Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Quantification of the Uptake and Biodistribution of Nanoplastics in Escherichia coli.

Nanoplastics (NPs) are prevalent in the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. While research into their effects on bacterial activity has increased, the mechanisms underlying NP-bacteria interactions─specifically whether NPs penetrate cells or adhere to the cell surface─remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap largely stems from the absence of quantitative analytical methods. Herein, we developed a novel approach combining lysozyme treatment with pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to differentiate between intracellular and cell wall-bound NPs in Escherichia coli (E. coli) quantitatively. The method involves selective removal of the bacterial cell wall using lysozyme, protein corona-induced extraction to enrich cell wall-bound NPs, and hydrogen peroxide digestion to eliminate protoplast interference before Py-GC/MS analysis. Validation with europium (Eu)-labeled NPs, quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), confirmed the method's accuracy and reliability. Using this approach, we found that after NP exposure, only a small fraction (9.6-10.5%) of NPs penetrated E. coli cells, while the majority (36.9-63.8%) adhered to the cell surface. Transmission electron microscopy further corroborated these findings. Consequently, this work provides a robust tool for the quantification of NP uptake and biodistribution in bacterial systems, advancing our understanding of NP-microorganism interactions and their environmental implications.

Studying the efficacy of JBOL volatile components in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using GC-MS and network pharmacology

Jin Bei oral liquid (JBOL) is a Chinese medicinal preparation for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), Clinical trials have shown that IPF patients using JBOL have improved their lung function indicators FVC% and DLCO% by approximately 2.10% and 7.74%, suggesting that the agent has a positive effect in slowing disease progression. In this study, the active volatile components of JBOL were systematically identified and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. It was found that JBOL contains a variety of compounds with antifibrotic potential, which act through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms. Network pharmacological analyses revealed multiple targets of JBOL associated with key pathological processes in IPF, and key active ingredients were screened based on degree values (including Sedanolide, Ligustilide, Senkyunolide H, Senkyunolide I, α-Terpineol, and 4-Terpineol). Molecular docking results showed that these compounds have high affinity for target proteins. Finally, suitable quantitative methods were established and methodologically validated for these six compounds, and these methods were used to determine the content of 8 batches of JBOL and analyze the differences in content between batches.The present study provides a scientific basis for the quality control and standardization of its JBOL by identifying and analyzing its active volatile components.

Heavy Metals, Active Ingredients, and Adulteration Smokeless Tobacco Varieties: a Chemometrics Based on Principal Components and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis.

Smokeless tobacco (ST) is consumed globally and plays a significant role in health, culture, and consumption. This study analyzes heavy metals, active ingredients, and adulteration in ST products from two origins. It introduces advanced spectroscopic techniques to reveal the molecular composition, providing insights into health impacts and cultural significance. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyze the Sudanese and Yemeni varieties of ST. The heavy metal analysis included arsenic (As), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), antimony (Sb), mercury (Hg), thallium (Tl), and lead (Pb). GC-MS was used to detect the active ingredients and adulterants. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used for chemometrics. Qualitative analysis of ST samples from Sudan (S) and Yemen (Y) highlighted different active ingredient compositions, with Sudanese samples showing a broader range than the Yemeni samples. No adulteration was detected in any of the samples, indicating their purity. The heavy metal concentrations varied notably with As, Se, and Hg levels. PCA results showed distinct variable loadings for three components. The convergence of the rotation method in five iterations indicated result stability. Component 1 explained 35.382% of the variance, component 2 explained 31.025%, and component 3 explained 22.314%, cumulatively accounting for 88.721%. HCA grouped samples into distinct clusters based on heavy metal content. These findings provide insights into the composition, purity, heavy metal levels, and interrelationships of Sudanese and Yemeni smokeless tobacco samples, enhancing our understanding of their chemical characteristics.

Identification of the Mutations Spectrum in the Fumarylacetoacetate Hydrolase Gene in Tyrosinemia Type 1 Patients in Northeastern Iran.

Tyrosinemia type 1 is a rare disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. It occurs as a result of mutations in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH), causing the accumulation of succinylacetone (SA) and fumarylacetoacetate metabolites, leading to severe damage to the patient's liver and kidney. The present study aimed to identify FAH mutations in patients with tyrosinemia type 1 from northeastern Iran. This research was a cross-sectional study to determine the spectrum of mutations in 14 patients with tyrosinemia type 1 in northeastern Iran. Blood and urine samples were collected from the patients to measure the plasma levels of amino acids (tyrosine, methionine, and phenylalanine) and the urine levels of SA using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, respectively. DNA was extracted from the whole blood samples, and then the FAH gene segment was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The PCR products were subsequently sequenced using the Sanger method. In patients' blood, the mean phenylalanine concentration was 49 ± 15.5µmol/L (reference: 32-85µmol/L), and methionine was 23.8 ± 2.5µmol/L (reference: 12-40µmol/L). The mean tyrosine concentration was 491 ± 153µmol/L (reference: 10-145µmol/L). Urine succinylacetone concentration was 131 ± 3.5mmol/L, nearly 400 times higher than the reference upper limit (0.3mmol/L). In this study, a total of 11 variants were identified in the FAH gene; including three new ones (c.618A > G, c.1068A > T, and c.331G > A), and eight previously reported variations (c.82-13G > A, c.1062 + 5G > A, c.1009G > A, c.364 + 1G > A, c.961-15G > A, c.709C > T, c.782C > T, and c.267G > C). This study led to the identification of 11 variants in the FAH gene including three novel variants in the patients with tyrosinemia type 1 in Northeastern Iran. These findings can be applied to study the potential role of these mutations in the disease pathogenesis, as well as their potential use in its diagnosis.

Essential oils from Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Mentha piperita L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L.: a new frontier in combating antibiotic-resistant E. coli by inducing cellular components release.

Essential oils from Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Mentha piperita L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L.: a new frontier in combating antibiotic-resistant E. coli by inducing cellular components release.

Effect of Boiling, Steaming and Microwaving on the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Parkia speciosa Seeds

This study investigated the effects of boiling, steaming, and microwaving on the total phenolic content (TPC), cyclic polysulfide content, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Parkia speciosa seeds. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of the seeds were evaluated. The main antibacterial components of P. speciosa seeds, cyclic polysulfides were characterized using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis and evaluated using a broth microdilution method against seven gram-positive and five gram-negative bacterial strains. Microwaving displayed the highest decrease in TPC, followed by boiling, while steaming retained most TPC. Thermal treatment did not affect DPPH free radical scavenging activity but significantly reduced the FRAP of the seeds. Uncooked seeds exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the 12 bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 5–40 mg/mL. Thermal treatment of the seeds displayed reduced antibacterial activity, a decreased amount of 1,2,4,5-tetrathiane whereas 1,3,5-trithiane and 1,2,5,6-tetrathiocane were detected.

Breath biomarkers for esophageal cancer: identification, quantification, and diagnostic modeling.

Esophageal cancer is a major global health issue with a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes, but traditional diagnostic methods are often invasive and costly. This study explores the potential of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for esophageal cancer. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we analyzed the breath samples of 80 esophageal cancer patients and 60 healthy controls, identifying and quantifying over 100 VOCs. The results revealed significant differences in the concentrations of VOCs such as acetone, ethanol, and isoprene between the two groups. A multi-parameter regression diagnostic model based on a neural network algorithm achieved an accuracy of 90.3% in distinguishing esophageal cancer patients from healthy individuals. Further optimization incorporating physiological factors, including smoking, drinking, and dietary habits, improved the model's accuracy to 92.4%, with a specificity of 93.1%, representing a significant improvement over previous studies. These results suggest that VOCs analysis in exhaled breath holds great promise as a non-invasive, cost-effective, and accurate method for early detection of esophageal cancer.

Ameloblastoma Diagnosis From Serum Metabolic Profiling.

Ameloblastoma (ABM) is an aggressive, localized, infiltrating epithelial odontogenic neoplasm. The molecular pathogenesis of ABM is unknown, and studying its metabolic profile may allow the identification of biomarkers relevant to the diagnosis and prediction of pathology. Metabolomic analysis of 41 serum samples from 21 ABM patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Using LASSO regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis, biomarker metabolites were screened and validated, and a diagnostic model was established. Tissue samples from ABM patients were analyzed using BRAF V600E-specific immunohistochemistry to investigate the impact of the BRAF V600E mutation on metabolic reprogramming in ABM. A total of 73 metabolites were identified in the samples. The ABM had a total of 32 dysregulated metabolites, of which 30 were downregulated. A diagnostic panel of 10 metabolites was then generated. The panel accurately identified ABM with 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and an AUC of 1.00. In addition, the presence of the BRAF-V600E mutation in ABM is associated with increased serum glutamine levels. This study identified distinct metabolic characteristics of ABM and established a diagnostic model. Our research also shows that BRAF-V600E may contribute to metabolic alterations in ABM.

Associated effects of blood metal(loid) exposure and impaired glucose metabolism in patients with gastric precancerous lesions or gastric cancer.

Exposure to metal(loid)s and glucose metabolism may influence the progression of gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs) or gastric cancer (GC), but their combined effects remain unclear. Our study aimed to elucidate the combined impact of metal (including metalloid and trace element) exposure and disturbances in glucose metabolism on the progression of GPLs and GC. From a prospective observational cohort of 1829 individuals, their metal(loid) levels and blood metabolism were analysed via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry and targeted metabolomics gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry, respectively. From healthy normal controls (NC) or GPLs to GC, we observed that the aluminum and arsenic levels decreased, whereas the vanadium, titanium and rubidium levels increased, but the iron, copper, zinc and barium levels initially decreased but then increased; these changes were not obvious from the NC to GPL group. With respect to glucose homeostasis, most metabolites decreased, except for phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), which increased. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that titanium and phosphoenolpyruvate might be risk factors for GPLs, that barium is a protective factor for GC, and that D-glucaric acid might be a protective factor for GPLs and GC. Selenium, vanadium, titanium, succinate, maleate, isocitrate, PEP, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) had good predictive potential for GPL and GC. Additionally, metal(loid)s such as arsenic, titanium, barium, aluminum, and vanadium were significantly correlated with multiple glucose metabolites involved in the TCA cycle in the GPL and GC groups. Our findings imply that metal(loid) exposure disrupts glucose metabolism, jointly influencing GPL and GC progression.

Construction of Simple Sequence Repeat-Based Genetic Linkage Map and Identification of QTLs for Accumulation of Floral Volatiles in Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)

In spite of the increasing industrial cultivation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), no genetic linkage map and mapping of QTLs (quantitative trait locus) has been reported for Lavandula species. We present the development of a set of SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers and the first genetic linkage map of lavender following the genotyping of a segregating population obtained by the self-pollination of the industrial lavender variety Hemus. The resulting genetic map comprises 25 linkage groups (LGs) corresponding to the chromosome number of the lavender reference genome. The map includes 375 loci covering a total of 2631.57 centimorgan (cM). The average marker distance in the established map is 7.01 cM. The comparison of the map and reference genome sequence shows that LG maps cover an average of 82.6% of the chromosome sequences. The PCR amplification tests suggest that the developed SSR marker set possesses high intra-species (>93%) and inter-species (>78%) transferability. The QTL analysis employing the constructed map and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) dataset of flower extracted volatiles resulted in the mapping of a total of 43 QTLs for the accumulation of 25 different floral volatiles. The comparison of the genome location of the QTLs and known biosynthetic genes suggests candidate genes for some QTLs.

Electroforms for the book printing press in the nineteenth century: a case study on production technology and long-term corrosion

This study examines the production process and long-term corrosion behaviour of 19th-century electroforms used for letterpress printing, based on a historical tutorial from the collection of the Technisches Museum Wien, Vienna, Austria. The composition and degradation mechanisms of the printing forms has been analysed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results indicate that the original woodcut carries remnants of gypsum from the mechanical detachment process. The wax matrix was composed of beeswax with traces of Venice turpentine. The electroforms consist of a copper layer with minor lead impurities, backed by a Pb–Sn alloy. Corrosion analysis revealed preferential oxidation of the less noble metal Pb, leading to interfacial degradation between the Cu electroform and the type metal. There, delamination of the Pb oxide layer on the type-metal phase was also observed, as this oxide shows a higher volume increase than the mixed Cu-Pb oxide phase. These findings provide insights into historical printing technologies and highlight key factors influencing the conservation of electrotypes. Proper storage conditions with controlled humidity and minimal exposure to acidic vapours are crucial for their long-term preservation.Graphic

Study of sampling phases for body odor sampling prior to analysis by TD-GC×GC/ToFMS.

Body odor consists of a complex matrix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which has garnered increasing interest in fields like medicine for its potential in disease diagnosis. However, the field of body odor analysis is advancing slowly, partly due to a lack of standardized methodologies. Although gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely used for VOC analysis, there is a broad range of sampling and extraction methods, leading to different or even sometimes contradictory results. To move toward standardized procedures, this study compares five sampling phases for direct body odor sampling in terms of analytical cleanliness and VOC trapping/release efficiency: gauze, glass beads, PowerSorb®, Getxent® microtubes, and passive sampling pillows (PSP). Thermodesorption was employed to simplify the protocol and minimize contamination or sample loss, which often occurs during multistep processes. Given the matrix's complexity and the need to detect trace-level compounds, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC/ToFMS) was used to achieve high sensitivity and peak capacity. PSP and PowerSorb® demonstrated the best performance, with mean recovery yields of 95% and 71%, respectively, and 22% and 10% variability, ensuring good repeatability. These findings, initially obtained under simulated conditions with a synthetic mixture, were validated with real body odor samples, with an optimal sampling duration estimated between 30 min and 1 h. This study not only highlights these effective sampling solutions but also emphasizes the risks associated with using sorbent phases that lack adequate analytical cleanliness (i.e., clean blank) such as gauze.

Phytochemistry and Antiproliferative Potential of a Naturalized Plant in Jordan: Lavandula stoechas.

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality, and medicinal plants offer potential anticancer agents due to their biological activities and minimal side effects. Lavandula stoechas L., a Mediterranean species, shows significant pharmacological potential. This study evaluated the composition, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties of L. stoechas aqueous, methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), ethyl acetate, and chloroform extracts from a naturalized plant in Jordan. The aroma profile and composition of the hydro-distilled essential oil were also determined. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified fenchone, camphor, α-pinene and borneol as major constituents, with solid-phase microextraction revealing fenchone and α-thujene as dominant volatile compounds. Phytochemical analysis showed the EtOH extract had the highest total phenolic content (147.60 ± 31.80mg/g) and total flavonoid content (84.56 ± 4.33mg/g), while the MeOH extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (409.83 ± 3.13µM TE/g). The EtOH extract displayed cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging from 22.79 to 94.06µg/mL against various cancer cell lines. Liquid chromatography-MS analysis identified rosmarinic acid as the most abundant compound (28.71%), which may contribute to the biological activity. This study highlights the potent antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of L. stoechas, especially the EtOH extract.

Menthol Characterizing Flavors in Cigarettes on Sale in England After a Characterizing Flavor Ban: Findings From Sensory and Chemical Assessments.

In May 2020, the United Kingdom banned menthol as a characteristic flavor in cigarettes. This study aimed to test cigarettes on sale in England in 2021-2022 for menthol and other characterizing flavors, through sensory and chemical testing. Assessments were conducted for 20 cigarette brands (16 tests and four reference products). An untrained consumer panel of 50 people who smoked daily were each randomized to smell one of the two blocks of 10 unburnt cigarettes in duplicate (50 assessments per product). Using the Check-All-That-Apply method, participants assessed the presence of 22 odor attributes, including menthol/mint. For each test and reference cigarette, proportions of assessments that identified menthol/mint, "fruity," "confectionary" and "non-tobacco" odors were identified and compared accounting for the within-participant duplicate testing. For each cigarette, the content of 34 flavoring chemicals (16 cooling/minty) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Four of the sixteen test cigarette products were more frequently identified by participants as having a menthol/mint odor than reference products and had detectable levels of menthol/mint in the chemical tests. For four other test products, there was some discordance between the chemical and sensory assessments. Sensory testing also identified a fruity odor in six test products and a confectionary odor in one test product. The compounds dihydroxyacetone and triacetin were detected above the LLOQ in all products. Four cigarette products for sale in England in 2021-2022 appeared non-compliant with the ban on menthol as a characterizing flavor in sensory and chemical tests. Menthol is known to enhance the appeal of tobacco products, particularly among young people. The subjective nature of determining "characterizing" flavors in tobacco products creates compliance challenges. Our findings suggest that more stringent regulatory policies around flavoring additives used in tobacco products might be necessary. An outright ban on menthol, other minty flavorings, and additives not essential to the manufacturing process could provide clearer guidelines for manufacturers and regulators.

Metabolomic Profiling of Pogostemon cablin Reveals Disruption of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Induced by Corynespora cassiicola Infection

Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) is an economically important aromatic plant widely used in the fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. This study investigates the effects of Corynespora leaf spot disease (CLSD) on the metabolic profiles and patchouli alcohol content of patchouli leaves. Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), real-time PCR (qPCR), and comprehensive non-targeted metabolomic analyses (HS-SPME-GC-MS and LC-MS/MS), we compared diseased (LD-TJ) and healthy (CK) leaves. Results revealed a significant 51% reduction in patchouli alcohol content in CLSD-infected leaves, which was correlated with a 94% decrease in expression of the patchoulol synthase (PTS)-encoding gene (p < 0.01) and a 79% reduction in farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS)-encoding gene expression (p < 0.05), both critical for terpenoid biosynthesis. Metabolomic analyses identified extensive disruptions in both volatile and non-volatile compounds, with the majority of differential abundance metabolites (DAMs) being downregulated. Key metabolic pathways, including beta-alanine metabolism and nicotinate/nicotinamide metabolism, were notably affected, indicating broader metabolic instability. Additionally, crucial transcription factors involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were significantly downregulated, indicating a potential mechanism by which C. cassiicola may compromise patchouli quality through modulation of host metabolic processes. These findings underscore the urgent need to develop disease-resistant P. cablin cultivars through genetic and metabolic engineering to enhance the sustainability and productivity of this valuable industrial crop.

Morpho-phytochemical screening and biological assessments of aerial parts of Iranian populations of wild carrot (Daucus carota L. subsp. carota)

This study investigated the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of 118 genotypes of Daucus carota L. subsp. carota, collected from natural habitats in five populations across West Azerbaijan. The main objectives were to evaluate the variability among these populations and to explore their correlations with the local climatic conditions. The ultimate goal was to identify potential candidates for domestication and contribute to pre-breeding programs. Our findings revealed notable differences in plant height (PH), which ranged from 71.96 cm to 96.08 cm, with the tallest samples originating from the Gharib Hassan population (DCP5). The number of nodes on the main branch (NNMMB) was highest in DCP3 and DCP5, with mean values of 6.44 and 6.13, respectively. Essential oil (EO) content varied among the populations, from 0.88 to 1.37 (% V/W), peaking in DCP3. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses detected 23 chemical compounds, accounting for 88.49% to 95.5% of the essential oils. The primary compounds included oxygenated sesquiterpenes (47.84% to 76.26%) and hydrocarbon monoterpenes (2.33% to 37.37%). Carotol was the dominant compound in all populations, particularly high in DCP4 (74.03%) and DCP5 (73.61%). Based on essential oil composition, populations were classified into distinct chemotypes: DCP1 as chemotype I (carotol—bornyl acetate), DCP3 as chemotype II (carotol—α-pinene), and DCP2, DCP4, and DCP5 as chemotype III (carotol content of 64.03% to 74.03%). Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between carotol and several compounds, including daucene (-0.83), β-pinene (-0.65). Among the aerial parts, DCP3 had the highest total phenolic content (54.81 mg GAE/g DW), while DCP2 and DCP3 exhibited high total flavonoid content in seeds (36.07 and 36.22 mg QE/g DW), respectively. Antibacterial activity tests showed that DCP3 and DCP5 had notable inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Using circular cluster analysis, the genotypes were categorized into three main groups based on the assessed traits, revealing greater variability in phytochemical and morphological characteristics among different populations compared to variations within individuals.

Inside the Belly of the Beast: Exploring the Gut Bacterial Diversity of Gonipterus sp. n. 2

The Eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus sp. n. 2) is a destructive invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations, responsible for significant defoliation and wood yield losses globally. Native to Australia, this beetle has adapted to thrive on diverse Eucalyptus hosts, overcoming their chemical defences. However, the mechanisms by which Gonipterus tolerates or utilises these plant defence metabolites remain poorly understood. In South Africa, Gonipterus sp. n. 2 poses a significant threat to Eucalyptus plantations by causing extensive defoliation and leading to substantial reductions in growth and wood production. This study investigates the relationship between diet, host Eucalyptus species, and the gut microbiome of Gonipterus sp. n. 2. Using controlled feeding experiments, beetles were reared on artificial, semi-artificial, and natural diets, as well as two Eucalyptus genotypes with distinct secondary metabolite profiles. High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed significant shifts in gut bacterial diversity and composition across diets. Natural diets supported the most diverse microbial communities, while artificial diets fostered a homogenised microbiome dominated by opportunistic taxa like Serratia. Host-specific effects were observed in frass microbiota, with substantial biotransformation of monoterpenes into less toxic derivatives. The results highlight the plasticity of Gonipterus gut microbiota, which enables metabolic adaptability and resilience in diverse environments. This microbial flexibility underpins the invasiveness of Gonipterus, emphasising the role of gut symbionts in overcoming host chemical defences. Understanding these interactions offers novel insights for microbiome-targeted pest management strategies, providing a sustainable approach to mitigate the impact of Gonipterus on global Eucalyptus forestry.

In-silico Screening of Kewra Oil Composition and Validation of Its Anti-arthritic Efficacy Against Experimental Rat Model.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition, imposes significant burdens on affected individuals globally. Kewra oil derived from Pandanus odoratissimus flowers, is reputed for its anti-inflammatory properties in traditional medicine. This study aimed to assess the pharmacological effects of P. odoratissimus in an experimental rat model of arthritis along with an in-silico study. An in-silico study performed with PDB ID: 3GN8 and Dexamethasone was taken as standard reference. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups: normal control, arthritis control, standard (Dexamethasone- 1mg/kg, s.c.), and three treatment groups receiving varied doses of extract P. odoratissimus (50, 100, and 200mg/kg, oral). Arthritis was induced by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant into the rats' right hind paws. Treatment groups received oral P. odoratissimus extract once daily for 4 weeks. Paw volume, joint circumference, arthritis index, hematological parameters, inflammatory markers, and histopathological changes were assessed to check the arthritis severity. In Kewra oil, 56 bioactive were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and out of them, 54 molecules have dock score and dG binding value, which have more and less anti-inflammatory effects. Out of 54 molecules, 30 molecules have good hydrogen bond interaction with different types of amino acids in receptors. The in-vivo results state that rats when treated with P. odoratissimus, showed significant (p < 0.05) arthritis index, joint circumference, paw volume, improved weight-bearing capacity, and inflammatory markers of rats treated with P. odoratissimus were significantly less than those in arthritis-control rats (p <0.05). The predicted anti-inflammatory effects of the Kewra oil were validated by performing an in-vivo study. P. odoratissimus holds potential as a natural remedy for arthritis, meriting continued exploration for therapeutic application.

Insecticidal and fungicidal potential of Nocardiopsis sp. ICDN5, an actinomycete isolated from Solanum tuberosum rhizosphere

ABSTRACT Twenty-four actinomycetes were obtained from the rhizosphere of Solanum tuberosum plants affected by black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) infestation. Phenotypic and genotypic analyses identified the most bioactive strain as Nocardiopsis sp. ICDN5. This strain effectively utilised various food processing wastes as production media, with lobster shell medium yielding the highest enzymatic activities: protease (678.56 ± 8.23 U/gds), chitinase (489.40 ± 4.91 U/gds), lipase (192.84 ± 5.97 U/gds), and cellulase (219.15 ± 2.61 U/gds). The lobster shell-derived extract of Nocardiopsis sp. ICDN5 caused 98.00 ± 3.50% mortality and 19.18 ± 1.67% deformities in 2nd instar larvae of A. ipsilon at a dose 50 µg/mL, extending their development duration by 2.05-fold. When larvae fed on castor leaves soaked in the extract (50 µg/mL), pupal mortality increased to 64.33 ± 3.50%, development duration extended to 24.72 ± 1.54 days, malformations increased 12.50-fold, and larval weight decreased from 408.25 to 286.90 mg. Additionally, the extract significantly reduced adult emergence, fecundity, and hatchability to 9.85 ± 1.39%, 260.94 ± 9.15 eggs/female, and 34.42 ± 2.58%, respectively. Adult malformations increased to 25.90 ± 1.19%. The ICDN5 extract also demonstrated strong antifungal activity against various phytopathogens, with MIC values ranging from 6.42 ± 0.69 to 16.25 ± 1.53 µg/mL. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the ICDN5 extract identified 33 volatile bioactive compounds. The Nocardiopsis sp. ICDN5 strain exhibits potent biological control properties, positioning it as a promising tool for managing agricultural pests, and phytopathogenic fungi.

Octacosanol Preserves Postharvest Apple Quality by Delaying Senescence through Coordinated Regulation of Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis and Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms

Abstract Apples, as respiratory climacteric fruit, undergo postharvest ripening and senescence, impacting commodity value. Cuticular wax protects against environmental stresses. Here, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a decline in fatty alcohol levels in apple wax during storage, correlating with fruit quality deterioration. Notably, octacosanol content significantly decreased with storage, suggesting that it is a primary cause of wax and fruit quality decline. Octacosanol treatment improved fruit quality and delayed softening by enhancing wax synthesis and antioxidant levels and suppressing cell wall-degrading enzymes. Transcriptome sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays indicated increased expression of wax, peroxidase, sucrose, and starch genes and decreased expression of cell wall degradation genes, explaining octacosanol’s benefits. This study provides a theoretical basis for octacosanol application in fruit preservation.