Fumarate Research Articles

Stereoselective Bioactivity and Action Mechanism of the Fungicide Isopyrazam.

Understanding the stereoselective bioactivity of chiral pesticides is crucial for accurately evaluating their effectiveness and optimizing their use. Isopyrazam, a widely used chiral SDHI fungicide, has been studied for its antifungal activity only at the racemic level. Therefore, to clarify the highly bioactive isomers, the stereoselective bioactivity of isopyrazam isomers against four typical phytopathogens was studied for the first time. The bioactivity ranking of the isomers was trans-1S,4R,9R-(+)-isopyrazam > cis-1R,4S,9R-(+)-isopyrazam > trans-1R,4S,9S-(-)-isopyrazam > cis-1S,4R,9S-(-)-isopyrazam. SDH activity was assessed by molecular docking simulation and actual detection to confirm the reasons for stereoselective bioactivity. The results suggest that the stereoselective bioactivity of isopyrazam is largely dependent on the differential binding ability of each isomer to the SDH ubiquitin-binding site, located within a cavity formed by the iron-sulfur subunit, the cytochrome b560 subunit, and the cytochrome b small subunit. Moreover, to reveal the molecular mechanism of isopyrazam stereoselectively affecting mycelial growth, the contents of succinic acid, fumaric acid, and ATP were measured. Furthermore, by measuring exospore polysaccharides and oxalic acid content, it was determined that 1S,4R,9R-(+)- and 1R,4S,9R-(+)-isopyrazam more strongly inhibited the ability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to infect plants. The findings provided essential data for the development of high-efficiency isopyrazam fungicides and offered a methodological reference for analyzing the enantioselective activity mechanism of SDHI fungicides.

Cu@Zn@800 bimetallic-based carbon nanomaterials for dark-catalyzed degradation and 4-NP-catalyzed reduction of azo dyes

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were adaptable templates that might be used to create multifunctional materials containing carbon nanostructures. In this work, we had prepared a novel Cu-MOF using fumaric acid (H2FA) and N,N′-bis(pyridin-3-yl)isophthalamide (3-bpia) as the mixed ligands. Then, the Cu-MOF was served as a template to derive bimetallic-based carbon nanomaterials by introducing a second metal through doped ZnO by both re-calcined and directly calcined methods (Cu@Zn@800) and single-metal-based carbon nanomaterials (Cu@800). Cu@Zn@800 was able to catalyze the degradation of azo dyes at a rate higher than 99.40 % because of its capacity to create h+ and ·OH active substances and the uniformity of its metal active sites. Additionally, Cu@Zn@800 might use NaBH4 to decrease 4-NP in 30 s with the rate of decline was over 100 %. Cu@Zn@800 was a special and efficient dual-functional material that might be used in a variety of ways to remove contaminants from water.

Ferulic acid triggering a co-production of 4-vinyl guaiacol and fumaric acid from lignocellulose-based carbon source by Rhizopus oryzae

Plant secondary metabolites have attracted considerable attention due to the increasing demand for finite fossil resources and environmental concerns. However, the biosynthesis of aromatic aldehydes or alcohols from renewable resources remains challenging and costly. This study explores a novel approach performed by the aromatic catabolizing organism Rhizopus oryzae, which enables a ferulic acid-activated co-production of 4-vinyl guaiacol (4-VG) and fumaric acid. The strain produced 4.60 g/L 4-VG and 11.25 g/L fumaric acid from a mixed carbon source of glucose and xylose, suggesting that this new pathway allows the potential production of natural 4-VG from low-cost substrates. This green route, which utilizes Rhizopus oryzae's ability to efficiently convert various renewable resources into valuable chemicals, paves the way for improved catalytic efficiency in 4-VG production.

Cu-MOF-derived carbon nanomaterials as efficient catalysts for the reduction of nitro compounds

In this paper, we have synthesized a new light blue crystal Cu-MOF-1 with Cu(II) as the central metal ion by using two mixed ligands, where N,N’-bis(3-pyridyl)adipamide (3-bpaa) and fumaric acid (H2FA). Taking this material as the precursor of the study, it is found that Cu-MOF-1 possesses a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transition phenomenon, using its structure in the free state of water molecules in the heating process will be dehydrated and thus transformed into dark blue crystal Cu-MOF-2. This color distinctive change can be intuitively identify the temperature conversion, and thus be applied to the direction of the temperature sensing. Moreover, using Cu-MOF-1 as a precursor, the carbon-based nanostructured materials (Cu@X) of Cu and CuxO were derived from Cu-MOF-1 as a precursor in a straightforward and effective a single-step pyrolysis under different temperatures (400 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C). As a result, Cu@1000 shown good activity (100 % conversion within 5 min) in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) at mild circumstances, yielding a rate constant (Kapp) of 1.699 min−1. This remarkable performance is due to the utilization of both the uniform distribution of Cu-based nanoparticals (CuNPs) in the carbon matrix and the abundance of defect sites in the surface. This paper describes innovative MOF-derived catalysts that can be employed in a range of useful applications.

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant capacity of the endemic species Bellevalia sasonii Fidan.

The study investigated total phenolic-flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical compounds across various parts (bulb, stem, leaf, and flower) of the endemic Bellevalia sasonii, commonly known as hyacinth, belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Phenolic content was highest in bulb extracts (117.28 μg GAE) and lowest in stems(45.11 μg GAE). Conversely, leaf extracts exhibited the highest flavonoid content (79.44 μg QEs), while stems showed thelowest (22.77 μg QEs). When the antioxidant activities were compared, by DPPH method leaf=flower>bulb>stem; in ABTS and CUPRAC methods bulb>flower>leaf>stem, respectively. Considering the results in general, it was revealed that bulbs and flowers displayed higher activity, while stem exhibited lower activity compared to other parts. The phytochemical analysis identified 53 active substances, with 27 absent in any extract and 15 detected across all extracts. The distribution of phytochemicals varied among parts, with bulbs, stems, flowers, and leaves also different numbers. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed prominent metabolites including fumaric acid in leaves, caffeic acid in bulbs, and cosmosiin and quinic acid inflowers. This study provides foundational insights into B.sasonii, an important endemic plant in Türkiye, laying the groundwork for future research on its medicinal and ecological roles.

In situ encapsulation of capsaicinoids in MIL-88A as a food-grade nanopreservative for meat safety

The biocompatible MIL-88A metal-organic framework (MOF), synthesized from food-grade fumaric acid and ferric chloride, was introduced for the efficient one-step in situ encapsulation of capsaicinoids as a nanopreservative. The resulting MIL-88A@Caps nanoparticles can load 61.43 mg/g of capsaicinoids, surpassing conventional MOF-based encapsulation. The potent MIL-88A@Caps nanoformulations synergize the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of MIL-88A and capsaicinoids. At the same concentration (0.5 mg/mL), MIL-88A@Caps was highly effective against S. aureus and Salmonella, with inhibition rates of 94.90 ± 0.58% and 94.30 ± 1.24%, respectively, compared to MIL-88A (62.28 ± 5.04% and 70.46 ± 1.96%) and capsaicinoids (63.68 ± 1.25% and 49.53 ± 1.22%), respectively. Model precooked-chicken preservation experiments revealed that MIL-88A@Caps significantly delayed spoilage parameters compared to untreated samples, with more favorable viable counts (8.08 lgCFU/g), pH value (6.60 ± 0.02), TVB-N value (8.59 ± 0.21 mg/100 g), and color changes on day 9. Our findings yield a green nanopreservative for meat safety.

New and emerging oral therapies for psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2-3% of the global population. Traditional systemic treatments, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and fumaric acid esters, have limited efficacy and are associated with significant adverse effects, necessitating regular monitoring and posing risks of long-term toxicity. Recent advancements have introduced biologic drugs that offer improved efficacy and safety profiles. However, their high cost and the inconvenience of parenteral administration limit their accessibility. Consequently, there is a growing interest in developing new, targeted oral therapies. Small molecules, such as phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors (e.g. apremilast) and TYK2 inhibitor (e.g. deucravacitinib), have shown promising results with favourable safety profiles. Additionally, other novel oral agents targeting specific pathways, including IL-17, IL-23, TNF, S1PR1 and A3AR, are under investigation. These treatments aim to combine the efficacy of biologics with the convenience and accessibility of oral administration, addressing the limitations of current therapies. This narrative review synthesizes the emerging oral therapeutic agents for psoriasis, focusing on their mechanisms of action, stages of development and clinical trial results.

Cerium-based metal-organic-frameworks with ligand tuning of the microstructures for fluoride adsorption: linear and nonlinear kinetic and isotherm adsorption models.

We present the synthesis and characterisation of three Ce-based metal-organic frameworks (Ce-MOFs) using fumaric acid (Fu), terephthalic acid (BDC), and trimesic acid (H3BTC) as linkers. The use of different linkers influenced the size of the MOF particles, surface area, crystallinity, and microporous structure. The successful implementation of Ce-Fu, Ce-BDC, and Ce-H3BTC MOFs for fluoride ion removal from wastewater was carried out, in which Ce-Fu MOFs exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (AC) of 64.2 mg g-1. The study also reveals that the use of ultrasound as a mediator for adsorption study over conventional method gives rapid adsorption rate, in which 85% of the fluoride uptake took place just in 10 min and achieved maximum AC in 30 min. The kinetics data were most accurately explained by the pseudo-second-order model (PSO). The existence of co-ions such as NO3-, Cl-, HCO3-, SO42-, Br-, CO32-, and PO43- has a substantial effect on fluoride removal. The mechanism between the fluoride ions and the MOF surface took place via the electrostatic force and the ion exchange process, confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and delsa nano. The material is sustained its relatively higher F- ions removal efficiency up to the five cycles. This research might help in the development of novel microporous Ce-based MOFs since it possesses a highly stable crystalline structure in water, suggesting a promising role in aqueous applications.

Macrocyclic porphyrin photocatalysts without metal chelation: A novel pathway for complete degradation of tough halophenols with longwave visible LED light source

Halophenols are toxic and persistent pollutants in water environments which poses harm to various organisms. Due to their high stability and long residence time, ultraviolet radiation, heavy metals and oxidizing agents have been largely adopted on treating these compounds. However, these treatment methods could pose toxicity or hazardous risks to the marine environment and plant operators. In this study, a water-soluble porphyrin photocatalyst was synthesized and introduced for halophenol treatment using UV-free LED white light. The porphyrin catalyst is a macrocyclic ring consisting of pyrroles linked with methine bridges, the highly conjugated ring provided the superior functionality of visible light absorption. Surprisingly, over 99 % degradation of halophenols and over 90 % dehalogenation have been achieved without metal chelation, even higher than those of transition metal porphyrins with inclusion of Fe3+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Mn2+. Ring-opening reactions were confirmed with the formation of carboxylic acids; dicarboxylic acids like acrylic acid, and malonic acid; while fumaric acid was the main product. Total organic carbon results indicated no CO2 produced during the reaction. Triplet absorbance and scavenger studies also indicated that singlet oxygen and conduction band electrons are the main radical species for halophenol degradation. The 100-fold singlet emission quenching over triplet absorption quenching indicated that the excited electrons tend to be transferred via singlet state. This concept brings along new approaches detoxifying halophenol-related wastewater without UV, metals and other additives, which is more environmentally-friendly and sheds light to the conversion of toxic materials into useful chemical precursors.

Metabolomics and histopathological analysis of two tomato cultivars after co-infection with soil-borne pathogens (Southern root-knot nematode and Fusarium wilt fungus)

Southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Fusarium wilt fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) are one of the most predominant pathogens responsible for substantial agricultural yield reduction of tomato. The current study planned to assess the effects of M. incognita (Mi) and F. oxysporum (Fo) and their co-infection on two tomato cultivars, Zhongza 09 (ZZ09) and Gailing Maofen 802 (GLM802). The present study examined the effects of co-infection on leaf morphology, chlorophyll content, leaf area, and histopathology. The present study used metabolomics to evaluate plant-pathogen interactions. The outcomes of the current study revealed that chlorophyll content and leaf area decreased more in GLM802 during co-infection. In co-infection (Fo + Mi), the chlorophyll content reduction in ZZ09 was 11%, while in GLM802 the reduction reached up to 31% as compared to control. Moreover, the reduction in leaf are in ZZ09 was 31%, however, in the GLM802 reduction was observed 54% as compared to control plants. Similarly, GLM802 stems exhibited larger brown patches on their vascular bundles than ZZ09 stems. The rate of browning of GLM802 stems was 247% more than ZZ09, during co-infection. Moreover, GLM802 roots exhibited a higher abundance of hyphae and larger galls than ZZ09 roots. In metabolic studies, glutathione, succinic acid, and 2-isopropylmalic acid decreased, whereas spermine and fumaric acid increased in GLM802 co-infected stems. It indicates that GLM802 is weakly resistant; therefore, F. oxysporum and other pathogens readily damage tissue. In the co-infected stem of ZZ09, L-asparagine and shikimic acid increased, but pipecolic acid, L-saccharine, and 2-isopropylmalic acid declined. L-asparagine was crucial in preserving the stability of nitrogen metabolism, chlorophyll synthesis, and leaf growth in ZZ09. Shikimic acid's substantial accumulation could explain the limited extent of browning observed in the vascular bundles of ZZ09. Thus, the present study provides insight into M. incognita and F. oxysporum co-infection in two tomato cultivars, which may aid breeding efforts to generate commercially viable resistant cultivars. However, further research on the relationship between M. incognita and F. oxysporum in different host plants is required in the future.

Improving the Solubility, Stability, and Bioavailability of Albendazole through Synthetic Salts.

Albendazole (ABZ) is a highly effective yet poorly water-soluble antiparasitic drug known to form salts (ABZ-FMA, ABZ-DTA, and ABZ-HCl) with fumaric acid (FMA), D-tartaric acid (DTA), and hydrochloric acid (HCl). This research utilized a range of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (1H NMR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to validate and characterize the solid-state properties of these drug salts. This study also assessed the solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) of these salts under different pH conditions compared to the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and conducted stability studies. Moreover, the in vivo pharmacokinetic performance of ABZ salt was evaluated. The results of this study reveal that the new solid form of ABZ is primarily associated with amino acid esters and benzimidazole groups, forming intermolecular interactions. All three ABZ salts significantly improved the solubility and dissolution rate of ABZ, with ABZ-HCl demonstrating the optimal performance. Importantly, the drug salt exhibited robust physical stability when exposed to adverse conditions, including strong light irradiation (4500 ± 500 lux), high humidity (92.5 ± 5% relative humidity), elevated temperatures (50 ± 2 °C), and accelerated test conditions (40 °C/75 ± 5% relative humidity). Lastly, the in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that ABZ salt led to a substantial increase in AUC(0-24) and Cmax compared to ABZ. This elevation in solubility in aqueous solvents signifies that ABZ salt exhibits characteristics that can enhance oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics. These findings provide potential solutions for the development of more effective and innovative drug formulations.

Isolation and characterization of compounds from truffle Melanogaster broomenaus and their bioactivities.

Melanogaster broomeanus Berk. is a type of truffle common in pine, oak, and hazelnut forests and which naturally spreads in the Black Sea, Mediterranean, South-West Anatolia in Turkey, is consumed as food and traded. Chemical investigation of M. broomenaus led to isolate of ten known compounds namely, brassicasterol (1), ergosterol (2), ergosterol peroxide (3), 5α, 6α-epoxy ergosta-7,22-diene-3β-ol (4), trametenolic acid (5), maleic acid (6), fumaric acid (7), mannitol (8), kojibiose (9) and trehalose (10). Assessments of the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, anti-urease, and cytotoxic properties of extracts and isolated compounds were carried out. Compound 5 showed the highest cytotoxic activity against H-1299 with IC50: 23.78±0.98 μg/mL, while compound 2 demonstrated most potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 with IC50: 30.91±0.15 μg/ml. Also, compound 5 showed the highest antioxidant activity in all methods, particularly in DPPH and ABTS assays with IC50 values of 90.24±0.87, 75.41±0.10 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, compound 5 exhibited highest activity with 38.84±1.22% and 44.58±0.96% inhibitions against AChE and BChE, respectively, while compound 7 were found to be most potent inhibitory against urease with value of 55.20±0.45% at 100 µg/mL concentration. These findings suggest that M. broomenaus, like numerous other edible mushrooms, is a steroid-rich truffle and a potential source of steroids.

Effects of nitrile compounds on the structure and function of soil microbial communities as revealed by metagenomes

The proliferation of nitrile mixtures has significantly exacerbated environmental pollution. This study employed metagenomic analysis to investigate the short-term effects of nitrile mixtures on soil microbial communities and their metabolic functions. It also examined the responses of indigenous microorganisms and their functional metabolic genes across various land use types to different nitrile stressors. The nitrile compound treatments in this study resulted in an increase in the abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, while simultaneously reducing overall microbial diversity. The key genes involved in the denitrification process, namely, nirK, nosZ, and hao, were down-regulated, and NO3−-N, NO2−-N, and NH4+-N concentrations decreased by 7.7%–12.3%, 11.1%–21.3%, and 11.3%–30.9%, respectively. Notably, pond sludge samples exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of nitrogen fixation-related genes nifH, vnfK, vnfH, and vnfG following exposure to nitrile compounds. Furthermore, the fumarase gene fumD, which is responsible for catalyzing fumaric acid into malic acid in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, showed a substantial increase of 7.2–10.6-fold upon nitrile addition. Enzyme genes associated with the catechol pathway, including benB-xylY, dmpB, dmpC, dmpH, and mhpD, displayed increased abundance, whereas genes related to the benzoyl-coenzyme A pathway, such as bcrA, dch, had, oah, and gcdA, were notably reduced. In summary, complex nitrile compounds were found to significantly reduce the species diversity of soil microorganisms. Nitrile-tolerant microorganisms demonstrated the ability to degrade and adapt to nitrile pollutants by enhancing functional enzymes involved in the catechol pathway and fenugreek conversion pathway. This study offers insights into the specific responses of microorganisms to compound nitrile contamination, as well as valuable information for screening nitrile-degrading microorganisms and identifying nitrile metabolic enzymes.

In Search of Phytoremediation Candidates: Eu(III) Bioassociation and Root Exudation in Hydroponically Grown Plants

Lanthanides and actinides are emerging contaminants, but little is known about their uptake and distribution by plants and their interactions in the rhizosphere. To better understand the fate of these metals in plants, the bioassociation of 2, 20 and 200 µM Eu(III) by five hydroponically grown crops endemic to Europe was assessed. The metal’s concentration and its speciation were monitored by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy, whereas root exudation was investigated by chromatographic methods. It has been shown, that Eu(III) bioassociation is a two-stage process, involving rapid biosorption followed by accumulation in root tissue and distribution to the stem and leaves. Within 96 h of exposure time, the plant induces a change of Eu(III) speciation in the liquid medium, from a predominant Eu(III)aquo species, as calculated by thermodynamic modelling, to a species with longer luminescence lifetime. Root exudates such as citric, malic, and fumaric acid were identified in the cultivation medium and affect Eu(III) speciation in solution, as was shown by a change in the thermodynamic model. These results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the fate of lanthanides in the biosphere and provide a basis for further investigations with the chemical analogues Cm(III) and Am(III).

Treatment with ensitrelvir for COVID-19 in hospitalized patients of very advanced age: Case series.

Ensitrelvir fumaric acid (ensitrelvir) is an orally active 3C-like protease inhibitor used to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Ensitrelvir was granted an emergency use authorization in Japan in 2022, but reports on the effectiveness and safety of ensitrelvir in actual clinical settings are limited. Here, we report a case series of 9 patients with laboratory-confirmed symptomatic coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) who completed a 5-day course of ensitrelvir at Tomita Hospital from November 2022 to April 2023. Data on clinical symptoms, oxygen saturation, and food intake were collected for 14 days, beginning on the first day of ensitrelvir administration. The outcome of COVID-19 in each patient was also evaluated during this period. All patients were female, 80 years old or older, and the mean age was 90.2 ± 5.5 years. All patients received ensitrelvir within 2 days after the onset of COVID-19. At baseline, 7 among the 9 patients had their body temperature above 37.5 °C and all of them had oxygen saturation levels of 94% or higher. All patients recovered without worsening of COVID-19, and none received oxygen or additional antiviral drugs during the observation period; no deaths were reported within 14 days. After receiving ensitrelvir for 5 days, all patients had resolution of fever (<37 °C). There was no significant decrease in food intake of patients due to COVID-19. All patients maintained oxygen saturation above 93%. Our results provide information on the real-world usage of ensitrelvir in elderly, hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and suggests that ensitrelvir is an option for treatment of COVID-19 in these population.

Resource utilization of chemical excess sludge to produce metal–organic framework with outstanding Fenton-like performance for sulfamethoxazole removal

The safe disposal of excess sludge has emerged as a pressing concern due to its high toxicity, stemming from a diverse array of components such as viruses, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Herein, this study explored the feasibility of using extracted Fe from the excess sludge to produce metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Specifically, MIL-100 and MIL-88A were successfully synthesized by coordinating 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid and fumaric acid with excess sludge-retained iron under wide reaction conditions. The purity of the resulting MOFs was ascertained through elemental analysis. Moreover, the synthesized MOFs demonstrated outstanding electrocatalytic performance in the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Compared to the control group without catalysts, the addition of MIL-100-170-6 (30 mg) led to a remarkable enhancement in SMX removal efficiency, increasing it to 99.9 % from 58.3 %. This enhancement was accompanied by a substantial increase in the corresponding kinetic constant (kobs) values, reaching 0.1137 min−1, representing an 8.1-fold improvement over the blank group. The catalytic mechanism was further evaluated via quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, suggesting that the •OH and O2•− radicals were responsible for SMX degradation. Economic analysis of MOF materials preparation revealed that the use of excess sludge-retained Fe can significantly reduce the cost of MOFs. Thus, it is believed that our work provides a low-cost and sustainable approach for converting excess sludge into functional MOFs, which not merely facilitates the recycling of excess sludge-retained Fe, but also provides functional materials with outstanding performance for the degradation of SMX.

THYMUS GROSSHEİMİ RONN. STUDY OF PHENOLİC COMPOUNDS OF RAW MATERİALS

Purpose of the research work. This is a study of the phenolic content of raw materials of T.grossheimii , which is widespread in the flora of Azerbaijan. Material and methods. T.grossheimii raw materials used for research purposes were collected on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan during the flowering phase of the plant in 2022. The composition of phenolic compounds of raw materials was studied by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results have been received. The optimal chromatographic conditions for the analysis of the phenolic content of T.grossheimii raw materials using high-performance liquid chromatography were determined as follows: brand C-18 (Discovery), chromatographic column measuring 4.6x250 nm; Mobile phase: acetonitrile-water-orthophosphoric acid (40:60:0.5); Mobile phase speed - 0.9 ml/min; Thermostat temperature 25°C; injection volume of the test sample – 3 µl; analysis time - 50 minutes. As a result, 16 substances related to phenolic compounds were identified in the raw materials. The main components of the raw material are fumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, ferulic acid and quercetin. Conclusion. Thus, T. grossheimii raw material was found to be rich in phenolic compounds, which shows the promise of extensive pharmacochemical studies of the raw material.

Solid-State Fermentation of Quinoa Flour: An In-Depth Analysis of Ingredient Characteristics

Plant protein ingredients are gaining attention for human nutrition, yet they differ significantly from animal proteins in functionality and nutrition. Fungal solid-state fermentation (SSF) can modulate the composition and functionality, increasing their applicability in foods. Quinoa flour (QF) served as a substrate for Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus, resulting in two fermented ingredients (QFA and QFR) with different nutritional, functional, and aroma characteristics. A higher increase in protein (+35%) and nitrogen (+24%) was observed in the QFA, while fat was predominantly increased in the QFR (+78%). Fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) decreased in the QFR but increased in the QFA due to polyol production. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher lactic acid concentrations in the QFA, and higher citric, malic, and fumaric acid contents in the QFR. The SSF reduced most antinutrients, while R. oligosporus produced saponins. Olfactometry showed the development of fruity ester compounds and a decrease in metallic and cardboard aromas. Both ingredients showed an enhanced water-holding capacity, with the QFA also demonstrating an increased oil-holding capacity. Complex formation increased the particle size, reduced the solubility, and decreased the foaming properties. Mycelium production darkened the ingredients, with the QFR having a higher differential colour index. This study highlights the potential of SSF to produce ingredients with improved nutritional, sensory, and functional properties.

Fingerprinting of physical manufacturing properties of different acids for effervescent systems

The study aimed to fingerprint the physical manufacturing properties of five commonly used acid sources in effervescent systems for designing the formulation and process of such systems. The hygroscopicity, texture properties, rheological torque, compressibility, tabletability, etc., were investigated to inspect ‘powder direct compression (DC)’ and ‘wet granulation and compression’ properties of citric (CA), tartaric (TA), malic (MA), fumaric (FA), and adipic acid (AA). The DC ability was evaluated by the SeDeM expert system. The results indicated that all acid powders failed to meet flowability requirements for DC, and plastic deformation dominated during compression. Furthermore, CA exhibited strong hygroscopicity and punch sticking, while MA demonstrated the best tabletability. TA had a large wet granulation space and was relatively the most suitable for DC. AA was extremely hygroscopic, and its flowability improved significantly as particle size increased. Finally, FA displayed the lowest hygroscopicity and ejection force as well as great compressibility and wet granulation space, and did not exhibit punch sticking, while the granule fragments dissolved slowly during disintegration. Generally speaking, the formulation or granulation affected the tabletability, indicating that pairing with other acids or suitable fillers could potentially improve its disadvantages. These multidimensional assessments effectively reduce the pre-exploration and enhance the efficiency of the development of effervescent systems.

Nitrogen conversion performance of a polypropylene carrier designed to promote biofilm formation through foaming

The performance of plastic carriers in a moving bed biofilm reactor used for water treatment is strongly determined by the carrier material and its shape. Only a few reports have described the effect of foaming on biofilm formation and nitrogen conversion by polypropylene (PP) carriers. Here, we investigated a PP foam carrier for its biofilm forming ability and the resulting biofilm’s ability to remove nitrogen compounds. The results revealed that foaming increased the amounts of denitrifying bacterial biofilms attached to PP by approximately 44 times, indicating that unevenness by foaming promoted biofilm formation. Biofilms were also formed using activated sludges from nitrification and denitrification of a wastewater treatment facility. Amplicon sequencing analysis of the biofilms revealed that the families Xanthomonadaceae and Comamonadaceae, including nitrifying bacteria, were enriched in nitrifying sludge-derived biofilms, whereas Dechloromonas sp. and family Pseudomonadaceae, including denitrifying bacteria, were enriched in denitrifying sludge-derived biofilms. Furthermore, nitrifying sludge-derived biofilms completely removed ammonia, and its removal ability was superior to that of the original sludge. Denitrification by denitrifying sludge-derived biofilms was promoted by the addition of fumaric acid. Both nitrifying and denitrifying sludge-derived biofilms could remove nitrogen compounds from 1.4 mM ammonia-containing synthetic wastewater. Finally, the effect of biomass addition on the carrier was investigated. The addition of composted seaweed waste to PP foam carriers enhanced the formation of denitrifying sludge-derived biofilms by approximately 2.2 times, and the denitrification reaction by biofilms was promoted. These results revealed that waste biomass can be used to further enhance PP foam carrier performance.