinity of the curcumin had decreased when curcumin was encapsulated within the carrier molecule thereby enhancing the aqueous solubility. Under thermo gravimetric analysis of nano formulation, the absence of peak at 185˚C indicated that the curcumin was completely encapsulated into the carrier molecule.

Microwave assisted synthesis and characterization of Fe3+-O-Fe3+ sublattice magnetic moment influencing ferromagnetism exhibited erbium orthoferrite sublattice (ErFeO3) perovskite nanopowders

In this work, we report the systematic experimental synthesis and characterization of rare earth Erbium metal incorporated orthoferrite (EOF) nanoparticles (NPs) via microwave-assisted technique. The instrument micro-oven was used to induce exothermic heating inside the sample which causes the formation of ErFeO3 nano-crystallites. The unit cell structure of Erbium substituted orthoferrite nano-crystallite is studied by using experimental results and computational techniques by simulating the orthorhombic phase. Crystal lattice structure and its direct and reciprocal parameters are analysed by performing the Rietveld refinement process on the Powder X-ray diffraction pattern (P-XRD) data which confirms the fabricated unit cell structure belongs to the orthorhombic-cubic phase (spacegroup: Pbnm) with slightly induced distortion in bond distance between atoms. From FTIR fingerprint region of metal oxides, the vibrational frequency of harmonically oscillating Er-O groups in ErFeO3 unit cells was observed at (414 and 420 cm−1) and this value is consistent with the theoretical vibrational frequencies of Er-O (424.0410 and 426.5122 cm−1) calculated based on the Hooks law by considering the Er-O groups as a harmonic system. Similarly, the observed and calculated vibrational frequencies of Fe-O groups are found at (536, 570 and 576 cm−1) and (530.2621, 531.4341 and 549.7296 cm-1) respectively. The band gap of the ErFeO3 is found to be 2.1 eV. Weak Ferromagnetic property is observed in MH plot for the synthesized EOF nanoparticles due to formation of lower bond angle of Fe3+-O-Fe3+ sublattice with 140.5782° and 147.6881°. SEM image of ErFeO3 is confirmed the spherically distributed nano-crystallites with size ranging from 62 to 166 nm. In this research, Match (v3) and VESTA open-source programs are used for the Rietveld refinement process and to calculate bond distance between atoms in the unit cell.

Identification of Phyllanthus niruri by FTIR Spectroscopy with Chemometrics

Phyllanthus niruri (Indonesian: meniran) is a crude drug used in scientific jamu for hyperuricemia, mild hypertension, osteoarthritis, hemorrhoids, and hypercholesterolemia. This plant contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, coumarins, lignans, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, etc. Phyllanthus niruri is a wild plant growing in the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, America, and China. This herb grows well from the lowlands to the highlands, such as bushes, terrain, yards, roadsides, gardens, and rivers. The levels of active compounds in a plant can vary depending on many factors, such as growing location, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and others. This research aimed to evaluate and differentiate P. niruri herbs according to their geographical location using FTIR fingerprint coupled with chemometrics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA). The results of this study showed that 14 samples of P. niruri are classified into two groups. The first group consists of P. niruri powder originating from Tawangmangu, Kediri, Surabaya, Bangkalan, Gresik, Mojokerto, Kertosono, Krian, Blitar, Nganjuk, unknown 1, unknown 2, and unknown 3, whereas the second group consists of only one sample from Pasuruan. In conclusion, FTIR fingerprint analyzed with chemometrics is adequate to differentiate the powder of P. niruri collected from different locations. FTIR fingerprints combined with chemometrics can be further considered as a method in the quality control process of P. niruri .

Phytochemical analysis using GC-FID, FPLC fingerprinting, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti- inflammatory activities analysis of traditionally used Eucalyptus globulus essential oil

Eucalyptus globules is an widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It has been widely used as folk medicine, and folk cosmetic owing to its antioxidant values. Despite its importance, phytochemical and pharmacological studies remain infancy. This study was aimed at extraction of essential oil by steam-distillation and evaluation of bioactive components, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activities along with analysis by UV-VIS, FT-IR and Fluorescent techniques. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) was used to confirm the presence of polyphenols. Different antioxidant activities like DPPH., ABTS.+, .OH, superoxide, nitric oxide and reducing power of the essential oil. Essential oil was analyzed by UV-VIS, FT-IR and Fluorescent techniques. In vitro antimicrobial activity was also monitored. FT-IR fingerprint qualitative analysis was performed using commercial standards. Considerable amount of flavonoids were detected in essential oil. Oil exhibited considerable scavenging activities of ABTS.+, .OH, superoxide, nitric oxide and reducing power. UV-VIS, FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of polyphenolics in essential oil. Fluorescent spectroscopy revealed the presence of fluorophores in essential oil. FPLC and FT-IR fingerprint analysis revealed the presence of bioactive constituents like rutin, tannic acid, vanillic acid and ascorbic acid in the essential oil. A strong anti-inflammatory activity of oil was observed using fluorescent spectroscopy. An appreciable in vitro antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria like Acetobacter aceti and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected. The data provides the scientific support to the use of essential oil from Eucalyptus globules as a potent herbal source of bioactive compounds possessing natural antioxidant activities in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Cooking fat types alter the inherent glycaemic response of niche rice varieties through resistant starch (RS) formation

Studies over the decades highlighted the role of lipids in modulating inherent glycaemic response of rice, still much needed to elucidate how the chain length and saturation of fatty acid (FA) influence this. Hence in this study, we investigated the in vitro glycaemic response, starch-lipid complexing ability and resistant starch (RS) formation in three rice types [white rice (WR), black rice (BR) and red rice (RR)] cooked with four fats [ghee, coconut oil (CO), virgin coconut oil (VCO) and rice bran oil (RBO)], with three cooking conditions (‘before’, ‘during’ and ‘after’). Inherent glycaemic response was found least in RR (81.9%) and among the fats used, RBO rich in long chain unsaturated FA (72.6%) further reduced the least glycaemic response with maximum complexing ability and enriched RS content. Cooking conditions also resulted significant variation in the parameters studied, the most significant effect with complexing ability (28.67%) and RS (2.26%) observed when RBO added ‘during’ with RR. FTIR fingerprint within 950 to 1200 cm−1 region validated the complex interactions of amylose among FA, alcohols and acids present in the RBO. This is the first report proposing a ‘lipid induced resistance towards glycaemic response’ model highlighting the importance of FA type towards modulating the molecular configuration, complexing ability and RS-V formation.

In Situ Monitoring of Ritonavir Protective and Therapeutic Influence as a Potent Drug on Coronavirus Disease–2019 (COVID–19) Infection by Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR–FTIR Fingerprint) Biospectroscopy

In Situ Monitoring of Ritonavir Protective and Therapeutic Influence as a Potent Drug on Coronavirus Disease–2019 (COVID–19) Infection by Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR–FTIR Fingerprint) Biospectroscopy

FTIR and HPLC-Based Metabolomics of Yacon Leaves Extracts (<i>Smallanthus sonchifolius</i> [Poepp & Endl.] H. Robinson) from Two Locations in Indonesia

Smallanthus sonchifolius [Poepp. & Endl.] H. Robinson (Asteraceae) also known as Yacon or insulin plant, is traditionally used for treating diabetes. Varying geographical origins and postharvest handling, however, seem to affect quantitative and qualitative metabolites in the leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius [Poepp. & Endl.] H. Robinson (Yacon). The study was conducted to compare and differentiate metabolites profile/fingerprint of Yacon leaves which were grown and obtained from different locations in Pulau Jawa i.e. Lembang (Jawa Barat) and Wonosobo (Jawa Tengah). Three different solvents (95% ethanol, 50% ethanol and water) were used to synthesize Yacon leaves extracts, in order to determine the suitable solvent to produce discernable differentiation through FTIR and HPLC-based metabolomics. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of FTIR data (4000–400 cm1 wavenumber) indicated that Yacon leaves extracted with ethanol at 95%, had a distinctive FTIR fingerprint profile when compared to others. However, the FTIR-based PCA could not differentiate the extracts based on their geographical origins, although PCA analysis of HPLC-data successfully differentiated the extracts based on their geographical origins. Furthermore, the prominent peak for the leaves extract from Lembang and Wonosobo as regards retention time, was observed at 21.59–25.10 min and 20.69–21.695 min respectively. Notably, R2Y and Q2 value obtained by cross-validation and permutation tests showed all multivariate models were statistically reliable. Overall, there is the need to conduct further research using a more sophisticated tool such as LC-MS, to identify which metabolites represented by the aforementioned FTIR and HPLC data.

Using advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy (ATR-Ft/IRS and synchrotron SR-IMS) to study an interaction between protein molecular structure from biodegradation residues and nutritional properties of cool-climate adapted faba bean seeds.

The objective of this study was to use advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy (ATR-Ft/IRS) to study an interaction between legume protein molecular structure from biodegradation residues and nutritional properties of newly developed genotypes of cool-climate adapted faba bean seed with low and normal tannin levels grown in western Canada. Protein molecular structures including amide I, II areas and peak heights, α-helix and β-sheet peak heights in rumen biodegradation residues were determined by using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared molecular spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The nutritional properties were determined which included chemical and nutrient profiles, in situ rumen degradation kinetics, rumen protein degradation, and intestinal protein digestion in the newly developed genotypes of faba bean seeds with low and normal tannin levels. The results showed that the spectral intensity of faba bean varieties with a normal tannin level in rumen biodegradation residues was greater (P<0.05) than that with a low tannin level. The spectral intensity of amide I, II areas and peak heights, α-helix and β-sheet peak heights in all genotypes (except the variety of Snowdrop) in biodegradation residuals of faba bean seeds had a unique pattern with increasing first and then decreasing with the increasing of rumen incubation time. The molecular structures of protein (α-helix, ratio of α-helix to β-sheet height and amide I to II area, R2>0.6) were associated with in situ degradation kinetics - soluble (S) and potential degradable fractions (D) and rumen protein degradation- bypass or undegraded protein (BCP or RUP). The molecular spectral parameters in the FTIR fingerprint region didn't form cluster among different genotypes in residual faba bean seeds in 12h and 24h incubation, which indicate they had similar protein molecular structures after incubation. In conclusion, there was an interaction between protein molecular structure from biodegradation residues and nutritional properties of newly developed cool-climate adapted faba bean seeds with normal and low level of tannin. The cool-climate adapted genotype had an impact on the protein molecular structure, and the protein utilization and metabolism were predictable from protein spectral molecular structures after rumen biodegradation with ATR-Ft/IRS spectroscopy.

Alfalfa Leaf Powder and its Potential Utilisation in Raw Vegan Chocolate

Utilization of new or unusual sources of nutrients has led to a wider market regarding food product diversity. The utilization of alfalfa in food products leads to an increase in nutrients as proteins, from macro elementary point of view and in polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoids if is to look in the micro elementary system. The present paper proposes the increase of the bioavailability of alfalfa powder by adding in a raw vegan chocolate. Characteristics as total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, FTIR fingerprint, and antimicrobial activity were investigated.

The effect of the natural degradation process on the cellulose structure of Moroccan hardwood fiber: a survey on spectroscopy and structural properties

&lt;p&gt;The aim of this work is to study the effect of natural degradation on the cellulose structure conformation changes of 2 ageing Moroccan hardwoods (400 and 500 years) compared to recent one considered as a reference; and to provide information on the polymorphs content variability from two-phases material (crystalline and amorphous) influenced by a long time of ageing and environmental degradation effects. In order to investigate the effects of both natural degradation conditions and a long time of exposure on cellulose structure conformation (examined samples) with estimating their content (crystalline and amorphous cellulose), three combined techniques XRD, ATR-FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopy were used. XRD results associated with the crystallographic planes and Miller indices provide information on the presence of a mixture of celluloses polymorphs (crystalline cellulose I, II, I&lt;sub&gt;b&lt;/sub&gt; and amorphous phase). The decrease in crystallinity-index values from recent to aged ones (38 to 19.5%) confirms well the occurred alteration of crystalline cellulose fibres and their evolution towards a high content of the amorphous form. The prominent regression in the intensities of three FTIR fingerprint cellulose regions evolving towards an overall increase in the intensities of C=O area (1733-1630 cm&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) is a sign on the introduced changes on cellulose conformation and cellulose fibres degradation more accentuated in the case of the very aged sample (500 years). Similar results were confirmed by combining FT-Raman spectroscopy as a vibrational technique. No work has been done on this genus of degraded Moroccan hardwood and the relevance of this study is to investigate the compositional content and structural conformation, to determine the variability in the forms of both crystalline and amorphous cellulose phases with estimating the evolution of their polymorphism, and to monitor the degree of crystalline cellulose fibres deterioration.&lt;/p&gt;

The effect of the natural degradation process on the cellulose structure of Moroccan hardwood fiber: a survey on spectroscopy and structural properties

The aim of this work is to study the effect of natural degradation on the cellulose structure conformation changes of 2 ageing Moroccan hardwoods (400 and 500 years) compared to recent one considered as a reference; and to provide information on the polymorphs content variability from two-phases material (crystalline and amorphous) influenced by a long time of ageing and environmental degradation effects. In order to investigate the effects of both natural degradation conditions and a long time of exposure on cellulose structure conformation (examined samples) with estimating their content (crystalline and amorphous cellulose), three combined techniques XRD, ATR-FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopy were used. XRD results associated with the crystallographic planes and Miller indices provide information on the presence of a mixture of celluloses polymorphs (crystalline cellulose I, II, Ib and amorphous phase). The decrease in crystallinity-index values from recent to aged ones (38 to 19.5%) confirms well the occurred alteration of crystalline cellulose fibres and their evolution towards a high content of the amorphous form. The prominent regression in the intensities of three FTIR fingerprint cellulose regions evolving towards an overall increase in the intensities of C=O area (1733-1630 cm-1) is a sign on the introduced changes on cellulose conformation and cellulose fibres degradation more accentuated in the case of the very aged sample (500 years). Similar results were confirmed by combining FT-Raman spectroscopy as a vibrational technique. No work has been done on this genus of degraded Moroccan hardwood and the relevance of this study is to investigate the compositional content and structural conformation, to determine the variability in the forms of both crystalline and amorphous cellulose phases with estimating the evolution of their polymorphism, and to monitor the degree of crystalline cellulose fibres deterioration.

Application of whey protein and whey protein hydrolysate as protein based carrier for probiotic starter culture

The main object of study is application of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) for probiotic encapsulation. The controlled enzymatic hydrolysis was applied to change technological properties of WPC what leads to obtained different carriers. Probiotic carriers (beads) were made by electrostatic extrusion. Bead properties (mechanical properties, FTIR fingerprint, cell release) and parameters of fermentation were examined. According to cell release, it can be concluded that WPH build less porous matrix with alginate than WPC. Beads with WPH contained more living cells and suffered more changes during fermentation than beads with WPC. Probiotic viability in simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGIC) is the most critical parameter for probiotic encapsulation. Probiotic encapsulated in protein–alginate beads survived SGIC with more than 96% viable cells, compared to 37.43% for free culture. According to all examined parameters, it can be concluded that WPH builds more suitable carrier for probiotic culture than WPC.

Effect of enzyme-assisted extraction on the physicochemical properties of mucilage from the fronds of Asplenium australasicum (J. Sm.) Hook

Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) possesses the advantages of being environmentally friendly and easily operated owing to relatively mild reaction conditions. Thus, mucilage from Asplenium australasicum was extracted with xylanase, glucanase and simultaneous application of both enzymatic preparations then investigated for their physicochemical properties. It was observed that compared to the control, the yield of mucilage increased significantly by EAE (from 3.64% to 6.04–6.86%), while the average molecular weight also increased slightly. SEM results showed that enzymes can erode the raw material which contributed to the higher extraction efficiency of polysaccharide. Furthermore, EAE modified the monosaccharide composition profile of A. australasicum mucilage considerably, especially there was a significant increase in glucose and galacturonic acid content. Although the FT-IR fingerprint did not change pronouncedly due to the action of the enzymes, but the degree of polysaccharide branching seemed to be more complicated, thus significantly reducing the intrinsic viscosity and water holding capacity of mucilage.

Quality standardization of herbal medicines of Spondias dulcis Parkinson using analytical and microbiological analysis

The quality control is vital for the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines. However, the quality of standardization is most difficult because the studies do not cover this step. The objective of this study was quality standardization of herbal drugs of Spondias dulcis Parkinson. The leaves were dried and ground to a powder. The plant drug was evaluated by parameters of mean particle size (417.85 μm), apparent density (0.37 ± 0.01 g mL−1), moisture content (7.96 ± 0.35%), loss on drying (7.33 ± 0.09%), pH (3.90 ± 0.01), total ash (12.66 ± 0.23%), acid insoluble ash (3.22 ± 0.20%) and aqueous extractives (24.00 ± 3.28%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and tannins. Microbiological analysis presented a total count within the recommended limits and the absence of pathogenic microorganisms. The infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis (TG/DTA) showed that physical and chemical processes occurred. The FTIR fingerprint has been characterized by characteristic peaks. The TG curves present six steps, and DTA curve presents three events. The results provide the scientific data for the proper identification and establishment of standards for future investigations and applications.