Gas Chromatographic-mass Spectrometric Analysis Research Articles

A study of pomegranate peel extract effect on corrosion inhibition performance on aluminum in HNO3 solution

Green corrosion inhibitors have an important role in reducing the corrosion rate of metals and the effects of toxic chemicals in the environment. In this study, the inhibition effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with concentration of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3g/L on the aluminum 1050 alloy corrosion behavior in the nitric acid solution investigates using the weight loss, electrochemical techniques, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), contact angle images, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis, fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet radiation (UV-IR). And, the (UV-IR), (GC-MS), and FTIR results confirm the presence of many organic compounds (Containing the N, S, and O atoms), which are responsible for inhibitor performance and absorption phenomena. Meanwhile, the electrochemical impedance results (EIS) indicate that the double layer capacity decreases and the corrosion resistance (Corrosion current density (icorr) from 0.128 to 0.009mA/cm2) increases with the increase of the inhibitor concentration (The inhibition efficiency increased with increasing the inhibitor concentration from % 54.29 to the % 92.58 at (1 to 3g/L). In addition, the corrosion current density decreases with the increase of the inhibitor concentration using the potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) test. However, the corrosion rate enhances with increasing the temperature. From the other hand, quantum chemical (QC) calculation and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation perform to investigate the theory of the adsorption mechanism. According to these studies, the adsorption of PPE on the aluminum 1050 alloy surface is agreement with the langmuir isotherm and as a result it is a mixed-type inhibitor. In final the SEM and AFM results show that the corrosion rate of the aluminum 1050 alloy surface is significantly reduced after the addition of the inhibitor to the corrosive environment. Furthermore, the contact angle image shows that the inhibited aluminum surface has a hydrophobic property in an aqueous solution. And, the QC calculation and MD simulation clarify well the thin layer formation due to the good adsorption of inhibitor (PPE) on the surface of aluminum 1050 alloy in the nitric acid solution, theoretically. It is concluded that PPE will inhibit the surface of aluminum against the corrosion agents in acidic environment and can use as a green inhibitor.

Biocontrol performance of a novel Bacillus velezensis L33a on tomato gray mold and its complete genome sequence analysis

As one of the most destructive diseases, gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is harmful to many important economically crops including tomatoes. The use of microorganisms for biological control is considered safe and effective. Here, a newly isolated strain L33a, which showed a 75.22% inhibition ratio against B. cinerea and broad-spectrum resistance to the tested eight phytopathogenic fungi, was characterized by a series of experiments. Strain L33a was identified as Bacillus velezensis based on its biochemical, morphological, and whole-genome profiles. Microstructural analysis revealed that L33a significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea by compromising the integrity of the cell membrane. The acupuncture inoculation assay demonstrated that L33a significantly alleviated disease symptoms caused by gray mold in tomato fruit through downregulation of pathogenicity-related genes of B. cinerea and activation of the transcription of genes involved in the salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and antioxidant pathways of the tomato fruit. Whole-genome sequencing indicated that the total size of the L33a genome was 4032063 bp, which contained 14 biosynthetic gene clusters reported to be responsible for the biosynthesis of antimicrobial substances. Forty-one compounds were identified in the volatile organic compounds of strain L33a by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. Among these, 2,3-butanediol, acetoin, 2-tridecanol, and 2-tridecanone were the dominant compounds. Our study revealed that L33a has substantial potential as an effective biocontrol agent, offering valuable insights into postharvest fruit biocontrol.

Life-cycle profiling of cuticular hydrocarbons in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are the main components of the wax layer present on insects’ surface, serving as protective agents against environmental stress and/or as communication signals. It has been documented that the chemical composition of CHCs varies with species and even with developmental stage or sex of the same species. However, studies involving in a life-cycle identification of CHCs are rare. In this work, we attempted to profile the components and relative abundance of CHCs in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera at all the four developmental stages and in both sexes of pupae and adults. A total of 29 CHCs were putatively identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis, including 14 n-alkanes, 4 methyl-branched alkenes and 11 methyl-branched alkanes, with 15 of them being detected at all the four developmental stages. Of the 29 CHCs, the straight-chain alkanes with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms were the major CHCs. All three classes of CHCs (n-alkanes, methyl-branched alkanes and methyl-branched alkenes) were found in both larvae and pupae, while no unsaturated hydrocarbons were observed in eggs and adults. Methyl-branched alkanes were the main component found in eggs and adults, while the composition of n-alkanes and methyl-branched alkanes in larvae and pupae varied with ages. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the CHC profiles in larvae and adults changed significantly with ages, while the CHC profiles in early pupae (1-day-old) showed distinct difference from those of late pupae. Furthermore, sexual dimorphism in the CHC profile was observed in mature adults (3-day-old and 5-day-old), with male adults possessing more n-C31 and n-C33, but less 3-MeC29 than females.

Brominated Dioxins in Egg, Broiler, and Feed Additives: Significance of Bioassay-Directed Screening for Identification of Emerging Risks in Food.

Food authorities aim to safeguard our food. This requires sensitive analyses to guarantee detection of both banned and regulated substances at low concentrations. At the same time, broad screening methods are needed to identify new emerging risks. For this purpose, effect-based bioassays combined with mass spectrometric analyses offer an advantage. During the regular monitoring of dioxins in agricultural products, a discrepancy was observed between the results of the DR CALUX (Dioxin-Responsive Chemical Activated Luciferase gene Expression) bioassay and the confirmatory gas chromatographic high resolution mass spectrometric (GC-HRMS) analysis in egg and broiler fat samples. The response in the bioassay was high, suggesting a clear exceedance of the maximum limits of dioxins in these samples, yet regulated dioxins or dl-PCBs were not detected by GC/HRMS analysis. Ultimately, a broad screening analysis using GC-HRMS resulted in the identification of 2,3,7,8-tetrabromo-dibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TBDF) in both egg and broiler fat. To investigate the potential source of this brominated furan contaminant, different samples were analyzed: bedding material, poultry feed, feed additives (choline chloride and l-lysine), and seaweed. The poultry feed and feed additives all contained 2,3,7,8-TBDF. Using a feed-to-food transfer model, it became clear that the poultry feed was probably the source of 2,3,7,8-TBDF in broilers and eggs through a feed additive like L-lysine or choline chloride. This study underlines the importance of using a combination of effect-based screening assays with sensitive analytical methods to detect potential new and emerging risks.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Natural Populations of Artemisia scoparia Collected at Different Altitudes: Antibacterial, Mosquito Repellent, and Larvicidal Effects.

The current study aimed to evaluate the presence of chemical variations in essential oils (EOs) extracted from Artemisia scoparia growing at different altitudes and to reveal their antibacterial, mosquito larvicidal, and repellent activity. The gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of A. scoparia EOs revealed that the major compounds were capillene (9.6-31.8%), methyleugenol (0.2-26.6%), β-myrcene (1.9-21.4%), γ-terpinene (1.5-19.4%), trans-β-caryophyllene (0.8-12.4%), and eugenol (0.1-9.1%). The EO of A. scoparia collected from the city of Attock at low elevation was the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (minimum inhibitory concentration of 156-1250 µg/mL) and showed the best mosquito larvicidal activity (LC50, 55.3 mg/L). The EOs of A. scoparia collected from the high-altitude areas of Abbottabad and Swat were the most repellent for females of Ae. aegypti and exhibited repellency for 120 min and 165 min, respectively. The results of the study reveal that different climatic conditions and altitudes have significant effects on the chemical compositions and the biological activity of essential oils extracted from the same species.

Complexity of Chemical Emissions Increases Concurrently with Sexual Maturity in Heliconius Butterflies.

Pheromone communication is widespread among animals. Since it is often involved in mate choice, pheromone production is often tightly controlled. Although male sex pheromones (MSPs) and anti-aphrodisiacs have been studied in some Heliconius butterfly species, little is known about the factors affecting their production and release in these long-lived butterflies. Here, we investigate the effect of post-eclosion age on chemical blends from pheromone-emitting tissues in Heliconius atthis and Heliconius charithonia, exhibiting respectively free-mating and pupal-mating strategies that are hypothesised to differently affect the timing of their pheromone emissions. We focus on two different tissues: the wing androconia, responsible for MSPs used in courtship, and the genital tip, the production site for anti-aphrodisiac pheromones that affect post-mating behaviour. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of tissue extracts from virgin males and females of both species from day 0 to 8 post-eclosion demonstrates the following. Some ubiquitous fatty acid precursors are already detectable at day 0. The complexity of the chemical blends increases with age regardless of tissue or sex. No obvious difference in the time course of blend production was evident between the two species, but female tissues in H. charithonia were more affected by age than in H. atthis. We suggest that compounds unique to male androconia and genitals and whose amount increases with age are potential candidates for future investigation into their roles as pheromones. While this analysis revealed some of the complexity in Heliconius chemical ecology, the effects of other factors, such as the time of day, remain unknown.

Anti-diabetic effect of <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i> (Red gum) leaf-supplemented diet in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Purpose: To investigate the potential anti-diabetic effect of supplementing a diet with Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves in streptozotocin (STZ) induced Wistar rats. 
 Methods: Methanolic extract of E. camaldulensis was screened using gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis. After that, eighteen animals were separated into three groups: Group A served as control group. Group B, the diabetic control group, was induced with STZ, and Group C was induced with STZ and fed a 10 % E. camaldulensis leaf-supplemented diet for 14 days. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed, and fasting blood was collected for serum glucose, enzyme and protein activity tests. Organs were excised for biochemical and histological analysis. 
 Results: The GC-MS fingerprint identified 17 constituents, with 2-hydroxy carbazole being the most abundant. Rats on the E. camaldulensis leaf-based diet for 14 days exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), amylase, albumin, total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine concentrations compared to diabetic controls. Insulin levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the E. camaldulensis diet led to a significant decrease in serum lipid profile levels but increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities increased significantly, while malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Histopathology revealed positive effects on hepatocytes, acini, pancreatic duodenal lymphoid activation, islets of Langerhans resurgence, and normal kidneys. 
 Conclusion: Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf-supplemented diet demonstrates anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant enzyme activities. Carbazole identified by GC-MS may be the potential anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic agent in E. camaldulensis leaf-based diet.

Pharmacognostic standardization and evaluation of antiulcer potential of Olax psittacorum leaf extract

The modern medicine has received many plants as a gift from ethnobotany. It is an efficient method of discovering new medicines. The leaves of Olax psittacorum (Lam.) Vahl. were extracted with ethanol, and the phytoconstituents present in the leaf extract were identified using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis (GC-MS), followed by determination of physico-chemical parameters and anti-ulcer properties. The leaf ethanolic extract (LEE) yield was observed to be 43.2%. The quantitative surface microscopy analysis revealed a stomatal index of 30 and 22 epidermal cells and qualitatively confirms presence of quinone, flavonoid, phenol, carbohydrate, tannin, saponin and absence of alkaloids using various screening techniques. The LEE confirms its anti-ulcer potency by inhibiting ulceration by 58% and 75% respectively, thus proving the hypothesis. These identified parameters may be helpful in developing some botanical standards for the standardisation and identification of O. psittacorum leaves with anti-ulcer properties.

Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, reduce predation risk by eavesdropping on communication signals of Formica oreas thatching ants.

Ticks spend most of their life inhabiting leaf litter and detritus where they are protected from sun but preyed upon by ants. Ants secrete chemical communication signals to coordinate group tasks such as nest defence. Ticks that avoid ant semiochemicals-as indicators of ant presence-would reduce predation risk by ants. We tested the hypotheses that: (i) chemical deposits from the thatching ant Formica oreas deter blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, (ii) deterrent semiochemicals originate from the ants' poison and/or Dufour's gland(s), and (iii) tick-deterrent semiochemicals serve as alarm-recruitment pheromone components in F. oreas. In two-choice olfactometer bioassays, filter paper soiled with ant chemical deposits significantly deterred female and male ticks. Poison and Dufour's gland extracts deterred ticks in combination but not alone. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses of gland extracts revealed formic acid as the major constituent in the poison gland and eight hydrocarbons as constituents in the Dufour's gland. Synthetic formic acid and hydrocarbons deterred ticks only when combined. F. oreas workers sprayed both formic acid and hydrocarbons when distressed. A synthetic blend of these compounds elicited alarm-recruitment responses by F. oreas in behavioural bioassays. All results combined indicate that ticks eavesdrop on the ants' communication system.

Determination of Fatty Acids and Minerals from Balanites aegyptiaca Fruit Kernel in Heglig Forest West Sudan

Balanites aegyptiaca, particularly its fruit, is often used as food and in traditional medicine and herbalists throughout Africa and Asia for the treatment of many ailments. The fruit kernel has a high concentration of oil and minerals. This study aims to examine fatty acids in the oil and minerals in the fruit kernel. The Samples are collected from the Heglig forest in west Sudan for the first time, and prepared for analysis using solvent extraction and acid digestion methods. The fatty acids content is identified using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) as well and minerals are detected by adopting inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The oil contained 41.66% unsaturated fatty acids 58.33% saturated fatty acids and a variety of minerals, the highest amount belonged to Sulfur (6.9 ppm), phosphorous (2.2 ppm), and iodine (2 ppm). GC-MS analysis observed 12 different proportions of fatty acid, Linoleic acid, Stearic acid, and Oleic acid have a peak.

Sustainable utilization of anthraquinone-rich Rheum officinale as electron shuttle in microbial fuel cell: Strategy for stimulating monohydric phenols degradation and bioelectricity generation

In an aim to completely degrade refractory phenolic compounds for effective wastewater treatment, a sustainable strategy using anthraquinone-rich herbal plant contents as electron shuttles is presented. This study is the first attempt of treating four different chemical structures of monohydric phenols, while simultaneously generate low-carbon electricity in a microbial fuel cell. An electron shuttle-mediated strategy was introduced to investigate the effect of electron shuttle against the degradation of phenolic pollutants and bioelectricity generation, by employing Rheum officinale extract as electron shuttle. Results revealed that there was a two-fold increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, degradation extent of phenol and cresol isomers, output voltage and power density of MFC, compared to the mediator-free MFC system. The degradation of phenol yielded higher COD removal, degradation efficiency, output voltage and power generation over cresol isomers, with and without the application of electron shuttle. A complete removal of COD and phenol, with output voltage of 620.06 mV and power density of 252.49 mW/m2 were obtained. Phenol outperformed cresol isomers with regard to its sole activating hydroxy (−OH) group, lower dipole moment and higher electronic conductivity (8.53 mS/cm). Conversely, meta-cresol exhibited the lowest removal efficiency and power generation, ascribed to greater inductive influence of methyl group in meta position on the dissociation energy of the − OH group. Moreover, detection of the phenolic intermediates by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer analysis was conducted, and detailed degradation pathways were presented.

GC-MS Analysis of Primary Aromatic Amines Originated From Azo Dyes in Commercial Textile or Leather Products Using Helium Alternative Carrier Gases.

In recent years, due to the global shortage of helium gas, the development of gas chromatography (GC) analytical methods using alternatives to helium carrier gases is necessary. The objective of this study was to examine the applicability of hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases using the test method for azo compounds in the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances of Japan. The gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analytical method using hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases was compared with a method using helium for 26 primary aromatic amines (PAAs) originated from azo dyes. When hydrogen and nitrogen were used as carrier gases under the same conditions used during analysis using helium (same column, gas flow rate, oven temperature conditions, etc.), sufficient peak separation of 26 PAAs was obtained. The sensitivities of the methods using helium and hydrogen were comparable, whereas the sensitivity was lower when nitrogen was used, with the detection limits ranging from 1/220 to 1/25. However, all carrier gases achieved quantification at concentrations below the standard value (30 μg/g) of the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances, and the results were in agreement with the standard value for the target product. Our results indicated that hydrogen or nitrogen can be used as alternative carrier gases to helium for GC-MS analysis of azo compounds producing specific aromatic amines. Using hydrogen or nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas to helium, azo compounds could be quantified with excellent accuracy.

Measurement of gluconeogenesis by 2H2O labeling and mass isotopomer distribution analysis

The gluconeogenesis pathway, which converts nonsugar molecules into glucose, is critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis. Techniques that measure flux through this pathway are invaluable for studying metabolic diseases such as diabetes that are associated with dysregulation of this pathway. We introduce a new method that measures fractional gluconeogenesis by heavy water labeling and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. This technique circumvents cumbersome benchwork or inference of positionality from mass spectra. The enrichment and pattern of deuterium label on glucose is quantified by use of mass isotopomer distribution analysis, which informs on how much of glucose-6-phosphate-derived glucose comes from the gluconeogenesis (GNG) pathway. We use an invivo model of the GNG pathway that is based on previously published models but offers a new approach to calculating GNG pathway and subpathway contributions using combinatorial probabilities. We demonstrated that this method accurately quantifies fractional GNG through experiments that perturb flux through the pathway and by probing analytical sensitivity. While this method was developed in mice, the results suggest that it is translatable to humans in a clinical setting.

The Isolate Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a Quenches the Quorum Sensing Signal and Suppresses Plant Soft Rot Disease.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication mechanism used among microorganisms that regulate the population density and behavior by sensing the concentration of signaling molecules. Quorum quenching (QQ), a novel, eco-friendly, and efficient method for disease control, interferes with QS by disturbing the production and enzymatic degradation of signaling molecules, blocking communication among microorganisms, and thus has deep potential for use in plant disease control. Pectobacterium carotovorum can cause bacterial soft rot, resulting in yield reduction in a variety of crops worldwide, and can be mediated and regulated by the N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are typical signaling molecules. In this study, a novel quenching strain of Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a was isolated and characterized, and it showed excellent degradation ability against AHLs, degrading 98.20% of N-(-3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (OHHL) within 48 h. Based on the results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis, a possible pathway was proposed to decompose OHHL into fatty acids and homoserine lactone, in which AHL acylase was involved. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme are promising biocontrol agents that can considerably reduce the severity of the soft rot disease brought on by P. carotovorum, consequently preventing the maceration of a variety of host plant tissues. All of these results suggest promising applications of the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme in the control of various plant diseases mediated by AHLs.

Phytochemical Screening of Rhizome Extract of Curcuma longa Linn. Grown in Bangladesh through GC-MS and its Bioactivities

The methanolic extract of Curcuma longa L. rhizome was subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. The chromatographic investigation of the extract showed 27 constituents of which 19 compounds were newly found from C. longa. Here, the peaks obtained in the total ion chromatogram were compared with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database for identification of the constituents. The most plentiful component was 9-octadecenamide (Z) (5.93%). The component present in the lowest amount was 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid methyl ester (0.08%). The rhizome extract of C. longa and its six fractions (F1-F6) obtained through vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) were also investigated for antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.The crude extract and its fractions (F4-F6) exhibited strong antioxidant activity having IC50 values of 19.85, 18.41, 26.72 and 16.79 μg/ml, respectively compared to the standards butylated hydroxyl anisole (IC50 = 11.42 μg/ml) and ascorbic acid (IC50 = 9.01 μg/ml). Strong cytotoxicity was found in crude extract (LC50 = 1.81 μg/ml) and fractions F4 (LC50 = 2.4 μg/ml), F5 (LC50 = 2.5 μg/ml) and F6 (LC50 = 2.3 μg/ml) when compared to the standard, tamoxifen (LC50 = 0.13 μg/ml). Fractions F1-F3 displayed mild to moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in comparison with the standard, Kanamycin. The compounds obtained through GC-MS may explain the above activities. The present results showed the prospect of this medicinal plant to explore further to determine the bioactive components. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 22(1): 11-20, 2023 (June)

Phytochemical analysis and synergistic antimicrobial potential of extracts from Carica papaya and Betavulgaris

Antibiotics are losing their efficacies at an alarming rate due to antibiotic resistance. The current study aimed to explore the phytochemical composition of Carica papaya and Betavulgaris and to assess their antibiotic potential individually and in synergy. The antimicrobial potential of C. papaya and Beta vulgaris crude methanolic leaves extracts and their combinations with commercially available antibiotics against multidrug resistant bacterial strains was evaluated. The extracts were more active against Staphylococcus aureus with the ZOI of 26 and 24 ​mm. In synergy with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and tetracycline, the methanolic extracts were more active against Acinetobacter baumannii followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae with the ZOI ranging between 16 and 25 ​mm. The In-vitro anti-inflammatory potential of C. papaya and B. vulgaris was assessed by bovine serum albumin denaturation assay. The methanolic extracts of C. papaya and B. vulgaris prevent the denaturation of albumin protein in a dose-dependent manner with the IC50 of 982 and 1597 ​μg/ml respectively. Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the presence of bioactive phyto-constituents with the major peaks. The current study affirmed that the efficacy of antibiotics was enhanced when screened in combination with methanolic extracts of C. papaya and B. vulgaris and they can serve as a natural source of obtaining therapeutically valued metabolites against irresistible microbial infections and inflammation related diseases.

Effect of thermo-vacuum modification on selected chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica L.) wood

ABSTRACT The primary aim of this research was to investigate and evaluate the effects of thermo-vacuum modification through forced convection on selected chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica L.) wood. Larch wood boards were thermally-modified, using press-vacuum plant technology, for three hours at a temperature of 200 °C and a pressure of 350 mBar. In order to characterise the thermally-modified (TH) and unmodified (CTRL) wood samples, the extractives, lignin and holocellulose content, volumetric swellings, compression strength, and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were determined. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis revealed chemical compound changes as a result of the thermal modification process where some extractives became undetectable after treatment while some new extractives were detected. Thermally-modified larch wood exhibited lower volumetric swelling compared to the untreated samples. Markedly, thermally-modified larch wood had lower tendency to absorb moisture. In addition, thermally-treated wood had slightly higher compression strength parallel to the grain, which was 0.29% higher than that of unmodified samples. Meanwhile, a 7.6% reduction in MOE was recorded in the thermally-treated wood.

Targeting apoptotic anticancer response with natural glucosinolates from cell suspension culture of Lepidium sativum

BackgroundFinding natural products with anticancer activity is an effective strategy to fight this disease. In this respect, Lepidium sativum or garden cress (family Brassicaceae) has been widely used worldwide for its wide therapeutic application, including anticancer and chemoprotective agents. Plant tissue culture techniques hold great promise for natural product enhancement without any climatic boundaries. In this study, glucosinolates and petroleum ether fractions were isolated from in vitro cell cultures and used against different carcinoma cell lines to investigate their anticancer potential. MethodsIn this study, callus cultures from leaf and root explants were initiated, cell suspension cultures were established, and cell growth and viability profiles were characterized. Different amino acids were added as precursors to the cell suspension cultures to enhance glucosinolates accumulation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometric analysis (GC–MS) of glucosinolates and petroleum ether fractions was performed, and all fractions were tested against different carcinoma cell lines. ResultsThe findings clarified that the maximum callus initiation percentage was obtained in the medium containing 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) + 1.0 mg/l kinetin (Kin) (C1). The viable cell number of cell suspension cultures from leaves and roots increased until it reached the maximum values on day 15. Adding tyrosine and methionine to the cell suspension cultures was the most influential and recorded high glucosinolate percentages. 1H-Cyclopenta (b) pyridine-3-carbonitrile-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2-methylthio-4-spirocyclohexane was the main glucosinolate compound found in tyrosine-treated leaf suspension (GLT). Fifteen compounds were detected in the petroleum ether fraction in both cell suspensions initiated from the leaf and root (OL and OR). The major compounds were benzene-1,3,5-trimethyl (12.99%) in root cell suspension (OR), and benzene-2-ethyl-1,4-dimethyl (10.66%) in leaf cell suspension (OL). All glucosinolate extracts demonstrated significant anticancer activity against the prostate (PC3), lung (A-549), colorectal (caco2), and liver (HepG2) cell lines. Glucosinolates extracted from leaf cell suspension (GL) were the most active on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) among all remaining glucosinolate extracts. Treated hepatocellular carcinoma with an IC50 of GL extract (47.5 ug/ml) upregulates pro-apoptotic BAX and downregulates anti-apoptotic BCL2, which disrupts the BAX/BCL2 ratio, leading to activation of caspase 3 inside treated HepG2 cells. ConclusionsThe anticancer action of the GL extract was validated by the cell cycle study of its glucosinolates, which successfully promoted apoptosis and reduced hepatocellular growth by causing S-phase arrest.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Profiling of Ethanol-Toluene Extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod

The research reports the characterization and antimicrobial profiling of an ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The sample was powdered and extracted with a solvent system of ethanol-toluene (2:1). The extract was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, as well as a wet analysis investigation. The qualitative and quantitative analysis reveals the presence of flavonoids (0.307), phenols (0.4545), alkaloids (1.7165), tannins (6.118), saponins (5.700), and glycosides (0.2375). The FTIR revealed the presence of 1723cm-1, which was assigned to carbonyl groups, and the peaks within the range of 3416.10–3777.54cm-1 were attributed to hydroxyl groups. The GC-MS reveals the presence of 34 molecules in the chromatogram, which is consistent with the mass spectra. The ethanol-toluene extract contains 19 guaiacyl and its derivatives, as well as 15 syringyl and its derivatives. The molecule, propenylsyringol (cis)b has the highest yield based on the height of the peak. Other lignin-derived molecules with a good percentage of extraction were vanillin, syringaldehyde and synapylalcohol (cis). The antimicrobial analysis of the extract was tested on nine pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus bacilli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida species, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus fumigates). The result therefore reveals that the ethanol-toluene extract of PMBP was more effective on S. pyogenes (0.9mm), P. bacilli (0.5 mm), and Fusarium spp. (0.9mm) at the MIC of 6.25mg/mL. The standard antimicrobial agents, Focknazol (antifungal) and Ciprotab (antibacterial), have the highest zone inhibition at an MIC of 6.25mg/mL, when compared with the ethanol-toluene extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod can be used as a source of guaiacyl or syringyl derivatives and also clinically since it is sensitive to some pathogens.

Chemical Composition, Acute Oral Toxicity and Analgesic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Mimusops coriacea (A.DC) Miq (Sapotaceae)

Mimusops coriacea is used traditionally as a tonic, febrifuge, and in the treatment of cystitis, diarrhea and dysentery. In Ecuador the plant is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, however, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. The study therefore is aimed at determining the chemical composition, acute oral toxicity and analgesic activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves, bark and fruits of Mimusops coriacea. The 80% hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves, bark, and fruits (green and ripe), were obtained by maceration. The extracts were subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric (GC MS) analysis. An oral acute toxicity test was performed in rats according to the OECD draft guideline 423. The analgesic activity of the extracts was evaluated by the acetic acid-induced abdominal contortion model in mice. The GC-MS analysis of the extracts shows variations in the type and relative abundance of some metabolites in the different plant parts. The predominant metabolites identified are fatty acids with palmitic and stearic acids as the major compounds in the leaves, bark and green fruits extracts, while benzoic acid was majorly in the ripe fruits extract. Other compounds identified are terpenoids, sugars, and amino acid. The extracts showed no sign of toxicity after acute oral administration. The leaves and bark extracts had higher analgesic effect compared to the fruits extract. The study therefore lends credence to the traditional use of M. coriacea as an analgesic agent.